the way I conceive Livings were estimated not according to the favourable rates in the King's Book where few of forty four pounds per annum but according to the ordinary value as they were worth to be let and set in that Age. 6. Here faine would I be satisfied from some Learned in the Lawes A Quaere propounded That whereas provision is made in this Patent for the Prior to enjoy his Pension untill per nos by the King's self or His under-Officers he was preferred to promotion of equall value whether or no this Pension determined if not the King but some inferior Patron provided such preferment for him Seeing in a generall sense all may be said presented by the King as Patron Paramount of the Church of England who by virtue of His Law have institution and induction into any Ecclesiasticall promotion 7. That effectuall passage is inserted in all Patents of Abbots Seniority in Covents an advantage Priors and Monks that they were in the Covent Diu antea Long before the Dissolution thereof Otherwise many young folk who lately came in even barely went out without any Pensions Such Novices and Probationers whose Coules came but yesterday out of the Drapers shop having youth and strength to provide for themselves were left to the choice of their own calling without any other annuity allowed them 8. Their Pensions Many Pensions mount to much money though seeming but small being many in number made a deep hole in the King's revenue insomuch that He received from some Houses but small profits de claro until the said Pensions were extinguished As will appear guesse Hercules from his Foot by comparing the Profits arising from with the Pensions allotted to the Monks in the aforesaid Priory of Hinton in Somersetshire Edmond Hord Prior his Pension 44 li. his Gratuity 11 li. Monks Pensions Gratuitie Monks Pensions Pensions Grat.  li. s. d. li. s. d.  li. s. d. li. s. d. Thomas Fletcher 6 13 4 1 13 4 William Reynold 6 13 8 1 13 4 William Burford 6 13 4 1 13 3 Robert Savage 6 13 4 1 13 4 Hugh Laycoâ—ke 8 00 0 2 00 0 Will Robinson 2 00 0 0 10 0 Robert Frye 6 13 4 1 13 4 Jo Chamberlaine 6 13 4 1 13 4 Jo Bachcroft 8 00 0 2 00 0 William Coke 6 13 4 1 13 4 Robert Russell 2 00 0 0 10 0 James Marble 6 13 4 1 13 4 Robert Lightfoot 2 00 0 0 10 0 Roger Legge 2 00 0 0 10 0 Robert Nolinge 6 13 4 1 13 4 Hen Bourman 6 13 4 1 13 4 Henry Gurney 6 13 4 1 13 4 John Calert 2 00 0 0 10 0 Thomas Hellyer 6 13 4 1 13 4 Robert Stamerdon 6 13 4 1 13 4 Nicholas Baland 6 13 4 1 13 4     li. s. d.  li. s. d. The total sum of yearly Pensions 163 6 8 The total sum of Grat. 40 16 9 Now whereas the Priory of Hinton at the dissolution thereof was valued at no more than two * Speed in his Catalogue of religious Houses pag. 707. hundred sixty two pounds twelve shillings if the aforesaid summe of yearly Pensions be thence deducted the clear remainder to the King was but ninety nine pounds five shillings four pence But the Crown had a double advantage One that Priory-Lands were lasting whilst Pensions expired with Monks lives and the other that the pensions were but bare Penny-Rent whilst Abbey-Lands were lowly rated farre beneath their true valuation 9. Now because our hand is in The Pensions of the Abbots in Somerset and I for the present can make use of an Authentick Manuscript once Henry Baron Hunsdon's Lord Chamberlain Kindly communicated to me by a worthy * Mr. Edward Pepis of the Temple friend of all the Pensions in Somerset-shire it will not be amisse to exemplifie such as were allotted to the severall Abbots and Priors therein Place Abbot Pension Gratuity   li. s. d. li. s. d. Athelnye R. Hamlyn 50 00 00 the Prebend of Sutton Briston Jo Ely 80 00 00 20 00 00 Keynsham Jo. Stoneston 60 00 00 00 00 00 Place Prior. Pension Gratuity   li. s. d. li. s. d. Bath William Gibby 08 00 00 an House in Bath Montacute R. Whitlocke * Besides the Capitol Messuage in East Ghynock 80 00 00 20 00 00 Taunton W. Williams 60 00 00 30 00 00 Witham Jo. Michell 33 06 08 08 06 08 Place Master Pension Gratuity   li. s. d. li. s. d. Bridgwater Ro. Walshe 33 06 08 16 13 04 Wells Ric. Clarkeson 12 00 00 00 00 00 These two last were Hospitalls The aforesaid Book reacheth not Bristoll because not properly in Somerset-shire but a County Incorporate by it self As for Whiting late Abbot of Glassenbury he was executed for a Traytour and so his Pensions paid No mention therein of the Prior of Mucchelnye whose place may be presumed void by his death or he otherwise preferred 10. We may observe great inequality in these Pensions Pensions go by favour not measured as the Jewes Manna by one and the same Homer but increased or diminished 1. According to the wealth of the house dissolved For where more profit accrued to the King by the suppressions their larger Pensions were allowed to the Prior or Monk thereof 2. According to the merits of the man 3. According to his age and impotency needing relief Lastly and chiefly according as the Parties were befriended by the King's Officers in the Augmentation-Court wherein as in all other Courts favour ever was is and will be in fashion 11. But of all Pensions Largest Pensions allotted the Hospitallers the largest in proportion and strongest in conveyance as passed not as the rest by Letters Patents but by Act of Parliament were those assigned to the late Lord Prior and those of the Order of the Knights Hospitalars These being men of high birth and honourable breeding The King no lesse politickly than civilly thought fit to enlarge their allowance a main motive which made them so quietly to surrender their strong and rich Hospitals as in the printed * An. 32 Hen. 8. cap. 24. Statute doth appear  li. s. d. To Sir William Weston Lord Prior 1000 00 00 To Sir Jo Rawson * He was Prior of Kilman in Ireland 666 13 04 Confreres Pensions  li. s. s. Clement West 200 00 00 Jo Sutton 200 00 00 Richard Poole 133 06 08 Jo Rawson 133 06 08 Gyles Russell 100 00 00 Geo Aylmer 100 00 00 Edw Belnigham 100 00 00 Thomas Pemberton 080 00 00 Edmund Huse 066 13 04 Ambrose Cave 066 13 04 Rich Brooke 066 13 04 Cuthbert Leighton 060 00 00 Thomas Copledike 050 00 00 Edw Brown 050 00 00 William Tirell 0â—0 00 00 To Anthony Rogers Oswald Massingberd c. ten pounds a piece yearly to be paid as all the former Pensions during their naturall lives In the same Statute it
Chad into the Bishoprick of York The writer of VVilfride's Life complains lowdly hereof Audacter sponsam vivo rapuere marito Boldly in the Husban's life Away from him they took his Wife But by the Poets leave York was but espoused not married to VVilfride whilest he was in England and after his going over beyond-Sea he stayed so long that his Church presumed him dead and herself a Maid-Widow which lawfully might receive another Husband At last VVilfride returning home had York restored unto him and S t. Chad was removed to the new-founded Bishoprick of Lichfield 93. The Abbess Hilda Abbess Hilda whom we mentioned before was like another Huldah which lived in the a 2 Chro. 34. 22. Colledge superiour to most of her Sex in Learning inferiour to none in Religion Monks ascribe it to her Sanctity that she turned many Serpents in that Country into Stones Plenty of which Stones are found at this day about VVhitby the place of her Aboad having the Shape of Serpents but most headlesse as the Tale is truthlesse relating it to her Miraculous Operation Who knows not but that at Alderly in Glocestershire there are found Stones resembling Cockles or Periwincles in a place far from the Sea which are esteemed by the Learned the Gamesome Work of Nature sometimes pleased to disport it self and pose us by propounding such Riddles unto us 94. Some impute it also to Hilda her Holinesse A miracle imputed to her holiness that Wilde-geese when flying over the Grounds near her Convent fell down to the ground as doing Homage to the Sanctity thereof As the Credit of the Reporters hath converted wise men to believe the Thing so they justly remain incredulous that it proceedeth from any Miracle but secret Antipathy But as Philosophers when posed in Nature and prosecuted to render Reasons of her Mysteries took Sanctuary at Occulta Qualitas Monks in the same kind make their Refuge to the Shrine of some Saint attributing all they cannot answer to His or Her miraculous Operation Yea sometimes such is Monkish Impudence falsely to assign that to a Saint though all Chronologies protest against the Possibility thereof which is the plain and pregnant effect of Nature Witnesse when they b As Camden saith in Worcestershire write that Richard de la VVich Bishop of Chicester with his fervent Prayers obtained that the VViches or salt Springs should boil out of the earth in Durtwich in VVorcestershire which are mentioned and described by ancient Authours dead before the Cradle of the said Richard de la VVich was made 95. Look we now on the See of Canterbury Theodorus Arch-bishop of Canterbury and there after the Death of the last Arch-Bishop and four yeares Vacancy we find that Church hath changed her Latine into Greek 668 I mean dead Deus-dedit into Theodorus his Successour put in by the Pope This Theodorus was a Grecian by Name and Nation fellow-Citizen with Sâ— Paul born in c Acts 22. 3. Tarsus in Cilicia and herein like him that he d 1 Cor. 14. 18 spake with Tongues more then they all had more skill in learned Languages then all his Brethren Bishops of England in that Age. Yea as Children when young are permitted to Play but when of some yeares are sent to learn their Book so hitherto the infant-Infant-Church of England may be said to have lost time for matter of Learning and now Theodorus set it first to School brought Books to it and it to Books erecting a well-furnished Library and teaching his Clergie how to make use thereof 96. I could wish this Theodorus had had one Quality more of S t. Paul 67 â…” that in matters Indifferent he would have been e 1 Cor. 9. 22. His fierceness to keep Easter after the Romish rite made all things to all men that by all means he might save some Anno Dom. 67 â…” Whereas he most rigourously pressed Conformity to Rome in the Observation of Easter and to that purpose a Councill was called at Herad-ford now Hartford and not Hereford as judicious and industrious Bishop Godwine partiall to the place where of he himself was Bishop doth mistake it Here Easter was settled after the Romish Rite and we are not sorry for the same willing rather it should be any way ordered then that the Reader with whom I sympathize more then grutch my own Pains should be troubled any longer with such a small-great Controversie low in it's own Merit but heightned with the Spleen and Passion of such as prosecuted it In this Synod nine other Articles were concluded of as they follow here in order out of Bede a Lib. 4. cap. 5. as Stapleton himself hath translated them 1. That no Bishop should have ought to do in another Diocese but be contented with the Charge of the people committed unto him 2. That no Bishop should molest or any wise trouble such Monasteries as were consecreated and given to God nor violently take from them ought that was theirs 3. That Monks should not go from place to place that is to say from one Monastery to another unlesse by the leave of their own Abbot but should continue in the Obedience which they promised at the time of their Conversion and entring into Religion 4. That none of the Clergie forsaking his own Bishop should run up and down where he list nor when he came any whither should be received without Letters of Commendation from his Diocesan And if that he be once received will not return being warned and called both the Receiver and he that is Received shall incurre the Sentence of Excommunication 5. That such Bishops and Clerks as are Strangers be content with such Hospitality as is given them and that it be lawfull for none of them to execute any Office of a Priest without the permission of the Bishop in whose Diocese they are known to be 6. That whereas by the ancient Decrees a Synod and Convocation ought to be assembled twice a year yet because diverse Inconveniences do happen among us it hath seemed good to us all that it should be assembled once a year the first day of August at the place called Clofeshooh 7. That no Bishop should ambitiously preferre himself before another but should all acknowledge the time and order of their Consecration 8. That the Number of Bishops should be encreased the number of Christian folk waxing daily greater but hereof at this time we said no further 9. That no man commit Advoutry nor Fornication that no man forsake his own Wife but for onely Fornication as the Holy Gospel teacheth And if any man put away his Wife being lawfully married unto him if he will be a right Christian man let him be joyned to none other but let him so continue still sole or else be reconciled again to his own Wife I wonder no mention herein of settling the Tonsure of Priests a Controversie running parallel with that of Easter according to
of the Duke de Alva drove over more Dutch into England But enough of this subject which let none condemn for a deviation from Church-history First because it would not grieve one to goe a little out of the way if the way be good as this digression is for the credit and profit of our Country Secondly it reductively belongeth to the Church-History seeing many poore people both young and old formerly charging the parishes as appeared by the accounts of the Church Officers were hereby enabled to maintain themselves 14. The extortion of the Pope being now somewhat abaâ—ed in England The Popes Italian Usurers turn Merchants the Caursines or Lumbards formerly the money Merchants of his Holinesse and the grand Vsurers of England did not drive so full a Trade as before Wereupon they betake themselves to other Merchandize and began to store England with forraign commodities but at unreasonable rates whilst England it self had as yet but little and bad shipping and those lesse imployed 15. But now King Edward But at last are prohibited by the King to prevent the ingrossing of Trade into the hand of Forreigners and to restore the same to his native Subjects took order that these Aliens should no longer prey on the Radical moisture of his Land but began to cherish Navigation in his own Subjects and gave a check to such Commodities which Forreiners did import as in ancient Poems is largely described whereof so much as concerneth our purpose He made a Statute for Lombards in this Land Liber de custodia Maris extant in Hacluits voyages book 1. p. 191 That they should in no wise take on hand Here to inhabit here to charge and dsscharge But forty dayes no more time had they large This good King by wit of such appreise Kept his Merchants and the sea from mischiefe But this was a work of time to perform and took not full effect to the end of this Kings reign yea the Lombards were not totally routed till the reign of King Richard the third 16. About this time the Clergie were very bountifull in contributing to the Kings necessities A survey made of the Cleargies Glebeland in proportion to their Benefices Hereupon a survey was exactly taken of all their Glebeland and the same fairly ingrossed in parchment was returned into the Exchequer where it remaineth at this day and is the most usefull Record for Clergie men and also for Impropriators as under their claim to recover their right Many a stragling Acre wandring out of the way had long since by Sacrilegious Guides been seduced into the possession of false owners had not this Record directed them at last to their true proprietary 17. The worst is Partly useless by ill engrossing whilst some Diocesses in this Terreer were exactly done and remain fairly legible at this day others were so slightly slubbered over that though kept with equall carefulnesse they are useless in effect as not to be read Thus I was informed from a Clerk in that Office * Walt. Hillary lately desceased who when Living was older and as able as any therein And thus Manuscripts like those men who wrote them though starting with their equals hold not all out to the same length their humidum radicale their inke I mean not lasting alike in all Originals 18. It was now generally complained of as a grand grievance Clergie-men engrosse all offices that the Clergie engrossed all places of Judicature in the Land Nothing was left to Lay-men but either military commands as General Admiral c. or such Judges places as concerned only the very letter of the Common Law and those also scarcely reserved to the Students thereof As for Embassies into forraine parts Noblemen were imployed therein when expence not experience was required thereunto and Ceremony the substance of the service otherwise when any difficulty in civil-law then Clergy-men were ever entertained The Lord Chacellor was ever a Bishop as if against Equity to imploy any other therein yea that Court generally appeared as a Synod of Divines where the Clerks were Clerks as generally in Orders The same was also true of the Lord Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer 19. Some imputed this to the pragmaticalnesse of the Clergie Severall opinions of the causes thereof active to insinuate themselves into all employment how improper soever to their profession Others ascribed it to the Kings necessitie The war engrossing the maine of his men of merit so that he was necessitated to make use of Clergie-men Others attributed it to the Kings election no way weak in head or hand plotting or performing finding such the fittest to serve him who being single persons and having no design to raise a family were as knowing as any in the Mysteries of money * Matters of weight and safest to be entrusted therein * The founding of Q. Col. in Oxford by R. Englesfield But more hereof hereafter 20. Robert Eglesfield Batchelour of Divinity Chaplain to Queen Philippa wife to King Edward the third Anno Dom. 1340. founded a Colledge on his own ground Anno Regis Ed. tertii 15. by the name of Queens Colledge commending the Patronage thereof to his Lady the Queen and to the Queens of England successively which he endowed with Lands and Revenewes for the maintenance of a Provost and twelve Fellows which were to be augmented as the Revenews increased 21. Now though this was called Queens A paire of Princes bred therein from their Honorarie Patronesses a Rossus war wicensis Mâ—â—in Henricâ— quinto it may be stiled Princes Colledge from those paire of Students therein Edward the black Prince who presently after this foundation had his Education therein and Henry the fift as yet Prince of Wales under Henry Beaufort Chancelor of this University and his Uncle his Chamber was over the Colledge gate where his picture at this day remaineth in brass with this inscription under it In perpetuam rei memoriam Imperator Britanniae Triumphator Galliae Hostium Victor sui Henricus quintus hujus Collegii Et cubiculi minuti satis Olim magnus Incola which lodging hath for this sixteen years belonged to my worthy friend Mr. Thomas Barlow that most able and judicious Philosopher and Divine being a Library in himself and keeper of another that of Sir Tho. Bodlyes erection out of which he hath courteously communicated to me some rarities of this University 22. Now according to the care and desire of the founder Queens nursing Mothers to this Colledge The Queens of England have ever been Nursing Mothers to this Foundation O what advantage they have when lying in the bosoms of their Royall Consorts by whom they cannot be denyed what is equall and of whom they will not desire what is otherwise Thus Queen Philippa obtained of her Husband King Edward the third the Hospital of St. Julians in Southampton commonly called Gods House Queen Elizabeth wife to King
a Godwin Catal of Bps. in S. Davids Treasurer of England In whom the King much confided though T. Walsingham be pleased to dash his Memory that he was the cause of much mischief His Sir-Name speaks him English by extraction and he was of no remarkable activity He might be English or Welch by his Name but I believe the latter A man of merit sent by the King into Germany to give satisfaction of King Henries proceedings Second of that Christian and Sirname Bishop of that See a Welchman no doubt he was sent saith T. Walsangham to Spain to give account of the Kings proceedings Very loyal at the present but after his return home he sided with Owen Glendowre But though the English at this time were so severe against the Welch King Henry the seventh born in the bowels of Wales at Pembroke and assisted in the gaining of the Crown by the valour of his Country-men some years after plucked down this partition-wall of difference betwixt them admitting the Welch to English Honours and Offices as good reason equality of merits should be rewarded with equality of advancement 14. Sir John Tiptoff made afterwards Earl of Worcester put up a Petition to the Parliament The Petition of the Lords and Commons to the King against Lollards touching Lollards which wrought so on the Lords that they joined a Petition to the King Anno Regis Hen. 4 14. according to the Tenour following To our most redoubted and gracious Soveraign the King YOur humble * * Contracted by my self exactly keeping the words out of the Original Son HENRY PRINCE OF WALES and the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in this present Parliament humbly shew That the Church of England hath been and now is endowed with temporal possessions by the gifts and grants as well of your Royal Progenitours as by the Ancesters of the said Lords Temporal to maintain Divine Service keep Hospitality c. to the Honour of God and the souls health of your Progenitors and the said Lords Temporal Yet now of late some at the instigation of the Enemy against the foresaid Church and Prelates have as well in publick Sermons as in Conventicles and secret places called Schools stirred and moved the people of your Kingdom to take away the said temporal Possessions from the said Prelates with which they are as rightly endowed as it hath been or might be best advised or imagined by the Laws and Customes of your Kingdom and of which they are as surely possessed as the Lords Temporal are of their inheritances Wherefore in case that this evil purpose be not resisted by your Royal Majestie it is very likely that in process of time they will also excite the people of your Kingdom for to take away from the said Lords Temporal their possessions and heritages so to make them common to the open commotion of your people There be also others who publish and cause to be published evilly and falsly among the people of your Kingdom that Richard late King of England who is gone to God and on whose soul God thorow his Grace have mercy is still alive And some have writ and published divers false pretended prophecies to the people disturbing them who would to their power live peaceably Serve God and faithfully submit and obey you their Liege Lord. Wherefore may it please your Royal Majestie in maintenance of the honour of God conservation of the Laws of the holy Church as also in the preservation of the estate of You your Children Anno Regis Hen. quart 14. and the Lords aforesaid and for the quiet of all your Kingdom to ordain by a Stature in the present Parliament by the assent of the Lords aforesaid and the Commons of your Kingdom that in case any man or woman of what estate or condition they be preach publish or maintain hold use or exercise any Schools if any Sect or Doctrine hereafter against the Catholick faith either preach publish maintain or write a schedule whereby the people may be moved to take away the Temporal Possessions of the aforesaid Prelates or preach and publish that Richard late King who is dead should still be in full life or that the Fool in Scotland is that King Richard who is dead or that publish or write any pretended Prophesies to the commotion of your people That they and every of them be taken and put in Prison without being delivered in Bail or otherwise except by good and sufficient mainprise to be taken before the Chancellour of England c. 15. See we here the Policy of the Clergie The Prince made a party against Wicklivites who had gained Prince Henry set as a Transcendent by himself in the Petition to their side entring his Youth against the poor Wicklivites and this Earnest engaged him to the greater Antipathy against them when possest of the Crown 16. Observe also the Subtilty of the Clergie in this medley Petition Complication or Royal and Prelatical interest interweaving their own interest with the Kings and endeavouring to possess him that all the Adversaries to their Superstitions were Enemies also and Traytors to his Majesty 17. Now as Conventicles were the Name of disgrace cast on Wicklivists their Schools Schools was the terme of Credit owned by the Wicklivists for the place of their meeting Whether because f Acts 19. 9. the School of Tyrannus wherein S t Paul disputed was conceived by them Senior in Scripture to any material Church Or that their teaching therein was not in intire discourses but admitted as in the Schools of interlocutory opposition on occasion 18. By Lollards all know the Wicklivites are meant Lollards why so called so called from h Trithemius in Chron. Anno 1315. Walter Lollardus one or their Teachers in Germany and not as the i Of S. Aug. Cont. M. S. Anno 1406. Monk alluded quasi lolia in ar â Domini flourishing many years before Wickliffe and much consenting with him in judgment As for the word Lollard retained in our Statutes since the Reformation it seems now as a generical name to signifie such who in their opinions oppose the setled Religion of the Land in which sense the modern Sheriffs are bound by their Oath to suppress them 19. The Parenthesis concerning King Richard Who is gone to God and on whose Soul God through his Grace have Mercy is according to the Doctrine of that Age. For they held all in Purgatory gone to God A charitable parenthesis because assured in due time of their happiness yet so that the suffrages of the Living were profitable for them Nor feared they to offend King Henry by their charitable presumption of the final happy estate of King Richard his professed Enemy knowing he cared not where King Richard was so be it not living and sitting on the English Throne 20. As for the report of King Richards being still alive King Richard why believed alive it is strange any
Watsons Quodâ—â—bets pag 97. Venitè â—ratres mei Ostendam vobis Alanum which the Author thus translates or rather Comments on Come my brethren and I will shew you a man in England born to whom all Europe may give place for his high prudence reverend Countenance and purport of Government His loss was much lamented by the Catholicks not without cause whose Gravity and Authority had done many good offices in composing the Grudgings which began to grow betwixt Secular Priests and Jesuits which private heart-burnings soon after his death blazed out in the prison of Wisbich into an open Scandal as now we come to Report 13. A sad subject to write of Christian discords Here I protest though uncertain how far to finde belief 1595. 38. that I take no delight in relating these discontents much less shall my pen widen the wound betwixt them for though I approve the opinions of neither yet am I so much friend to the persons of both parties as not to make much to my self of their Discords The rather because no Christian can heartily laugh at the factions of his fiercest enemies because that sight at the same time pincheth him with the sad remembrance that such divisions that have formerly do at the present or may hereafter be found amongst those of his own profession such is the frailty of humane Nature in what side soever However hereafter let not Papists without cause or measure vaunt of their unity seeing their pretended Ship of S t Peter is not so solidly compacted but that it may spring a Leake Nor let them boast so confidently of their sufferings and blame our severity unto them as if enduring such hard usage in their imprisonment Surely like f Psal 105. 18. Joseph their feet were not hurt in the Stocks the Iron did not enter into their Soul neither with g Ier. 38. 6. Jeremy were they cast into a dirty dungeon where they sunk in mire nor with h Acts â—2 6. Peter were they bound with two Chains nor with i Acts 16. 24. Paul and Silas were they thrust into the inner prison and made fast but had in their Durance Liberty List and Leasure to begin foment and prosecute this violent Schisme betwixt themselves 14. The beginning of the Schism betwixt the Seculars and the Iesuits Untill this time the prime Catholicks in Wisbich Castle had lived there in restraint with great Unity and Concord And the Papists do brag that then and there the English Church was most visible until one Father Weston alias Edmonds a Jesuite coming thither erected a government amongst them making certain Sanctions and Orders which all were bound to observe secretly procuring subjects to himself and claiming a Superiority over all the Catholicks there Yet so cunningly he contrived the matter that he seemed not ambitiously to affect but religiously to accept this Authority profered unto yea seemingly forced upon him For one of his friends writes to Father Henry Garnet Provincial then living in England to this effect Good Father Weston in the humility of his heart lies on his bed like the man sick of the Palsie in the Gospel Nor will he walk confidently before others in the way of the Righteous except first he be let down through the Tiles and it be said unto him from the Provinciall arise take up thy Bed and walke Yet if the Seculars may be beleeved he did not only arise but run before that word of Command given him by Garnet and put his Jurisdiction in execution Besides those of his own society many of the Secular Priests submitted themselves unto him seduced say k Declaratio moâ—uum ac turbationum c. ad Clem. octavum exhibita pag. 12. some by the seeming sanctity of the Jesuits and having their Judgements bribed to that side by unequal proportions of mony received besides promising themselves that in case the land was invaded by the activity of the Jesuits all power and preferment would be at their dispose and so they should be sooner and higher advanced 15. The Seculars refuse to obey Weston and why But the greatest number and learned sort of the Secular Priests stoutly resisted his superiority affirming how formerly it had been offered to Thomas Watson Bishop of Lincolne late prisoner amongst them and he refused it as inconsistent with their present Condition affliction making them equalls and a Prison putting a parity betwixt them if any order might pretend to this Priority it was most proper for the Benedictines extant in England above a thousand years agoe that the Jesuits were Punies and if all Orders should sit down as Jacobs children at the Table of Joseph l Gen. 34. 33. the eldest according to his Age and the yongest according to his Youth the last and least place of honour was due unto them That the Secular Priests had borne the heat of the day in preaching and persecution some of them having endured above twenty years imprisonment for conscience sake as M r Bluet for m Watsons Quodlibets pag. 4. one before some of the Jesuits knew what durance meant That Weston was not eminent for Learning Religion or any prime quality save only the affecting that place which his betters had declined That it was monstrous that he being a Jesuite and so a member of another society should be made a head of their body The Lay-Catholicks were much offended with the Schisme some withheld others threatning to withhold their charity from both parties conceiving it the ready means when maintenance was detained from both sides to starve them into agreement 16. Weston imployed but as a Scout to discover the temper of the secular priests One might admire why father Weston should so earnestly desire so silly a dominion having his power as well as his own person confin'd within the walls of Wisbich Castle a narrow Diocess only to dominere over a few Prisoners The Goaler yea the very Turnkey being his superior to controll him if offering to exceed that compass But Oh the sweetness of Superemacy though in never so small a Circuit It pleased his pride to be Prior of a Prison but n Declaratio motuum c. pag. 17. Agent was the Title wherewith he stiled himself Indeed the English Jesuits both abroad in England and beyond the Seas made use of Westons forwardness to trie the temper of the Secular Priests and to make this bold Jesuite to back and break a Skittish Colt for further designes If Weston were unhors'd his fall would be little lamented and he might thank his own boldness in adventuring and the ill managing of his place if he sat the beast and it proved tame then others would up and ride and Father Garnet Provincial of the Jesuits intended in like manner to procure from the Pope a Superiority over all the Secular Priests in England Wisbich Prison would be enlarged all over the kingdom and the Precedent would reach farr in the
THE KNIGHTS â—oined with y e MONKES of Eâ—Y by WILIIAÌ„ y e CONQVEROVR SIMONI ARCHER Equiti Aurato Antiquitatis cultori et in DIGMATOGRAPHIA exercitatissimo nec non lectissima D nae Annae T. F. The Brother to William Erle of Warren with Monke Leofricke William the Conquerer S t Ethelburge S t Ethelwarde Bishope Robert Oâ—fford the xiiij th Bishope of Elye Opsal Captaine of the Câ—osbowe-men w th Henke Godfryde Belase geâ—erall of the soldiours against Eley with Nonâ—â—e vtwalde Picot Bridge Moister with Monke Huskettle Arg entine Surgeon generall with Monke Elfritcke Gerard de longo Campo with Monke William Talbote sent ostentynes Embassadour with Monke Duffe Adam cheife Marshall of the Armie with Monke Seda Guido de S t Leodigara with the holy Monke Adelmere Hastings a souldior skilfull in Nauigasion with Monke Nigell Walter Lacy sheild bearer to y e Conquerour with Monke Occam Pamell Captaine of 300 foolemen with Monke Ednode Ahmude sonne of Alan with Monke Burthrede Abraham Pechy with monke Etholbert y e Elder Bardolphe maister of the workemen with Monke Recke Sewarde on englishman Vitualer of y e Campe with Monke Reoffine Fides de furnivall a lumbard with Monke OSulp Blounte Captayne generall of y e foote men w th Monkewillnete Brian Clare an old Souldior with Monke Cliton Hugh Mounteforti Captayne of y e Horsemen with Monke Odon Pagan Standerd bearer of the Horsemen w th monke Athelâ—ale Bigotte Captaine of 300 horsemen with Monke Condulphe Dunstan le Grosmaneus with Munke Egberte Richard deponteful Conis with Monke leo fricke the younger Eucas de Novo Burgo with Olane the holye Monke of the Monastery Tuchet Captayne of the Bowmen with Monke Osburn e Nigellus Hamtaindote with Monke Donalde Eustalias the Blacke with Monke Edwin Eustalias the white Maister of the Scoutmen with monke Swan Bigotte third sonne of Bigotte with Monke Edmund Robert Marshall with Monke Renulphe Beamunde master of the Conâ—uerors horse with Monke Gurthe Kenulphus a German Soldiour with monke â—skettle John of yorke an Englishman with monke Felix John Malmaine Standerd bearer of the footemen w th monke Otho Anthoni longe sword with Monke Alfrede Lucy a Norman Admirall to y e Conqueror with Monke Constantine Alexander demonte Vignite with Monke Dauid Lucaâ—nalsus Captayne of y e Billmen with Monke oswalde Nasâ— Captayne of 200 footemen with Monke Orme LICHFIELDENSIS ECCLESIA CATHEDRALIS IN AGRO STAFFORDIENSI IN ANGLIA FACIES OCCIDENTALIS RESVRGAM LEX VNO OMNIA Eliae Ashmole Arm Mercurio phylo Angla 〈…〉 Accepta refundit T. F. Sam Purk pinxit W. Holl 〈…〉 sculp THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN From the Birth of JESUS CHRIST Untill the YEAR M.DC.XLVIII ENDEAVOURED By THOMAS FVLLER LONDON Printed for IOHN WILLIAMS at the signe of the Crown in St. Paul's Church-yard Anno 1655. TO THE ILLUSTRIOUS ESME STUART DVKE OF RICHMOND I Have sometimes solitarily pleased my self with the perusing and comparing of two places of Scripture Acts 22. 22. The wicked Iews said of S t. Paul Avvay vvith such a Fellovv from the Earth for it is not fit that he should live Hebrews 11. 38. S t. Paul said of the Godly Iews Of vvhom the vvorld vvas not vvorthy Here I perceive Heaven and Hell Mercy and Malice Gods Spirit and mans Spite resolved on the Question that it is not fit that good men should live long on Earth However though the Building be the same yet the Bottome is different the same Conclusion being inferred from opposite yea contrary Premisses Wicked men think this world too good God knows it too bad for his Servants to live in Henceforward I shall not wonder that Good men die so soon but that they live so long seeing wicked men desire their Room here on Earth and God their Company in Heaven No wonder then if your Good Father was so soon translated to Happinesse and his GRACE advanced into GLORY He was pleased to give me a Text some weeks before his Death of the words of our Saviour to the Probationer Convert Thou a Mark 12. 34. art not far from the Kingdome of Heaven that is as the words there import from the state of Salvation But before my Sermon could be his life was finished and he in the reall acception thereof possessed of Heaven and Happinesse Thus was I disappointed O that this were the greatest Losse by the Death of so worthy Person of a Patron to whom I intended the Dedication of this first part of my History I after was entred on a Resolution to dedicate it to his Memory presuming to defend the Innocency and Harmlesnesse of such a Dedication by Precedents of unquestioned Antiquity But I intended also to surround the Pages of the Dedication with black not improper as to his relation so expressive of the present sad Condition of our distracted Church But scasonably remembring how the Altar ED a Ioshua 22. 11. onely erected for Commemoration was misinterpreted by the other Tribes for Superstition I conceived it best to cut off all occasions of Cavill from captious persons and dedicate it to You his Son and Heir Let not your Grace be offended that I make you a Patron at the second hand for though I confesse you are my Refuge in relation to your deceased Father you are my Choise in reference to the surviving Nobility God sanctifie your tender yeares with true Grace that in time you may be a Comfort to your Mother Credit to your Kindred and Honour to your Nation Your Graces most bounden ORATOVR THOMAS FULLER TO THE READER AN Ingenious Gentleman some Moneths since in Iest-earnest advised me to make hast with my History of the Church of England for fear said he lest the Church of England be ended before the History thereof This History is now though late all Church-work is slow brought with much difficulty to an end And blessed be God the Church of England is still and long may it be in being though disturb'd distempered distracted God help and heal her most sad condition The three first Books of this Volumn were for the main written in the Reign of the late King as appeareth by the passages then proper for the Government The other nine Books were made since Monarchy was turned into a State May God alone have the Glory and the ingenuous Reader the Benefit of my endeavours which is the hearty desire of Thy Servant in Iesus Christ THOMAS FULLER From my chamber in Sion Colledge THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN Anno Dom. I. CENTURIE THat we may the more freely and fully pay the tribute of our thanks to Gods goodnesse The dolefull case of the Pagan Britans for the Gospel which we now enjoy let us recount the sad Condition of the Britans our Predecessours before the Christian Faith was preached unto them At that time they were without Christ being Aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel and strangers from the Covenants of promise having no hope and without God in the World They were foul
consider how in that Age the Elegancy of Poetry consisted in Rhythme and the Eloquence of Prose in Allusions And which was the main where his Pleasant Conceits did end there his Pious Endeavours began which did not terminate in a Verball Jest but produce Reall Effects which ensued hereupon 2. For repairing to Pelagius Bishop of Rome Gregory would convert England in his person but doth it by his proxy he imparted his Discoveries unto him 586 desiring that some might be sent to endeavour the Conversion of the English Nation tendering his Personall Service thereunto But Pelagius was unwilling to expose Gregory to so dangerous a Design and the People of Rome accounting him a precious Jewell to be choicely kept for his own wearing would not cast this Pearle before Swine by hazarding him to the Insolency of the Pagans Now Pelagius not long after being called into another VVorld Gregory succeeded in his place who rising to new Greatnesse did not fall from his old Goodnesse but prosecuting his Project with more Earnestnesse sent Augustine the Monk with Mellitus and Fourty more to preach the Gospell in Britain He himself tarrying behind in Body went with them in his a 1 Corinth 5. 3 Spirit accompanying them with his effectuall Prayers and none will deny but that b Exod. 17. 11. Moses in the Mount contributed as much to the conquering of Amalek as Ioshua in the Valley 3. These men had not gone far Augustine and his fellows shrink for fear when they were surprised with a Qualm of Feare and sending Augustine back again to Gregory requested to be excused from going to so Barbarous a Nation not as yet converted to Civility whose Language they did not understand Here some will be ready to deride them for Cowards who more seriously considering with how many Excuses Moses c Exod. ch 3. and 4. being sent by God himself declined the going to Pharaoh and how loth d Ior. 1. 6. Ieremy was to preach to his Countrey-men the stiffe-necked Iews will presently change their Censuring into Commiserating the Frailty of Flesh and common Condition of Mankind But those make short Miles who looking through a Window travell a Dayes-journey in an instant whil'st Wayfaring men must honestly pay for every Step and dearly earn it with their Industry It is facile for men in their pleasing Speculations to project the Conversion of a Kingdome and with themselves to discourse a Heathen Nation into Christianity whil'st those must encounter many Difficulties who really go about to perform it Gregory perceiving them to tire in their Undertakings spurr'd them on with his Exhortatory Letter the Copy whereof is here inserted to acquaint us with the Stile of the Bishops of Rome in that Age. e Bede's History of the Church of England 1 Book 23. Chap. translated by Stapleton GRegory the Servant of the Servants of God c. For somuch as better it were never to begin a Good Work then after it is once begun to go from it again you must needs my dear Sons now fulfill the Good VVork which by the help of God you have taken in hand Let therefore neither the Travell of the Iourney neither the Talk of evill-tongued Men dismay you But with all Force and Fervour make up that you have by the motion of God begun assuring your selves that after your great Labour eternall Reward shall follow Be you in all points obedient unto Augustine whom I have sent back unto you and appointed him to be your Abbot Anno Dom. 586 knowing that shall much profit your Souls which you shall do upon Obedience to his Commandment Our Almighty Lord defend you with his Grace and grant me to see the Fruit of your Labours in his Kingdome of Heaven And though I cannot Labour my self with you yet I may enjoy part of your Reward for that I have a Will to labour God keep you healthy my dearly beloved Children Dated the 23. of July our Lord MAURICIUS TIBERIUS reigning our most Vertuous Emperour in the 14. year of his Empire the 13. year after his Consulship Indictione 14. As yet we see the Chaplain had not lorded it over his Patron as yet the Popes Crown was not built three stories high but observed a Distance of Submission towards the Emperour as appeares by his respectfull Expressions Yea this Bishop measured the time by the yeares of the Emperours Reign whose Successours have learn't a new Arithmetick in their modern dates of Charters onely reckoning by the yeares of their own Consecration without relating to any Imperiall Account Gregory by the way was the first which in Humility used the Stile of Servus Servorum Dei But as in the Method of Nature a Low Valley is immediately seconded with an Ambitious Hill so after this Humble Gregory a submissive Soul within two yeares followed Boniface the third in whom was the Pitch of Pride and Height of aspiring Haughtinesse to be term'd the Vniversall Bishop of the World 4. Besides the aforesaid Letter Augustine troubled with mocking Michals in his Passage through France Gregory wrote many others a Gregor lib. 5. Epist 58 one to Theodorick and Theodebert Kings of France and severall Epistles to sundry French Bishops to accommodate and assist Augustine and his Companions in so pious a Design And which must not be forgotten with them he sent over b Idem lib. 5. Epist 10. Candidus a Priest into France to receive the Profits and long-detained Arreres of the Popes c Idem lib. 5. Epist 57. Patrimoniolum as he terms it the Diminutive is well increased at this time and with the Mony to buy Cloaths for the Poore and also to buy English-Pagan-captive Youths in France of 17 or 18 yeare old that they might be brought up in Christianity in Monasteries so at once bestowing both Liberty Religion and Learning upon them A Transcendent degree of Charity an Almes worthy Gregorie's hands to give it And now Augustine with his Partners well encouraged effectually prosecute their Project passing quietly through France save onely at the Village of Saye in Anjou where some gigling Huswives Light Leaves will be wagg'd with Little Wind causelesly fell a flouting at them But in after-Ages the People of the same Place to repaire this Wrong erected a Masculine Church Women being interdicted the Entrance thereof to the Memory of S t. Augustine and how soundly one Woman smarted for her Presumption herein take it on the trust of d Alexander Elsebiensis in his Annall of Saints and Iohn Capgrave my Authour Plebs parat Ecclesiam mulieribus haud reserandam Introitum tent at una sed illa perit They build a Church where Women may not enter One try'd but lost her life for her adventure Yet Augustine himself found courteous Usage from the Weaker Sex witnesse the kind Carriage of Brunichilda the Queen of France unto him for which Gregory in an e Lib. 7. Ep. 5. Epistle returned her solemn Thanks
daily trample 8. Besides these All these antiquated by Christianity they had other Lesser Gods of a Lower Form and Younger House as Helmsteed Prono Fridegast and Siwe all which at this day to use the a I saiah 2. 20. Prophets Expression are cast to the Moles and the Bats fit Company for them which have Eyes and see not Blind to the blind like all those which put Confidence in them And as the true and reall b Exod. 7. 12. Serpent of Aaron did swallow up and devour the seening Serpents which Iannes and Iambres the Aegyptian Inchanters did make so long since in England the Religion of the true God hath out-lived and out-lasted consuted and confounded all false and â—eigned Deities To conclude this Discourse I have heard of a man who being Drunk rode over a Narrow Bridge the first and last that ever passed that Way as which in likelyhood led him to imminent Death and next morning viewing how he had escaped he fell into a Swound with acting over again the Danger of his Adventure in his bare Apprehension So should England now thanks be to God grown sober and restored to her self seriously recollect her sad Condition when Posting in the Paths of Perdition being intoxicated with the Cup of Idolatrie she would fall into a Trance of Amazement at the consideration of her desperate state before Christianity recovered her to her right Senses the manner whereof we now come to relate 9. When Augustine the Monk as is afore said landed in Thanet The character of King Ethelbert Ethelbert was then King of Kent One who had very much of Good Nature in him of a Wild Olive well civilized and a Stock fit to be grafted upon Yea he was already with c Acts 26. 28. King Agrippa though not in the same sense almost a Christian because his other half d Bede Hist Eccles lib. 1. cap. 25. Queen Berhta daughter to the King of France was a Christian to whom he permitted the free use of her Religion allowing her both Luidhard a Bishop for her Chaplain and an old Church in Canterbury formerly dedicated by the Romans to S t. Martin to exercise her Devotion therein Besides at this time this Ethelbert was in effect Monarch of England whilest his Person had Residence chiefly in Kent his Power had Influence even to Humber all the rest of the Saxon Kings being Homagers unto him which afterward much expedited the passage of the Gospel in England Thus each officious Accident shall dutifully tender his Service to the advance of that Design which God will have effected 10. Then Augustine acquainted this Ethelbert with his Arrivall Augustine's addresses and Ethelbert's answer informing him by his Messengers that he brought the best Tidings unto him which would certainly procure eternall Happinesse in Heaven and endless Reigning in Bliss with the true God to such as should entertain them Soon after Ethelbert repaired into Thanet to whom Augustine made his addresse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a deal of spiritual carnall Pompe e Beda ut prists having a Silver Cross carried before him for a Banner the Image of our Saviour painted in a Table and singing the Letanie in the way as they went King Ethelbert desired all things betwixt them might be transacted in the open Aire refusing to come under a Roof for fear of Fascination And indeed a Stranger who had never seen the like before beholding Augustine with such abundance of Trinkets about him being formerly jealous might hereby have his Suspicion encreased that he went about some strange Machination However Ethelbert returned him a civil Answer That their Promises were fair and good but because new and uncertain he could not presently assent unto them and leave the ancient Customes of the English which had been for so long time observed But because they were Strangers coming from Far Countries to communicate to him and his such things as they conceived were good and true he would not forbid any Converts whom their Preaching could perswade to their Opinion and also would provide them Necessaries for their comfortable Accommodation 11. Hence Augustine 597 with his Followers Ethelbert and others converted to the Christian Faith advanced to Canterbury to the aforesaid old Church of S t. Martin's Here they lived so piously prayed so fervently fasted so frequently preached so constantly wrought Miracles so commonly that many people of Inferiour Rank and at last King Ethelbert himself was baptized and embraced the Christian Religion The same Ethelbert also ordered that none should be a Bede Hist Eccles lib. 1. cap. 26. forced into Religion having understood that Christs Service ought to be voluntary and not compelled And if his Courtiers had been as cautious not to embrace Religion for Fashion as the King was carefull they should not receive it for Fear there had not at that time been made so many Christians for Conveniency probably rather then for Conscience who soon after returned again to Paganisme However as it is rendered a reason in the dayes of Hezekiah why the Iews at so short warning so unanimously kept the Passeover God had prepared the People for the thing was done suddenly so on the same account it came to passe that in so little a time besides temporary Believers so many true and sincere Converts embraced the Christian Faith 12. Then Augustine by his Letters informed Gregory of the Progresse Gregorie's answer to Augustine's letters and Proficiency of his Paines in England Gregory returned him a discreet Answer rejoycing with him and advising of him not to be puffed up by Pride for the great Miracles wrought by him but timendo gaudere gaudendo pertimescere He minded him how when the Disciples triumphed at their b Luke 10. 17 casting out of Devils Christ more spirituallized their Joy rather to rejoyce that their Names were written in Heaven And indeed as some eminent in Piety never attained this Honour c Iohn 10. 41. Iohn Baptist did no miracle so many finally disavowed of God as unknown unto him shall plead for themselves and truly no doubt d Matt. 7. 22. in thy Name have we cast out Devils Yet this Admonition of Gregory is with me and ought to be with all unprejudiced persons an Argument beyond exception that though no discrect man will believe Augustine's Miracles in the latitude of Monkish Relations he is ignorantly and uncharitably peevish and morose who utterly denies some Miracles to have been really effected by him About the sametime S t. Gregory sent from Rome Mellitus Iustus Paulinus and Ruffinianus to be Fellow-labourers with Augustine in the English Harvest 13. Thus was Kent converted to Christianity 600 For such as account this a Conversion of all England Conclusion of this Century to make their words good do make use of a long and strong Synecdoche a Part for the Whole farre more then Half of the Land lying some yeares after
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
suspect that Dunstan who could blow Coals elsewhere as well as in his Furnace though at distance vertually or rather viciously present had a Finger yea a Hand therein Heart-broken with these Rebellions 958 King Edwin died in the Flower of his Age. 5 Edgati 1 24. Edgar succeeds him Dunstan recalled by King Edgar and takes a double Bishoprick and recalls Dunstan home 959 receiving him with all possible Affection 2 Yea now Dunstan's Stomack was come down and he could digest a Bishoprick which his Abstemiousness formerly refused And one Bishoprick drew down another VVorcester and London not successively but both a-breast went down his Conscience Yea never Age afforded more Pluralist Bishops In this Kings reign Letine held b Vid. Antiq. Britan. p. 83. Lincoln and Leicester oswald a great Monk-monger of whom hereafter held York and VVorcester Aldulph his Successour in both Churches did the like pardoned yea praised for the same though Woolstan because no favourer of Monks is reproved for the like Plurality Thus two men though doing the same thing do not the same thing Bigamy of Bishopricks goes by Favour and it is condemnable in one what is commendable in another Anno Regis Edgari 2 Odo Severus Anno Dom. 959 Arch-bishop of Canterbury being ceremoniously to consecrate Dunstan Bishop of VVorcester used all the Formalities fashionable at the Consecration of an a Antiq. Britan ibidem Arch-bishop And being reproved for the same he answered for himself That he foresaw that Dunstan instantly after his death would be Arch-bishop of Canterbury And therefore a compendious way to spare Paines he onely by a provident Prolepsis ante-dated his Consecration Surely whosoever had seen the decrepit age of Odo the affection of King Edgar to Dunstan the affection of Dunstan to Dignity needed no extraordinary prophetical Spirit to presage that on the supposition of Dunstan's surviving him he should succeed him in the Arch-bishoprick of Canterbury 25. Yea King Edgar was so wholly Dunstanized Oswald's Law to eject secular Priests that he gave over his Soul Body and Estate to be ordered by him and two more then the Triumvirate who ruled England namely Ethelwald Bishop of Winchester and Oswald Bishop of Worcester This Oswald was the man who procured by the Kings Authority the Ejection of all Secular Priests out of Worcester and the placing of Monks in their Room which Act was called Oswald's Law in that Age. They might if it pleased them have stiled it Edgar's Law the Legislative Power being then more in the King then in the Bishop This Oswald's Law afterwards enlarged it self over all England Secular Priests being thrown out and Monks every where fixed in their rooms till King Henry the eighth his Law outed Oswald's Law and ejected those Drones out of their Habitations 26. King Edgar violated the Chastity of a Nun at Wilton Dunstan's disciplining of king Edgar Dunstan getting notice thereof refused at the Kings Request to give him his Hand because he had defiled a Daughter of God as he termed her Edgar hereby made sensible of his Sin with Sorrow confessed it and Dunstan now Arch-bishop of Canterbury enjoyned him seven years Penance for the same Monks endeavour to inforcea mock-Parallel betwixt David and Edgar Nathan and Dunstan herein Sure I am on David's profession of his Repentance Nathan presently pronounced Pardon b 2 Sam. 12. 13 the Lord also hath put away thy Sin thou shalt not die consigning him to be punished by God the Principall using an Undutifull Son Treacherous Servants and Rebellious Subjects to be the Instruments thereof but imposing no voluntary Penance that David should by Will-worship undertake on himself All that I will adde is this If Dunstan did septennary Penance to expiate every mortall Sin to use their own Termes he committed he must have been a Methusalah extremely aged before the day of his Death 27. More commendable was Dunstan's Carriage towards an English Count 12 who lived incestuously with his own Kinswoman 969 Dunstan admonished him once And carriage towards an incestuous Count. twice thrice nothing prevailed whereupon he proceeded to Excommunicate him The Count slighted his Excommunication conceiving his Head too high for Church-Censures to reach it King Edgar falsly informed desires Dunstan to absolve him and is denied Yea the Pope sends to him to the same Purpose and Dunstan persists in his c Osbern in vita Dunstani Refusall At last the Count conquered with Dunstan's Constancy and the sense of his own Sin came into a Nationall Council at Canterbury where Dunstan sate President active therein to substitute Monks in the places of Secular Priests on his bare Feet with a Bundle of Rods tendering himself to Dunstan's Chastisement This wrought on Dunstan's mild Nature scarce refraining from Teares who presently absolved him 28. Three things herein are remarkable Observations thereon First that Bribes in the Court of Rome may purchase a Malefactor to be innocent Secondly that the Pope himself is not so infallible but that his Key may misse the Lock and he be mistaken in matter of Absolution Thirdly that men ought not so with blind Obedience to obey his pretended Holinesse but that if with Dunstan here they see just Cause to the contrary it is no Mortall Sin to disobey his Commands 29. The Apprentiship of Edgar's Penance long since expired Edgar's Canons why by us here related he flourished in all Monarchicall Lustre sole Founder of many Co-founder of more Benefactor to most Abbeys in England Anno Dom. 969 And as he gave new Cases to most Monasteries repairing their outward Buildings so he gave new Linings to all Anno Regis Edgari 12 substituting Monks in stead of the Secular Priests whom he expelled Many Ecclesiasticall Canons were by him ordained which at large are presented in S t. Henry Spelman and which I have neither List nor Leisure to recount in this my History Our Women have a Proverb It is a sad Burden to carry a dead mans Child and surely an Historian hath no heart to take much Pains which herein are Pains indeed to exemplify dead Canons dead and buried long since as most relating to Monkery this Age wherein we live being little fond of Antiquity to know those things which were antiquated so many yeares since 30. Now though the Devotion of King Edgar may be condemned to be byassed to Superstition Edgar a most triumphant King yet because the Sincerity of his Heart sought to advance Gods Honour according to the Light in those dark dayes he appears one of the most puissant Princes that ever England enjoyed both in Church and Common-wealth I have read in a most fair and authentick guilded a Extant in the precious Library of S r. Tho. Cotton Manuscript wherein he stileth himself Gods Vicar in England for the ordering Ecclesiasticall matters a Title which at this day the Pope will hardly vouchsafe to any
yet the King permitted him to appoint or prohibit nothing but what was according to His own will and pleasure and what the King had b Idem ibid. ordained before 9. Lastly Barons not to be excommunicated without the Kings command King William suffered no Bishop to excommunicate any of his Barons or Officers for adultery incest or any such hainous crime except by the Kings Command first made acquainted with the same Here the word Baron is not to be taken in that restrictive sense to which the modern acception hath confined it onely for such of the higher Nobility which have place and Votes in Parliament but c J. Selden Sptcilegium ed Eadmeium pag 168. generally for such who by Tenure en cheef or in Capite as they term it held land immediately of the King And an English d Robert of Glocester Poet counted the Virgil of his age and the Ennius in ours expresseth as much in his Rythmes which we here set down with all the rust thereof without rubbing it off remembring how one e Camdens Elizabeth Anno 1584. John Throkmorton a Justicer of Cheshire in Queen Elizabeth's dayes for not exhibiting a judicial Concord with all the defects of the same but supplying or filling up what was worn out of the Authentical Original was fined for being over officious and therefore take them with their faults and all as followeth The berthe was that noe man that of the King huld ought In Chief or in eni Servise to Manling were throught Bote the wardenis of holy Chirch that brought him thereto The King lede or his Bailifes wat he had misdoe And loked verst were thei to amendment it bring And bote by wolde by their lebe doe the Manling And a grave f Radulphus de diceto sub Anno 11â—3 Author gives a good reason why the King must be inform'd before any of his Barons be excommunicated lest otherwise saith he the King not being certified thereof should out of ignorance unawares communicate with persons excommunicated when such Officers of His should come to kiss His hand be called to his Councel or come to perform any personal attendance about Him Hitherto we have seen how careful the Conqueror was in preserving His own right in Church-matters We will conclude all with the Syllogisme which the g L. Cooks Reports fift part de Jure Regis Ecclesiastico fol. 10. Oracle of the Common-Law frameth in this manner It is agreed that no man onely can make any appropriation of any Church having cure of souls being a thing Eccelesiastical and to be made to some person Ecclesiastical but he that hath Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction But William the first of himself without any other as King of England made appropriation of Churches with cure to Ecclesiastical persons as by many instances may appear Therefore it followeth that He had Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction And so much concerning King William's policy in doing justice to His own power Proceed we now to His bounty confirming old and conferring new favors upon the Church and Clergie 10. First whereas before his time the Sheriff and Bishop joyntly kept their Courts together especially at the two solemn times Bishops jurisdictions first severed from the Sheriffs about Easter and Michaelmas King William in favour of the Clergie assigned the Bishops an a See this cleared by Mr Selden in his notes on Ead. merus pag. 167. entire jurisdiction by themselves wherein they should have cognizance of all causes relating to Religion I say relating to Religion a latitude of a cheverel extension adequate almost to the minde of him that will stretch it out and few Ecclesiastical Judges would lofe what might be got by measuring Now formerly whilest the power of Sheriff and Bishop went hand in hand together in the same Court neither could much outstrip other but but since they were severed the Spiritual power far outwent its old mate improving his own by impairing the Secular Courts and henceforward the Canon-law took the firmer footing in England Date we from hence the squint-eies of the Clergie whose sight single before was hereafter divided with double looks betwixt two objects at once the Pope and the King to put him first whom they eyed most acting hereafter more by forrain then domestick interest 11. A learned pen makes a just complaint The contest betwixt Commen and Canon Law how onely to be reconciled that b Lord Bacen in his advancement of Learning pag. 463. Aphorisme 96. Courts which should distribute peace do themselves practice duels whilest it is counted the part of a resolute Judge to enlarge the priviledge of his Court A grievance most visible in contest betwixt the Common and the Canon Law which as if they were stars of so different an Horizon that the elevation of the one necessitated the depression of the other lie at catch and wait advantages one against another So that whilest both might continue in a convenient and healthful habitude if such envious corrivalitie were deposed now alternately those Courts swell to a tympany or waste to a consumption as their Judges finde themselves more or less strength'ned with power or befriended with favour A mischief not to be remedied till either that mutual consent or a predominant power to both impartially state their jurisdictions rightly seting down the land-marks thereof and binding their proceedings not to exceed their bounds which would both advance learning and expedite the execution of Justice 12. To return to King William King William his Charter to the Clergie As He conferred power on so he confirmed profit to the Clergie Witness his c See it at large in Mr. Selden of tythes cap. 8. pag. 225. Charter granting them thorowout England tythes of calves colts lambs milk butter cheese woods meadows mills c. Which Charter is concluded 't is the strong hem keeps all the cloth from reveling out Qui decimam detinuerit per justitiam Episcopi Regis si necesse fuerit ad redditionem d Others read it adigatur Let him be compelled â—rguatar Who shall detain his tythes by the power of the Bishop and King if need be let him be argued into the payment thereof And Kings arguments we know are unanswerable as aâ— authoritate carrying power and pehalties with them This Charter might seem to give the tenth loaf of all the bread in the land into the hands of the English Clergie But the municipal laws which were afterwards made did so chip and pare this loaf with their Modus decimandi that in many places Vicaridges especially a small shiver of bread fals to the share of the Minister not enough for his necessary maintenance 13. And here Two contrary characters of King William to make a short but needful digression I finde in eminent Writers two contrary characters of King William Some make him an arrand Tyrant ruling onely by the Magna Charta of his own will oppressing all English without cause
last bee let in when they had paid dear for a dispensation 19. Lanckfranck likewise charged Remigius And against Remigius elect of Lincoln elect of Lincoln as irregular because guilty of Simony Yet he did not tax him with a penny of money either paid or contracted for onely charged him that officio b Eadmerus ibid. emerar by service-Simony he had purchased the place of King William so that his officiousness to comply with the Kings pleasure had made him injurious and vexatious unto the people Here all things were referred to Lanckfrancks own arbitration whom the Pope of an accuser made a Judg so far as either to admit or exclude the aforesaid Prelates affirming that if any unworthiness crept into English preferment be it charged on Lanckfranck his account whom he made sole judg of mens merits to any promotion 20. But all is well Lanckfranck his return and imployment that ends well and so did this contest Lanckfranck having first given them a taste of his power did afterwards give them a cast of his pitty and favourably accepted them both into their places Hence they all post homewards where we leave Lanckfranck safely arrived and foundly employed in variety of business 1. In asserting the superiority of his See above York 2. In defending his Tenants in what Diocess soever from the visitations of their respective Bishops which gave the first original to Peculiars 3. In repairing his Church of Canterbury lately much defaced with fire 4. In casting out Secular Priests and substituting Monks in their room 5. Lastly in recovering lands long detained from his See Nor was he affrighted with the heighth and greatness of Odo Bishop of Bayeux though half-brother to King William and Earl of Kent but wrestled a fair fall with him in a legal trial and cast him flat on his back regaining many Lordships which Odo had most unjustly invaded Such as desire more of Lanckfranck his character let them consult Eadmerus a Monk of Canterbury and therefore prodigal in Lanckfrancks praise an Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and great promoter of monastical life Indeed there was a design driven on by Walkeline Bishop of Winchester who had privately wrought the King to abet it to reinduce Secular Priests into Monks places till Lanckfranck getting notice defeated the plot procuring that all such Monks whom he had first fastened in their Covents were afterwards riveted therein by Papal authority 21. About this time a constitution was made Bishops Sees removed from villages to cities that Bishops should remove their Sees from petty towns to populous places This reason being rendred for their removal Ne vilesceret Episcopalis dignitas by their long living in so little villages Such Bishops Churches could not properly be called Cathedrals who fate not upon chairs but low stools so inconsiderably small were some places of their residences A fair candle-stick advantagiously set in some sense may be said to give light to the candle it self and Episeopal lustre will be the brighter if placed in eminent Cities Besides Bishops having now gotten Canon-Law and distinct Courts by themselves much people repaired unto their Consistories which conveniently could not be accommodated in little villages but required bigger places for their better entertainment In order to this command the Bishop of Dorchester near Oxford removed to Lincolne as somewhat before Selsey was translated to Chichester and Sherborne to Sarisbury and not long after Thetford to Norwich Now as these Cities to which they removed being great before grew greater afterwards so those places which they left Dorchester and Selsey especially decayed to contemptible villages it faring with places as with persons the rich grow richer still and the meaner are daily diminished 22. As these Bishops accounted themselves well busied Wolstans sunplicity faveth his Bisho prick in removing their Bishopricks so some I am sure were ill imployed in endeavouring to remove a good Bishop I mean Wolstan from his Church of Worcester As the Poëts saign of Janus that he had two faces because living before and after the flood so this Wolstan may be charactered accordingly made Bishop before but continuing his place long after the Norman inundation But in what sense soever he may be said to have two faces he had but one heart and that a single and sincere one to God and all goodness yet his adversaries heaved at him to cast him out of his Bishoprick because an Englishman of the old stamp but he fate safe right-poised therein with his own gravity and integrity And being urged to resign his staff and ring ensignes of his Epifcopacy he refused to surrender them to any man alive but willingly offered them up at the Tomb of Edward the Confessor from whom he received them This his gratitude to his dead Patron and candid simplicity in neglecting the pomp of his place procured him much favour and occasioned his peaceable confirmation in his Bishoprick 23. At this time several Liturgies were used in England The original of Secundum usum Sanum which caused confusion and much disturbed mens devotions Yea which was worse a brawle yea a battel happ'ned betwixt the English Monks of Glassenbury and Thurstan their Norman Abbot in their very Church obtruding a Service upon them which they dislik'd Unfit persons to fight being by their profession men of peace and unfitter the place for a quarrel * 1 Cor. 11. 22. Have ye not houses to eat and drink in saith S t Paul to the Corinthians or despise ye the Church of God Was there no other room in their Covent for them to fall out and fight in but their Church alone Here was an Holy War indeed when Church-forms candle-sticks and Crucifixes were used for shields by the Monks against the Abbot's armed-men brought in against them Nor was Holy-water onely but much bloud spilled in the place eight Monks being wounded and * Fulegium an ancient and authenick Chronicle cited by Mr. Fox pag. 233. two slain or if you will sacrificed near the steps of the High Altar But this accident ill in it self was then conceived good in the event thereof because occasioning a settlement and uniformity of Liturgie all over England For hereupon Osmund Anno Dom. 1081 Bishop of Salisbury devised that Ordinary or form of Service which hereafter was observed in the whole Realm his Churches practice being a precedent and the devotion therein a direction to all others Hence forward the most ignorant Parish-Priest in England though having no more Latin in all his treasury yet understood the meaning of Secundum usum Sarum that all Service must be ordered According to the course and oustome of Salisbury Church 24. I finde no Jews in England no deviation I hope from Church-History The first coming of the Iews into England to touch at the Synagogue before the Reign of the Conqueror who a Srows Survey of London in Coleman street Ward brought many from Roan in Normandy and
thereof improve the Popes power by invading the undoubted priviledges of King John The Monks soberly excused themselves that they durst not proceed to an election without the Kings consent but affrighted at last with the high threats of his Holiness menacing them with Excommunication Stephen Langton was chosen accordingly One that wanted not ability for the place but rather had too much as King John conceived having his high spirit in suspition that he would be hardly managed 4. Then two Letters were dispatch'd from the Pope The Pope sends two Letters of contrary tempers to the King to the King 1207. The first had nothing of business 10. but complement and four gold Rings with several stones desiring him rather to minde the mysterie then value the worth of the present wherein the Round form signified Eternity their Square Number Constancy the green Smaragd Faith the clear Saphir Hope the red Granat Charity the bright Topaz good works How pretious these stones were in themselves is uncertain most sure it is they proved Dear to King John who might beshrow his own fingers for ever wearing those Rings and as my * Mat. Paris in Anno 1207. pag. 223. Author saith soon after gemmae commutatae in gemitus For in the second Letter the Pope recommended Stephen Langton to the Kings acceptance closely couching threats in case he refused him 5. King John returned an answer full of stomach and animosity King Johns return raising his voice to too high a note at first that this was an intolerable encroachment on his Crown and Dignity which he neither could nor would digest to have a stranger unknown unto him bred in forrein parts familiar with the French King his sworn enemy obtruded upon him for an Arch-Bishop He minded the Pope that he had plenty of Prelates in the Kingdome of England sufficiently provided in all kind of knowledge and that he need not to go abroad to seek for judgement and justice Anno Regis Job 10. intimating an intended defection from Rome Anno Dom. 1207. in case he was wronged Other passages were in his letter which deserved memory had they beeâ— as vigorously acted as valiantly spoken Whereas now because he fouly failed at last judicious ears hearken to his words no otherwise then to the empty brags of impotent anger and the vain evaporations of his discontentment However he began high not onely banishing the Monks of Canterbury for their contempt out of his Kingdome but also forbidding Stephen Langton from once entring into England 6. Hereupon Pope Innocent Three Bishops by command from the Pope Interdict the whole Kingdome the third employed three Bishops William of London Eustace of Ely and Mauger of Worcester to give the King a serious admonition and upon his denial or delaying to receive Stephen Langton for Arch-Bishop to proceed to Interdict the Kingdome of all Ecclesiasticall service saving Baptisme of Children Confession and the Eucharist to the dying in case of necessity which by them was performed accordingly No sooner had they Interdicted the Kingdome but with Joceline Bishop of Bath and Giles of Hereford they as speedily as secretly got them out of the Land like adventurous Empiricks unwilling to wait the working of their desperate Physick except any will compare them to fearfull Boyes which at the first tryall set fire to their squibs with their faces backwards and make fast away from them but the worst was they must leave their lands and considerable moveables in the kingdome behind them 7. See now on a sudden the sad face of the English Church Englands sad case under Interdiction A face without a tongue no singing of service no saying of Masse no reading of Prayers as for preaching of Sermons the lazinesse and ignorance of those times had long before interdicted them None need pity the living hearing the impatient complaints of Lovers for whose marriage no licence could be procured when he looks on the dead a Corpora defunctorum more Canum in Bivijs fossatis sine orationibus sacerdotum ministerio sepelibantur Matt. Paris pag. 226 who were buried in ditches like dogs without any prayers said upon them True a well informed Christian knows full well that a corps though cast in a bogge shall not stick there at the day of judgement thrown into a Wood shall then finde out the way buried by the high wayes side is in the ready Road to the Resurrection In a word that wheresoever a body be put or plac'd it will equally take the Alarum at the last Trumpet Yet seeing these People beleeved that a Grave in consecrated ground was a good step to Heaven and were taught that prayers after their death were essentaill to their Salvation it must needs put strange fears into the heads and hearts both of such which deceased and their friends which survived them And although afterwards at the intreaty of Stephen Langton the Pope indulged to conventuall b Antiq. Brit. in Steph Langton pag. 159. Churches to have Service once a Week Yet Parish Churches where the Peoples need was as much and number far more of souls as dear in Gods sight were debar'd of that benefit 8. Some Priests were well pleased that the Interdiction for a time should continue Two grand effects wrought by this Interdiction as which would render their persons and places in more reputation and procure a higher valuation of Holy mysteries Yea this fasting would be wholesome to some souls who afterwards would feed on Divine Service with greater appetite Hereby two Grand effects were generally produc'd in the Kingdom One a terrible impression made in mens mindes of the Popes Power which they had often heard of and now saw and felt whose long arm could reach from Rome all over England and lock the doors of all Churches there an Emblem that in like manner he had or might have bolted the Gates of Heaven against them The second an Alienation of the peoples hearts from King John all being ready to complain O cruell Tyrant over the souls of his Subjects whose wilfulnesse depriveth them of the means of their salvation King Johns innocence the Popes injustice in these proceedings 9. However if things be well weighed King John will appear meerly passive in this matter suffering unjustly because he would not willingly part with his undoubted right Besides suppose him guilty what equity was it that so many thousands in England who in this particular case might better answer to the name of Innocent then his Holinesse himself should be involved in his punishment God indeed sometimes most justly punisheth subjects for the defaults of their Soveraignes as in the case of the plague destroying the people for Davids numbring of them But it appears in the a Compare the 2 Sam. 74. 1 with the 1 Chron. 21. 1 Text that formerly they had been offenders and guilty before God as all men at all times are But seeing
the English at this present had not injured his Holinesse by any personall offence against him the Pope by Interdicting the whole Realme discovered as much emptinesse of Charity as plenitude of Power But some will say his bounty is to be praised that he permitted the People some Sacraments who might have denied them all in rigour and with as much right yea 't is well he Interdicted not Ireland also as a Countrey under King Johns Dominion deserving to smart for the perversnesse of their Prince placed over it 10. But after the continuance of this Interdiction King John by name excommunicated a year and upwards 1209. the horrour thereof began to abate 10. Use made ease and the weight was the lighter born by many shoulders Yea the Pope perceived that King John would never be weary with his single share in a generall Burden and therefore proceeded Nominatim to excommunicate him For now his Holinesse had his hand in having about this time excommunicated Otho the German Emperour and if the Imperiall Cedar had so lately been blasted with his Thunderbolts no wonder if the English Oak felt the same fire He also Assoiled all English subjects from their Allegiance to King John and gave not onely Licence but Incouragement to any Forreigners to invade the land so that it should not onely be no sinne in them but an expiating of all their other sinnes to conquer England Thus the Pope gave them a Title and let their own swords by Knight-service get them a Tenure 11. Five years did King John lie under this sentence of Excommunication Yet is blessed with good successe under the Popes curse in which time we find him more fortunate in his Martiall Affairs 1210. then either before or after 11. For he made a successefull voyage into Ireland as greedy a Grave for English Corps as a bottomlesse Bag for their Coin and was very triumphant in a Welsh Expedition and stood on honourable termes in all Foraine Relations For as he kept Ireland under his feet and Wales under his elbow so he shak't hands in fast friendship with Scotland and kept France at arms end without giving hitherto any considerable Advantage against him The worst was not daring to repose trust in his Subjects he was forced to entertain Forainers which caused his constant anxiety as those neither stand sure nor go safe who trust more to a staffe then they lean on their legs Besides to pay these Mercenary Souldiers he imposed unconscionable Taxes both on the English Clergy especially and Jews in the Kingdom One Jew there was of b Mat. Paris in Anno 1210. pag. 229 Bristoll vehemently suspected for wealth though there was no cleer Evidence thereof against him of whom the King demanded ten thousand Marks of silver and upon his refusall commanded that every day a Tooth with intolerable torture should be drawn out of his head which being done seven severall times on the eight day he confessed his wealth and payed the fine demanded who yeelding sooner had sav'd his teeth or stubborn longer had spar'd his money now having both his Purse and his Jaw empty by the Bargain Condemn we here mans cruelty and admire heavens justice for all these summes extorted from the Jews by temporall Kings are but paying their Arrerages to God for a debt they can never satisfie namely the crucifying of Christ 12. About the same time The Prophesie of Peter of Wakefield against K John one Peter of Wakefield in Yorkshire a Hermit 1212. prophesied that John should be King of England 13. no longer then next Ascension-day after which solemn Festivall on which Christ mounted on his glorious Throne took possession of his heavenly Kingdom this Oppose of Christ should no longer enjoy the English Diadem And as some report he foretold that none of King Johns linage should after him be crowned in the Kingdom Anno Regis Joh. 13. The King called this Prophet an a Fox Martyr pag. 229. Idiot-Knave Anno Dom. 1212. which description of him implying a contradiction the King thus reconciled pardoning him as an Idiot and punishing him as a Knave with imprisonment in Kors-Castle The fetters of the prophet gave wings to his prophesie and whereas the Kings neglecting it might have puft this vain Prediction into wind men began now to suspect it of some solidity because deserving a wise Princes notice and displeasure Farre and neer it was dispersed over the whole Kingdom it being b Cominaeus faith that the English are never without some Prophesie on foot generally observed that the English nation are most superstitious in beleeving such reports which causeth them to be more common here then in other Countries For as the Receiver makes the Thief so popular credulity occasioneth this Propheticall vanity and Brokers would not set such base ware to sale but because they are sure to light on chapmen 13. Leave we the person of this Peter in a dark Dungeon 14. and his credit as yet in the Twilight 1213. betwixt Prophet and Impostor to behold the miserable condition of King John King Johns submission to the Pope perplexed with the daily preparation of the French Kings Invasion of England assisted by many English Male-contents and all the banish'd Bishops Good Patriots who rather then the fire of their Revenge should want fuel would burn their own Countrey which bred them Hereupon King John having his soul battered without with forrain fears and foundred within by the falsenesse of his Subjects sunk on a sudden beneath himself to an act of unworthy submission and subjection to the Pope For on Ascenision Eve May 15. being in the town of Dover standing as it were on tip-toes on the utmost edge brink and labell of that Land which now he was about to surrender King John by an Instrument or Charter sealed and solemnly delivered in the presence of many Prelates and Nobles to Pandulphus the Popes Legat granted to God and the Church of Rome the Apostles Peter and Paul and to Pope Innocent the third and his Successours the whole Kingdom of England and Ireland And took an Estate thereof back again yeelding and paying yeerly to the Church of Rome over and above the Peter-pence a thousand Marks sterling viz. 700. for England and 300. for Ireland In the passing hereof this ceremony is observable that the Kings Instrument to the Pope was * Both Instruments for the present were but sealed with Wax and the next yeer solemnly embossed with mettall in the presence of Nicholas the Popes Legat. sealed with a seal of Gold and the Popes to the King which I have beheld and perused remaining amongst many rarities in the Earl of Arundels Library was sealed with a seal of Lead Such bargains let them look for who barter with his Holinesse alwayes to be losers by the contract Thy silver saith the c Isai 1. 22. The Rent never paid the Pope nor demanded
a By-Foundation of Postmasters in this House a kinde of Colledg in the Colledg and this Tradition goeth of their Original Anciently there was over against Merton Colledg a small un-endowed Hall whose Scholars had so run in arrears that their opposite neighbours out of charity took them into their Colledg then but nine in number to wait on the Fellows But since they are freed from any attendance and endowed with plentiful maintenance M r Willet being the first Benefactor unto them in that nature whose good example hath provoked many to follow his liberality These most justly conceive themselves much honoured in that Bishop Jewel was a postmaster before removed hence to be Fellow of Corpus Christs Colledg We take our farewell of this House when we have told it consisted lately viz. 1635. of one Warden twenty one Fellows fourteen a The same I conceive with the Postmasters Scholars besides Officers and Servants of the foundation with other Students the whole number being eighty 9. Come we now to the Kings retrenching the Popes power The Church ready to eat up the Common-wealth grown so exorbitant in England A principall part whereof consisted in the multitude of Monasteries daylie increasing in wealth and all at the Popes absolute devotion If posterity had continued at this rate to build and endow Religious Houses all England would in short time have turned one entire and continued Monastery and the inhabitants thereof become either Friers or Founders Where then should be any Souldiers to fight the Kings battels Seamen to steer his ships Husbandmen to plough the Kings land or rather any land of his to be ploughed by husbandmen 10. Besides The mischief of Mortmain to the Crown though these Friers had a living-hand to take and receive from any they had Mortmaine a dead-hand to restore and return any profit to the King again Yea such alienation of lands in Mortmaine setled on Monasteries which as Corporations neither married nor died afforded neither Wards Marriages Reliefs nor Knights-service for the defence of the Realm in a word enriched their private coffers impoverished the publick Exchequer It was not therefore such a dead band which could feed so many living mouthes as the King for his state and safety must maintain Wherefore for the future he restrain'd such unlimited Donatives to Religious Houses 11. Ignorance makes many men mistake meer transcripts for Originals This Law not new but renewed So here the short-fighted vulgar sort beheld the Kings Act herein as new strange and unprecedented whereas indeed former times and forein Princes had done the like on the same occasion First we finde some countenance for it in a Exod 36. 6. Scripture when Moses by proclamation bounded the overflowing bounty of the people to the Tabernacle And in the Primitive times Theodosius the Emperor although most loving and favourable to the Clergie made a Law of A Mortisation or Mortmain to moderate peoples bounty to the Church Yet a great Father Jerome by name much disliked this Act as appears by his complaint to Nepotian of that Law I am ashamed to say it the Priests of Idols Stage-players Coach-men and common Harlots are made capable of inheritance and receive Legacies only Ministers of the Gospel and Monkes are barred by Law thus to do and that not by Persecutors but by Christian Princes But that passionate Father comes off well at last neither do I complain of the Law but I am sorry we have deserved to have such a Law made against us 12. b In his 31. Epist S t Ambrose likewise expresseth much anger on the same occasion out of his general zeal for the Churches good Ambrose angry with Mortmaine But had the aforesaid Fathers men rather pious then politick good Church-men no States-men seen the Monasteries swollen in revenues from an inch in their dayes to an ell by peoples fondness yea dotage on the four sorts of Friers in King Edwards Reign they would no doubt instead of reproving have commended his and the neighbouring Kings care for their Common-wealths 13. For the like laws for limiting mens liberality The Statute of Mortmaine were lately made in Spain and France and now at last followed by King Edward according to the tenour ensuing WHere of late it was provided Anno Dom. 1279. that religious men should not enter into the fees of any without licence and will of the chief Lords of whom such fees be holden immediately Anno Regis Ed. 〈◊〉 7. Nov. 4. And notwithstanding such religious men have entered as well into their own sees as in the fees of other men approprying and buying them and sometime receiving them of the gift of others whereby the services that are due of such fees and which at the beginginning were provided for defence of the Realme are wrongfully without own and the chief Lords do leese their Escheats of the same we therefore to the profit of our Realm intending to provide convenient remedy by the advice of our Prelates Earls Barons and other our subjects being of our Councel have provided made and ordained That no person Religious or other whatsoever he be that will buy or sell any Lands or Tenements or under the colour of Gift or Lease or that will receive by reason of any other title whatsoever it be Lands or Tenements or by any other Craft or Engine will presume to appropriat to himself under pain of forfeiture of the same whereby such Lands or Tenements may any wise come into Mortmaine We have provided also That if any person religious or other do presume either by Craft or Engine to offend against this Statute it shall be lawful to us and other chief Lords of the Fee immediately to enter in the land so aliened within a year from the time of their alienation and to hold it in fee and as Inheritance And if the chief Lord immediately be negligent and will not enter into such Fee within the year then it shall be lawful to the next chief Lord immediate of the same Fee to enter in the said land within half a year next following and to hold it as before is said and so every Lord immediate may enter into such Land if the next Lord be negligent in entering into the same Fee as is aforesaid And if all the chief Lords of such Fees being of full age within the four Seas and out of prison be negligent or slack in this behalf we immediately after the year accomplished from the time that such purchases Gifts or Appropriations hap to be made shall take such tenements into our hand and shall enfeoffe others therein by certain Services to be done to Us for the defence of our Realm saving to the chief Lords of the same Fees their Wardes and Escheats and other Services thereunto due and accustomed And therefore we command you that ye cause the foresaid Statute to be read before you and from henceforth to be kept firmly and observed
from the Pope and why where having been so great a stickler for his Holiness insomuch that his present disfavour with the King was originally caused by his activity for the Pope he might rationally have expected some courtesie But though he had used both his hands to scrape treasure for the Church of Rome the Pope would not lend his least finger to his support but suspended him from office and benefit of his place till he should clear himself from the crime of Treason wherewith he was charged Whether done to procure reputation to the Justice of the Court of Rome where in publick causes men otherwise privately well deserving should finde no more favour there then they brought innocence thither Or because which is most probable the Pope loved the Arch-Bishoprick better then the Arch-Bishop and knew during his suspension both to increase his profit and improve his power in England by such cunning Factors as he imployed in the business namely William de Testa and Peter Amaline both strangers to whom the Pope committed the sequestration of Canterbury whilest the cause of Wincelsey did as yet depend undetermined 8. These by Papal Authority A signal piece of Justice don by forein Sequestrators summoned before them John Salmon Bishop of Norwich for exacting the first-fruits of vacant Benefices from the Clergie of his Diocess The case was this Some sixty years since Pandulph an Italian and Popes Legat a perfect Artist in progging for money being Bishop of Norwich c Harpsfield Hist Eccl. Aug. in Seculo 13. cap. 15. pretending his Church to be in debt obtained of his Holiness the first-firuits of vacant Benefices in Norfolk and Suffolk to discharge that engagement This Grant to him being but personal local and temporary was improved by his Successors to a constant revenue yea covetousness being an apt Scholar and profit an easie lesson this example was followed by other English Bishops in their respective Diocesses Behold here a piece of exemplary Justice Who could have look'd for less the illegality of these payments appearing but that the Clergie should be eased of them Whereas these forein Sequestrators did order that generally throughout England the first-fruits of all spiritual promotions falling void next for three years should be paid over to the Popes Chamber at Rome onely d Antiquitates Britan. p. 208. Cathedral and Conventual-Churches were excepted herein No reason is rendered why the burden fell on parish-Parish-Churches except any will say that the Ass must bear more then the Horse and the load is best laid on that beast which hath least mettle to kick it off and throw it down Englands gald backâ—â— changes a full flie for an hungry one the poor Parochial Clergie being most unable to resist the usurpation of his Holiness 9. Afterwards this William Testa who according to his name came over an empty shell but departed with the kernel of the English wealth complained of for his extortion a Câ—ntra intemperantem Testa 〈◊〉 publiâ—e in Parliamentâ— querlae quod Clerum immoderatè emuâ—geret Harpssield p. 431. to the Parliament was called home and Peter a Spanish Cardinal sent in his room where he concluded and celebrated a marriage betwixt Prince Edward and Isabel the King of France his Daughter Towards the bearing of his charges this Cardinal required twelve mark of all Cathedrals and Convents and of parish-Parish-Churches eight pence out of every mark of their yearlie revenue But the King made him content with the moity of his demand 10. Mean time intollerable were the taxes which the English Clergie paid to Rome The infinite wealth Rome yearly drained from England The Poets faigne Arethusa a River in Armenia to be swallowed up by the earth and running many miles under the Ocean in Sicilie they say it vents it self up again But without any fiction the wealthy streams flowing from a plentiful spring in England did suddenly disappear and being insensibly conveyed in invisible chanels not under but over the Sea were found far off to arise afresh at Rome in the Popes Treasury where the Italians though being themselves bred in a clear and subtile Climate they scorn'd the dulness of the wits and hated the gross ayre of this Island yet hugg'd the heaviness of the gold thereof this Kingdom being one of the best places for their profit Although proud b In Consut Apolog Harding saith that the Popes yearly gains out of England were but as a GNAT to an ELEPHANT Oh the over-grown Beast of Romes Revenues 11. The death of King Edward the first The death character of K. Edward the first gave a great advancement to the Popes incroaching A worthy Prince he was 1307 fixed in his generation betwixt a weak Father 35. and son as if made wise and valiant by their Antiperistasis Equally fortunate in drawing and sheathing the sword in war and peace having taught the English loyaltie by them almost forgotten and the Welsh subjection which they never learn'd before In himself religiously disposed founded the famous c Camd. Brit. in Cheshire Abbey of Val-royal for the Cistercians in Cheshire and by Will bequeathing thirty two thousand pounds to the Holy War Obedient not servile to the See of Rome A soe to the pride and friend to the profession of the Clergie whom he watered with his bounty but would not have to spread so broad as to justle or grow so high as to overtop the Regal Authority Dying in due time for himself almost seventy year old but too soon for his Subjects especially for his Son whose giddy youth lack'd a guide to direct him In a word As the Arm of King Edward the first was accounted the measure of a yard generally received in England so his actions are an excellent model and a praise-worthy platform for succeeding Princes to imitate 12. Edward his Son Wincelsey at the request of K. Edward the second restored to his Arch. Bishoprick by Letters to the Pope requested that Robert Wincelsey might be restored to his Arch-Bishoprick which was done accordingly though he returned too late to Crown the King which solemnity was performed by Henry Woodlock Bishop of Winchester Here let the peaceable Reader part two contrary reports from fighting together both avowed by Authors of credit d Harpsfield Hist Ecc. Aug pag. 440. Some say Wincelsey after his return receiv'd his profits maim'd and mangled scarce amounting to half and that poor pittance he was fain to bestow to repair his dilapidated Palace Others report his revenues not less'ned in quantity and increas'd in the intireness were paid him all in a lump insomuch that hereby having learn'd thrift in exile to live of a little he speedily became the richest of all his e Antiq. Brit pag. 209. ex Adame Mumâ—â—ten Predecessors so that he gained by losses and it was his common Proverb that There is no hurt in adversity where there hath been no iniquity and many make his
100. Kings nursing Fathers to this house Monaesteries and I cannot but smile at such who will have O Royal as a Pathetical admiration of Princely Magnificence 11. However I do not deny but that the Kings of England have been very indulgent to this Foundation For besides King Edward the second the Founder thereof his Son King Edward gave unto them the Hospital of Saint Bartholmews nigh Oxford with Lands to maintain eight poor people subject to the government of the Provost and Fellows of this Colledge Besides King James being informed of some Legal defects in this Foundation granted them a new Corporation Cavill-proof against all exceptions 12. This Colledge being much decayed Lately rebuilded most decently Anthony Blencow late Provost bequeathed twelve hundred pounds to the new building of a Front thereof Which being done lest it should be a disgrace to the rest of the Fabrick the whole Colledge is rebuilt in a most decent manner Provosts Anno Dom. 1324. Adam Brown Anno Regis Ed. secun 16 William de Leverton William de Hankesworth William Daventre William Colyntre John Middleton John Possell William Corff Thomas Lintlewarden Henry Kayle Nicholas Barry John Carpenter Walter Lyhart John Hales Henry Sampson Thomas Hawkins John Taylower Thomas Cornish Edmund Mylforde James Morc Thomas Ware Henry Myn. William Haynes John Smith Roger Marbeck John Belly Anthony Blencowe Dr. Lewes Dr. Tolson Dr. Sanders Benefactors John Franke gave four Fellowships John Carpenter Bishop of Worcester gave one Fellowship William Smith Bishop of Lincolne gave one Felship Richard Dudley D. D. gave two Fellowships two Exhibitions Bishops John Carpenter Bishop of Worcester Learned Writers William Allen Cardinal * Before or after of Christ-church S r Walter Rawleigh William Prin. So that lately were maintained therein one Provost eighteen Fellows one Bible-Clerk twelve Exibitioners with Commoners and Colledge Officers amounted to one hundred and sixty 13. Let us cast our eye on the Common-wealth only War between the Queen and King as it is the Ring wherein the Diamond of the Church is contained and that now full of Cracks caused by the severall state-factions The two Spencers ruled all things till the Queen and her Son who politiquely had got leave to go beyond the Seas returned into England with a Navy and Army landing in Suffolk She denounceth open war against her Husband unlessse he would presently conform to her desires 14. The King proclaimed that a thousand pound should be given to Him that brought the head of Roger Mortimer Counter-proclamations and counterrumours The Queen proclaimed such who had the better purse may give the greater price that whosoever brought the head of the young Spencer it seems his Father was not so considerable should have two thousand pounds The Queens party gave out that the King of France had sent over a vast Army for her assistance Anno Regis Ed. secun 18 and the Kings side Anti-rumoured who could raise reports easier then Armies that the Pope had excommunicated all such who sides against him Anno Dom 1326 now though both reports were false they made true impressions of hope in such hearts as beleeved them 15. Three wayes were presented to King Edward The King unable to fight Fight Flight and Concealment the first he was unable to doe having no effectuall Forces only able for a time to defend the Castle of Bristol till many of his Complices were taken therein a Tower therein given out to be undermined being indeed undermonied with bribes to the defenders thereof Here the elder Spencer was taken and executed 16. Flight was no lesse unsafe then dishonourable And flee For his Kingdome being an Island the Sea would quickly put a period thereunto Indeed there was some thoughts of his Flight into Ireland which was no better then out of a dirty way into a very Bogg besides great the difficulty to recover the Sea and greater to passe over it all Ports and passages were so way-layed 17. Concealment was at the last resolved on After a short concealment is taken not as the best but only way of his security for a time he lay hid amongst the Welsh not able to help but willing to pitty him as a Native of their Countrey concealed in the Abby of Neath till men are sent down with money no such ligh as the shine of silver wherewith to discover a person enquired for and soon after he was betrayed into their hands The younger Spencer taken with him is hung on a Gallows fiftie foot high and the promised two thousand pounds were duly payed and equally parted betwixt severall persons imployed in his apprehension 18. Many Persons of quality were sent down from the Parliament then sitting King Edward resigneth his Crown to King Edward to Kenelworth Castle to move alias to command him to resign the Crown which at last he sadly surrendred Sir William Trussel a Lawyer of great abused abilities being rather to make then finde a precedent in this kinde improved his witts in the formalities thereof Soon after Prince Eward his Son is Crowned King whose Father is now no more then plain Edward of Caernarvon though his mother whose title was Relative to and a Derivative from her Husband the dethroned King was now more Queen Isabel then ever before Thus the degradation of a Knight as some have informed me extendeth not to his Wife who by the courtesie of England if once is ever a Lady 19. Edward late King He is rejected by his own wife with many Letters Solicited to be admitted into the Queens company All in vain she found embraces at a lesse distance dearer unto her preferring the society of a Lord who in effect had deposed a King before a King who had deposed himself She made many excuses of sickness and indisposition to enjoy him So easily can that Sex make plausible pretences that they cannot what they will not do 20. Roger Mortimer And cruelly murthered whose lust and revenge was equally unsatiable could not be quiet whilst King Edward was alive he feared King Edward was might play an after game of affection in his Subjects in order therefore to his death he is removed from Kenelworth where the Earl of Leicester his Keeper was suspected too sympathising with his sorrow unto Berkley Castle where he was barbarously butchered being struck into the Postern of his body with a hot spit as it is generally reported 21. Nothing now remaineth in this Kings reign A brace of loyal Subjects save to take notice how the Clergy understand such who were Active for Newters shall passe for none stand affected in this great State-difference I find not enough to call a number of the Bishops cordial to the King For besides Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter of whom before only John Stratford Bishop of Winchester heartily adhered unto him and yet this Stratford was imployed on a message from the Parliament to the King at
moderate the execution thereof 31. This year The institution of the Knights of the Garter Authors generally agree some few making it later 1350 viz. 25 after John K. of France was taken prisoner K. Edward instituted the Order of the Garter consisting of 1. One Chief Guardian or Soveraign being the King of England 2. Five and twenty Knights whereof the first set were termed Founders and their Successors ever since called Fellows or Companions of the Order 3. Fourteen Canons resident being Secular Priests 4. Thirteen Vicars or Chorol Priests 5. Twelve Military Gentlemen of the meaner sort decayed in age and estate commonly called the poor Knights of Winsor 6. One Prelate of the Garter being alwaies the Bishop of Winchester 7. One Chancelour thereof being antiently the Bishop of Salisbury in whose Diocesse Winsor is but lately a Lay-Person The truly Honourable and well experienced Statesman and Traveller Sir Thomas Row if I mistake not was the last Chancelour of the Garter 8. One Register being alwaies the Dean of Winsor 9. One Usher who is one of the Ushers of the King his Chamber called the Black Rod. 10. A chief Herald added for the more Solemnitie by K. Henry the 5. and called Garter This Order the K. founded within his Castle of Winsor to the honour of Almighty God and the blessed Virgin Mary and of the glorious Martyr St. George and to the exaltation of the holy Catholick Faith 32. Four Essentials are requisite in the Persons Eligible into this Order The qualification of these Knights that they be Gentlemen of Name and Arms by Fathers and Mothers side for three descents Secondly that he be without spot or foule reproach understand it not convicted of Heresie or attainted of Treason Thirdly that he have a competent estate to maintain the dignity of the Order Fourthly that he never fled in the day of battle his Soveraign Lord or his Lieutenant in being in the field 33. Their habiliments are either ordinary Their habits as a Blew Ribbon with the picture of St. George appendent and the Sun in his Glory on the left shoulder of their Cloak added as some say by King charles being for their daily wearing or extraordinary as their Collar of S. S. their Purple Mantle their Gown Kirtle Chaperon and chiefly their Garter This being made of Blew is with Hony Soit qui male pense in Golden Letters enchased with precious stones fastened with a Buckle of Gold and worn on the left leg of the Fellows of this Order 34. They take an Oath Their Oath that to their power during the time that they are Fellows of the Order they shall defend the honour quarrel rights and Lordships of their Soveraign that they shall endeavour to preserve the honour of the Order and without fraud or Covin well observe the Statutes thereof This is taken absolutely by the Natives of this Kingdom but by Forrainers relatively and in part with their reference to some former Order 35. They oblige themselves Other Rites they are bound to observe first to be personally present without a just cause specified to and accepted by the Soveraign or his Deputy at Winsor on the Festival of St. George Secondly that if coming within two miles of that place except hindered by some important businesse they repair thither Anno Regis Ed. tertii 26. put on their Mantles Anno Dom. 1350. lying constantly Liegers there proceed to the Chappel and there make their Offering Thirdly that they be never openly seen without their GEORGE'S which they shall neither engage alien Fell nor give away on any necessity whatsoever Lastly that they take order their Garter at their death be safely and solemnly sent back to the Soveraign to confer the same on one to succeed him in the Order 36. I have done when I have told that their places may be vacated Order how voided on three occasions First by death which layeth this as all other honour in the dust Secondly by deprivation on the persons misdemeanour or want of the foresaid qualifications Thirdly by cession or surrender when a Forraign Prince entreth into enmity with this Crown is pleased to send his Garter back again 37. Excesse in Apparel began now to be great in England Excesse in apparel restrained which made the State take order to retrench it Some had a project that mens Cloatthes might be their signs to shew their Birth Degree or Estate so that the quality of an unknown person might at the first sight be expounded by his Apparrel But this was soon let fall as impossible Statesmen in all Ages notwithstanding their several laws to the contrary being fain to connive at mens Râ—ot in this kind which maintaineth more poor people than their charity However the ensuing passage must not be omitted 38. Item that the Clerks which have a degree in a Church 37 Cathedral 1361 Collegial or in Schools Rot. Tur. Lon. anno Ed. ter 37. and the Kings Clerks which have such an estate that requires Fur do and use according to the constitution of the same and all other Clerks which have above two hundred marks rent per annum use and do as Knights of the same rent And other Clerks under that rent use as Squires of an hundred pound rent * Pellure in the French Original And that all those aswell Knights as Clerks which by this Ordinance may use Fur in Winter by the same manner may use it in Summer 39. Passe we now from soft Furr Clergy-men injoyned to take up arms to hard Steel I mean a command from the King for the arming of all Clergy-men 40. And besides this 43 the King commands 1368 and requires all the Prelates there assembled Rot. in Tur. Londin anno Ed. tertii that in respect of the great danger and damage which perhaps might happen to the Realm and Church of England by reason of this war in case his Adversary should enter the Kingdom to destroy and subvert the same that they will put to their aid in defence of the Kingdom and cause their Subjects to be arraied aswell themselves and their religious men as Parsons Vicars and other men of holy Church whatsoever to abate the malice of his Enemies in case they should enter the Kingdom which Prelates granted to do this in aid and defence of the Realm and holy Church And so the Parliament ended Here we see More seâ—â—ed then hurt In hostes publicos omnes homo miles none are dispenced with to oppose an invading enemy But where were these Forraign Foes France and Scotland being now both of them ordered into a defensive posture whose invasion was expected Possibly these dangers were represented thorough State-Multiplying Glasses to quicken the care and continue the Taxes on the English Nation 41. The Lords and Commons in Parliament began now to find themselves much agrieved A petition against Clergy mens imployment in Secular places
and what the just measure of his judgment Many phrases heretical in sound would appear orthodox in sense Yea some of his poysonous passages dress'd with due caution would prove not onely wholsome but cordial truths many of his expressions wanting not granum ponderis but salis no weight of truth but some grains of discretion But now alas of the a Aeneaâ— Sylvius Hâ—â—â— Bohem pag. 78. two hundred books which he wrote being burnt not a tittle is left and we are sain to b So Jo. Bale contelleth Cent. 6. p. 451. borrow the bare titles of them from his adversaries from whom also these his opinions are extracted who winnow his works c Luke 22. 31. as Satan did Peter not to finde the corâ—â— but the chaff therein And how can did some Papists are in interpreting the meaning of Protestants appears by that cunning d See the book called Calvino Turcismus Chymist who hath distilled the spirits of Turcisme out of the books of Calvin himself 8. Now a Synod was called by Simon Sudbury 50. Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 1376 at Paul's in London the Parliament then sitting at Westminster whither Wicliffe was summoned to appear Wicliff appears before the Synod in Saint Pauls who came accordingly but in a posture and equipage different from expectation Four Fryers were to assist the Lord Piercy to usher John Duke of Lancaster to accompany him These Lords their enmity with the Prelates was all Wicliffes acquaintance with them whose eyes did countenance hands support and tongues encourage him bidding him to dread nothing nor to shrinke at the company of the Bishops for they are all unlearned said they in respect of you Great was the concourse of people as in populous places when a new sight is to be seen there never lack looke is on and to see this manbaiting all people of all kindes flock'd together 9. The Lord Piercy The brawle betwixt the Bishop and the Lords in the Church Lord Marshal of England had much ado to break thorow the croud in the Church so that the bustle he kept with the people highly offended the Bishop of London profaning the place and disturbing the Assembly Whereon followed a fierce contention betwixt them and left their interlocutions should hinder the intireness of out discourse take them verbatim in a Dialogue omitting onely their mutual railing which as it little became persons of honour to bring so it was flat against the profession of a Bishop to return who by the Apostles e 1 Tim. 3. 3. precept must be patient not a brawler Bish Courtney Lord Piercy if I had known before hand what maisteries you would have kept in the Church I would have stopt you out from coming hither Duke of Lancast He shall keep such masteries here though you say nay Lord Piercy Wicliffe sit down for you have many things to answer to and you need to repose your self on a soft seat Bish Courtney It is unreasonable that one cited before his Ordinary should sit down during his answer He must and shall stand Duke of Lancast The Lord Piercy his motion for Wicliffe is but reasonable And as for you my Lord Bishop who are grown so proud and arrogant I will bring down the pride not of you alone but of all the Prelacy in England Bish Courtney Do your worst Sir Duke of Lancast Thou bearest thy self so brag upon thy f His Father Hugh Courtney Earl of Devon-shire parents which shall not be able to help thee they shall have enough to do to help themselves Bish Courtney My confidence is not in my Parents nor in any man else but onely in God in whom I trust by whose assistance I will be bold to speak the truth Duke of Lancast Rather then I will take these words at his hands Anno Dom. 1376. I 'de pluck the Bishop by the hair out of the a Fox Martyr pag. 303. Harpsfield in Hist Wicliffiana cap. 5. pag. 683. Church Anno Regis Ed. 3. 50. These last words though but softly whispered by the Duke in the ear of one next unto him were notwithstanding over-heard by the Londoners who inraged that such an affront should be offered to their Bishop fell furiously on the Lords who were fain to depart for the present and for a while by flight and secresie to secure themselves whilest what outrages were offered to the Dukes palace and his servants Historians of the State do relate 10. Wonder not that two persons Why the Arch-Bishop and Wicliffe silent the while most concerned to be vocal were wholly mute at this meeting namely Simon the Arch-Bishop and Wicliffe himself The former rather acted then active in this business seeing the brawl happened in the Cathedral of London left the Bishop thereof to meddle whose stout stomach and high birth made him the meeter match to undertake such noble adversaries As for Wicliffe well might the Client be silent whilest such Councel pleaded for him And the Bishops found themselves in a dangerous Dilemma about him it being no pity to permit nor policy to punish one protected with such potent patrons Yea in the issue of this Synod they onely commanded him to forbear hereafter from preaching or writing his doctrine and how far he promised conformity to their injunctions doth not appear 11. In all this Synod Wicliffâ— opinions marvellously spread and why though Wicliffe made but a dumb shew rather seen then heard yet the noise of his success sounded all over the Kingdom For when a suspected person is solemnly summoned and dismissed without censure vulgar apprehensions not onely infer his innocence but also conclude either the ignorance or injustice of his adversaries In publique assemblies if the weaker party can so subsist as not to be conquered it conquers in reputation and a drawn battel is accounted a victory on that â—ide If Wicliffe was guilty why not punished if guiltless why silenced And it much advantaged the propagating of his opinions that at this very time happened a dangerous discord at Rome long lasting for above fourty years and fiercely followed begun betwixt Vrban the 6 th and Clement the 7 th One living at Rome the other residing at Avignon Thus Peters Chair was like to be broken betwixt two sitting down at once Let Wicliffe alone to improve this advantage pleading that now the Romish Church having two had no legal head that this monstrous apparition presaged the short life thereof and these two Anti-Popes made up one Anti-Christ In a word there was opened unto him a great door of utterance made out of that crack or cleft which then happened in this seasonable schisme at Rome 12. Edward The death character of King Edward the third the third of that name 1377 ended his life 51. having reigned a Jubilee ful fifty years A Prince no less succesful then valiant like an Amphibion He was equally active on water and land Witness
but b Ibid num 46. eight pence for the probate of a Will they now exacted greater summes then ever before to which as to other abuses some general reformation was promised 17. In the next Parliament called at Westminster Aliens debarred from holding benefices one of the greatest grievances of the Land was redressed 1379 namely 3. foreiners holding of Ecclesiastical benefices For at this time the Church of England might say with Israel * Lam. 5. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers our houses to aliens Many Italians who knew no more English then the difference between a teston and a a shilling a golden noble and an angel in receiving their rents had the fattest livings in England by the Pope collated upon them Yea many great c See the Catalogue of their names and numbers in Mr Fox pag. 562. Cardinals resident at Rome those hinges of the Church must be greased with English revenues were possessed of the best Prebends and Parsonages in the Land whence many mischiefs did ensue First they never preached in their Parishes Of such shepheards it could not properly be said that he d John 10. 12. leaveth the sheep and fleeth who though taking the title of shepheard upon them never saw their flock nor set foot on English ground Secondly no hospitality was kept for relief of the poor except they could fill their bellies on the hard names of their Pastours which they could not pronounce Lord Cardinal of Agrifolio Lord Cardinal d S t Angelo Lord Cardinal Veverino c. Yea the Italians genrally farmed out their places to Proctors their own Country-men who instead of filling the bellies grinded the faces of poor people So that what betwixt the Italian hospitality which none could ever see and the Latin Service which none could understand the poor English were ill fed and worse taught Thirdly the wealth of the Land leak'd out into forein Countries to the much impoverishing of the Common-wealth It was high time therefore for the King and Parliament to take notice thereof who now enacted that no aliens should hereafter hold any such preferments nor any send over unto them the revenues of such Benefices As in the Printed Statutes more largely doth appear 18. Whiles at this time Clergy and Laity cast durt each in others faces The Rebellion of Wat Tyler and Jack Straw and neither washed their own to punish both burst forth the dangerous rebellion of Wat Tiler and Jack Straw with thousands of their cursed company These all were pure Levellers inflamed by the abused eloquence of one John Ball an excommunicated Priest who maintaining that no Gentry was Jure Divino and all equal by nature When Adam delv'd and Eve span Who was then the Gentleman endeavoured the abolishing of all civil Anno Regis Ric. 2 4. and spiritual degrees Anno Dom. 1380 and distinctions Yea they desired to level mens parts as well as their purses and that none should be either wealthier or wiser then his fellows projected the general destruction of all that wore a pen-and-ink-horn about them or could write or read To effect this design they pretended the peoples liberty and the Princes honour and finding it difficult to destroy the King but by the King they advanced the name to pluck down the thing signified thereby crying up that all was for King Richard They seemed also to be much for Reformation which cloak they wore to warme themselves therewith when naked and first setting-up but afterwards cast it off in the heat of their success as not onely useless but burdensome unto them 19. The rabble divided into three compapanies As the Philistines a 1 Sam. 13. 17. came out in three companies to destroy all the swords and Smiths in Israel so this rabble of Rebells making it self tripartite endeavoured the rooting out of all pen-knives and all appearance of learning One in Kent under the aforesaid Wat and John the second in Suffolk the third under John Littstarre a Dier in Norfolke The former of these is described in the Latin verses of John Gower Prince of Poets in his time of whom we will bestow the following translation Watte vocat cui Thome venit neque Symme retardat Betteque Gibbe simul Hykke venire jubent Colle furit quem Gibbe juvat nocumenta parantes Cum quibus ad damnum Wille coire vovet Grigge rapit dum Dawe strepit comes est quibus Hobbe Lorkin in medio non minor esse putat Hudde ferit quos Judde terit dum Tebbe juvatur Jakke domosque viros vellit ense necat Tom comes thereat when call'd by Wat and Simm as forward we finde Bet calls as quick to Gibb and to Hykk that neither would tarry behinde Gibb a good whelp of that litter doth help mad Coll more mischief to do And Will he doth vow the time is come now he 'l joyn with their company too Davie complains whiles Grigg gets the gaines and Hobb with them doth partake Lorkin aloud in the midst of the croud conceiveth as deep is his stake Hudde doth spoil whom Judde doth foile and Tebb lends his helping hand But Jack the mad patch men and houses doth snatch and kills all at his command Oh the methodical description of a confusion How doth Wat lead the front and Jack bring up the rere For confusion it self would be instantly confounded if some seeming superiority were not owned amongst them All men without sir-names Tiler was but the addition of his trade and Straw a mock-name assumed by himself though Jack Straw would have been John of Gold had this treason took effect so obscure they were and inconsiderable And as they had no sir-names they deserved no Christian-names for their heathenish cruelties though to get them a name they endeavoured to build this their Babel of a general confusion 20. Many The barbarous outrages by them committed and heinous were the outrages by them committed especially after they had possessed themselves of London All shops and cellers were broken open and they now rusled in silk formerly ratling in leather now soked themselves in wine who were acquainted but with water before The Savoy in the Strand being the Palace of John Duke of Lancaster was plundered so was the Hospital of S t John's and S r Robert Hales Lord Prior therein and Treasurer of England slain But as their spight was the keenest at so the spoil the greatest on the Law well knowing that while the banks thereof stood fully in force the deluge of their intended Anarchy could not freely overflow They ransack'd the Temple not onely destroying many present Pleas written between party and party as if it would accord Plaintife and Defendant to send them both joyntly to the fire but also abolished many ancient Records to the loss of Learning and irrecoverable prejudice of posterity The Church fared as ill as the Temple and Simon Sudbury Arch-Bishop of Canterbury after many
our leave of this Bishop whosoever considers the vast buildings and rich endowments made by this Prelate besides his expence in repairing the Cathedral at Winchester will conclude such atcheivements unpossible for a Subject until he reflect on his vast Offices of preferments being Bishop of Winchester Rector of S t Martins Le Grand holding twelve Prebends in Comendam with it Anno Dom. 1392. Lord Privy-Seal Chancellor and Treasurer of England besides other places of meaner consequence Anno Regis Ric. 2. 16. Wardens Rich. Toneworth Nich. Wickam Tho. Cranely Rich. Malsorde Jo. Bouke Will. Escot Nich. Osylbury Tho. Chaundler Walt. Hill Will. Porter Jo. Reade Jo. Younge Jo. London Hen. Cole Ral. Skinner Tho. White Mart. Culpepper George Rives Arth. Lake Pink. Stringer Marshal Benefactors M r Rawlins S r Rich. Read K t. D r Newman D r Reeve Ward D r Martin Rob. Bell. D r Smith Bishops Will. Warham Arch-Bish of Cant. Will. Wainffet Bish of Winchester Jo. White Bish of Winchester Tho. Bilson Bish of Winchester Will. Knight Bish of Bath Wells James Turbervil Bish of Exeter Rob. Sherbourne Bish of Chichester Arth. Lake Bish of Bath and Wells Learned Writers Tho. Harding Tho. Nele Nich. Sanders Nich. Harpsfield Will. Reynolds * He was brother to Doct John Reynolds the great protestant Tho. Hide Jo. Marshall Tho. Stapleton Jo. Fenne Rich. White * He wrote a History of England Jo. Pits All violent maintainers of the Popish Religion S r HEN. WOOTTON D r Tooker Dean of Lichfield D r James Cook Arch-Dec of Winch. S r. Tho. Rives besides other elegant works for his VICARS PLEA S r James Hassee S r Hen. Martin D r Merideth Dean of Wells ARTHUR LAKE Bish of Bath and Wells William Twisse John White One may defie the suspicion of flattery if adding D r Harris the reverend Warden of Winchester D r Rich. Zouch not beholden to his Noble extraction for his Repute founded on his own worth and Books reprinted beyond the Seas D r Merick late Judg of the Prerogative but it is better to leave the characters of their worth to the thankfullness of the next Age to describe 32. Lately the Popes usurpation was grown so great Good Laws in due season in intrenching on the Crown that there was an absolute necessity seasonably to retrench his usurpation For albeit the Kings of England were as absolute in their demeans their Prelacy and Clergie as learned their Nobility as valiant and prudent their Commons as free and wealthy Anno Dom. 1393. as any in Christendom Yet had not some Laws of Provision now been made England had long since been turned part of S t Peters Patrimony in demeans Yea the Scepter wrested out of their Kings hands her Prelates made the Popes Chaplains and Clerks Nobility his servants and vassals Commons his slaves and villaines had not some seasonable Statutes of Manumission been enacted 33. For now came the Parliament wherein the Statute was enacted The Maul-Popes Statute of premunire which mauled the Papal power in England Some former laws had pared the Popes nailes to the quick but this cut off his fingers in effect so that hereafter his hands could not grasp and hold such vast summes of money as before This is called the Statute of PREMUNIRE and let not the Reader grudg the reading therof which gave such a blow to the Church of Rome that it never rcovered it self in this Land but dayly decayed till its finall destruction VVHereas the Commons of the Realm in this present Parliament have sued to our redoubted Lord the King grievously complaining that whereas the said our Lord the King and all his liege people ought of right and of old time were wont to sue in the Kings Court to recover their Presentments to Churches prebends and other benefices of holy Church to the which they had right to present the Conisance of Plea of which Presentment belongeth onely to the Kings Court of the old right of his Crown used and approved in the time of all his Progenitors Kings of England And when judgment shall be given in the same Court upon such a Plea and Presentment the Arch-Bishops Bishops and other Spiritual persons which have Institution of such Benefices within their jurisdictions be bound and have made Execution of such Judgments by the Kings commandements of all the time aforesaid without interruption for another Lay person cannot make such execution and also be bound of right to make execution of many other of the Kings commandements of which right the Crown of England hath been peaceably seised as well in the time of our said Lord the King that now is as in the time of all his Progenitors till this day But now of late divers Processes be made by the Bishop of Rome and censures of Excommunication upon certain Bishops of England because they have made execution of such commandements to the open disherison of the said Crown and destruction of our said Lord the King his Law and all his Realm if remedie be not provided And also it is said and a common clamor is made that the said Bishop of Rome hath ordained and purposed to translate some Prelates of the same Realm some out of the Realm and some from one Bishoprick into another within the same Realme without the Kings assent and knowledg and without the assent of the Prelates which so shall be translated which Prelates be much profitable and necessary to our said Lord the King and to all his Realme By which translations if they should be suffered the Statutes of the Realm should be defeated and made void and his said liege Sages of his Councel without his assent and against his will carried away and gotten out of his Realm and the substance and treasure of the Realm shall be carried away and so the Realm destitute as well of Councel as of substance to the final destruction of the same Realm And so the Crown of England which hath been so free at all times that it hath been in no earthly subjection but immediately subject to God in all things touching the realitie of the same Crown and to none other should be submitted to the Pope the Laws Statutes of the Realm by him defeated avoided at his will in the perpetual destruction of the Soveraigntie of the King our Lord his Crown his Regalitie of all his Realm which God defend And moreover the Commons aforesaid say that the things so attempted be clearly against the Kings Crown and Regality used and approved of the time of all his Progenitors Wherefore they and all the liege Commons of the same Realm will stand with our said Lord the King and his said Crown and his Regalitie in the cases aforesaid and in all other cases attempted against him his Crown and his Regalitie in all points to live and to die And moreover they pray the King and him require by way of justice that he would
worse did he finde it witness Leland thus praising him Praedicat Algerum meritò Florentia Dantem Italia numeros tota Petrarche tuos Anglia Chaucerum veneratur nostra Poëtam Cui veneres debet patria lingua suas Of Alger Dants Florence doth justly boast Of Petrarch brags all the Italian coast England doth Poet Chaucer reverence To whom our language ows its eloquence Indeed Verslegan a learned a In his restitution of de caied intelligence p. 203. Antiquary condemns him for spoiling the purity of the English tongue by the mixture of so many French and Latin words But he who mingles wine with water though he destroies the nature of water improves the quality thereof 49. I finde this Chaucer fined in the Temple two shillings A great enemy to Friers for striking a Franciscan Frier in Fleet-street and it seems his hands ever after itched to be revenged and have his penniworths out of them so tickling Religious-Orders with his tales and yet so pinching them with his truths that Friers in reading his books know not how to dispose their faces betwixt crying and laughing He lies buried in the South-Isle of S t Peters Westminster and since hath got the company of Spencer and Drayton a pair-royal of Poets enough almost to make passengers feet to move metrically who go over the place where so much Poetical dust is interred 50. Since the Abjuration last exemplified A short quiet in the Church we meet in this Kings Reign no more persecution from the Bishops We impute this not to their pity but other imployment now busie in making their applications to the new King on the change of government King Richard being now deposed 51. He was one of a goodly person The character of King Rich the second of a nature neither good nor bad but according to his company which commonly were of the more vicious His infancy was educated under several Lord Protectours successively under whom his intellectuals thrived as babes battle with many nurses commonly the worse for the change At last he grew up to full age and empty minde judicious onely in pleasure giving himself over to all licentiousness 52. As King Richard was too weak to govern Conspired against by Hen. the fourth so Henry Duke of Lancaster his Cousin-germane was too wilful to be governed Taking advantage therefore of the Kings absence in Ireland he combined with other of the discontented Nobility and draws up Articles against him some true some false some both as wherein truth brought the matter and malice made the measure Many misdemeanors mo misfortunes are laid to his charge Murdering the Nobility advancing of worthless Minions sale of justice oppression of all people with unconscionable taxations For such Princes as carry a forke in one hand Anno Regis Hen. 4 1. must bear a rake in the other and must covetously scrape to maintain what they causlesly scatter 53. Loosness brings men into streights at last And resigneth the Crown as King Richard may be an instance thereof Returning into England he is reduced to this doleful Dilemma either voluntarily by resigning to depose himself or violently by detrusion to be deposed by others His misery and his enemies ambition admit of no expedient Yea in all this Act his little judgment stood onely a looker-on whilest his fear did what was to be done directed by the force of others In hopes of life he solemnly resigneth the Crown but all in vain For cruel thieves seldom rob but they also kill and King Henry his Successour could not meet with a soft pillow so long as the other wore a warm head Whereupon not long after King Richard was barbarously murdered at Pomfret-Castle But of these transactions the Reader may satisfie himself at large out of our civil Historians 54. Onely we will add The baseness of the disloyal Clergy that the Clergy were the first that led this dance of disloyaltie Thomas Arundel now Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in the room of William Courtney deceased made a Sermon on Samuels words Vir dominabitur populo He shewed himself a Satyrist in the former a Parasite in the later part of his Sermon a Traitor in both He aggravated the childish weakness of King Richard his inability to govern magnifying the parts and perfections of Henry Duke of Lancaster But by the Arch-Bishops leave grant Richard either deservedly deposed or naturally dead without issue the right to the Crown lay not in this Henry but in Edmond Mortimer Earl of March descended by his mother Philippa from Lionel Duke of Clarence elder son to Edward the third This the Arch-Bishop did willingly conceal Thus in all State-alterations be they never so bad the Pulpit will be of the same wood with the Councel-board And thus ambitious Clergy-men abuse the silver trumpets of the Sanctuary who reversing them and putting the wrong end into their mouthes make what was appointed to sound Religon to signifie Rebellion 55. But whilest all other Churches in England rung congratulatory peales to King Henry his Happiness The couragious conscience of the Bishop of Carlile one jarring bell almost marr'd the melody of all the rest even Thomas Merks Bishop of Carlile For when the Lords in Parliament not content to Depose King Richard were devising more mischief against him up steps the aforesaid Bishop formerly Chaplain to the King and expresseth himself as followeth There is no man present worthy to pass his sentence on so a Bishop Gedwin in the Bishops of Carlile great a King as to whom they have obeyed as their lawful Prince full two and twenty years This is the part of Traitors Cut-throats and Thieves None is so wicked none so vile who though he be charged with a manifest crime we should think to condemn before we heard him And you do ye account it equal to pass sentence on a King anointed and Crowned giving him no leave to defend himself How unjust is this But let us consider the matter it self I say nay openly affirm that Henry Duke of Lancaster whom you are pleased to call your King hath most unjustly spoiled Richard as well his Soveraign as ours of his Kingdom More would he have spoken when the Lord Marshal enjoyned him silence for speaking too much Truth in so dangerous a time Since it seems some Historians have made up what more he would have said spinning these his Heads into a very large Oration though tedious to none save those of the Lancastrian faction 56. Here Innocency the lest Armour if ever did the Proverb take effect Truth may be blam'd but cannot be sham'd for although the rest of the Bishops being guilty themselves condemned him as discovering more Covent-devotion who originally was a Monk of Westminster then Court-discretion in dissenting from his Brethren Yet generally he was beheld as Loyalties a Confessor Anno Dom. 1400. speaking what became his calling Anno Regis Ric. 2 2. in discharge of his
They also complained With great earnestnesse that when such Merchants troubled in the Courts Christian addressed themselves for remedy to the Chancery and moved therein for a Prohibition which in such cases is to be granted unto them by vertue of a Statute made in the forty fift year of King Edward the third yet such a writ of Prohibition and attachment was against all law and right denyed them Wherefore they humbly desired the King to ordaine by authority of the present Parliament that such who shall find themselves grieved may hereafter have such writs of Prohibition and upon that Attachments aswell in the Chancery as in the Kings and Common-Bench at their choice * Ex Archivis in Tur. Londin undecimo Hen. sexti And that the said Writs of Prohibition and Attachment issuing out of the said Benches have the said force and effects as the Original writs of Prohibition and Attachment so issuing out of the Chancery of our Lord the King 70. To this it was returned Yet not fully redressed the King will be advised the civilest expression of a Denial However we may observe that for a full hundred years viz. from the middle of King Edward the third to and after this time no one Parliament passed wherein this Grievance was not complained on So that an Acorn might become an Oake and good Timber in the term wherein this molestation for the Tithes of wood under the pretence of Silva Cedua did continue But it seems it was well Ordered at last finding future Parliaments not complaining thereof 71. At this time William Linwood finished his industrious and usefull work of his Constitutions William Linwood his Constitutions set forth He was bred in Cambridge first Schollar of Gonvile then Fellow of Pembroke-Hall His younger years he spent in the studie of the Laws whereby he gained much wealth and more reputation Afterwards quitting his practice he betook himself to the Court and became Keeper of the Privie-Seale unto King Henry the fifth who employed him on a long and important Embassy into Spain and Portugal 72. Linwood being no less skilful in Civil than Canon Law First imployed Embassador into Portugal performed the place with such exemplarie industrie and judgement that had not the Kings suddain death prevented it he had been highly advanced in the Common-wealth Afterwards he reassumed his Officials place of Canterburie and then at spare houres collected and digested the Constitutions of the fourteen latter Archbishops of Canterbury from Stephen Langton to Henry Chicheley unto whom he dedicated the Work submitting the censure thereof to the Church 73. A worthy Work highly esteemed by forraign Lawyers not so particularly Provincial for England His work printed and prized beyond sea but that they are usefull for other Countries his Comment thereon being a Magazine of the Canon-Law It was printed at Paris 1505. but at the cost and charges of William Bretton an honest Merchant of London revised by the care of Wolfgangus Hippolius and prefaced unto by Jodocus Badius This Linwood was afterward made Bishop of Saint Davids whose works though now beheld by some as an Almanack out of date will be valued by the judicious whilst Learning and Civility have a being CENT XV. Anno Regis TO M r THOMAS RICH Anno Dom. Late of LONDON Esquire Great is the praise S. Paul * * Rom. 16. 23. gives to Gaius stiling him his host and of the whole Church Surely the Church then was very little or Gaius his house very large Now Hosts commonly are Corpulent persons but Gaius not so it being more then suspicious that he was afflicted with a faint body as may be collected from the words of ††3 John 2. S. John I wish that thou maist prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth You are Sir the Entertainer-general of good men many a poor Minister will never be wholly Sequestred whilest you are living whose Charity is like to the winde which cannot be seen but may be felt And God hath dealt with you more bountifully then with Gaius blessing you in all dimentions of Soul Body and Estate and my prayers shall never be wanting for the continuance and increase thereof 1. THis year began the smart and active Councel of Basil Hen. 6 12. to which our Ambassadours were to represent both their Soveraign 1434. and the English Nation English Ambassadors sent to Basil where they were received with honour and respect the reputation of King Henry his Holiness adding much to their credit Foraigners there being very inquisitive of them to be satisfied in the particulars of his devotion which by them was represented much to their Masters advantage But it is worth our pains to peruse the Commission they carried with them REx omnibus quos c. Anno Dom. 1434 salutem Anno Regis Hen. 6. 12. Sciatis quòd cum juxta decreta Constantiensis Concilii praesens Concilium Basileense actualiter celebretur sub sanctissimo Patre Domino Eugenio Papa quarto Nos eidem Concilio nedum ex parte ejusdem Concilii per suos Oratores nobis ex hac causa specialiter destinatos verum etiam Apostolicis Imperialibus ac aliorum quamplurimorum sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Patrum Principum saecularium literis creberrimè instigati ad Dei laudem sanctae Matris Ecclesiae prosperitatem optatam honorem praesertim ob fidei Catholicae exaltationem interesse cupientes variis diversis causis rationabiliter praepediti quo minus personaliter eidem interesse poterimus ut vellemus venerabiles Patres Robertum Londoniensem Philippum Lexovieasem Johannem Roffensem Johannem Bajocensem Bernardum Aquensem Episcopos ac carissimum consanguineum nostrum Edmundum Comitem Moritonii dilectos nobis Nicholaum Abbatem Glastoniensem Willielmum Abbatem Ecclesiae beatae Mariae Eborum Willielmum Priorem Norwincensem nec non dilectos fideles nostros Henricum Broumflete Militem Magistrum Thomam Broun utriusque Juris Doctorem Sarum Decanum Johannem Colluelle Militem Magistrum Petrum c c Or Maurison Mauricii Doctorem in Theologia Magistrum Nicholaum David Archidiaconum Constantiensem Licentiatum in utroque Jure nostros Ambassiatores Oratores veros indubitatos Procuratores Actores Factores Nuncios speciales constituimus facimus deputamus per praesentes dantes eis ipsorum majori parti potestatem mandatum tam generale quam speciale nomine nostro pro nobis in eodem Concilio interessendi tractandi communicandi concludendi tam de hiis quae fidei Orthodoxae fulcimentum Regumque ac principum pacisicationem concernere poterunt nec non de super pace perpetua guerrarúmve abstinentia inter Nos Carolum Adversarium nostrum de Francia ac etiam tractandi communicandi appunctuandi consentiendi insuper si opus fuerit dissentiendi hiis quae juxta deliberationem
do much unto whom Christ gave the i Speeds Chro. in H. 8. p. 766. Keys of the Kingdom of heaven hath no power to give a dispensation to any man to contract such Marriage In witness whereof we confirm this our judgment both under the Seal of our University as also with the Seal of our Colledg of Doctors of Divinity and have subscribed it in the Cathedral Church of Bonony this tenth of June in the year of our Lord 1530. 21. k De schismate Anglic. p. 60 61. Sanders hath little to say against so many and clear decisions of the Universities The Recusancy of other Universities onely he tels us that all the Kings Agents had not equal success in their Negotiations and particularly that one Hutton the Kings instrument herein could not bow those of Hamborough and Lubeck to express themselves against the Marriage But surely these two places were onely Gymnasia for I finde them not mentioned amongst the Dutch Universities Also he saith that Richard Crook another of the Kings Emissaries prevailed nothing on many Germane Professors and particularly he praiseth the University of Colen for their recusancy therein As for such who subscribed on the Kings side he pretends that Bribes bought their judgments as if our King Henry had learnt from King l Eccles 10. 19 Solomon that Money recompenceth all things The best is the cleanly hands of the Court of Rome had never no doubt any bribes sticking to their fair fingers But though that Englsh Angels flew over to foraign Universities yet there lieth a real distinction betwixt a Bribe and a Boon freely bestowed not to bow and bias their opinions but to gratifie their pains and remunerate their industry in studying of the point 22. As for our English Ambassadours at Rome Cranmer travelleth into Germany finding themselves onely fed with delaies no wonder if they were sharp set to return home All came back again save D r. Cranmer who took a journey to the Emperours court in Vieâ—â—a Here he grew acquainted with Cornelius Agrippa who had written a Book of the Vanity of Sciences having much of the Sciences but more of the vanity in himself Here also he conversed with many great Divines and satisfied some of them out of Scripture and Reason which formerly were unresolved in the unlawfulness of the Kings Marriage 23. A Parliament was now called The Clergy 〈…〉 praemunire wherein the Clergie were found guilty of a Praemunire 1531 because they had too much promoted the Papal interest and acted by vertue of his power to the damage and detriment of the Crown of England whereupon being willing to redeem their whole estates forfeited by 〈◊〉 they were glad to commute it into a summe of money the Clergy of the Province of Canterbury alone bestowed on the King one hundred thousand pounds to be paid by equal portions in the same year say some in four years say others and that in my opinion with more probability 24. But the King would not be so satisfied with the payment of the money Acknowledg the 〈…〉 of the Church except also they would acknowledg him to be Supreme Head of the Church This was hard meat and would not easily down amongst them however being thoroughly debated in a Synodical way both in the upper and lower houses of Convocation they did in fine agree on this expression cujus Ecclesiae Anglicanae singularem Protectorem unicum supremum Dominum quantum per Christi leges licet supremum caput ipsius Majestatem recognoscimâ—s 25. This thus consented unto Confirmed by Act of Parliament and subscribed by the hands of the Clergie as appears at large in the Records and Acts of the Convocation and so presented to the King in the name of his Clergie was afterwards confirmed by Parliament and incorporated into a solemn Act for the ratification thereof 26. During these transactions The death of Arch Bishop Warham William Warham 1532 Arch-Bishop of Canterbury ended his life 23. Aug. 23. A politick person well learned in the Laws generally reputed a moderate man though specially towards his latter end a still and silent persecutor of poor Christians He was first Parson of Barly in Hertford-shire as appears by an a Weavers Funeral Mon. inscription in that Church thence rising by degrees to great preferment In his Will he requested his Successour not to sue his b Antiq. Brit. pag. Executors for Dilapidations as having expended some thousands of pounds in repairing his several Palaces We verily believe his request was granted seeing Cranmer was free from all exacting in that kinde Sede vacante John Stokesly Bishop of London was President in the Convocation 27. Messengers are sent into Germany for Thomas Cranmer Cranmer sent for and unwilling accepteth the Arch-Bishoprick to finde him out and fetch him home with all possible speed the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury waiting his acceptance thereof The Post easily doth the first but Cranmer prolonged his journey by c Fox Acts Mon. p. 1703. seven weeks at the least hoping that in the mean time the King might forget him and confer the place on another being really unwilling to imbrace the preferment having aliquid intus something within him which reluctated against those superstitions through which he must wade in the way thereunto But there lieth no Nolo Episcopare against King Henry his Volo te Episcopum esse It being as mortal to refuse favours from him as to offer injuries to him Cranmer therefore now come home must in his own defence be Arch-Bishop who to serve the King and salve his own conscience used the expedient of a Protestation whereof hereafter 28. The Philosoper gives us this note of direction A preparative to Cranmers just defence whereby to finde out a vertue viz. that it is accused by both Extremes Thus Liberality is charged by Prodigals to be Covetousness by Covetous men to be Prodigality By the same proportion Cranmer appears a worthy Prelate taxed by Papists to be an Heretick by others no Papists as guilty of Superstition We will endeavour his just defence conceiving the Protestants cause much concerned therein the Legality of his Consecration having an influence on all the Bishops made by him Anno Regis Hen. 8 23. that of the Bishops making an impression on the Priests and Deacons by them ordained Anno Dom 1532 and their rightful ordination deriving validity to the Sacraments by them administred to all the members of the Church of England 29. A Papist a Becan contro Angl. c. 4. q. 9. n. 6. objects Cranmer lawfully consecrated non fuit consecratus ab ullo Episcopo sed à solo Rege intrusus that he was consecrated by no Bishop but thrust in by the King alone The falseness whereof doth appear on publick Record still to be seen in the Register being solemnly consecrated by John b Regist Cramn fol. 5.
distinction out of Scotus which the Arch-Bishop more valued then all which he had before more pertinently alledged out of the Old and New Testament 51. King Henry wrote a fair and large Letter to the Convocation of York King Henry his answer to York Convocation too long here to be inserted though otherwise I have a good a Communicated unto me by my good friend Dr Littleton Copy thereof wherein the King began mildly to make the passage for his Supremacy into their consciences by a Rational and Argumentative way He disclaimed all design by fraud to surprize or by force to captivate their judgments but onely to convince them of the Truth and Equity of what he desired He b It is printed in the second part of the Cabal declavered the sence of Supreme Head of the Church though offensive in the sound to ignorant ears claiming nothing more thereby then what Christian Princes in the Primitive times assumed to themselves in their own Dominions so that it seems he wrought so far on their affections that at last they consented thereunto 52. Here I wonder at the cavil of the Papists A couseless cavil which being so causleses should be so clamorous accusing us to have a c Harding against Jewel Parliament Religion a Parliament Faith a Parliament Gospel and d Scultingus another addeth Parliament Bishops and a Parliament Clergy Whereas upon serious examination it will appear that there was nothing done in the Reformation of Religion save what was acted by the Clergy in their Convocations or grounded on some Act of theirs praecedent to it with the advice counsel and consent of the Bishops and most eminent Church-men confirmed upon the Postfact and not otherwise by the Civil Sanction according to the usage of the best and happiest times of Christianity 53. By the same proportion in the dayes of Queen Mary the Popish Religion The Cavil retorted might have been stiled a Parliament Religion because after the same had been debated on and concluded of in the Convocation it was confirmed by the Queen Lords and Commons by the Act of Parliament SECT III. Anno Regis To the Right Worshipful Anno Dom. Sir RICHARD SHVGBOROVGH OF SHUGBOROUGH in Warwick-shire MAster Haward returned this answer to Queen Mary demanding the causes of his coming to Court that it was partly to see Her Highness and partly that Her Highness should see him an answer which though more witty then Court-like yea more blunt then witty she took in good part You will not be offended at this my Dedication partly that I may know you partly that I may be known unto you Besides being informed that you love to have your Hospital Table handsomly attended with Ancient Servitors I presumed that this Section containing much of memorable Antiquity would not be unwelcome unto you 1. NOw though nothing was done in matters of Religion Hen. 8 25. but what was fairly and largely discussed 1533 first by the most Learned of the Clergy The Clergie bind themselves to the King yet this year the Clergy in the Convocation so submitted themselves to the King that each one severally promised in verbo Sacerdotis never henceforth to presume to alledg claim or put in ure any new Canons unless the Kings most Royal Assent might be had unto them and this soon after the same was ratified by Act of Parliament 2. And here it will be worth my pains A fourfold sort of Convocations and the Readers perusal to observe the differences between English Synods or Convocations which may eminently be distinguished into four ranks such as were 1. Called before the Conquest Anno Regis Hen. 25 2. Called since the Conquest but before the Statute of Praemunire was made 3. Called after the aforesaid Statute but before another made in the Reign of King Henry the eighth wherein the Clergie were bound up for doing ought without the Royal assent 4. Called after the twenty fifth year of the Reign of King Henry the eighth These did plainly differ in the several manners of their meeting and degrees of power of their acting in Spiritual matters 3. As for Councels Kings Acted in Church matters before the Conquest called before the Conquest whilest the Popes power had not as yet Lorded it over the Kings of England the Kings ever were if not in person in power present thereat as by perusing S r Henry Spelmans Councils plainly doth appear Yea matters both of Church and Common-wealth were often dictated and concluded in the same Meeting Communi consensutam Cleri quam a Sir Henry Spelman Anno 605. pag. 118. Populi Episcoporum procerum comitam nec non omnium Sapientum Seniorum populorumque totius Regni 4. For the second sort called after the Conquest Of the second sort of Convocations but before the Statute of Praemunire the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury or York used-upon all extraordinary and immergent cases toties quoties as their own discretions adjudging necessary or convenient to assemble the Clergie of their respective Provinces at what place they pleased dontinuing Convocations in them so long or dissolving them as soon as they pleased And this they did either as Metropolitans or Primates or as Legati Nati to the Pope of Rome without any leave from the King afore obtained and such Canoas and Constitutions then and there concluded on were in that Age without any further Ratification obligatory to all subjected to their jurisdiction Such were all the Synods from Lanckfranck to Thomus Arundel in whose time the Satute of Praemunire was enacted 5. A Third sort of Convocation succeeds For after the Statute of Praemunire was made Of the third sort of Convocations which did much restraine the Papal power and subject it to the Laws of the Land when Arch-Bishops called no more Convocations by their sole and absolute command but at the pleasure of the King as oft as his necessities and occasions with the distresses of the Church did require it Yea now their meetings were by vertue of a Writ or Precept from the King and it will not be amiss here to exemplifie the form thereof 6. REX The form of ancient Writs of Convocations c. Reverendissimo in Christo Patri A. Canturiensi Archiepiscopo totius Angliae primati Apostolicae sedis legato salutem Quibusdam arduis urgentibus negotiis defensionem securitatem Ecclesiae Anglicanae ac pacem tranquillitatem bonum publicum desensionem Regni nostri subditorum restrorum ejusdem concernentibus vobis in fide dilectione quibus nobis tenemini rogando mandamus quatenus praemissis debito intuitu attentis ponderatis universos singulos Episcopos nostrae Provinciae ac Decanes Praecores Ecclesiarum Cathedralium Abbates Priores alios Electivos Exemptos non Exemptos Nec non Archidiaconos Conventus Capitula Collegia totumque Clerum cujuslibet Dioeceseos
have nothing left unto me for to provide any better but as my b b Robert Fisher brother of his own purse laieth out for me to his great hinderance Wherefore gode Master Secretary estsones I beseche yow to have som pittie pon me and let me have such things as bar necessary for me in mine Age and especially for my health and also that it may please yow by yowr high wysdome to move the Kings Highnesse to take me unto his gracious favour againe and to restore me unto my liberty out of this cold and painful Imprisonment whereby ye shall bind me to be yowr pore beadsman for ever unto Almighty God who ever have yow in his protection and custody Other twain things I must also desyer upon yow first oon is that itt may please yow that I may take some Preest within the Tower by th'assignment of Master Livetenant to have my confession against my hooly tym That other is that I may borrow some bookes to stir my devotion mor effectually theis hooly dayes for the comfortte of my sowl This I beseche yow to grant me of yowr charitie And thus our Lord send yow a mery Christenmas and a comfortable to yowr heart desyer Att the Tower this xxij day of December Your poor Beadsman JOHN ROFFE His first petition for cloaths was granted him having exchange thereof at his execution and it is probable the other two petitions being so reasonable were not denied him 19. During his durance in the Tower he was often and strictly examined Ann. Regis HeÌ„ 8. 27. before Sir Edmund Walsingham Lieutenant thereof His often exminations by Thomas Bedyll and Richard Layton Clerks of the Councell and was sworn in verbo Sacerdotii to answer to many Interrogatories but chiefly concerning four subjects First Off 〈…〉 about the King's Divorce wherein he was alwaies constant to what he had printed of the unlawfulnesse thereof Secondly about His Supremacy which at last he peremptorily denyed Thirdly about his concealing the Imposture of Elizabeth Barton the Maide of Kent wherein he confessed his weaknesse and over-easie beliefe but utterly denied any ill Intentions to the King's Person Fourthly about the Statute of Succession wherein as appears by his Letter to * Extant in Sir Thomas Cottons Library Secretary Cromwell he was content to subscribe and swear to the body but not to the Preamble thereof 20. Which words therein Taketh offence â— the Preface 〈…〉 so offensive to Fisher except there be any other unprinted Preface to this Statute were these The Bishop a See in printed Statutes 25 of Hen. 8. cap. 22 p. 558. of Rome and See Apostolick contrary to the great and inviolable grants of Jurisdiction by God immediately to Emperours Kings and Princes in Succession to their Heires hath presumed in times past to invest who should please them to inherit in other mens Kingdomes and Dominions which thing we Your most humble Subjects both Spiritual and Temporal doe most abhorre and detest 21. Here I know not whether more to commend the policy or charity of Archbishop Cranmer desiring in a Letter to b ex Litt. MS. in Bib Corion Secretary Cromwell that this partial subscription which Bishop Fisher proffered Archbishop Cranmer his 〈◊〉 charity to the Statute of Succession might be accepted adding that good use mighe be made thereof to the King's advantage such generall reputation the World had of this Bishop's Learning and of Sir Thomas Moore 's both which it seems went the same path and pace and in this point started 〈◊〉 and stopp'd together Indeed it was not good to strain such fine springs too high which possibly moistened with milde usage might in processe of time have been stretched to a further compliance But it seems nothing at present would satisfie except both of them came up to the full measure of the King's demands 22. As for Bishop Fisher his concealing the pretended Prophesies of Elizabeth Barton Fisher concealing Bartons forgeries waved it was so farre waved that he was never indicted for the same And indeed he made an ingenuous Plea for himself namely that the said Elizabeth had told him she had acquainted the King therewith yea he had assurance thereof from the c in his Letter to the King in bib Cotton Archbishop And therefore knowing the King knew of it before he he was loath to hazard His displeasure in that which was not revealing what was unknown but repeating what would be unwelcome to His Grace 23. But not long after Yâ—t how indicted why condemned he was arreigned of high Treason and it will not be amisse to insert the sting of the Indictment out of the Originall DIversis Domini Regis veris * May 7. subditis falsè malitiosè proditoriè loquebatur propalabat videlicet * His 〈◊〉 were spoken May 7. in the Tower of London but he arraigned afterwards The King owre Soveraigne Lord is not Supreme Hed ynerthe of the Cherche of England In dicti Domini Regis immund despect vilipendium manifest Of this he was found guilty had Judgment and was remanded to the Tower where for a time we leave him and proceed 24. Thus was the power of the Pope totally abolished out of England Papists unjustly charge us for Schismaticks whereof the Romanists at this day doe bitterly complain but can revenge themselves no other way save by aspersing us as guilty of Schisme and Separation for rending our selves from the mother-Mother-Church Blame us not if loath that the Church of England in whose Doctrine and Discipline we were born and bred and desire to die should lie under so foule and false an Imputation which by the following Narrative may fully be confuted 25. Three things are Essential to justifie the English Reformation Three Essentials in Reformation from the scandal of Schisme to shew that they had 1. Just cause for which 2. True authority by which 3. Due moderation in what they deceded from Rome 26. The first will plainly appear The grosse errors in Popery if we consider the abominable Errors which contrary to Scripture and Primitive practise were then crept into the Church of Rome As the denying the Cup to the Laity Worshipping of Images locking up the Scriptures in Latine and performing prayers in an unknown Tongue with the monstrosity of Transubstantiation unexcusable practises Besides the Behemoth of the Pope's Infallibility and the Leviathan of his Universall Jurisdiction so exclaimed against by Gregory the great as a Note of Anti-Christ 27. Just cause of Reformation being thus proved The impossibility of 〈◊〉 general Councell proceed we to the Authority by which it is to be made Here we confesse the most regular way was by order from a Free and Generall Councell but here alas no hope thereof General it could not be the Greeks not being in a capacity of repairing thither nor Free such the Papal Usurpation For before men could trie
the Truth hand to hand by dint of Scripture the Sword and Buckler thereof by God's appointment the Pope took off all his Adversaries at distance with those Guns of Hellish Invention his Infallibility and Universall Jurisdiction so that no approaching his presence to oppose him but with certainty of being pre-condemned 28. Now seeing the Complaints of the conscientious in all Ages The power of a Nationall Church well improved against the Errors in the Romish Church met with no other entertainment than frowns and frets and afterwards fire and fagot it came seasonably into the mindes of those who steered the English Nation to make use of that power which God had bestowed upon them And seeing they were a National Church under the civil command of one King He by the advice and consent of his Clergie in Convocation and great Council in Parliament resolved to reform the Church under His inspection from grosse abuses crept into it leaving it free to other Churches either to follow His example or continue in their former condition and on these terms was the English Reformation first advanced 29. But the Romanists object Objection to the contrary that England being first converted to Christianity by the zeale and care of the Church of Rome when Pope Gregory the great sent Augustine over to preach here cannot not onely without great Ingratitude but flat Undutifulnesse depart from the Church which first taught it true Religion It is answered Answer 1. First this Argument reacheth not west of Severne into Wales where the antient Britains by generall confession were converted before the time of Augustine Secondly Answer 2. this first favour received from Rome puts not on England so strict and servile an obligation of perpetual continuance that she may and must not serve God without asking her leave It ties England onely to a faire and gratefull respect which she alwaies tender'd till the Insolency of the Church of Rome made Us unwilling to pay and Her unworthy to receive it Thirdly Answer 3. some strength may be allowed to this Objection if Rome could be proved the same in Doctrine and Discipline when under the Reign of King Henry the eighth England divided it self from it with Rome when in the time of Gregory the great it was converted by God's blessings on his endeavours But since that time the Church of Rome hath been much corrupted in Opinions and practise easie to prove but that it is not the set work of our History 30. But again the Papists object 2. Objection of the Romanists that the most judicious Protestants doe ingeniously confesse that the Church of Rome maintaineth all the Fundamentals of Religion England therefore cannot be excused from Schisme for dividing from that Church which by their own confession still retaineth the true Foundation of Christianity 31. It is answered The Answer if some Protestants be so civil in their censures on Papists it appears thereby though they have left Rome they have not lost their courtesie nor their Charity But grant which is disputable the Errours of the Church of Rome not Fundamental they are Circa-Fundamental grating on the very Foundation Besides we are bound to avoid not onely what is deadly but what is hurtful not onely what may destroy the life but what may prejudice the health of our Souls But our Adversaries persist to object 3. Objection that our Reformation took its rise from King Henry's pride to pluck down a Power which crossed His designes from His covetousnesse to compasse the Revenues of Abbey and from His wantonnesse to exchange His old Embracings for new ones Well therefore may the English blush at the Babe when they behold its Parents and be ashamed of their Reformation considering the vitious Extraction thereof Answ The Answer Malice may load the Memory of K. Henry about His demerit yet grant the charge true that bad inclinations first moved Him to the Reformation yet He acted therein nothing but conformable to the Law Divine and Humane It is usuall with God's wisdome and goodnesse to suffer Vice to sound the first Alarum to that fight wherein Virtue is to have the Victory Besides King Henry's Reformation hath since been Reformed by successive Princes of England who cannot justly be taxed with any vitious reflexion therein 32. It remaineth that we take notice of the moderation of the Reformers The moderation of Reformers who being acted not with an Opposition to all which the Papists practised but with an Affection to Truth disclaimed onely the Ulcers and Sores not what was sound of the Romish Church retaining still what was consonant to Antiquity in the Four first Generall Councels 33. Matters thus ordered The Conclusion of the Contest had the Romanists been pleased to joyn with us there had been no complaining of Schisme either in their Streets or ours But such their pride and peevishnesse to persist obstinate to this day incense many people who listen more to the loudnesse than weigh the justnesse of Complaints accusing us of wilfull Separation But the Premisses well considered England may say to Rome * Gen. 38. 29. Pharez the breach be upon thee who with * 2 Kings 11. 14. Athaliah crying Treason treason being her self the prime Traytour taxeth us with Schisme when she the onely Schismatick 34. We enter now on a subject The Popes revenues out of England which we must not omit such is the concernment thereof in our History yet which we cannot compleat so intricate the nature thereof and so short and doubtfull our intelligence therein namely to give a generall estimate particulars being impossible of the Papall Revenues of England 35. Here be it premised that I humbly conceive Greatest under King Hen. 3. the Pope's Income ran the highest in England under King Henry the third and King Edward the first before the Statute of Mortmaine and after it that of Premunire was made for these much abated his Intrado And although I deny not but under King Henry the eighth he might receive more Money as then more plentifull in England yet his profit formerly was greater if the standard of Gold and Silver be but stated proportionably 36. However the vast summes Rome received hence at the time of Reformation Popes profit by sale of Trinkets will appear by the insuing commodities For first Agnus Dei's this is here set by Synecdoclie to signifie all Popish Trinkets Medals consecrated Beads c. which I as little know what they be as Papists why they use them Of these were yearly brought over from Rome into England as many as would fill the shop of a Habberdasher of Holy Wares Now though their prices were not immediately paid into the Pope's purse but to such his subordinate Officers who traded therein Yet they may be accounted part of the Papall Revenues the King hath what the Courtiers have by His consent and if such trading was not permitted unto them the
but exacted them in the notion of a Rent and Tribute due to the Pope his Master 52. This is that Polidore Virgil Be-lawrelleth the Quire of Wells who was Dignitary of the Cathedral of Wells and as I take it Archdeacon of Taunton on the Quire whereof he bestowed Hangings flourished with the Lawrel Tree and as I remember wrote upon them SUNT POLIDORI MUNERA VIRGILII But would he had spared his benefaction to the Church of Wells on condition he had been no Malefactor to the Church of England yea to Religion and Learning in generall if it be true what commonly is reported 53. For he wrote a Latine History of Britain A Malefactour to Posterity for burning MS. from the Original of the Nation untill Anno Dom. 153. the yeare of King Henry the eighth out of many rare Manuscripts which he had collected together Now partly to raise the reputation of his own Writings that he might seem no lazie Transcriber partly to render himself out of the reach of confutation being suspected not over-faithfull in his Relation he is said to have burnt all those rare Authours which he could compasse into his possession Thus Tyrant-like he cut down those stairs whereby he ascended the Throne of his own knowledge If this be true the World may thank Polidore Virgil for his work de Inventione Rerum but have cause to chide not to say curse his Memory for his Act de Perditione Librorum 54. I have met with a paper of Verses Two-edged Verses which like a two-edged Sword cut on both sides plainly at Polidore Virgil but obscurely at a later Plagiary and in my opinion not unworthy to be inserted Leyland's supposed Ghost Am I deceiv'd or doth not Leyland's Ghost Complain of wrong sustained after death As Virgil's Polidore accus'd his host The Tracian King for cruell breach of Faith And Treasures gain'd by stopping of his breath Ah greedy Gardian t' enjoy his goods Didst plunge his Princely Ward into the floods Am I deceiv'd or doth not Leyland's spirit Complain with th' Ghosts of English Notaries Whom Polidorus Virgil robb'd of merit Bereft of Name and sacks of Histories While wetch he ravisht English Libraries Ah! wicked Book-thief whosoever did it Should One burn all to get one single Credit Am I deceiv'd or doth not Leyland's spirit Make heu cry for som Book-treasure stealth Rifling his works and razing Name Merit Whereby are smother'd a Prince-given wealth A Learned Writer's Travel Wits and Health All these he spent to doe his Countrey pleasure O save his name the world may know his treasure I am deceivd for Leylands ghost doth rest From plaints crys with souls of blessed men But Heaven and Humane Laws cannot digest That such rare fruits of a laborious Pen Came to be drown'd in such a thanklesse Den. Thus Heaven and all Humanity doth sue That Leyland dead may have his Titles due Who this second Plagiarie was complained of for plundering Leyland if the Reader cannot conjecture I will not tell such the honour I bear to his admirable performances though herein not to be excused 55. Papal power thus extinguished in England How Papal power in England was cantoned it is worth our enquiry where the same for the future was fixed which we finde not intirely setled in any One but according to justice and equity divided amongst many Sharers therein 56. And first God first had his share Give unto God the things which are Gods What the Pharisees said was true in the Doctrine though false in the Use thereof as applied to our Saviour whom they mistook for a meer man * Mark 7. Who can forgive sins but God alone This paramount power no lesse blasphemously than arrogantly usurped by the Pope claiming an absolute and authoritative pardoning of Sins was humbly and justly restored to the high God of Heaven 57. Restitution was made to the second Person in the Trinity Christ his due of that Universal jurisdiction over the whole Church as belonging to Christ alone 1 Pet. 2. 25. who is the Sheepherd and Bishop of our souls and a badge of Antichrist for the Pope proudly to assume the same 58. To the Holy Ghost was restored that Infallibility The holy Spirit his portion which to him doth properly pertain as being the Spirit of Truth which neither will deceive nor can be deceived John 15. 26. 16. 23. and which hath promised to lead his Church in generall into all Truth but never fixed any inerrability on any particular person or succession of single persons whatsoever 59. And now give unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's The King comes to claim His own right The King assumes his share what the Kings of Judah his Predecessours in Soveraignty had by the Word of God and Christian Emperours by the practise of the Primitive times did possesse In order whereunto the Parliament did notifie and declare that Ecclesiastical power to be in the King which the Pope had formerly unjustly invaded Yet so that they reserved to themselves besides other priviledges which we leave to the Learned in the Law the confirming power of all Canons Ecclesiastical so that the person or property of Refusers should not be subjected to temporal penalty without consent of Parliament 60. Of this power thus declar'd in the King part thereof He kept in Himselfe as to call and dissolve Convocations at His pleasure to grant or deny them Commission to debate of Religion to command Archbishops and Bishops to be chosen in vacant Sees to take order for the due Administration of the Word and Sacraments 61. The other part of power Ecclesiastical the King passed over to the Archbishop of Canterbury as His Substitute first to grant Faculties in cases not repugnant to the Law of God necessary for Honour and Security of the King formerly wont to be remedied in the See of Rome Secondly to determine Causes Ecclesiastical in his Court whence lay an Appeal to the Court of Delegates c. 62. The representative Clergie had power by the King's leave to make Canons and Constitutions whilst each Bishop in his respective Diocesse Priest in his Parish were freer than formerly in execution of their Office acquitted from Papal dependance 63. Lastly every English Lay-Man was restored to his Christian Birth right namely to his judgment of practical discretion in perusing the Scriptures in his own Language formerly swallowed up in the Ocean of the Pope's Infallibility Thus on the depluming of the Pope every bird had his own feather in the partage whereof what he had gotten by sacriledge was restored to God what by Usurpation was given back to the King Church and State what by Oppression was remitted to particular Christians SECTION III. Ann. Reg. TO Master HENRY BARNARD Ann. Dom. LATE OF LONDON Merchant THough lately you have removed your habitation into Shropshire My pen is resolved to follow after and finde you out Seeing the
posterity except they shut their coffers on purpose because there was nothing in them Sure I am there is no dashing on the credit of the Lady nor any the least insinuations of inchastity in that Instrument Praeclara Domina Serenissima Regina being the worst titles that are given her therein 25. Men may justly marvell what King Henry meant by this solemn and ceremonious Divorce What might be the King's designs in this divorce which the edge of the Ax Ann. Dom. 1536. or Sword was more effectually to perform the day after Ann. Regis Hē 8. 28. Her death being then designed Was it because He stood on this punctilio or criticisme of credit that He might not hereafter be charged with cruelty for executing His Wife that first He would be divorced from Her and so cannot be said to put His Queen but Anna Bollen to death Or did He first but barely intend Her divorce and afterwards suspecting this would not make sufficient avoidance in His bed to clear all claims took up new resolutions to take away Her life Or was it because He conceived the execution would only reach the root the Queen Her self and not blast the branch the Lady Elizabeth whom by this divorce He desired to render illegitimate Whatever His aimes were He got Her divorce confirmed both by Convocation and Parliament interesting all equally therein that hereafter none should accuse Him of this act but first they must condemn themselves However after-ages take the boldnesse to conceive that the greatest guilt of Anna Bollen was King Henry's better fancying of another which made Him the next day after Her death to mourn so passionately for Her in the embraces of a new and beautifull Bride the Lady Jane Seymour 26. But The Convocation bucksome to please the King in all things to return to the Convocation That Instrument of Divorce was no sooner tendred therein but all subscribed it The Papists willingly the Protestants faintly but all publickly Yea in this Convocation nothing was propounded in the King's name but it passed presently Oh the operation of the purge of a Praemunire so lately taken by the Clergie and an hundred thousand pounds paid thereupon How did the remembrance thereof still work on their spirits and made them meek and mortified They knew the temper of the King and had read the Text k Amos 3. 8. The lyon hath roared who will not fear Gardiner the fox durst not so much as bark to oppose the King nor the proudest in the place As for Edmond Bonner Arch-deacon of Leicester present and active in this Convocation I may say Bonner was no Bonney yet but a perfect Cromwellist and as forward as any to promote his designes 27. On the Friday following A Catalogue of erroneous opinions complained of in the Convocation Mr. Gwent the Prolocutour July 23. brought to the Upper House of Convocation a Book containing the Mala dogmata those erroneous doctrines then as he complained publickly preached printed and professed requesting reformation thereof that order might be taken against the future propagation of such dangerous positions Behold them here transcribed out of the Record partly for novelty-sake because to my knowledge never printed before and partly because though many wilde and distempered expressions be found therein yet they contain the Protestant Religion in oare which since by God's blessing is happily refined 28. The Protestation of the Clergie of the Lower House Erroneons opinions as then accounted complained of in the Convocation within the Province of Canterbury with declaration of the faults and abuses which heretofore have and now be within the same worthy special reformation IN very humble and reverent manner with protestation That we the Clergie of the Lower House within the Province of Canterbury nother in word deed or otherwise directly or indirectly intend any thing to speak attempt or doe which in any manner of wise may be displeasant unto the King's Highnesse our most dread Sovereign Lord and supreme Head of the Church of England but in all things according to the command of God to be most obedient to His Grace to Whom accordingly we submit our selves minding in no wise by any colourable fashion to recognize privily or apertly the Bishop of Rome or his usurped authority or in any wise to bring in defend or maintain the same into this noble Realm or Dominions of the same but that the same Bishop of Rome with his usurped authority utterly for ever with his inventions rites abuses ordinances and fashions to be renounced forsaken extinguished and abolished And that we sincerely addict our selves to Almighty God his laws and unto our said Severeign Lord the King our supreme Head in earth and His Laws Statutes Provisions and Ordinances made herewithin His Graces Realm We think in our consciences and opinions these errors and abuses following to have been and now to be within this Realm causes of dissention worthy speciall reformation It is to were 1. That it is commonly preached taught and spoken to the slander of this noble Realm disquietness of the people dammage of Christian souls not without fear of many other inconveniences and perils That the Sacrament of the Altar is not to be esteemed For divers light and lewd persons be not ashamed or aferde to say Why should I see the sacring of the high Masse Is it any thing else but a piece of bread or a little predie round Robin 2. Item That they deny Extreme Unction to be any Sacrament 3. Item That Priests have no more authority to minister Sacraments than the Lay-men have 4. Item That Children ought not in any wise to be confirmed of the Bishops afore they come to the age of discretion 5. Item That all Ceremonies accustomed in the Church which are not clearly expressed in Scripture must be taken away because they are mens inventions 6. Item That all those are Antichrists that doe deny the Lay-men the Sacrament of the Altar sub utrâque specie 7. Item That all that be present at Masse and doe not receive the Sacrament with the Priest are not partakers of the said Masse 8. Item That it is preached and taught That the Church that is commonly taken for the Church is the old Synagogue and that the Church is the congregation of good men onely 9. Item It is preached against the Letany and also said That it was never merry in England sithence the Letany was ordained and Sancta Maria Sancta Catharina c. sungen and said 10. Item That a man hath no Free-will 11. Item That God never gave grace nor knowledge of holy Scripture to any great estate or rich man and that they in no wise follow the same 12. Item That all Religions and Professions whatsoever they be are clean contrary to Christs religion 13. Item That it be preached and taught That all things ought to be commune and that Priests should have Wives 14. Item That Preachers will in no
pains seriously to peruse it Partly for the authenticalness thereof being by me transcribed out of the Acts of the Convocation partly for its usefulness shewing by what degrees the Gospel insinuated it self into the souls of men What said Zeresh Haman's c Esther 6. 13. wife to her husband If thou hast begun to fall before Mordecai thou shalt not prevail against him but shalt surely fall before-him Seeing Popery began even now to reel and stagger within few years we shall have it tumble down and lay prostrate with the face thereof at the foot-stool of truth 35. HENRY the Eight by the grace of God KING of England and of France Defensour of the Faith Lord of Ireland and in earth Supreme Head of the Church of England to all singular our most loving faithfull and obedient Subjects greeting AMongst other cures appertaining unto this Our Princely Office whereunto it hath pleased Almighty God of his infinite mercy and goodnesse to call Vs We have alwaies esteemed and thought like as We also yet esteem and think that it most chiefly belongeth unto Our said charge diligently to foresee and cause Ann. Regis Hē 8. 28. That not onely the most holy Word and Commandements of God should most sincerely be believed and most reverently be observed and kept of Our Subjects but also that unity and concord in opinions namely in such things as doe concern Our Religion may encrease goe forthward and all occasion of dissent and discord touching the same be repressed and utterly extinguished For the which cause We being of late to Our great regrete credibly advertised of such diversity in opinions as have grown and sprongen in this Our Realm as well concerning certain Articles necessary to Our salvation as also touching certain other honest and commendable ceremonies rites and usages now a long time used and accustomed in Our Churches for conservation of an honest politie and decent and seemly order to be had therein minding to have that unity and agreement established through Our said Church concerning the premisses And being very desirous to eschew not onely the dangers of souls but also the outward unquietness which by occasion of the said diversity in opinions if remedy were not provided might perchance have ensued have not onely in Our own Person at many times taken great pain study labours and travails but also have caused Our Bishops and other the most discreet and best learned men of Our Clergie of this Our whole Realm to be assembled in Our Convocation for the full debatement and quiet determination of the same Where after long and mature deliberation had of and upon the premisses finally they have concluded and agreed upon the most special points and Articles as well such as be commanded of God and are necessary to our salvation as also divers other matters touching the honest ceremonies and good and politick orders as is aforesaid Which their determination debatement and agreement for so much as We think to have proceeded of a good right and true judgment and to be agreeable to the laws and ordinances of God and much profitable for the stablishment of that charitable concord and unity in Our Church of England which We most desire We have caused the same to be published willing requiring and commanding you to accept repute and take them accordingly And farther We most heartily desire pray Almighty God that it may please him so to illuminate your hearts that you and every of you may have no lesse desire zeal and love to the said unity and concord in reading divulging and following the same than We have had and have in causing them to be thus devised set forth and published And for because We would the said Articles and every of them should be taken and understanden of you after such sort order degree as appertaineth accordingly We have caused by the like assent agreement of our said Bishops other learned men the said Articles to be divided into two sorts where of the one part containeth such as be commanded expresly by God and be necessary to our salvation and the other containneth such things as have been of a long continuance for a decent order honest polity prudently instituted used in the Church of Our Realm be for that same purpose end to be observed kept accordingly although they be not expresly cōmanded of God nor necessary to our salvation Wherefore We will require you to accept the same after such sort as We have here prescribed them unto you to conform your selves obediently unto the same whereby you shall not only attain that most charitable unity loving concord whereof shall ensue your incomparable cōmodity profit lucre as well spiritual as other but also you shall not a little encourage Vs to take farther travails pains labours for your commodities in all such other matters as in time to come may happen to occur and as it shall be most to the honour of God the profit tranquility quietness of all you Our most living Subjects The principal Articles concerning our Faith First As touching the chief and principal Articles of our Faith it is thus agreed as hereafter followeth by the whole Clergie of this Our Realm We will that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and teach Our people by Us cōmitted to their spiritual charge that they ought and must most constantly believe and defend all those things to be true which be comprehended in the whole body and Canon of the Bible and also in the three Creeds or Symbols whereof one was made by the Apostles and is the common Creed which every man useth The second was made by the Councel of Nice and is said daily in the Masse and the third was made by Athanasius and is comprehended in the Psalm Quicunque vult And that they ought and must take and interpret all the same things according to the self-same sentence and interpretation which the words of the self-same Creeds or Symbols doe purport and the holy approved doctrines of the Church doe intreat and defend the same Item That they ought and must repute hold and take all the same things for the most holy most sure and most certain and infallible words of God and such as neither ought he can altered or convelled by any contrary opinion or authority Item That they ought and must believe repute and take all the Articles of our Faith contained in the said Creeds to be so necessary to be believed for mans salvation That whosoever being taught will not believe them as is aforesaid or will obstinately affirm the contrary of them he or they cannot be the very members of Christ and his Spouse the Church but be very Infidels or Hereticks and members of the Devil with whom they shall perpetually be damned Item That they ought and must most reverently and religiously observe and keep the self-same words according to the very same form and
improved by her Officers in the Exchequer who sometimes have none of the softest palms to those that fall into their hands that many Ministers were much vexed thereby Yea one u M. Parker Ant. Brit. in vitâ Reginalldi Peli observeth that the courtesie intended to the Clergie by Q. Mary in remitting their tenths proved in event an injury to many so vexed about their arrears 8. In vain have some of late beaved at this Office which is fastned to the State The state profit and policy of this Office with so considerable a revenue as it advanced thereunto by tenths and first-fruits The former certain the latter casuall as depending on the uncertain deaths of Iucumbents and such as succeed them Many indeed accuse such payments as Popish in their original But could that be superstitious which was pluckt down by Queen Mary and set up again by Queen Elizabeth Besides suppose them so in their first foul fountain since being shifted yea strained through the hands of Protestant Kings Tenths have their old property altered and acquire no doubt a new purity to themselves And the Advocates for this Office doe pertinently plead that there ought to be a badge of subjection * Some say such a vectigal from the Clergie is mentioned in Bede of the Clergie to the Secular power by publick acknowledgement of their dependence thereon which by such payments is best performed 9. John Lambert John Lambert condemned and why aliàs Nicolson bred in Cambridge had lately been much persecuted by Archbishop Warham about some opinions he held against the corproal presence in the Sacrament And now being fallen into fresh troubles on the same account 1538. to make the quicker work following the precedent of S. Paul appealing to Caesar he appeals to the King Who having lately taken upon him the title of the Supreme head of the Church of England He. 8. 20. Nov. 10. would shew that head had a tongue could speak in matters of Divinity In White-hall the place and day is appointed where an ACT-ROYAL was kept the King himselfe being the Opponent and Lambert the Answerer and where His Highnesse was worsted or wearied Arch-bishop Crammer w Fox Acts Mon. supplied His place arguing though civilly shrodely against the truth and his own private judgment 10. Was not this worse than keeping the clothes of those who killed S. Stephen Cranmer's unexcusable cowardly dissimulation seeing this Archbishop did actually cast stones at this Martyr in the Arguments he urged against him Nor will it excuse Cranmer's cowardise and dissimulation to accuse Gardiner's craft and cruely who privily put the Archbishop on this odious act such Christian courage being justly expected from a person of his parts and place as not to be acted by another contrary to his own conscience I see not therefore what can be said in Cranmer's behalf save onely that I verily hope and stedfastly believe that he craved God's pardon for this particular offence and obtained the same on his unfained repentance And because the face of mens faults is commonly seen in the glasse of their punishment it is observable that as Lambert now was burnt for denying the corporal presence so Cranmer now his Opponent was afterwards condemned and died at Oxford for maintaining the same opinion which valour if sooner shewn his conscience had probably been more cleared within him and his credit without him to all posterity 11. A match being now made up by the Lord Cromwel's contrivance Dutch-men broach strange opinions betwixt King Henry and the Lady Anne of Cleve Dutch-men flockt faster than formerly into England Many of these had active souls so that whilest their hands were busied about their manufactures their heads were also beating about points of Divinity Hereof they had many rude notions too ignorant to manage them themselves and too proud to crave the direction of others Their mindes had a bystream of activity more than what sufficed to drive on their Vocation and this waste of their souls they imployed in needlesse speculations and soon after began to broach their strange opinions being branded with the general name of Anabaptists 24. These Anabaptists for the main are but Donatists now dips and this year their name first appears in our English Chronicles for I * Stoe in his Chron p. 576. read that four Anabaptists three men and one woman all Dutch bare faggots at Paul's Crosse and three daies after a man and woman of their sect was burnt in Smithfield 12. It quickly came to the turn of Queen Anne of Cleve to fall Queen Anne of Cleve why divorced if not into the displeasure out of the dear affection of King Henry the eighth 27. Hē 8. 31. She had much of Katharine Dowager's austerity 1539. little of Anna Bollen's pleasant wit lesse of the beauty of Jane Seamour Some feminine impotency that She answered not Her creation was objected against Her though onely Her precontract with the Son of the Duke of Lorraine was publickly insisted on for which by Act of Parliament now sitting She was solemnly divorced 13. King Henry durst not but deal better with Anne of Cleve than with such His Wives The reparations the King made her which were His native Subjects not so much for love of Her Ann. Dom. 1539. as for fear of Her Brother the Duke of Cleve Ann. Regis Hē 8. 31. considerable if not much in Himself in His union with the Protestant Princes of Germany Wherefore He restored Her all Her Jewels assigned Her precedencie above all English save His own that should be Queen and Children graced Her with a new-devised stile of His adopted Sister by which from henceforward He saluted Her in His Letters and She in Answer subscribed Her self allotted Her Richmond-House for Her retirement with an augmentation of means for Her maintenance And now let Her be glad that She escaped so well seeing all which had reference to King Henry's bed came off gainers if savers of their own lives and reputations She returned no more into Her own Countrey but living and dying Anno a Stow's Funerall Monuments p. 513. 1557. in England was buried in Westminster Church at the head of King Sebert in a Tomb not yet finished none other of King Henry's Wives having any and this Anne but half a Monument 14. In the last Parliament Reformation goes backwards Reformation running a race with Superstition hardly carried it by the heads-length but it was hoped that in this new Parliament now sitting true Religion would run her Rivall quite out of distance Whereas alas it not onely stood still but went backwards the SIX ARTICLES being therein enacted that whip with six knots each one as heavily laid on fetching blood from the backs of poor Protestants 15. K. Henry was much blamed for passing this Act. King Henry justly blamed Indeed Power and Profit being the things politick Princes chiefly desire King
rarity thereof and because containing many passages which may reflect much light upon our Church-History IN the name of God Testamentum Regis HENRICI octavi and of the glorious and blessed Virgin our Lady S. Mary and of all the holy company of Heaven We HENRY by the grace of God King of England France and Ireland Defender of the Faith and in earth immediately under God the supreme Head of the Church of England and also Ireland of that name the eight calling to Our remembrance the great gifts and benefits of Almighty God given unto Us in this transitory life give unto him Our most lowly and humble thanks acknowledging Our selves insufficient in any part to deserve or recompense the same But fear that we have not worthily received the same and considering further also that We be as all mankinde are mortal and born in sinne believing neverthelesse and hoping Ann. Dom. 1546. that every Christian creature living here in this transitory and wretched world under God dying in stedfast and perfect faith endevouring and exercising himself to execute in his life-time Ann. Regis Hē 8. 38. if he have leisure such good deeds and charitable works as Scripture commandeth and as may be to the honour aud pleasure of God is ordained by Christs passion to be saved and attain Eternal life Of which number We verily trust by his grace to be one And that every creature the more high that he is in estate honour and authority in this world the more he is bound to love serve and thank God and the more diligently to endevour himself to doe good and charitable works to the laud honour and praise of Almighty God and the profit of his soule We also calling to remembrance the dignity estate honour rule and governance that Almighty God hath called Us unto in this world and that neither We nor any other creature-mortal knoweth the time place when nor where it shall please Almighty God to call him out of this transitory world willing therefore and minding with Gods grace before our passage out of the same to dispose and order Our later minde Will and Testament in that sort as We trust it shall be acceptable unto Almighty God our onely Saviour Jesus Christ and all the holy Company of Heaven and the due satisfaction of all godly brethren in earth have now being of whole and perfect minde adhering wholly to the right faith of Christ and his doctrine repenting also Our old and detestable life and being in perfect will and minde by his grace never to return to the same nor such like And minding by Gods grace never to vary therefro as long as any remembrance breath or inward knowledge doth or may remain within this mortall body most humbly and heartily doe commend and bequeath Our soule to Almighty God who in Person of the Son redeemed the same with his most pretious body and blood in time of his passion And for Our better remembrance thereof hath left here with us Us in his Church militant the consecration and administration of his pretious body and blood to Out no little consolation and comfort if We as thankfully accept the same as he lovingly and undeservedly on mans behalf hath ordained it for our onely benefit and not his Also we doe instantly require and desire the blessed Virgin Mary his mother with all the holy Company of Heaven continually to pray for Us whiles We live in this world and in the time of passing out of the same that We may the sooner attain Everlasting life after Our departure out of this transitory life which We doe both hope and claime by Christs passion And for my body which when the soul is departed shall then remain but as a cadaver and so return to the vile matter it was made of were it not for the crown and dignity which God hath called Us unto and that We would not be counted an Infringer of honest worldly policies and customes when they be not contrary to Gods laws We would be content to have it buried in any place accustomed for Christian folks were it never so vile it is but ashes and to ashes it shall return Neverthelesse because We would be loath in the reputation of the people to doe injury to the Dignity which We are unworthily called unto We are content and also by these presents Our last Will and Testament to will and order That Our body be buried and entered in the Quier of Our Colledge of Widsor middle-way between the Stalls and the high Altar and there to be made and set as soon as conveniently may be done after Our decease by Our Executors at Our costs and charges if it be not done by Us in Our life-time an honourable Tomb for Our bones to rest in which is well onward and almost made therefore already with a faire grate about it in which We will also that the bones and body of Our true and loving Wife Queen Jane be put also And that there be provided ordained and set at the costs and charges of Us or of our Executors if it be not done in Our life-time a convenient Altar honourably prepared and apparelled with all manner of things requisite and necessary for daily Masses there to be said perpetually while the world shall endure Also We will that the Tombs and Altars of King Henry the sixth and also of King Edward the fourth Our great Unkle and Grandfather be made more Princely in the same place where they now be at Our charge And also will and specially desire and require that where and whensoever it shall please God to call Us out of this transitory world to his infinite mercy grace be it beyond the sea or in any other place without Our Realm of England or within the same that Our Executors as soon as they convniently may shall cause all Divine Service accustomed for dead folks to be celebrated for Us in the next and most proper place where it shall fortune Us to depart out of this transitory life And ever that We will that whensoever and wheresoever it shall please God to call Us out of this transitory life to his infinite mercy and grace be it within the Realm or without that Our Executors in as goodly brief and convenient haste as they reasonably can or may order prepare and cause Our body to be removed conveyed and brought into the said Colledge of Windesor and the Service of Placebo and Dirige with a Sermon and Masse on the morrow at Our costs and charges devoutly to be done observed and solemnly kept there to be buried and interred in the place appointed for Our said Tomb to be made for the same intent and all this to be done in as devout-wise as can or may be And We will and charge Our Executors that they dispose and give almesto the most poor and needly people that may be found common beggars as much as may be avoided in as short
Treasurer of Our houshold Sir John Gage Knight Comptroller of Our houshold Sir Anthony Wingfield Knight Our Vice Chamberlain Sir William Peeter Knight one of Our two principall Secretaries Sir Richard Rich Knight Sir John Baker Knight Sir Ralph Sadler Knight Sir Thomas Seymour Knight Sir Richard Southwell and Sir Edmund Peckham Knights they and every of them shall be of Counsell for the aiding and assisting of the forenamed Counsellours and Our Executors when they or any of them shall be called by Our said Executors or the more part of the same Item We bequeath to Our Daughters MARY and ELIZABETH's marriage they being married to any outward Poâ—entate by the advise of the aforesaid Counsellours if We bestow Them not in Our life time Ten thousand pounds in money plate jewels and houshold-stuffe for each of Them or a larger summe as to the discretion of Our Executors or the more part of them shall be thought convenient Willing Them on My blessing to be ordered as well in marriage as in all other lawful things by the advise of Our forenamed Counsellours And in case They will not then the summes to be minished at the Counsellours discretions Further Our Will is that from the first hour of Our death until such time as the said Counsellours can provide either of Them or both some Honourable marriages They shall have each of Them MMM li. ultra reprisas to live upon willing and charging the aforesaid Counsellours to limit and appoint to either of Them such sage Officers and Ministers for orderance thereof as it may be employed both to Our Honour and Theirs And for the great love obedience chastnesse of life and wisdome being in Our forenamed Wife and Queen We bequeath unto Her for Her proper use and as it shall please Her to order it MMM li. in plate jewels and stuffe of houshold besides such apparell is it shall please Her to take as She hath already And further We give unto Her M li. in money with the enjoying of Her Dowry and Joynture according to Our Grant by Act of Parliament Item for the kindnesse and good service that Our said Executors have shewed unto Us We give and bequeath unto each of them such summes of money or the value of the same as hereafter ensueth First to the Archbishop of Canterbury vC marks to the Lord Wriothesly vCli. to the Lord St. John vCli. to the Lord Russell vCli. to the Earl of Hertford vCli. to the Viscount Lisle vCli. to the Bishop of Duresme CCC li. to Sir Anthony Browne CCC li. to Sir William Pagett CCC li. to Sir Anthony Denny CCC li. to Sir William Herbert CCC li. to Justice Montague CCC li. to Justice Bromley CCC li. to Sir Edward North CCC li. to Sir Heward Wotton CCC li. to Doctor Wotton CCC li. Also for the speciall love and favour that We bear to Our trusty Counsellours and other Our said Servants hereafter following We give and bequeath unto them such summes of money or the value thereof as is tottad upon their heads First to the Earl of Essex CC li. to Sir Thomas Theny CC li. to the Lord Herbert CC li. to Sir John Gage CC li. to Sir Thomas Seymour CC li. to John Gage CC li. to Sir Thomas Darcy Knight CC li. to Sir Thomas Speke Knight CC marks to Sir Philip Hobbey Knight CC marks to Sir Thomas Paston CC marks to Sir Morrice Barkeley CC marks to Sir Ralph Sadler CC li. to Sir Thomas Carden CC li. to Sir Peter Newtas CC marks to Edward Bullingham CC marks to Thomas Audeley CC marks to Edmund Harman CC marks to John Penne C marks to Henry Nevile a C li. to William Symbarbe C li. to Richard Cooke C li. to John Osborne C li. to David Vincent C li. to James Rufforth Keeper of Our house here C marks to Richard Cecill Yeoman of Our Robes C marks to Thomas Strenhold Groom of Our Robes C marks to John Rowland Page of Our Robes L li. to the Earl of Arundell Lord Chamberlain CC li. to Sir Anthony Wingfield Vice-Chamberlain CC li. to Sir Edmond Peckham CC li. to Sir Richard Rich CC li. to Sir John Baker CC li. to Sir Rich Southwell CC li. to Mr. Doctor Owen C li. to Mr. Doctor Wendy C li. to Mr. Doctor Cromer C li. to Thomas Alssop C marks to Patrick C marks to John Ailef C marks to Henry Forrest C marks to Richard Ferrers C marks to John Holland C marks to the four Gentlemen Ushers of Our chamber being daily Waiters a hundred pound in all And We will that Our Executors or the most part of them shall give Orders for the payment of such Legacies as they shall think meet to such Our ordinary Servants as unto whom We have not appointed any Legacy by this Our present Testament Finally this present Writing in Paper We ordain and make Our last Will and Testament and will the same to be reputed and taken to all intents and purposes for Our good strong available most perfect and last Will and Testament And We doe declare all other Wills and Testaments made at any time by Us to be void and of none effect ¶ In witnesse whereof We have signed it with Our hand in Our Palace at Westminster the thirtieth day of December in the yeare of our Lord God 1546. after the computation of the Church of England and of Our Reign the xxxviij th year being present and called to Witnesse the Persons which have written their names John Gate Ed Harman William Saint-Barbe Henry Nevill Richard Cooke David Vincent Patrick George Owen Thomas Wendy Robert Kewicke William Clerke 51. This the Will was drawn up some two years since When this Will was made before He went to Bologne as is intimated in a passage Be it beyond the sea c. which now was onely fairly written over again without any alteration save that Stephen Gardiner was expunged from being one of His Executors It seems that formerly finding none substituted in Gardiner's room He appointed seventeen Executors that so a decisive Vote might avoid equality of Voices And although in this Will provision is made for multitude of Masses to be said for his soule yet * Fox Acts and Mon. p. 1291. one pretending to extraordinary intelligence herein would perswade us that K. Henry intended in His later daies so thorow a Reformation as not to have left one Masse in the Land if death had not prevented Him 52. Amongst His Servants in ordinary attendance to whom Legacies were bequeathed Legacies scarcely paid Richard Cecil there named Yeoman of the Robes was the Father to William Cecil afterwards Baron of Burghly and Lord Treasurer of England Thomas Sternhold Groom of the Robes and afterwards of the * Balens Cent. pagin 728. ab intimâ—s cubiculis Bed chamber to King Edward the sixth was one of them who translated the Psalmes into English Meeter being then accounted an excellent Poet though he who wore bayes in
Monks therein were it so their soyl being so fruitfull and pleasant it would merit more wonder than that Ireland hath no Venemous creatures therein Quare what meant by four Abbots peculiarly exempt But their brag hath more of Mirth than Truth in it seeing the Priorie at Caris-brook and Nunnery at Quarre evidence them sufficiently stockt with such Cattell 17. I have done with this subject of Mitred Abbeys when we have observed that they were called ABBOTS GENERALL aliàs ABBOTS n Sir H. Spelman in Glossario verbo Abbas SOVEREIGNE as acknowledging in a sort no Superiour because exempted from the Jurisdiction of any Diocezan having Episcopall power in themselves And here I would be thankfull to any who would inform me that seeing all these Abbots were thus priviledged how it came to passe that Four of them were especially termed ABBOTS o Titles of honour pag. 727. EXEMPTI viz Bury Waltham S. Albans and Evesham I say seeing these were so called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 EXEMPT as it were out of the EXEMPTED I would willingly be satisfied what extraordinary Priviledges these enjoyed by themselves above others of their own Order Of the Civill benefits and Temporall conveniences accruing to the State by the continuance of Abbies SO much of the greatnesse Give Abbies their due somewhat of the goodnesse of Abbeys if possibly it may be done without prejudice to truth Surely some pretences plausible at least did ingratiate them with the Politicians of that Age otherwise Prince and people in those daies though blinded with ignorant zeal yet worldly-wise would never have been gulled into so long a toleration yea veneration of them 2. They were an easie and cheap outlet for the Nobility and Gentry of the land They convenient to dispose youngest children in therein to dispose their younger children That younger son who had not mettal enough to manage a sword might have meeknesse to become a coule Which coule in short time might grow up to be a Mitre when his merits presented him to be Abbot of his Covent Clap a vail on the head of a younger daughter especially if she were superannuated not over-handsome melancholy c. and instantly she was provided for in a Nunnery where without cost or care of her parents she lived in all outward happinesse wanting nothing except perhaps it were an husband This was a great cause of the long continuance of the English Nobility in such pomp and power as having then no temptation to torture their Tenants with racking of rents to make provision for their younger children Indeed sometimes Noblemen gave small portions with their children to the Covent not such as would preferre them in marriage to one of their own quality but generally Abbeys were glad to accept them with nothing thereby to engage the Parents and Brothers of such young men and maidens to be the constant friends to their Covent on all occasion at Court and chiefly in all Parliaments 3. One eminent instance hereof we have in Ralph Nevil An eminent instance thereof first Earl of Westmerland of that Family whom I behold as the happiest Subject of England since the Conquest if either we count the number of his Children or measure the height of the Honour they attained He had by Margaret his first Wife Joan his second Wife 1. John his eldest son Lord Nevil c. 2. Ralph in the right of Mary his wife Lord Ferrars of Ously 3. Maud married to Peter Lord Mauley 4. Alice married to Sir Thomas Gray 5. Philip married to Thomas Lord Dacres of Gilsland 6. Margaret married to the Lord Scroop of Bolton 7. Anne married to Sir Gilbert Umfrevil 8. Margerie Abbesse of Bearking 9. Elizabeth a Nun. 1. Richard Earl of Sarisbury 2. William in the right of Joan his wife Lord Faulconbridge 3. George Lord Latimer 4. Edward Lord Abergavennie 5. Robert Bishop of Durham 6. Thomas in right of his wife Lord a Mills p. 393. Seymour 7. Katharine married to Thomas Duke of Norfolke 8. Elianour to Henry Earl of Northhumberland 9. Anne to Humphrey Duke of Buckingham 10. Jane a Nun. 11. Cicilie to Richard Duke of York and Mother to King Edward the fourth See we here the policie of that age in disposing of their numerous issue More than the tithe of them was given to the Church and I trow the Nuns and Abbesse especially were as good Madams as the rest and conceived themselves to go in equipage with their other Lady-Sisters And no wonder if an Earl preferred his daughters to be Nuns seeing no King of England since the Conquest had four Daughters living to womans estate but He disposed one of them to be a Votarie And Bridget the fourth Daughter to King Edward the fourth a Nun at Dartford in Kent was the last Princesse who entered into a Religious Order 4. They were tolerable Tutours for the education of youth there being a great penurie of other Grammar-schools in that Age and every Covent had one Children taught therein or moe therein who generally gratis taught the children thereabouts Yea they who were loose enough in their own lives were sufficiently severe in their discipline over others Grammar was here taught and Musick which in some sort sung her own Dirige as to the generall use thereof at the dissolution of Abbies 5. Nunneries also were good Shee-schools Conveniency of Shee-Colledges wherein the Girles and Maids of the Neighbourhood were taught to read and work and sometimes a little Latine was taught them therein Yea give me leave to say if such Feminine Foundations had still continued provided no vow were obtruded upon them virginity is least kept where it is most constrained haply the weaker sex besides the avoiding modern inconveniences might be heightned to an higher perfection than hitherto hath been attained That sharpnesse of their wits and suddenness of their conceits which their enemies must allow unto them might by education be improved into a judicious solidity and that adorned with Arts which now they want not because they cannot learn but are not taught them I say if such Feminine Foundations were extant now of dayes haply some Virgins of highest birth would be glad of such places and I am sure their Fathers and elder Brothers would not be sorry for the same 6. They were the sole Historians Monks the sole Historians and why in writing to preserve the remarkable passages of Church and Common-wealth I confesse I had rather any than Monks had written the Histories of our Land yet rather than the same should be unwritten I am heartily glad the Monks undertook the performance thereof Indeed in all their Chronicles one may feel a rag of a Monks coule I mean they are partial to their own interest But in that Age there was a choicelesse choice that Monks or none at all should write our English Histories Sword-men lacked learning States-men leasure to doe it it was therefore devolved to Monks and Friers who
well as the single Arrows seeing perchance other Societies led lives not more religious but lesse examined 4. But the first terrible blow in England given generally to all Orders The first stroke at the root of Abbeys was in the Lay Parliament as it is called which did wholly Wicclifize kept in the twelfth year of King Henry the fourth wherein the c Thomas Walsingbam Nobles and Commons assembled signified to the King that the temporal possessions of Abbots Priors c. lewdly spent within the Realm would suffice to finde and sustain 150 Earls 1500 Knights 6200 Esquires 100 Hospitals more than there were But this motion was maul'd with the King 's own hand who dashed it personally interposing Himself contrary to that character which the jealous Clergie had conceived of Him that coming to the Crown He would be a great d Being heard to say That Princes had too little and Religious men too much Holinshed pag. 514. enemy to the Church But though Henry Plantagenet Duke of Lancaster was no friend to the Clergie perchance to ingratiate himself with the people yet the same Henry King of England His interest being altered to strengthen Him with the considerable power of the Clergy proved a Patron yea a Champion to defend them However we may say that now the Axe is laid to the root of the tree of Abbeys and this stroke for the present though it was so farre from hurting the body that it scarce pierced the bark thereof yet bare attempts in such matters are important as putting into peoples heads a feasibility of the project formerly conceived altogether impossible 5. Few yeares after The objection of covetousness against Abbeys though not answered â—vaded by Archb. Chichesly namely in the second year of King Henry the fift another shreud thrust was made at English Abbeys but it was finely and cleverly put aside by that skilfull State-Fencer Henry Chichesly Archbishop of Canterbury For the former Bill against Abbeys in full Parliament was revived when the Archbishop minded King Henry of His undoubted Title to the fair and flourishing Kingdome of France Hereat that King who was a spark in Himself was enflamed to that designe by this Prelates perswasion and His native courage ran fiercely on the project especially when clapt on with conscience and encouragement from a Church-man in the lawfulnesse thereof An undertaking of those vast dimensions that the greatest covetousnesse might spread and highest ambition reach it self within the bounds thereof If to promote this project the Abbeys advanced not onely large and liberall but vast and incredible summes of money it is no wonder if they were contented to have their nails pared close to the quick thereby to save their fingers Over goes K. Henry into France with many martiall spirits attending him so that putting the King upon the seeking of a new Crown kept the Abbots old Mitres upon their heads and Monasteries tottering at this time were thank a politick Archbishop refixed on the firm foundations though this proved rather a reprieve than a pardon unto them as will afterwards appear Of the suppression of alien Priories NExt followed the dissolving of alien Priories The originall of Pâ—ioâ—â—es aliens of whose first founding and severall sorts something must be observed When the Kings of England by Conquest or Inheritance were possessed of many and great Territories in France Normandy Aquitaine Picardy c. many French Monasteries were endowed with lands in England For an English kitchen or larder doth excellently well with a French hall And whilst forreigners tongues slighted our Island as barren in comparison of their own Countrey at the same time they would lick their lips after the full-fare which our Kingdome afforded 2. Very numerous were these Cells in England relating to forreign Abbeys scattered all over the Kingdome One John Norbury erected two for his part the one at Greenwich the other at Lewesham in Kent Yea e Cambd. Brit. in Lancashire Roger de Poictiers founded on in the remotest corner of the Land in the Town of Lancaster the richest of them all for annuall income was that which f Idem in Lincoln-shire Tuo Talbois built at Spalding in Lincoln shire giving it to the Monks of Angiers in France g Harpsfield in Catal. religiosarum â— Edium fol. 761. valued at no lesse than 878 lib. 18s 3d. of yearly revenue And it is remarkable that as one of these Priories was granted before the Kings of England were invested with any Dominion in France namely Deorhirst in Glocester shire h Camb Brit. in Glocester-shire assigned by the Testament of Edward the Confessour to the Monastery of S. Denis neer Paris so some were bestowed on those places in forreign parts where our English Kings never had finger of power or foot of possession Thus we read how Henry the third annexed a Cell in Thredneedle-street in i Harpsfield ut priùs pag 763. London to S. Anthony in Vienna and neer Charing-Crosse there was another annext to the Lady Runciavall in Navarre Belike men's devotion in that Age look'd on the world as it lay in common taking no notice how it was sub-divided into private Principalities but proceeded on that rule k 1 Cor. 10. 28. The earth is the Lord's and the fulnesse thereof and Charity though wandring in forreign parts counted it self still at home because dwelling on its proper pious uses 3. These alien Priories were of two natures some had Monks with a Prior resident in them Alien Priories of two natures yet not Conventuall but dative and removable ad nutum of the forreign Abbey to which they were subservient Others were absolute in themselves who though having an honorary dependence on and bearing a subordination of respect unto French Abbeys yet had a Prior of their own being an intire body of themselves to all purposes and intents The former not unlike Stewards managing profits for the behoof of their Master to whom they were re sponsible The later resembling retainers at large acknowledging a generall reference but not accomptable unto them for the revenues they received Now both these kindes of Priories peaceably enjoyed their possessions here even after the revolt of those Principalities from the Crown of England yet so that during open hostility and actuall warre betwixt England and France their revenues were seised and taken by the King and restored again when amity was setled 4. But King Richard the second and King Henry the fourth not so fair as their predecessours herein not onely detained those revenues in time of peace but also diverted them from their proper use and bestowed them on some of their Lay-servants So that the Crown was little enriched therewith especially if it be true what Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury averred in the house of Commons to the face of the Speaker That these Kings l Antiq. Brit. pag. 274. were not half a mark the wealthier for those rents thus
assumed into their hands And a Synod of the Clergie in the last of Henry the fourth petitioned the King That Lay-men might not invade the possessions of alien Priories * Harpsfield Hist Ang. saet decimo quinto â—ep octavo but those Foundations might be furnished Native English substituted in their rooms whose request by reason of the King's death ensuing took no effect But this doth intimate though I had rather learn than teach in so dark a point that those alien Priories still stood undissolved by Act of State with a possibility to revert to their former use and though the King had fastned upon their profits by his absolute power yet as yet they were not setled and established in the Crown by Act of Parliament 5. But in the fourth year of King Henry the fift Their dissolution in the heat and height of His Warres with France all such Priories alien as were not Conventuall were by Act of m Parliament Rolls Rastall titul Monasteries Parliament dissolved and bestowed on the King It being conceived unsafe that men moving according to a forreign interest having their affections leading them beyond the seas and their actions following when befriended with secresie should be maintained in this Kingdome Besides it tended to the manifest detriment of the State that such should transport our coyn and commodities into an enemies Countrey without returning a proportionable profit to the Common-wealth Other alien Priories which were Conventuall survived untill the general mortality of English Monasteries These alien Priories were not conceived to have such a temptation to disloyalty as the others having their absolute subsistence here and though the Monks therein were strangers in respect of their birth they were counted Naturalized in a manner in regard of their education and livelyhood 6. The dissolving of these Priories The dangerous influence of this predent made a dangerous impression on all the rest Say not that English Abbeys were unconcerned because these strangers being rather suckers than branches of their tree their growing was a burthen and their pruning off a benefit thereunto for though Aliens in their Countrey they were Allies in their Cause there being an affinity betwixt all religious Foundations And now here was an Act of State for precedent That without sin of Sacriledge such Donations might be dissolved Use was made hereof beyond the Kings intention who in this act not covetous but politick aiming rather to secure than enrich Himself whereas now some Courtiers by His bounty tasting on the sweet of Abbey-lands made their break-fasts thereon in the time of Henry the fift which increased their appetites to dine on the same in the daies of King Henry the eighth not so glutted but they could sup on the reversions left in the Reign of K. Edward the sixt SECTION III. To the Honourable the Lady MARY FOUNTAINE MADAM THough none can expect Courtship many will require Congruity from me Such will charge me with a great Impropriety for dedicating a discourse of Monks and Friers to your Ladiship where some passages of their wantonnesse may occasion your blushing for them who never blushed for themselves But know it done by design that you may plainly perceive how far Marriage-chastity transcended forced and pretended virginity or if you please how much a springing Fountain is better than a standing-Pool soon subject to putrefaction Your Family though not a Nunnery may be a Religious house seeing God hath multiplied you into a whole Convent I mean the fourteen Children which you have at this present I say have for this reason is rendred why the Children of Job after his restitution were not doubled unto him as his Cattle were because they were utterly foregone his Children onely gone before on which account those six removed from you into a better world still remain yours God in due time translate you and your worthy Husband in a good old age into the same Place of Happiness Of Cardinal Wolsey's ominous suppressing of forty lesser Monasteries therewith to build two Colledges VAst were the revenues of Cardinal Wolsey Wolsey's wealth and want if we account both his Wives and Concubines I mean the place whereon he resided and Churches he held in Commendam being at the same time the Pope's Legate à latere Archbishop of Yorke Chancellor of England Bishop of Winchester Abbot of S. Albans besides other meaner preferments Yet he found a Eccles 5. 11. Solomon's observation true When goods encrease they are encreased that eat them Insomuch that his magnificent mind was poor in his plenty in the midst of his wealth wanted means to compass his vast designs Wherefore intending to erect two fair Colledges one where he was born in Ipswich the other where he was bred in Oxford and finding himself unable to endow them at his own charges he obtained license of Pope Clement 7 â—h An. 1525 to suppress forty smaller Monasteries in England and to lay their old land to his new foundations w ch was done accordingly For the Cardinal thought that these petty Houses like little sparks of diamonds were inconsiderable in themselves whereas they would make a fair show if all put together into two jewels only his two Colledges and he carry away all the credit thereof 2. An action condemned by the conscientious in that Age Wolsey his act justly censured accounting it essentiall to charity that the thing given be the proper goods of the Donour Cast thy bread saith b Eccles 11. 1. Solomon upon the water It must be thy bread otherwise though c Prov. 9. 17. stollen bread may be pleasant to men it is nauseous and distastfull to the God of heaven who in such cases will not be the receiver though man be the thief solemnly disavowing the acceptance of such donations witnesse his own words d Isa 61. 8. I hate robbery for burnt offering 3. Plead not in the Cardinal's excuse Fig leaves to coveâ— it in vain that the houses by him suppressed were of small value it being as great yea greater sacriledge to invade the widows mite than the large gifts which the rich Priests cast into Corban because their bounties were but superfluous wenns whilst hers was an essentiall limb yea as our Saviour e Luke 21. 4. observes the whole body of her estate As probably some of those poor Foundations were erected by Founders like those of f 2 Cor. 8. 3. Macedonia to their power and beyond their power willing of themselves As for the poor people formerly living in these then-dissolved houses they may be presumed more religious than others that were richer poverty being a protection for their piety and they unable to go to the cost of luxurious extravagancies I finde not what provision was afterward made for these helplesse souls thrust out of house and home so that it is suspitious that the Cardinal notwithstanding his prodigious hospitality made moe beggars than ever he relieved 4. Others alledge
married to Tho Howard Duke of Norfolk who dwelt therein and which from him was called the Dukes-Place No ingenuous soul will envy so Honourable a person the accommodation of so handsome an habitation onely some perchance will bemoan that the Lords-Place for so in their and g Gen. 38. 17. Jacob's language they called the Church whither alone the numerous neighbour-inhabitants repaired for publick service should be so destroyed that the people were for many years left Church-lesse till their wants b viz. An Dom. 1621. very lately were supplied by the re-edifying thereof out of the ruines by the charity of others I am sure none of the Heirs of Him who demolished the same Of the suppression of the Order of Observant Friers and a preparatory for the dissolution of all the rest IT is the practise of advised Physicians Observant Friers why first falling under King Henry's displeasure in purging of long corrupted bodies where the ill humours may prescribe peaceable possession for many years to proceed not violently all at once but gently by degrees The same course was embraced by King Henry in dissolving of Abbeys gradually and therefore the lesse visibly to work their subversion so to avoid the danger of a sudden and extreme alteration And first He began with the Minorities or Franciscan-Observant-Friers whose chief seats were Greenwich and Canterbury Two motives mainly incensed Him against this Order One because two of their most eminent Fathers Hugh Rich Prior of a Covent in Canterbury and Richard Risby had tampered with Elizabeth Barton aliàs the holy maid of Kent and were convicted and executed with her for high Treason A second because this Order generally manifested most contumacie and contempt against the King in the matter of Queen Katharine's divorce inveighing both in their sermons a Sanders de Schis Anglic. lib. 1. pag. 81. and disputations against the unlawfulness thereof especially Elston and Payton two famous Friers in London A great b Idem pag. 80. Papist beholds it as ominous and a prognostick of sad successe that the Lady afterward Queen Elizabeth just eleven moneths before had been Christened in these Friers Church in Greenwich as if Her baptizing therein portended That those Friers should soon after be washed away from this their Covent 2. Hereupon Totally and finally dissolved in the year of our Lord 1534 the aforesaid whole Order of Friers-Observant were suppressed and Augustine-Friers substituted in their places Nor were these Observants like the Canon-Regulars in the last Chapter disposed of in other Foundations but totally and finally banished out of all Religious Societies For King Henry his smiles complemented the former out of their Houses by their own willing condescension whilst His frowns outed these as Delinquents by a violent expulsion Yea probably some of them had been expelled their lives as well as their livings two hundred of them being at once imprisoned had not Sir Tho c Sanders p. 89. Wriotheslie their great friend and favourer seasonably interceded for them to the King on hopes of some of their future conformity to His Majesties desires 3. Immediately after The Supplication of Beggars with the Sense thereof a famous Petition called the Supplication of Beggars came into publick view It was made some years before by one Mr. Simon d Fox Monum vol. 2. pag. 279. Fish a Gentleman of Grays-Inne and solemnly presented by George Eliot an English-Merchant and entertained by King Henry for a great rarity Though indeed the same long since had been tendred Him by Queen e Idem ibidem Anna Bollen and the King acquainted with the passages therein So that possibly this Supplication might first come from some neer His Majesty as contrivers thereof And as Moses f Exod. 2. 8. was sent to be nursed unto her who though generally unknown was indeed his own Mother which bare him so Petitions may sometimes be recommended back to the same power that first framed them Great ones delighting not onely for the greater solemnity but also for their better security to transferre their intentions to be other intreaties their private designes finding more acceptance when passing under the notion of a publick desire The effect thereof was to complain how a crew of strong puissant counterfeit-holy idle beggars and vagabonds by their luxurie starved a number of needy impotent blinde lame and sick people which otherwise might comfortably be maintained As also to discover the foul enormities and filthy conversation used amongst those pretended pious Fraternities as the same is set forth at large in the Book of Martyrs whither we remit the Reader 4. Onely a word of the Geometry The Geometry Arithmetick and Chronology of the Author thereof Arithmetick and Chronologie used by the Author of this Supplication For his Geometry I conceive he faileth not much in proportion when in measuring the content of this Kingdome he affirmeth That they had got into their hands more than the third part of all the Realm But whereas he auditeth the Revenues of the Friers in England besides their lands to amount yearly to Four hundred thirty thousand three hundred thirty and three pounds allowing their quarteridge to arise out of Fifty two thousand Parishes he highly over-reacheth their number not compleating g See Cambd. Brit. in his division of Brit. pag. 162. Ten thousand Indeed the Papists tell us of Ten thousand Churches in England destroyed all in one year Millia dena unus Templorum destruit annus Yet these being Conventual not Parochial Churches adde nothing to the former computation Yea should all the Chappels of Ease in this Land be admitted to take a new degree and to commence Churches in this catalogue it would not make up the number But it is given to Beggars sometimes to hyperbolize to make their case the more pitifull and indeed if we defalk a third part of that summe yet still vast was the remainder of such Friers revenues But whereas the said Authour of this Supplication saith That four hundred years past these Friers had not one peny of this money Quare whether he be not mistaken in his Chronologie and whether some of the same profits accrued not to the Benedictines before the Conquest 5. In answer to this The Anti-supplication of the souls in Purgatorie an Anti-supplication was made and set forth by Sir Thomas More extant amongst his other works called The Supplication of the souls in Purgatory The scope whereof is to presse the continuation of those lands given to pious uses for the good of the deceased and that they might not be aliened without danger of Sacriledge In this Supplication pleasant dallying and scoffing are so intermixt with complaints that the Authour thereof discovereth himself more Satyrist than Saint in his expressions So hard it is for an Actor so to devest himself of himself as not to vent some of his own humours with the property of that person whom he is to
represent And seeing Sir Thomas More would have his own jests when dying no wonder if he makes others to jeer when dead 6. These two Supplications pressing both together for audience and reception The first Supplication best received that of the Beggars on earth found the best entertainment Whether because it came first which we know is great advantage in Beggars first come first served Or because these Terrestrial beggars were neerer at hand and so best able to manage their own suit whilst those in Purgatory were conceived at a greater distance Or chiefly because their Supplication suggested matter of profit to the King and His Courtiers and such whispers sound loud and commonly meet with attentive ears And as an introduction to the dissolution of all Abbeys spies were sent forth to make strict discovery of mens behaviours therein Indeed the Lord Cromwell Scout-Master-Generall in this designe stayed at the Court whilst his subordinate Emissaries men of as prying eyes as afterwards they proved of gripple hands sent unto him all their intelligence in manner and form as in due time shall ensue The lesser Monasteries bestowed on the King NOW because some moneths were imployed in that service before a perfect account was returned to the Lord Cromwell The suppressing of the smaller Monasteries may here seasonably be inserted For in the twenty seventh of the King's Reign Anno 1539 a motion was made in Parliament A gainfull motion made for the King That to support the King's States and supply His wants all Religious Houses might be conferred on the Crown which were not able clearly to expend above Two hundred pounds a year 2. Some may report Reported by mistake opposed by Bishop Fisher that John Fisher Bishop of Rochester earnestly though pleasently opposed the motion by alledging an Apologue out of Aesope That the Helve of the Axe craved a Handle of the wood of Oaks onely to cut off the Serebowes of the Tree but when it was a complete Instramentall Axe it felled down all the wood Applying it That the grant of these smaller Houses would in fine prove destructive to all the rest But Fisher being now in his grave this could not be spoken in this Parliament which with more probability was formerly urged by him against Cardinal Wolsey in dissolving the forty Houses whereof before 3. This Proposition found little opposition in either Houses Easily passed in Parliament Henry the eighth was a King and His necessities were Tyrants and both suing together for the same thing must not be denied besides the larger thongs they cut out of other mens leather the more intire they preserved their own hide which made the Parliament to ease their own purses by laying the load on those lesser Houses which they accordingly passed to the Crown 4. The Lord Herbert in his a Of Henry 8 pag. 376. Historie complaineth and that justly That this Statute for dissolution of the lesser Monasteries doth begin very bluntly A Preamble of importance restored out of the Records to the Printed Statute without any formall Preamble in the Printed Books they are Published It seemeth that herein he never searched the Record it self otherwise industrious in that kinde to which a solemn Preface is prefixed shewing some Reasons of the dissolution and pious uses to which they were attained In form as followeth The Preamble is this Forasmuch as manifest sin vitious carnall and abominable living is daily used and committed commonly in such little and small Abbeys Priories and other religious houses of Monks Canons and Nuns where the Congregation of such religious persons is under the number of twelve persons whereby the Governours of such religious Houses and their Covent spoile destroy consume and utterly waste as well the Churches Monasteries Priories principall Houses Farms Granges Lands Tenements and Hereditaments as the ornaments of the Churches and their goods and Chattels to the high displeasure of Almighty God slander of good Religion and to the great infamy of the King's Hignesse and the Realm if redresse should not be had thereof And albeit that many continuall Visitations hath been heretofore had by the space of two hundred years and more for an honest and charitable reformation of such unthrifty carnall and abominable living yet neverthelesse little or no amendment is hitherto had but their vitious living shamefully increaseth and augmenteth and by a cursed custome so grown and infested that a great multitude of the religious persons in such small Houses do rather choose to rove abroad in Apostasie than to conform themselves to the observation of good Religion so that without such small Houses be utterly suppressed and the Religion therein committed to the great and honourable Monasteries of Religion in this Realm where they may be compelled to live religioussly for reformation of their lives there can else be no redresse nor reformation in that behalf In consideration whereof the King 's most royall Majesty being Supreme head in earth under God of the Church of England daily studying and devising the increase advancement and exaltation of true doctrine and virtue in the said Church to the onely glory and honour of God and the totall extirping and destruction of vice and sin having knowledge that the premises be true as well by the compts of his late visitations as by sundry credible informations considering also that divers and great solemn Monasteries of this Realm wherein thanks be to God Religion is right well kept and observed be destitute of such full numbers of religious persons as they ought and may keep have thought good that a plain Declaration should be made of the premises as well to the Lords spirituall and Temporall as to other His loving Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament assembled WHEREUPON the said Lords and Commons by a great deliberation finally be resolved That it is and shall be much more to the pleasure of Almighty God and for the honour of this His Realm that the possessions of such small religious Houses not being spent spoiled and wasted for increase of maintenance of sin should be used and converted to better uses and the unthrifty religious persons so spending the same to be compelled to reform their lives And hereupon most humbly desire the King's Highnesse that it may be enacted by authority of this present Parliament That His Majesty shall have to Him and to Hit Heirs for ever all and singular such Monasteries His Majesty shall have and enjoy c. As it foloweth in the printed b Cap. 28. Statute In this Preamble two principles are laid down of infallible truth Two principles which must not be questioned and posterity must not be so presumptuous as to question them 1. The smallest Convents were the greatest sinners and they who had the least lands led the leudest lives 2. It was harder to reform little Covents than those that were greater It seems such small Houses like little fishes could not be caught with the
not in obedient humylyte have undre the shadowe or color of the saide rule and habite vaynely detestably and also ungodly employed yea rather devowred the yerely revenues yssuing and comyng of the saide possessions in continuall in gurgitations and farcyngs of owr carayne bodyes and of others the supportares of owr voluptuose and carnal appetyte with other vayne and ungodly expensys to the manyfest subvertion of devocion and clennes of lyvyng and to the moost notable slaunder of Christs holy Evangely which in the forme of owr professyon we did ostentate and openly devaunt to kepe moost exactly withdrawyng thereby from the symple and pure myndys of yowr graces subjectes the onely truth and comfort which they oughte to have by the true faith of Christe And also the devyne honor and glory onely due to the glorious Majesty of God Almyghty steryng them with all perswasions ingynes and polyce to dedd Images and counterfett reliques for owr dampnable lucre Which our moost horryble abominacions and execrable persuacions of yowr graces people to detestable errours and our long coveryd Ipocrysie cloked with fayned sanctite We revolving dayly and continually ponderyng in owr sorrowfull harts and thereby perseyving the botomlas gulf of everlasting fyre redy to devowre us if persysting in this state of lyving we shulde depart from this uncertayn and transytory lâ—ffe constrayned by the intollerable anguysh of owr conscience callyd as we trust by the grace of God who wold have no man to perysh in synne with harts moost contrite and repentante prostrate at the noble feet of yowr moost royall Majestye most lamentably doo crave of yowr highnes of yowr abundant mercy to grant unto us moost greevous against God and yowr Highnes your most gracious perdon for owr saide sondry offences omyssyons and negligences comytted as before by us is confessed agaynst yowr Highnes and yowr most noble Progenitors And where yowr Hyghnes being Supreme hedd immediately aftre Christ of his Church in this yowr Roialme of England so consequently generall and onely Reformator of all religious persons there have full authority to correct or dyssolve at yowr Graces pleasure and libertye all Covents and religious companyes abusing the Rewles of their profession And moreover to yowr Highnes being owr soveraygn Lord and undoubted fownder of yowr said Monastery by dissolucion whereof apperteyneth onely the Oryginall title and propre inherytance as well of all other goods moveable and unmoveable to the said Monastery in any wyse apperteyning or belonging to be disposed and imployed as to yowr graces most excellent wysdeme shall seme expedyent and necessary Per me Franciscum Priorem Per me Johannem Sub-Priorem Per me Tho Smyth Per me Tho Golston Per me Rob Martin Per me Jacob Hopkins Per me Ric Bunbery Per me Johannem Pette Per me Jo Harrold Per me Tho Barly Per me Will Ward Per me Tho Atterbury Per me Will Fowler Other Resignations varying in their words met for the maine in the matter and were with all speed presented to the Kings Visitors As School-boyes hope to escape with the fewer stripes for being the first in untying their points those Convents promised to themselves the kindest usage which were forwardest in their Resignations though all on the matter fared alike 4. Yea Betwixt first and last no great difference John de Warboise so called from the place of his nativity in Huntingdon shire where my worthy friend Mr. William Johnson is well beneficed though the a Speed in his description of Huntingdon-shire first with his sixty Benedicti Monks who with solemn subscription renounced the Popes Supremacy and now as officious as any in surrendring his Convent to the Kings Visitors met with no peculiar and extraordinary civility above others of his Ordâ—r 5. Such Resignations seal'd and deliver'd the Visitors called for the Seales themselves which now had survived their own use having passed the last effectual Act and these generally made of silver were by the Kings Officers presently broken in pieces Such material Stamps being now abolished it will be charity to preserve their Impressions and exhibit them to posterity which here we shall endeavour rendring some probable reason how most of them referre to the Founders or scituation or some remarkable action therein The Seale of Armes of the Mitred Abbeys in England IN presenting of them The designe of the work I will not be confined to the strict termes of Blazoury the rather because some of their Armes may be presumed so antient as sitter to give Rules to than take them from our moderne Heraldry And what my pen cannot sufficiently describe therein the Reader may satisfie himselfe by his own eye To which these Cotes are presented in the last sheet of this Volume after the History of Waltham Abbey 1. I will make a method of my own beginning where the Sun ends in the West The Armes of Tavestocke Tavestock in Devon shire gave Varrey Or and Azure on a Chiefe Or two Mulletts Gules 2. Glassenbury gave Vert as I conjecture the Colour a Crosse Bottone Argent Of Glossenbury In the first Quarter the Woman with a Glory holding a Babe radiated about his head in her Armes because forsooth by the direction of the Angel * See the first Cent. Paragr 11. Gabriel their Church was first dedicated to the Virgin Mary 3. Middleton in Gloucester-shire gave Sable Of Middleton three Baskets Argent replenished with Loaves of Bread Gules Had the number of the Baskets been either Seven or Twelve some would interpret therein a reference to the Reversions preserved by Christ his command of the Loaves miraculously multiplied whereas now they denote the Bounty of that Abbey in relieving the poor 4. What Malmesbury in Wiltshire gave I cannot yet attain Of Malmsbury 5. Abingdon gave a Crosse flurt betwixt Martelletts Sable Of Abingdon much alluding to the Armes of our English Kings before the Conquest who it seems were great Benefactors thereunto 6. The Abbey of S. James in Reading Of Reading gave AZure three Scallop Shells Or. Here I know not what secret sympathy there is between S. James and Shells but sure I am that all Pilgrims that visit St. James of Compos-Stella in Spaine the Paramount Shrine of that Saint returned thence obsiti * Erasmâ—â— in his Dialogue called Peregrinatio Religionis eâ—go conchis all beshell'd about on their clothes as a religious Donative there bestowed upon them 7. The Abbey of Hide Of Hide juxta Winton gave Argent a Lyon rampant Sable on a cheiff of the second four Keyes Argent 8. Bataile Abbey in Sussex gave Gules a Crosse betwixt a Crown Or Of Battaile in the first and third Quarter A Sword bladed Argent hilted Or in the second and fourth Quarter thereof Hete the Armes relate to the Name and both Armes and Name to the fierce Fight hard by whereby Duke William gained the English-Crown by Conquest and founded this
Chappels 1545 The first of these were most in Number the second richest in Revenue the third in this respect better than both the former because they being spent and consumed these alone were left to supply His occasions 3. The Universities were more scared than hurt at the news of all Colledges put into the King's disposall The Universities fears They knew that Barbarisme it self had mischievous naturall Logick to make those Generall words reach farre especially if covetousnesse of some Officers might be permitted to stretch them whereupon they * Lord Herbert in H. 8 p. 537. made their humble and seasonable addresses to the King for His favour 4. None ever robbed the Muses who were well acquainted with them Happily turned into joy and thankfulnesse King Henry had too much Scholarship to wrong Scholars Either University was so farre from being impaired that both were improved by His bounty with Pensions for the places of their Publick Professors yea the fairest Colledge in either University in effect acknowledges Him for its Founder 5. Such Colledges as were Hives of Drones not of Bees What Chanters c. were industriously advancing Learning and Religion were now intended to be suppressed with free Chappels and Chanteries 1. Chanteries consisted of Salaries allowed to one or more Priests to say daily Masse for the Soules of their deceased Founders and their Friends These were Adjectives not able to stand of themselves and therefore united for their better support to some Parochial Collegiate or Cathedrall Church 2. Free Chappell 's though for the same use and service were of a more substantiall and firm constitution as independent of themselves 3. Colledges were of the same nature with the former but more considerable in bignesse building number of Priests and endowments But the ensuing death of King Henry the eighth for a time preserved the life of these Houses which were totally demolished by Act of Parliament in the first year of King Edward the sixt 6. One may observe Two Statutes on different considerations that the two Statutes made for the dissolving of these Houses were bestowed on different considerations Statute 37 Hen. 8. cap. 4. Statute 1 Edwardi 6. cap. 14. Chargeth Misdemeanors on the Priests and Governours of the aforesaid Chanteries that of their own Authority without the assent of their Patrons Donours or Founders they had let Leases for Lives or term of years of their said Lands and some had suffered Recoveries levied Fines and made Feoffments and other Conveyances Contrary to the will and purposes of their Founders to the great contempt of Authority Royall Wherefore in consideration of His Majesties great costs and charges in His present Warres with France and Scotland the Parliament put Him and His Successors for ever in the reall and actuall possesion of such Chanteries c. Mentioneth the Superstitious uses of these Houses considering that a great part of Errors of Christian Religion hath been brought into the mindes and estimation of men by reason of the Ignorance of their very true and perfect Salvation through the death of Christ and by devising and fancying vaine opinions of Purgatory and Masses satisfactory for the dead Wherefore that the said Lands might be altered for better uses viz Erecting Grammar-Schools augmentation of the Universities and provision for the Poor the Parliament bestowed them on the King by His Councell to dispose of the same accordingly 7. To begin with Chanteries Forty seven Chanteries in Saint Paul's Church London their exact number in all England is unknown But if Hercules may by a Mathematician be measured from his foot a probable conjecture may be made of them from those which we finde founded in the Cathedral Church of S. Paul's in London For on the nineteenth of April in the second year of King Edward the sixt a Certificate was returned by the Dean and Chapter of Paul's to His Highnesse Commissioners appointed for that purpose affirming That they had forty seven Chanteries within their Church We will onely instance in the odde seven enough to acquaint us with the nature of all the rest Chaunterie of Founded by For To pray for In S. Pauls Church Present Incumbents Revenue 1. John Beauchamp Knight Himself in his life-time One Chaplain The said Sir Io. and the souls of the Progenitors of the Earle of Warwick Next to the Founders Tomb. Sir Richard Strange  lib. s. d Sum. tot 12 08 08 Deduct 09 06 08 Remain 02 18 08 2. Sir John Poultney Knight Citizen of London His own last Will and Testament in 23 of Edward the third Three Priests His own and all Christian souls In a Chappell by him built on the North side of the Church 1. Sir Fulk Witney 2. Sir Iohn Richardson 3. Sir Iohn Blosse Sum. tot 47 09 04 Deduct 39 17 08 Remain 07 12 06 3. John Duke of Lanâ—aster Ralph Nevil E. of Westmerland Tho. E. of Worcester Executors to the Duke licensed by King Hen. 4. In the 13 of His Reign Two Chaplains King Henry the fourth then living and the soule of the aforesaid Duke of Lancaster In a Chappel by them built on the North of the Church 1. Sir Rich. Smith 2. Sir Roger Charlson Sum. tot 20 00 00 Deduct 16 06 08 Remain 03 13 04 4. Walter Sherington The Executors of his TestameÌ„t licensed by Ki. Henry the sixt in the 24 of his Reign Two Chaplains Englishmen and Graduates The good estate of King Henry the sixt the soul of Walter Sherington In a Chappel built for him at the North door of the Church Mr. Thomas Batemansonne Mr. Iohn Wylmy Sum. tot 20 00 00 Deduct 16 00 00 Remain 02 00 00 5. Thomas More somtime Dean of the Church His Executors Three Priests The soul of the said More and others In the Chappel of S. Anne Sir Richard Gates Sir Robert Garret Sir Morrice Griffith Sum. tot 67 00 06 Deduct 55 00 11 3 4 Remain 12 05 00 1 4 6. Walter Thorpe His Executors One Chaplain The soul of the said Thorpe At S John's Altar Sir Richard Nelson Sum. tot 11 16 00 Deduct 05 04 08 1 1 Remain 06 11 03 1 2 7. Richard Fitz Jams Bishop of London Henry Hill Citizen and Haberdasher in the 13 of Henry 8. One Chaplain Richard Fitz Iames Bishop of London At S. Pauls Altar Sir Iohn Hill Sum. tot 14 06 08 Deduct 14 06 08 Remain 00 00 00 Know Reader I am beholding for my exact intelligence herein to my worthy friend Mr. Thomas Hanson who not onely lent much light to my lamp out of choice Records some in his possession moe in his custody but also hath given much oyle thereunto in his bountifull encouraging of my endevours It seems the Chapter would not goe to the cost of true Arithmetick some of the summes being not rightly deducted whose mistakes I chose rather to follow than to vary any whit from the Originall 8. Observe in these Chanteries Chanteries when they began by
of Paul's in giving up their accounts to the King's Commissioners pretended themselves yearly losers by some of these Chanteries For generally they were founded on candle-rents houses are London's land which were subject to casualtie reparations and vacations In such intervalls though the house wherewith the Chanterie was endowed wanted a Tenant yet the Chanterie must not want a Chaplain to officiate for the dead Yea so charitable was the Dean and Chapter in such cases as sometimes to allow lands in augmentation of maintenance and assigne houses of their own for the habitation of such Chaplains as wanted a mansion The King therefore may be said in some sort to have done a courtesie to the Chapter of Paul's when suppressing such poor Chanteries formerly not beneficial but burdensome unto them 17. By other Chanteries they were only savers Nothing pretended gotten no gainers having only their labour for their pain in seeing things performed according to the Will of the Testatour as in Bishop Fitz. James and many othersâ— so that the Priest paid and other allowances deducted remanets nil as they brought in the reckoning of their receipts and disbursments However we may take notice that herein the Dean and Chapter of Paul's were both their own Accomptants and Auditors and none could disprove their reckonings therein But grant that among forty seven Chanteries two or three of them were unprofitable servants returning no emolument unto them yea suppose as many prodigall children wasting the stock of their Parent understand the Church wherein they were founded yet from the collective body of them altogether she gained a grand revenue And it is considerable that in this their Audit they onely brought in their bare annual rent of houses their fines not being charged on their accompt but swallowed in silence to the great commodity of the Chapter 18. Vast was the wealth accrewing to the Crown by the dissolution of Chanteries The great though uncertain number of Chanteries Many a little saith the Proverb make a mickle These foundations though small in revenue yet being many in number mounted up a great bank There was not a Cathedral or collegiate-Collegiate-Church in England but some Chanteries were founded therein as in many Parochial-Churches Thus at Oldwincle in North hampton shire the Village of my nativity a Chantery in the Parish-Church of All-Saints was endowed with house and lands for a Priest at the cost of Sir John Oldwincle Knight about the Reign of King Henry the sixt Yea let the model of Countrey-Churches be well observed wherein such excursions of building as present themselves beyond the old fabrick from which oft-times they differ as neater and newer were since erected and added as intended and used for Chanteries 19. Free-Chappels succeed Free Chappels and Colledges not so called from the freenesse and bounty of their Founders but because subsisting of themselves as children of full age whose parents are still alive For though Chappell speaks a relation to a Mother-Church yet free avoweth them sui juris especially so farre forth that right of burialls belonged unto them These were greater than Chanteries having more room for Priests and moe Priests for that room to pray for the souls of their Founders Colledges come the last as the heaviest and best ladâ—n with land into consideration These though fewest in number were richer than both the former insomuch that the Colledge of Fothering hay in North-hampton-shire was yearly valued at Four hundred nineteen pounds eleven shillings ten pence hafpeny And no wonder since this * See Speeds Catalogue in Norâ—hamptonshire Colledge had the rare happinesse to be endowed by the Kings both of Yorke and Lancaster at deadly mutuall enmity yet joyntly agreeing in their bounty to this place 20. How much the yearly revenue of all these Chanteries A 〈◊〉 scit of wealth accruing to the Crown Free-Chappels and Colledges amounted to God knows for the King knew as little as some in our Age. Indeed some of His Officers did but would not know as wilfully concealing their knowledge herein Yea some of these Chanteries may be said in a double sense to be supprest as not onely put down but also concealed never coming into the Exchequer being silently pocketed up by private but potent persons True it is the Courtiers were more rapacious to catch and voracious to swallow these Chanteries than Abbey-lands For at the first many were scrupulous in minde or modest in manners doubting the acceptance of Abbey-land though offered unto them till profit and custome two very able Confessours had by degrees satisfied their consciences and absolved them from any fault therein Now all scruples removed Chantery-land went down without any regreet Yea such who mannerly expected till the King carved for them out of Abbey lands scrambled for them selves out of Chantery-revenues as knowing this was the last dish of the last course and after Chanteries as after cheese nothing to be expected As for those who fairly purchased them of the King they had such good bargains therein that thereby all enriched and some ennobled both themselves and posterity But for satisfaction herein I referre the Reader to his * Sir Iohn Hayward in Edw. 6. pag. 155. pen who never spared any that came under it and seldome such as came neer it who speaks more bitternesse than falshood in this particular 21. The Chanterie-Priests Pensions assigned to Chantery-Priests by this suppression outed at once of all their livelyhood were not left to the wide world to shift for themselves but had durante vita pensions setled on them by King Edward His Letters Patents I have seen in the Auditor's Office for the North-part of the Dutchie of Lancaster the * Made in the 3 4 of Phil. and Mary Account of William Mallet Esq particular Receiver of the rents Colledges Chanteries c. in the Countie of Yorke viz of so many of them as were in that Shire annexed to the Dutchie of Lancaster which parcell alone amounted yearly to Seven hundred ninety six pounds four shillings two pence halfpeny Out of which summe was deducted One hundred twenty six pounds two shillings four pence for annuall pensions to Chantery Priests and others five pounds apiece the generall proportion assigned them for term of life by King Edward the sixt 22. The Parliament at the same time put Hospitalls also into the King's possession Some tendernesse to Hospitalls Yet surely more tendernesse was used to Hospitalls and I finde very few of them finally suppressed Indeed that of the Savoy at this time was much * Stows Survey of London pag. 344. abused with Loyterers Vagabonds and Strumpets which lay all day in the fields and at night were harboured there In which consideration King Edward dissolved the Hospitall but gave the land thereof worth six hundred pound per annum to the City of * Stow ut prius p. 491. London to endow Bridewell therewith Thus He did not extinguish charity
The Queen made Sir Tho Tresham Lord Prior of this Order who the thirtieth of November 1557 received the Order of the Crosse at Westminster and was solemnly inducted into his place He was of an antient family and large estate and had done the Queen Knights service proclaiming Her in the highest contest with Queen Jane If the dimension of his Body may be guessed by his finger and his finger by his Ring which have seen in the possession of his Kinsman William Tresham Esq of Newton in Northampton-shire he was a little Gyant and farre greater than his pourtraicture on his Monument almost demolisht in Rushton-Church in the same County But Alexander's souldiers were not in proportion so big as their shields left in India and possible that Ring of State serving for a Seale was rather borne about him than worn on his finger 7. Re-edified by devout persons It is out of doubt that Papists contributed many pretious Utensils unto these Orders as also that they were bountifull in repairing their decayed Houses to fit them for their habitation but by Sanders his leave No visible refunding of land doth appear Which if he had known of no doubt he would have told posterity as tending according to his principles so much to the credit of those persons I say again though Queens Examples carry a kinde of Mandamus in them yet herein Her best Subjects and Servants were so unmannerly as to suffer Her Grace to go alone by Her self in this Act without any attendants as to the restitution of any entire Religious house to its former Order No not Anthony Browne Viscount Montacute though formerly solemnly employed in an Ambassy to the Pope to reconcile the Church of England to Rome would part with his rich Abbey of Battaile in Sussex or poor Priory of Barnewell nigh Cambridge c. but kept all his pluralities in that nature though otherwise we believe him most bountifull to those of his own Religion 8. The Catholick Princes Meaning Philip and Mary and surely though we cannot insist on the particulars that Kings inclinations are sufficiently known zealous for the promoting of His own Religion However it is almost incredible what a qualme on this occasion came over the hearts of the stoutest Abbey-land Mongers in England fearing in processe of time a reverting of them to their former use the rather because Cardinall Poole in that Act in this Queens Reign to secure Abbey-lands to their Owners without the passing whereof to pacifie so many persons concerned Papistry could not have been restored in that Parliament did not as some think absolve their consciences from restitution But onely made a palliate cure the Church but suspending that power which in due time she might put in execution 3. This made many suspect that such edifices of Abbeys A generall jealousie of Abbey-holders which still were extant entire looked lovingly on their antient Owners in hope to be restord unto them In prevention whereof such as possest them for the present plucked out their eyes by levelling them to the ground and shaving from them as much as they could all Abbey-Characters disguising them as much as might be in a Lay-habit matching and mingling them with lands in another Tenure because on this very motion Abbey lands sunk two years purchase in the common valuation 4. Nor must I forget one passage in Derby-shire Nimianon cautela Non nocet a certain information whereof I have received from that skilful Antiquary and my respected Kinsman Samuel Roper of Lincolnes-Inne how one Thacker being possessed of Repingdon Abbey in Derby-shire alarumed with this news that Q. Mary had set up these Abbeys again and fearing how large a reach such a precedent might have upon a Sunday belike the better day the better deed called together the Carpenters and Masons of that County and plucked down in one day Church-work is a cripple in going up but rides post in coming down a most beautifull Church belonging thereunto adding He would destroy the Nest for fear the Birds should build therein again 5. And now when a Papist have done commending Q. Mary The best work of Q. Mary a Protestant may begin I say Her setting up the Hospitall of the Savoy was a better work than any instanced in by Sanders for the relief of poor people First because poor qua poor may be said to be Jure Divino * Prov. 22. 2. The rich and poor meet together and the Lord maketh them both Not onely as Creatour of their persons but Assigner of their conditions Besides the Poor is a continuall Order in the Church by the words of our Saviour * John 12. 8. The poor ye have alwaies with you but more properly hereof in the Reign of Queen Mary Queen Elizabeth demolisheth the new-erected Convents Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown Violent alterations dangerous was not over-busie at the first but for some moneths permitted all things to remain in statu quo priùs Insomuch that in the first Parliament of Her summoning She sent Her Writs to the aforesaid Lord Prior Tresbam and Abbot Feckenham to make their appearance with the rest of Her Barons in Her Great Councell Whither they repaired and wherein they took their places accordingly 2. Sir Thomas as Lord Prior above but the Abbot beneath all the a See a List of them sitting in Sir Tho Cottons Library Temporal Lords being the lag of the House and placed under Oliver Lord S. John of Blet netsho lately made the second Baron of Queen Eliz Her creation But they had hardly set down on their seats before they were raised up and dissolved with all the rest of the late-restored Orders 3. I have not met to my best remembrance with any Statute A Quaere to the learned in Law enacted in the Reign of Queen Mary whereby She was legally empowred for the re-erection of these Convents done it seems by Her Prerogative by connivance not concurrence of the Parliament Nor can I finde in the first year of Queen Elizabeth any particular Statute wherein as in the Regin of King Henry the eighth these Orders are nominatim suppressed this probably being supposed needlesse as I conceive with submission to the Learned in that Profession their Houses having no Legal settlement Or else when the general Statutes against Superstition were layed like the Ax to the root of the Tree these Orders are under-branches fell of themselves by virtue of the Queens Commission for the same 4. I intended by way of a farewell-Corollary to present the Reader with a List of the Lord Priors of S. Iohn's An imperfect List better than none from Iordanus Briset their first Founder But their Records being all burnt in that fire which was kindled by Straw in his commotion it is impossible to compleat the Catalogue At and since which difaster such as we can recover are not contiguous in times and distanced with many years betwixt them though perhaps
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
them how much they have profited in the study of holy Scripture 21. That in the time of High Masse be that sayeth or singeth a Psalm shall read the Epistle and Gospel in English and one Chapter in the New Testament at Mattens and another at Evensong and that when nine Lessons are to be read in the Church three of them shall be omitted with Responds And at Evensong the Responds with all the Memories 22. That to prevent in Sick persons the damnable vice of Despair They shall learn and have alwaies in readinesse such comfortable places and sentences of Scripture as doe set forth the mercy benefits and goodnesse of God Almighty towards all penitent and believing persons 23. To avoid all contention and strife which heretofore have risen amongst the Kings subjects by challenging of Places in Procession no Procession hereafter shall be used about the Church or Church-yard but immediately before high Masse the Letany shall be distinctly said or sung in English none departing the Church without just cause and all ringing of Bells save one utterly forborne 24. That the Holy-day at the first beginning Godly instituted and ordained be wholly given to God in hearing the Word of God read and taught in private and publick prayers in acknowledging their offences to God and amendment in reconciling themselves to their Neighbours receiving the Communion visiting the sick c. Onely it shall be lawfull for them in time of harvest to labour upon Holy and Festival-daies and save that thing which God hath sent and that scrupulosity to abstain from working upon those daies doth grievously offend God 25. That no Curate admit to the Communion such who are in ranchor and malice with their neighbours till such controversies be reconciled 26. That every Dean Arch-Deacon c. being a Priest preach by himself personally twice a year at least 27. That they instruct their people not obstinately to violate the Ceremonies of the Church by the King commanded to be observed and not as yet abrogated And on the other side that whosoever doth superstitiously abuse them doth the same to the great perill of his souls health 28. That they take away and destroy all Shrines covering of Shrines Tables Candlesticks Trindills or rolls of Wax Pictures Paintings and other Monuments of fained Miracles so that no memory of them remain in Walls or Windows exhorting their Parishioners to doe the like in their severall houses And that a comely Pulpit be provided in a convenient place 29. That a strong Chest be provided with a hole in the upper part thereof with three Keyes thereunto belonging be provided to receive the charity of people to the poor and the same at convenient times distributed unto them in the presence of the Parish 30. That Priests be not bound to go to visit Women lying in Child-bed except in times of dangerous sicknesse and not to fetch any Coarse except it be brought to the Church yard 31. That to avoid the detestable sin of Simonie the Seller shall lose his right of Patronage for that time and the Buyer to be deprived and made unable to receive Spirituall promotion 32. That because of the lack of Preachers Curats shall read Homilies which are or shall be set forth by the Kings Authority 33. Where as many indiscreet persons doe uncharitably contemn and abuse Priests having small learning his Majesty chargeth his Subjects that henceforth they be reverently used for their Office and Ministration sake 34. That all persons not understanding Latine shall pray on no other Primmer but what lately was set forth in English by K. Henry the eighth and that such who have knowledge in Latine use none other also and that all Craces before and after meat be said in English and no Grammer taught in Schools but what is set forth by Authority 35. That Chantery Priests teach youth to read and write 36. That when any Sermon or Homily shall be had the Prime and Houres shall be omitted ⧠The form of bidding the Common Prayers YOu shall pray for the whole Congregation of Christs Church and specially for this Church of England and Ireland wherein first I commend to your devout prayers the Kings most excellent Majesty Supreme Head immediately under God of the spirituality and temporalty of the same Church And for Queen Katharine Dowager and also for my Lady Mary and my Lady Elizabeth the Kings sisters Secondly You shall pray for my Lord Protectors grace with all the rest of the Kings Majesties Councell for all the Lords of this Realm and for the Clergie and the Commons of the same beseeching Almighty God to give every of them in his degree grace to use themselves in such wise as may be to Gods glory the Kings honour and the weal of this Realm Thirdly You shall pray for all them that be departed out of this world in the faith of Christ that they with us and we with them at the Day of Judgment may rest both body and soul with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the kingdome of heaven Observations on the Kings Injunctions Let us here admire Gods wisdome in our first Reformers The wisdome of our Reformers who proceeded so moderately in a matter of so great consequence To reform all at once had been the ready way to reform nothing at all New wine must be gently powred into old bottles lest the strenght of the liquor advantaged with the violence of the infusion break the vessel Iacob could not keep pace with Esau presumed fleet on foot as used to hunting whilest he had in his company the * Gen. 33. 13. tender children and flocks with young which if over driven one day would die And though no doubt he himself was foot-man enough to go along with his Brother yet he did lead on softly according as the cattle and children were able to endure Thus our wise Reformers reflected discreetly on the infirmities of people long nouzled in ignorance and superstition and incapable of a sudden and perfect alteration On this account in the third Injunction they reduced Candles formerly sans number in Churches to two Onely two lights left upon the high Altar before the Sacrament these being termed lights shews they werenot luminacaeca but burning Know also that at this time there was an universall dilapidation of Chancells and men had seen so many Abbey-Churches pluckt down that they even left Parish-Churches to fall down on themselves now to repair them all at once would have stopt the holes in the Chancells and made one in the states of the Ministers It was therefore in the sixteenth Injunction ordered That a fift part of their means should be imployed therein whereby the work was effectually done without any great dammage to the Repairers By Memories appointed to be omitted What meant by Memories Injunction 21. we understand the Obsequia for the dead which some say succeeded in the place of the Heathen Roman Parentalia The abolishing Processions is politickly
put on a civil account Good policie Injunction 23. to avoid contention about places Indeed peoples pride herein consisted in pretended humility which the Injunction at large termeth a fond Courtesie For in a mock-practise of the Apostles * Rom. 12. 12. precept in honour preferring one another they strained courtesie to goe last Where by the way I conceive that accounted the highest place which was next the Crosse bearer or next the Priest carrying the Host Quaere whether in the 24 Injunction labouring in time of Harvest on Holy-daies and Festivals relateth not onely to those of Ecclesiasticall constitution as dedicated to Saints or be inclusive of the Lords day also Mr. Calvin in his Letter to the Lord * pag. 187 188. Protector Mr. Calvin dissents disliketh the praying for the dead and this is one of those things which he termed tolerabiles ineptias Englished by some tolerable fooleries more mildly by others tolerable unfitnesses In requital whereof Bishop Williams was wont to say That Master Calvin had his tolerabiles morositates And thus moderately did our first Reformers begin Moderation 〈◊〉 farre as the subject they wrote on would give them leave for as carefull Mothers and Nurses on condition they can get their Children to part with knives are contented to let them play with raitles So they permitted ignorant people still to retain some of their fond and foolish Customes that they might remove from them the most dangerous and destructive Superstitions Come we now to give in a List of such principall Books which in the Reign of this King and His Father The Protestant Library as Preparatory to and Introductive of Reformation And to bring them high enough we will begin with HEN 7th Prayers printed by the Commandements of the moost hye and vertuous Princesse our lyege Lady Elizabeth by the grace of God Quene of England and of France and also of the right hye and moost noble Princesse Margarett mother to our Soveraign Lord the King c. without the year when printed HEN 8th The Institution of a Christian man contayneng the Exposition of the Commune Crede of the seaven Sacraments of the ten Commandements and of the Pater noster and the Ave Maria Justification and Purgatory London by Tho Barthelet 1537. A necessary Doctrine and Erudition for any Christen man set furthe by the Kynges Majestie of England c. London by Tho Barthelet 1543. HEN 8th Henry the eighth his Epistle to the Emperour Christen Princes and all true Christen men desiring peace and concord amonges them Against the power of the Pope and concerning a Generall Councell London by Tho Barthelet 1538. A Protestation made for the most mighty and most redoubted King of England c. and his hole Counsell and Clergie wherein is declared that neither His Highnesse nor His Prelates neyther any other Prince or Prelate is bound to come or send to the pretended Councell that Paul Bishop of Rome first by a Bull indicted at Mantua a Citie in Italy and now alate by an other Bull hath proroged to a place no man can telle where London by Tho Barthelet 1537. Articles devised by the Kinges Highnes Majestie to stablishe Christen quietnes and unitie amonge us and to avoyde contentious opinions which Articles be also approved by the consent and determination of the hole Clergie of this Realme Lond Tho Barthelet 1536. Injunctions to the Clergie 1536. M. Sc. Articles devised by the holle consent of the Kinges most honourable Counsayle His Graces licence opteyned thereto not only to exhorte but also to enfourme His loving Subjects of the trouth London Tho Barthelet 1533. Orarium seu libellus Precationum per Regiam Majestatem Clerum Latinè editus Ex officina Richard Graftoni 1545. Pia Catholica Christiani hominis institutio Londini apud Thomam Barthelet 1544. Reformatio Legum Ecclesiasticarū ex authoritate primum Regis Hen 8. inchoata deinde per Regem Edw 6. provecta c. Londini ex officina Jo Day 1571. EDW 6th Injunctions given by the most excellent Prince Edward the sixt by the grace of God King of England France and Ireland Defendor of the Fayth and in yearthe under Christ of the Church of England and of Ireland the Supreeme Hedde to all and singuler His loving Subjects aswell of the Clergie as of the Laietie By R. Grafton 1547. Articles to be enquired of in the Kynges Majesties visitation By Rich Grafton Cum privilegio Communion book translated into French for Jersey and Garnesey 1553. EDW 6th The Booke of Common-Prayer and Administration of Sacraments c. London 1549. 1552. The forme and manner of making and consecrating Bishops Priests and Deacons 1552 1549. The Copie of a Letter sent to all those Preachers which the Kings Majestie hath licensed to preach from the Lord Protectors Grace and others of the Kinges Majesties most Honourable Councell The 23 of May 1548. Catechismus brevis Christianae disciplinae summam continens omnibus ludimagistris authoritate Regiâ commendatus Londini 1553. Articuli de quibus in Synodo Londinensi 1552. ad tollenda◠opinionum dissensionem consensum verae religionis firmandum inter Episcopos alios eruditos atque pios viros-convenerat Regia similiter authoritate promulgati Londini The Primer or Booke of Prayers translated out of Hen the 8 ths Orarium London by Rich Grafton 1547. Certain Sermons viz the first part of the Church Homilies appointed by the Kinges Majestie to be read everie Sonday and Holy day c. 1549 1547. A Primer or Booke of private Prayer c. in the 7 yeare of Ed 6. Ex officina Wilhelmi Seres 1552. The order of the Communion with the Proclamation London by Rich Grafton 1548. Q. MARIE The Primer in Latin and English after the use of Sarum London 1555. Edm Bonners Catechisme 1555. with Homelies composed by H. Pendleton and Jo Harpesfield London 1555. These are the principall State-books which that Age produced not mentioning such as numberlesse which private persons set forth onely I cannot as yet recover the Lord Cromwell's Catechisme except it be concealed under another name amongst the Books aforementioned 4. Come we now to the Liturgie which in the Reign of K. Henry the eighth was said or sung all in Eatine save only the Creed Pater noster and ten Commandements put into English by the Kings command Anno 1536. Nine years after viz 1545 the Letanie was permitted in English and this was the farthest pace which the Reformation stept in the Reign of King Henry the eighth Ann. Dom. 1547. But under His son King Edward the sixt a new form of Divine worship was set forth in the vulgar Tongue which passed a threefold purgation The first Edition of the Liturgie or Common-Prayer The 2 d Edit of the Liturgy or Common-Prayer The 3 d Edit of the Liturgy or Common-Prayer In the first year of King Edward the sixt it was recommended to the care
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.
The Lady Mary 28. after long Communication was content to come to Lees Ann. Dom. 1549 to the Lord Chancellours and then to Hunsdon but She utterly denied to come to the q q She loved to deale with the King her Brother eminus by Letters but in no wise comminus by discourse Besides she hated coming to the Court suspecting some harsh usage to her Person and jealous of being put into Restraint Court or Oking at that time The Lord Chancellor fell sore sick Aug. 13. with 40 more of his r r Lees in Essex a County generally not very healthfull where Agues sit as close and sometimes last as long as a new suit house that the Lady Mary came not thither at this time There were Letters sent to every Bishop to pull downe the Altars Nov. 19. There were Letters sent for the taking of certain Å¿ Å¿ Of these Francis Mallet last * * Sceletos Cant. MS. Master of Michael House in Cambridge was the chief He having leave from the Councell to officiate Masse onely in the presence of the Lady Mary presumed on the same liberty in her absence Whereupon he was notwithstanding his Ladies refusall to surrender him fetcht from her by force and committed to prison Chaplains of the Lady Mary Dec. 15. Edw. sexâ—i 4. for saying Masse which She denied Whaley was examined for perswading divers Nobles of the Realm to make the Duke of Somerset t t Now where the seeds sown and the foundation laid of the Protectours overthrow which ensued not long after Proâ—ector at the next Parliament Febr. 6. stood to the Denial the Earle of Rutland affirmed it manifestly The Bishop of Winchester after a long triall was deposed his Bishoprick 17. It seems some legall formalities were pretended wanting in Gardiner his deprivation For in my memory a Suit was commenced to overthrow a long Lease made by Bishop Poinet Gardiner's successour in Winchester on this point that Gardiner still remained lawfull Bishop but nothing therein was effected 23. Come we now to the saddest difference that ever happened in the Church of England The conception of non-conformity if we consider either the time how long it continued the eminent persons therein ingaged or the dolefull effects thereby produced It was about matters of conformity Alas that men should have lesse wisdome than locusts which when sent on God's errand Did not * * Joel 2. 8. thrust one another whereas here such shoving and shouldring and hoising and heavings and justleing and thronging betwixt Clergie-men of the highest parts and places For now non-conformity in the daies of King Edward was conceived which afterward in the Reign of Queen Mary but beyond Sea at Frankford was born which in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth was nursed and weaned which under King James grew up a young youth or tall stripling but towards the end of King Charles His Reign shot up to the full strength and stature of a man able not onely to coap with but conquer the Herarchie its adversary 24. Two opposite parties now plainly discovered themselves The favourers and opposers thereof driving on different interests Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 4. under their respective Patrones Ann. Dom. 1550. Founders of Conformity 1. Such as remained here all the Reign of King Henry the eighth and weathered out the tempest of His tyrannie at open Sea partly by a politick compliance and partly by a cautious concealment of themselves 2. These in the daies of King Edward the sixt were possessed of the best preferments in the land 3. And retained many ceremonies practiced in the Romish Church conceiving them to be antient and decent in themselves 4. The authority of Cranmer and activity of Ridley headed this party the former being the highest the latter the hottest in defence of conformity Founders of Non-conformity 1. Such as fled hence beyond the Seas chiefly into Germany where living in States and Cities of popular Reformation they suck'd in both the aire and discipline of the place they lived in 2. These returning late into England were at a losse for meanes and maintenance onely supported with the reputation of being Confessors rendring their patience to the praise and their persons to the pity of all conscientious people 3. And renounced all ceremonies practiced by the Papists conceiving that such ought not onely to be clipt with the sheers but to be shaved with a raizor yea all the stumps thereof to be pluckt out 4. John Rogers Lecturer in S. Pauls and Vicar of S. Sepulchres with John Hooper afterwards Bishop of Glocester were Ring-leaders of this party This Iohn Hooper was bred in Oxford well skill'd in Latine Greek and Hebrew a little of the last would go farre in this Age and afterwards travelled over into Switzerland Yea he seemed to some to have brought Switzerland back with him in his harsh rough and unpleasant behaviour being grave into rigour and severe into surliness Yet to speak truth all Hoopers ill nature consisted in other mens little acquaintance with him Such as visited him once condemned him of over-austerity who repaired to him twice onely suspected him of the same who conversed with him constantly not onely acquitted him of all morosity but commended him for sweetness of manners which saith my Author Godwin in the Bishops of Glocester endeared him to the acquaintance of Bullinger This Hooper was preferred to be Bishop of Glocester by the special favour of his Patrone Iohn Earl of Warwick afterward Duke of Northumberland 25. The worst was Hooper refuseth to wear the Episcopal habit when Hooper came to be consecrated Bishop of Glocester he scrupled the wearing of certain Episcopall ornaments Rochet Chimere Square-cap c. producing a Letter from the Earl of Warwick omniprevalent then at Court in the declining of his Corrival the Duke of Somerset that he might be favourably dispensed with therein according to the tenour ensuing to Archbishop Cranmer AFter my most hearty commendations to your Grace these may be to desire the same that in such reasonable things wherein this beâ—rer my Lord Elect of Glocester craveth to be born withall at your hands you would vouch safe to shew him your Graces favour the rather at this my instance Which thing partly I have taken in hand by the Kings Majesties own motion The matter is weighed by His Highnesse none other but that your Grace may facilely condescend thereunto The principall cause is that you would not charge this said Bearer with an Oath burdenous to his conscience And so for lack of time I commit your Grace to the tuition of Almighty God Your Graces most assured loving friend July 23. John Warwick What this Oath was because not expressed is variously conjectured Parsons to render Hooper more odious will have it the Oath of Supremacy which in my opinion is improbable it being utterly unlikely that the King would dispense with any from taking Oath
good to advertise now since Our last Letters dated at Greenwich VVe departed from thence towards a thing farre contrary to that wherein as VVe perceive by your diligent advertisement you and all the Countrey you are in are occupied for whereas you all have been occupied in killing of your enemies in long marchings in painfull journeys in extreme heat in sore skirmishings and divers assaults We have been occupied in killing of wilde Beasts in pleasant journeys in good fare in viewing of faire Countreys and rather have sought how to fortifie Our own than to spoil another mans And being this determined came to Gilford from thence to Petworth and so to Coudray a goodly House of Sir Anthony Brownes where we were marvellously yea rather excessively banquetted From thence VVe went to Halvenaker a pretty House besides Chichester From thence VVe went to Warblington a faire House of Sir Richard Cottons And so to VValthan a faire great old House in times past the Bishop of VVinchesters and now my Lord Treasurers house In all these places VVe had both good hunting and good cheer From thence we went to Portsmouth Town and there viewed not onely the Town it selfe and the Haven but also divers Bulwarks as Chatertons VVaselford with other in viewing of which VVe finde the Bulwarks chargeable massey well rampared but ill-fashioned ill-flanked and set in unmeet places the Town weak in comparison of that it ought to be too huge great for within the Walls are faire and large Closes and much vacant room the Haven notable great and standing by nature easie to be fortified And for the more strength thereof We have devised two strong Castles on either side of the Haven at the mouth thereof For at the mouth the Haven is not past ten score over but in the middle almost a mile over and in length for a mile and a half able to beare the greatest ship in Christendome From thence We went to Tichfield the Earl of South-Hampton's House and so to South-Hampton Town The Citizens had bestowed for Our coming great cost in painting repairing and rampairing of their VValls The Town is handsome and for the bignesse of it as fair houses as be at London The Citizens made great cheer and many of them kept costly tables From South-Hampton we came to Bewly a little Village in the middle of the new Forrest and so to christ-Christ-Church another little Town in the same Forrest where VVe now be And having advertised you of all this VVe thinke it not good to trouble you any farther with news of this Countrey but onely that at this time the most part of England thanks be to God is clear of any dangerous or infectious sicknesse VVe have received all your Letters of the 26 of May of the 19 of June and the first of August Thus fare you well ⧠From Christ-Church the 22 of August But leaving the King in His Progresse A threesold division of Bishops we come to behold the Bishops in their Visitations and finde them divided into three sorts 1. Zealous Protestants as Archbishop Cranmer Bishop Ridley Hooper Farrer Zealous Papists as Gardner Tunstall Bonner which three alone were deprived of their Bishopricks and confined 3. Papists in heart but outwardly conforming to the Kings Lawes as Heath Archbishop of York and many other Bishops Here it is worthy our inquiry why this latter sort which so complied under King Edward the sixt should be so stubborn and obstinate under Queen Elizabeth whereof I can give but this reason assigned That growing older and nearer their graves they grew more conscientious and faithfull to their own though erronious principles it being in vain to dissemble now death did approach though their younger years had been guilty of such prevarications SECTION II. DIGNISSIMO VIRO CAROLO CHENEY De Comitatu BVCK Armigero Mecoenati suo munificentissimo ETHELSTANUS Saxonum Monarcha decreto sanxivit si * * Regius Co dex fol. 143. col 4. Spelmanni Concilia p. 406. massere ascenderet ut ter Magnum mare transfretaret per proprium negotium suum fuit deinde TAINI dignus rectitudine In qua lege enuclenda mihi aliquantillum immorandum quum licet tibi ut alia omnia expedita aliis forsitan aliquid nodi ei subesse videatur 1. Massere Mercatorem designari in confesso est 2. Magnum mare Mediterraneum intenditur quo nomine Sacrae Scripturae * * Num. 34. 6. Josh 1. 4. 15. 12. sepiûs innotescit 3. Proprium negotium quâ clausulâ excluditur servile genus FACTORES dicimus qui non sui juris sed Dominis rationem reddituri 4. Taini intelligimus melioris notae Generosum 5. Dignus rectitudine Olet hoc saeculi barbariem Sed his verbis voluit Rex ut censeatur Iso-Tainus atque eundem honoris gradum sortiatur Quod si Vir clarissime illi seculo tanta contigisset felicitas ut tu tunc temporis vixisses quibus titulis te decorandum Rex ille censuisset qui ortu tuo Nobilis Mare parvum medium magnum omnia multis aquarum terrarumque montibus superatis transivisti Idque non turpis lucri causa ut navem mercibus sed scientiae ergo ut mentem dotibus instructam reportares Te igitur in ipfissimo Libri mei umbilico quantum paginas scriptas nondum impressas aestimare potui collocandum curavi eo consilio quo provida natura Soli inter Planetas medium locum assignavit ut ex aequo utrinque totum opus nomine tuo illustraetur Deus Te tuamque Conjugem non magis natalium splendore quam propriis virtutibus spectabilem eousque protegat dum in dubium venerit longiorve an beatior vestra vita sit reputanda LAtely information was given to the Kings Councell Commissioners sent to enqui 〈◊〉 Church Onaments that much costly furniture which was embezelled June 10. might very seasonably such the Kings present occasions and profitably be recovered For private mens halls were hung with Aftar-cloathes their tables and beds covered with copes instead of carpets and coverlets Many drank at their daily meals in chalices and no wonder if in proportion it came to the share of their Lorses to be watered in rich coffins of marble And as if first laying of hands upon them were sufficient title unto them seizing on them was generally the price they had payed for them Now although four years were elapsed since the destruction of Colledges Chanteries and much of the best Church ornaments was transported beyond the Seas yet the Privie Councel thought this very gleaning in the stubble would richly be worth the while and that on strict inquisition they should retrive much plate in specie and more money for moderate fines of offenders herein Besides whereas Parish Churches had still many rich Ornaments left in the custody of their Wardens they resolved to convert what was superfluous or superstitious to the Kings use To which purpose
off my good Unkle Somerse ' s head And it is generally conceived that grief for his death caused K. Edwards Consumption who succeeded not to any Consumptive Inclination as hereditary from His Extraction from a Father but little past and a Mother just in the strength of Their Age. 16. However An uncertain report I finde in a * Image of both Churches page 423. Popish Writer that it was said That the Apothecary who poisoned him for the horrour of the offence and the disquietnesse of his conscience drowned himself And that the Landresse who washed His shirt lost the skin off her fingers But if his History be no better than his Divinity we that justly condemn the one can doe no lesse than suspect the other 17. We will conclude this Kings most Pious life with that His most devout Prayer on His Death-Bed The Prayer of K. Edward on his death-bed which God heard and graciously answered for the good of the Church of England d Fox Acts Mon. p. 13â—5 LOrd God deliver Me out of this miserable and wretched life and take Me among thy chosen Howbeit not my will but thy will be done Lord I commit my spirit to thee O Lord thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee yet for thy chosens sake send me life and health that I may truly serve thee Oh my Lord God blesse thy people and save thine inheritance Oh Lord God save thy chosen People of England Oh my Lord God defend this Realm from Papistry and maintain thy true Religion that I and my People may praise thy holy Name for Jesus Christs sake 17. One of the last Sermons King Edward heard Opposers of the Liturgie grow a strong was preached before Him by Hugh Latimer at what time their party began to spread and increase who opposed the Liturgie witnesse this passage in his Sermon * Latimers Semons printed Anno 1607. pag. 83. I have heard say when that the good Queen that is gone had ordained in her House daily Prayer both before Noon and after Noon the Admirall getteth him out of the way like a Mole digging in the earth He shall be Lots Wife to me as long as I live He was I heard say a Covetous man a covetous man indeed I would there were no more in England He was I heard say an Ambitious man I would there were no more in England He was I heard say a Seditious man a Contemner of Common-Prayer I would there were no more in England Well! he is gone I would he had left none behinde him A passage so informative to the Church History of that Age must not passe without some observation thereon The good Queen is gone this was Queen Katharine Par the Relict of King Henry the eighth who some two years since died in Child-bed The Admirall This was Thomas Lord Seymour her Husband Getteth himself out of the way Here is the question on what terms he absented himself whether on Popish or Non Conformist In proof whereof he is compared to Lots Wife which importeth a looking back and reflexion on former practise  Being termed herein Seditious and not Superstitious it intimates that a factious Principle made him distast the Common-Prayer A Contemner of the Common Prayer I wish there were no more This probably relates unto a potent Party disaffected to the Liturgie which now began to be very considerable in England but if the premisses be rightly collected much too blame in the judgment of godly Master Latimer 18. The dislikers of the Liturgie bare themselves high upon the judgment of Master Calvin in his Letter four year since to the Duke of Somerset Lord Protectour now no longer a privacie because publickly printed in his Epistles And yet Master Calvin is therein very positive for a set Forme Mr. Calvin's 3 Reasons for a set Form of Prayer whose words deserve our Translation and observation * Libro Epist pag. 69. Formulam precums rituum Ecclesiasticorum valde probo ut certa illa extet A quâ ne Pastoribus discedere in functione sua liceat 1. Ut consulatur quorundam simplicitati imperitiae 2. Ut certius constet omnium inter se Ecclesiarum consensus 3. Ut obviam ineatur desultoriae quorundam levitati qui novationes quasdam affectant Sic igitur statum esse Catechismum oportet statam Sacramentorum administrationem publicam item precum formulam I doe highly approve that there should be a certain Form of Prayer and Ecclesiasticall Rites From which it should not be lawfull for the Pastors themselves to discede 1. That provision may be made for some peoples ignorance and unskilfulnesse 2. That the consent of all Churches amongst themselves may the more plainly appear 3. That order may be taken against the desultorie levity of such who delight in innovations Thus there ought to be an established Catechisme an established Administration of Sacraments as also a publick Form of Prayer So that it seems not a Form but this Form of Prayer did displease and exceptions were taken at certain passages still in the Liturgie though lately reviewed by the Bishops and corrected 19. Whilst mutuall animosities were heightned betwixt the Opposers and Assertors of the Liturgie Wanton fâ—owardnesse jâ—stly punished Providence put a period for a time to that Controversie in England Such who formerly would not soon after durst not use the Common Prayer Masse and Popery being set up by Queen Mary in the room thereof Thus when Children fall out and fight about the candle the Parents comming in and taking it away leave them to decide the differences in the dark The end of the Reign of King EDWARD the sixt THE Church-History OF BRITAINE The Eighth BOOK CONTAINING THE PERSECUTIONS Under the Reign of QUEEN MARY SIC OMNI TEMPORE VERDO LONDON Printed in the Year M.DC.LV. Punishment for their going naked that what sometimes they affect of Fancy should alwayes be enjoyned them by Authority till the Cold converted them into more Civility In vain do they plead for their Practise the Precedent of the Prophet * Isaiah 20. 3. Isaiah going naked for three years Whose act was extraordinary and mystical having an immediate command from God for the same As well may they in Imitation of Hos ea 1. 2. Hosea take a known harlot to their wives which I beleeve they would not willingly do though they have made Harlots of other mens wives if all be true reported of them Their other Opinion is that THOU and THEE is the Omer of Respect to be measur'd out to every single person allowing the hiest no more the lowest no less be he to speak in their own * Pamphlet called the Language of truth pag. 2. Phrase either King Lord Judge or Officer We will take their words asunder as the wheels of a watch only scowre them and then put them together again King though none at this present in the
in as well by the Duke of Northumberland on the one day as by the King on the other day Also it is to be considered the Kings commandment upon their allegiance by His own mouth and the Articles signed with His Highnesse own hand and also His Commission license and commandment under His Great Seal to the said Sr. Edward and others for the making of the said Booke Also the Kings pardon signed with His Highnesse hand Also it is to be considered that the said Books were made in the Kings life seaven or eight dayes before His death and the Queens Highnesse being Successour by Act of Parliament to the Crown and having the same as a Purchaser may not lawfully by the Laws of the Realme punish the said offence done in the Kings time Also the said Sr. Edward hath humbly submitted himself to the Queen Highnesse and to the order of the Commissioners Which Commissioners have ordered the said Sr. Edward to pay to Her Highnesse a thousand pounds who hath already paid thereof five hundred pounds and the other five hundred pounds are to be paid at the Feast of All-Saints come Twelve-moneth And also to surrender his letters Patents of lands to the yeerly value of fifty pounds called Eltyngton which he had of the gift of King Edward the Sixth which was all the reward he had of the said King Edward for his service costs and expences Also it is to be considered that the said Sr. Edward is put from his office of the Chief Justice-ship of the Common-Pleas being of the yeerly value of six hundred marks which office the most noble King of famous memorie King Henry the Eighth gave him in consideration of his long service and also had six weeks imprisonment Also it is to be considered that the same Sr. Edward hath seaventeen children viz. eleven Daughters and six Sons whereof one of the said Sons had his legge striken off by the knee in Scotland at Muscleborough-field the Duke of Sommerset being there And his Son and Heire by his commandment served the Queens Highnesse with twenty men to the cost of the said Sr. Edward of one hundred pounds as the Gentlemen of Buckingham-shire can report SO far the late Judge with his own hand Wherein he affirmeth that he medled not with the Councell in any thing afterward as may appear by his not subscribing the letter of the Lords to Queen Mary enjoying shall I say or advising Her to desist from claiming the Crown whereto all the Privie * See them exant in Mr. Fox Act. Mon-Anno 1553. Councellours subscribed onely the hand of Sr. Edward Mountagu is wanting And seeing in the whole transaction of this matter the obedience rather then invention of Judge Mountagu was required not to devise but draw things up according to Articles tendred unto him I cannot believe his * Sr. John Heywood in his Edward 6 report report relating that the King used the advise of Justice Mountagu in drawing up the Letters Patents to furnish the same with reasons of Law as Secretary Cicil with arguments from Policie 3. Some will wonder that no mention herein of Sr. Roger Cholmley Sr. R. Chomley comes off with losse Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench and in dignity above Sr. Edward Mountagu at this time but Judge of the Common-Pleas that he was not employed to draw up the Book But it seems Judge Mountagu his judgement was more relied on who had been formerly Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench and deserted it Yet the said Sr. Roger Cholmley was imprisoned for bare subscribing this Will and as it seems lost his place for the same For Justice Bromley though equally guilty with the rest so far favour extends in matters of this nature was not onely pardoned but from an inferiour Judge * See Sr. H. Spelman Glossary in Justiciarius p. 417. Sr. Jam's Hales his honesty advanced to be successour to Sr. Roger Cholmly and made Judge of the Kings-Bench 4. Whereas Sr. Edward saith that all the Judges were sent for and that many put their hands to the Book it intimateth that all did not but that some refused the same it being eminently known to the everlasting honour of Sr. James Hales that no importunity could prevail with him to underwrite this will as against both law and conscience 5. Eight weeks and upwards passed between the proclaiming of Mary Queen Contest betwixt two Religions and the Parliament by her assembled during which time two religions were together set on foot Protestantisme and Poperie the former hoping to be continued the later labouring to be restored And as the Jews Children a Neh. 13. 24. after the captivity spake a middle language betwixt Hebrew and Ashdod so during the aforesaid interim the Churches and Chappels in England had mongrell celebration of their Divine services betwixt Reformation and Superstition For the Obsequies for King Edward were held by the Queen in the Tower August the seaventh Aug. 7. with the Dirige sung in Latin and on the morrow a masse of Requiem and on the same day his Corps were buried at Westminster with a sermon service and Communion in English No small iustling was there betwixt the zealous Promoters of these contrary Religions The Protestants had possession on their side and the Protection of the Laws lately made by King Edward and still standing in free and full force unrepealed Besides seeing by the fidelity of the Suffolk and Norfolke Protestant Gentry the Queen was much advantaged for the speedy recovering of her Right they conceived it but reason that as she by them had regained the Crown so they under her should enjoy their Consciences The Papists put their Ceremonies in Execution presuming on the Queen her private practice and publique countenance especially after she had imprisoned some Protestant and enlarged some Popish Bishops advancing Stephen Gardiner to be Lord Chancelour Many which were Newters before conceiving which side the Queen inclined would not expect but prevent her authority in Alteration So that Superstition generally got ground in the Kingdome Thus it is in the Evening Twi-light wherein light and darknesse at first may seem very equally matcht but the later within little time doth solely prevail 6. What impressions the Comming in of Queen Mary made on Cambridge Mr. Jewell pens the first Congratulatory letter to the Queen shall God willing be presented in our particular History thereof The sad and sudden alterations in Oxford thereby are now to be handled Ma. John Jewel was chosen to pen the first Gratulatorie Letter to the Queen in the Name of the Vniversity an office imposed on him by his enemies that either the refusall thereof should make him incurre danger from his foes or the performance expose him to the displeasure of his friends Yet he so warily penned the same in Generall termes that his Adversaries missed their marke Indeed all as yet were confident that the Queen would maintain the Protestant
carie this style in their superscription To the Students at Zurich But behold their names Robert Horne Richard Chambers Thomas Leaver Nicolas Karvile John Mullings Thomas Spenser Thomas Bentham William Cole John Parkhurst Roger Kelke Robert Beamont Laurence Humsrey Henry Cockraft John Pretio 6. Frankford on the Meine Where they found the State very favourable unto them And this was the most visible and conspicuous English Church beyond the seas consisting of c Tr. of Fr. pag. 20. 25. Iohn Bale Edmond Sutton Iohn Makebraie William Whittingham Thomas Cole William Williams George Chidley William Hammon Thomas Steward Thomas Wood. Iohn Stanton William Walton Iasper Swyft Iohn Geofric Iohn Graie Mighell Gill. Iohn Samford Iohn wood Thomas Sorby Anthonie Cariar Hugh Alford George Whetnall Thomas Whetnall Edward Sutton Iohn Fox Laurence Kent William Kethe Iohn Hollingham Here we omit their petty Sanctuaries having like d 1 Sam. 30. 31 David places where himself and his men were wont to haunt Deesburgh VVormes c. Where their stragling numbers amounted not to the constitution of a Church If these Congregations be compared together Emden will be found the richest for substance there the Merchants which bear the bagg VVeasel the shortest for continuance Arrow the slenderest for number Strasburgh of the most quiet temper Zurich had the greatest scholars and Frankford had the largest priviledges Nor let any wonder if some in these Catalogues assigned to one colonie were afterwards found in another seeing the Apostles e Heb. 13. 14. expression VVe have here no biding City hath in it a single truth in time of peace and at least a double one in time of persecution men slitting from place to place as they were advised by their own security Know also that besides these the first founders of these severall Congregations many additional persons coming afterwards out of England joyned themselves thereunto 42. Come we now to set down the sad troubles of Frankford A brief introduction to the troubles of Frankford rending these banished exiles asunder into severall factions This I dare say if the Reader takes no more delight in perusing than I in penning so dolefull a subject he will shew little mirth in his face and feel less joy in his heart However we will be somewhat large and wholy impartial in relating this sorrowfull accident the rather because the penn-knives of that age are grown into swords in ours and their writings laid the foundations of the fightings now adayes 43. The English exiles came first to Frankford Iune the 24 th A Church at Faankford first granted to the English and on the 14 th of Iuly following by the speciall favour and mediation of M r. Iohn Glauberg one of the chief Senatours of that State had a Church granted unto them yet so as they were to hold the same in Coparcenie with the French-Protestants they one day and the English another and on Sunday alternately to chuse their hours as they could best agree amongst themselves The Church was also granted them with this proviso a Tr. of Fr. pag. 6. That they should not dissent from the French in doctrine or ceremonie lest thereby they should minister occasion of offence On the 29 th of the same moneth our English with great joy entred their new Church and had two Sermons preached therein to their singular comfort About which time they constituted their Church choosing a Minister and Deacons for a time and out of conformity to the French abrogated many things formerly used by them in the Church of England as namely 1. They concluded that the answering aloud after the Minister should not be used 2. The Letanie Surplice and other ceremonies in Service and Sacraments they omitted both as superstuous and superstitious 3. In place of the English Confession they used another adjudged by them of more effect and framed according to the b Tr. of Fr. pag. 7. State and Time 4. The same ended the people sung a Psalme in meeter in a plain tune 5. That done the Minister prayed for assistance of Gods Spirit and so proceeded to the Sermon 6. After Sermon a generall prayer for all States and particularly for England was devised which was ended with the Lords prayer 7. Then followed a rehearsall of the Articles of Belief which ended the people sung another psalme as before 8. Lastly the Minister pronounced the blessing The peace of God c. or the like and so the people departed What is meant by framing their Confession according to the State and Time I understand not must our confessions as our clothes follow the fashions of the State and place we live in except it be this that it was made more particularly not only for sinners but for exiles acknowledging their present banishment justly inflicted on them for their offences The prayer devised after Sermon according to the genuine sense of the word seems no extemporary prayer then conceived by the Minister but a set forme formerly agreed upon by the Congregation Thus have we a true account of their Service conceive it onely of such things wherein they differed from the English Liturgy not of such particulars wherein they concurr'd therewith the cause as I conceive why no mention of reading of psalms and chapters in their Congregation These certainly were not omitted and probably were inserted betwixt the Confession and singing the first psalme 44. Thus setled in their Church Other English Congregations invited to Frankford their next care was to write letters Dated August the first to all the English Congregations at Strasburgh Zurich Weasel Emden c. to invite them with all convenient speed to come and joyne with them at Frankford This is the Communion of Saints who never account themselves peacably possessed of any happiness untill if it be in their power they have also made their fellow-sufferers partakers thereof However this their invitation found not any great entertainment amongst the other English Church-Colonies all delaying and some denying to come but especially those of Zurich were most refractory and shewed least inclination to repair to Frankford 45. This occasioned severall reiterated letters from Frankford Those of Zurich quickned by importunity pressing and requiring those of Zurich deeply to weigh this matter of Gods calling and the necessity of uniting themselves in one Congregation Let none say that Frankford might as well come to Zurich as Zurich to Frankford because the English-Zurichians though not in number in learning and quality equalled if not exceeded those of Frankford For Frankford was neerer to England and more convenient for receiving intelligence thence and returning it thither Besides all Christendome met at Frankford twice a yeer the vernal and autumnal mart and grant there was more learning at Zurich there were moe books at Frankford with conveniences to advance their studies But chiefly at Frankford the Congregation enjoyed most ample priviledges and it was conceived it would much conduce to the
and Protestants wring their hands which our fathers found begun our selves see hightened and know not whether our children shall behold them pacified and appeased 4. But now a Parliament began at Westminster Alteration of Beligion enacted by the Parliament Wherein the Laws of King Henry the eighth against the See of Rome were renewed Jann 25. and those of King Edward the sixth in favour of the Protestants revived and the Laws by Queen Mary made against them repealed Uniformity of Prayer and Administration of Sacraments was enacted with a Restitution of first fruits Tenths c. to the Crown For all which we remit the Reader to the Statutes at large It was also enacted that whatsoever Jurisdictions Priviledges anâ— Spiritualls preeminences had been heretofore in Vse by any Ecclesiasticall Authority whatsoever to visit Ecclesiasticall men and Correct all manner of Errors Hereâ—es Schisms Abuses and Enormities should be for ever annexed to the Imperiall Crown of England if the Queen and her Successours might by their Letters patents substitute certain men to exercise that Authority howbeit with proviso that they should define nothing to be heresie but those things which were long before defined to be Heresies out of the Sacred Canonicall Scriptures or of the four Oecumenicall Councills or other Councills by the true and proper sence of the Holy Scriptures or should thereafter be so defined by authority of the Parliament with assent of the Clergy of England assembled in a Synod That all and every Ecclesiasticall Persons Magistrates Receivers of pensions out of the Exchequer such as were to receive degrees in the Vniversities Wards that were to sue their Liveries and to be invested in their Livings and such as were to be admitted into the number of the Queens servants c. should be tyed by oath to acknowledge the Queens Majesty to be the onely and supreme Governour of her Kingdoms the Title of Supreme head of the Church of England liked them not in all matters and causes as well spiritual as temporal all forrain Princes and Protestants being quite excluded from taking Cognizance of Causes within her Dominions 5. But the Papists found themselves much agrieved at this Ecclesiasticall Power Papists exceptions against the Queens Supremacy declared and confirmed to be in the Queen they complained that the simplicity of poore people was abused the Queen declining the Title Head and assuming the name Governour of the Church which though less offensive was more expressive So whil'st their ears were favoured in her waving the word their souls were deceived with the same sence under another Expression They cavilled how King a Sanders de Schismate Anglicano lib. 3. pag. 316. Henry the eighth was qualified for that Place and Power being a Lay-man King Edward double debarr'd for the present being a Lay-childe Queen Elizabeth totally excluded for the future being a Lay-woman b Hart against Rainolds pag. 673. They object also that the very c In Praefat. centur 7. writers of the Centuries though Protestants condemne such Headship of the Church in PRINCES and d Upon the 7. of Amos 3. The same how defended by Protestant Divines Calvin more particularly sharply taxeth Bishop Gardiner for allowing the same Priviledge to KING Henry the eighth 6. Yet nothing was granted the Queen or taken by her but what in due belonged unto her according as the most learned and moderate Divines have defended it For e Rainolds against Hart pag. 38. first they acknowledged that Christ alone is the Supreme Soveraign of the Church performing the Duty of an head unto it by giving it power of life feeling and moving and f Ephes 1. 22. him hath God appointed to be head of the Church and Col. 2. 19. by him all the body furnished and knit together by joynts and bands encreaseth with the encreasing of God This Headship cannot stand on any mortall shoulders it being as incommunicable to a Creature as a Creature is incapable to receive it There is also a peculiar Supremacy of Priests in Ecclesiasticall matters to preach the Word minister the Sacraments celebrate Prayers and practise the discipline of the Church which no Prince can invade without usurpation and the sin of Sacriledge for Incense it self did stink in the Nostrils of the God of heaven and h 2 Chr. 26. 19 provoked his Anger when offered by King Vzziah who had no calling thereunto Besides these there is that power which Hezekiah exercised in his Dominions Commanding the Levites and Priests to do their Duty and the People to serve the Lord. And to this power of the Prince it belongeth to restore Religion decayed reforme the Church Corrupted protect the same reformed This was that supremacy in Causes and over Persons as well Ecclesiasticall as Civil which was derived from God to the Queen annexed to the Crown disused in the dayes of her Sister whose blinde zeal surrendred it to the Pope not now first fixed in the Crown by this act of State but by the same declared to the Ignorant that knew it not cleared to the scrupulous that doubted of it and asserted from the Obstinate that denied it 7. As for Calvin How Dr. Rainolds answereth the exceptions to the contrary he reproveth not Reader it is D r. Rainolds whom thou readest the title of head as the Peotestants granted it but that sense thereof i against Hart pag. 673. which Popish Prelates gave namely Stephen Gardiner who did urge it so as if they had meant thereby that the King might do things in Religion according to his own will and not see them done according to Gods will namely that he might forbid the Clergie Marriage the laytie the Cup in the Lords Supper And the truth is that Stephen Gardiner was shamelessly hyperbolicall in fixing that in the King which formerly with as little Right the Pope had assumed Whether he did it out of mere flattery as full of adulation as superstition equally free in sprinkling Court and Church holy-water and as very a fawning Spaniel under King Henry the eighth as afterwards he proved a cruel Blood-hound under Queen Mary his Daughter Or because this Bishop being in his heart disaffected to the Truth Anno Dom. 1557. of set purpose betrayed it in defending it Anno Regin Eliza. 1. suting King Henries vast Body and Minde with as mighty yea monstrous a power in those his odious instances straining the Kings Authority too high on set purpose to break and to render it openly obnoxious to just exception The Centuriatoâ—s also well understood do allow and a Idem ibidem Confess the Magistrates Jurisdiction in Ecclesiasticall matters though on good reason they be enemies to this Usurpation of unlawfull power therein But I digresse and therein Transgresse seeing the large profecution hereof belongs to Divines 9. But Sanders taketh a particular exception against the Regular passing of this Act Sunders 〈…〉 Elizabeth shewing much Queen-Craft in
forged leases are countenanced under the pretence of this passing the same 22. As for the number of Recusants which forsook the land at this time A list of persons deprived the prime of them were Henry Lord Morley S r. Francis Inglefield Thomas Shelly and John Gage Esqrs As for the Nuns of Sion and other Votaries wasted over we have formerly treated of them in our History of Abbies Nor were there moe then eighty Rectours of Churches fifty Prebendaries fifteen Masters of Colledges twelve Arch-Deacons twelve Deans with six Abbots and Abbesses deprived at this time of their places thoroughout all England 23. Now the Queen and Her Councell Matthew Parker designed Arch-Bishop his due commendation accounted it high time to supply the Church of Canterbury which hitherto had stood * Counted from Pooles death to Parkers consecration Vacant a yeer Anno Dom. 1559. and three weeks with an Arch-Bishop Anno Regin Eliza. 2. D r. Matthew Parker is appointed for the place borne in Norwich bred in Cambridge Master of Benefactour to Bennet-Colledge there Chaplain to Queen Anne Bollen a relation which next his own merits befriended him with Queen Elizabeth for such high and suddain advancement then to King Henry the eighth Deane of the Colledge of Stoke juxta Clare a learned and religious Divine He confuted that character which one gives of Antiquaries that generally they are either superstitious or supercilious his skill in antiquity being attended with soundnesse of doctrine and humility of manners His Book called Antiquitates Britanicae hath indebted all posterity to his pen. Which work our great a Mr Selden of Tithes cap. 9. pag. 256. Critick cites as written by M r. Joscelin one much employed in the making thereof But we will not set the memories of the Patrone and Chaplaine at variance who loved so well in their lives time nor needeth any Writ of partition to be sued out betwixt them about the authorship of this book though probably one brought the matter the other composure thereof 24. The Queen had formerly sent order to D r. Wotton The Queen Her letter for his consecration Dean of Canterbury an exquisite Civilian July 18. Aug. 1. and therefore one who may be presumed critical in such performances and to the Chapter there to choose Matthew Parker their Arch-Bishop which within fourteen dayes after was by them accordingly performed This done She directeth Her Letters-Patents in manner and forme following Elizabetha b Registrum Parker 1. Iom 1 fol. 3. Dei Gratia c. Reverendis in Christo Patribus Antonio Landavensi Episcopo Will Barlow quondam Bath Well Ep. nunc Cicestrensi electo Joh Scory quondam Cicestrensi Episcopo nunc electo Heâ—esor Miloni Coverdalio quondam Exoniensi Episcopo Johanni Surffaganeo Bedford Johanni Suffraganeo Thetford Johanni Bale Osserensi Episcopo Quatenus vos aut ad minus quatuor vestrûm eundem Matthaeum Parkerum in Archiepiscopum Pastorem Ecclesiae Cathedralis Metropoliticae Christi Cantuariensis praedictae sicut praefertur electum electionemque praedictum confirmare eundem Magistrum Matthaeum Parkerum in Archiepiscopum Pastorem Ecclesiae praedictae consecrare caeteraque omnia singula peragere quae vestro in hac parte editorum provisorum velitis cum effectu c. Dat sexto Decembris Anno secundo Elizabethae But the old Bishop of Landaffe appeared not at the Consecration Dece 6. terrified say the Papists by Bonners threats so as to absent himself which others do not believe For he that feared not the Lion out of the grate would he be frighted with the Lion within the grate If Bonner when at liberty could not deterr him from taking the oath of Supremacy improbable it is that when now detain'd prisoner in the Tower he could disswade him from his obedience to his Soveraigne More likely it is that his absence as also Bishop Bale's and the Suffragans of Thetford was occasioned by their indisposition of body and infirmity of old age 25. But the other four Bishops appeared The manner thereof William Barlow John Scory Miles Coverdal and John Hodgskins by whom Matthew Parker was solemnly consecrated in manner and forme following The East part of the Chappel of c Regist Parker Tom 1. fol. 9. Lambeth was hung with tapestry the floore spred with red cloth chairs and cushions are conveniently placed for the purpose morning prayer being solemnly read by Andrew Peerson the Arch-Bishops Chaplaine Bishop Scory went up into the d Ibid. fol. 10. pulpit and took for his text The e 1 Pet. 5. 1. Elders which are among you I exhort who also am an Elder and a witnesse of the sufferings of Christ c. Sermon ended and the Sacrament administred they proceed to the Consecration the Arch-Bishop had his Rochet on with Hereford and the Suffragan of Bedford Chichester wore a silke cope and Coverdal a plain cloth-gown down to his ancles All things are done conâ—ormable to the book of Ordination Letanie sung the Queens Patent for Parkers consecration audibly read by D r. Vale Dece 17. he is presented the oath of Supremacy tendred to him taken by him hands reverendly imposed on him and all with prayers begun continued concluded In a word though here was no Theatrical pompe to make it a Popish pageant though no sandals gloves ring staffe oyle pall c. were used upon him yet there was ceremony enough to cloth his consecration with decency though not to clog it with superstition 26. This his consecration is avowed most legal The legality of his consecration both according to Canon and Common Law In the latter it was ordered by King Henry a Anno Regin 25. the eighth that an Arch-Bishops should not be consecrated but by an Archbishop and two Bishops or by four Bishops in case an Arch-Bishop was wanting as here it was performed Object not that one of these foure was but a Suffragan seeing such by the b 26. of Henry 8 cap. 14. laws of the land though not able to vote as Barons in Parliament had Episcopal power to all purposes and intents Neither cavill that Coverdale henceforward led a private life being always a Bishop quoad characterem and for the present quoad jâ—es â—itulum Exeter his former Bishoprick being actually void by the deprivation of Turbervile though refusing to be so quoad possessionem As for the canonical part of his consecration six of the most eminent Doctours of that faculty England then afforded gave it under their hands that the same was exactly observed 27. Yet notwithstanding all circumstances so solemnly performed The impudent lie of the Naggs-head some impudent Papists have raised a lie that Matthew Parker was consecrated Ad caput manni At the Naggs-head a tavern in Cheapside Indeed they shew a place therein just against the barr so anciently arched that an active phansie which can make any thing of
any thing may create to it self a top or rester of a pulpit thereof though the like thereunto may be seen elsewhere in the city But that this lie of the naggs-head was bred in a knaves brains doth plainly appear For why should a rich man be a thief seeing all Churches in England were equally open unto them to pick and choose at pleasure why should they steal a clandestine consecration in a place so justly obnoxious to censure Were not the Canaâ—nites and Perizzites then in the land Were not many prying Papists then mingled amongst Protestants which consideration alone would command them to be cautious in their proceedings Besides that mock-pulpit shewen at this day at the entrance of that tavern was inconsistent with the secrecie which is said to be their designe who would rather have made choice of an inner and more remote roome for that purpose But when once one Jesuite had got this shamelesse lie of the Nâ—ggshead I can not say by the taile but by the ears instantly Champnâ—y â—itzSimon Persons Killison Constable and all the whole kennell of them baule it out in their books to all posterity 28. All the authority the Papists produce for their Naggs-head-Consecration Neale's testimony the sole witnesse thereof confuted is ultimately resolved into the single testimony of one Thomas Neale Chaplaine to Bishop Bonner and sometimes Hebrew-Professour in Oxford But was this Neale known or unknown to the Bishops pretended in this taverne-assembly If known as most probable he was Bonners Chaplains bearing their Masters marke the indeleble character of cruelty stamped upon them as the Wolfe is too well known to the sheep it is utterly unlikely they would permit a person vowing open opposition to their proceedings to be present thereat If Neale were unknown the English Bishops whom the Papists though they call Hereticks do not count fools would not admit a stranger to their privacies of such importance seeing commonly in such cases mens jealousies interpret every unknown face to be a foe unto them 29. A silent witness pretended in vain To the testimony of Neale a Champuius pag. 5â—1 one endeavours to twist the witness of John Stow to prove this Nags-head-consecration A silent wittness who says nothing herein if either we consult his Chronicle of our Kings or his Survey of London he neither speaks words nor makes any signes thereof But saith the Jesuite Stow though prudently omitting to print it told the same to some of his private friends I pray to whom where and when and what credible witnesses do attest it Be it referr'd to the ingenuity of our very adversaries whether their bare surmises without any proof be to be believed before the publique Records faithfully taken when the thing was done carefully preserved ever since intirely extant at this day and truly transcribed here by us Besides Charles Howard Earle of Nottingham not more famous for the Coronet of a Count than the crown of old age alive in the later end of the Reigne of King James being requested of a friend whether he could remember Matthew Parkers consecration gave an exact account of the same solemnly performed in Lambeth Chappel being himself an eyewitness thereof and an invited guest to the great feast kept there that day therefore the more observant of all particular passages thereat because the said Arch-Bishop was related to him as a kinsman Let such as desire further satisfaction herein consult learned b 〈…〉 Mason whom King James justly termed a wise builder in Gods house who hath left no stones unturn'd to clear the truth and stop the mouth of malicious adversaries Let the Papists therefore not be so busie to cast durt on our Bishops but first fall on washing the face of their own Pope even John the twelv'th whom an excellent c Luisprandus lib. 6. cap. 7. authour reporteth to have ordained a Deacon in a stable for which two Cardinals reproved him And let these three stories be told together that the Empress Hellen was the daughter of an Hostler that Arch-Bishop Cranmer himself was an Hostler and that our first Bps. in Queen Elizabeths dayes were consecrated in the Naggs-head I say let these three be told together because wise and good men will believe them together as all comming forth of the forge of falsehood and malice 30. Now though we are not to gratifie our Adversaries with any Advantages against us Sees supplied with Protestant Bishops yet so confident is our innocence herein that It may acquaint the world with that small foundation on which this whole report was bottom'd Every Arch-Bishop or Bishop presents himself in Bow-Church accompanied thither with Civilians where any shall be heard who can make any legall exceptions against his Election A Dinner * This the Lord Chancellour Egerton assumed to Bishop Williams was provided for them at the Naggs-head in Cheapside as convenient for the Vicinity thereof and from this Sparke hath all this Fire been kindled to admonish posterity not only to do no evil but also in this Captious Age to refrain from all appearance thereof 31. Parker thus solemnly consecrated proceeded with the assistance of the aforesaid Bishops to the consecration of other grave Divines and not as Sanders lewdly lies that these new elected Bishops out of good fellowship mutually consecrated one another some whereof were put into Bishopricks void By the Natural death as Sarisbury Rochester Glocester Bristol Bangor or Voluntary desertion as Worcester and S t. Asaph or Legal deprivation of the former Bishops as all other Sees in England Suffice it at this time to present a present Catalogue of their names Anno Regin Eliza. 1. Sees with the dates of their consecrations Anno Dom. 1558. referring their commendable characters to be set down when we come to their respective deaths Province of Canterbury 1. Edward Grindal 2. Richard Cox 3. Edwin Sandys 4. Rowland Merick 5. Nicolas Bullingham 6. John Jewell 7. Thomas Young 8. Richard Davies 9. Thomas Bentham 10. Gilbert Barclay 11. Edmond Gwest 12. William Alley 13. Iohn Parkhurst 14. Robert Horne 15. Edmond Scambler 16. Richard Cheiney consecrated London Decem. 21. 1559. Elie Decem. 21. 1559. Worcester Decem. 21. 1559. Bangor Decem. 21. 1559. Lincolne Janu. 21. 1559. Sarisbury Janu. 21. 1556. S. Davids Janu. 21. 1559. S. Asaph Janu. 21. 1559. Coven Lichfield Mar. 24. 1559. Bath and Wells Mar. 24. 1559. Rochester Mar. 24. 1559. Exeter July 14. 1560. Norwich Sept. 1. 1560. Winchester Feb. 16. 1560. Peterburgh Feb. 16. 1560. Glocester Apr. 19. 1562. Province of Yorke 1. Thomas Young translated from S t. Davids to Yorke 2. James Pilkington 3. John Best 4. George Downham consecrated Feb. 20. 1560. Durham Mar. 2. 1560. Carlile Mar. 2. 1561. Chester May 4. 1561. The other Bishopricks were thus disposed of Richard Cheiney held Bristol in Commendam with Glocester Barlow and Scory Bishops in King Edward's dayes were translated the one to Chicester the other to
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
in her Religion And yet some not more knowing of Councells but more daring in Conjectures than others who love to feiga what they cannot finde that they may never appear to be at a loss avouch that the Pope promised to revoke the Sentence against her mother Anne Bollens marriage to confirme our English Lithurgie by his authority to permit the English the Communion under both kinds provided she would own the Popes Primacy and cordially unite her self to the Catholike Church Yea some thousands of Crowns but all in vain were promised to the effectors thereof wherein his holinesse seemingly liberal was really thrifty as knowing such his Sums if accepted would within one year return with an hundred fold increase 41. Scipio a Gentleman of Venice The contents of Scipio his Letter to Mr. Iewell formerly familiar with M r. Jewel whilst he was a student in Padua wrot now an expostulating letter unto Him being lately made Bishop of Sarisbury Wherein he much admired that England should send no Embassadour nor message or letter to excuse their Nations absence from the general appearance of Christianity in the Sacred Councell of Trent He highly extolled the antiquity and use of General Councels as the only means to decide controversies in Religion and compose the distractions in the Church concluding it a Superlative Sin for any to decline the authority thereof 42. To this M r. Jewel returned a large and solemn answer Anno Dom. 1563. Now although he wrote it as a private person Anno Regin Eliza. 5. yet because the subject thereof was of publick concernment The sum of Mr. Jewels answer take the principall Heads thereof a See it at large at the end of the History of the Councell of Trent First That a great part of the world professing the name of Christ as Greeks Armenians Abessines c. with all the Eastern Church were neither sent to nor summoned to this Councell Secondly That Englands absence was not so great a wonder seeing many other kingdoms and free-states as Denmarke Sweden Scotland Princes of Germany and Hanse-Towns were not represented in this Councel by any of their Embassadors Thirdly That this pretended Councell was not called according to the ancient custome of the Church by the Imperiall Authority but by Papall usurpation Fourthly That Trent was a petty place not of sufficient receit for such multitudes as necessarily should repair to a generall Councell Fifthly That Pope Pius the fourth by whose command the Councel was re-assembled purchased his place by the unjust practises of Simony and bribery and managed it with murder and Cruelty Sixthly That repairing to Councells was a free-act and none ought to be condemned of Contumacy if it stood more with their conveniency to stay at home Seventhly That anciently it was accepted as a reasonable excuse of holy Bishops absenting or withdrawing themselves from any Councell if they vehemently suspected ought would be acted therein prejudiciall to the Truth lest their though not active included concurrence might be interpreted a countenancing thereof Eightly Our English Bishops were imployed in feeding their flocks and governing their Churches and could not be spared from their charge without prejudice to their consciences Ninthly The members of the Councell of Trent both Bishops and Abbots were by oath pregaged to the Pope to defend and maintain his authority against all the world Lastly in what capacity should the English Clergy appear in this Councell They could not as free-persons to debate matters therein beeing pre-condemned for Hereticks by Pope Julius They would not come as Offendors to hear the Sentence pronounced against themselves which they had heard of before What effect this Letter produced I finde not sure I am no Papists as yet have made an effectuall refutation of the reasons rendered therein 43. The Bells of S t. Peters in Westminster had strangely rung the changes these last thirty yeers Westminster Col. Church re-sounded by Q Eliz. Within which time first it was a stately and rich Covent of Benedictine Monks Secondly it was made a Collegiate Church of Dean and Prebendaries by King Henry the eighth Thirdly by the same King is was made an Episcopall See and Thomas Thirby who having roasted the Churches Patrimony surrendred it to the spoile of Courtiers the first and last Bishop thereof Fourthly Queen Mary re-seated the Abbot and Monks in the possession thereof who were outed after her Death Lastly this yeer Queen Elizabeth converted it again into a Collegiate Church founding therein maintenance for one Dean twelve Prebendaries as many old souldiers past service for Almsmen and fourty Scholars who in due time are preferred to the Universities so that it hath proved one of the most renowned Seminaries of Religion and learning in the whole nation 44. Pope Pius though unsuccessfull in his addresses last yeer to the Queen 1561 yet was not so disheartened The Pope trieth again in â—am to reduce the Queen but that once more he would try what might be effected therein To which purpose he imployed the Abbot of Martinegi with most loving letters unto her desiring leave to come over into England But the Queen knowing it less difficulty and danger to keep him Anno Dom. 1562. then to cast him out of her Dominions forbad his entrance into the Realme as against the Laws of the Land So that he was fain to deliver his Errand and receive his answer and that a deniall at distance in the Low-Countries As little successe had the Bishop of Viterbo the Popes Nuncio to the King of France secretly dealing with S r. N. Throgmorton the Queens Agent there to perswade her to send Embassadors to the Councell of Trent which for the reasons afore mentioned was justly refused 45. S r. Edward Carne the Queens Leger at Rome The death of Sr. Edward Carne Doctor of Civill Law Knighted by the Emperour Charles the fifth pretended that as the Queen would not suffer the Popes Nuncio to come into England so the Pope would not permit him to depart Rome Whereas indeed the cunning old man was not detained but detained himself so well pleased was he with the place and his office therein Where soon after he died the last Leger of the English Nation to Rome publickly avowed in that imployment 46. This yeer the Spire of Pauls-Steeple covered with lead strangely fell on fire Pauls Steeple burnt down attributed by severall Persons to sundry Causes Some that it was casually blasted with lightning others that it was mischevously done by Art Magick And others and they the truest done by the negligence of a Plummer carelessly leaving his coals therein The fire burnt for five full hours in which time it melted all the lead of the Church only the stone Arches escaping the fury thereof but by the Queens bounty and a Collection from the Clergy it was afterwards repaired only the blunt Tower had not the top thereof sharpned into a Spire as before 47.
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.
profit thereof Nove. 14. Mond He was the first Protestant English Bishop that died in the dayes of Q. Elizabeth 15. Thomas Piercy Earle of Northumberland and Charles Nevill Earle of Westmerland brake out into open Rebellion against the Queen 1569 The Rebellion of the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland Lords of right noble extraction and large revenue whose titles met with their estates in the Northern Parts and indeed the height of their honour was more then the depths of their judge ment These intended to restore the Romish Religion set free the Queen of Scots pretending much zeal for the liberty of the people and honour of the nation complaining of Queen Elizabeth her neglect of the ancient Nobility and advancing mean persons to the places of highest trust and command though indeed could she have made her Noblemen wise as she did her Wisemen Noble these Earls had never undertaken this Rebellion Numerous their Tenants in the North and their obligations the higher for the low rent they paid though now alass poor souls they paid a heavy sine losing their lives in the cause of their Landlords 16. Their first valour was to fight against the English Bible 16. 〈◊〉 Anno Regin 12. Dece 10. More superstiâ—ous thâ—n valiant and Service-Booke in Durham tearing them in pieces And as yet unable to go to the cost of saying Masse for want of Vestiments they began with the cheapest piece of Popery Holy Water their Wells plentifully affording water and Plumtree the Priest quickly conferring consâ—eration Afterwards better provided they set up Mass in most places where they came b Sâ—ws Cron. 663. Richard Norton an ancient and aged Gentleman carrying the Cross before them and others bearing in their Banners the five wounds of Christ or a Chalice according to their different devices No great matter was atchieved by them save the taking of Baâ—â—ards Castle in the Bishoprick which indeed took it self in effect the Defenders thereof being destitute of Victuals and Provisions 17. But hearing how the Garrisons of Carlile and Barwick were manned against them on their backs Routed â—y the Queen her forces and the Earle of Sussex advancing out of the South with an Army to oppose them their spirits quickly sunk and being better armed then disciplined wanting expert Commanders how easily is a rout routed they fled Northwards and mouldered away without standing a battell 18. An Italian Authour writing the life of Pope Pius Quintus giveth us this brief account of this expedition An Italian Authour reckoning without his Hoast They did not overrun the Kingdom as they ought to have done and followed after Elizabeth for which they could not have wanted followers enough but they stood still and not being able to maintain themselves long in the field for want of mony they finally withdrew themselves into Scotland without any thing doing So easie it is for this Authors fancy which scaleth the highest Walls without Ladders gaineth the straightest passes without blows crosses the deepest Rivers without Bridge Ford or Ferry to overrun England though otherwise this handfull of men never exceeding six hundred horse and four thousand foot were unlikely to run through other shiers who could not stand a blow in their own Country 19. Northumberland fled into Scotland Northumberland with many more of thâ— Rebels executed lurked there a time Anno Dom. 1569. was betrayed to Earle Murrey Anno Regin Eliza. 12. sent back into England and beheaded at Yorke Westmerland made his escape into Flanders the wisest work that ever he did where he long lived very poore on a small and ill paâ—ed Pension Many were executed by S r. George Bowes Knight Marshall every market Town being then made a shire Town for his Assises betwixt New-Castle and Witherby a Sâ—ow his Chronicle p. 663. about sixty miles in length and forty in breadth much terrifying those parts with his severity Insomuch that when next year Leonard Dacres put together the ends of the quenched brands of this Rebellion with intent to rekinâ—le them they would not take fire but by the vigilancy and valour of the L. Hansdon his designe was seasonably defeated 20. John Story D. of Law The execution of Dr. Story a cruel persecutor in the dayes of Q. Mary being said for his share to have martyred two or three hundred fled afterwards over into Brabant and because great with Duke de Alva like cup like 〈◊〉 he made him searcher at Antwerp for English goods Where if he could detect either Bible * Fox Acts Mon. p. 2152. or Hereticall Books as they termed them in any ship it either cost their persons imprisonment or goods confiscation But now being trained into the ship of Mr. Parker an Englishman the Master hoised sail time and tide winde and water consenting to that designe and over was this Tyrant and Traitor brought into England where refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy and professing himself subject to the King of Spain he was executed at Tyburne Where being cut down halfe dead after his * Fox Acts Mâ—n ut prius privie members were cut off he rushed on the Executioner and gave him a blow on the eare to the wonder saith my Author of all the standers by and I who was not there wonder more that it was not recounted amongst the Romish miracles 21. The old store of Papists in England began now very much to diminish The original of the English Colledges beyond the seas and decay insomuch that the Romanists perceiv'd they could not spend at this rate out of the main stock but it would quickly make them Bankerupt Prisons consumed many Age moe of their Priests and they had no place in England whence to recruit themselves The largest cisterne with long drawing will grow dry if wanting a fountain to feed the daily decay thereof Hereupon they resolved to erect Colledges beyond the seas for English youth to have their education therein A project now begun and so effectually prosecuted that within the compasse of fifty years nine Colledges were by them founded and furnished with Students and they with maintenance as by the following Catalogue may appear as they stood at the last yeer of King James Since no doubt they have been enlarged in greatnesse increased in number enriched in revenues as such who shall succeed us in continuing this Story may report to posterity May they at my request if having the conveniencies of leisure and instructions be pleased to perfect this my Catalogue and replenish the vacuities thereof with their more exact observations And let no Papists laugh at our light mistakes Protestants not pretending to such exact intelligence of their Colledges as they have of ours Indeed they have too criticall instructions of all our English societies by their agents living amongst us and it is a bad signe when suspicious persons are over-preying to know the windows doors all the passages and
contrivances of their neighbours houses as intending therein some designe for themselves Colledge Founder Benefactors Means I. Doway Colledge in Flanders founded 1569. Thence for fear of the wars removed to Rhems in France about 1508. where Henry the third King of France did patronize and protect them And some twenty years after brought back hither again Philip the Second King of Spaine All the Recusants in England A pension out of the King of Spains Treasury which being sometimes but badly paid the Scholars are fain to feed on patience 2. A yearly collection from the Catholicks of England 3. Sale of Masses Rich mens mortuaries which also are the staple maintenance of all other Colledges Number Rectour Eminent Schollars Uncertain but numerous For here they do not pick and choose for wit or wealth as in other Colledges but they receive all that come unto them 1. William Allen afterwards Cardinal a principal procurer and advancer of this foundation He died 1594. 2. Tho. Worthing'on of an ancient family in Lancashire Rectour 1609. 3. Matthew Kelison a North-Hamptonshire man Rectour 1624. Note That whereas the government of all other English Colledges belongs to Jesuits this only is ruled by Secular Priests D r. Web whom they brag to be the best Casuist in the world He lived to sing his Miss of Jubile having been a Priest full fifty years Colledge Founder Benefactour Means 2. Colledge of Rome founded 1579. Gregory the 13. Pope exhibited maintenance first to six then to fourteen at last to threescore Scholars therein to the yearly value of foure thousand Crowns Owen Lewes Referendary Apostolical was a principal promoter thereof The Welsh Hospital in Rome founded and endowed many hundred yeers since by Cadwallader King of Wales for Welsh pilgrims with the rich lands thereof conferred by Pope Gregorie the 13. on this Colledge They have at Frescata which is the Popes Sommer house lying some ten miles East of Rome three or four farmes where corne for the Colledge and other provision groweth Number Rectour Eminent Scholars One hundred at the least But Italian aire not well agreeing with English bodies they bury yearly ten or twelve of their fresh-men Note that whereas Anno 1576 there were but thirty old Priests remaining in this Realm these two Colledges alone within few years sent above three hundred Priests into England 1. D. Maurice He was removed out of his place for being too favourable to his Countritrimen the Welsh 2. Ferdinando a Neapolitan Jesuite succeeded him 3. Robert Persons Rectour for twenty three years from 1587. to 1610. where he died 4. Thomas Fitzherbert one of great age and parentage Rectour 1623. Francis Monfort who Anno 1591. being to depart the Colledge for England took his farewell of Pope Clement the eighth with so passionate a latin a Extant the continuation of Sanders de Schis Angl. pag 119. Image of â—oth Churches pag. 330. Sanders de Schism Angl. pag. 365. Oration that it fetch'd tears from the tender heart of his Holiness This Monfort some moneths after was executed in England Colledge Founder Benefactours Means 3. Colledge of Valladolit in Old Castile founded 1589. Anno Regin Eliza. 8. Philip the second Anno Dom. 1566. King of Spain Dona Luysa de Caravaial a rich widow Ladie in Spain gave all her estate being very great to this Colledge and came over into England where she died Lands they have not purchased much in Spain being loth the Spaniard should take notice of their wealth but great sums of mony they have at use in Brabant As also with English Factours in Spain perverted to their perswasion they have a great stock in trading Number Rector Eminent Scholars They are fewer now than formerly ever since the Spanish Court was removed by Philip the Third from Valladolit to Madrid Father Walpoole if not Rectour was principall actour herein about the year 1605. When by pretending to have gained Mr. Pickering Wotton son and heir to Lord Wotton to the Romish Church he got above a See this forgery at large in Lewes Owen his Running Register p. 59 to whom I am much beholding for my instructions in this subject five hundred pound to his Colledge  Know that S r. Francis Inglefield Privie Councellour to Queen Mary forsaking his fair Estate in Bark-shire in the first of Queen Elizabeth fled beyond the Sea He afterwards was a bountifull benefactor to the Colledge at Vaâ—â—â—dolit Yea he is beheld by the English Papists as a Beuefactor Generall to their Nation for the priviledges he procured them from Pope Gregory the thirteenth whereof hereafter He lieth buried in this Colledge and his Grave is shewen with great respect to Travellers of our Country coming thither Colledge Founder Benefactours Means 4. Colledge of Sivil founded 1593. Philip the second King of Spain Our English Merchants and Factours there residing even often against their own wills to secure themselves from the searchers in the Inquisition So that it is a Nemo scit what here is gotten for a Ne noceant They have a Box in every ship sailing to the West-Indies Upon it is the picture of S nt Thomas Becket on the Octaves of whose day this Colledge forsooth was first founded and into it through an hole in the lid thereof Merchants put in their devotion The key of this not Christmas but all-the-year-ong box is kept by the Rectour of the Colledge who only knoweth to how much this money amounteth Number Rectour Eminent Scholars * Cunning conveyances to pass over the seas Here expect not of me a discovery being no Spie by my profession of the cunning contrivances whereby these Jesuits pass and repass the seas without any detection yea suspicion of them Sometimes under the protection of a Pass procured from some Lords of the Privie Councell for a young Gentleman to go over into France with two or three of his Serving-men to learn the language Sometimes they shuffle themselves into the company of an Embassadour or his meniall servants and so cover their private falsehood under his publick Faith Many English Gentlewomen intended for Nunns are first vailed before their going beyond seas under pretence of travelling to the Spaw for their healths In their return for England these Jesuits have found the farthest way about for them the nearest way home For out of France or Spain first they will sail into the Low-Countries and thence into England and so coming immediately out of Protestant parts escape without any or with easie examination And yet these curious Engineers who flie so high and carry their conveyances so farr above all common discovery have sometimes one of their wheels or strings broken and then down they fall into Newgate or some other prison notwithstanding all their verbal and real equivocations Colledge Founder Benefactours Means 5. Saint Omers in Artois founded about the year 1596. Philip the second who gave them a good annuity for whose soul they say every day a Mass and every
Spirit and present them spotlesse and unblameable to their Saviour In discharge of which function We which are by Gods goodnesse called to the government of the aforesaid Church do spare no pains labouring with all earnestness that Unity and the Catholick Religion which the Author thereof hath for the triall of his childrens faith and for our amendment suffered with so great afflictions might be preserved uncorrupt But the number of the ungodly hath gotten such power that there is now no place left in the whole world which they have not assayed to corrupt with their most wicked Doctrines Amongst others Elizabeth the pretended Queen of England the servant of wickedness lending thereunto her helping hand with whom as in a Sanctuary the most pernicious of all have found a refuge This very woman having seised on the Kingdom and monstrously usurping the place of Supreme Head of the Church in all England and the chief authority and jurisdiction thereof hath again brought back the said Kingdom into miserable destruction which was then newly reduced to the Catholick Faith and good fruits For having by strong hand inhibited the exercise of the true Religion which Mary the lawfull Queen of famous memory had by the help of this See restored Anno Dom. 1570. Anno Regin Eliza. 13. after it had been formerly overthrown by Henry the eighth a revolter therefrom and following and embracing the errours of Hereticks She hath removed the Royall Councell consisting of the English Nobility and filled it with obscure men being Hereticks suppressed the embracers of the Catholick Faith placed dishonest Preachers and Ministers of impieties abolished the sacrifice of the Mass Prayers Fastings Choice of meats Unmarried life and the Catholick Rites and Ceremonies commanded Books to be read in the whole Realm containing manifest Heresie and impious mysteries and institutions by Her self entertained and observed according to the prescript of Calvin to be likewise observed by Her Subjects presumed to throw Bishops Parsons of Churches and other Catholick Priests out of their Churches and Benefices and to bestow them and other Church-livings upon Hereticks and to determine of Church-causes prohibited the Prelates Clergy and People to acknowledge the Church of Rome or obey the Precepts and Canonicall Sanctions thereof compelled most of them to condescend to Her wicked Laws and to abjure the authority and obedience of the Bishop of Rome and to acknowledge Her to be sole Ladie in temporall and spirituall matters and this by oath imposed penalties and punishments upon those which obeyed not and exacted them of those which perserved in the unity of the faith and their obedience aforesaid cast the Catholick Prelates and Rectors of Churches in prison where many of them being spent with long languishing and sorrow miserably ended their lives All which things seeing they are manifest and notorious to all Nations and by the gravest testimony of very many so substantially proved that there is no place at all left for excuse defence or evasion We seeing that impieties and wicked actions are multiplied one upon another and moreover that the persecution of the faithfull and affliction for Religion groweth every day heavier and heavier through the instigation and means of the said Elizabeth because We understand Her minde to be so hardened and indurate that She hath not only contemned the godly requests and admonitions of Catholick Princes concerning Her healing and conversion but alas hath not so much as permitted the Nuncioes of this See to cross the seas into England are constrained of necessity to betake our selves to the weapons of justice against Her not being able to mitigate our sorrow that We are drawn to take punishment upon one to whose Ancestors the whole state of all Christendome hath been so much bounden Being therefore supported with His authority whose pleasure it was to place Us though unable for so great a burden in this supreme throne of justice We do out of the fulnesse of Our Apostolick Power declare the aforesaid Elizabeth being an Heretick and a favourer of Heresies and Her adherents in the matters aforesaid to have incurred sentence of Anathemaâ— and to be cut off from the unity of the body of Christ And moreover We do declare Her to be deprived of Her pretended title to the Kingdom aforesaid and of all Dominion Dignity and Priviledge whatsoever and also the Nobility Subjects and People of the said Kingdom and all other which have in any sort sworn unto Her to be for ever absolved from any such oath and all manner of duty of Dominion Allegiance and Obedience As We do also by authority of these presents absolve them and do deprive the same Elizabeth of Her pretended title to the Kingdom and all other things above-said And We do command and interdict all and every the Noble-men Subjects People Anno Regin Eliza. 12. Anno Dom. 1569. and others aforesaid that they presume not to obey Her or Her monitions mandates and laws and those which shall do the contrary We do innodate with the like Sentence of Anathem And because it were a matter of too much difficulty to convey these presents to all places wheresoever it shall be needfull Our will is that the copies thereof under a publick Notaries hand and sealed with the seal of an Ecclesiastical Prelate or of his court shall carry together the same credit with all people judicially and extrajudicially as these presents should do if they were exhibited or shewed Given at Rome at S t. Peters in the year of the incarnation of our Lord one thousand five hundred sixty nine the fifth of the Kalends of March and of Our Popedom the fifth year Cae Glorierius H. Cumyn 25. The principall persons The different opinions of English Catholicks concerning this excommunication whose importunity solicited the Pope to thunder out this excommunication were D r. Harding D r. Stapleton D r. Morton and D r. Web. And now the news thereof flying over into England variously affected the Catholicks according to their several dispositions 1. Some admired and applauded the resolution of His holinesse expecting all persons should instantly start from the infectious presence of the Queen and that that virgin-rose so blasted should immediately wither 2. Others would not believe that there was any such excommunication at all but that it was a mere slander devised by the common enemy to make all Catholicks odious 3. Others accounted such Excommunication though denounced of no validity a Watsons Qâ—â—dlibets pag. 262. because the reasons which moved the Pope thereunto were falsely and surreptitiously suggested to His Holiness 4. Others did question the lawfulnesse of all excommunications of Princes according to the rule of S t. Thomas Princeps multitudo non est excommunicanda where the uncertain profit which might follow could not countervail the certain mischief which would ensue 5. Others did condemne the present excommunication pro hic nunc as unexpedient probable to incense and exasperate the
they kept communion with the Church of England In which sense one may say Anno Regin Eliza. 13. that the whole land was of one language and one specch But now began the tower of Babel to be built and Popery to encrease which brought with it the division of tongues and the common distinction of Papist and Protestant the former now separating themselves from our publick Congregations They went out from us because they were not of us for had they been of us they would have continued with us Indeed the Pope set his mark of favour on such reputed sheep as absented themselves from our Churches henceforward accounting them goats that repaired thither And now began the word Recusant to be first born and bred in mens mouths Which though formerly in being to signify such as refused to obey the edicts of lawfull authority was now confined in common discourse to express those of the Church of Rome 30. Indeed hitherto the English Papists slept in a whole skin Papists their own persecutors and so might have continued had they not wilfully torn it themselves For the late rebellion in the North and the Pope thundring out his excommunication against the Queen with many scandalous and pernicious pamphlets daily dispersed made Her Majesty about this time first to frown on Papists then to chide then to strike them with penalties and last to draw life-blood from them by the severity of Her laws For now the Parliament sate at Westminstâ—r cutting as one may say with a three-edg'd-sword as making sharp edicts against Papists non-Conformists and covetous-Conformists of the Church of England 31. A Parliament cutâ—â—g with three edges Against Papists it was a See the statutes 13 Eliz. enacted that to write print preach express publish or affirme that the Queen was an Heretick Schismatick c. should be adjudged treason Also that it should be so accounted and punished to bring and put in execution any Bulls writings instruments or other superstitious things from the See of Rome from the first of July following A severe Act also was made against Fugitives who being the natural borne subjects of this Realm departed the same without license and fled into forraign parts Against non-Conformists it was provided that every Priest or Minister should before the Nativity of Christ next following in the presence of his Diocesan or his deputy declare his assent and subscribe to all the Articles of Religion agreed on in the Convocation One thousand six hundred sixty and two upon pain of Deprivation on his refusal thereof Against covetous-conformists it was provided that no spirituall person Colledge or Hospitall shall let lease other than for the terme of twenty one years or three lives the rent accustomed or more reserved payable yearly during the said terme 32. Indeed this law came very seasonably Covetous Clergie men bridled to retrench the unconscionable covetousness of some Clergy men who by long and unreasonable leases as the Statute tearmed them dilapidated the lands of their Churches Here it came to pass what the Spouse b Cant. 5. 7. complains that the keepers of the walls tooke her vail away from her It being true what one said that those who should have righted her of her wrongs did wrong her of her rights Many a Bishoprick so bruised it self when it fell vacant that it lost some land before a new Bishop was setled therein where the Elects contracted with their Promoters on unworthy conditions 33. But no armour can be made of proof against the darts of covetousness Covetousness creeps in at a small cranie especially when they come from an high and heavy hand of great men in authority This law was not so cautiously drawn up but that some Courtiers found a way to evade it seeing the Crown was not expressed therein and left capable of such leases as God-willing c Vide 1604. Secundo Reg. Jacobi hereafter shall be largely related by which single shift they frustrated the effect of this law Thus a ship may though not as suddenly as certainly be sunk with one as with a thousand leaks 34. We return to the Queen of Scots Anno Regin Eliza. 14. Anno Dom. 1571 of whom we have heard nothing this three years of Ecclesiasticall cognizance The second letter of Maâ—y Q of Scots to the Pope nor now meet with any thing of that nature save this letter which though somewhat long yet because never as yet printed and acquainting us with some passages in her restraint is not unworthy the perusall Most Blessed Father AFter the kissing of your most holy feet Octob 31. about the beginning of October I received your Holiness Letter written the thirteenth of July by which I understood not only the Benediction which your Holiness sent me and which was and shall be alwayes to me most acceptable but also the great demonstration of your good will to comfort me I rested therewith singularly comforted indeed partly because it was pleased earnestly to recommend both me and the affairs of my estate to the most Potent Princes and especially to the most renouned Kings of France and Spain But withall there is yet remaining on the other part to work so with Christian Princes that making a strict league among themselves they should spare no vigilance nor Travels nor expences once to abate the most Cruell * * This is meant of the Turke and not as some may suspect of Q. Elizabeth Tyrant who continually thinketh of no other thing then to move warr against us all And might it please God that all other things might correspond with my will besides that I were to do the same also your Blessednesse should see it with effect which should be that not only I but also my subjects with a will conform to their body and together with other Christians would put our selves forward to do our utmost force But what thing is there to be seen more worthy of compassion then to see my self fallen into so great infelicity from that happinesse wherein I found my self lately What thing is more lamentable then from a Free-woman as I was to become a Servant To these miseries is added that my Country is at this day * * This letter to the Pope was written in Latine then translated into Italian then retranslated into English Wonder not therefore if it lose some native lustre thereof wrapped in such and so many calamities and beaten down with so many inroads of the English that many and many Towns have been set on fire and flames many Castles and most fair Churches ruinated to the very Foundations But that which is worse my Inhabitants and Subjects without scarce doing the least offence unto them have been more cruelly slain But What shall I say nothing of my self Is it not clear unto all men how I have been continually in divers and sundry perils I call God to witnesse who knows with what greatness of
then the value of the gift To the City of Zurich a Present which they converted into a piece of Plate with Jewells Arms thereon To severall Scholars large Legacies To the Church of Salisburie a fair Library and another to the Church of England I mean his learned APOLOGIE It is hard to say whether his soul or his Ejaculations arrived first in Heaven seeing he prayed dying and died praying He was buried in the Quire by Bishop Wivill Two Champions of the Church lying together one who with his sword proffered to maintain the Lands The other who with his penn defended the Doctrine thereof In the absence of Doctor Humfreys designed for that service M r. Giles Laurence preached his Funeralls who formerly being Tutor to the Children of S r. Arthur Darcy by Algate in London in Queen Maries dayes preserved Jewells life and provided accommodation for his flight beyond the Seas 3. Hitherto Subscription why now more rigorously urged the Bishops had been the more sparing in pressing and others more daring in denying subscription because the Canons made in the Convocation 1563 were not for 9. years after confirmed by act of Parliament But now the same being ratified by Parliamentall authority they began the urging thereof more severely then before which made many dissenters keep their private meetings in a Bp. Bancrost in his English Scottizing 3. Book 1. Cap. woods fields their friends houses c. b Tho. Cartwrights second reply Pag. 38. I say private meetings for Conventicles I must not call them having read what one hath written that name which agreeth to Anabaptists is too light and contemptuous to set forth such assembles where Gods Word and Sacraments are administred even by the confession of their adversaries 4. Indeed no disgrace is imported in the notation of the word Conventicle The true notion of a Conventicle sounding nothing else but a small Convention And some will say can the Infant the diminative be a tearm of reproach where the mother the privitive is creditable in the acception thereof However Custome the sole mint-master of currant words hath took of Conventitles from signifying a small number to denote the meeting of such how many soever in a clandestine way contrary to the commands of the present lawfull Authority 5. And now Thomas Cartwright chief of the nonconformists presents the Parliament with a Book cal'd an admonition T. C. presents to the Parliament an distrasted admonition some members taking distaste at the Title thereof For seeing Admonition is the lowest of Ecclesiasticall censures and a preparative if neglected to Suspension and Excommunication such suggested that if the Parliament complied not with this Admonitors desires his party whereof he the speaker would proceed to higher and lowder Fulminations against the Parliament Whereas admonition is a soft word in the Common but especially in the scripture acception thereof and may with humility on just occasion be tendered from Inferiours to any single Persons or Christian Corporation This Admonition contained their grievances who presented it with a declaration of the only way to redress them viz. by admitting that platforme which was there prescribed This not finding the entertainment it expected was seconded by another more importunate to the same effect 6. It will not be amiss to set down what writings Bandying of books betwixt two learned men chief of their parties pro and con passed on the occasion of this Booke between two eminent Authors of opposite parties 1. The Admonition first and second made by M r. Cartwright 2. The Answer to the Admonition by D r. John Whitgist 3. The reply to the answer of the Admonition by M. Tho. Cartwright 4. The defence of the answer by D r. John Whitgift This last kept the field and for ought I can finde received no solemn refutation 7. Sundry reasons are assigned of M r. Cartwrights silence Severall reasons of Mr. Cartwrights not replying again all beleeving as they are affected and most being affected as led by their interest Some ascribed it to his weakness who having spent all his powder and shot in former fights was forced to be quiet for the future Others to his pride undervaluâ—ng what he could not over-come counting Whitgifts last answer no answer but a repetition of what was confuted before Others imputed it to his Patience seeing otherwise multiplying of Replies would make brauls infinite and whilst women strive for the last word men please themselves with the lost reason Others to the policy of that party resolving to go a new way to waâ—k and to turne their serious books into Satyricall pamphlets Some few attributed it to M r. Cartwrights modest respect to his Adversary who had gotten the upper ground of him Whitgist being soon after made BP and Arch Bishop though in my minde this would more heighten then abate their opposition 8. The Nonconformists though over-powred for the present in Parliament The first Presbytery in England set up at Wandsworth in Surrey yet found such favour therein that after the dissolution thereof they presumed to erect a Presbitery at a Bp Bancrost English Scottizing 3. Book cap. 1. Wandsworth in Surrey Eleven Elders were chosen therein and their Offices and generall rules by them to be observed agreed upon and described as appears by a bill indorsed with the hand of M r. Field the Lecturer as I take it of that place but living in London M r. Smith of Micham and M r. Crâ—ne of Roughampton neighbouring villages are mentioned for their approbation of all passages therein This was the first-born of all Presbytâ—ries in England and secundum usum Wandesworth as much honoured by some as secundam usum Sarum by others 9. It may seem a wonder that the Presbyterian discipline The chief non-consormitis in London should ripen sooner in this countrey Village then in London it self whereas yet they were not arrived at so formall a constitution though we may observe two sorts of Ministers First M r. 1 Field 2 Wilcox 3 Standen 4 Jackson 5 Bonhim 6 Sâ—intloe 7 Crane 8 Edmonds Afterwards M r. 1 Charke 2 Travers 3 Barber 4 Gardner 5 Cheston 6 Crooke 7 Egerton 8 The former of these were principally against Ministers attire and the common prayer booke The later indeavoured the modelling of a new discipline and it was not long before both streams uniting together Non-conformity began to bear a large and great Channell in the City of London 10. This same year happened a cruell massacre in Paris the French Protestants being bidden thither under the pretence of a nuptiall solemnitie The massacre in Paris But never were such black favours given at a wedding Admirall Coligny the pillar of the reformed Church being slain in his bed on Bartholomew-eve whose day then and for some years after was there remarkable for wet weather Bartholomeus flet quia Gallicus occubat Atlas Bartholomew bemoans with rain The Gallicke Atlas thereon slain William Cecill
ratio Videor enim suboriri quoddam hontinum genus qui si invalescant viresque in hoc Regno colligant piget hîc referre quid futurae perturbationis praesagit mihi animus Olim sub Monachorum fucata hypocrisi quanta sit nata lues Religioni Christianae minimè ignorat prudentia tua Nunc in istis nescio quod novum Monachorum genus reviviscere videtur tantò illis perniciosius quantò calidiore fallendi artificio sub praetextu perfectionis personati isti Histriones gravius occultant venenum qui dum omnia exigunt ad strictissimae suae disciplinae conscientiae gnomones haud videntur prius desituri donec omnia in Judaicam redigant servitutem Sed de ijs alius sortassis pleniore manu 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Interim celeberimae tuae dignitati Vir honorande cum publico ecclesiae nomine animum istum sedem quam tenes meritò gratulor tum mea privatim causa ob singulare tuum in me studium gratias habeo permaximas Precorque Dominum omnium gratiarum fontem cumulatissimum ut ecclesiam suam periculosissimis ijs temporibus propugnet ac tueatur ut Pastores se dignos foveat provehatque tum intra istos Te inprimis sacris ipsius bonis donisque indies magis magisque locupletet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Amplissime juxta ac ornatissime Praesul Tuus in Christo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Joannes Foxus If this good man appeareth too passionate herein score it neither on his old age nor on his affection to his Son but on the unjust affront offered unto him who at last was restored Fellow by the Queen her Mandate and he privately cast out by a Faction to his great disgrace was publickly brought in again by authority to his greater reputation 16. We may plainly perceive by this letter The violence of rigid Nonconformists how powerfull the Party of Non-conformists was grown at this time and to what violences and extravagancies some went in their practices insomuch that D r. Humphred then President of Mandlins and M r. Fox himself both which scrupled subscription in some particulars were deserted by them as Luke-warme and remiss in the Cause Yea even of those who were Duriores Puritani all were not equally rigid but Coleman Burton Hallingham and Benson out-did all of their own opinions Thus those loaves which are ejusdem farinae of the same meale yea of one Batch out of the same Oven are not all hard and crustie alike 17. The death of Matthew Parker The death and praise of Matth. Parker Arch-Bishop of Canterbury May 17. added much to their increase He was a Parker indeed carefull to keep the fences and shut the gates of Discipline against all such Night-Stealers as would invade the same No wonder then if the tongues and pens of many were whetted against Him whose complaints are beheld by discreet men like the exclamations of Truantly-Schollers against their Masters severity correcting them for their faults This Arch-Bishop was an excellent Antiquarie without any Anticknesse a great Benefactour to Bennet Colledge in Cambridge on which he bestowed many Manuscripts so that that Librarie for a private one was the Sun of English Antiquity in those dayes though now no more then the Moon since that of S r. Robert Cottons is risen up 18. But a large Authour His memory causelesly aspersed though not daring to deny due praises to his memory causelessly taxed him for being too Ponteficall in his Buildings and Feastings Particularly he charged him that whereas the Pope thundred out an Excommunication against Queen Elizabeth a Mr. Prince in his book of the treason of Prelites pag. 149. yet saith he I read of no refutation made of it by this Arch-Prelate as if this were such a sin of omission in him and he bound by his place to answer every Romish railing Rabshhekah But let him know that in his learned Book of Antiquitates Britanicae he hath laid down those Historicall grounds which may be improved to the baiting of the whole Herd of Popish Bulls or if you will to make all those Bubbles sinke to nothing A worke out of which his Accuser hath taken so much that he cannot pretend to the commendation of Industrie the poorest praise of a Writer being no better then a lazie Translatour And as the Spleen is subservient to the Lever to take from it only the most putrid and feculent blood so hath he solely transcribed thence and from BP Godwins Catalogue the faults and failings of all the English Prelacie passing over in silence their due and just commendation Ed. Grindall succeeded him in his place a Prelate most PRIMITIVE in all his conversation 19. We must not forget Margaret the Wife of Arch-Bishop Parker His exemplarie wise a patern for all Presates Wives In the reign of King Henry the eighth though seven years contracted by mutuall consent forbearing marriage then unlawfull for Clergie-men such her fidelity that she was deaf to richer proffers b In D Parkers life extant in Trin Hall Library in Cambridge When married under Edward the sixth so modest that BP Ridley asked whether Ms. Parker had a sister intimating that such a Consort would make him recede from his resolution of a single life In Queen Maries dayes not only great her patience to partake of but industry to relieve her Husbands wants In Queen Elizabeths time so admirable her humility as no whit elated with prosperity 20. Priviledges obtained by Sr F. E. for English Catholicks S r. Francis Englefield 18. of whom formerly in the Colledge of Valladolt 1576 to leave a Monument to posterity of his industry and good will to the Catholick-Cause He with William Allen obtained of Pope Gregory the thirtieth thirteen Indulgencies for the English Nation and the will-wishers of their Conversion Whereof this the first That whosoever should carry about him such consecrated Beads fast on Wednesday forbear one meal on Saturday pray for the Holy Father the Pope the peace of the Church and chiefly for the reconciling of England Scotland and Ireland to the Church of Rome should have an hundred years pardon But if this fast be observed with bread and water a thousand years pardon It may seem in some sort an argument for the Antiquity of those Indulgences Anno Regin Eliza. 19. that the resent of the vivacity of the ancient Patriarks before the Flood in pardoning so many years above the possibility of our age Anno Dom. 1576. Now what becommeth of the Surplus-age of these Pardons after the Parties life let others dispute Namely whether Indulgentia moritur cum persona or whether they be bequeathable by will and in case the person dies Intestate fall like goods and Chattells to his next heir Sure I am S r. Francis is beheld by Catholicks as a Benefactour Generall to our Nation and these Grants were solemnly passed sub annulo Piscatoris June 6. and Glorierius
conscience is grounded upon the word of God and the word of God worketh his effect by preaching so as generally where preaching wanteth obedience faileth No Prince ever had more lively experience hereof then your Majesty hath had in your time and may have daily if your Majesty comes to the City of London never so often what gratulations what joy what concourse of the people is there to be seen Yea what acclamations and prayers to God for your long life and other manifest significations are there to be heard of inward and unfeined love joyned with most humble and hearty obedience are there to be heard Whereof commeth this Madam but of the continuall preaching of Gods word in that City whereby that people hath been plentifully instructed in their duty towards God and your Majesty On the contrary what bred the Rebellion in the North was it not Papistry and ignorance of Gods word through want of often preaching in the time of that rebelling were not all men of all states that made profession of the gospel most ready to offer their lives for your defence in so much that one poore parish in York-shire which by continuall preaching hath been better instructed then the rest Halifax I mean was ready to bring three or foure thousand able men into the field to serve you against the said rebels How can your Majesty have a more lively triall and experience of the effects of much preaching or little or no preaching the one worketh most faithfull obedience the other working most unnaturall disobedience and rebellion but it is thought that many are admitted to preach and few able to do it well that unable preachers be removed is very requisite if ability and sufficiency may be rightly weighed and judged and therein I trust as much is and shall be done as can be for both I for my own part let it be spoken without any ostentation I am very carefull in allowing of such preachers only as be able both for the knowledge in the Scriptures and also for testimony of their godly life and conversation and besides that I have given very great charge to the rest of my brethren the Bishops of this Province to do the like we admited no man to the office of preaching that either prosesseth Papistry or puritanisme the graduats of the Vniversities are only admitted to be preachers unless it be some few which have excellent gifts of knowledge in the Scriptures joyned with good utterance and godly perswasions I my self procured above 40. learned preachers and graduats within less then these six years to be placed within the Diocess of York besides those I found there and there I left them the fruits of whose travell in preaching your Majesty is like to reap daily by most assured dutifull obedience of your subjects in those parts But indeed this age judgeth hardly and nothing indifferently of the ability of preachers of our time judging few or none to be able in their opinion which hard judgement groweth upon divers ill dispositions of men St. Paul doth command the preaching of Christ crucified be absque eminentia sermonis but in our time many have so delicate eares that no preaching can satisfie them unless it be sauced with much sweetness and exornation of speech which the same apostle utterly condemneth and giveth this reason ne evacuetur crux Christi Some there be also that are mislikers of the godly reformation in religion now established wishing indeed that there were no preachers at all and so by depraving of ministers impugne religion non aperto Martis sed in cuniculis much like to the Popish Bishops in your fathers time who would have had the english translation of the Bible called in as evill translated and the new translation thereof to be committed to them which they never intended to performe A number there is and that exceeding great whereof some are altogether worldly minded and altogether bent covetously to gather worldly goods and possessions serving all carnall vain dissolute and lascivious life Voluptatis amores magis quam Dei semetipsos dediderunt ad patrandum omnem immunditiem cum aviditate Eph. 4. 19. and because the preaching of Gods word which to all Christians conscience is sweet and delectable to them having cauterizatas conscientias is bitter and grievous for as St. Ambrose saith super Psal 119. quomodo possunt verba Dei dulcia esse in faucibus tuis in quibus est amaritudo There they wish also that there were no preachers at all but because they dare not directly condemne the office of preaching so expressly commanded by Gods word for that the same were open blasphemy they turne themselves altogether and with the same meaning as others do to make exceptions against the persons of them that be admitted to preach But God forbid Madam that you should open your eares to any of these wicked perswasions or any way to diminish the preaching of Christs gospell for that you would ruinate altogether at length Cum defecerit propheta dissipabitur populus Pro. 27. saith Solomon Now where it is though that the reading of godly Homilies set forth by publick authority may suffice I continue in the same minde I was when I attended upon your Majesty the reading of Homilies hath his commodities but it is nothing comparable to the office of preaching The godly preacher is learned in the gospell Fidelis servus qui novit who can apply his speech to the diversity of times places and hearers which cannot be done in homilies Exhortations reprehensions and perswasions are uttered with more affections to the moving of the hearers in sermons then in Homilies Besides Homilies were devised by godly Bishops in your brothers dayes only to supply necessity by want of preachers and are by the statute not to be preferred but to give place to sermons wheresoever they may be had and were never thought in themselves to contain alone sufficient instruction for the Church of England for it was then sound as it is sound now that this Church of England hath been by appropriations and that not without sacriledge spoiled of the livings which at the first were appointed to the office of preaching and teaching which appropriations were first annexed to Abbyes and after came to the crown and now are disposed to private mens possessions without hope to reduce the same to the originall Institution So that at this day in my opinion where one Church is able to yield sufficient living to a learned preacher there are at the least seven Churches unable to do the same where there be * * The word nor being easily legible I have 〈◊〉 â—â—ink as sometimes before and after prefering to refer the sence to the Judicious Readers own coniecture then to impose my guess upon him soules the more is the pitâ—y there are not seven pounds a year reserved for the Minister In such parishes as it is not possible to place able preachers for want of convenient
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
from the unity of the Church which in the execution of our ministry in participation of the publick prayers and Sacraments we have in our own example testified and by publick doctrine maintained And that the ministery of the word preached and publick administration of the Sacraments exercised in this land according to Authority is as touching the substance of it Lawfull and greatly blessed of God And lastly that we have and always will shew our selves obedient to Her Majesties authority in all causes Ecclesiasticall and civil to whomsoever it be committed and therefore that as poor but most faithfull subjects to Her Majesty and Ministers of Jesus Christ the great cause we have in hand and which consequently as we under your Honours correction judge the necessary reformation of many things in the Church according unto Gods word may have that sufficient hearing as all causes of our refusall to subscribe may be known and equally out of Gods word judged of and the lamentable estate of the Churches to which we appertain with the hard condition of us may in that manner that your Honours most excellent wisdom shall finde expedient in the pitty of Jesus Christ for the mean time be relieved the Lord Almighty vouchsafe for Jesus Christ his sake long to continue and bless your Honours wisdom and Councell to the great glory of God and the happy government of Her Majestie and flourishing estate of this Church of England Your Honours daily and faithfull Orators the Ministers of Kent which are suspended from the execution of their Ministery The Lords of the Councell sent this Petition with another Bill of complaint exhibited unto them against Edmond Freak Bishop of Norwich unto the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury What his answer was thereunto the reader may informe himself out of the following letter To the Lords of the Councell Most Honorable UPon Sunday last in the afternoon The Arch-Bishops letter in answer thereof M r. real brought unto me in your Lordships names two supplications or Bills of complaint exhibited unto your Lordships The one by certain Ministers of Suff. against their Diocesan there The other by some of Kent against my self with this further message that it was your desires I should come to the Court on Sunday next It may please your good Lordships to be advertised that it seemeth something strange to me that the Ministers of Suffolk finding themselves aggrieved with the doings of their Diocesan should leave the ordinary course of proceeding by Law which is to appeal unto me and extraordinarily trouble your Lordships in a matter not so incident as I think to that most honourable Board seeing it hath pleased Her Majesty Her own self in express words to commit these causes Ecclesiasticall to me as to one who is to make answer to God to her Majesty in this behalf my office also and place requiring the same In answer of the complaint of the Suffolk men of their Ordinaries proceeding against them I have herewith sent to your Lordships a Copie of a letter which I lately received from his Lordship wherein I think that part of their Bill to be fully answered and his doings to have been orderly and charitable Touching the rest of their Bill I know not what to judge of it neither yet of what spirit it cometh but in some points it talketh as I think modestly and charitably They say they are no Jesuits sent from Rome to reconcile c. True it is neither are they charged to be so but notwithstanding they are contentious in the Church of England and by their contentions minister occasion of offence to those which are seduced by Jesuits and give the arguments against the forme of publick prayer used in this Church and by law established and thereby encrease the number of them and confirm them in their wilfullnesse They also make a Schism in the Church and draw many other of her Majesties subjects to a misliking of her Laws and Government in causes Ecclesiasticall so far are they from perswading them to obedience or at least if they perswade them to it in the one part of her authority it is in causes civill they desswade them from it as much in the other that is in causes Ecclesiasticall so that indeed they pluck down with the one hand that which they seem to build with the other they say that they have faithfully traveled in perswading to obedience c. and have therein prevailed c. It is but their own testimony I think it were hard for them to shew whom they converted from Papistry to the Gospell But what stirrs and discentions they have made amongst those which professed the Gospel before they were taught by them I think it to be apparent It is notorious that in King Edwards time and in the beginning of her Majesties Reign for the space of divers years When this self same book of publick prayers was uniformally used c. by all learned Preachers maintained and impugned by none the Gospell mightily prevailed took great increase and very few were known to refuse to communicate with us in prayer and participation of the Sacraments But since this Schism and division the contrary effect hath fallen out and how can it otherwise be seeing we our selves condemn that publick form and order of prayer and administration of the Sacraments as in divers points contrary to the word of God from which as in like manner condemning the same the Papists do absent themselves In the later part of their Bill conteining the reasons why they cannot submit themselves to observe the form prescribed by the book in all points I wonder either at their ignorance or audacity They say that the Learned writers of our time have shewed their mislikings of some of our Ceremonies The most learned writers in our times have not so done but rather reproved the mislikers those few that have given contrary judgement therein have done more rashly then learnedly presuming to give their Censures of such a Church as this is not understanding the fruits of the cause Nor alledging any reason worth the hearing especially one little Colledge in either of our Universities containing in it more learned men then in their Cities But if the authority of men so greatly move them why make they so small account of those most excellent and learned Fathers who were the penners of the Book whereof divers have sealed their Religion with their Blood which none yet have done of the impugners of the Book The Pope say they hath changed his Officium B. Mariae c. And so it is neither is there any man that doubteth but the Book of Common-Prayer may also be altered if there appear good cause why to those in Authority But the Pope will not suffer that Officium B. Marie c. to be preached against or any part thereof till it was by publick order reformed neither will he confess that he hath reformed it in respect of any errours but such only
such offencive Ministers as they thought to be touched with such dishonest conversation together with their proofs thereof promising on our parts to see the same redressed accordingly It seemeth by this which is exhibited now to your Lordships they have prevented the time hoping thereby to alter the course whereunto it tendeth I leave to your Lordships consideration surely if the Ministers be such as this Schedule reporteth they are worthy to be grievously punished And for my own part I will not be slack or remisse Godwilling therein But if that fall out otherwise upon tryal and that they or many of them in respect of their obedience to her Majesties laws be thus depraved by such as impugne the same then I doubt not but your Lordship will judge those amusers to deserve just punishment This I can assure your Lordships of that my Lord of London affirmed in my hearing that not long since upon that occasion that none or few at his or his Arch-Deacons visitations had at any time by the Church-wardens or sworn men been detected or presented for any such misdemeanours as are now supposed against them Of the Preachers which are said to be put there to silence I know but few Notwithstanding I know those few to be very factious in the Church contempners in sundry points of the Ecclesiasticall laws and chief authors of disquietness in that part of the Country And such as I for my part cannot doing my duty with a good conscience suffer without their further conformity to execute their ministry But your Lordships God willing shall have a more particular answer to every point of your letter when my Lord of London who is now at his house in the Country and I shall meet and have conferred thereupon In the mean time I trust that neither there nor elsewhere within this province either by my self or others of my brethren any thing is oâ— shall be done which doth not tend to the peace of the Church the working of obedience to laws established the encouragement of the most the Godliest and most learnedst Ministers in this Church of England and to the Glory of God To whose protection I commit your good Lordships Now although we finde S r. Christopher Hatton for companies sake as we humbly conceive it amongst the Privie Councellors Peter Rihadeneira in his Appendix to Sanders pag. 41. subscribbing for moderation to non-conformists yet we take him to be a zealous Stickler for the pressing Church Ceremony And although I look on the words of the Jesuite as a meer scandal when he saith that this Hatton was Animo Catholicus a Papist in his heart yet I know him to be no favourer of the Presbyterian party But a great countenancer of Whitgifts proceedings against them as appears by the following Address of the Arch-Bishop unto him To Sr. Christopher Hatton Right Honorable I give you most hearty thanks for that most friendly message which you sent unto me by your man M r Kemp I shall think my self bound unto you therefore as long as long as I live The Arch-Bishâ—ps gratulatory letter to Sr. Christopher Hatton It hath not a little comforted me having received not long since unkinde speeches where I least looked for them only for doing my duty in the most necessary business which I have in hand I marvell how it should come to passe that the selfsame persons will seem to wish peace and uniformity in the Church and to mislike of the contentious and disobedient sort cannot abide that any thing should be done against them wishing rather the whole Ministry of the land to be discountenanced and discouraged then a few wayard persons of no account in comparison suppressed and punished Men in executing the laws according to their duties were wont to be encouraged and backed hy such but now it falleth out clean contrary Disobedient wifull persons I will tearm them no worse are animated Laws contemned her Majesties will and pleasure little regarded and the executors thereof in word and deed abused howbeit these overthwarts grieve me yet I thank God they cannot withdraw me from doing that duty in this cause which I am perswaded God himself her Majesty the laws and the State of this Church and Commonwealth do require of me In respect whereof I am content to sustain all these displeasures and fully resolved not to depend upon man but upon God and her Majesty and therefore your honour in offering me that great curtesie offered unto me as great a pleasure as I can desire Her Majesty must be my refuge and I beseech you that I may use you as a means when occasion shall serve whereof I assure my self and therein rest John Cantuar. As for the Lord Burleigh such was his moderation that both parties beheld him as their friend carrying matters not with Passion and prejudice but prudently as became so great a Statesman He was neither so rigid as to have conformity prest to the Height nor so remiss as to leave Ministers to their own liberty He would argue the case both in discourse and by letters with the Arch-Bishop Amongst many of the latter kinde let not the Reader grudge to peruse this here inserted IT may please your Grace The Treasuâ—ers Letter to the Arch-Bishop for some Indulgence to the Ministers I am sorry to trouble you so often as I doe but I am more troubled my self not only with many private petitions of sundry Ministers recommended for persons of credit and for peaceable persons in their Ministry and yet by complaints to your Grace and other your Colleagues in Commission greatly troubled But also I am daily now charged by Councellers and publick persons to neglect my duty in not staying of those your Graces proceedings so vehement and so Generall against Ministers and Preachers as the Papists are thereby greatly incouraged and all evill disposed persons amongst the Subjects animated and thereby the Queens Majesties safety endangered with these kinde of arguments I am daily assayled against which I answer That I think your Grace doth nothing but being duly examined tendeth to the maintenance the Religion established and to avoid schism in the Church I also have for example shewed by your papers sent to me how fully the Church is furnished with Preachers and how small a number there are that do contend for their singularity But these reasons do not satisfie all persons neither do I seek to satisfie all persons but with reason and truth But now my good Lord by chance I have come to the sight of an instrument of 24 Articles of great length and curiosity formed in a Romish stile to examine all manner of Ministers in this time without distinction of Persons which Articles are intituled apud Lambeth Maâ—j 1584. to be executed Ex officio mero c. and upon this occasion I have seen them I did recommend unto your Graces favour two Ministers Curates of Cambridge-shire to be favourably heard and your Grace wrote
very hard that when I think to deserve best and in a manner to consume my self to satisfie that which God her Majestie the Church requireth of me should be so evil rewarded Sed meliora spero And I know your Lordship doth all as you are perswaded for the best I beseech God long to bless and preserve you John Cantuar. It seemes the Lord Treasurer took exceptions at some passages herein I dare not say with those That the Letter was brought to him when he was indisposed with the fit of the Gout which made him so offended But what soever was the cause of his passion see some signs thereof in what followeth I Have Received your Graces Letter The L. Treasurers smart Letter to the Arch-Bishop answering sundry speeches as I think delivered by your Chaplain Doctor Cozens and I perceive you are sharply moved to blame me and clear your self I know I have many faults but I hope I have not given such cause of offence as your Letter expresseth I deny nothing that your Grace thinketh meet to proceed in with these whom you call factious and therefore there is no controversie between you and me expressed in your Letter the controversie is passed in your Graces Letter in silence and so I do satisfie your Grace promised me to deal I say onely with such as violated order and to charge them therewith which I allow well of But your Grace not charging them with such faults seeketh by examination to urge them to accuse themselves and then I think you will punish them I think your Graces proceeding is I will not say rigorous or captious but I think it is scant charitable I have no leisure to write more and therefore I will end for writing will but increase offence and I mean not to offend your Grace I am content that your Grace and my Lord of London where I hear Brown is use him as your wisdoms shall think meet If I had known his fault I might be blamed for writing for him but when by examination onely it is meant to sift him with twenty four Articles I have cause to pitty the poor man Your Graces as friendly as any WILL. BURLEY Short but sharp I see though anger only resteth a Eccles. 7. 9. in the Bosome of Fools it may light on the Brest of a wise man But no fear that these friends will finally fall out who alternately were passionate and patient So that now it came to the turn of Whitgift to be calme as he expressed himself in the following return To the Lord Treasurer My singular good Lord GOd knoweth how desirous I have been from time to time to satisfie your Lordship in all things The Arch-Bishops calm Letter to the half-angry Treasurer and to have my doings approved to you For which cause since my coming to this place I have done nothing of Importance without your advice I have risen early and sat up late to write unto you such objections and answers as on either side were used I have not the like to any man and shall I now say I have lost my labour or shall my just dealing with two of the most disordered Ministers in a whole Diocess the obstinacy and contempt of whom especially of one of them you your self would not bear in any subjected to your authority cause you so to think and speak of my doings yea and of my self no man living should have made me believe it Solomon saith an old friend is better then a new and I trust your Lordship will not so lightly cast off your old friends for any of these new fangled and factious sectaries whose fruits are to make divisions wheresoever they come and to separate old and assured friends Your Lordship seemeth to charge me with breach of promise touching my manner of proceeding whereof I am no way guilty but I have altered my first course of depriving them for not subscribing only justifiable by the Law and common practice both in the time of King Edward and from the beginning of her Majesties Reign and chosen this only to satisfie your Lordship Your Lordship also objecteth that it is said I took this course for the better maintenance of my book my enemies say so indeed but I trust my friends have a better opinion of me what should I seek for any confirmation of my book after twelve years or what should I get thereby more then already And yet if subscription may confirme it it is confirmed long agoe by the subscription of all the Clergy almost in England before my time even of Brain also who now seemeth to be so willfull Mine Enemies and tongues of this slanderous and uncharitable sect report that I am revolted and become a Papist and I know not what but it proceedeth from their lewdnesse not from any desert of mine and I disdain to answer to any such notorious untruths which the best of them dare not avouch to my face Your Lordship seemeth further to burden me with wilfulness I am sure that you are not so perswaded of me I will appeal to your own conscience There is difference betwixt wilfullness and constancie I have taken upon me the defence of the Religion and rights of the Church of England to appease the sects of schisms therein and to reduce all the Ministers thereof to uniformity and due obedience herein I intend to be constant and not to waver with every winde The which also my place my person my duty the laws her Majesty and the goodness of the cause doth require of me and wherein your Lordship and others all things considered ought in duty to asist and countenance me It is strange that a man in my place dealing by so good warranties as I do should be so incountred and for not yielding to be counted wilfull but I must be contented Vincit qui patitur and if my friends forsake me herein I trust God will not neither the Law nor her Majesty who hath laid the charge on me and are able to protect me But of all other things it most grieveth me if your Lordship should say that two Ministers fare the worse because your Lordship hath sent them Hath your Lordship ever had any cause so to think of me It is needless for me to protest my heart and affection towards you above all other men the world knoweth it and I am assured that your Lordship nothing doubteth thereof I have rather cause to complain to your Lordship of your self that upon so small an occasson and in the behalf of two such you will so hardly conceive of me yea and as it were countenance persons so meanly qualified in so evill a cause against me your Lordships so long tried friend and their Ordinary That hath not so been in times past now it should least of all be I may not suffer the notorious contempt of one of them especially unless I will become Fsops Block and undoe all that which hitherto have been
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
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
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
Fecknam whence he fetcht his name Bred a Benedictâ—ne Monke in the Abbey of Evesham where he subscribed with the rest of his Order to the resignation of that house into the hands of King Henry the eighth Afterwards he studied in Oxford then applied himself first to Bell Bishop of Worcester and after his death to Bonner of London where he crossed the Proverb like Master like Man the Patron being Cruel the Chaplain Kinde to such who in Judgement dissented from him he never dissembled his religion being a zealous Papist and under King Edward the sixth suffered much for his Conscience 35. In the Reign of Queen Mary His Courtesy to Protestants he was wholy imployed in doing good offices for the afflicted Protestants from the highest to the lowest The Earle of Bedford and who afterwards were of Warwick and Leicester tasted of his kindnesse so did S r John Cheek yea and the Lady Elizabeth her self So interposing his interest with Queen Mary for her enlargement that he incurred her Graces displeasure Hence it is that Papists complain that in the reign of Queen Elizabeth he reaped not a Cropp of Courtesie proportionable to his large seed thereof in the dayes of Queen Mary 36. Queen Mary afterwards preferred him from being Dean of Pauls Made Abbot of Westminster a Sanders de schismate Ang. in the Reign of Q. Mary to be Abbot of Westminster which Church she erected and endowed for Benedictine Monks of which order fourteen only could be found in England then extant since their dissolution which were unmarried unpreferred to Cures and unaltered in their opinions These also were brought in with some difficulty at first and opposition for the Prebendaries of Westminster legally setled in their places would not resigne them till Cardinall Poole partly by compulsion partly by compensation obteined their removall 37. Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown Q. Elizabeth send eth for him and prossers him preferment sent for Abbot Fecknam to come to her whom the messenger found setting of Elmes in the Orchard of Westminster Abbey But he would not follow the messenger till first he had finished his Plantation which his friends impute to his soul imployed b Reinerius in Apost Bened. pag. 235. in mysticall meditations that as the Trees he there set should spring and sprout many years after his decease So his new Plantation of Benedictine Monks in Westminster should take root and flourish in defiance of all opposition which is but a bold conjecture of others at his thoughts Sure I am those Monks long since are extirpated but how his Trees thrive at this day is to me unknown Coming afterwards to the Queen what discourse passed betwixt them they themselves knew alone some have confidently guessed she proffered him the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury on condition he would conform to her laws which he utterly refused 38. In the Treaty between the Protestants and Papists primo Elizabethae Kindly used in restraint he was present but in what capacity I cannot satisfie my self Surely more then a Disputant amongst whom he was not named Yet not so much as a Moderator And yet his judgement perchance because Abbot and so principall man in that place was c â—Fox Acts Mon. asked with respect and heard with reverence His Moderation being much commended Now although he was often confined sometimes to the Tower sometimes to friends houses and died it seems at last in restraint in Wisbeeich Castle Yet generally be found fair usage from the Protestants He built a Conduit in Holborn and a Crosse in Wisbeeich and relieved the poor wheresoever he came So that Flies flock not thicker about spilo honey then beggars constantly crouded about him 39. Abbot Fecknam thus being dead A recruit of English Benedictines made after Fecknams death the English Benedictines beyond the seas began to bestirr themselves as they were concerned about the continuation of their Order we know some maintain that if any one species or kinde of Creatures be utterly extinct the whole Univers by Sympathy therewith and consciousnesse of its own imperfection will be dissolved And the Catholicks suspected what a sad consequence there would be if this Ancient Order of English Black Monks should suffer a totall and finall defection The best was Vnus homo Nobis there was one and but one Monke left namely Father Sigebert Buckley and therefore before his death provision was made for others to succeed him and they for fear of failing disposed in severall Countries in manner following In Rome 〈…〉 In Valladolit in Spain 1. Father Gregory Sayer 2. Father Thomas Preston 3. Father Anselme of Manchester 4. Father Anthony Martin commonly called Athanasius 1. Father Austine S t. John 2. Father John Mervin 3. Father Marke Lambert 4. Father Maurice Scot. 5. Father George Gervis From these nine new Benedictines the whole Order which hung formerly on a single string was then replenished to a competent and since to a plentifull number 40. Hitherto our English Papists affectionately leaned not to say fondly doâ—â—d on the Queen of Scots 〈…〉 promising themselves great matters from her towards the advancing of their Religon But now they began to fall off in their 〈◊〉 partly because beholding her a confined person unable to free her self and more unlikely to help others partly because all Catholicks come off with losse of life which practized her enlargement As for her Son the King of Scots from whom they expected a settlement of Popery in that land their hopes were lately turned into despairs who had his education on contrary principles 41. Whereupon hereafter they diverted their eyes from the North to the West Unto the King of Spain expecting contrary to the course of nature that their Sun should rise therein in magnifying the might of the King of Spain and his zeal to propagate the Roman Catholick faith And this was the practise of all Jeâ—uites to possess their English proselytes with high opinions of the Spanish power as the Nation designed by Divine providence to work the restitution of their Religion in England 42. In order hereunto Pretending a 〈◊〉 the Crown of England and to hearten their Countrimen some for it appears the result of severall persons employed in the designing and effecting thereof drew up a Title of the King of Spains to the English Crown are much admired by their own party as slighted by the Queen and her Loyall Subjects for being full of falsehoods and forgeries Indeed it is easie for any indifferent Herauld so to derive a pedigree as in some seeming probability to intitle any Prince in Christendome to any Principality in Christendome but such will shrink on serious examination Yea I beleeve Queen Elizabeth might pretend a better Title to the Kingdoms of Leon and Castile in Spain as descended by the house of Yorke from Edmond Earl of Cambridge and his Lady Coheir to King Peter then any Claime that the King of Spain could
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-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
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
this promoted to be Bishop of Worcester then succeeded Grindal in London and Yorke an excellent and painfull preacher and of a pious and Godly life which increased in his old age so that by a great and good stride whilst he had one foot in the Grave he had the other in Heaven He was buried in Southwell and it is hard to say whether he was more eminent in his own Vertues or more happy in his Flourishing Posterity 26. The next year produced not any great Church matters in its self 32. but was only preparatory to the ripening of business 1589. and raising the charges against the principall Patrons of Nonconformity Arch-Bishop Whitgift his discretion Indeed Arch-Bishop Whitgift according to his constant custome and manner repaired daily to the Councell-Table early in the morning and after an usuall apprecation of a Good-morrow to the Lords he requested to know if there were any Church business to be debated and if the answer were returned in the Affirmative He stayed and attended the issue of the matter But if no such matter appeared he craved leave to be dispensed withall saying Then my Lords here is no need of me and departed A commendable practise clearing himself from all aspersions of civill-pragmaticallness and tending much to the just support of his reputation 27. On the first of September M r. Cartwright 33. Batchelor in Divinity 1590. Sept. 1. was brought before Her Majesties Commissioners Articles objected against Mr. Thomas Cartwright there to take his oath and give in his positive answer to the following Articles 1. IMprimis a a The copy of these Articles â—ere 〈…〉 after his death who as kindly communicated as 〈◊〉 have 〈◊〉 â—nscribed them We do object and articulate against him Anno Dom. 1590. that he Anno Regin Eliza. 33. being a Minister at least a Deacon lawfully called according to the godly laws and orders of this Church of England hath forsaken abandoned and renounced the same orders Ecclesiastical as an antichristian and unlawfull manner of calling unto the Ministry or Deaconship 2. Item that he departing this Realm into forraign parts without license as a man discontented with the form of Government Ecclesiasticall here by law established the more to testifie his dislike and contempt thereof and of the manner of his former Vocation and Ordination was contented in forraign parts as at Antwerpe Middeburgh or elsewhere to have a new Vocation Election or Ordination by imposition of hands unto the Ministry or unto some other order or degree Ecclesiasticall and in other manner and form than the laws Ecclesiasticall of this Realm do prescribe Let him declare upon his oath the particular circumstances thereof 3. Item that by vertue or colour of such his later Vocation Election or Ordination becoming a pretended Bishop or Pastor of such Congregation as made choice of him he established or procured to be established at Antwerp and at Middleburgh among Merchants and others Her Majesties Subjects a certain Consistory Seminary Presbytery or Eldership Ecclesiastical consisting of himself being Bishop or Pastor and so President thereof of a Doctor of certain Ancients Sentours or Elders for government Ecclesiastical and of Deacons for distributing to the poor 4. Item that the said Eldership and the authority thereof certain English-born Subjects were called elected or ordained by imposition of hands to be Ministers or Ecclesiastical Doctors being not of that degree before as Hart Travers Grise or some of them and some that were also Ministers afore according to the orders of the Church of England as Fenner Acton were so called and other English Subjects were also called and likewise ordained Elders and some others were ordained Deacons in other manner and form than the laws Ecclesiasticall of the Realm do prescribe or allow of 5. Item that such Eldership so established under the Presidentship of him the said Thomas Cartwright had used besides this authority of this Vocation and Ordination of Officers ecclesiasticall the Censures and keyes of the Church as publick admonition suspension from the Supper and from execution of offices ecclesiastical and the censures of excommunication likewise authority of making laws degrees and orders ecclesiastical and of dealing with the doctrine and manners of all persons in that Congregation in all matters whatsoever so far as might appertain to conscience 6. Item that he the said Thomas Cartwright in the publick administration of his Ministry there among Her Majesties Subjects used not the forme of liturgie or Book of Common-Prayer by the laws of this land established nor in his government ecclesiasticall the laws and orders of this land but rather conformed himself in both to the use and form of some other forraign Churches 7. Item that since his last return from beyond the Seas being to be placed at Warwick he faithfully promised if he might be but tolerated to preach not to impugne the laws orders policy government nor governours in this Church of England but to perswade and procure so much as he could both publickly and privately the estimation and peace of this Church 8. Item That he having no Ministry in this Church other then such as before he had forsaken and still condemneth as unlawful and without any license as Law requireth he hath since taken upon him to preach at Warwick and at sundry other places of this Realm 9. Item That since his said return in sundry private conferences with such Ministers and others as at sundry times by word and letter have asked his advice or opinion he hath shewed mislike of the Laws and Government Ecclesiastical and of divers parts of the Liturgie of this Church and thereby perswaded and prevailed also with many in sundry points to break the orders and form of the Book of Common-Prayer who observed them before and also to oppose themselves to the Government of this Church as himself well knoweth or verily believeth 10. Item That in all or most of such his Sermons and Exercises he hath taken occasion to traduce and enveigh against the Bishops and other governours under them in this Church 11. Item That he hath grown so far in hatred and dislike towards them as that at sundry times in his prayer at Sermons and namely Preaching at Banbury about a year since in such place as others well disposed pray for Bishops he prayed to this or like effect Because that they which ought to be pillars in the Church do bend themselves against Christ and his truth therefore O Lord give us grace and power all as one man to set our selves against them And this in effect by way of emphasis he then also repeated 12. Item that preaching at sundry times and places he usually reacheth at all occasions to deprave condemn and impugn the manner of Ordination of Bishops Ministers and Deacons sundry points of the Politie Government Laws Orders and rights Ecclesiastical and of the publick Liturgie of the Church of England contained in
the Book of Common-Prayer as namely the use of the Surplis the Interrogatories to God-Fathers c. in the name of the Infants the Cross in Baptism the Ring in Marriage the Thanksgiving after Child-birth Burials by Ministers the Kneeling at Communion some points of the Letany certain Collects and Prayers the reading of portions of Scripture for the Epistle and Gospel and the manner of Singing in Cathedral Churches and others 13. Item That preaching at the Baptizing of one of Job Throgmortons children he spoke much of the unlawfulness and in derogation of the Government Politie Laws and Liturgy Ecclesiastical of this Realm and to the justification of a Government by Elderships in every Congregation and by Conference and Synods c. abroad as Divine Institutions commanded by Christ and the onely lawful Church-government seeking to prove and establish such Elderships out of that word in one of the Psalms where Thrones are mentioned 14. Item That by toleration and impunity he did grow so confident and withal implacable against the Laws Government and Orders of this Church of England that he could not endure M r Bourdman and others preaching sundry times at Warwick to speak in defence thereof but took upon him to confute in sundry Sermons there these things which the said Bourdman had truly and dutifully in that behalf spoken and delivered 15. Item That in his Sermons at Warwick and elsewhere within the said time he often delivered many frivolous strange and undiscreet positions as namely that to kneel down and pray when a man comes into the Church to pray there privately was but to offer the sacrifice of fools That it was requisite all the hearers that were able should stand upon their feet during Sermons and discoursing about women and their child-birth c. did speak thereof so indiscreetly and offensively that sundry of them in great grief had conspired to have mischieved him with stones in the open streets 16. Item That by his perswasions privately and publickly delivered sundry persons in and about Warwick were appointed to impugn both in words and deeds the Laws Orders and rights prescribed by the Book of Common-Prayer insomuch as both his own wife by his procurement and consent refused after child-birth to come and give thanks in such place of the Church and in that solemn manner as thereby is prescribed and some other women also of that Town by such perswasion and example did use the like contempt 17. Item That sundry times or at least once when he communicated at the Lords Supper there he sate or stood upon his feet and divers others induced by his perswasions and example both then and at other times did the like And that at other times there or in other places where he hath communicated both himself and others as he had appointed or perswaded afore did walk along and receive the Sacrament of the Ministers as they passed by him 18. Item That for these and such like disorders he was presented to the Bishop of Wigorne his Ordinary Before whom being convented in the Consistory there he spake to the justification and upholding of such doing of his and of others and there very publickly and offensively affirmed and disputed That the Book of Common-Prayer c. is not established by Law 19. Item That when by authority from the said Bishop for his contempt he was suspended from preaching ab omni functione Ministerii he appealed from the said suspension yet did not prosecute within a year after whereby the cause being according to Law remitted again to the Bishop he the said Thomas Cartwright according to the former proceedings falling again into the sentence of suspension which was also intimated and made known unto him nevertheless in contempt of the Authority Ecclesiastical he hath preached at Warwick Coventry and elsewhere since the said time 20. Item When one of his men-servants had committed Fornication and gotten a bastard in his house he taking upon him the authority of the Ordinary did appoint unto the delinquent a publick form of penance or satisfaction in Saint Maries-Church at Warwick and caused him to perform the same 21. Item Since his placing at Warwick he with others at such times as they thought fit have agreed to have and so have had divers publick Fasts without the Queen her Authority and have invited and perswaded both sundry persons to be there present and also certain to preach to the number of three four or five successively one after another being all noted to be such as mislike and impugn sundry points of the Laws Government and Liturgy Ecclesiastical of this Church of England In which Sermons both he the said Cartwright and such others also as then preached did impugn and enveigh against the present Laws Government Politie and Liturgy Ecclesiastical of this Church of England 22. Item That from time to time since his aboad in Warwick by his practice and dealing he hath nourished a faction and heart-burning of one inhabitant there against another severing them in his own and his followers speeches by the names of The Godly or Brethren favoâ—ring sincerity and The Profane 23. Item That he doth know or credibly heard who were the penners printers or some of the dispersers of the several Libels going under the name of Martin Mar-Prelate of the Demonstration of Discipline of Diotrephes and such like books before it was known to Authority and yet in favour of such and contempt of good laws did not manifest the same to any who had authority to punish it 24. Item that being asked his opinion of such books he answered thus in effect or somthing tending this way viz. meaning the Bishops and others there touched would not amend by grave books and advertisements and therefore it was meet they should thus be dealt with to their further reproach and shame 25. Item that for and in the behalf of the Church of England he penned or procured to be penned all or some part of a little book intituled in one part Disciplina Ecclesiae sacra Verbo Dei descripta and in the other part Disciplina Synodicaex Ecclesiarumusu c. And after it was perused by others whom he first acquainted therewith he recommended the same to the censures and judgements of moe brethren being learned Preachers and some others assembled together by his means for that and other like purposes Which after deliberation and some alterations was by them or most of them allowed as the only lawfull Church government and fit to be put in practice and the wayes and means for the practising thereof in this Realm were also then or not long after agreed or concluded upon by them 26. Item that for the better and more due practise of it within the space of these seven six five foure three two or one year last past the said Thomas Cartwright and sundry others as aforesaid according to former appointment and determinations by them made have met in Assemblies termed Synods more general
as at London at Terms and Parliament times in Oxford at the Act in Cambridg at the times of Commencement and Sturbridge-fair and also more particular and Provinciall Synods and at Classes or Conferences of certain selected Ministers in one or moe places of sundry severall shires as Warwick Northampton Râ—tland Oxford Leicester Cambridge Norfolke Suffolke Essex and others 27. Item that at such Synods and Conferences it hath been concluded that all the Ministers which should be received to be either of the said generall Synods or of any more particular and Provincial or of a Classis or Conference should subscribe to the said Discipline that they did allow it would promote it practise it and be governed by it And according to the form of a schedule hereunto annexed or such like both he the said Thomas Cartwright and many others at sundry or some generall Assemblies as at Provincial and at several conferences have within the said time subscribed the same or some part thereof 28. Item that at such Synods and all other Assemblies a moderator of that meeting was first by him and them chosen according to the prescription of the said book And at some of such meetings and Assemblies amongst other things it was resolved and concluded that such particular conferences in severall Shires should be erected how many persons and with what letters from every of them should be sent to the generall Assembly and that one of them at their coming home to their Conference should make known the determinations of the generall Assembly to be by every of them followed and put in practice which course in sundry places of this Realm hath within the time aforesaid been accordingly followed and performed 29. Item that he with others in some such Classis or Conference or in a Synod Anno Dom. 1590. Anno Regin Eliza. 33. or more generall Assembly holden did treat and dispute among other points these six Articles conteined in another schedule annexed and set down their resolution and determination of them 30. Item that he with others assembled in such a generall Assembly or Synod at Cambridge did conclude and decree as in another schedule annexed or in some part thereof is conteined which decrees were made known afterwards at Warwick to sundry Classes there by his means assembled and allowed also by them then met together in the same or like form 31. Item that all such severall meetings Synods and Conferences within the said time many other determinations as well what should be done and performed or omitted as also what should be holden consonant to Gods word or disagreeing from it have been set down by the said Thomas Cartwright and others As namely that all admitted to either Assembly should subscribe the said book of Discipline Holy and Synodicall that those who were sent from any Conference to a Synod should bring letters fiduciarie or credence that the last Moderator should write them that the superscription thereof should be to a known man of the Assembly then to be holden that no book made by any of them should be put in print but by consent of the Classis at least that some of them must be earnest and some more milde and temperate whereby there may be both of the spirit of Elias and Elizeus that all admitted amongst them should subscribe and promise to conform themselves in their proceedings administration of Sacraments and of Discipline to the form of that Book and that they would subject themselves to the censuring of the Brethren both for doctrine and life and lastly that upon occasion when any their brethren shall be sent by them upon affairs of the Church as to the great meetings Parliament c. they all would bear their charges in common that there might be no superiority amongst them and that the Moderatorship as it happ'ned is not a superiority or honour but a burden that no profane writer or any other than Canonical Scripture may be alledged in Sermons that they should all teach that the ministry of those who did not preach is no ministry but a meer nullity that it is not lawfull to take any oath whereby a man may be driven to discover any thing penal to himself or to his brother especially if he be perswaded the matter to be lawfull for which the punishment is like to be inflicted or having taken it in this case need not discover the very truth that to a Bishop or other Officer ecclesiasticall as is used now in the Church of England none obedience ought to be given neither in appearing before them in doing that which they command nor in abstaining from that which they inhibit that in such places as the most of the people favoured the cause of sincerity Eldership should warily and wisely be placed and established which Consistory in some places hath been either wholy or in part erected accordingly yea in some Colledges in the University as he knoweth hath heard or verily beleeveth These Articles were tendered to M r. Cartwright in the Consistory of Pauls before John Almare Bishop of London the two Lord Chief Justices Justice Gawdy Sergeant Puckering afterwards Lord keeper and Attorney-Generall Popham 28. Mr. Cartwright refuseth to answer an oath These Commissioners did move him to give in his answer the rather because the chief points in the Jnterrogatories were delivered in general terms unto him and they severally assured him on their credits that by the Laws of the Realm he was to take his oath and to answer as he was required But M r. Cartwright desired to be born withall pleading that he thought he was not bound by the laws of God so to do Hereupon he was sent to the rest of his brethren to the Fleet where he secretly and silently took up his lodging many admiring at the pannick peaceableness and so quiet a calm where so violent a tempest was feared to arise 29. Wigington his ridling words Some soon after expected the appearance of the Presbyterian party Nov. 6. accounting it more valour to free than to keep their friends from prison The rather because of a passage in a letter of M r. Wigingtons to one M r. Porter at Lancaster M r. Cartwright is in the Fleet for the refusall of the oath as I hear and M r. Knewstubs is sent for and sundry worthy Ministers are disquieted who have been spared long So that we look for some Bickering ere long and then a Battle which cannot long endure Words variously expounded as mens fancies directed them Some conceived that this Bickering and Battle did barely import a passive conflict wherein their patience was to encounter the power of their adversaries and to conquer by suffering Parallel to the Apostles a 2 Cor. 7. 5. words Without were fightings meaning combats to wrastle with in many difficulties opposing their proceedings Others expounded the words literally not of a tame but wilde Battle and of some intended violence as if shortly they would
certainly cause suspition slalnder c. 14. The concealing argueth either some guiltiness or at the least some faintness and fear to be seen or known in these Actions 15. It leaveth the truth which now travaileth poor naked destitute and void of friends it casteth the care credit countenance defence and maintenance of it upon those few which are in prison which ought to be supported and maintained by all 16. It leaveth the burden upon eight or nine mens shoulders which ought to be eased by many What satisfaction this gave to his party I know not sure I am the Bishops till his dying day beheld him as an ingenuous man carrying his conscience with the reason thereof in his own brest and not pinning it on the president of any other whereupon they permitted him peaceably to possess his parsonage being none of the meanest though he continued a stiffe Non conformist only quietly enjoying his own opinion Indeed he was a down-right Nathanael if not guilty of too much of the dove in him faulty in that defect wherein more offend in the excess not minding the world so much as became a provident parent But we leave him when we have told the Reader that he was bred a Student in Christ-Church and was a Brian Twine in Appendice Ant. Ac. Oxon. Proctor of Oxford Anno 1580 and died quietly an old man Anno 1617 at Warkton in Northampton-shire 41. Synodicall meetings finally blasted Thus one link being slipp'd out the whole chain was quickly broken and scattered Stone his discovery marr'd for the future all their formal meetings as Classically or Synodically methodized If any of these Ministers hereafter came together it was for visits not visitations to enjoy themselves not enjoyn others orders to be observed by them 42. Perkin's piety 〈…〉 Whereas M r Stone confesseth their meeting in Cambridge with M r Chatterton and others I finde some of these others a Dr Banerâ—st in his book of dangerous positions chap. 7. p. 59. elsewhere specified namely M r Perkins and M r Thomas Harrison afterwards the reverend Vice-Master of Trinity-Colledge both of them concurring though neither of them very active in this cause M r Perkins whatsoever his judgement was in point of Church-discipline never publickly medled with it in his preaching and being pressed by others about the lawfullness of subscription he declined to manifest his opinion therein glad to enjoy his own quiet and to leave others to the liberty of their own consciences Solomons observation found truth in him b Prov. 16. 7â— When a mans wayes please the Lord he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him whose piety procured freedom to his preaching and fair respect to his person even from those who in affections differed and in opinion dissented from him for all held Perkins for a Prophet I mean for a painfull and faithfull dispenser of Gods will in his word 43. Transition to a more pleasant subject But I am weary of writing these sad dissentions in our Church and fain would pass over to some more pleasing subject from the renting of Gods Church to the repairing of it from the confounding thereof to the founding and building of some eminent place for learning and religion But finding none of that nature this very year in England I am fain to seek one beyond the seas and at last have lighted on the University and Colledge of Dublin which now began to be erected 44. The foundation of an University in Dublin Anciently Ireland was the Seminary of Saints people from all parts of Christendome repairing thither there to finde and thence to fetch the perfect pattern of Monastical devotion Many hundred years after namely in the Reign of King Edward the Second Alexander Bickner Arch-Bishop of Dâ—blin obtained licence of the Pope to erect an University in Dublin but the designe succeeded not according to his desire and others expectation Now at the last the same was effected by Royall Authority and a Colledge there erected and dedicated to the Holy Trinity This mindeth me of a pleasant passage In the Reign of King Henry the eighth it was enjoyned that all Churches dedicated to S t Thomas Becket should be new named and consigned over to some real Saint Now whilest country people sate in consultation what new Saint such Churches should assume being divided in their opinions to whom the same should be dedicated an old man gave this advice Even dedicate it to the Holy Trinity which will last and continue when all other Saints may chance to be taken away 45. The severall Benefactors thereto Many eminent persons concurred to advance so worthy a work And because we are to speak of a Colledge wherein seniority takes place we will rank these persons not according to their dignity but time of their benefaction 1. Henry Vsher then Arch-Deacon of Dublin bred in Cambridge afterward Arch-Bishop of Armagh and uncle to James Vsher the present Arch-Bishop thereof took a journey with much danger into England and with more difficulty procured the Mort-main from 2. Queen Elizabeth who graciously granted it naming the Corporation Collegium Sanctae ac Individuae Trinitatis ex fundatione Reginae Elizabethae juxta Dublin 3. William Cicill Baron of Burleigh Anno Dom. 1591. and treasurer of England is appointed in the Mort-main first Chancellour of the University Anno Regin Eliza. 34. as being an active instrument to procure the same 4. S r William Fitz-Williams Lord Deputy of Ireland whose Arms are deservedly graven over the Colledge gate issued out his letters for collection to all the Counties in Ireland to advance so good a designe and the Irish though then generally Papists were very bountifull thereunto 5. M r Luke Chaloner Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge received and disbursed the monies had the oversight of the fabrick which he faithfully procured to be finished meriting that verse inscribed on his fair monument in Dublin Colledge Chappel built by his * Since married to the Arch-Bishop of Armagh daughter Conditur hoc Tumulo Chaloneri triste Cadaver Cujus ope precibus conditur ista domus This Tomb within it here contains Of Chalnor the sad Remains By whose prayer and helping hand This House erected here doth stand 6. The Major and Aldermen of Dublin bestowed on the Colledge the sight thereof with some accommodations of considerable grounds about it being formerly a Religious house termed Allhallows which at the suppression of Abbies was bestowed on their Corporation 7. Adam Loftus Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge at this present Arch-Bishop of Dublin and Chancellour of Ireland was the first Master of the Colledge holding it as an honorarie title though not so much to receive credit by as to return lustre to the place 8. S r Warham Saint-Leger was very bountifull in paying yearly pensions for the maintenance of the first students thereof before the Colledge was endowed with standing revenues
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
betwixt them But such as knew M r Hooker knew him to be too wise to take exception at such trifles the rather because the most judicious is always the least part in all auditories 55. Here might one on Sundayes have seen They clash about matters of Doctrine almost as many writers as hearers Not only young students but even the gravest Benchers such as S t Edw Cook and S t James Altham then were were not more exact in taking instructions from their clients then in writing notes from the mouths of their Ministers The worst was these two preachers though joyned in affinity their nearest kindred being married together acted with different principles and clashed one against another So that what M r Hooker delivered in the forenoon M r Travers confuted in the afternoon At the building of Solomons Temple 1 King 6. 7. neither hammer nor axe nor tool of iron was heard therein Whereas alass in this Temple not only much knocking was heard but which was the worst the nailes and pins which one master-builder drave in were driven out by the other To pass by lesser differences betwixt them about Predestination Hooker maintained The Church of Rome though not a pure and perfect yet is a true Church so that such who live and die therein * Being weak ignorant and seduced upon their repentance of all their sins of ignorance may be saved Travers defended The Church of Rome is no true Church at all so that such as live and die therein holding Justification in part by works cannot be said by the Scriptures to be saved Thus much disturbance was caused to the disquieting of peoples consciences the disgrace of the ordinance the advantage of the common enemy and the dishonour of God himself 56. Here Arch-Bishop Whitgift interposed his power Travers is silenced by the Arch-Bishop and silenced Travers from preaching either in the Temple or any where else It was lai'd to his charge 1. That he was no lawfull ordained Minister according to the Church of England 2 ly That he preached here without licence 3 ly That he had broken the order made in the 7 th year of her Majesties reign Wherein it was provided that erroneous Doctrine if it came to be publickly taught should not be publickly refuted but that notice thereof should be given to the Ordinary to hear and determine such causes to prevent publick disturbance 57. As for Travers Many pleased with the deed but not with the manner of doing it his silencing many which were well pleased with the deed done were offended at the manner of doing it For all the Congregation on a Sabbath in the after noon were assembled together their attention prepared the Cloath as I may say and napkins were laied yea the guests set and their knives drawn for their spirituall repast when suddenly as M r Travers was going up into the pulpit a sorry fellow served him with a letter prohibiting him to preach any more In obedience to Authority the milde and constant submission whereunto won him respect with his adversaries M r Travers calmly signified the same to the Congregation and requested them quietly to depart to their chambers Thus was our good Zacheus struck dumb in the Temple but not for infidelity unpartial people accounting his fault at most but indiscretion Mean time his Auditory pained that their pregnant expectation to hear him preach should so publickly prove abortive and sent sermonless home manifested in their variety of passion some grieving some frowning some murmuring and the wisest sort who held their tongues shaked their heads as disliking the managing of the matter 58. Travers addressed himself by petition to the Lords of the privie Councell where his strength lay Travers his plea in his petition as Hookers in the Arch-Bishop of Cant and high Commission grievously complained that he was punished before he was heard silenced by him apprehended the heaviest penalty before sent for contrary to equity and reason The a Joh. 7. 51. Law condemning none before it hear him and know what he hath done 1. To the exception against the lawfulness of his Ministry he pleaded that the communion of Saints allows Ordination legall in any Christian Church Orders herein are like degrees and a Doctor graduated in any University hath his title and place granted him in all Christendome 2. For want of licence to preach he pleaded that he was recommended to this place of the Temple by two letters of the Bishop of London the Diocesan thereof 3. His Anti-preaching in the afternoon against what was delivered before he endeavoured to excuse by the example of S t Paul b Gal. 2. 5. Who gave not place to Peter no not an hour that the truth of the Gospell might continue amongst them But we are too tedious herein especially seeing his petition is publickly extant in print with M r Hooker his answer thereunto whither we referr the reader for his more ample satisfaction 59. By the way A charitable adversary it must not be forgotten that in the very midst of the Paroxisme betwixt Hooker and Travers the latter stil bare and none can challenge the other to the contrary a reverend esteem of his adversary And when an unworthy aspersion some years after was cast on Hooker if Christ was dasht shall Christians escape clean in their journey to heaven M r Travers being asked of a private friend what he thought of the truth of that accusation In truth said he I take M r Hooker to be a holy man A speech with coming from an adversary sounds no less to the commendation of his charity who spake it then to the praise of his piety of whom it was spoken 60. The Councell table was much divided about Travers his petition All Whitgists foes were ipso facto made Travers his favourers Travers must have no favour besides he had a large stock of friends on his own account But Whitgifts finger moved more in Church matters then all the hands of all the privie Councellers besides and he was content to suffer others to be beleeved and perchance to beleeve themselves great actors in Church-government whilst he knew he could and did do all things himself therein No favour must be afforded Travers on any terms 1. Dangerous was his person a Cartwright junior none in England either more loving Geneva or more beloved by it 2 ly Dangerous the place the Temple being one of the Jnns therefore a publick of Court therefore a principall place and to suffer one opposite to the English discipline to continue Lecturer there what was it but in effect to retain half the Lawyers of England to be of Councell against the ecclesiastical government thereof 3 ly Dangerous the Precedent this leading case would be presumed on for others to follow and a ranks breaking may be an armies ruining 61. This was the constant custome of Whitgift Whitgift his politick carriage if any Lord or Lady
but the curing of consciences I am credibly a By my own father Mr Thomas Fuller who was well acquainted with him A great instrument of the good keeping of the Lords-day informed he in some sort repented his removall from his Parish and disliked his own erratical and planetary life which made him fix himself Preacher at last at Christ-Church in London where he ended his dayes 69. He lived Sermons and was most precise in his conversation a strict observer of the Lords-day and a great advancer thereof thorough the whole Realm by that Treatise which he wrote of the Sabbath No book in that age made greater impression on peoples practice as b Mr Joseph Hall one then a great wit in the University now a grave wisdome in our Church hath ingeniously expressed On M r Greenhams book of the Sabbath While Greenham writeth on the Sabbaths rest His soule enjoyes not what his penn exprest His work enjoyes not what it self doth say For it shall never finde one resting day A thousand hands shall toss each page and line Which shall be scanned by a thousand eine That Sabbaths rest or this Sabbath's unrest Hard is to say whether's the happiest Thus godly Greenham is fallen asleep we softly draw the curtains about him and so proceed to other matter SECTION VIII To the Lady Anne Archer of Tanworth in Warwickshire Anno Regis Eliza. Anno Dom. Madam YOu beeing so good a Houswife know far better then I how much strength and handsomness good hemming addeth to the end of a cloath I therefore being now to put a period to this long and important Century as big as the whole Book besides but chiefly containing her Reign the Honour of your Sex and our nation have resolved to prevent the unraveling thereof to close and conclude it with this Dedication to your Ladiship On which account alone you are placed last in this Book though otherwise the first and freest in incouraging my weak endeavours 1. OF M r Vdals death come we now to treat The uncertain date of Mr. Vdals death thorough some defect in the a Records transposed o Searched by me and my friends in the office of the Clerk of Assise for Surrey or lost we cannot tell the certain day of M r Vdals condemnation 35. and death 1592. But this appears in the office that two years since viz. 32. of Eliz. July 23. he was indicted and arraigned at Craydon for defaming the Queen Her government in a book by him written and intituled A Demonstration of the Discipline which Christ hath prescribed in his Word for the government of his Church in all times and places untill the worlds end But the mortal words as I may terme them are found in tho preface of his book written to the supposed governors of the Church of England Arch-Bishops Bishops c. and are inserted in the body of his Indictment as followeth Who can without blushing deny you to be the cause of all ungodliness seeing your government is that which giveth leave to a man to be any thing saving a sound Christian For certainly it is more free in these dayes to be a Papist Anabaptist of the Family of love yea any most wicked whatsoever than that which we should be And I could live these twenty years any such in England yea in a Bishops house it may be and never be much molested for it so true is that which you are charged with in a Dialogue lately come forth against you and since burned by you that you care for nothing but the maintenance of your dignities be it to the damnation of your own soules and infinite millions moe To this indictment he pleaded not guilty denying himself to be the Author of the Book Next day he was cast by the Jurie and submitted himself to the mercy of the Court whereby he prevailed that judgement against him was respited till the next Assises and he remanded to the Marshalsey 2. M r. Vdal his supplication to the Lords of the Assises March following the 33 d of Queen Elizabeth he was brought again to the Bar before the Judges to whom he had privately presented a petition with all advantage but it found no entertainment Insomuch that in this moneth of March the day not appearing in the Records he at the Assises held in Southwark was there condemned to be executed for a felon 3. Vâ—rious censures on his condemnation Various were mens censures on these proceedings against him Some conceived it rigorous in the greatest which at the best is cruel in the least degree considering the worth of his person and weakness of the proof against him For he was a learned man blameless for his life powerfull in his praying and no less profitable than painfull in his preaching For as Musculus in Germany if I mistake not first brought in the plain but effectual manner of preaching by Vse and Doctrine so Vdal was the first who added reasons thereunto the strength and sinews of a Sermon His English-Hebrew-Grammar he made whilst in prison as appears by a subscription in the close thereof The proof was not pregnant and it is generally believed that he made only the preface out of which his indictment was chiefly framed and not the body of the book laid to his charge Besides it was harsh to inflict immediate and direct death for a consequential and deductory felonie it being pen-housed out beyond the foundation and intent of the Statute to build the indictment thereupon Others thought that some exemplary severity was necessary not only to pinion the wings of such pamphlets from flying abroad but even thereby to crush their eggs in the nest Surely the multitude of visits unto him during his durance no whit prolonged his life For flocking to popular prisoners in such cases is as ominous a presage of their death as the flying and fluttering of Ravens near and about the house and chamber of a sick body 4. He died peaceably in his bed But an higher Judge had formerly passed another sentence on Vdals death that his soul and body should not by shamefull violence be forced asunder but that they should take a faire farewell each of other How long he lived after his condemnation we know not there being a tradition that S r Walter Rawleigh procured a Reprieve in a fair way to his pardon this is certain that without any other sickness save heart-broken with sorrow he ended his dayes Right glad were his friends that his death prevented his death and the wisest of his foes were well contented therewith esteeming it better that his candle should goe than be put out lest the snuff should be unsavoury to the survivers and his death be charged as a cruel act on the account of the procurers thereof 5. Anno Regin Eliza. 36. Anno Dom. 1593. The Ministers of London flocked to his funeralls His solemn buriall and he was decently interred
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
the Rolls when your Family was not brought but brought back into England where it had flourished Barons many yeares before Plants are much meliorated by transplanting especially when after many years they are restored to their Native soile as Cordiall unto them And thus the continuance and increase of all happinesse to your Selfe and Noble Consort is the unfeigned Prayer of Your Honours most obliged servant THOMAS FVLLER THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAINE Ann. Reg. Bliz. 43. CENT XVII Ann. Dom. 1601 1. THe difference betwixt the Seculars and the Jesuites still continued and increased Wherefore Bishop Bancroft The Seculars fomented by the Bishop of Lond. against the Jesuits counting the Seculars the better but weaker side afforded them countenance and maintenance in London-house accommodating them with necessaries to write against their adversaries hoping the Protestants might assault the Romish cause with the greater advantage when they found a breach made to their hand by the others own dissentions But such who bore no good will to the Bishop beholding the frequent repairing and familiar conversing of such Priests in his house made a contrary construction of his actions and reported him Popishly affected Thus those who publiquely doe things in themselves liable to offence and privately reserve the reasons of their actions in their owne bosomes may sufficiently satisfie their consciences towards God but will hardly avoid the censures of men to which too unwarily they expose themselves With more generall applause was the bounty of Arch Bishop Whitgift bestowed who now finished his Hospitall founded and endowed by him at Croydon in Surrey for a Warden and eight and twenty Brethren As also a Free-Schoole with liberall maintenance for the education of Youth God the best of Creditors no doubt long since hath plentifully re-pay'd what was lent to him in his Members 2. The last Parl. Oct. 17. Nov. 19. in this Queens raigne was now begun at Westm Acts in the last Parliament of Q. Eliz. and dissolved the moneth next following Of such things which at distance may seeme to relate to Church affaires in this Parl. it was Enacted That Overseers of the Poor should be nominated yeerly in Easter week under the Hand and Seale of two a Statute 43. of Q. Eliz. c 2. Justices of Peace and that these with the Church wardens should take care for the reliefe of the Poore binding out of Apprentices c. As also That the Lord Chancellor should award Commissions under the Great Seale into any part of the Realme as cause should require to the b Ibid. cap. 4. Bishop of every Diocese and his Chancellour and any four or more persons of honest behaviour to enquire by oathes of twelve men into the mis-imployment of any Lands or Goods given to pious uses and by their Orders to appoint them to be duly and faithfully paid or employed to their true uses and intents In pursuance of this Statute much good was and is done to this day in severall parts of the Kingdome the Law being very tender that the true intentions of the Donour should take effect as by this eminent instance may appeare By the rule of the Law Copyhold Land cannot be aliened but by Surrender but yet if a man Devise such Land to a Charitable use though it had not been surrendred this is c 15 Jac. in Rivets Cale in Chancery adjudged good and shall be construed an appointment to a Charitable use within this Statute 3. Now if we look into the Convocation Acts of this yeares Convocation parallel to this Parliament therein we shall find that it began with a Latine Sermon of William Barlow Doctor of Divinity and one of Her Majesties Chaplaines afterwards Bishop of Rochester then of Lincolne Preaching on this Text LUKE 19. 13. Negotiamini dum venio In this Convocation Mathew Sutcliffe Doctor of the Law and Deane of Exeter was chosen Prolocutor but nothing save matters of course passed therein Nor finde I any eminent Divine deceased this yeare 4. Francis Godwin doctor of Divinity Francis Godw made Bishop of Landaff Sub-Deane of Exeter Sonne of Thomas Godwin Bishop of Wells like another d In vitâ— Greg. Nazianzen Gregorie Nazianzen a Bishop Son to a Bishop was promoted to the Church of Landaff he was borne in the fourth year of Queen Elizabeth who was not a little sensible of and thankfull for Gods favour unto her in suffering her so long to hold the Helme of the English Church till one borne within her reigne was found fit to be a Bishop He was stored with all polite Learning both judicious and industrious in the study of Antiquity to whom not onely the Church of Landaff whereof he well deserved but all England is indebted as for his other learned Writings so especially for his Catalogue of Bishops He was translated Anno 1617. to Hereford and died many yeares after a very old man in the reign of King CHARLES 5. Now came forth a notable Book against the Jesuites Watson's Quodlibers against the Jesuits written in a Scholastick way by one Watson a Secular Priest consisting of ten quodlibets each whereof is sub-divided into as many Articles It discovereth the Jesuites in their colours ferreting them out of all their burrowes of Equivocation and mentall reservation holding Proteus so hard to it that in despight of his changing into many shapes he is forced to appeare in his own proper forme No intire Answer for ought I can learn was ever returned to this Book The Jesuits according to their old Trick slighting what they cannot confute and counting that unworthy to be done which they found themselves unable to doe Indeed for matters of fact therein they are so punctually reported with the severall circumstances of time and place that the guilty consciences of such as are concerned therein though snapping and snarling at pieces and passages thereof for the main may well give it over for unanswerable 6. Yet the whole Book is written with an imbittered style The black character of Iesuis painted with the Pensil of a Secular Priest so that Protestant Charity hath a better conceit of Jesuits than to account them altogether so bad Take one passage of many e Second Quodliber third Article pag. 62. No no their course of life doth shew what their study is and that howsoever they beast of their perfections holinesse Meditations and exercises yet their platforme is heathenish tyrannicall sathanicall and able to set ARETINE LUCIâ—N MACHIAVEL yea and DON LUCIFER in a sort to schoole as impossible for him by all the art he hath to be-sot men as they doe This is the same Watson who though boasting of the obedience of the Secular Priests to their Soveraigns and taxing the Iesuits for want thereof was notwithstanding himself afterwards executed for a Traitor in the reigne of King Iames. It seemes as well Seculars as Iesuits are so loaden with Loyalty that both need the Gallowes to ease them
of the burden thereof 7. Great at this time was the Calm in the English Church the Brethren not endeavoring any thing in Opposition to the Hierarchie A Quiet in the English Ch and the cause thereof This some impute not to their Quienesse but Wearinesse because so long they had in vaine seeked to cast off that Yoke from them Besides they did not so much practise for the Present as project for the Future to procure hereafter an Establishment of their Ecclesiasticall Government For they beheld the Queenes old Age as a Taper of Virgin Wax now in the Socket ready to be extinguished which made them addresse and apply themselves with all diligence to IAMES King of Scotland the Heire apparent to the Crowne as to the rising Sun whom they hoped will be more favourable to their Proceedings Hopes not altogether groundlesse whilest they considered the Power of the Presbytery in the Church of Scotland where Bishops though lately restored to their place were so restrained in their Power that small was their Command in Church-affaires which made the Brethren in England thence to promise Great matters to themselves but with what successe shall be seen hereafter As for Mr. Thomas Cartwright the Chiefraine of that Party in England we finde him at this time growing rich in the Towne of Warwick there Master of an Hospitall by the Benevolence and Bounty of his Followers where he preached f Sir Geo Paul in the life of Arch-bishop Whitgiss p. 54 very temperately according to his Promise made to the Arch-bishop 8. Some ascribe this his Mildnesse to his old Age and Experience Severall Reasons assigned of Mr. Cartwright's Moderation it being commonly observed Ann. Reg. Bliz. 44. that in Controversies of this kinde Ann. Dom. 1602 Men when they consult with their owne Gray haires begin to abate of their Violence Others conceive that Arch-bishop Whitgift had conquered him with his kindnesse having formerly procured him both his Pardon Dismission out of all his Troubles so that his Coales of Courtesies heaped on Mr. Cartwright's Head made the good Metall the Ingenuity in him to melt into Moderation For in hs Letters written with his owne hand March 24. Anno 1601. he confesseth himself much obliged unto him vouchsafing him the style of A RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD AND HIS LORD THE ARCH-BISHOP'S GRACE OF CANTERBURY which Title of GRACE he also often yeildeth him throughout his Letters acknowledging his g Sir George Paul ut prius Bond of most humble Duty so much the straiter because his Grace's Favour proceeded from a frank Disposition without any desert of his owne Others and that not improbably doe think that Mr. Cartwright grew sensible with Sorrow how all Sects and Schismes being opposite to Bishops Brownists Barrowists c. did shroud and shelter themselves under his Protection whom he could neither reject with Credit nor receive with Comfort seeing his Conscience could not close with their enormous Opinions and his Counsell could not regulate their extravagant Violences which made him by degrees decline their Party Yet for all this there want not those who will maintaine that all this while Mr. Cartwright was not more remisse but more reserv'd in his Judgement being still as sound but not as sharpe in the cause out of Politick intents like a skilfull Pilot in a great Tempest yeilding to the Violence of a storme therewith to be carried away contrary to his intents for the present but waiting when the Wind should soone turne about to the North and blow him and his a prosperous Gale according to their Desires 9. What his opinions were The Character of Mr. Cartwr may appeare by the Premises and his life may be presumed most pious it concerning him to be strict in his Conversation who so stickled for the Reformation of all abuses in the Church An excellent Scholar pure Latinist his Travels advantaging the ready use thereof accurate Grecian exact Hebraician as his Comments on the Proverbs and other Works doe sufficiently testifie But the Master-piece of all his Writings was that his Confutation of the Rhemish Translation of the New Testament into ENGLISH at the Importunity of many Ministers of London and Suffolk and Sir Francis Walsingham the Queens Secretary Mr. Cartwright's especiall Patron gave him an h See the Preface of M. Cartwright's Book hundred pounds to buy him Books and incourage him in that Work However the setting forth thereof was stopped by Arch-bishop Whitgift probably we may conceive because some Passages therein did glance at and gird the Episcopall Discipline in England and after it had layn thirty yeares neglected it was first set forth Anno 1618. and then without either Priviledge or Licence except any will say that Truth is a Licence for it selfe In a word no English Champion in that Age did with more Valour or Successe charge and rout the Romish Enemy in matters of Doctrine But when that Adversary sometimes was not in the field then his active spirit fell foul in point of Discipline with those which otherwise were of his own Religion 10. The same yeare proved fatall to many other eminent Clergie-men Bishop Westphaling Dean Nowel Mr. Perkins Gr Sayer and Will 〈◊〉 depart this World and I hope without offence I may joyne them together their Bodies at the same time meeting at the Grave though their mindes before had parted in different Opinions 1. Herbert Westphaling Bishop of Hereford though perchance his Ambiguous Death is more properly referred to the last yeare brought up in Christ-church in Oxford being the first Bishop of that Foundation a Man of great Piety of Life and of such i Godwin de Prasulibus Anglia p. 546. Gravity that he was seldome or never seene to laugh leaving no great but a well gotten Estate out of which he bequeathed twenty pounds per annum to Jesus Colledge in Oxford 2. Alexander Nowell Doctor of Divinity and Deane of S. Paul's in London borne in Lancashire bred in Oxford afterwards fled into Germanie in the reigne of Queen Mary He was the first of k Donald upon in his Life English Exiles that returned in the dayes of Q. Elizabeth And I have read how in a Parliament he was chosen Burgess of a Town of Cornwall But his Election pronounced void because he was a Deacon A Man of a most Angelicall Life and Deep Learning A great Defender of Justification by Faith alone and yet a great Practiser of Good Works witnesse l Gamblen's Elizabeth in Anno 2602. two hundred pounds a year rent for the maintenance of thirteen Students bestowed on Brazen-nose Colledge wherein he had his Education A great honourer of the Marriage of the Clergie and yet who lived and died single himselfe An aged Man of 90. yeares of age yet fresh in his youthfull Learning yea like another Moses his eyes were not dimme nor did he ever make use of m Hugh Holland in his Icones
Vircrum Illustrium Spectacles to read the smallest Print 3. William Perkins who was born in the first and died in the last of Q. Eliz. so that his Life as n In the Holy State where see hiâ— Life at large we have elsewhere observed to which we remit the Reader running parallel with this Queens Reign began continued and ended therewith 4. Gregory before his entrance into Religion Robert Sayer bred in Cambridge then leaving the University fled beyond sea where he became a Benedictine Monk of the Congregation of S. Justin in Padua He lived in severall parts of Europe as at Phemes Rome Montcasie Venice where he died and was buried o Puzeus de 〈◊〉 Anglick Aetate Detima septima p. 801. the 30. of Octob. having written many Volumes in great esteem with men of his Profession 5. William Harris as Obscure among Protestants as Eminent with the Popish Party A Master of Art of Lincoln Colledge in Oxford whence leaving the Land he fled beyond-sea living at Doway and afterwards he came over into p â—â—em ibidem England where it seemes he had the Hap to escape the Queenes Officers and to die in his Bed His Book called THE THEATRE OF THE MOST TRUE AND ANTIENT CHURCH OF ENGLAND is highly accounted of Roman Catholiques 11. About this time the low Estate of the City of Geneva the Nursery of the Reformed Religion was lively represented to the Prelates Relief sent to the City of Geneva Clergy and Well-disposed Persons of England being for the Present in a very Dolefull condition Long since it had been undone but because it had so many Enemies to undoe it So that by Gods providence q Judg. 14. 14. Out of the Devourer came Meat such Neighbouring Princes and States which were both Willing and Able to swallow up this Zoar did preserve it For rather than Savoy should suppresse it Venice Florence the Popish Cantons in Switzerland and France it self would support But for all this politick Geometry wherewith long it had hung safe betwixt severall Competitours it was lately shrewdly shaken by the Puissance of the Duke of Savoy who addicted to the Spanish Faction had banished all Protestants out of his Dominâ—ons Arch-bishop Whitgift whose hand was ever open to any Pious Design led with his liberall Example and the rest cheerefully followed so that large summes of money were seasonably made over for the Reliefe of Geneva 12. Queen Elizabeth The death of Q. Elizabeth the mirrour of her Sex and Age having above 40 years to the Admiration of Envy it selfe managed this Kingdome finding when she began few Friends that durst help and leaving no Foes that could hurt her exchanged her Earthly for a Heavenly Crowne who as she lived and died an unspotted Virgin so her Maiden memory is likely in this respect to remaine sole and single seeing History affords no Prince to be marched to her Fame in all considerable Particulars Her Corps were solemnly interred under a fair Tomb in Westminster Ann. Reg. 45. the lively Draught whereof Ann. Dom. 1602 is pictured in most London many Countrey Churches every Parish being proud of the shadow of her Tomb and no wonder when each Loyal Subject erected a mournfull Monument for her in his heart But soon after all English Soules were employed equally to divide themselves betwixt Exclamations of Sorrow for her Death and Acclamations of Joy for K. James his succeeding her 13. And now it is strange with what Assiduity and Diligence King Ja. 1. the two Potent Parties the Defenders of Episcopacy and Presbytery K James sends a Welcome message to the Episcopall Party with equall Hopes of Successe made besides Private and Particular Addresses Publique and Visible Applications to King James the first to continue the later to restore or rather set up their Government So that whilest each Side was Jealous his Rival should get the Start by early stirring and rise first in the Kings favour Such was their Vigilancy that neither may seem to go to Bed Incestantly diligent both before and since the Queens Death in dispatching Posts and Messages into Scotland to advance their severall Designes We take notice of two principall M. Lewis Pickering a Northampton shire Gentleman and zealous for the Presbyterian Party was the third Person of quality who riding incredibly swift good Newes makes good Horsemen brought King James the Tydings of Queen Elizabeths Death But how farre and with what Answer he moved the King in that Cause is uncertaine Doctour Thomas Nevill Deane of Canterburte came into Scotland some dayes after him except any will say that he comes first that comes really to effect what he was sent for being solemnly employed by s Sir G Pauls in the Archbishops Life Numb 126. Arch bishop Whitgift to his Majesty in the name of the Bishops and Clergy of England to tender their Bounden Duties and to understand his Highnesse Pleasure for the ordering and guiding of Ecclesiasticall Causes He brought back a welcome Answer to such as sent him of his Highnesse purpose which was to uphold and maintain the Government of the late Queen as she left it setled 14. Soone after followed the Treason of William Watson on this occasion Watson's â—lly Treason This Watson Secular Priest had written a bitter Book against the Jesuits as being one knowing though not so secret of their faults as their owne Confessours taxing them with truth so plaine they could not deny so foule they durst not confesse it Now such is the charity of Jesuits that They never owe any man any ill will making present payment thereof These Holy Fathers as Watson intimated on the d Stowes Chronicle p. 831. Scaffold at his Death and forgave them for the same cunningly and covertly drew him into this action promoting him who was ambitious though pretending to much Mortification treasonably to practise his own preferment 15. Watson with William Clark another of his own profession having fancied a notionall Treason imparted it to George Brooks one angry with Nature His moâ—tly Compliceâ— not so much for making him lame as a younger Brother These break it to Brook his Brother the L. Cobham to the Lord Gray of Whaddon and Sir Walter Rawleigh the one a known Protestant the other a reputed Puritan the third an able Statesman Besides some other Knights displeased with their present Fortunes how quickly is Discontent inflamed into Disloyalty because since the turning of the Wheele at the Queenes Death on the wrong Side of Preferment Watson devised an Oath of Secrecy for them all which was no more than needfull considering their different Interests rather pieced than united patched than pieced together 16. Had one lost his Religion he might have found it though I confess a Treason is but a bad place to seeke it in in this Conspiracy Their wild meanes whereby to attaine a mad end wherein men of all perswasions were engaged Their Parts were as
on the first day were called in Chappel Christ-Church Worcester Westminster Andrewes S. Pauls Overall Chester Barlow Sarisbury Bridges Winsor D. Field King KING JAMES Spectators All the Lords of the Privy Council whereas some at times interposed a few words Place A withdrawing Room within the Privy chamber Dr. Reynolds Sparks Mr. Knewstubs Chaderton These remaining in a Room without were not called in the first day To omit all gratulatory Preambles as necessary when spoken as needlesse if now repeated we will present onely the Substance of this Dayes Conference his Majesty thus beginning it It is no novel device but according to the example of all Christian Princes for Kings to take the first course for the establishing of the Church both in Doctrine and Policy To this the very Heathen related in their Proverb A Jove principium particularly in this Land King Henry the 8. towards the end of his Reign altered much King Edward the 6. more Queen Mary reversed all and lastly Queen Elizabeth of b Note his Majesty never remembred her but with some honourable Addition famous memory setled Religion as now it standeth Herein I am happier than they because they were faine to alter all things they found established Ann. Dom. 160 3 4 whereas I see yet no suchcause to change Ann. Reg. Jac. 1 as confirm what I finde well setled already For blessed be Gods gracious Goodnesse who hath brought me into the Promised Land where Religion is purely professed where I sit amongst Grave Learned and Reverend Men not as before elsewhere a King without State without Honour without Order where Beardlesse Boyes would brave us to the Face And I assure you we have not called this Assembly for any Innovation for we acknowledge the Government Ecclesiasticall as now it is to have been approved by manifold blessings from God himself both for the increase of the Gospel and with a most happy and glorious Peace Yet because nothing can be to absolutely ordered but that something may be added thereunto and corruption in any State as in the Body of Man will insensibly grow either thorough Time or Persons and because we have received many complaints since our first entrance into this Kingdome of many disorders and much disobedience to the Lawes with a great falling away to Popery Our purpose therefore is like a good Physitian to examine and try the Complaints and fully to remove the occasions thereof if scandalous cure them if dangerous and take knowledge of them if but frivolous thereby to cast a Sop into Cerberus his Mouth that he bark no more For this cause we have called you Bishops and Deans in severally by your selves not to be confronted by the contrary Opponents that if any thing should be found meet to be redressed it might be done without any visible Alteration Particularly there be some speciall Points wherein I desire to be satisfied and which may be renduced to three Heads 1. Concerning the Book of Common Prayer and Divine Service used in the Church 2. Excommunication in Ecclesiasticall Courts 3. The providing of fit and able Ministers for Ireland In the Common Prayer-book I require satisfaction about three things First about Coâ—firmation For the very name thereof if arguing a Confirming of Baptâ—sme as if this Sacrament without it were of no validity is plainly blasphemous For though at the first use thereof in the Church it was thought necessary that baptised Infants who formerly had answered by their Patrins should when come to yeares of discretion after their Profession made by themselves be confirmed with the blessing of the Bishop I abhorre the Abuâ—e wherein it is made a Sacrament or Corroboration to Baptisme As for Absolution I know not how it is used in our Church but have heard it likened to the Popes Pardons There be indeed two kindes thereof from God One generall all Prayers and Preaching importing an Absolution The other particular to speciall Parties having committed a Scandall and repenting Otherwise where Excommunication precedes not in my judgement there needs no Absolution Private Baptisme is the third thing wherein I would be satisfied in the Common Prayer If called Private from the Place I think it agreeable with the use of the Primitive Church but if termed private that any besides a lawfull Minister may baptise I utterly dislike it And here his Majesty grew somewhat earnest in his Expressions against the baptising by Women and Laicks In the second Head of Excommunication I offer two things to be considered of First the Matter Secondly the Persons For the first I would be satisfied whether it be executed as it is complainmed of to me in light Causes and that too commonly which causeth the undervaluing thereof For the Persons I would be resolved why Chancellours and Commissaries being Lay-men should do it and not rather the Bishops themselves or some Minister of Gravity and account deputed by them for the more dignity to so high and weighty a Censure As for providing Ministers for Ireland I shall refer it in the last daies Conference to a Consultation c He addressed himselfe to the King on his knee Ar-Bp of CaÌ„t. Confirmation hath been used in the Catholick Church ever since the Apostles and it is a very untrue suggestion if any have informed your Highnesse that the Church of England holds Baptisme imperfect without it as adding to the vertue and strength thereof BP of Lon. The Authority of Confirmation depends not onely on d Citing Cypr. Ep. 73. and Jer. Adversus Luciferiam Antiquity and the Practise of the Primitive Church but is an Apostolical Institution named in expresse words Heb. 6. 2. and so did Mr. Calvin expound the very place earnestly wishing the restitution thereof in the reformed Churches The Bishop of Carlile is said gravely and learnedly to have urged the same and the Bishop of Durham noted something out of S. Matthew for the Imposition of hands on Children The Conclusion was this For the fuller Explanation that we make Confirmation neither a Sacrament nor a Corroboration thereof their Lordships should consider whether it might not without Alteration whereof his Majesty was still very wary be intitled an Examination with a Confirmation Ar-B of CaÌ„t. As for the point of Absolution wherein your Majesty desires satisfaction it is clear from all abuse or superstition as it is used in our Church of England as will appear on the reading both of the Confession and Absolution following it in the beginning of the Communion Book Here the King perused both and returned His Majesty I like and approve them finding it to be very true what you say BP of Lond. It becometh us to deal plainly with your Majesty There is also in the Book a more particular and personall absolution in t he Visitation of the Sick Here the Dean of the Chappel turned unto it and read it These be severally cited BP of Lond. Not onely the Confessions of Augusts Boheme and Saxon
retaine and allow it but Mr. Calvin also doth approve both such a generall and such a private for so he termes it Confession and Absolution His Majesty I exceedingly well approve it being an Apostolicall and Godly Ordinance given in the name of Christ to one that desireth it upon the clearing of his Conscience The Conclusion was this That the Bishops should consult whether unto the Rubrick of the general Absolution these words Remission of Sins might not be added for explanation sake Arch-BP of Can. To the point of private Baptisme the administration thereof by Women and Lay-persons is not allowed in the practise of the Church but enquired of and ceusured by Bishops in their Visitations His Majesty The Words of the Book cannot but intend a permission of Women and private Persons to baptise BP of Worc. d To this be cited the Testimony of the Arch-bishop of Yorke The doubtfull words may be pressed to that meaning yet the Compilers of the Book did not so intend them as appeareth by their contrary practise But they propounded them ambiguously because otherwise perhaps the Book would not then have passed the Parliament BP of Lond. Those reverend Men intended not by ambiguous terms to deceive any but thereby intended e Here he produced the Letters of some of those first compilers a Permission of private Persons to baptise in case of necessity This is agreeable to the practise of the ancient Church Act. 2. when three thousand being baptised in a day which for the Apostles alone to doe was at the least improbable some being neither Priests nor Bishops must be presumed imployed therein and some Fathers are of the same opinion Here he spake much and earnestly about the necessity of Baptisme His Ma. That in the Acts was an Act exraordinary and done before a Church was setled and grounded wherefore no sound reasoning thence to a Church stablished and flourishing I maintaine the necessity of Baptisme and alwayes thought the place John 3. 5. Except one be born againe of Water c. was meant thereof It may seem strange to you my Lords that I think you in England give too much to Baptisme seeing fourteen moneths agoe in Scotland I argued with my Divines there for attributing too little unto it Insomuch that a pert Minister asked me if I thought Baptism so necessary that if omitted the Child should be damned I answered No But if you called to baptise a Child though 0privately refuse to come I think you shall be damned But this necessity of Baptisme I so understand that it is necessary to be had if lawfully to be had that is ministred by lawfull Ministers by whom alone and no private person in any case it may be administred though I utterly dislike all Re-baptization on those whom Women or Laicks have baptised Bp. of Winch. To deny private Persons to baptize in case of necessity were to crosse all Antiquity and the common Practice of the Church it being a rule agreed on amongst Divines that the Minister is not of the Essence of the Sacrament His Ma. Though he be not of the Essence of the Sacrament yet is he of the Essence of the right and lawfull Ministry thereof according to Christs g Mat. 28. 20. Commission to his Disciples Go preach and baptise c. The Result was this To consult whether in the Rubrick of Private Baptisme which leaves it indifferently to all these words Curate or lawfull Minister may not be inserted For the point of Excommunication His Majesty propounded whether in causes of lesser moment the name might not be altered and the same censure retained Secondly whether in place thereof another coertion equivalent thereunto might not be invented Which all sides easily yeilded unto as long and often desired and so was The end of the first dayes Conference On Monday January the 16. they all met in the same place Jan. 16 with all the Deans and Doctours above mentioned Patrick Galloway Minister of Perth in Scotland admitted also to be there And hopefull Prince Henry sate on a stoole by his Father The King made a pithie Speech to the same purpose which he made the first day differing onely in the conclusion thereof being an addresse to the four Opposers of Conformity there present whom he understood the most grave learned and modest of the aggrieved sort professing himself ready to hear at large what they could object and willed them to begin D r. Reyn. All things disliked or questioned may be reduced to these four Heads 1. That the Doctrine of the Church might be preserved in purity according to Gods Word 2. That good Pastors might be planted in all Churches to preach the same 3. That the Church government might be sincerely ministred according to Gods Word 4. That the Book of Common-Prayer might be fitted to more increase of Piety For the first may Your Majesty be pleased that the Book of Articles of Religion concluded on 1562. may be explained where obscure enlarged where defective viz. Whereas it is said Article the 16. After we have received the Holy Ghost we may depart from Grace These words may be explained with this or the like addition Yet neither totally nor finally To which end it would do very well if the mine orthodoxall Assertions concluded on at Lambeth might be inserted into the Book of Articles Secondly whereas it is said in the 23 Article that it is not lawfull for any in the Congregation to preach before he be lawfully called these words ought to be altered because implying one out of the Congregation may preach though not lawfully called Thirdly in the 25 Article there seemeth a contradiction one passage therein confessing Confirmation to be a depraved imitation of the Apostles and another grounding it on their example BP of Lond. May your Majesty be pleased that the ancient Canon may be remembred Schismatici contra Episcopos non sunt audiendi And there is another Decree of a very ancient Council That no man should be admitted to speak against that whereunto he hath formerly subscribed And as for you Doctor Reynolds and your Sociates how much are ye bound to his Majestie 's Clemency permitting you contrary to the Statute primo Elizabethae so freely to speak against the Liturgie and Discipline established Faine would I know the end you aime at and whether you be not of Mr. Cartwright's minde who affirmed That we ought in Ceremonies rather to conforme to the Turks than to the Papists I doubt you approve his Position because here appearing before his Majesty in Turky-Gownes not in your Scholastick habits according to the order of the Universities His Majesty My Lord Bishop something in your passion I may excuse and something I must mislike I may excuse you thus farre That I thinke you have just cause to be moved in respect that they traduce the well-setled Government and also proceed in so indirect a course contrary to their owne pretence and the intent
of this Meeting I mislike your sudden interruption of Doctour Reynolds whom you should have suffered to have taken his liberty For there is no Order nor can be any effectuall Issue of Disputation if each party be not suffered without chopping to speak at large Wherefore either let the Doctor proceed or frame your Answer to his Motions already made although some of them are very needlesse BP of Lond. Upon the first motion concerning falling from Grace may Your Majesty be pleased to consider how many in these dayes neglect holinesse of Life presuming on persisting in Grace upon Predestination If I shall be saved I shall be saved A desperate Doctrine contrary to good Divinity wherein we should reason rather ascendendo than descendendo from our Obedience to God and Love to our Neighbour to our Election and Predestination As for the Doctrine of the Church of England touching Predestination it is in the very next Paragraph viz. We must receive Gods Promises in such wise as they be generally set forth to us in Holy Scripture and in our doings the will of God is to be followed which we have expresly declared unto us in the Word of God His Majesty I approve it very well as consonant with the place of Paul Work out your salvation with feare and trembling Yet let it be considered of whether any thing were meet to be added for clearing of the Doctors doubt by putting in the word often or the like Mean time I wish that the Doctrine of Predestination may be tenderly handled lest on the one side Gods Omnipotency be questioned by impeaching the Doctrine of his eternall Predestination or on the other side a desperate presumption arreared by inferring the necessary certainty of persisting in Grace B. of Lond. The second Objection of the Doctors is vain it being the Doctrine and Practice of the Church of England that none but a Licensed Minister may preach nor administer the Lords Supper His Majesty As for Private Baptisme I have already with the Bishops taken order for the same Then came they to the 2 d. point of Confirmation and upon the perusal of the words of the Article His Majesty concluded the pretended Contradiction a Cvaill Bp. of Lond. Confirmation is not so much founded on the place in the Acts of the Apostles but upon Heb. 6. 2. which was the opinion besides the judgement of the Fathers of Mr. Calvin h On Heb 6. 2. and Doctour Fulk i On Act. 8. 27. neither needeth there any farther proof seeing as I suppose he that objected this holds not Confirmation unlawfull but he and his Party are vexed that the use thereof is not in their owne hands for every Pastor to confirme his owne Parish for then it would be accounted an Apostolicall Institution if Dr. Reynolds were pleased but to speak his thoughts therein D r. Reyn. Indeed seeing some Diocesse of a Bishop hath therein six k Here the Bishop of London thought himself touched because about 609 in his Diocess hundred Parishes it is a thing very inconvenient to permit Confirmation to the Bishop alone and I suppose it impossible that he can take due examination of them all which come to be confirmed BP of Lond. To the matter of fact I answer that Bishops in their Visitations appoint either their Chaplains or some other Ministers to examine them which are to be confirmed and lightly confirme none but by the testimony of the Parsons and Curates Ecclesiae Salus in sumi sacerdotis dignitate pendet cui si non exors quaedem ab omnibus eminens data potestos tor in Ecclesis efficientur Schismata quot Sacerdotes where the Children are bred and brought up To the Opinion I answer that none of all the Fathers ever admitted any to confirme but Bishops alone Yea even S. Jerome himselfe otherwise no friend to Bishops confesseth the execution thereof was restrained to Bishops onely BP of Winch. Dr. Reynolds I would fain have you with all your Learning shew where ever Confirmation was used in antient times by any other but Bishops These used ait partly to examine Children and after Examination by Imposition of Hands the Jewish Ceremony of Blessing to blesse and pray over them and partly to try whether they had been baptised in the right forme or no. For in former ages some baptised as they ought in the name of the Father Son and Holy-Ghost Some as the Arrians in the name of the Father as the greater and the Sonne as the lesse Some in the name of theFather by the Sonne in the Holy Ghost Some not in the name of the Trinity but onely in the Death of Christ Whereupon Catholick Bishops were constrained to examine them who were baptised in remotis concerning their Baptisme if right to confirme them if amisse to instruct them His Majesty I dissent from the judgement of S. Jerome in his assertion that Bishops are not of Divine Ordination BP of Lond. Unlesse I could prove my Ordination lawfull out of the Scriptures I would not be a Bishop four hours longer His Majesty I approve the calling and use of Bishops in the Church and it is my Aphorisme No Bishop no King nor intend I to take Confirmation from the Bishops which they have so long enjoyed Seeing as great reason that none should confirme as that none should preach without the Bishops License But let it be referred whether the word Examination ought not to be added to the Rubrick in the title of Confirmation in the Communion-book And now Dr. Reynolds you may proceed D â— Reyn. I protest I meant not to gall any man though I perceive some took personall exceptions at my words and desire the imputation of m It seemes the Bishop of London jealous that he was reflected on as is aforesaid called the Doctor Schismatick Schisme may not be charged upon me To proceed on the 37. Article wherein are these words The Bishop of Rome hath no authority in this Land These are not sufficient unless it were added nor ought to have any His Majesty Habemus jure quod habemus and therefore in as much as it is said he hath not it is plaine enough that he ought not to have Here passed some pleasant discourse betwixt the King and Lords about Puritants till returning to seriousnesse There began the BP of Lond. May it please your Majesty to remember the Speech of the French Embassadour Mounsieur Rognee upon the view of our solemne service and Ceremonie viz. That if the Reformed Churches in France had kept the same order there would have been thousands of Protestants more than there are D r. Reyn. It were well if this proposition might be added to the Book of Articles The Intention of the Minister is not of the Essence of the Sacrament the rather because some in England have preached it to be essentiall and here againe I could desire that the nine Orthodoxall Assertions concluded at Lambeth may be
sed with Milk being inabled to feed others Some of them are strong enough if not head-strong conceiving themselves able enough to teach him who last spake for them andall the Bishops in the Land Mr. Knewst It is questionable whether the Church hath power to institute an outward signifiant signe BP of Lond. The Crosse in Baptisme is not used otherwise than a Ceremony Bp. of Winch. Kneeling lifting up of the Hands knocking of the Breast are significant Ceremonies and these may lawfully be used D. of the Chap. The Robbines write that the Jewes added both Signes and Words at the institution of the Passeover viz. when they ate sowre herbs they said Take and eat these in remembrance c. When they drank Wine they said Drink this in remembrance c. Upon which addition and tradition our Saviour instituted the Sacrament of his last Supper thereby approving a Church may institute and retaine a Signe significant His Majesty I am exceeding well satisfied in this point but would be acquainted about the antiquity of the use of the Crosse Dr. Reyn. It hath been used ever since the Apostles time But the onestion is how ancient the use thereof hath been in Baptism D. of Westm It appeares out of Tertullian Cyprian and Origen that it was used in immortali lavacro Bp. of Winch. In Constantine's time it was used in Baptisme His Majesty If so I see no reason but that we may continue it Mr. Knewst Put the case the Church hath power to adde significant signes it may not adde them where Christ hath already ordained them which is as derogatory to Christs Institution as if one should adde to thegreat Seale of England His Majesty The case is not alike seeing the Sacrament is fully finished before any mention of the Crosse is made therein Mr. Knewst If the Church hath such a power the greatest scruple is how far the Ordinance of the Church bindeth without impeaching Christian Liberty His Majesty I will not argue that point with you but answer as Kings in Parliament Le Roy s'avicera This is like M. John Black a beardlesse Boy who told me the last * December 1601. Conference in Scotland that he would hold conformity with his Majesty in matters of Doctrine but every man for Ceremonies was to be left to his own Liberty But I will have none of that I will have one Doctrine one Discipline one Religion in Substance and in Ceremony Never speak more to that point how farre you are bound to obey Dr. Reyn. Would that the Cross being superstitiously abused in Popery were abandoned as the Brazen Serpent was stamped to powder by Hezekias because abused to Idolatry His Majesty In as much as the Crosse was abused to Superstition in time of Popery it doth plainly imply that it was well used before I detest their courses who peremptorily disallow of all things which have been abused in Popery and know not how to answwer the objections of the Papists when they charge us with Novelties but by telling them we retaine the primitive use of things and onely forsake their Novell Corruptions Secondly no resemblance betwixt the Brazen Serpent a materiall visible thing and the signe of the Cross made in the Aire Thirdly Papists as I am informed did never ascribe any spirituall Grace to the Cross in Baptisme Lastly materiall Crosses to which people fell downe in time of Popery as the Idolatrous Jewes to the Brazen Serpent are already demolished as you desire Mr. Knewst I take exception at the wearing of the Surplice a kind of Garment used by the Priests of Isis His Majesty I did not think till of late it had been borrowed from the Heathen because commonly called a rag of Popery Seeing now we border not upon Heathens Ann. Dom 1603-04 Ann. Reg. Jac. 1 neither are any of them conversant with or commorant amongst us thereby to be confirmed in Paganisme I see no reason but for comlinesse-sake it may be continued D r. Reyn. I take exception at these words in the Marriage With my body I thee worship His Majesty I was made believe the phrase imported no lesse than Divine Adoration but finde it an usuall English terme as when we say A Gentleman of worship it agreeth with the Scriptures giving Honour to the Wife As for you This the King spake smiling Dr. Reynolds many men speak of Robin Hood who never shot in his Bow If you had a good Wife your selfe you would think all worship and honour you could doe her were well bestowed on her D. of Sarum Some take exception at the Ring in Marriage Dr. Reyn. I approve it well enough His Majesty I was married with a Ring and think others scarce well married without it Dr. Reyn. Some take exceptions at the Churching of Women by the name of purification His Majesty I allow it very well Women being loath of themselves to come to Church I like this or any other occasion to draw them thither Dr. Reyn. My last exception is against committing Ecclesiasticall Censures to Lay-Chancellors the rather because it was ordered Anno 1571. that Lay-Chancellors in matters of Correction and Anno 1589. in matters of Instance should not excommunicate any but be done onely by them who had power of the Keyes though the contrary is commonly practised His Majesty I have conferred with my Bishops about this point and such order shall be taken therein as is convenient Mean time go on to some other matter Dr. Reyn. I desire that according to certaine Provinciall Constitutions the Clergie may have meetings every three weeks 1. First in Rural Deaneries therein to have prophesying as Arch-bishop Grindall and other Bishops desired of her late Majesty 2. That such things as could not be resolved on there might be referred to the Arch-Deacons Visitations 3. Andso to the Episcopall Synod to determine such points before not decided His Majesty If you aime at a Scottish Presbytery it agreeth as well with Monarchy as God and the Devill Then Jack and Tom and Will and Dick shall meet and censure me and my Councill Therefore I reiterate my former speech Le Ray S'avisera Stay I pray for one seven yeares before you demand and then if you find me grow pursie and fat I may perchance hearken unto you for that Government will keep me in breath and give me work enough I shall speak of one matter more somewhat out of order but it skilleth not D. Reynolds you have'often spoken for my Supremacy and it is well But know you any here or elsewhere who like of the present Government Ecclesiasticall and dislike my Supremacy Dr. Reyn. I know none His Majesty Why then I will tell you a tale After that the Religion restored by King Edward the sixt was soon overthrowne by Queen Mary here in England we in Scotland felt the effect of it For thereupon Mr. Knox writes to the Queen regent a vertuous and moderate Lady telling her that she was the
time may be limited within the compasse whereof they shall conforme His Majesty I assent thereunto and let the Bishop of the Diocesse set downe the time Mr. Knewst I request * Here he fell down on his knees the like favour of forbearance to some honest Ministers in Suffolk For it will make much against their credits in the Countrey to be now forced to the Surplice and Crosse in Baptisime Arch-b of Cant. Nay Sir His Majesty Let me alone to answer him Sir you shew your self an uncharitable man We have here taken paines and in the end have concluded on Unity and Uniformity and you forsooth must prefer the credits of a few Private Men before the Peace of the Church This is just the Scotch Argument when any thing was concluded which disliked some humours Let them either conform themselves shortly or they shall hear of it L d. Cecil The indecencie of ambuling Communions is very offensive and hath driven many from the Church BP of Lond. And Mr. Chaderton I could tell you of sitting Communions in Emanuel Colledge Mr. Chad. It is so because of the seats so placed as they be and yet we have some kneeling also in our Chappell His Majesty No more hereof for the present seeing they have joyntly promised hereafter to be quiet and obedient Whereat He rose up to depart into an inner Chamber BP of Lond. Gods goodnesse be blessed for your Majesty and give health and prosperity to Your Highnesse your Gracious Queene the young Prince and all the Royall Issue Thus ended the three dayes Conference The generall censure of the Conferencers wherein how discreetly the King carried himself Posterity out of the reach of Flatterie is the most competent Judg such matters being most truly discerned at distance It is generally said that herein he went above himselfe that the Bishop of London appeared even with himselfe and Dr. Reinolds fell much beneath himselfe Others observed that Archbishop Whitgift spake most gravely Bancroft when out of passion most politickly Bilson most learnedly And of the Divines Mr. Reynolds most largely Knewstubs most affectionately Chaderton most sparingly In this Scene onely Dr. Sparks was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 making use of his hearing not speech converted it seemes to the truth of what was spoken and soon after setting forth a Treatise of Unity and Uniformity But the Nonconformists complained The Non-conformists Complaint that the King sent for their Divines not to have their Scruples satisfied but his Pleasure propounded not that he might know what they could say but they what he would do in the matter Besides no wonder if Dr. Reynolds a little lost himself whose eyes were partly dazled with the light of the Kings Majesty partly daunted with the heat of his displeasure Others complaine that this Conference is partially set forth onely by Dr. Barlow Dean of Chester their professed Adversary to the great disadvantage of their Divines And when the Israelites go down to the Philistines to whet all their Iron Tooles no wonder if they set a sharp edge on their owne and a blunt one on their Enemies weapons This Conference produced some alterations in the Lyturgie The Product of this Conference Womens baptising of Infants formerly frequent hereafter forbidden in the Rubrick of Absolution Remission of Sinnes inserted Confirmation termed also an Examination of Children and some words altered in the Dominicall Gospels with a resolution for a new Translation of the Bible But whereas it was hitherto disputable whether the North where he long lived or the South whither he lately came should prevaile most on the Kings judgement in Church-government this doubt was now clearly decided Hence forward many cripples in conformitie were cured of their former halting therein and such who knew not their owne till they knew the Kings minde in this matter for the future quietly digested the Ceremonies of the Church We have formerly made mention of the Millemanus Petition for Reformation The Copy of the Milenary Petition which about this time was solemnly presented to His Majesty and which here we have truly exemplified The humble Petition of the Ministers of the Church of England desiring Reformation of certaine Ceremonies and abuses of the Church To the most Christian and excellent Prince our Gracious and dread Soveraigne James by the grace of God c. We the Ministers of the Church of England that desire Reformation wish a long prosperous and happy Raigne over us in this Life and in the next everlasting Salvation MOst gracious and dread Soveraigne Seeing it hath pleased the Divine Majesty to the great comfort of all good Christians to advance Your Highnesse according to Your just Title to the peaceable Government of this Church and Common-wealth of ENGLAND We the Ministers of the Gospel in this Land neither as factious men affecting a popular Parity in the Church nor as Schismatikes aiming at the dissolution of the State Ecclesiasticall but as the faithfull servants of Christ and Loyall Subjects to Your Majesty desiring and longing for the redresse of divers abuses of the Church could doe no lesse in our obedience to God service to Your Majesty love to his Church than acquaint Your Princely Majesty with our particular griefs For as Your Princely Pen writeth The King as a good Physitian must first know what peccant humours his Patient naturally is most subject unto before he can begin his cure And although divers of us that sue for Reformation have formerly in respect of the times subscribed to the Book some upon Protestation some upon Exposition given them some with Condition rather than the Church should have been deprived of their labour and ministerie Yet now we to the number of moe than a thousand of Your Majesties Subjects and Ministers all groaning as under a common burden of Humane Rites and Ceremonies doe with one joynt consent humble our selves at Your Majesties Feet to be eased and relieved in this behalf Our humble suit then unto Your Majesty is that these offences following some may be removed some amended some qualified I. In the Church-Service That the Crosse in Baptisme Interrogatories ministred to Infants Confirmation as superfluous may be taken away Baptisme not to be ministred by Women and so explained The Cap and Surplice not urged That Examination may goe before the Communion That it be ministred with a Sermon That divers termes of Priests and Absolution and some other used with the Ring in Marriage and other such like in the Book may be corrected The long-somenesse of Service abridged Church-songs and Musick moderated to better edification That the Lords day be not profaned The Rest upon Holy-dayes not so strictly urged That there may be an Uniformity of Doctrine prescribed No Popish Opinion to be any more taught or defended No Ministers charged to teach their people to bow at the name of JESUS That the Canonicall Scriptures onely be read in the Church II. Concerning Church-Ministers That none hereafter
be admitted into the Ministerie but able and sufficient men and those to Preach diligently and especially upon the Lords day That such as be already entred and cannot Preach may either be removed and some charitable course taken with them for their reliese or else to be forced according to the value of their Livings to maintain Preachers That Non-Residencie be not permitted That King Edward's Statute for the lawfulnesse of Ministers Marriage be revived That Ministers be not urged to subscribe but according to the Law to the Articles of Religion and the Kings Supremacie onely III. For Church-Livings and Maintenance That Bishops leave their Commendams some holding Prebends some Parsonages some Vicarages with their Bishopricks That double beneficed men be not suffered to hold some two some three Benefices with Cure and some two three or foure Dignities besides That Impropriations annexed to Bishopricks and Colledges be demised onely to the Preachers Incumbents for the old rent That the Impropriations of Lay-mens Fees may be charged with a sixt or seventh part of the worth to the maintenance of the Preaching Minister IV. For Church-Discipline That the Discipline and Excommunication may be administred according to Christs owne Institution Or at the least that enormities may be redressed As namely That Excommunication come not forth under the name of Lay persons Ann. Reg. Jac. 2 Chancellors Officials c. That men be not excommunicated for trifles and twelve-peny matters That none be excommunicated without consent of his Pastour That the Officers be not suffered to extort unreasonable Fees That none having Jurisdiction or Registers places put out the same to Farme That divers Popish Canons as for restraint of Marriage at certaine times be reversed That the longsomnesse of Suits in Ecclesiasticall Courts which hang sometime two three foure five six or seven yeers may be restrained That the Oath Ex Officio whereby men are forced to accuse themselves be more sparingly used That Licenses for Marriage without Banes asked be more cautiously granted These with such other abuses yet remaining and practised in the Church of England we are able to shew not to be agreeable to the Scriptures if it shall please your Highnesse farther to heare us or more at large by Writing to be informed or by Conference among the Learned to be resolved And yet we doubt not but that without any farther processe your Majesty of whose Christian judgement we have received so good a taste already is able of Your selfe to judge of the equity of this cause God we trust hath appointed your Highnesse our Physician to heale these diseases And we say with Mordecai to Hester who knoweth whether you are come to the Kingdome for such a time Thus Your Majesty shall doe that which we are perswaded shall be acceptable to God honourable to your Majesty in all succeeding ages profitable to his Church which shall be thereby encreased comfortable to your Ministers which shall be no more suspended silenced disgraced imprisoned for mens traditions and prejudiciall to none but to those that seek their owne quiet credit and profit in the world Thus with all dutifull submission referring our selves to your Majesties pleasure for your gracious answer as God shall direct you we most humbly recommend Your Highnesse to the Divine Majesty whom we beseech for Christ his sake to dispose Your Royall heart to doe herein what shall be to his glory the good of his Church and your endlesse comfort Your Majesties most humble Subjects the Ministers of the Gospel that desire not a disorderly innovation but a due and godly Reformation 25. This calme The issue of this Petition and stil but deep Petition being as is aforesaid presented to the King it was given out that his Majesty lent it a favourable eare that some great ones about him gave it a consenting entertainment that some potent strangers I understand of the Scottish nation had undertaken the conduct and managing thereof Whether indeed it was so God knows or whether these things were made to make the people the Van pretending a victory that the Rere might follow the more comfortably Sure it is this Petition ran the Gantlop throughout all the Prelaticall party every one giving it a lash some with their Pens moe with their Tongues and the dumb Ministers as they terme them found their speech most vocall against it The Universities and justly found themselves much agrieved that the Petitioners should proportion a seaventh part onely out of an impropriation in a Lay-mans fee whilst those belonging to Colleges and Cathedralls should be demised to the Vicars at the old rent without fine without improvement Whereas Scholars being children of the Prophets counted themselves most proper for Church-revenues and this motion if effected would cut off more than the nipples of the breasts of both Universities in point of maintenance 26. Cambridge therefore began Universities justly netled thereat and passed a Grace in their Congregation that whosoever in their University should by Word or Writing oppose the received Doctrine and Discipline of England or any part thereof should â—ipso facto be suspended from their former excluded from all future degrees Oxford followed recompencing the slownesse of her pace with the firmenesse of her footing making a strong and sharp confutation of the Petition But indeed King James made the most reall refutation thereof not resenting it whatsoever is pretended according to the desires and hopes not to say the reports of such who presented it And after his Majesty had discountenanced it some hot-spurs of the opposite party began to maintaine many copies thereof being scattered into vulgar hands that now the property thereof was altered from a Petition into a Libel And such papers desamatory of the present Government punishable by the Statute Prime Elizabethae Under favour Other Millenary Petitions I conceive this Petition by us lately exemplified the proper Millenary Petition Otherwise I observe that Millenary Petition is vox aequivoca and attributed to all Petitions with numerous and indefinite subscriptions which were started this year concerning Church-Reformation Many there were of this kinde moving for more or lesse alteration as the promoters of them stood affected For all mens desires will then be of the same size when their bodies shall be of the same stature Of these one most remarkable required a subscription in manner as followeth We whose names are under written doe agree to make our humble Petition to the Kings Majesty that the present state of the Church may be farther reformed in all things needfull according to the rule of Gods holy Word and agreeable to the example of other reformed Churches which have restored both the Doctrine and Discipline as it was delivered by our Saviour Christ and his holy Apostles Two things are remarkable therein First that this was no present Petition but a preparative thereunto which in due time might have proved one if meeting with proportionable encouragement Secondly that it
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
willing hereafter in our particular History of Oxford We will proceed to Report a memorable Passage in the Low-Countreys not fearing to lose my way or to be censured for a wanderer from the English Church-story whilst I have so good a Guide as the Pen of King JAMES to lead me out and bring me back again Besides I am affraid that this Alien Accident is already brought home to England and though onely Belgick in the Occasion is too much British in the Influence thereof SECTION IV. To EDWARD LLOYD Esq RIvers are not bountiful in Giving but just in Restoring * * Eccles 1. 7. their Waters unto the Sea However they may seem gratefull also because openly returning thither what they Secretly received thence This my Dedication unto you cannot amount to a Present but a Restitution wherein onely I tender a Publick acknowledgment of your Private courtesies conferred upon me KING JAMES took into His Princely care the seasonable suppression of the dangerous Doctrines of Conradus Vorstius Dangerous Opinions broached by Conradus Vorstius This Doctor had lived about 15 years a Minister at Steinford within the Territories of the Counts of TECKLENBOURG BENTHEM c. the Counts whereof to observe by the way were the first in Germany not in dignity or Dominion but in casting off the Yoke of Papacie and ever since continuing Protestants This Vorstius had both written and received severall Letters from certain Samosetenian Hereticks in Poland or thereabouts and it hapned that he had handled Pitch so long that at last it stuck to his Fingers and became infected therewith Hereupon he set forth two Books the one entit'led TRACTATUS THEOLOGICUS DE DEO dedicated to the Land-Grave of Hessen the other EXEGESIS APOLOGETICA printed in this year and dedicated to the States both of them facred with many dangerous Positions concerning the Deity For whereas it hath been the labour of the Pious and Learned in all Ages to mount Man to God as much a smight be by a Sacred adoration which the more humble the more high of the Divine Incomprehensiblenesse this Wretch did Seek to Stoop GOD to Man by debasing his Purity assigning him a materiall Body confining his Immensity as not being every where shaking his Immutability as if his will were subject to change darkning his Omnisciency as uncertain in future Contingents with many more monstrous Opinions fitter to be remanded to Hell than committed to writing Notwithstanding all this the said Vorstius was chosen by the Curators of the University of Leyden to be their Publick Divinity-Professour in the Place of Arminius lately deceased and to that end his Excellency and the States Generall by their Letters sent and sued to the Count of TECKLENBOURG and obtained of him that Vorstius should come from Steinford and become Publick-Professour in Leyden 2. It hapned that His Majesty of Great Britain Reasons moving K. James to Oppose him being this Autumne in His hunting-Progresse did light upon and perused the aforesaid Books of Vorstius And whereas too many doe but Sport in their most serious Employment He was so serious amidst His Sports and Recreations that with Sorrow and Horrour He observed the Dangerous Positions therein determining speedily to oppose them moved thereunto with these Principall Considerations First the Glory of God seeing this e In His Declaration against Vorflius p. 365. ANTI-St JOHN as His Majesty terms him mounting up to the Heavens belched forth such Blasphemies against the Divine ineffable Essence and was not a King on Earth concerned when the King of Heaven was dethroned from his Infinitenesse so farre as it lay in the Power of the treacherous Positions of an Heretick Secondly charity to His next Neighbors and Allies And lastly a just fear of the like Infection within His own Dominions considering their Vicinity of Situation and Frequency of intercourse many of the English Youth travelling over to have their Education in Leyden And indeed as it hath been observed that the Sin of Drunkenness was first brought over f See Camden's Elizabeth anno 1581. into England out of the Low Countries about the midst of the Reign of Queen ELIZABETH before which time neither generall Practice nor legall punishment of that vice in this Kingdome so we must Sadly confesse that since that time in a Spiritual Sense many English Souls have taken a cup too much of Belgick wine Whereby their Heads have not onely grown dâ—zie in matters of lesse moment but their whole Bodies stagger in the Fundamentals of their Religion 3. Hereupon King JAMES presently dispatched a Letter to Sir Ralph Winwood The States entertain not the motion of K. James against Vorstius according to just expectation his Ambassadour resident with the States willing and requiring him to let them understand how Infinitely he should be displeased if such a Monster as Vorstius should receive any advancement in their Church This was seconded with a large Letter of His Majesties to the States dated October the 6 to the same effect But neither found that Successe which the KING did earnestly desire and might justly expect considering the many Obligations of the Crown of England on the States the Foundation of whose Common-wealth as the Ambassadour told them was first cemented with English blood Several Reasons are assigned of their non-concurrence with the KING's motion The Curators of Leyden-University conceived it a disparagement to their Judgments if so neer at hand they could not so well examine the Soundnesse of Vorstius his Doctrine as a forraign Prince at such a distance It would cast an aspersion of Levity and Inconstancy on the States solemnly to invite a Stranger unto them and then so soon recede from their Resolution An Indignity would redound to the Count of Tecklenbourg to slight that which so lately they had sued from him The Opposition of Vorstius was endevoured by a male-contented Party amongst themselves disaffected to the Actions of Authority who distrusting their own strength had secretly solicited His Majesty of Great Britain to appear on their Side That as King JAMES his motion herein proceeded rather from the Instance of others than His own Inclination so they gave out that He began to grow remisse in the matter carelesse of the Successe thereof That it would be injurious yea destructive to Vorstius and his Family to be fetcht from his own home where he lived with a sufficient Salarie promised better Provisions from the Landgrave of Hessen to be Divinity Professour in his Dominions now to thrust him out with his Wife and Children lately setled at Leyden That if Vorstius had formerly been faulty in unwarie and offensive Expressions he had since cleared himself in a new Declaration 4. For Vorstius gives no satisfaction in his new Declaration lately he set forth a Book entituled A Christian and modest Answer which notwithstanding by many was condemned as no Revocation but a Repetition of his former Opinions not lesse pernitious but more plausible
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.
Though his death much affected his friends in Oxford The death of Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury Mar. 2. yet farre greater the grief of that University for the decease of Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury who died this year One of the honours not onely of that See but of the Church of England born at Guilford in Surrey of religious Parents as persevering in the Truth though g Abel Redivivus pag. 540. persecuted for the same in the Reign of Queen MARY Whose two younger Brothers George and Maurice the one came to be Archbishop of Canterbury the other was Lord Mayor of London and the first Knight of King CHARLES his dubbing This good Bishop his deserts without any other Friend or Spokesman preferred him to all his Promotions For Upon his Oration made on Queen ELIZABETH her Inauguration he was chosen Scholar and afterwards Fellow and Master of Baliol-Colledge Upon a Sermon preached At Worcester he was made Lecturer of that City At Paul's Crosse Master John Stanhoppe preferr'd him to the rich Benefice of Bingham in Nottingham-shire Before King JAMES he was nominated Successour to Doctor Holland in the Kings-Professour his place in Oxford Upon the same of his incomparable Lectures de potestate Regiâ and other labours he was made Bishop of Salisbury In conferring which Place the KING conquered all opposition which some envious persons raised against him witnesse His MAJESTIES pleasant speech Abbot I have had much to doe to makeâ— thee a Bishop but I know no reason for it unless it were because thou hast written a Booke against a Popish Preâ—â—â—e meaning William Bishop entituled by the Pope the Nominall Bishop of the Aâ—reall Diocesse of Calcedon which enraged the Courâ— Papists against him to obstruct his preferment The hour-glass of his life saith my h Dr. Fealty in the Life 〈◊〉 Bp. Abbor p. 549. Authour ran out the sooner for having the sand or gravel thereof stopt so great his grief of the stone though even whilst his body was on the rack his soule found ease in the assurance of salvation 54. About this time The Imp. stuâ—e of the Boy of Bilâ—on a Boy dwelling at Bilson in Stafford-shire William Perry by name not full fifteen years in age but above forty in cunning was practised on by some Jesuits repairing to the house of Mr. Gifford in that County to dissemble himself Possessed This was done on designe that the Priests might have the credit to cast out that Devil which never was in so to grace their Religion with the reputation of a Miracle 55. But now the best of the jest or rather the worst of the earnest Found ouâ— by Bishop Moâ—cton was the Boy having gotten a habit of counterfeiting leading a lazie life thereby to his own ease and Parents profit to whom he was more worth than the best Plough-land in the shire would not be undeviled by all their Exorcisms so that the Priests raised up a spirit which they could not allay At last by the industry of Dr. Moreton Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield the jugling was laid open to the world by the Boyes own confession and repentance who being bound an Apprentice at the Bishops cost verified the Proverb That an untoward Boy may make a good Man 56. Indeed all this KING's Reign was scattered over with Cheaters in this kinde Cheaters of several kindes Some Papists some Sectaries some neither as who dissembled such possession either out of malice to be revenged on those whom they accused of Witchcraft or covetousnesse to enrich themselves seeing such who out of charity or curiosity repaired unto them were bountifull in their relief But take a few of many Papists No Papists i See Bp. Harsnet his Book on this subject pag. 81. Sarah Williams lying past all sense in a Trance had a Devil say the Roma nists slipt up into her leg k John Gâ—â—'s Foot out of the snare pag. 53. Grace Sourebuts of Salmisbury in the County of Lancaster was perswaded by Southworth a Priest to dissemble possession to gain himself credit by Exorcising her l Idem pag. 54. Mary and Amie two Maids of Westminster pretended themselves in raptures from the Virgin Mary and Michael the Arch-Angel m Idem p. 55. Edward Hance a Popish Priest born at Lutterworth in Leicester-shire gave it out that he was possessed of the Blessed Trinity Rich Haydok Fellow of New-Colledge in Oxford preached in his dreams Latine Sermons against the Hierarchie He afterwards recanted lived in good esteem to a great age in Salisbury practising Physick being also an excellent Poet Limner and Ingraver Anne Gunter a Maid of Windsor gave it out she was possessed of a Devil was transported with strange Extaticall Phrensies A Maid at Standon in Hartfordshire which personated a Demoniack so lively that many judicious persons were deceived by her See we this Catalogue consists most of the weaker sex either because Satan would plant his Battery where easiest to make a Breach or because he found such most advantaged for dissembling and his Cloven-foot best concealed under Long coats Indeed some Feminine weaknesses made them more strong to delude the ruines of the Disease of the Mother being the best Foundation to build such Impostourie thereon 57. K. James remembring what Solomon n Prov. 25. 2. King James his dexterity in detecting them Ann. Dom. 1618. Ann. Regis Jac. 16 saith It is the honour of a King to search out a matter was no lesse dexterous than desirous to make discovery of these Deceits Various were His waies in detecting them awing some into confession with His presence perswading others by promise of pardon and fair usage He ordered it so that a Proper Courtier made love to one of these be witched Maids and quickly Cupid his Arrows drave out the pretended Darts of the Devil Another there was the Tides of whose Possession did so Ebbe and Flow that punctually they observed one hour till the KING came to visit her The Maid loath to be so unmannerly as to make His MAJESTY attend her time antedated her Fits many houres and instantly ran through the whole Zodiack of tricks which she used to play A third strangely-affected when the first verse of S. John's Gospel was read unto her in our Translation was tame and quiet whilst the same was pronounced in Greek her English Devil belike understanding no other language The frequency of such forged Possessions wrought such an alteration upon the judgement of King JAMES that he receding from what he had written in his Demonologie grew first diffident of and then flatly to deny the workings of Witches and Devils as but Falshoods and Delusions 58. K. James having last year in His progress passed through Lancashire The Kings Declaration for liberty on the Lords day May 24. took notice That by the preciseness of some Magistrates and Ministers in severall places of this Kingdome in hindring people from
3. If in debating of the cause by the Learned men there any thing be emergent whereof you thought not before you shall meet and consult thereupon again and so resolve among your selves joyntly what is fit to be maintained And this to be done agreeable to the Scriptures and the doctrine of the Church of England 4. Your advise shall be to those Churches that their Ministers doe not deliver in the Pulpit to the people those things for ordinary Doctrins which are the highest points of Schools and not fit for vulgar capacity but disputable on both sides 5. That they use no Innovation in Doctrine but teach the same things which were taught twenty or thirty years past in their own Churches and especially that which contradicteth not their own Confessions so long since published and known unto the world 6. That they conforme themselves to the publick Confessions of the neighbour-reformed Churches with whom to hold good correspondency shall be no dishonour to them 7. That if there be main opposition between any who are overmuch addicted to their own opinions your endevour shall be that certain Positions be moderately laid down which may tend to the mitigation of heat on both sides 8. That as you principally look to God's glory and the peace of those distracted Churches so you have an eye to Our honour Who send and employ you thither and consequently at all times consult with Our Ambassadour there residing who is best acquainted with the form of those Countreys understandeth well the Questions and differences among them and shall from time to time receive Our Princely directions as occasion shall require 9. Finally in all other things which We cannot foresee you shall carry your selves with that advise moderation and discretion as to persons of your quality and gravity shall appertain Doctor Davenant and Doctor Ward Octo. 8. presented themselves again to His MAJESTY at Royston October the 8. Where His MAJESTY vouchsafed His familiar discourse unto them for two hours together commanding them to sit down by Him and at last dismissed them with His solemn prayer That God would blesse their endeavours which made them cheerfully to depart His presence 66. Addressing themselves now with all possible speed to the Sea-side they casually missed that Man of Warre which the States had sent to conduct them over though they saw him on Sea at some distance and safely went over in a small Vessel 20. landing October 20 at Middleburgh On the 27 of the same Moneth they came to Hague 27. where they kissed the hand of His Excellency GRAVE MAURICE to Whom the Bishop made a short Speech and by Whom they were all courteously entertained Hence they removed to Dort Nov. 3. where November the 3 the Synod began and where we leave them with the rest of their fellow-Divines when first every one of them had taken this Admission-Oath at their entrance into the Synod I Promise before God l Acts Synodi Dordratenae pag. 64. whom I believe and adore the present searcher of the heart and reins that in all this Synodal action wherein shall be appointed the examination judgment and decision as well of the known five Articles and difficulties thence arising as of all other Doctrinals that I will not make use of any Humane Writing but onely of God's Word for the certain and undoubted Rule of Faith And that I shall propound nothing to my self in this whole cause besides the glory of God the peace of the Church and es pecially the preservation of the purity of Doctrine therein So may my Saviour Jesus Christ be mercifull unto me whom I earnestly pray that in this my purpose He would alwaies be present with me with the grace of his Spirit I say we leave them here with fellow-Divines For should my pen presume to sail over the Sea it would certainly meet with a strom in the passage the censure of such who will justly condemn it for medling with transmarine matters especially Doctrinall points utterly aliene from my present subject Onely a touch of an Historical passage therein confining our selves to our own Countreymen 67. These four Divines had allowed them by the STATES Ten pounds sterling a day 〈…〉 Threescore and ten pounds by the week an entertainment farr larger than what was appointed to any other forreign Theologues and politickly proportioned in gratefull consideration of the Greatnesse of His MAJESTY who employed them And these English Divines knowing themselves sent over not to gain wealth to themselves but glory to God and reputation to their Sovereign freely gave what they had freely received keeping a Table general where any fashionable Forreigner was courteously and plentifully entertained 68. They were commanded by the KING to give Him a weekly account each one in his several Week Weekly intelligence to the King from his Divines according to their seniority of all memorable passages transacted in the Synod Yet it happened that for a moneth or more the KING received from them no particulars of their proceedings whereat His Majesty was most highly offended But afterwards understanding that this defect was caused by the countermands of an higher King even of him who m Prov. 30. 4. gathereth the winde in his fists stopping all passages by contrary weather no wonder if He who was so great a peace-maker was himself so quickly pacified yea afterwards highly pleased when four weekly dispatches not neglected to be orderly sent but delayed to be accordingly bought came all together to His Majesties hands 69. On the 10 of December Dec. 10. Gualter Balcaâ—quall Bachelour of Divinity and Fellow of Pembroke-Hall Mr. Balcanquall admitted into the Synod came into the Synod where his Credential Letters from King JAMES were publickly read Whose pleasure it was that he should be added to the four English Collegues in the name of the Church of Scotland The President of the Synod welcomed him with a short Oration which by Mr. Balcanquall was returned with another and so was he conducted to his place A place built for him particularly as one coming after all the rest so that his seat discomposed the uniformity of the building exactly regular before But it matters not how the seats were ordered so that the judgments of such as sate therein were conformed to the truth of the Scriptures 70. Doctor Joseph Hall being at the Synod of Dort 17. and finding much indisposition in himself 1619. the aire not agreeing with his health Dr. Hall his return thence on his humble request obtained His Majesties leave to return Whereupon composing his countenance With a becoming gravity he publickly took his solemn farewell of the Synod With this Speech following NOn facilè verò mecum in gratiam redierit cadaverosa haec moles quam aegrè usque circumgesto quae mihi hujus Conventus celebritatem toties inviderit jamque prorsus invitissimum à vobis importunè avocat divellit Neque enim
ullus est profectò sub coelo locus aequè coeli aemulus in quo tentorium mihi figi maluerim cujusque adeo gestiet mihi animus meminisse Beatos verò vos quibus hoc frui datum non dignus cram ego ut fidelissimi Romani querimoniam imitari liceat qui Christi Ecclesiae suae nomine sanctam hanc provinciam diutius sustinerem Illud vero 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nempe audito quod res erat non aliâ me quà m adversissimâ hic usum valetudine Serenissimus Rex meus misertus miselli famuli sui revocat me domum quippe quoòd cineres meos aut sandapilam vobis nihil quicquam prodesse posse nôrit succenturiavitque mihi virum è suis selectissimum quantum Theologum De me profectò mero jam silicernio quicquid fiat viderit ille Deus meus cujus ego totus sum Vobis quidem ita feliciter prospectum est ut sit cur infirmitati meae haud parùm gratulemini quum hujusmodi instructissimo succedaneo coetum hunc vestrum beaverit Neque tamen committam si Deus mihi vitam Ann. Dom. 1619 vires indulserit ut corpore simul Ann. Reg. Jac. 17 animo abesse videar Intereà sanè huic Synodo ubicunque terrarum sum vobis consiliis conatibusque meis quibuscunque res vestras me pro virili sedulò ac seriò promoturum sanctè voveo Interim vobis omnibus ac singulis Honoratissimi Domini Delegati Reverendissime Praeses Gravissimi Assessores Scribae doctissimi Symmystae colendissimi Tibique Venerandissima Synodus universa aegro animo ac corpore aeternùm valedico Rogo vos omnes obnixiùs ut precibus vestris imbecillem reducem facere comitari prosequi velitis Thus returned Dr. Hall into his own Country Since so recovered not to say revived therein that he hath gone over the graves of all his English Collegues there and what cannot God and good aire doe surviving in health at this day three and thirty years after may well with n 1 Sam. 17. 12. Jesse go amongst men for an old man in these daies And living privately having passed thorough the Bishop rickes of Exeter and Norwich hath now the opportunity in these troublesome times effectually to practice those his precepts of patience and contentment which his pen hath so eloquently recommended to others 71. On the seventh of January Doctor Goad in the room of Dr. Hall Thomas Goad Doctor of Divinity Ann. Reg. Jan. 7. Chaplain to George Archbishop of Canterbury came into the Synod sent thither by His MAJESTY of Great Britain The President entertained him with a soleman Oration highly commending King JAMES's care not recalling one Divine till he had substituted another The Doctor requited him with a pithie Oration promising the utmost of his assistance to the general good A promise by him well performed giving afterwards ample testimony of his general learning and solid judgement in Divinity nothing being wanting in him but that he came hither so late to this imployment SECTION V. TO Master PETER MOROLOYS AND Master THOMAS ROWSE OF LONDON Merchants THE NETHERLANDS are the Scene whereon the beginning of this Section was transacted They were also the Native Countreys of your Ancestors flying hither from persecution Since as your Fathers then found Safety amongst the ENGLISH some of the ENGLISH to my knowledge have felt Bounty from their Children God increase your Store and make you like the good Merchant in the Gospel * * Mat. 13. 46. who to purchase the GREAT PEARL sold all that the had that is undervalued all Worldly wealth coming in competition with God or Grace or Glory BEfore the end of the hundred fourty fifth Session The Belgick Confession presented in the Synod April the 20th in the forenoon the Belgick Confession was brought into the Synod containing matter both of Doctrine and Discipline and the publick consent thereunto was required Here the Bishop of Landaffe in the name of all the rest approved all the points of Doctrine But as for matter of Discipline that his Mother Church and his own order might not suffer therein and he seem by silence to betray the cause thereof a Protest was entred by him as Mouth for the rest to preserve the same as by the perusing the following passage will appear Interca tamen de Disciplina pancis monet Nunquam in Ecclesia obtinuisse Ministrorum paritatem non tempore Christi ipsius tanc enim duodecim Apostolos fuisse Discipulis superiores non Apostolorum aetate non subsecutis secuâ—lis Nec valere rationem in hac Confessione usurpatam Nempè quia omnes funt aequè Ministri Christi Nam septuaginta Discipuli erant Ministri Christi aequè ac Apostoli non tamen inde Apostolis aequales omnes omnino homines sunt aequè homines non inde tamen homo homini non debet subesse Haec non ad harum Ecclesiarum â—ssensionem sed ad nostrae Anglicanae defensionem sese monuisse professus est Br tannorum interpellationi responsum ne gru quidem Not withstanding in the mean time he briefly gave his advice concerning Discipline That the parity of Ministers never prevailed in the Church no not in the time of Christ himself for then the twelve Apostles were superiour to the Disciples not in the time of the Apostles nor in the ages after them Nor is that reason of any force alledged in their Confession namely Because all are equally the Ministers of Christ For even the seventy Disciples were equally Ministers of Christ with the Apostles and yet it follows not thence they were equal with the Apostles and all men altogether are equally men yet thence it cannot be inferred that one man ought not to be subject to another There things he professed himself to have hinted not to offend these Churches therewith but to defend their own Church of England To this interpellation of the British Divines nothing at all was answered Hereby the equal Reader may judge how candidly Master Montague in his Appeal dealeth with our English Divines charging o Appeal p. 70. them That the Discipline of the Church of England is in this Synod held unlawfull And again p Appeal p. 108. The Synod of Dort in some points condemneth upon the by even the Discipline of the Church of England But let such as desire farther satisfaction herein peruse the joynt Attestation which those English Divines set forth Anno 1626. to justifie their proceedings herein 2. On the 29 of April the Synod ended The states to expresse their gratitude April 29. bestowed on the English Divines at their departure Two hundred pounds The States bounty to the British Divines to bear their charges in their return besides a golden Medall of good value was given to every one of them wherein the sitting of the Synod was artificially represented And now these Divines who for many moneth
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
valuation Indeed it is an humour of our English strangely to admire strangers believing invisible Perfections in them above those of our Land A quality commendable in our Countrey-men whilest inclining them to Hospitality but sometimes betraying their Credulity to be thereby dangerously deluded He was feasted wheresoever he came and the Universities when he visited them addressed themselves to him in their solemn reception as if he himself alone had been an University 3. But above all He is richly preferred by K. James King JAMES whose hands were seldome shut to any and alwaies open to men of merit was most munificent unto him highly rejoicing that Rome had lost and England got such a Jewell How many of English Youth were tolled out of our Universities into Italy and there taught treason and heresie together This aged Prelate of eminent parts coming thence of his own accord would make us plentiful reparation for the departure of many Novices The KING consigned him to the Archbishop of Canterbury for his present entertainment till he might be accommodated to subsist of himself and as an earnest of His bounty sent him to Lambeth a fair bason and bolle of silver Which Spalato received with this complement Misit mihi REX Magnae Britanniae polubrum argenteum ad abstergendas sordes Romanae Ecclesiae poculum argenteum ad imbibendam Evangelii puritatem The KING of Great Britain hath sent me a silver bason to wash from me the filth of the Roman Church and a silver cup to minde me to drink the purity of the Gospel Preferment is quickly found out and conferred upon him as the Deanrie of Windsor though founded not in a Cathedral but Collegiate Church one of the gentilest and entirest Dignities of the Land the Mastership of the Hospital of the Savoy with a good Parsonage at West-Islesly in Berk-shire being a Peculiar belonging to the Episcopal Jurisdiction of the Deane of Windsor And finding one precedent in his Predecessour he collated this Parsonage on himself and there made shift for so much English as sufficed him to read the Nine and thirty Articles as an * Mr. Caesar Calendrine Minister of the Dutch Church Auditour there present hath informed me which formerly he had subscribed Thus had he two Houses furnished above plenty even unto magnificence and might alternately exchange society for privacy at pleasure 4. He improved the profit of his Places to the utmost His great avaâ—ice and had a designe to question all his Predecessours Leases at the Savoy and began to be very vexatious to his Tenants Some of them repaired to Doctor King Bishop of London who at their request took Spalato to task and as gravely as sharply reproved him that being a Forreigner he would fall out with Natives endevouring to put others here out of their peaceable Possessions who himself had sled hither for his own refuge Especially having professed in print That he had deposed all d In 〈◊〉 lib. 1. De Repub. Eâ—l num 6. affection to and gust of earthly things and that he himself being almost naked did follow a e â— or pri pag. 191. naked Christ Hereupon at the reverend Bishop's admonition he let fall his former design But it was not the counsel of this King but of a greater KING which deterr'd him from his project viz K. JAMES himself to whom Spalato complain'd That the Lands of the Savoy were let out for little Rents to the great loss of his place and poor therein not that he cared for the poor but bare the bag Ann. Reg. Ja 20 and what was put into it acquainting His MAJESTY with his intent Ann. Dom. 1622. to rectifie those abuses and call those Leases into question To whom the KING in some choler Extraneus extraneus es reâ—inque res sicut eas invenisti You are a stranger you are a stranger leave things as you found them And yet the same man would very passionately perswade others to bounty to the Poor though he would give nothing himself witnesse his earnest moving the Chapter of Windsor in this kind to whom one of the Prebendaries answered QUI SUADET SUA DET Let him that perswades others give something of his own 5. I am also credibly informed from an excellent hand Another instance of his ungratefull covetousness of the truth of this story Spalato had found a small slaw in a Lease of value which a Gentlewoman of quality held of the Dean and Chapter of Windsor To her house he comes with all his men where she magnificently entertains him as overjoyed that her chief Land-Lord came so courteously to visit her Spalato next morning after his plentiful Supper having setled himself in the Parlour suddenly cries out Abscedite omnes abscedite Be ye all gone be ye gone intending to take possession for himself The Gentlewoman perceiving him at this posture with her self and servants well favouredly thrust him out of her house coming off with sufficient disgrace Afterwards consulting the Learned in our Lawes about the Lease they told him That though possibly he might get the better of her in the Common-Law yet the Chancery would relieve her who so dearly had bought so truly had paid for and so peaceably had possessed her estate therein Fie for shame saith Spalato are your English Lawes so contrived that what is done by one Court may be undone by another This may suffice to evidence his avarice Nor must it be forgotten though he pretended at his coming over that for conscience he freely left his Archbishoprick of Spalato that in very deed he resigned the same to his Nephew conditionally to pay him an annual Pension out of it Sed magnus nebulo nil solvit But the great knave payes me nothing as he himself complained to my reverend friend the Archbishop of Armagh 6. He falls now to perfect his Books His learned Writings against Romish errour For his Works were not now composed but corrected not compiled but completed as being though of English birth of Italian conception For formerly the Collections were made by him at Spalato but he durst not make them publick for fear of the Inquisition His Works being three fair Folio's De Republicâ Ecclesiasticâ give ample testimony of his sufficiency Indeed he had a controversial head with a strong and clear stile nor doth an hair hang at the neb of his pen to blurre his writings with obscurity but first understanding himself he could make others understand him His writings are of great use for the Protestant cause Many saith the f Dan. 12. 4. Prophet shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be encreased And surely the transcursion of Italians hither added much to the discovery of the Papal abominations Yet allowing Spalato diligent in writing his expression was a notorious hyperbole when saying In g In â—ectione meditatione scriptione pâ—ne marcesco Resp Archiepis Spal Feb. 11. ad Artic 3. 1622. reading meditation
quick-sighted did the promised Bishoprick make him whereof formerly he took no notice and all which are learnedly answered in the posthume book of Doctor Crakenthorpe carefully set forth by Dr. Barkham after the Authors death and may all orphan-works have the happinesse of so faithfull a Guardian Lastly and chiefly as he confesseth himself allectus pretio octuplicis stipendii allured with the reward of a salarie eight times as great as his revenues in England In which computation as he ungratefully depresseth the value of what he had in hand so he undiscreetly advanced the worth of what in hope he promised himself not to speak of the difference of Italian Ducates when told out and when told off at so great a distance 11. In pursuance of which his desire Spalato's second Letter to King James he wrote a second Letter to K. JAMES the tenour whereof we thought fit here to insert for the better clearing of the matter Most excellent Prince and most gracious Lord AS I signified lately unto Your Majesty in my former Letter I neither ought nor could neglect the Popes fair and gracious invitation of me especially when I saw that he dealt with me concerning the service of Christ and his Church And being now at length better certified that all things are in a readiness for me I am tied to my former promises Yet I make it my humble request that I may take my journey with Your Majesties good will And for that purpose I doe now most humbly and earnestly crave your leave by these Letters which I would much more willingly have begg'd by word of mouth in Your presence that I might have parted with Your Majesty with all due thanks and submission but that my accesse to Your Majesty might have confirmed the vain and foolish * * viz. That the King had employed Spalato to the Pope to make a reconciliation betwixt us and Rome rumours of the people I beseech Your Majesty therefore to vouchsafe to give me some Letters whereby my departure may be made both safe and creditable As for the Ecclesiastical Titles and Revenues which I hold by Your Majesties gift I shall resigne them by publick Indentures So from the bottom of my heart I doe commit my self to Your Royall favour and vow my self your servant for ever London From the Savoy Feb. 3. Your MAJESTIES c. M. Ant. de Dom. Archbishop of Spalato This Letter produced new Interrogatories Feb. 3. 1622. and severall fruitfull Controversies one alwaies begetting another but the last was a sharp one at Lambeth March the 30 which cut off all future discourse For a Commission was issued out to the Archbishop of Canterbury Mar. 30. the Bishops of Lincolne Lord Keeper of the Great Scale of England London Duresme Winchester and severall other Privie Councellors before whom Spalato personally appeared When the Archbishop of Canterbury in the name of the rest by His MAJESTIES speciall command in a long Latine Speech recapitulated the many misdemeanors of Spalato principally insisting on his changing of Religion as appeared by his purpose of returning to Rome and that contrary to the Laws of the Realm he had held correspondency by Letters with the Pope without the privity of the King's Majesty To which Charge when Spalato had made rather a shuffling Excuse than a just Defence the Archbishop in His Majestie 's name commanded him to depart the Kingdome at his own peril within twenty daies and never to return again To this he promised obedience protesting he would ever justifie the Church of England for orthodox in fundamentals even in the presence of the Pope or whomsoever though with the losse of his life 12. However Desires in vain still to stay loth to depart was his last tune And no wonder if well considering whence and whither he went He left a Land where he lacked nothing but a thankfull heart to God and a contented soul in himself He went to a place of promise suspicious whether ever it should be performed He feared not without cause he might lose his gray Head to fetch a red Hat And an ominous instance was lately set before his eyes One Fulgentius a Minorite had inveighed at Venice against the Pope and was by his Nuncio trained to Rome on promise of safe conduct where being favoured and feasted at first soon after in the field of Flora he was burnt to ashes This made Spalato effectually but secretly to deal with his friends in the English Court that His Majesty would permit him to stay But in vain and therefore within the time appointed he went over in the same ship with Count Swartzenburgh the Emperours Ambassadour returning hence into Flanders 13. And now Spalato is shipped Departeth to Rome A good winde and faire weather goe after him His sails shall not be stuffed with a blast of my curses conceiving that his fault was sufficient punishment But b Dr. Barkham in his Dedicatory Epistle to King James others have compared him to the house i Mat. 12. 44. swept and garnished to which the Devil returned with seven spirits more wicked than himself Which they thus reckon up Avarice Ambition and Hypocrisie whilst he stayed here Apostasie and Perjury when going hence Ingratitude and Calumnie when returned to Rome Yea they finde as many punishments lighting on him God angry with him the Devil tormenting him his conscience corroding him the world cursing him the true Church disdaining him Protestant-pens confuting him and the Pope at last in revenge executing him And now the Master hath had the just shame for his Apostasie let the Man receive the due praise of his perseverance one Gio Pietro Paravicino a Grizon who waited on Spalato in his chamber whom neither frights nor flatteries could remove but he died in Holland a firm professour of the Protestant Religion 14. Being come to Bruxels Ann. Reg. Ja. 20 Ann. Dom. 1622. Retuâ—ns to his railing vomit he recants his Religion and rails bitterly on the English Church calling his coming hither an unhappy irrational pestiferous k In his Book call'd Cencilium Reditus pag. 9. devilish voyage to which he was moved with sickness of soule impatience and a kinde of phrensie l Ibid. pag. 5. of anger Here he stayed six moneths for the Pope's Breve which was long a coming and at last was utterly denied him Insomuch that Spalato was fain to run the hazard and desperately adventure to Rome having nothing in Scriptis for his security but barely presuming on promises and the friendship of Gregory the fifteenth now Pope formerly his Collegue and chamber-fellow 15. I finde not his promised Bishoprick conferred upon him Lives at Rome not loved and diâ—s unlamented who as well might have been made Primate and Metropolitane of Terra incognita Yea returning to Sodome though not turned into a pillar of salt he became unsavoury-salt cared for of no side Such a crooked-stick which had
thereof next Monday-morning October the 27 was fresh in every mans mouth in His MAJESTIE's Chappell in White-Hall at what time the 13 Chap. of S. Luke's Gospel was read for the Lesson appointed for the day by the Rubrick of the Church of England Wherein neer the beginning Or those eighteen upon whom the Tower of Shilo fell and slew them think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Hierusalem I tell you nay but except you repent ye shall likewise perish SECTION VII TO THOMAS SHVGBOROVGH OF BYRDENBURY in VVARWICK-Shire Esquire * * Plut. in his Life THemistocles was wont to say That it was the best Musick for a Man to hear his own Commendation Should I play a Lesson thereof unto your eares insisting on your Bounty to publick BOOKS sure I am the Tune would be more chearfull to me than gratefull to you better pleased in deserving than hearing your own Encomium I therefore will turn my praising of you into praying for you as more proportionable to my publick Profession and acceptable to your modest Disposition MAny Papists not truly humbled with this late sad accident The Archbishops Letter against a Toleration so demeaned themselves that indeed most offensive was their insolence to all true Englishmen the rather because it was generally reported that His Majestie intended a Toleration of Religion which made the Archbishop of Canterbury though under a cloud for his disaster to adventure humbly to present the King with his apprehensions losing with some the reputation of a politick States-man but preserving with others the character of an honest down right Protestant Which Letter though sent and delivered with all privacy came by some whether his friends or foes uncertain to be generally known and afterwards publickly printed as followeth May it please your Majestie I have been too long silent and am afraid by my silence I have neglected the duty of the place it hath pleased God to call me unto and your Majestie to place me in And now I humbly crave leave I may discharge my conscience towards God and my duty to your Majestie And therefore I beseech your Majestie give me leave freely to deliver my self and then let your Majestie doe with me what You please Your Majestie hath propounded a Toleration of Religion I beseech you Sir take into Your consideration what the Act is next what the Consequence may be By your Act you labour to set up that most damnable and heretical Doctrine of the Church of Rome the Whore of Babylon How hatefull will it be to God and grievous unto Your good Subjects the true Professours of the Gospel that your Majestie who hath often disputed and learnedly written against those wicked Heresies should now shew Your self a Patron of those Doctrines which your Pen hath told the world and Your conscience tells Your self are superstitious idolatrous and detestable Adde hereunto what You have done in sending the Prince into Spain without the consent of your Councell the privity and approbation of Your people And though Sir you have a large interest in the Prince as the Son of Your flesh yet hath the People a greater as the Son of the Kingdome upon whom next after your Majestie their eyes are fixed and welfare depends And so tenderly is His going apprehended as believe it Sir however His return may be safe yet the Drawers of Him to that action so dangerous to Himself so desperate to the Kingdome will not passe away unquestioned and unpunished Besides this Toleration which You endeavour to set up by Proclamation cannot be done without a Parliament unlesse your Majestie will let your Subjects see that you will take unto Your self a liberty to throw down the Laws of the Land at Your pleasure What dreadfnll consequence these things may draw after them I beseech your Majestie to consider And above all lest by this Toleration and discontinuance of the true profession of the Gospel whereby God hath blessed us and under which this Kingdome hath for many years flourished your Majestie doe not draw upon the Kingdome in generall and your Self in particular Gods heavy wrath and indignation Thus in discharge of my duty towards God to your Majestie and the place of my calling I have taken humble boldnesse to deliver my conscience And now Sir doe with me what you please 2. What effect this Letter took Toleration the general table-talk argued is unknown sure it is all mens mouths were filled with a discourse of a Toleration for or against it Some no professed Papists but who lived at the signe of the Protestant engage in their Arguments very earnestly in the defence thereof whilst others were as zealous to prove a Toleration intolerable by Reasons drawn both from piety and policy We will onely instance in few out of many as they were bandied on both sides and chiefly such as concern Religion PRO. 1. Argument The Papists of late were grown very peaceable justly recovering the reputation of Loyall Subjects in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth scarce escaped a year without a Treason from them now they vied obedience with Protestants themselves Pity it was but they should be encouraged and their Loyalty fixed for ever by granting them a Toleration 2. We see the same liberty allowed the Hugonites in France to whom the King permits their Churches Ministers Service Sermons Sacraments according to the direction of their own Conscience 3. The King of Spain would be highly affected with this savour allowed to the English Catholicks and this would fasten him in firme friendship to the English Crown to which his amity for the present was not onely usefull but necessary 4. Truth will ever triumph over falsehood and verity gain the victory of errour the Protestanisme notwithstanding the Toleration would get ground on Popery by the demonstration of the Spirit in the Scriptures 5. The Apish and Mimicall Popish Pageant with the toyes and trifles in theâ— service would render their Religion ridiculous No danger that any wise man should ever be seduced thereby 6. Protestant Ministers would bee more painfull in preaching and carefull in residing on their Cures to keep them from infection 7. The thing in effect was already allowed to Papists who now though privately safely celebrated Masse in many places which favourable connivance fell but little short of a Toleration CON. 1. Answer Papists were not more peaceable but more politick than formerly for private ends Though their practise more plausible their Positions and Principles were as pernicious as ever before viz That Princes excommunicated may be deposed No faith to be kept with Hereticks That the Pope c. 2. The case is different This liberty was not so much given to as gotten by the Hugonites so numerous and puissant it was conceived dangerous to deny them such Priviledges Thanks be to God not such as yet the condition of Catholicks in England whose Parâ—y was not so powerfull but certain by such a Toleration
to be improved 3. The necessity of hâ—s friendship at this time was onely fancied â—y such as desired it Besides the King of heaven must not be offended that the King of Spain may be pleased 4. Though Truth it selfe be stronger than falsehood yet generally the Promoters of falsehood are more active and sedulous than the Advancers of Truth Besides it is just with God upon the granting of such an unlawfull Toleration to weaken the converting power of Truth and strengthen the perverting power of Falsehood giving the English over to be deluded thereby 5. The world hath ever consisted of more fools than wise people such who carry their judgment more in their eyes than in their brains Popery being made Inscious to peoples senses too probably would court many to the imbracing thereof 6. It is no policie to let in the Wolfe meerly on designe to make the Shepherds more watchfull Rather on the contrary Protestant Ministers would be utterly disheartned in the performance of their place when the Parishioners were countenanced to desert them without any punishment 7. If the Papists already have what they would have let them be contented therewith Why desire they any more but indeed there is a grand difference betwixt a States winking at their wickednesse for a time and a formall and finall tolerating thereof During the former Catholicks sin on their own account and at their own peril the Laws though not executed standing in full force against them but a publick Toleration of their Superstition adopts the same to become the Act of the English Nation Here it would be tedious to recite the Texts of Scripture some more The Pulpit is loud against the Toleration some lesse proper to the purpose alledged by severall persons against the Toleration Ann. Dom. 1623. Ann. Regis Ja 21. some Typicall Thou a Deht 22. 10. shalt not plow with an Oxe and an Asse Some Historicall Gods Children must not speak two tongues Ashdod and b Neh. 13. 24. Hebrew Some Doctrinall We must not doe evil that good c Rom. 3. 8. may come thereof The best was the Toleration bare date with the Spanish Match with which it was propounded and agitated advanced expected desired by some opposed suspected detested by others and at last both together finally frustrated and defeated 3. Now was His Majestie informed His Majesties care to regulate Preaching that it was high time to apply some cure to the Pulpits as sick of a Sermon-surfeit and other exorbitances Some medled with State-matters and generally by an improper Transposition the Peoples duty was preached to the King at Court the Kings to the People in the Countrey Many shallow Preachers handled the profound points of Predestination wherein pretending to guide their flocks they lost themselves Sermons were turned into Satyrs against Papists or Non Conformists 4. To represse the present and prevent future mischiefs in this kinde His Majestie issued out His Directions to be written fair in every Registers Office whence any Preacher if so pleased might with his own hand take out Copies gratis paying nothing for d Cabala part 2. pag. 191. expedition Herein the King revived the primitive and profitable order of Catechizing in the afternoon better observed in all other Reformed Churches than of late in England according to the tenour ensuing Most Reverend Father in God His Directions right trusty and entirely beloved Counsellour We greet you well FOrasmuch as the abuses and extravagancies of Preachers in the Pulpit have been in all times repressed in this Realm by some Act of Councill or State with the advice and resolution of grave and learned Prelates Insomuch that the very licensing of Preachers had beginning by an Order of Star Chamber the eighth day of July in the 19 th year of the Reign of King Henry the eighth our Noble Predecessour And whereas at this present divers young Students by reading of late Writers and ungrounded Divines doe broach many times unprofitable unsound seditions and dangerous Doctrines to the scandall of the Church and disquiet of the State and present Government We upon humble representations unto Us of these inconveniencies by your selfe and sundry other grave and reverend Prelates of this Church as also of our Princely care and Zeal for the extirpation of Schisme and dissention growing from these seeds and for the setling of a religious and peaceable Government both in Church and Common wealth doe by these Our speciall Letters straitly charge and command you to use all possible care and diligence that these Limitations and Cautions herewith sent unto you concerning Preachers be duly and strictly from henceforth put in practice and observed by the several Bishops within your Jurisdiction And to this end Our pleasure is that you send them forthwith Copies of these Directions to be by them speedily sent and communicated unto every Parson Vicar Curate Lecturer and Minister in every Cathedrall or Parish Church within their severall Diocese and that you earnestly require them to employ their utmost endeavours in the performance of this so important a businesse letting them know that We have a speciall eye unto their proceedings and expect a strict account thereof both of you and every one of them and these Our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in that behalf Give under our Signet at Our Castle of Windsor the 4 th of August in the twentieth year of Our Reign Directions concerning Preachers sent with the Letter 1. THat no Preacher under the degree and calling of a Bishop or Dean of a Cathedral or Collegiate Church and they upon the Kings dayes and set Festivals doe take occasion by the expounding of any Text of Scripture whatsoever to fall into any set Discourse or Common place otherwise than by the opening the Cohaerence and Division of the Text which shall not be comprehended and warranted in essence substance effect or naturall in ference within some one of the Articles of Religion set forth 1562. or in some of the Homilies set forth by authority of the Church of England not onely for the help of the Non-Preaching but withall for a Pattern and Boundary as it were for the Preaching Ministers And for their further instructions for the performance hereof that they forthwith reade over and peruse diligently the said Book of Articles and the two Books of Homilies 2. That no Parson Vicar Curate or Lecturer shall preach any Sermons or Collation hereafter upon Sundaies and Holidaies in the afternoon in any Cathedrall or Parish Church throughout the Kingdome but upon some pare of the Catechisme or some Text taken out of the Creed ten Commandments or the Lords Prayer Funeral Sermons onely excepted and that those Preachers be most encouraged and approved of who spend the Afternoons exercise in the examination of Children in their Catechisme which is the most antient and laudable custome of teaching in the Church of England 3. That no Preacher of what title
soever under the degree of a Bishop or Dean at the least doe from henceforth presume to preach in any popular Auditory deep points of Predestination Election Reprobation or of the Universality Efficacy Resistibility or Irresistibility of GODS grace but leave those themes rather to be handled by the Learned men and that moderately and modestly by way of Use and Application rather than by way of Positive Doctrines being fitter for the Schools than for simple Auditories 4. That no Preacher of what title or denomination soever from henceforth shall presume in any Auditory within this Kingdome to declare limit or bound out by way of Positive Doctrine in any Lecture or Sermon the Power Prerogative and Jurisdiction Authority or Duty of Sovereign Princes or otherwise meddle with matters of State and the differences between Princes and the People than as they are instructed and precedented in the Homilies of Obedience and the rest of the Homilies and Articles of Religion set forth as before is mentioned by publique Authority but rather confine themselves wholly to those two heads of faith and good life which are all the subjects of the antient Sermons and Homilies 5 That no Preacher of what title or denomination soever shall presume caussesly or without invitation from the Text to fall into bitter investives and undecent railing speeches against the persons of either Papists or Puri tans but modestly and gravely when they are occasioned thereunto by the Text of Scripture free both the Doctrine and the Discipline of the Church of England from the aspersions of either Adversaries especially where the Auditory is suspected to be tainted with the one or the other infection 6. Lastly that the Archbishops and Bishops of the Kingdome whom His Majestie hath good cause to blame for their former remisness be more wary and choice in their licensing of Preachers and revoke all Grants made to any Chancellour Official or Commissary to passe Licences in this kinde and that all the Lecturers throughout the Kingdome of England a new body severed from the antient Clergy as being neither Parsons Vicars nor Curates be licensed henceforward in the Court of Faculties but onely from a Recommendation of the party from the Bishop of the Diocese under his hand and seale with a Fiat from the L. Archbishop of Canterbury a Confirmation under the Great Seal of England And that such as doe transgresse any one of these Directions be suspended by the Bishop of the Diocesse or in his default by the Archbishop of the Province ab Officio Beneficio for a year and a day untill his Majestie by the advice of the next Convocation shall prescribe some farther punishment 5. No sooner were these the Kings Declarations dispersed into every Diocesse Various censures on the Kings Letters but various were mens opinions thereof Some counted it a cruell act which cut off half the preaching in England all afternoon-ermons at one blow Others thought the King did but Uti jure suo doing not onely what in justice He might but what in prudence He ought in this juncture of time But hear what I have heard and read in this case Objections Answers 1. Christ grants Ministers their Commission Go teach all Nations S. Paul corroborates the same Preach the word be instant in season out of season Man therefore ought not to forbid what God enjoyns 2. This is the way to starve soules by confining them to one meale a day or at the best by giving them onely a messe of milk for their supper and so to bed 3. Such as are licensed to make Sermons may be intrusted to choose their own Texts and not in the Afternoons to be restrained to the Lords Prayer Creed and ten Commandements 4. In prohibiting the preaching of Predestination man makes that the forbidden fruit which God appointed for the tree of life so cordial the comforts contained therein to a distressed conscience 5. Bishops and Deans forsooth and none under their dignity may preach of Predestination What is this but to have the word of God in respect of persons As if all discretion were confined to Cathedral men and they best able to preach who use it the least 6. Papists and Puritans in the Kings Letters are put into the same ballance and Papists in the prime scale first named as preferred in the Kings care chiefly to secure them from Invectives in Sermons 7. Lecturers are made such riddles in the Kings Letters reduceable to no Ministerial function in England Whereas indeed the flower of piety and power of godlinesse flourished most in those places where such Preachers are most countenanced 1. Ministers if commanded not at all to speak or teach in the name of Jesus are with the Apostles to obey God rather than man But vast the difference betwixt a total prohibition and as in this case a prudential regulation of preaching 2. Milk catechetical Doctrine is best for babes which generally make up more than a moyety of every Congregation 3. Such restraint hath liberty enough seeing all things are clearly contained in or justly reducible to these three which are to be desired believed and performed 4. Indeed Predestination solidly and soberly handled is an antidote against despair But as many ignorant Preachers ordered it the cordial was turned into a poyson and therefore such mysteries might well be forborn by mean Ministers in popular Congregations 5. It must be presumed that such of necessity must be of age and experience and may in civility be believed of more than ordinary learning before they attained such preferment Besides Cathedrall Auditories being of a middle nature for understanding as beneath the University so above common City and Country Congregations are fitter for such high points to be preached therein 6. The Kings Letter looks on both under the notion of guilty persons Had Puritans been placed first such as now take exception at their post-posing would have collected that the King esteemed them the greatest offenders 7. Lectures are no creatures of the Church of England by their original like those mixed kinds little better than monsters in nature to which God as here the State never said multiply and encrease and therefore the King had just cause to behold them with jealous eyes who generally supplanted the Incumbents of Livings in the affections of their Parishioners and gave the greatest growth to Non-conformity These Instructions from His Majestie were not pressed with equall rigour in all places seeing some over-active Officials more busie than their Bishops tied up Preachers in the Afternoon to the very letter of the Catechisme questioning them if exceeding the questions and answers therein as allowing them no liberty to dilate and enlarge themselves thereupon 6. Expect not of me a particular account of the politick intricacies touching the Spanish Match A needlesse subject waved or no Match rather First because Spanish and so alien from my subject Secondly because the passages thereof are so largely and publickly in print
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 King himself was pleased to interpose in his behalf July 7 Thursday 9. Saturday signifying to the House That those things which were then spoken and determined concerning Mountague without his Privitie did not please Him who by his Court-friends being imployed in the Kings Service his Majesty signifiyed to the Parliament that he thought his Chaplains whereof M r. Montague was one might have as much protection as the Servant of an ordinary Burgess neverthelesse his bond of two thousand pounds wherewith he was tailed continued uncancelled and was called on the next Parliament 11. The Plague increasing in London The Parliament removed to Oxford and brake up in discontent the Parliament was removed to Oxford But alas no avoiding Gods hand The infection followed or rather met the Houses there whereof worthy D r. Challenor died much lamented yet were the Members of Parliament not so carefull to save their own persons from the Plague as to secure the Land from a worse and more spreading contagion the daily growth of Poperie In prevention whereof they presented a Petition to his Majesty containing sixteen particulars all which were most graciously answered by his Majesty to their full satisfaction Thus this meeting began hopefully and cheerfully proceeded turbulently and suspiciously brake off suddenly and sorrowfully the reason whereof is to be fetch'd from our Civil Historians 12. The Convocation kept here Dr. James his motion in the Convocation is scarce worth the mentioning seeing little the appearance thereat nothing the performance therein Dean Bowles the Prolocurour absented himself for fear of infection D r. Thomas Good officiating in his place and their meeting was kept in the Chappell of Merton-Colledge Here D r. James that great Book-man made a motion that all Manuscript-Fathers in the Libraries of the Universities and elswhere in England might be perused and that such places in them as had been corrupted in Popish editions much superstition being generated from such corruptions might faithfully be printed according to those ancient Copies Indeed though England at the dissolving of Abbies lost moe Manuscripts than any Countrey of Christendome of her dimensions ever had yet still enough were left her if well improved to evidence the truth herein to all posteritie This designe might have been much beneficiall to the Protestant cause if prosecuted with as great endeavour as it was propounded with good intention but alas this motion was ended when it was ended expiring in the place with the words of the mover thereof 13. The King according to his late answer in the Parliament at Ox. The insolence of Papists seasonably restrained Nov. 11. issued out a Commission to the Judges to see the Law against Recusants put in execution This was read in all the Courts of Judicature at Reading where Michaelmas Terme was kept and a letter directed to the Arch-bishop of Cant. to take speciall care for the discovery of Jesuits Seminary Priests c. within his Province A necessary severity seing Papists presuming on Protection by reason of the late Match were grown very insolent And a Popish Lord when the King was at Chappell was heard to prate on purpose lowder in a Gallery adjoyning then the Chaplain prayed whereat the King was so moved that he sent him this message Either come and doe as we doe or I will make you prate further off 14. In this Severall Writers against Mr. Mountague and the next yeer many Books from persons of severall abilities and professions were writen against M r. Mountague By 1. D r. Sutcliffe Dean of Exeter One who was miles emeritus age giving him a Supersedeas save that his zeale would imploy it self and some conceived that his choler became his old age 2. M r. Henry Burton who then began to be well as afterwards wards too well known to the World 3. M r. Francus Rowse a Lay-man by profession 4. M r. Yates a Minister of Norfolk formerly a Fellow of Emmanuel in Cambridge he intitles his Book Ibus ad Caesarem 5. D r. Carleton Bishop of Chichester 6. Anthonie Wootton Divinitie-Professour in Gresham-Colledge In this Armie of Writers the strength is conceived to consist in the rere and that the last wrote the solidest confutations Of these six Dean Sutcliffe is said to have chode heartily M r. Rowse meant honestly M r. Burton wrote plainly Bishop Carleton very piously M r. Yates learnedly and M r. Wootton most solidly 15. I remember not at this time any of Master Mountague's partie engaged in print in his behalf Mr. Mountague left to deâ—end himself Whether because they conceived this their Champion sufficient of himselfe to encounter all opposers or because they apprehended it unsafe though of the same judgment to justifie a Book which was grown so generally offensive Insomuch as his Majesty himself sensible of his Subjects great distaste thereat sounded by the Duke of Buckingham to that purpose was resolved to leave Mr. Mountague to stand or fall Jan. 19. 1611-16 according to the justice of his cause The Duke imparted as much to Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids who conceived it of such ominous concernment that he entred the same in his Diarie viz. I seem to see a cloud arising and threatning the Church of England God for his mercie dissipate it 16. The day of the Kings Coronation drawing neer A maim on the embleme of Peace his Majesty sent to survey and peruse the Regalia or Royal Ornaments which then were to be used It happened that the left wing of the Dove on the Scepter was quite broken off by what casualty God himself knows The King sent for Mr. Acton then his Goldsmith commanding him that the very same should be set on again The Goldsmith replied that it was impossible to be done so fairly but that some mark would remain thereof To whom the King in some passion returned l His Son succeeding his Father in that place and then present attested to me the truth hereof If you will not doe it another shall Hereupon Mr. Acton carried it home and got another Dove of Gold to be artificially set on whereat when brought back his Majesty was well contented as making no discovery thereof 17. The Bishop of Lincolne A Dilemma well waved Lord-Keeper was now dayly descendant in the Kings favour who so highly distasted him that he would not have him as Dean of Westminster to perform any part of His Coronation yet so was it a favour or a triall that it was left to his free choice to prefer any Prebendary of the Church to officiate in his place The Bishop met with a Dilemma herein To recommend Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids and Prebendary of Westminster for that performance was to grace one of his greatest enemies to passe him by and prefer a private Prebendary for that purpose before a Bishop would seem unhandsome and be interpreted a neglect of his own Order To avoid all exceptions
Toleration But that motion was crusht by the Bishops opposing it and chiefly by Bishop Dounhams sermon in Dublin on this Text Luke 1. 74. That we being delivered from the hands of our Enemies might serve him without fear 57. Many a man Hopes to spring in England sunk in his Estate in England hath happily recovered it by removing into Ireland whereas by a contrary motion this project bankrupt in Ireland presumed to make it self up in England Where the Papists promised to maintain a proportion of Ships on the aforesaid condition of free exercise of their Religion Anno Regis Car. 1. Anno Dom. Some were desirous the King should accept their tender who might lawfully take what they were so forward to give seeing no injury is done to them who are willing 58. It was urged on the other side But is rejected that where such willingness to be injured proceeds from the Principle of an erroneous conscience there their simplicity ought to be informed not abused Grant Papists so weak as to buy Protestants should be more honest than to sell such base wares unto them Such Ships must needs spring many leaks rig'd victualed and manned withil-gotten money gained by the sale of Souls And here all the objections were revived which in the reign of King James were improved against such a Toleration 59. Here Sir John Savil interposed Sir John Savil his motion that if the King were pleased but to call on the Recusants to pay thirds legally due to the Crown it would prove a way more effectual and less offensive to raise a mass of Money it being but just who were so rich and free to purchase new Priviledges should first pay their old Penalties This motion was listned unto and Sir John with some others appointed for that purpose in the Counties beyond Trent scarce a third of England in ground but almost the half thereof for the growth of Recusants therein But whether the Returns seasonably furnished the Kings occasions is to me unknown 60. It is suspicious that all such Projects to quench the thirst of the Kings necessities proved no better then sucking-bottles 4 1628 A Parliament cal'd which proves full of troubles soon emptied but cold the liquor they afforded Nothing so naturall as the milk of the breast I mean Subsidies granted by Parliament which the King at this time assembled But alas to follow the Metaphor both the breasts the two Houses were so sore with several grievances that all money came from them with much pain and difficulty the rather because they complained of Doctrines destructive to their propriety lately preached at Court 61. For towards the end of this Session of Parliament Dr. Manwaring was severely censured for two Sermons he had preached and printed about the power of the Kings Prerogative Mr. Pimm's Speech against Dr. Manwaring Such is the precipice of this matter wherein each casual slip of my Pen may prove a deadly fall that I had rather the Reader should take all from Mr. Pimm's mouth than from my hand who thus uttered himself Master a Transcribed out of his Manuscript Speech Speaker June 9 I am to deliver from the Sub-Committee a Charge against Mr. Manwaring a Preacher and Doctor of Divinity but a man so criminous that he hath turned his titles into accusations for the better they are the worse is he that hath dishonoured them Here is a great Charge that lies upon him it is great in it self and great because it hath many great Charges in it Serpens qui Serpentem devorat fit Draco his Charge having digested many Charges into it is become a Monster of Charges The main and great one is this A plot and policie to alter and subvert the frame and fabrick of this State and Commonwealth This is the great one and it hath others in it that gains it more greatness For to this end he labours to infuse into the conscience of his Majesty the perswasion of a power not bounding it self with Laws which King James of famous memorie calls in his Speech in Parliament 1619 Tyrannie yea Tyrannie accompanied with Perjurie 2. Secondly He endeavours to perswade the consciences of the Subjects that they are bound to obey illegal commands yea he damns them for not obeying them 3. Thirdly He robs the Subjects of the propertie of their goods 4. Fourthly He brands them that will not lose this propertie with most scandalous and odious titles to make them hatefull both to Prince and People so to set a division between the Head and Members Anno Dom. 1628 Anno Regis Caroli 4 and between the Members themselves 5. Fifthly To the same end not much unlike to Faux and his fellows he seeks to blow up Parliaments and Parliamentarie Power These five being duly viewed will appear to be so many Charges and withall they make up the main and great Charge A mischievous Plot to alter and subvert the frame and Government of this State and Commonwealth And now that you may be sure that Mr. Manwaring though he leave us no propriety in our Goods yet he hath an absolute propriety in his Charge Audite ipsam belluam heare Mr. Manwaring by his own words making up his own Charge Here he produced the Book particularly insisting on pag. 19. 29. and 30. in the first Sermon pag. 35. 46. and 48 in the second Sermon All which passages he heightned with much eloquence and acrimonie thus concluding his Speech I have shewed you an evill Tree that bringeth forth evill Fruit and now it rests with you to determine whether the following sentence shall follow Cut it down and cast it into the fire 62. Four daies after the Parliament proceeded to his censure The severe censure on the Doctor June 13 consisting of eight particulars it being ordered by the House of Lords against him as followeth 1. To be imprisoned during the pleasure of the House 2. To be fined a thousand pounds 3. To make his submission at the Bar in this House and in the House of Commons at the Bar there in verbis conceptis by a Committee of this House 4. To be suspended from his Ministerial function three yeers and in the mean time a sufficient preaching man to be provided out of the profits of his living and this to be left to be performed by the Ecclesiastical Court 5. To be disabled for ever hereafter from preaching at Court 6. To be for ever disabled of having any Ecclesiastical Dignity in the Church of England 7. To be uncapable of any secular Office or preferment 8. That his Books are worthy to be burned and his Majesty to be moved that it may be so in London and both the Universities But much of this censure was remitted in consideration of the performance of his humble submission at both the Bars in Parliament 63. Where he appeared on the three and twentieth of June following His humble submission
is an ordinary working-day it being will-worship and superstition to make it a Sabbath by vertue of the fourth Commandement But whilest Mr. Bradborn was marching furiously and crying Victoriae to himself he fell into the ambush of the High Commission whose well tempered severity herein so prevailed upon him that submitting himself to a private conference and perceiving the unfoundnesse of his own principles he became a Convert conforming himself quietly to the Church of England 2. Francis White Bishop formerly of Norwich then of Ely Sabbatarian controversies revived was employed by his Majesty to confute Mr. Bradborn his erroneous opinion In the writing whereof some expressions fell from his pen whereat many strict people but far enough from Bradborn's conceipt took great distaste Hereupon Books begat Books and controversies on this subject were multiplied reducible to five principal heads 1. What is the fittest name to signifie the day set apart for Gods publique service 2. When that day is to begin and end 3. Upon what authority the keeping thereof is bottomed 4. Whether or no the day is alterable 5. Whether any recreations and what kindes of them be lawfull on that day And they are dinstinguishable into three severall opinions Sabbatarians Moderate men Anti-Sabbatarians I Are charged to affect the word Sabbath as a Shiboleth in their writing preaching and discoursing to distinguish the true Israelites from lisping Ephraimites as a badg of more pretended puritie As for Sunday some would not have it mentioned in Christian mouthes as resenting of Saxon Idolatry so called from and dedicated to the Sunne which they adored 2. Some make the Sabbath to begin on Saturday night The evening and the morning were the first day and others on the next day in the morning both agreeing on the extent thereof for four and twenty hours 3. They found it partly on the law and light of nature deriving some countenances for the septenary number out of heathen authours and partly on the fourth Commandement which they avouch equally moral with the rest I. Sabbath especially if Christian be premised may inoffensively be used as importing in the original only a Rest And it is strange that some who have a dearnesse yea fondness for some words of Jewish extraction Altar Temple c. should have such an antipathie against the Sabbath Sunday may not only safely be used without danger of Paganisme but with increase of piety if retaining the name we alter the notion and therewith the notion thereof because on that day The a Mal. 4. 2. Sunne of Righteousnesse did arise with healing in his wings But the most proper name is the Lords-day as ancient used in the Apostles b Revel 1. 10. time and most expressive being both an Historian and Preacher For the Lords day looking backward mindeth us what the Lord did for us thereon rising from the dead and looking forward it monisheth us what we ought to doe for him on the same spending it to his glory in the proper duties thereof 2. The question is not of so great concernment For in all circular motions it matters not so much where one beginneth so be it he continueth the same untill he return unto that point again Either of the aforesaid computations of the day may be embraced Diésque quiésque redibit in orbem 3. In the Lords-day three things are considerable 1. A day founded on the light of nature pure impure Pagans destining whole daies to their idolatrous service 2. One day in seven grounded on the moral equity of the fourth Commandement which is like the feet and toes of Nebuchad-nezzar's c Dan. 2. 41. Image part of potters clay and part of iron The clay part and ceremonial mottie of that Commandement viz. that seventh day or Jewish Sabbath is mouldred away and buried in Christ's grave The iron part thereof viz. a mixture of moralitie therein one day in seven is perpetuall and everlasting 3. This seventh day being indeed the eighth from the creation but one of the seven in the week is built Sabbatarians 1 The word Sabbath as now used containeth therein a secret Magazeen of Judaism as if the affecters thereof by spirituall Necromancy endeavoured the reviving of dead and rotten Mosaicall Ceremonies 2. They confine the observation of the day only to the few hours of publique service 3. These unhinge the day off from any Divine Right and hang it meerly on Ecclesiasticall authority first introducing it as custome and consent of the Church had since established it Sabbatarians Moderate-Men Anti-Sabbatarians Anno Dom. 1633 Anno Regis Carol. 9 4. The Church no not ex plenitudine suae potestatis may or can alter the same 5. No exercises at all walking excepted with which strictnesse it self cannot be offended are lawful on this day Insomuch as some of them have been accused of turning the day of rest into the day of torture and self-maâ—eration on Divine right in a larger sense having an analogy in the Old and insinuations in the New Testament with the continued practice of the Church 4. Would be right glad of the generall agreement of the Christian Church but withall right sorry that the same should be abused for the alteration of the Lords-day But as there is but little hope of the former so is there no fear of the latter it being utterly unexpedient to attempt the altering thereof 5. The Sabbath in some sort was Lord yea Tyrant over the Jews and they by their superstition contented vassalls under it Christ was e Matth. 12. 8. Lord of the Sabbath and struck out the teeth thereof Indeed such recreations as are unlawfull on any day are most unlawfull on that day yea recreations doubtfull on other daies are to be forborn on that day on the suspicion of unlawfulnesse So are all those which by their over violence put people past a praying capacity Add also those which though acted after Evening-Service must needs be preacted by the fancy such the volatility thereof all the day before distracting the minde though the body be at Church These recreations forbidden other innocent ones may be permitted 4. The Universall consent of the Christian Church may alter it Yea d Pocklington in his Sunday no Sabbath pag. 8. one saith that the Church of Geneva went about to translate it to Thursday but it seems it was carried in the negative 5. Mixt dancings Masques Interludes Revells c. are by them permitted in the intervalls betwixt but generally after Evening-Service ended A worthy f Dr. Paul Micklewaite Doctor who in his Sermons at the Temple no less piously than learnedly handled the point of the Lords-day worthily pressed that Gentle-folke were obliged to a stricter observation of the Lords-day than labouring people The whole have no need of the Physitian but those who are sick Such as are not annihilated with labour have no title to be recreated with liberty Let Servants whose hands are ever working whilest their
according to their intentions which here are interpretable according to other Mens inclinations The Archbishops adversaries imputed this not to his charity but policy Fox-like preying farthest from his own den and instigating other Bishops to doe more than he would appear in himself As for his own Visitation-Articles some complained they were but narrow as they were made and broad as they were measured his under-officers improving and enforcing the same by their enquiries beyond the letter thereof 42. Many complain that Mans badness took occasion to be worse Licentiousness increaseth under the protection of these sports permitted unto them For although liberty on the Lords-day may be so limited in the notions of learned men as to make it lawfull it is difficult if not impossible so to confine it in the actions of lewd people but that their liberty will degenerate into licentiousness 43 Many moderate Men are of opinion Conceived by some a concurring cause of our civil Warrs that this abuse of the Lords day was a principall procurer of Gods anger since poured out on this land in a long and bloody civil war Such observe that our fights of chief concernment were often fought on the Lords-day as pointing at the punishing of the profanation thereof Indeed amongst so many battells which in ten yeers time have rent the bowels of England some on necessity would fall on that day seeing we have be-rubrick'd each day in the week almost in the yeer with English blood and therefore to pick a solemne providence out of a common-casualty savours more of curiosity than conscience Yeâ— seeing Edge-hill-fight which first brake the peace and made an irreconcileable breach betwixt the two parties was fought on that day and some battells since of greatest consequence there may be more in the observation than what many are willing to acknowledge But whatsoever it is which hence may be collected sure I am those are the best Christians who least censure others and most reform themselves 44. But here it is much to be lamented A sad alteration that such who at the time of the Sabbatarian controversie were the strictest observers of the Lords-day are now reeled by their violence into another extreme to be the greatest neglecters yea contemners thereof These Transcendents accounting themselves mounted above the Predicament of common piety averr they need not keep any because they keep all days Lords-dayes in their elevated holinesse But alas Christian duties said to be ever done will prove never done if not sometimes solemnly done These are the most dangerous Levellers equalling all times places and persons making a generall confusion to be Gospell-perfection Whereas to speak plainly we in England are rebus sic stantibus concerned now more strictly to observe the Lords-day than ever before Holy-daies are not and Holy-eves are not and Wednesday and Friday-Letanies are not and Lords-day eves are not and now some out of errour and others out of profaneness goe about to take away the Lords-day also all these things make against Gods solemn and publique service Oh let not his publique worship now contracted to fewer chanells have also a shallower stream But enough of this subject wherein if I have exceeded the bounds of an Historian by being to large therein such will pardon me who know if pleasing to remember that Divinity is my proper profession 45. At this time miserable the maintenance of the Irish Clergy Irish impropriations restored where Scandalous means made Scandalous Ministers And yet a Popish Priest would grow fat in that Parish where a Protestant would be famished as have not their lively-hood on the oblations of those of their own Religion But now such Impropriations as were in the Crown by the King were restored to the Church to a great diminution of the Royall-Revenew though his Majesty never was sensible of any loss to himself if thereby gain might redound to God in his Ministers Bishop Laud was a worthy Instrument in moving the King to so pious a work and yet this his procuring the restoring of Irish did not satisfy such discontented at his obstructing the buying in of English Impropriations thus those conceived to have done hurt at home will hardly make reparations with other good deeds at distance 46. A Convocation concurrent with a Parliament was called and kept at Dublin in Ireland The 39 Articles received in Ireland wherein the 39. Articles of the Church of England were received in Ireland for all to subscribe unto It was adjudged fit seeing that Kingdome complies with England in the Civill government it should also conform thereto in matters of Religion Mean time the Irish Articles concluded formerly in a Synode 1616. wherein Arminianisne was condemned in terminis terminantibus and the observation of the Lords day resolved jure Divine were utterly excluded 47. A Cardinals-Cap once and again offered by the Pope Bishop Laud refuseth a Cardinalls-Cap to Bishop Laud was as often refused by him The fashion thereof could not fit his Head who had studied and written so much against the Romish Religion He who formerly had foiled the Fisher himself in a publick disputation would not now be taken with so filly a bait but accquainted the King therewith timuit Roman vel donaferentem refusing to receive anything from Rome till she was better reformed 48. Doctor William Juxon Bishop of London March 6 1635 Bishop Juxon made Lord Treasurer was by Bishop Lauds procurement made Lord Treasurer of England entring on that Office with many and great disadvantages Anno Dom. 1635 Anno Regis Caroli 10 First because no Clergy-man had executed the same since William Grey Bishop of Ely almost two hundred yeare agoe in the raign of King Edward the fourth Secondly because the Treasury was very poor and if in private houses bare walls make giddy Hous-wives in Princes Palaces empty Coffers make unsteady Statesmen Thirdly because a very Potent I cannot say Competitor the Bishop himself being never a Petitor for the Place but desirer of this Office was frustrated in his almost assured expectation of the same to himself 49. However so discreet his carriage in that place His comendable carriage it procured a generall love unto him and politick malice despairing to bite resolved not to bark at him He had a perfect command of his passion an happiness not granted to all Clergy-men in that age though privy-Counsellors slow not of speech as a defect but to speak out of discretion because when speaking he plentifully payed the principall and interest of his Auditors expectation No hands having so much money passing thorough them had their fingers less soiled there with It is probable his frugality would have cured the consumption of the Kings Exchequer had not the unexpected Scotch commotion put it into a desperate relapse In this particular he was happy above others of his order that whereas they may be said in some sort to have left their Bishopricks
flying into the Kings quarters for safety he staid at home till his Bishoprick left him roused from his Swans-nest at Fulham for a bird of another feather to build therein 50. Dr. Laud Arch-bishop Laud presses conformity formerly Archbishop in power now so in place after the decease of Bishop Abbots this yeer kept his metropoliticall visitation hence-forward conformity was more vigorously pressed than before Insomuch that a Minister was censured in the High-Commission for this expression in a sermon That it was suspicious that now the night did approach because the shadows were so much longer then the body and ceremonies more in force then the power of godliness And now many differences about divine worship began to arise whereof many books were writen pro and con So common in all hands that my pains may be well spared in rendering a particular account of what is so universally known So that a word or two will suffice 51. One controversy was about the Holiness of our Churches Our Churches succeed not to the Temple but Synagogues some maintaining that they succeed to the same degree of sanctity with the Tabernacle of Moses Temple of Solomon which others flatly denyed First because the Tabernacle and Temple were and might be but one at a time whil'st our Churches without fault may be multiplyed without any seâ— number They both for their fashion fabrick and utensils were jure divino their Architects being inspired whil'st our Churches are the product of humane fancy Thirdly God gloriously appeared both in the Tabernacle and Temple only gratiously present in our Churches Fourthly The Temple was a type of Christs Body which ours are not More true it is our Churches are heirs to the holyness of the Jewish Synagogues which were many and to whom a reverence was due as publiquely destined to divine service 52. Not less the difference about the manner of adoration to be used in Gods-House Adoration towards the Altar which some would have done towards the Communion-Table as the most remarkable place of Gods presence Those used a distinction between bowing ad altare towards the Altar as directing their adoration that way and ad altare to the Altar as terminating their worship therein the latter they detested as Idolatrous the former they defended as lawfull and necessary such a * Mal. 1. 7. slovenly unmannerlynes had lately possessed many people in their approaches to Gods House that it was high time to reform 53. But such as disliked the gesture Disliked by many could not or would not understand the distinction as in the Suburbs of Superstition These allowing some corporall adoration lawfull yea necessary seeing no reason the Moity of Man yea the Totall Sunne of Him Anno Regis Caroli 13 Anno Dom. 1637 which is visible his Body should be exempted from Gods service except such a Writ of Ease could be produced and proved from Scripture But they were displeased with this adoration because such as injoyn it maintain one kinde of reverence due to the very place another to the Elements of the Sacraments if on the Table a third to God himself these severall degrees of reverence ought to be rayled about as well as the Communion-Table and cleerly distinguished lest that be given to the Creature which belongs to the Creator and such as shun profanation run into Idolatry 54. A controversy was also started about the Pasture of the Lords Board Communion-Table or Altar the last name beginning now in many Mens mouths to out the two former Some would have it constantly fixed with the sides East and West ends North and South on a graduated advance next the East-wall of the Chancell citing a Canon and the practise in the Kings-Chappell for the same Others pressed the Queens injunctions that allowing it at other times to stand but not Altar-wise in the Chancell it ought to be set in the body of tâ—e Church when the Sacrament is celebrated thereon 55. Such the heat about this Altar till both sides had almost Sacrificed up their mutual charity thereon and this controversy was prosecuted with much needless animosity This mindeth me of a passage in Cambridge when King James was there present to whom a great Person complained of the inverted situation of a Colledge-Chappell North and South out of designe to put the House to the cost of new building the same To whom the King answered It matters not how the Chappell stands so their hearts who goe thither be set aright in Gods service Indeed if moderate men had had the managing of these matters the accommodation had been easy with a little condescension on both sides But as a small accidentall heat or cold such as a healthfull body would not be sensible of is enough to put him into a fit who was formerly in latitudine febris so mens minds distempered in this age with what I may call a mutinous tendency were exasperated with such small occasions which otherwise might have been passed over and no notice taken thereof June 14. Wednesday Mr William Prinne 56. For now came the censure of Mr. Prinne Dr. Bastwick and Mr. Burton and we must goe a little backwards to take notice of the nature of their offences a The perpetuity of the regenerate man his estate Mr. William Prinne born about Bath in Gloucestershire bred some time in Oxford afterwards Utter-Baraster of Lincolns-Inn began with the writing of some usefull and Orthodox Books I have heard some of his Detractours account him as only the hand of a better head setting forth at first the endeavours of others Afterwards he delighted more to be numerous with many then ponderous with select quotations which maketh his Books to swell with the loss oft-times of the Reader sometimes of the Printer and his Pen generally querulous hath more of the Plaintiff then of the Defendant therein 57. Some three yeers since he set forth a Book called Histriomastrix or the Whip of Stage-players Accused for libelling against the Bishops Whip so held and used by his hand that some conceived the Lashes thereof flew into the face of the Queen her self as much delighted in Masques For which he was severely censured to lose his EARES on the Pillory and for a long time after two removalls to the Fleet imprisoned in the Tower Where he wrote and whence he dispersed new Pamphlets which were interpreted to be Libells against the established Discipline of the Church of England for which he was indited in the Star-chamber 58. Dr. John Bastwick by vulgar errour generally mistaken to be a Scotchman was born at Writtle in Essex Dr. Bastwick his accusation bred a short time in Emanuell-Colledge then travailed nine yeers beyond the Seas made Dr. of Physick at Padua Returning home he practised it at Colchester and set forth a Book in Latine wherein his Pen commanded a pure and fluent style entituled Flagellum Pontificis Episcoporum Latialium But it seems
King got the smiles of those who were most in number but the frowns of such who were greatest in power 3. Many were offended that at the Kings Coronation some six yeares agoe and a Parliament following thereon an act of ratification was passed concerning the Church her liberties and priviledges which some complained of was done without Plurality of Suffrages 4. Some Persons of honor desiring higher Titles m 〈…〉 were offended that they were denyed unto them whilst his Majesty conferred them on others There want not those also who confidently suggest it to Posterity that Pensions constantly payed out of the English Exchequer in the Reign of King James to some principall pastors in the Scottish Church were since detained So also the bounty of boons was now restrained in the Reign of King Charles which could not fall so freely as in the dayes of his father the Cloud being almost drained adding moreover that the want of watering of Scotland with such showers made them to chap into such Clefts and Chinks of Parties and Faâ—ions disaffected to the Kings proceedings 101. To increase these distempers some complain how justly The Book bears the blame of all their own Countrey-men best know of the pride and pragmaticainess of the Scotch Bishops who being but Probationers on their good behaviour as but reintroduced by King James offended the ancient Nobility with their medleing in State matters And I finde two principally accused on this account Doctor Forbes Bishop of the new Bishoprick of Edenburg and Doctor Welderburne Bishop of Dumblane Thus was the Scotch Nation full of discontents when this Book being brought unto them bare the blame of their breaking forth into more dangerous designs as when the Cup is brim full before the last though least superadded drop is charged alone to be the cause of all the running over 102. Besides the Church of Scotland claimed not only to be Independent The Scotch Church standeth on the termes of its own independency free as any Church in Christendome a Sister not Daughter of England but also had so high an opinion of its own puritie that it participated more of Moses his platform in the Mount than other Protestant Churches being a reformed reformation So that the practice thereof might be directory to others and she fit to give not take write not receive copies from any Neighbouring Church destring that all others were like unto them save only in their afflictions 103. So much for the complained of burden of the book Arch-Bishop Land accused as principall Composer of the Book as also for the sore back of that Nation gauled with the aforesaid grievances when this Liturgy was sent unto them and now we must not forget the hatred they bare to the hand which they accused for laying it upon them Generally they excused the King in their writings as innocent therein but charged Archbishop Laud as the principall and Doctor n Bayly ut pri pag. 102. Cosins for the instrumentall compiler thereof which may appear by what we read in a Writer o Idem pag 95. 96. of that Nation afterwards imployed into England about the advancing of the Covenant betwixt both Nations and other Church affaires This unhappy Book was his Gracet invention if he should deny it his own deeds would convince him The manifold letters which in this Pestiferous affaire have passed betwixt him and our Prelates are yet extant Anno Dom. 1637 If we might be heard Anno Regis Caroli 13 we would spread out sundry of them before the Convocation-House of England making it clear as the light that in all this designe his hand had ever been the prime stickler so that upon his back mainly nill he will he would be laid the charge of all the fruits good or evill which from that Tree are like to fall on the Kings Countries Surely if any such evidence was extant we shall hear of it hereafter at his arraignment produced and urged by the Scotch-Commissioners 10. But leaving the Roots to lye under the Earth The tumult at Edenborough at the first reading the book let us look on the Branches spreading themselves above ground July 23. Sunday and passing from the secret Author of this Book behold the evident effects thereof No sooner had the Dean of Edenborough began to read the Book in the Church of St. Gyles in the presence of the Privy-Councell both the Archbishops divers Bishops and Magistrates of the City but presently such a Tumult was raised that through clapping of hands cursing and crying one could neither hear nor be heard The Bishop of Edenborough indeavoured in vain to appease the Tumult whom a Stool aimed to be thrown at him had killed p The Kings laâ—ge declaration pag. 23. if not diverted by one present so that the same Book had occasioned his Death and prescribed the form of his buriall and this Hubbub was hardly suppressed by the Lord Provost and Bayliffs of Edenborough 105. This first Tumult was caused by such More considerable persons engaged in the cause whom I finde called the Skum of the City considerable for nothing but their number But few dayes after the cream of the Nation some of the highest and best quality therein ingaged in the same cause crying out God defend all those who will defend Gods cause and God confound q The Kings large declaration pag. 37. the Service-Book and all the maintainers of it 106. The Lords of the Councell interposed their power Octob. 17. and to appease all parties issued out a Proclamation to remove the Session much like to our Term in London to Lithgou The occasion of the Scotch covenant This abated their anger as fire is quenched with Oile seeing the best part of the Edenburgers livelyhood depends on the Session kept in their City yea so highly were the People enraged against Bishops as the procurers of all these Troubles that the Bishop of Galloway passing peaceably along the street towards the Councellâ—House was way-layed r Kings large declaration pag. 35. in his coming thither if by divine Providence and by Frances Stewart Sonne to the late Earl of Bothwell he had not with much adoe been got within the dores of the Councell-House Indeed there is no fence but flight nor counsell but concealement to secure any single parâ—y against an offended multitude 107. These troublesome beginnings afterwards did occasion the solemn League and Covenant The Authors excuse why not proceeding in this subject whereby the greatest part of the Nation united themselves to defend their Priviledges and which laid the foundation of a long and wofull War in both Kingdomes And here I crave the Readers pardon to break off and leave the prosecution of this sad subject to Pens more able to undertake it For first I know none will pity me if I needlesly prick my fingers with meddling with a Thistle which belongs not unto me Secondly I
done lesse themselves if in their condition 18. Thus was an old Convocation converted into a new Synod Out of the buriall of an old Convocation the birth of a new Synod and now their disjoynted meeting being set together again they betook themselves to consult about new Canons Now because great bodies move slowly and are fitter to be the consenters to than the contrivers of businesse it was thought fit to contract the Synod into a select Committee of some six and twenty beside the Proloquutour who were to ripen matters as to the propounding and drawing up the formes to what should passe yet so that nothing should be accounted the act of the House till thrice as I take it publiquely voted therein 19. Expect not here of me an exemplification of such Canons Why the Canons of this Synod are not by us exemplified as were concluded of in this Convocation Partly because being printed they are publique to every eie but chiefly because they were never put in practice or generally received The men in Persia did never look on their little ones till they were seven yeers old bred till that time with thâ—ir Mothers and Nurses nor did they account them in their Genealogies amongst their children but amongst the more long-lived abortives if dying before seven yeers of age I conceive such Canons come not under our cognizance which last not at least an apprenticeship of yeers in use aâ—d practice and therefore we decline the setting down the Acts of this Synod It is enough for us to present the number and titles of the severall Canons 1. Concerning the Regal power 2. For the better keeping of the day of his Majesties most happy Inauguration 3. For suppressing of the growth of Popery 4. Against Socinianism 5. Against Sectaries 6. An Oath injoyned for the preventing of all Innovations in Doctrine and Government 7. A Declaration concerning some Rites and Ceremonies 8. Of Preaching for Conformity 9. One Book of Articles of inquiry to be used at all Parochiall Visitations 10. Concerning the Conversation of the Clergy 11. Chancellors Patents 12. Chancellors alone not to censure any of the Clergy in sundry Cases 13. Excommunication and Absolution not to be pronounced but by a Priest 14. Concerning the Commutations and the disposing of them 15. Touching concurrent Jurisdictions 16. Concerning Licences to Marry 17. Against vexatious Citations 20. As for the Oath concluded on in this Synod The form of the Oath c. because since the subject of so much discourse it is here set forth at large according to the true tenour thereof as followeth I A. B. doe swear That I doe approve the Doctrine and Discipline or Government established in the Church of England as containing all things necessary to salvation And that I will not endeavour by my self or any other directly or indirectly to bring in any Popish Doctrine contrary to that which is so established nor will I ever give my consent to alter the Government of this Church by Archbishops Bishops Deanes and Archdeacons c. as it stands now established and as by right it ought to stand nor yet ever to subject it to the usurpation and superstitions of the Sea of Rome And all these things I doe plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear according to the plaine and common sense and understanding of the same words without any equivocation or mentall evasion or secret reservation whatsoever And this I doe heartily willingly and truly upon the faith of a Christian So help me God in Jesus Christ 21. Towards the close of the Convocation Doctor Griffith A motion for a new edition of the Welsh Bible a Clark for some Welsh Diocesse whose moderate carriage all the while was very commendable made a motion that there might be a new edition of the Welsh Church-Bible some sixty yeers since first translated into Welsh by the worthy endeavours of Bishop Morgan but not without many mistakes and omissions of the printer He insisted on two most remarkable a whole verse left out Exod. 12. concerning the Angels passing over the houses besprinkled with blood which mangleth the sense of the whole Chapter Another Habak 25. where that passage He is a proud man is wholly omitted The matter was committed to the care of the Welsh Bâ—shops who I fear surprised with the troublesome times effected nothing herein 22. The day before the ending of the Synod Glocester his singularity threatned with suspension Godfrey Goodman Bishop of Glocester privately repaired to the Archbishop of Canterbury acquainting him that he could not in his conscience subscribe the new Canons It appeared afterwards that he scrupled some passages about the Corporal presence But whether upon Popish or Lutheran principles he best knoweth himself The Archbishop advised him to avoide obstinacy and singularity therein However the next day when we all subscribed the Canons suffering our selves according to the order of such meetings to be all concluded by the majority of Votes though some of us in the Committee privately dissenting in the passing of many particulars he alone utterly refused his subscription thereunto Whereupon the Archbishop being present with us in King Henry the seventh his Chappell was highly offended at him My Lord of Glocester said he I admonish you to subscribe and presently after My Lord of Glocester I admonish you the second time to subscribe and immediately after I admonish you the third time to subscribe To all which the Bishop pleaded conscience and returned a deniall 23. Then were the judgements of the Bishops severally asked His suspension suspended whether they should proceed to the present suspension of Glocester for his contempt herein Davenant Bishop of Sarisbury being demanded his opinion conceived it fit some Lawyers should first be consulted with how far forth the power of a Synod in such cases did extend He added moreover that the threefold admonition of a Bishop ought solemnly to be done with some considerable intervalls betwixt them in which the party might have time of convenient deliberation However some dayes after he was committed by the Kings command as I take it to the Gate-house where he got by his restraint what he could never have gained by his liberty namely of one reputed Popish to become for a short time popular as the only Confessor suffering for not subscribing the Canons Soon after the same Canons were subscribed at York where the Convocation is but the hand of the Diall moving and pointing as directed by the clock of the Province of Canterbury June 30. And on the last of June following the said Canons were publiquely printed with the Royall Assent affixed thereunto 24. No sooner came these Canons abroad into publique view First exception against â—he Canons but various were mens censures upon them Some were offended because bowing toward the Communion-Table now called Altar by many was not only left indifferent but also caution taken that the observers or the omitters thereof should not
others grumbling at it as too much for what by them was performed And now what place more proper for the building of Sion as they propounded it then the Chamber of Jerusalem the fairest in the Deans Lodgings where King Henry the fourth died and where these Divines did daily meet together 7. Be it here remembred The superadded Divines that some besides those Episcopally affected chosen to be at this Assembly notwithstanding absented themselves pretending age indisposition c. as it is easie for able unwillingness to finde out excuses and make them probable Fit it was therefore so many evacuities should be filled up to mount the Meeting to a competent number and Assemblies as well as Armies when grown thin must be recruited Hence it was that at severall times the Lords and Commons added more Members unto them by the name of the Super-added Divines Some of these though equall to the former in power were conceived to fall short in parts as chosen rather by the affections of others then for their own abilities the Original members of the Assembly not overpleased thereat such addition making the former rather more then more considerable 8. One of the first publick Acts The Assemblies first petition for a fast which I finde by them performed was the humble presenting of a Petition to both Houses for the appointing of a solemn fast to be generally observed And no wonder if their request met with fair acceptance and full performance seeing the Assemblies Petition was the Parliaments intention and this solemn suite of the Divines did not create new but quicken the old resolutions in both Houses presently a Fast is appointed July 21. Frid. and accordingly kept on the following Friday M r Boules and M r Newcomen whose sermons are since printed preaching on the same and all the rest of the particulars promised to be taken into speedy consideration 9. It was now projected to finde out some Band or Tie The Covenent entreth England for the streighter Vnion of the English and Scotish amongst themselves and both to the Parliament In order whereunto the Covenant was now presented This Covenant was of Scottish extraction born beyond Tweed but now brought to be bred on the South-side thereof 10. The House of Commons in Parliament The Covenant first taken and the Assembly of Divines solemnly took the Covenant at S t. Margarets in Westminster 11. It was ordered by the Commons in Parliament that this Covenant be forthwith printed and published Commanded to be printed 12. Divers Lords Taken by Gentlemen Knights Gentlemen Collonels Officers Souldiers and others Sept. 27. Wed. 29. Frid. then residing in the City of London met at S t Margarets in Westminster and there took the said Covenant M r Coleman preaching a Sermon before them concerning the piety and legality thereof 13. It was commanded by the authority of both Houses Enjoyned all in London that the said Covenant on the Sabbath day ensuing Frid. Octo. 1. Sund. should be taken in all Churches and Chappels of London within the lines of Communication and thoroughout the Kingdom in convenient time appointed thereunto according to the Tenour following A Solemn league and Covenant for Reformation and defence of Religion the honour and happiness of the King and the peace and safety of the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland WE Noblemen Barons Knights Gentlemen Citizens Burgesses Ministers of the Gospel and Commons of all sorts in the Kingdom of England Scotland and Ireland by the providence of God living under one King and being of one Reformed Religion having before our eyes the glory of God and the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ the honour and happiness of the Kings Majesty and his posterity and the true publick liberty safety and peace of the Kingdom wherein every ones private condition is included And calling to minde the Treacherous and Bloody Plots Conspiracies attempts and Practises of the enemies of God against the true Religion and the professors thereof in all places especially in these three Kingdoms ever since the Reformation of Religion and how much their rage power and presumption are of late and at this time encreased and exercised whereof the deplorable estate of the Church and Kingdom of Ireland the distressed estate of the Church and Kingdom of England the dangerous estate of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland are present and publick Testimonies We have now at last after other means of Supplications Remonstrances Protestations and sufferings for the preservation of our selves and our Religion from utter ruine and destruction according to the commendable practises of these Kingdoms in former times and the example of Gods people in other nations after mature deliberation resolved and determined to enter into a mutual solemn League and Covenant wherein we all subscribe and each one of us for himself with our hands lifted up to the most High God do swear That we shall sincerely really and constantly through the grace of God endeavour in our several places and callings the preservation of the reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government against our common enemies the Reformation of Religion in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government according to the word of God and the example of the best reformed Churches and shall endeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three Kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in Religion Confession of Faith form of Church-Government directory for Worship and Catechizing That we and our posterity after us may as Brethren live in faith and love and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us That we shall in like manner without respect of persons endeavour the extirpation of Popery Prelacie that is Church-government by Arch-Bishops Bishops their Chancellours and Commissaries Deans Deans and Chapters Arch-Deacons and all other Ecclesiastical Officers depending on that Hierarchie Superstition Heresie Schism Prophaneness and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound Doctrine and the power of godliness lest we partake in other mens sins and thereby be in danger to receive of their plagues and that the Lord may be one and his name one in the three Kingdomes We shall with the same sincerity reality and constancy in our several Vocations endeavour with our estates and lives mutually to preserve the Rights and priviledges of the Parliaments and the due liberties of the kingdomes and to preserve and defend the Kings Majesty his person and authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and liberties of the Kingdoms that the world may bear witness with our consciences of our loyalty and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish his Majesties just power and greatness We shall also with all faithfulness endeavour the discovery of all such as have been or shall be Incendiaries Malignants or evill instruments
They are loath therefore to make a blind promise for fear of a lame performance 19. As for the Reforming of Religion which necessarily implies a changing thereof of England Nor without a double scandal and Ireland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government they cannot consent thereunto without manifest scandal both to Papists and Separatists For besides that they shall desert that just cause which many pious Martyrs Bishops and Divines of our Church have defended both with their inke and blood writings and sufferings hereby they shall advantage the cavils of Papists against our Religion taxing it of uncertainty not knowing where to fix our feet as allways altering the same Yea they shall not only supply Papists with pleas for their Recusancy Sectaries for their Separation acknowledging something in our Church-Doctrine and Service not well agreeing with Gods-word but also shall implicitly confess Papists unjustly punished by the Penal-Statutes for not conforming with us to the same Publick-Service wherein somethings are by our selves as well as them misliked and disallowed 20. Nor can they take this Covenant without injury and perjury to themselves Injury to themselves Injurie by insnaring their consciences credits and estates if endeavouring to reform Religion under the notion of faulty and vicious to which formerly they had subscribed enjoyned thereto by the b b 13. Eliz. cap. 12. Law of the Land not yet abrogated never as yet checked by the regrets of their own consciences nor confuted by the reasons of others for the doing thereof 21. Perjury Perjury to their souls as contrary to the Protestation and solemn vow they had c c May the 5. 1641. lately taken and Oath of Supremacy swearing therein to defend all the Kings Rights and Priviledges whereof His Spiritual Jurisdiction in reforming Church-matters is a principal Now although a latter oath may be corroborative of the former or constructive of a new obligation consistent therewith yet can it not be inductive of a tie contrary to an oath lawfully taken before Exceptions to the Second Article 22. It grieveth them therein to see Prelacy so unequally yoak'd Ill but forc'd 〈◊〉 of Prelacy Popery being put before it Superstition Heresie Schisme and Prophaneness following after Such the pleasure of those that placed them though nothing akin in themselves But a captive by the power of others may be fettered to those whom he hates and abhorres Consent they cannot to the extirpation of Prelacy Foure reasons against extirpation of Prelacy neither in respect Of 1 The thing it self being perswaded that neither Papal Monarchie nor Presbyterian Democracie nor Independant Anarchie are so conformable to the Scriptures as Episcopal Aristocracy being if not of Divine in a strict sence of Apostolical Institution confirmed with Church-practice the best Comment on Scripture when obscure for 1500 years and bottomed on the same foundation with Infants-Baptisme National Churches observing the Lords-day and the like 2 Themselves of whom 1 All when taking degrees in the University 2 Most as many as are entred into Holy-Orders 3 Not a few when lately petitioning the Parliament for the continuing of Episcopacy 4 Some being members of Cathedral and Collegiate Churches have subscribed with their hands and with their corporal oaths avowed the justification and defence of that government 3 Church of England fearing many mischiefs from this alteration felt sooner than seen in all great and sudden changes especially because the Ecclesiastical Government is so interwoven in many Statutes of the land And if Schisms so encrease on the Suspension what is to be expected on the Extirpation of Episcopacy 4 His Majesty as contrary to their Oath of Supremacy wherein they were bound to maintain His Priviledges amongst which a principal is that He is Supreme moderator over all Causes and Persons Spiritual wherein no change is to be attempted without his consent Dignity The Collations of Bishopricks and Deanries with their profits in their vacancies belonging unto Him and the First-fruits and Tenths of Ecclesiastical Dignities a considerable part of the Royal Revenue Here we omit their Plea whose chief means consisting of Cathedral preferment alledge the like not done from the beginning of the world that men though deserving deprivation for their offences should be forced to swear sincerely seriously and from their souls to endeavour the rooting out of that whence their best livelihood doth depend Exceptions against the Third Article 23. It grieveth them herein to be sworn to the Preservation of the Priviledges of Parliament and liberties of the Kingdom at large and without any restriction being bound in the following words to defend the Kings person and Authority as limited in the preservation and defence of true Religion and the Liberties of the Realm enlarging the former that the later may be the more confined 24. They are jealous what should be the cause of the inversion of the method seeing in the Solemn Vow and Protestation the Defence of the Kings Person and Authority is put first which in this Covenant is postposed to the Priviledges of Parliament However seeing the Protestation was first taken the Covenant as the younger cannot disinherit the elder of the possession which it hath quietly taken in mens consciences Exceptions to the Fourth Article 25. They are unsatisfied whether the same imposeth not a necessity for children to prosecute their Parents even to death under the notion of Malignants against all rules of Religion and humanity For even in case of Idolatry children under the old * * Deut. 13. 6. law were not bound publickly to accuse their Parents so as to bring them to be stoned for the same though such unnaturall cruelty be foretold by our * * Mat. 10. 21. Saviour to fall out under the Gospell of those that shall rise up against their Parents and cause them to be put to death Exceptions to the Fifth Article 26. They understand not what is meant therein by the happiness of a blessed peace betwixt these Kingdoms whereof Ireland must needs be one whilest the same is rent with a wofull warr and the other two lands distracted with homebred discords whereof no settlement can be hoped untill first all interests be equally stated and the Kings Authority Priviledges of Parliament and Liberties of Subjects justly bounded and carefully preserved Exceptions to the Sixth Article 27. They are unsatisfied therein as wholy hypothetical supposing what as yet is not cleared by solid arguments viz. that this is the common cause of Religion Liberty and peace of the Realms c. And if the same be granted it appeareth not to their conscience that the means used to promote this Cause are so lawfull and free from just objections which may be raised from the Laws of God and man Exceptions to the Conclusion 28. They quake at the mention that the taking of this Covenant should encourage other Churches groaning under the yoak of Antichristian Tyranny to joyn in the same fearing the dangerous consequences
language of one of their Grandees c c Responsio Jo. Norton pag. 114. Actus regiminis à Synodis debent porrigi non peragi the latter belonging to the liberty of several Congregations Their Adversaries object that none can give in an exact account of all their opinions daily capable of alteration and increase Whilst such Countries whose unmoveable Mountains and stable Valleys keep a fixed position may be easily surveyed no Geographer can accurately describe some part of Arabia where the flitting sands driven with the winds have their frequent removals so that the Traveller findeth a hole at his return where he left a hill at his departure Such the uncertainty of these Congregationalists in their judgements only they plead for themselves it is not the winde of every d d Mr Cotton his preface to Mr Nortons Book are always for new lights Doctrine but the Sun of the Truth which with its New lights makes them renounce their old and embrace new resolutions 42. Soon after a heavie Schism happened in the Church of Roterdam d Eph. 4. 15. A Schism in Roterdam Church betwixt M r Bridge and M r Simson the two Pastors thereof Insomuch that the latter rent himself saith one e e Mr Edwards ut prius p. 35. from M r Bridge his Church to the great offence thereof though more probable as another f f Mr John Goodwin in answer to Mr Edwards pag. 238. reporteth M r Simson dismissed with the consent of the Church However many bitter letters passed betwixt them and more sent over to their Friends in England full of invectives blackness of the tongue alwayes accompanying the paroxismes of such distempers g pag. 245. Their Presbyterian Adversaries make great use hereof to their disgrace If such Infant-Churches whilst their hands could scarce hold any thing fell a scratching and their feet spurning and kicking one another before they could well goe alone how stubborn and vexatious would they be when arrived at riper years 43. This Schism was seconded with another in the same Church A second Schism in the same Church wherein they deposed one of their Ministers M r Ward I conceive his name which was beheld as a bold and daring deed especially because herein they consulted not their Sister-Church at Arnhein which publickly was professed mutually to be done in cases of concernment Here the Presbyterians triumph in their conceived discovery of the nakedness and weakness of the Congregational way which for want of Ecclesiastical Subordination is too short to reach out a redress to such grievances For seeing par in parem non habet potestatem Equalls have no power over their Equalls the agrieved party could not right himself by any appeal unto a Superior But such consider not the end as well as the beginning of this difference wherein the Church of a a Apol. Nar. pag 21. Arnhein interposing not as a Judge to punish Offenders but as a Brother to check the failings of a Brother matters were so ordered that M r Ward was restored to his place when both he and the Church had mutually confessed their sinful carriage in the matter but enough if not too much hereof seeing every thing put in a Pamphlet is not fit to be recorded in a Chronicle 44. More concord crowned the Congregation at Arnheim The practice of Arnhein Church where M r Goodwin and M r Nye were Pastors wherein besides those Church-Ordinances formerly mentioned actually admitted and exercised some others stood Candidates and fair Probationers on their good behaviour namely if under Tryal they were found convenient Such were 1. The b b 1 Cor. 16. 20. Holy Kiss 2. Prophesyings c c 1 Cor. 14. when Private Christians at fit times made publick use of their parts and gifts in the Congregation 3. Hymns d d Eph. 5. 19. Col 3. 16. and which if no better Divinity then Musick might much be scrupled at 4. Widdows e e 1 Tim. 5. 9. as Essential She-Ministers in the Church which if it be so our late Civil-Wars in England have afforded us plenty for the place 5. Anointing of dying people as a standing Apostolical f f James 5. 14. Ordinance 45. Other things were in agitation The five Exiles return home when now the news ariveth that the Parliament sitting at Westminster had broken the yoak of Ceremonies and proclaimed a year of Jubilee to all tender consciences Home then they hasted with all convenient speed For only England is England indeed though some parts of Holland may be like unto it Over they came in a very good plight and Equipage which the Presbyterians and those I assure you are quick-sighted when pleased to prie took notice of Not a hair of their head singed nor any smell of the fire of persecution upon their Clothes However they were not to be blamed if setting their best foot forward in their return and appearing in the handsomest and chearfullest fashion for the credit of their cause and to show that they were not dejected with their sufferings 46. Presently they fall upon gathering of Congregations Gather Churches in England but chiefly in or about the City of London Trent may be good and Severn better but oh the Thames is the best for the plentifull taking of fish therein They did pick I will not say steal hence a Master thence a Mistress of a Family a Son out of a Third a Servant out of a Fourth Parish all which met together in their Congregation Some prevented calling by their coming of OLD Parishioners to become NEW Church-Members and so forward were they of themselves that they needed no force to compell nor art to perswade them Thus a new Inne never wanteth Guests at the first setting up especially if hanging out a fair Signe and promising more cleanness and neatness then is in any of their Neighbours 47. The Presbyterians found themselves much agrieved hereat The Presbyterians offended They accounted this practise of the Dissenting Brethren but Ecclesiastical felonie for at the best that they were but Spiritual Interlopers for the same They justly feared if this fashion continued the falling of the Roof or foundring of the Foundations of their own Parishes whence so many Corner Stones Pillars Rafters and Beams were taken by the other to build their Congregations They complained that these new Pastors though slighting Tithes and set maintenance yet so ordered the matter by gathering their Churches that these gleanings of Ephraim became better then the Vintage of Abi-ezer 48. Not long after when the Assembly of Divines was called these five Congregationalists were chosen members thereof Dissenting Brethren crave a Toleration but came not up with a full consent to all things acted therein As accounting that the pressing of an exact occurrence to the Presbyterian Government was but a kinde of a Conseience-Prison whilst accurate conformity to the Scotch Church was the very Dungeon thereof
A reginsine ecclesiasticâ— say * * In their epistle to the Reader prefixed to Mr Hortons book they uti nunc in Scotia viget longius distamus quippe quod ut nobis videtur non tantum à scripturis sed ab ecclesiarum reformatarum suorumque Theologorum sententijs qui sub Episcoporum tyrannide diu duriterque passi sunt plurimum distit No wonder therefore if they desired a Toleratien to be indulged them and they excused for being concluded by the Votes of the Assembly 49. But the Presbyterians highly opposed their Toleration Opposed by others and such who desired most ease and liberty for their sides when bound with Episcopacy now girt their own government the closest about the consciences of others They tax the Dissenting Brethren for Singularity as if these men like the five senses of the Church should discover more in matter of Discipline then all the Assembly besides some moving their ejection out of the same except in some convenient time they would comply therewith 50. Hopeless to speed here the Dissenters seasonably presented an Apologetical narrative to the Parliament But favoured by the Parliament stiled by them the most sacred resuge or Asylum a a Apol. Nar. pag. 2. for mistaken and misjudged innocence Herein they petitioned Pathetically for some favour whose conscience could not joyn with the Assembly in all particulars concluding with that pittifull close enough to force tears from any tender heart that they b b Ib. p. 31. pursued no other interest or designe but a subsistence be it the poorest and meanest in their own land as not knowing where else with safety health and livelihood to set their feet on earth and subscribed their names Thomas Goodwin Philip Nye Sidrach Simson Jeremiah Burroughes William Bridge If since their condition be altered and bettered that they then wanting where to set their feet since lie down at their length in the fat of the land surely they have returned proportionable gratitude to God for the same Sure it is that at the present these Petitioners found such favour with some potent persons in Parliament that they were secured from farther trouble and from lying at a posture of defence are now grown able not only to encounter but invade all opposers yea to open and shut the dore of preferment to others so unsearchable are the dispensations of Divine Providence in making suddain and unexpected changes as in whole nations so in private mens estates according to the Counsel of his will 51. Such as desire further instruction in the Tenents of these Congregationalists New England Churches Congregationalists may have their recourse to those many Pamphlets written pro and con thereof The worst is some of them speak so loud we can scarce understanding what they say so hard is it to collect their judgements such the violence of their passions Only I will adde that for the main the Churches of new-New-England are the same in Discipline with these Dissenting Brethren 52. Only I will add The rest referred to Mr. Nortons book that of all the Authors I have perused concerning the opinions of these Dissenting Brethren none to me was more informative then M r John Norton One of no less learning then modesty Minister in New-England in his answer to Apollonius Pastor in the Church of Middle-borrough 53. Look we now again into the Assembly of Divinâ—s 20. 1644. Mr Herle succeedeth Prolocutor to Dr Twisse where we finde D r Cornelius Burges and M r Herbert Palmer the Assessors therein and I am informed by some more skilfull in such niceties then my self that Two at the least of that Office are of the Quâ—rum Essential to every lawfull Assembly But I miss D r William Twiss their Prolocutor lately deceased He was bred in New-Colledge in Oxford good with the Trowell but better with the Sword more happy in Polâ—mical Divinity then edifying Doctrine Therefore he was a a See his dedication to them in his book called Vindiciae gratiae chosen by the States of Holland to be Professor of Diviniâ—y there which he thankfully refused M r Charles Herle Fellow of Exeter Colledge of Oxford succeeded him in his place one so much Christian Scholar and Gentleman that he can unite in affection with those who are disjoyn'd in judgement from him 54. The Assembly met with many difficulties Mr Seldens puzling Queeies some complaining of M r Selden that advantaged by his skill in Antiquity Commonlaw and the Oriental tongues he imployed them rather to pose then profit perplex then inform the members thereof in the fourteen queries he propounded Whose intent therein was to humble the Jure-divino-ship of Presbytery which though Hinted and Held forth is not so made out in Scripture but being too Scant on many occasions it must be peeced with prudential Additions This great Scholer not over loving of any and lest of these Clergie-men delighted himself in raising of scruples for the vexing of others and some stick not to say that those who will not feed on the flesh of Gods-word cast most bones to others to break their teeth therewith 55. More trouble was caused to the Assembly by the Opinions of the Erastians Erastians why so called and what they held and it is worth our enquiry into the first Author thereof They were so called from Thomas Erastus a D r of Physick born at Baden in Switzâ—rland lived Professor in Hidelbridge and died at Basil about the year one thousand five hundred eighty three He was of the Privie Councel to Frederick the first Protestant Prince Palatine of that name and this Erastus like our M r Perkins being b b Thuanus in Obit vir illustr Anno 1583. lame of his right wrote all with his left hand and amongst the rest one against Theodor. Beza de Excommunicatione to this effect that the power and excommunication in a Christian State principally resides in secular power as the most competent Judge when and how the same shall be exercised 56. M r Iohn Coleman a modst and learned man The Erastians in the Assembly beneficed in Lincolnshire and M r Iohn Lightfoot well skilled in Rabinical Learning were the chief members of the Assembly who for the main maintained the tenents of Erastus These often produced the Hebrew Original for the power of Princes in ecclesiastical matters For though the New Testament be silent of the Temporal Magistrate Princes then being Pagans his â—ermedling in Church-matters the Old is very vocal therein where the Authority of the Kings of Judah as nursing fathers to the Church is very considerable 57. No wonder if the Prince Palatine constantly present at their debates heard the Erastians with much delight Favourably listned to as wellcoming their Opinions for Country sake his Natives as first born in Hidelbridge though otherwise in his own judgement no favourer thereof But other Parliament men listned very favourably to their Arguments Interest
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
backward in Time to make our History the more entire Die Martis August 19. 1645. Directions of the Lords and Commons after advice had with the Assembly of Divines for the election and chusing of Ruling Elders in all the Congregations and in the Classical Assemblies for the City of London and Westminster Anno Regis Carol. 22. and the several Countries of the Kingdom Anno Dom. 1646. For the speedy setling of the Presbyteriall Government Die Lunae Oct. 20. 1645. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons together with Rules and Directions concerning suspension from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in cases of Ignorance and Scandal Also the names of such Ministers and others that are appointed Triers and Judges of the ability of Elders in the twelve Classes with the Province of London Die Sabbathi March 14. 1645. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for keeping of scandalous persons from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper the enabling of the Congregation for the choice of Elders and supplying of defects in former ordinances and directions of Parliament concerning Church Government Die Veneris June 5. 1646. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for the present setling without further delay of the Presbyterial Government in the Church of England Die Veneris August 28. 1646. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for the Ordination of Ministers by the Classical Presbyters within their respective bounds for the several Congregations in the Kingdom of England Die Sabbathi Jan. 29. 1647. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for the speedy dividing and setling of the several Counties of this Kingdom into distinct Classical Presbyteries and Congregational Elderships 34. Great now was the clamorous importunity of the Wives and Children of Ministers sequestred An order for the fift part for Ministers Wives and Children ready to starve for want of maintenance I had almost called them the Widdows and Orphans of those Ministers because though their Fathers were living to them their Means were not living to their Fathers and they left destitute of a livelihood Indeed there was an Ordinance of Parliament made 1644 impowring their Commissioners in the Country to appoint means not exceeding a fift part to the Wives and Children of all sequestred Persons but seeing Clergie-men were not therein expressed by name such as enjoyed their Sequestrations refused to contribute any thing unto them Whereupon the House of Commons compassionately reflecting on the distresses of the foresaid complainers made an Order in more particular manner for the Clergy and seeing it is hard to come by I conceive it a charitable work here to insert a Copy thereof Die Jovis Nov. 11. 1647. That the Wives and Children of all such Persons as are or have been or shall be sequestred The Copy thereof by Order of either Houses of Parliament shall be comprehended within the Ordinance that alloweth a fift part for Wives and Children and shall have their fift part allowed unto them and the Committee of Lords and Commons for sequestration and the Committee of plundered Ministers and all other Committees are required to take notice hereof and yeeld Obedience hereunto accordingly H. Elsing Clericus Parliamenti Domus Communis 35. But Covetousnesse will wriggle it self out at a small hole Several ways endeavoured to srustrate this order Many were the Evasions whereby such Clergie-men possest of their livings do frustrate and defeat the effectual paiment of the fift part to the aforesaid Wives and Children Anno Dom. 1647. Some of which starting-holes we will here present Anno Regis Carol. 23. not to the intent that any should unjustly hide themselves herein but that for the future they may be stopped up as obstructing the true performance of the Parliaments intended Curtesie 36. First they plead that Taxes being first deducted First evasion Tythes are so badly paid they cannot live and maintain themselves if they must still pay a fift part out of the remainder Such consider not if themselves cannot live on the whole Grist how shall the Families of such sequestred Ministers subsist on the Tole 37. Secondly Second evasion if the foresaid Minister hath a Wife without Children or Children without a Wife or but one Child they deny paiment as not within the Letter though the Equity of the Order though one Child is as unable to live on nothing as if there were many more 38. Thirdly Third evasion if the sequestred Minister hath any temporal means of his own or since his sequestration hath acquired any place wherein he officiateth though short of a comfortable subsistence they deny paiment of a fift part unto him 39. Fourthly Fourth Evasion they affright the said sequestred Minister threatning to New article against for his former faults Whereas had he not been reputed a malignant not a fift part but all the five parts were due unto him 40. Fiftly Fift Evasion many who have livings in great Towns especially Vicarages disclaim the receiving of any Benefits in the nature of Tithes and accept them only in the notion of Benevolence Then they plead nothing due to the sequestred Minister out of the free gratuities which only are bestowed upon them 41. Sixtly Sixt Evasion they plead that nothing can be demanded by vertue of the said Ordinance longer then the sitting of the said Parliament which made it which long since is dissolved now though this be but a dilatory plea themselves enjoying the foure parts by vertue of the same Order yet though it doth not finally blast it doth much set back the fift part and whilst the same groweth the Ministers Wives and Children starve 42. Lastly Seventh Evasion of late since the setting forth of the Proclamation that all who disquiet their peaceable possession who are put into livings by the Parliaments Order should be beheld as enemies to the State Such sequestred Ministers who only sue the refusers to pay the fift part unblameable in all things else are threatned though they humbly conceived contrary to the true intent of the Proclamation with the foresaid penalty if they desist not in their suite Many more are their subterfugies besides vexing their wives with the tedious attendance to get Orders on Orders so that as one truly and sadly said the fifts are even paid at sixes and sevens 43. I am sorry to see the pittiful and pious intentions of the Parliament Remember the Poor so abused and deluded by the indirect dealings of others so that they cannot attain their intended ends for the relief of so many poor people seeing no doubt therein they desired to be like the best of beings who as closely applieth his lenitive as corrasive plasters and that his mercy may take as true effect as his justice Sure if the present Authority when at leisure from higher imployment shall be pleased to take the groans of these poor souls into its confideration the voice of their hungry bowels will quickly be turned to
honoured the pious intentions and Magnificence of his royal Progenitors acknowledging the Ornamental Accessions to the Persons made no Substantiall change in the Office but still is remained to be proved that Primitive Episcopacy and Present Hierarchie are the same 29. They affirmed also that the power of Episcopacy under Christian and Pagan Princes is one and the same though the exercise be not but acknowledging the subordination thereof to the soveraign power with their accountableness to the Laws of the Land 30. They conclude with thanks to his Majesties condescension in vouchsafing them the Liberty and Honour in examining his learned reply praying God that a Pen in the hand of such Abilities might ever be employ'd in a subject worthy thereof 31. Some dayes after his Majesty returned his last paper wherein he not only acknowledgeth the great pains of these Divines to informe his judgement according to their perswasions but also took especiall notice of their Civilities of the Application both in the beginning and body of their Reply 32. However he told them they mistook his meaning when they of a Writ of Partition as if his Majesty had cantoned out the Episcopal Government one part to the Bishops another to the Presbyterians alone whereas his meaning was that the Office of teaching is common to both alike but the other of Governing peculiar to Bishops alone 33. I know not what Truth there was in and by consequence what Truth is to be given to their intelligence Tanta sides quanius Author who have reported and printed that in Order of a pacification his Majesty condescended 1. That the Office of Ordination for the space of three years should not be exercised by the Bishops without the assent of the Presbyterie and if this did not please 2. That it should be suspended until twenty of his own Nomination consulting with the Synod assembled by the appointment of the Houses should determine some certainty touching some Ecclesiastical Government 3. That in the mean time the Presbyterie should be setled for experimentsake 4. That though he would not suffer Bishops Lands to be sold and alienated from the Church yet he permitted them to be Let out for ninety nine years paying a small price yearly in Testimony of their Hereditary Right for the maintenance of Bishops 5. That after that time expired they should return to the Crown to be employed for the use of the Church Here some presumed to know his Majesties intention that he determined with himself in the interim to redeem them by their own Revenues and to refund them to Ecclesiastical uses which is proportionable to his * For he gave the Duke of Richmond the entire revenues of the Arch-bishoprick of Glascough in Scotland to hold them until he should furnish him with lands of the same value expressing then his resolution to restore them to the Church large heart in matters of that nature 34. * The King fetch'd from the Isle of Wight and condâ—mned at London Many now did hope for a happy Agreement betwixt the King and Parliament when Divine Providence whose wayes are often above Reason but never against Right had otherwise ordered it and seeing it was Gods will it shall be ours to submit thereunto Oh what can * Prov. 271. a day bring forth especially some pregnant day in the Crisis of Matters producing more than what many barren years before beheld The Kings person is seized on and brought up to London arraign'd before a select Committee for that purpose indicted and upon his refusal to own their Authority finally condemned But these things belong to the Historian of the state and this subject in it self is not so amiable and tempting as to invite us to trespas in the property of others in Courting the prosecution thereof 35. * Extremum hunc concede mihi My Cue of entrance is to come in where the State-Writer doth go out whose Pen hath alwayes followed the Confessors into the Chambers of dying people and now must do its last Devoire to my gracious Master in describing his pious death and Solemn Burial 36. * He heareth the last sermon Having received in himself the sentence of death Jan. 28. Sund. D r Juxon Bishop of London preached privately before Him at S. James on the Sunday following his text Romans 2. 16. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel 37. Next Tuesday being the day of His dissolution And receives the Communion in the morning alone He received the Communion Jan. 30. Tues from the hands of the said Bishop At which time he read for the second lesson the 27 th Chapters of S. Matthew containing the history of the death and passion of our Saviour Communion ended the King heartily thanked the Bishop for selecting so seasonable and comfortable a portion of Scripture seeing all humane hope and happiness is founded on the sufferings of our Saviour The Bishop modestly disavowed any thanks due to himself it being done merely by the direction of the Church of England whose Rubrick appointeth that Chapter the second morning-lesson for the thirtieth of January 38. His houre drawing nigh Is patient when affronted He passed thorough the Parke to White-Hall As He alwayes was observed to walk very fast so now He abated not any whit of His wonted pace In His passage a sorry fellow seemingly some mean Citizen went abrest along with Him and in an affront often stared His Majesty in the face which caused Him to turn it another way The Bishop of London though not easily angred was much offended hereat as done out of despiteful designe to discompose Him before His death and moved the Captain of the guard he might be taken away which was done accordingly 39. Entring on the floore of death His last question He asked of Collonel Tomlingson who attended there whether He might have the liberty to dispose of His own body as to the place and manner of the burial thereof The Collonel answered that he could give his Majesty no account at all therein 40. His Majesty held in his hand a small piece of paper And Speech falsely printed some four inches square containing heads whereon in His speech He intended to dilate and a tall souldier looking over the Kings shoulders read it as the King held it in His hand As for the speech which passeth in print for the Kings though taken in short-hand by one eminent therein it is done so defectively it deserveth not to be accounted His speech by the testimony of such as heard it His speech ended He gave that small paper to the BP of London 41. After His death Trouble well prevented the officers demanded the paper of the Bishop who because of the depth of his pocket smallness of that paper and the mixture of others therewith could not so soon produce it as was required At last he brought it forth
but therewith the others were unsatisfied jealousie is quick of grouth as not the same which His Majesty delivered unto him When presently the souldier whose rudeness the bad cause of a good effect had formerly over-inspected it in the Kings hand attested this the very same paper and prevented farther suspicions which might have terminated to the Bishops trouble 42. On the Wednesday sennight after Feb. 7. wednesday His Corpse embalmed His Corpse carried to Windsor and coffined in lead was delivered to the care of two of His servants to be buried at Windsor The one Anthony Mildmay who formerly had been His Sewer as I take it the other John Joyner bred first in His Majesties Kitchin afterwards a Parliament-Captain since by them deputed when the Scots surrendred His person Cook to His Majesty This night they brought the Corpse to Windsor and digged a grave for it in S. George his Chappel on the South side of the Communion-Table 43. But next day the Duke of Richmond 8. Thursday the Marquess of Hertford The Lords follow after it the Earles of South-Hampton and Lindsey others though sent to declining the service so far was their feare above their gratitude to their dead Master came to Windsor and brought with them two Votes passed that morning in Parliament Wherein the ordering of the Kings buriall for the form and manner thereof was wholy committed to the Duke of Richmond provided that the expence thereof exceeded not five hundred pounds Coming into the Castle they shewed their Commission to the Governor Colonel Wichcot desiring to interr the Corpse according to the Common-Prayer-Book of the Church of England The rather because the Parliaments total remitting the manner of the Buriall to the Dukes discretion implied a permission thereof This the governor refused alledging it was improbable that the Parliament would permit the use of what so solemnly they had abolished and therein destroy their own Act. 44. The Lords returned The Governors resolution that there was a difference betwixt destroying their own act and dispensing with it or suspending the exercise thereof That no power so bindeth up its own hands as to disable it self in some cases to recede from the rigour of their own acts if they should see just occasion All would not prevaile the Governour persisting in the negative and the Lords betook themselves to their sad employment 45. They resolved not to interre the Corpse in the grave which was provided for it The Lords with much searching finde a vault but in a Vault if the Chappel afforded any Then fall they a searching and in vain seek for one in King Henry the eighth His Chappel where the tombe intended for Him by Cardinal Wolsey lately stood because all there was solid earth Besides this place at the present used for a Magazine was unsuiting with a solemn sepulture Then with their feet they tried the Quire to see if a sound would confess any hollowness therein and at last directed by one of the aged poore Knights did light on a Vault in the middle thereof 46. It was altogether darke as made in the middest of the Quire and an ordinary man could not stand therein without stooping The description thereof as not past five foot high In the midst thereof lay a large leaden coffin with the feet towards the East and a far less on the left side thereof On the other side was room neither to spare nor to want for any other coffin of a moderate proportion 47. That one of the Order was buried there One of the Order buried therein plainly appeared by perfect pieces of purple-velvet their proper habit remaining therein Though some pieces of the same velvet were fox-tawnie and some cole-black all eye of purple being put out therein though all originally of the same cloath varying the colour as it met with more or less moisture as it lay in the ground 48. Now a concurrence of presumptions concluded this great Coffin to contain the Corpse of King Henry the eighth Presumed to be K. Henry the eight though there was neither Armes not any inscription to evidence the same 1. The place exactly corresponds to the designation of His burial See it in the end of K. Henry His Reign mentioned in His last Will and Testament 2. The small Coffin in all probability was His Queens Jane Semaurs by whom in His Will He desired to be buried and the room on the other side seems reserved for His surviving Wife Queen Katherine Parr 3. It was never remembred nor recorded that any Subject of that Order was interred in the body of that Quire but in by-Chappels 4. An herse stood over this vault in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth which because cumbering the passage was removed in the reign of King James I know a tradition is whispered from mouth to mouth that King Henry His body was taken up and burned in the reign of Queen Mary and could name the Knight Her Privie-Councellor and then dwelling not far off muttered to be employed in this inhumane action This prevailed so far on the Lord Herberts belief that he closeth his History of King Henry the eighth with these suspicious words To conclude I wish I could leave Him in His grave But there is no certainty hereof and more probable that here He quietly was reposed The lead-coffin being very thin was at this time casually broken and some yellow stuff altogether sentless like powder of gold taken out of it conceived some exsicative gumms wherewith He was embalmed which the Duke caused to be put in again and the Coffin closed up 49. The Vault thus prepared The leaden inscription on His Coffin a scarse of lead was provided some two foot long and five inches broad therein to make an inscription The Letters the Duke himself did delineate and then a workman call'd to cut them out with a Chesil It bare some debate whether the letters should be made in those concavities to be cut out or in the solid lead betwixt them The latter was concluded on because such vacuities are subject to be soon filled up with dust and render the inscription less legible which was KING CHARLES 1648. The Plummer souldred it to the Coffin about the brest of the Corpse within the same 50. All things thus in readiness The Corpse deposited the Corpse was brought to the vault Febr. 9. Friday being borne by the souldiers of the Garrison Over it a black velvet herse-cloth the foure labels whereof the foure Lords did support The Bishop of London stood weeping by to tender that his service which might not be accepted Then was It deposited in silence and sorrow in the vacant place in the vault the herse-cloth being cast in after it about three of the clock in the afternoone and the Lords that night though late returned to London FINIS THE HISTORY OF THE University of Cambridge SINCE THE CONQUEST Printed in the year of
if he had not been the first commencer of his Order but absolutely the first that ever took the degree of Doctorship in Cambridge Contrary to the express testimony of learned Authors herein John Bale de Script Brit. p. 312 John Pits De Ang. Scrip. p. 388 Originally a Carmelite in Norwich and therefore knowing in the men and matters of his own Order informeth us that Humphrey Necton a Suffolk man by birth and Carmelite by order Ex omni sua factione primus tandem fult qui Theologicus Doctor fit effectus An Oxford man by education and therefore his testimony not to be refused by the Oxford Antiquary acquainteth us that the said Necton Cantabrigiae Ordinis sui omnium primus creatus est sanctae Theologiae Doctor was the first of his Order made Doctor in Divinity This Necton was afterwards publick Professor in Cambridge and set forth a Book which he termed his Lecturas Scholasticas 8. Now although Patience be a principal virtue amongst all those which Cambridge professeth and practiseth Pâ—tâ—us Blesensis to be believed before Brian Twine yet can she not but complain of Oxford Antiquary his injurious dealing herein in making her solemnity of Graduation then first to begin The best is Petrus Blesensis who wrote in the reign of King Henry the second almost one hundred years before Necton's birth sufficiently cleareth this point and confuteth this cavil when affirming n In appendice ad Irguâ—phuâ— Crowlaâ— densem that in his time Cambridge did make glad the Church of God and all England per plurimos Magistros Doctorèsque inde exeuntes 9. Notwithstanding the frequency of dysasters formerly mentioned Cambridge quickly outgrow her miseries much indebted therein to the care and courtesie of the King Anno Regis Hen. 3. 54 July 24 Amongst many of his Royall-boons Anno Dom. 1270 this not the least that in favour of the Scholars he now renewed his former Letters to prohibit any Tiltings or Turnaments to be kept within five miles of Cambridge according to the tenour following Rex r Ex Rotâ—lo patentium de anno 〈◊〉 Regâ— Henrici 〈◊〉 nuâ—neâ—o 330 in Tâ—â—re London omnibus ad quos presentes liter ae pervenerint salutem Quia dilect is nobis in Christo Magistris caeteris Scholaribus Universitatis Cantabr per Comites Barones Milites alios torneamenta ibidem exercentes aventur as quaerentes ad Arma â—untes frequentibus solent pericula incommoda multipliciter evenire quae si tolerarentur in discidium ibidem studentium per processum temporis cedere possint manifestè quod sustineâ—e nolumns sicut nec debemus Nos indemnitati Magistrorum scholarium volgntes in hac parte quatenus fieri poterit providere concessimus eis degratia nostra speciali quod torneamenta aliqua aventurae justae seu hujusmodi hastiludia non fiant de caetere in villa praedicta seuper quinque milliaria circumqâ—aque Et prohibemus sub gravem forisfacturam nostram ne quis de Regno nostro apud Villam praedictam seu alibi infra praedicta quinque milliaria circumquaque torneare Justas facere seu aventuras vel alia hastiludia quaerere praesumat contra concessionem nostram praedictam In cujus rei testimonium has liter as nostras fieri fecimus patentes Teste meipso apud Westmon xxiiij die Julii anno Regni nostri quinquagesimo quarto 10. The same year Prince Edward came to Cambridge Prince Edward ordereth an agreement between the Scholars and Townsmen one no less fortunate in peace than victorious in war Here he understood that frequent differences did arise betwixt the Scholars and Townsmen for the future preventing whereof he caused an Instrument to be drawn up and three seals annexed unto it viz. his own and the publique seals of the University and Town of Cambridge Herein it was agreed betwixt them that once every year viz. after Michaelmas when the Masters resumed their Lectures five discrect Scholars should be chosen out of the Counties of England three Scotish-men two Welshmen three Irish-men thirteen in all which joyned with ten Burgesses seaven out of the Town and three out of the Suburbs should see that the peace was faithfully kept betwixt all the Students and Inhabitants By Suburbs here we understand so much of the Town as was left out of the line of the Kings-ditch which to make it the shorter and stronger took not in the stragling streets beyond the gates 11. For as yet No Uuniversity as yet in Scotland and Ireland and for some succeeding ages no University in Ireland And although some forty years after viz. anno 1320. Alexander Bicknor Archbishop of Dublin obtained of the Pope priviledges for an University and erected Lectures at Dublin yet presently the troublesome times frustrated so good a designe till towards the end of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth As for Scotland it was University-less till Laurence Lundor is and Richard Crovel Doctors of Civil-Law first professed learning at St. Andrews some hundred years after Til which time the Scotish youth repaired to Cambridge and Oxford for their education as their Bishops did to York for consecration till they got an Archbishop of their own in the reign of King Edward the fourth 12. See now Cambridge an University indeed Cambridge receives all Countries by the universality 1. Studiorum not confined as in Grammar-Schools to one faculty but extended to the generality of Arts. 2. Studentium not restrained to one Country or Kingdom but admitting forainers as well as natives So that Brian Twine might well have omitted his needless and truthless marginal Å¿ Lib. 3. pag 270. note Cantabrigiense studium Henrici â—ertis temporibus valde fuit obscurum fi ullum 13. 1276 Now began some differences between the Scholars in the University Edward the first 4 and the Arch-Deacon of Ely A composition betwixt the University of Cambridge and Archdeacon of Ely who summoned them unto his Courts Anno Dom. 1276 and by virtue of his Office would have proceeded against them for non-appearance Anno Regis Edw 1. 4 The Scholars denyed any subjection due unto him and after an hot contest both sides referred themselves to Hugh Balsham Bishop of Ely who decided the controversy as followeth Universis a Extant in an old book of the Aâ—chdeacons of Elie now in the possession of my worthy friend that judicious Antiquary Mr. â—ore late follow of Caius Coll. who for me kindly transcribed and faithfully compared it Christi fidelibus praesentes literas inspecturis Hugo Dei gratiâ Eliensis Episcopus salutem in Domino Ad Universitatis vestrae notitiam tenore praesentium volumus pervenire quod nos affectantes tranquillitatem pacem Universitatis nostrae Cantabr Regentium Scholarium studentium in eadem volentesque ut tam archidiaconus noster Eliensis circa sibi subditos quà m cancellarius Universitatis ejusdem circa scolares suos it a
of the Town of Cambridge two offices which never before or since met in the same person Thus as Cambridge was his verticall place wherein he was in height of honour it was also his verticall where he met with a suddaine turn and sad catastrophe And it is remarkable that though this Duke who by all means endeavoured to engrand his posterity had six Sons all men all married none of them left any issue behind them Thus far better it is to found our hopes of even earthly happinesse on goodnesse then greatnesse 43. Doctor Sandys The hard usage of Dr. Sandys hearing the Bell ring went according to his custome and office attended with the Beadles into the Regent-House and sate down in the Chaire according to his place In cometh one Master Mitch with a rabble of some twenty Papists some endeavouring to pluck him from the Chaire others the Chaire from him all using railing words and violent actions The Doctor being a man of metall gâ—oped for his dagger and probably had dispatched some of them Anno Dom. 1552 3 had not Doctor Bill Anno Regin Mariae 20 and Doctor Blythe by their prayers and intreaties perswaded him to patience How afterwards this Doctor was spoyled of his goods sent up prisoner to London how with great difficulty he was enlarged and great danger escaped beyond the seas is largely related by Master Fox 44. Some two yeares since Cambridge had her Sweating-Sicknesse Masters placed and displaced but now began her hotfit or fiery-tryall indeed For on the execution of the Duke of Northumberland Stephen Gardiner Bishop of VVinchester was restored Chancellour of Cambridge then followed an alteration of Masters in most Houses However let us give unto Doctor Pern his deserved praise that he quenched the fire of persecution or rather suffered it not to be kindled in Cambridge saving many from the stake by his moderation and let us give in a list of the great alteration In the Masters of Houses which the first year of this Queen did produce Masters put out Colledges Masters put in 1 Ralph Ainsworth because he was married 2 Doctor Iohn Madeu who had been three times Vice-Chancellour 3 Nic. Ridley still holding his Mastership with the Bishoprick of London 4 Matthew Parker Deane of Lincoln 5 William Mouse Doct. of Law and a Benefactour 6 S r. Iohn Cheek Knight Tutour to King Edward the sixth 7. William May D r. of Law Chancellour to Nic. West B p. of Ely 8 Edwin Sands Vice-Chancel in this year 9 Edward Pierpoint D r. of Divinity 10 Rich VVilkes M r. of the Hospital of S. Iohns Mary Magdel in Ely 11 Tho. Leaver B. D. a Confessour in the Reign of Q. Mary at Arrough in Switzerland 1 Peter House 2 Clare Hall 3 Pembrook Hall 4 Bennet Colledge 5 Trinity Hall 6 Kings Colledge 7 Queens Colledge 8 Catharine Hall 9 Iesus Colledge 10 Christs Colledge 11 S t. Iohns Colledge 1 Andrew Pern Dean of Ely 2 D r. Rowland Swinburn Rector of little Shelford in Cambridgeshire 3 Iohn Young Fellow of S t. Iohns a zealous Papist and opposite to Bucer 4 Laurence Maptyde Fellow of Trinity Hall 5 Steven Gardner then Bp. of VVinch and L. Chancel of England 6 Richard Adkinson Doctor of Divinity 7 VVilliam Glyn D r. of Divinity afterward Bishop of Bangor 8 Edmund Cosins born in Bedfordshire 9 Iohn Fuller Prebend of Ely Vicor generall to Th. Thurlby Bp thereof 10 Cuthbert Scot afterwards Bishop of Chester 11 Thomas VVatson afterward Bishop of Lincoln I find but two continuing in their places namely Thomas Bacon Master of Gonvil Hall and Robert Evans Master of Magdelen Colledge then so poore a place that it was scarce worth acceptance thereof Iohn Young Anno Regin Marlae 2 Vice-Chanc Anno Dom. 1553 4 Tho. Gardner Hen. Barely Proctours Tho. Woolf Major Doct. Theol. 4 Bac. Theol. 16 Mag. Art 19 Bac. Art 48 VVilliam Glynne 3 Cuthb Scot. 1554 5 Vice-Chan Tho. Baylie Greg. Garth Proct. Iohn Richardson Major Doct. Theol. 1 Leg. 1 Medic. 2 Bac. Theol. 3 Mag. Art 33 Bac. Leg. 4 Art 43 Cuthbert Scot 4 Vice-Chanc 1555 6 George Boyse Iohn Gwyn Proct. Richard Brassay Major Doct. a That was the last Dr. that ever commensed in Cambridge of Canon-Law alone which as a destinct faculty was banished by King Henry the eight and it seems for a short time was restored by Queen Mary Can Leg. 1 Bac. Theol. 6 Mag. Art 27 Bac. Art 37 Andrew Pern 5 Vice-Chanc 1556 7 Nic. Robinson Hugo Glyn Proct. Thomas Smith Major Doct. Theol. 4 Leg. 2 Bac. Theol. 4 Mag. Art 27 Bac. Leg. 5 Medic. 1 Art 27 Robert Brassey 6 Vice-Chanc 1557 8 VVilliam Golden VVilliam Day Proct. VVilliam Hasell Maj. Doct. Medic. 2 Bac. Theol. 1 Bac. Mag. Art 22 Leg. 1 Art 41 45. Iohn Cajus Doctor of Phisick improved the ancient Hall of Gonvil into a new Colledge Dr. Cajus foundeth Cajus Colledge of his own name He was born in Norwich but Son of Robert Cajus a Yorkshire-man spent much of his time in the Italian Vniversities there making many translating moe learned books and after his return was Phisitian to Queen Mary He bestowed a fivefold favour on this his foundation 46. First Giveth it good Land Land to a great proportion So untrue is his Cavill Nescio quid b Rex platonicus p. 216. in margine panxillum as if it was some small inconsiderable matter whereas indeed he conferred thereon the Demesnes of Crokesly in â—ixmonsworth in Hartfordshire Bincomb Manor in Dorcetshire with the Advowsance of the parsonage Rungton and Burnhams-Thorp in Norfolk the Manor of Swansly at Caxton in Cambridgeshire 47. Secondly building And good building Adding a new Court of his own charge and therein three Gates of Remark the Gate of Humility low and little opening into the Street over against S t. michaels-Michaels-Church The Gate of Vertue one of the bestpieces of Architesture in England in the midst of the Colledge Thirdly the Gate of Honour leading to the Schools Thus the Gates may read a good Lecture of Morality to such who goe in and out thereat He ordered also that no new windowes be made in their Colledge new lights causing the decay of old Structures 48. Thirdly Good statutes he bestowed on them Cordiall statutes as I may call them for the preserving of the Colledge in good health being so prudent and frugal It must needs thrive in it's own defence if but observing the same thence it is this Society hath alwayes been on the purchasing hand having a fair proportion annually deposited in stock and indeed oweth it's Plenty under God unto it's own Providence Anno Dom. 155 7 8 rather then the bounty of any eminent Benefactour Anno Regin Mariae 6 the Masters onely excepted Who for so many successions have been bountifull unto it that the Colledge in a manner may now prescribe for their
or change often avouched by noe other Authour then this Doctors Vnconstancy However let us not be over cruel to his memory for not suffering for his own who was so kind and carefull to keep other from suffering for their conscience Andrew Pern 1559 6◠Vice-Chan Barth Dodington George Fuller Proct. Tho. Ventris 2 Major Doct. Leg. 3 Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 6 Mag. Art 25 Bac. Art 60 Henry Harvy Vice-Chanc Anthony Gilblington Iohn Cowell Proct. Roger Slegg 156 ◠◠Maj. 3 Doct. Leg. 1 Bac. Theol. 9 Mag. Art 31 Bac. Leg. 1 Mus 2 Art 53 Philip Baker 156 1 2 Vice-Chan VVilliam Master Georg Blithe Proct. Tho. Kymbold 4 Major Doct. Theol. 1 Leg. 2 Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 8 Mag. Art 20 Bac. Leg. 3 Art 51 Francis Newton 156 2 3 Vice-Chan Andrew Oxenbridg Iohn Igulden Proct. Hen. Serle 5 Major Doct. Theol. 3 Leg. 1 Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 4 Mag. Art 44 Bac. Leg. 7 Art 80 Edward Hauford 156 1 4 Vice-Cha Richard Curtesse Henry Woorley Proct. Rob. Cano 6 Major Doct. Theol. 12 Medic. 2 Bac. Theol. 4 Mag. Art 39 Bac. Leg. 2 Art 71 Robert Beaumont 156 4 5 Vice-Chanc Tho. Bing Barth Clark Proct. William Munsey 7 Maj. Doct. Theol. 1 Bac. Theol. 7 Mag. Art 27 Bac. Art 85 Now began a great difference in Trinity Colledge betwixt Doctor Beaumont Master thereof and some in that Society which hath its Influence at this day on the Church of England whereof hereafter SECT VII TO FRANCIS ASH OF LONDON Ann. Dom. 156 3 4. Esquire Ann. Reg. Eliz. 6. IT is the life of a Gift to be done in the life of the Giver farre better than funeral Legacies which like Benjamin are born by the losse of a Parent For it is not so kindly charity for men to give what they can keep no longer besides such donations are most subject to abuses Silver in the living Is Gold in the giving Gold in the dying Is but Silver a flying Gold and Silver in the dead Turn too often into Lead But you have made your own hands Executors and eyes Overseers so bountifull to a flourishing foundation in Cambridge that you are above the standard of a Benefactour Longer may you live for the glory of God and good of his servants QUeen Elizabeth Aug. 5. partly to ease Her self Queen Elizabeth comes to Cambridge with some recreation partly to honour and encourage Learning and Religion came to Cambridge where she remained five whole daies in the Lodgings of the Provost of Kings Colledge She was entertained with Comedies Tragedies Orations whereof one most eloquent made by William Masters the Publique Oratour disputations and other Academical Exercises She severally visited every House And at Her departure She took Her leave of Cambridge with this following Oration ET si foeminilis iste meus Pudor subditi fidelissimi Academia charissima in tanta doctorum turba illaboratum hunc Sermonem Orationem me narrare apud vos impediat Her Oration to the University tamen Nobilium meorum intercessus Ann. Dom. 1563-64 erga Academiam benevolentia me aliqua proferre invitat Ann. Regi Eliz. 6. Duobus ad hanc rem stimulis moveor Aug. 10. Primus est bonarum literarum Propagatio Alter est vestra omnium expectatio Quod ad propagationem spectat unum illud apud Demosthenem memini Superiorum verba apud inferiores Librorum locum habent Principum dicta legum Authoritatem apud subditos retinent Hoc igitur vos omnes in memoria tenere velim quod semita nulla praestantior est sive ad bona fortunae acquirenda sive ad Principum gratiam conciliandam quam graviter ut coepistis studiis vestris exhibeatis operam quod ut faciatis vos omnes oro obsecróque De secundo stimulo vestra nimirum expectatione hoc unum dico me nihil libenter praetermissuram esse quod vestrae de me animae benevolae concipiunt cogitationes Jam ad Academiam venio Tempore ante meridiano vidi ego aedificia vestra sumptuosa à meis majoribus clarissimis Principibus literarum causa extructa inter videndum dolor Artus meos occupavit atque ea mentis suspiria quae Alexandrum quondam tenuisse feruntur qui cum legisset multa à Principibus monumenta conversus ad familiarem seu potius ad Consiliarium multum doluit se nihil tale fecisse Haec tamen vulgaris sententia me aliquantum recreavit quae etsi non auferre tamen minuere potest dolorem Quae quidem sententia haec est Romam non uno aedificatam fuisse die tamen non est ita senilis mea aetas nec tam diu fui ex quo regnare coepi quin ante redditionem debiti naturae si non nimis cito Atropos lineam vitae meae amputaverit aliquod opus faciam quamdiu vita hos regit artus nunquam à proposito deflectam Et si contingat quam citò futurum sit nescio me mori opportere priusquam hoc ipsum quod polliceor complere possim aliquod tamen egregium opus post mortem relinquam quo memoria mea in posterum celebris fiat alios excitem exemplo meo vos omnes alacriores faciam ad studia vestra Sed jam videtis quantum inter sit inter doctrinam Lectam disciplinam animo non retentam Quorum alterius sunt complures satis sufficientes testes alterius autem vos omnes nimis quidem inconsideratè testes hoc tempore effeci quae meo barbaro Orationis genere tam diu doctas vestras aures detinuerim DIXI At that time the Degree of Master of Art Noble-men made Masters of Art was conceived to take a Degree and it self commenced in honour when the following Peers and Noble Persons were in the Regent House created Masters of Art a Caius Hist Cant. Acad. Pag 88. Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Edward Veere Earl of Oxford Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwicke Edward Manners Earl of Rutland Thomas Ratclyf Earl of Sussex Robert Dudley Earl of Leicestre Edw Clinton high Adm. of England William Howard Lord Chamberlain Henry Carew Lord Hunsden Sir William Cecil Secretary Sir Francis Knolls Vice-chamb Tho Heneage John Ashley Richard Bartue William Cooke Edmond Cooke Esquires Thus Acts being ended Degrees conferred University Officers well rewarded and all persons pleased Her Majesty went on in Her Progresse and the Schollers returned to their Studies 2. And yet we finde one great Scholler much discontented if my * Sir Geo. Paul in the Life of Archbishop Whitigist p. 7 Author may be believed namely The first cause of Mr. Cartwrights discontentment Mr. Thomas Cartwright He and Thomas Preston then Fellow of Kings Colledge afterwards Master of Trinity Hall were appointed two of the four Disputants in the Philosophy Act before the Queen Cartwright had dealt most with the
Barrett summoned before the Consistory Fellow of Gonvile and Caius Colledge April 29. preached ad Clerum for his degree of Bachelour in Divinity in St. Maryes wherein he vented such Doctrines May 5. for which he was summoned six daies after before the Consistory of the Doctors and there enjoyned the following Recantation PReaching in Latine not long since in the University-Church Right Worshipfull many things slipped from me His solemn Recantation both falsly and rashly spoken whereby I understand the mindes of many have been grieved to the end therefore that I may satisfie the Church and the Truth which I have publickly hurt I doe make this publick Confession both repeating and revoking my Errors First I said That no man in this transitory world is so strongly underpropped at least by the certainty of Faith that is unlesse as I afterwards expounded it by revelation that he ought to be assured of his own Salvation But now I protest before God and acknowledge in my own conscience that they which are justified by Faith have peace towards God that is have reconciliation with God and doe stand in that Grace by Faith therefore that they ought to be certain and assured of their own Salvation even by the certainty of Faith it self Secondly I affirmed That the faith of Peter could not fail but that other mens may for as I then said our Lord prayed not for the faith of every particular man But now being of a better and more sound judgment according to that which Christ teacheth in plain words John 17. 20. I pray not for these alone that is the Apostles but for them also which shall believe in me through their word I acknowledge that Christ did pray for the faith of every particular Believer and that by the virtue of that prayer of Christ every true Believer is so stayed up that his faith cannot faile Thirdly Touching perseverance unto the end I said That that certainty concerning the time to come is proud forasmuch as it is in his own nature contingent of what kinde the perseverance of every man is neither did I affirm it to be proud onely but to be most wicked But now I freely protest that the true and justifying Faith whereby the faithfull are most neerly united unto Christ is so firm as also for the time so certain that it can never be rooted out of the mindes of the faithfull by any tentations of the flesh the world or the Devill himself so that he who hath his Faith once shall ever have it for by the benefit of that justifying Faith Christ dwelleth in us and we in Christ therefore it cannot be but increased Christ growing in us daily as also persevere unto the end because God doth give constancy Fourthly I affirmed That there was no distinction in Faith but in the persons believing In which I confesse I did erre now I freely acknowledge That temporary faith which as Bernard witnesseth is therefore fained because it is temporary is distinguished and differeth from that saving Faith whereby Sinners apprehending Christ are justified before God for ever not in measure and degrees but in the very thing it selfe Moreover I adde that James doth make mention of a Dead Faith and Paul of a Faith that worketh by Love Fiftly I added That Forgivenesse of Sins is an Article of Faith but not particular neither belonging to this man nor to that man that is as I expounded it that no true faithfull man either can or ought certainly to believe that his Sins are forgiven But now I am of another minde and doe freely confesse that every true faithfull man is bound by this Article of Faith to wit I believe the forgivenesse of Sins certainly to believe that his own particular sins are freely forgiven him neither doth it follow hereupon that that Petition of the Lords Prayer to wit Forgive us our Trespasses is needlesse for in that Petition we ask not onely the Gift but also the increase of Faith Sixtly These words escaped me in my Sermon viz As for those that are not saved I doe most strongly believe and doe freely protest that I am so perswaded against Calvin Peter Martyr and the rest That Sin is the true proper and first cause of Reprobation But now being better instructed I say That the Reprobation of the wicked is from everlasting and that the saying of Augustine to Simplician is most true viz If Sin were the cause of Reprobation then no man should be elected because God doth foreknow all men to be defiled with it and that I may speak freely I am of the same minde and doe believe concerning the Doctrine of Election and Reprobation as the Church of England believeth and teacheth in the Book of the Articles of Faith in the Article of Predestination Last of all I uttered these words rashly against Calvin a man that hath very well deserved of the Church of God to wit that he durst presume to lift up himself above the High and Almighty God By which words I confess that I have done great injury to that most learned and right Godly man and I doe most humbly beseech you all to pardon this my rashness as also that I have uttered many bitter words against Peter Martyr Theodore Beza Jerome Zanchius Francis Junius and the rest of the same Religion being the Lights and Ornaments of our Church calling them by the odious names of Calvinists and other slanderous terms branding them with a most grievous mark of Reproach whom because our Church doth worthily Reverence it was not meet that I should take away their good name from them or any way impaire their credit or dehort others of our Countrey-men from reading their most learned Works I am therefore very sorry and grieved for this most grievous offence which I have publickly given to this most famous University which is the Temple of true Religion and sacred receptacle of Piety And I doe promise you that by Gods help I will never hereafter offend in like sort and I doe earnestly beseech you Right Worshipfull and all others to whom I have given this offence either in the former Articles or in any part of my said Sermon that you would of your courtesie pardon me upon this my Repentance This Recantation was by the Doctors peremptorily enjoyned him Maii 10. That on Saturday following immediately after the Clerum he should go up into the Pulpit of S. Maryes where he had published these Errors and there openly in the face of the University read and make this Recantation which by him was done accordingly but not with that remorse and humility as was expected for after the reading thereof he concluded thus Haec dixi as if all had been orall rather than cordiall Yea soon after he departed the University got beyond Sea turned a Papist returned into England where he led a Lay mans life untill the day of his death Iohn Iegon Vicecan 1595-96 Ezech
large Demesnes and larger Royalty and Command Should I therefore present it to any other save your self it would be held as a STRAY indeed wandring out of the right Way it should go in and so without any thanks to me would fall to your Lordship as due unto you by the Custome of your Manor Your Honours most obliged Servant and Chaplain THE HISTORY OF Waltham-Abby PRovidence by the hand of my worthy friends having planted me for the present at Waltham-Abby I conceive that in our general work of Abbies I owe some particular description to that place of my abode Hoping my endeavours herein may prove exemplary to others who dwell in the sight of remarkable Monasteries to do the like and rescue the observables of their habitations from the teeth of time and oblivion Waltham is so called from the Saxon Ham Waltham Why so named Which is a Town whence the Diminutive Hamlet and Weald or Wealt that is Woody whence the Weald of Kent it being Anciently over-grown with tress and timber Thus Kiriaâ—h-jearim or the City of the woods in Palestine Dendros an Island in Peloponnesus Sylviacum an Ancient City in Belgia got their names from the like woody scituation Some will have it called Waltham quasi Wealthie-Ham I wish they could make their words good in respect of the persons living therein though in regard of the soyl it self indeed in is rich and plentiful The Town is seated on the East side of the River Ley The situation thereof which not onely parteth Hertford-shire from Essex but also seven times parteth from its self whose septemfluous stream in coming to the Town is crossed again with so many bridges On the one side the Town it self hath large and fruitful Medows whose intrinsick value is much raised by the vicinity of London the grass whereof when first gotten an head is so sweet and lushious to Cattle that they diet them at the first entring therein to half an hour a day lest otherwise they over-eat themselves which some Kine yearlie do and quickly die for it notwithstanding all their Keepers care to the contrary On the other side a spacious Forest spreads it self where fourteen years since one might have seen whole Herds of Red and Fallow Deer But these late licentious years have been such a Nimrod such an Hunter that all at this present are destroyed though I could wish this were the worst effect which our woful Wars have produced The aire of the Town is condemned by many Excused from bad air for over-moist and Aguish Anno Dom. caused by the depressed scituation thereof Anno Regis In confutation of which censure we produce the many aged persons in our Town above threescore and ten since my coming hither above threescore and ten years of age so that it seemes we are sufficiently healthful if sufficiently thankful for the same Sure I am what is wanting in good air in the Town is supplied in the Parish wherein as many pleasant hils and prospects are as any place in England doth afford Tovy First Founded by Tovy a man of great wealth and authority as being the Kings Staller that is Standard-Bearer first Founded this Town for the great delight which he took in the game the place having plenty of Deer He planted onely threescore and six in-dwellers therein Athelstan Falls back to the Crown his son proved a Prodigal and quickly spent all his Fathers goods and great estate so that by some transactions the place returned to the Crown Edward the Confessour Bestowed on Earl Harold bestowed Waltham 1060. with the Lands thereabouts Edw. Confessor 18. on Harold his Brother-in-law who presently built and endowed therein a Monastery where of nothing at this day is extant save the West end or body of the Church A structure of Gothish-building The model of the modern Church rather large then neate firm then fair Very dark the design of those dayes to raise devotion save that it was helped again with artificial lights and is observed by Artists to stand the most exactly East and West of any in England The great pillars thereof are wreathed with indentings which vacuities if formerly filled up with Brasse as some confidently report added much to the beauty of the building But it matters not so much their taking away the Brasse from the Pillars had they but left the Lead on the Roof which is but meanly Tiled at this day In a word the best commendation of the Church is that on Lords-dayes generally it is filled with a great and attentive Congregation To the South-side of the Church is joyned a Chappel Mortality triumphant formerly our Ladies now a School-house and under it an arched Charnel-house the fairest that ever I saw Here a pious fancy could make a feast to its self on those dry bones with the meditation of mortality where it is hard yea impossible to discern the Sculls of a rich from a poor wise from a simple noble from a mean person Thus all counters are alike when put up together in the box or bag though in casting of account of far different valuation King Harold Dedicated the Monastery to the honour of an Holy Cross A Dean and Canons founded at Waltham found far West-ward and brought hither as they write by miracle whence the Town hath the addition of Waltham-Holy-Cross but the Church we finde in after ages also Dedicated to S t Laurence His foundation was for a Dean and eleven Secular Black Canons Let none challenge the words of impropriety seeing a Dean in Latin Decanus hath his name from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ten over which number he is properly to be preposed For nothing more common then to wean words from their infant and original sense and by custome to extend them to a larger signification as Dean afterwards plainly denoted a superiour over others whether fewer then ten as the six Prebendaries of Rochester or moe as the three and thirty of Salisbury The Dean and eleven Canons were plentifully provided for each Canon having a Manor and the Dean six for his maintenance For in the Charter of Confirmation made by King Edward the Confessor Seventeen Manors confirm'd to them by the Confessor besides North-land in Waltham now called 1062 as I take it 20. North-field wherewith the Monastery was first endowed these following Lordshops with all their appurtenances are reckoned up 1. Passefield 2. Walde 3. Upminster 4. Walthfare 5. Suppedene 6. Alwertowne 7. Wodeford 8. Lambehide 9. Nesingan 10. Brickindon 11. Melnhoo 12. Alichsea 13. Wormeley 14. Nichelswells 15. Hitchche 16. Lukendon 17. West-Wealtham All these the King granted unto them cum Sacha Socha Tol and Team Anno Regis Harol 1. c. free from all gelts and payments Anno Dom. 1066 in a most full and ample Manner Witness himself Edith his Queen Stigand Archiepiscopus Dorobornensis Count Harold and many other Bishops and Lords
afterwards sold for seven pounds Anno 1544. the 36. of HENRY the 8 th Imprimis Received of Adam Tanner the overplus of the money which was gathered for the purchase of the Bells two pound four shillings and eleven pence It seems the Kings Officers sold and the Parish then purchased the five Bells being great and tunable who as they gave bountifully so I presume they bought reasonably and the surplusage of the money was delivered Item Received of Richard Tanner for eight Stoles three shillings A Stole was a vestment which the Priest used Surely these were much worn and very rags of Popery as sold for four pence half penny a piece It seems the Church-wardens were not so charitable to give away nor so superstitious to burn but so thrifty as to make profit by sale of these decayed vestments Item Paid for mending the hand-bell two pence This was not fixed as the rest in any place of Church or Steeple but being a Diminutive of the Saints-bell was carried in the Sextons hands at the circumgestation of the Sacrament the visitation of the sick and such like occasions Item Paid to Philip wright Carpenter for making a frame in the Bell-frey eighteen shillings four pence The Bels being bought by the Parishioners were taken down out of the decayed Steeple and we shall afterwards see what became thereof Mean time a timber-frame was made which the aged of the last generation easily remembred in the South-East end of the Church-yard where now two Yew-trees stand and a shift made for some years to hang the Bells thereon Anno 1546. the 38. of HENRY the 8 th Item For clasps to hold up the Banners in the body of the Church eight pence By these I understand not Pennons with Arms hanging over the Graves of interred Gentlemen but rather some superstitious Streamers usually carried about in Procession Item Paid to John Boston for mending the Organs twentie pence The state of Waltham Church during the Reign of King EDWARD the Sixth OLd things are passed away behold all things now are become new Superstition by degrees being banished out of the Church we hear no more of prayers and Masses for the dead Every Obit now had its own Obit and fully expired the Lands formerly given thereunto being imployed to more charitable uses But let us select some particulars of the Church-wardens accounts in this Kings dayes Anno 1549. the 3 d. of EDWARD the Sixth Imprimis Sold the Silver plate which was on the desk in the Charnel weighing five ounces for twenty five shillings Guess the gallantry of our Church by this presuming all the rest in proportionable equipage when the desk Anno Dom. whereon the Priest read was inlaid with plate of silver Item Sold a rod of iron which the curtain run upon before the Rood Anno Regis nine pence The Rood was an Image of Christ on the Corss made generally of wood and erected in a loft for that purpose just over the passage out of the Church into the Chancel And wot you what spiritual mysterie was couched in this position thereof The Church forsooth typified the Church Militant the Chancel represents the Church Triumphant and all who will pass out ot the sormer into the latter must go under the Rood-lost that is carry the cross and be acquainted with affliction I add this the rather because a Fox Acts Mon. in the examination of Tho. Hawks pag. 1590. Harpsfield that great Scholar who might be presumed knowing in his own art of Superstition confesseth himself ignorant ot the reason of the Rood-scituation Item Sold so much Wax as amounted to twenty six shillings So thristy the Wardens at that they bought not candles and tapers ready made but bought the wax at the best hand and payed poor people for the making of them Now they sold their Magazine of wax as useless Under the Reformation more light and fewer candles Item Paid for half of the Book called Paraphrase five shillings By the seventh Injunction of King Edward each Parish was to procure the Paraphrase of Erasmus namely the first part thereof on the Gospels and the same to be let up in some convenient place in the Church Item Spent in the Visitation at Chelmsford amongst the Wardens and other honest men fourteen-shillings four pence A round summe I assure you in those dayes This was the first Visitation kept by Nicholas Ridley newly Bishop of London whereat Waltham-Wardens ever appeared out of their own Town whole Abbot formerly had Episcopal Jurisdiction Anno 1551 the 5 th of EDWARD the 6 th Imprimis Received for a Knell of a servant to the Lady Mary her Grace ten pence Cept-Hall in this Parish being then in the Crown the Lady afterwards Queen Mary came thither sometimes to take the air probably during whose residence there this her servant died Item Lost fourty six shillings by reason of the fall of money by Proclamation King Henry much debased the English Coyn to his own gain and the Lands loss if Soveraigns may be said to get by the damage of their Subjects yet all would not do to pay his debts His Son Edward endeavoured to reduce the Coyn to its true standard decrying bad money by his Proclamation to the intrinsick value thereof But prevented by death he effected not this difficult design Adultery in Men and Adulterateness in Money both hardly reclaimed which was afterwards compleated by the care of Queen Elizabeth Item Received for two hundred seventy one ounces of Plate sold at several times for the best advantage sixtie seven pound fourteen shillings and nine pence Now was the Brotherhood in the Church dissolved consisting as formerly of three Priests three Choristers and two Sextons and the rich plate belonging to them was sold for the good of the Parish It may seem strange the Kings Commissioners deputed for that purpose seised not on it from whose hands Waltham found some favour befriended by the Lord Rich their Countrey-man the rather because of their intentions to build their decaied Steeple Church-alterations in the Reign of Queen MARY NEw Lady new Laws Now strange the Metamorphosis in Waltham Condemn not this our Como-graphie or description of a Country-Town as too low and narrow a subject seeing in some sort the Historie of waltham-Waltham-Church is the Church-History of England all Parishes in that age being infected alike with superstition Nor intend I hereby to renew the memorie of Idolatrie but to revive our gratitude to God for the abolishing thereof whose numerous trinkets here ensue Anno 1554. Mariae primo Imprimis For a Cross with a foot cooper and gilt twentie five shillings Item For a Cross-staff copper and gilt nine shillings and four pence Item For a Pax copper and gilt five shillings Greet one another saith S t a 1 Cor 16. 20. Paul with an holy kiss on which words of the Apostle the Pax had its original This Ceremony performed in the Primitive times and Eastern Countries
died in his own House in Waltham and was g Matt. Paris Anno 1252. A heap of difficulties cast together buried in the Abby-Church therein And now because we have so often cited Matthew Paris I never met with more difficulties in six lines then what I finde in him which because nearly relating to this present subject I thought fit to exemplifie MATTHEW PARIS in Anno 1242. p. 595. Eodemque Anno videlicet in crastino S ti Michaelis dedicata est Ecclesia conventualis Canonicorum de Waltham ab Episcopo Norwicensi Willielmo solemniter valde assistibus aliis plurimis Episcopis Praelatis Magnatibus venerabilibus statim post dedicationem Ecclesiae sancti Pauli Londinensis ut peregrinantes hinc inde indistanter remearent And in the same year namely the morrow after S t. Michaels day the conventual Church of the Canons at Waltham was dedicated by William Bishop of Norwich very solemnly many other Bishops Prelates and venerable Peers assisting him presently after the dedication of S t Pauls in London that Pilgrims and Travellers up and down might indistantly return It is clear our Church of Waltham Abby is intended herein a See speed his Caralogue of religiious houses Queries on queries England affording no other Conventual Church This being granted how comes Waltham Church built by Harold two hundred years before now to be first Dedicated that Age accounting it as faulty and fatal to defer the Consecration of Churches as the Christning of Children 2. What made the Bishop of Norwich to meddle therewith an Office more proper for the Bishop of London to perform Waltham being though not under in his jurisdiction 3. What is meant by the Barbarous word indistanter and what benefit accrewed to Travellers thereby I will not so much as conjecture as unwilling to draw my bow where I despair to hit the mark but leave all to the judgment of others But I grow tedious and will therefore conclude Anno 1641. King CHARLES came the last time to Waltham and went as he was wont where any thing remarkable to see the Church the Earl of Carlile attending him His Majestie told him that he divided his Cathedral Churches K. Charls his last coming to Waltham as he did his Royal ships into three ranks accounting S t Pauls in London York Lincoln Winchester c. of the first form Chichester Lichfield c. of the second the Welch Cathedrals of the third with which Waltham Church may be well compared especially if the Roof thereof was taken lower and Leaded The Earl moved His Majestie Conditionally granteth the repairing of the Church that seeing this Ancient Church Founded by king Harold his Predecessor was fallen into such decay that the repair was too heavy for the Parish he would be pleased to grant a moderate Tole of Cattle coming over the Bridg with their great Driftss doing much damage to the High-wayes and therewith both the Town might be Paved and the Church repaired The King graciously granted it provided it were done with the privity and cons ent of a great Prelate not so safe to be named as easie to be guessed with whom he consulted in all Church-matters But when the foresaid Prelate was informed But it misarcrieth that the Earl had applied to His Majestie before addresses to himself he dashed the design so that poor Waltham Church must still be contented with their weak walls and worse Roof till Providence procure her some better Benefactors As for the Armes of Waltham Abby being loath to set them alone I have joyned them in the following draught with the Armes of the other Mitred Abbies as far as my industry could recover them SOLI DEO GLORIA FINIS AN INDEX OF THE MOST REMARKABLE PERSONS and Passages in this BOOK TO THE READER ALthough a Methodicall Book be an Index to it self yet an Index is not to be contemned by the most Industrious Reader Whom we request to take notice of the following Particulars I. C. stands for Century B. for Book P. for Page ¶ for Paragraph II. In the two first Books memorables are ranked onely according to Centuries an Paragraphs but afterwards by Books III. Paragraph without page doth for brevity sake referre to that page which was last named IV. Page without Book on the same reason relates to the last Book that was named V. VVhere no Paragraph is named it sheweth that the page by it self is sufficient notification Lastly know that the discounting of Sheets to expedite the work at severall Presses hath occasioned in the Fifth book after page 200. completed to go back Again to page 153 surrounded in this fashion to prevent confusion ARON a Citizen of Caerlion martyred Cent. 4. 1. 10. ABBEYS The prodigious expence in building and endowing them Cent. 10. ¶ 40. multitudes of them causeth the Danish invasion ¶ 51. mischiefs done by them b. 2. p. 282 283 284. prime Officers and Officines p. 285 286 287. the civil benefits by them p. 296 297 298. presage of their ruin p. 300. and offers to overthrow them p. 301 302. the lesser which could not expend 200. pounds a year bestowed on the King p. 310 311 and the rest visited with three sorts of Officers p. 314. 315. some appear vertuous p. 316. otherâ—â—otouriously vitious p. 317. all resigned by their Abbots unwillingly willing to the King p. 319 c. Rob. ABBOT Bishop of Salisbury his death and commendation B. 10. P. 70. ¶ 53. George ABBOT Arch-bishop of Cant. B. 10. P. 57. 9. 47. casually killeth a keeper p. 87 ¶ 12 c. befriended by Sir Edward Coke ¶ 15. and Bishop Andrews ¶ 16. mortified by this chance ¶ 17. seven years after severely suspended from his jurisdication b. 11. ¶ 51. his character ¶ 53. and vindication ¶ 54. 55. Tho. ADAMS Alderman of London foundeth an Arabick Professours place in Cambridge Hist of Cam. P. 166. ¶ 23. ADELME the first Bishop Sherborn Cent. 8. ¶ 4. and the first Englsnman who wroted Latin or made a verse ibid. AETHELARD Arch-bishop of Cant. calleth a Svnod Cent. 9. ¶ 2. with the solemn subscriptions thereunto ibidem AGRICOLA a principall spreader of Pelagiamisme in Britain Cent. 5. ¶ 3. AIDAN Bishop of Lindissern his due Commendation Cent. 7. ¶ 70. dissenteth from the Romish Church in the Celebration of Easter ¶ 71. inciteth Lay-men to the Reading of Scripture ¶ 72. St. ALBAN though a Britan how a Citizen of Rome Cent. 4. ¶ 2. converted to Christianity by Amphibalus ¶ 3. his Martyrdome and reported Miracles ¶ 4. 5. his intire body pretended in three places Cent. 5. ¶ 11. Enshrined some hundred years after by King Offa Cent. 8. ¶ 35. St. ALBANS Abbey founded by King Offa Cent. 8. ¶ 38. the Abbot thereof confirmed first in place of all England by Pope Adrian the fourth b. 3. p. 29. ¶ 49. ALL-SOULS Colledge in Oxford founded by Hen. Chichely Arch-bishop of Cant. b. 4. p. 182. ARROW a small city in
Cornelius BURGES his speech against Deans and Chapters b. 11 p. 179 ¶ 73 74. Henry BURTON his character b. 14. p. 152. ¶ 59. cause of discontent ¶ 60. degraned p. 143. ¶ 68. his words on the Piliory ¶ 69 70. brought back from Exile in Triumph p. 172. ¶ 32. C. Jack CADE his rebellion b. 4. p. 186. ¶ 22. CADOCUS his discreet devotion C 6. ¶ 7. CADVVALLADER last K. of VVales foundeth at Rome a Hospitall for the VVelch C. 7. ¶ 104. since injuries fly taken from them ¶ 105. CAIUS Colledge in Cambridge foundea by Dr. Caius Hist of Camb. p. 133. ¶ 45. who bestowed good Lands building statutes Name and Armes thereon ¶ 46 47 c. fruitfull with famous Physicians ¶ 52. CAMBRAY a Nunnery therein founded for English women by the Spanish Ambassadour b. 6. p. 3 63. CAMBRIDGE reported to have received divers privileages from King Lucius C. 2. ¶ 12. her Christian Students reported slain by the Pagan Britains C. 4. ¶ 9. persecuted to the dissolution of the 〈…〉 by Pelagius C. 5. ¶ 2. reputed first founded by King 〈◊〉 C. 7. ¶ 46. Arguments to the contrary answered ¶ 47 c. called Schola which was in that Age the same with an Academy ¶ 54. restored by King Edward the Elder C. 10. ¶ 6 7. mistaken by John Rouse for the founder thereof ¶ 8. renounceth the Popes supremacy in a publick instrument Hist of Camb. p. 106. ¶ 50. the first generall visitation thereof jure Regio Hist of Camb. p. 109. ¶ 55. King Henry his Injunctions thereunto p. 112. ¶ 56. Edmund CAMPIAN sent over by the Pope to pervert England B. 9. p. 114. ¶ 41. his journall letter p. 115 116 117. catch'd by secretary Walsingham ibid. falsly pretends to be cruelly racked p. 117. ¶ 2. is at last executed CANONS made in the last Convocation with the c. Oath therein b. 11. p. 168 169. severall opinions about them p. 171. Mr. Maynard his speech against them p. 100. ¶ 77. the Clergy are judged in a Praemunire for making them ¶ 78. King CANUTUS his cruelty C. 11. ¶ 5. conversion and charity ibidem c. so CAPON Bishop of Salisbury a cruell persecuter under Q. Mary b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 5. the bane of his Bishoprick b. 9. ¶ 21. Nic. CARR his Epitaph Hist of Camb. p. 141. George CARLTON Bishop of Landaf sent by K. James to the Synod of Dott B. 10. p. 77. ¶ 63. dieth Bishop of Chichester b. 11. ¶ 67. CARMELITES their first coming into England p. 271. ¶ 18. great priviledges ¶ 19. most carefull keepers of the Records of their order ¶ 20. a Catalogue of their Provincials p. 272. their first coming to Cambridge Hist of Camb. p. 20. ¶ 5. where they would not commence Doctors and why ibid. till Humphry Necton first brake the ice ¶ 6. learned writers of their order which were Cambridge-men Hist. Camb. p. 30. ¶ 27. CARTHUSIAN Monks b. 6. p. 269. ¶ 9. Tho. CARTWRIGHT presents his admonition to the Parliament b. 9. p. 102. ¶ 5. bandying betwixt him and Dr. Whitgift ¶ 6 7. examined in the high Commission on 29. Articles b. 9. p. 198 c. sent to the Fleet for refusing to answer p. 203. discharged the Star-Chamber by favour of Arch-bishop Whitgift p. 204. ¶ 31. groweth rich at Warwick b. 10. ¶ 7. and very moderate ¶ 8. The reasons thereof ibid. His character ¶ 9. dedicates a Book to King James ¶ 18. His strange infirmity and death ¶ 19. his first cause of discontentment Hist of Camb. p. 139. ¶ 2. claâ—heth with Dr. Whitgift p. 140. ¶ 3. by whom he is summoned p. 141. and banished the University p. 142. John CASE Dr. of Physick b. 8. S. 3. ¶ 45. the great favour done by the University to his Scholars at Oxford ibidem CAURSINES what they were b. 3. p. 59. ¶ 6. the form of their cruel Obligations p. 60. with sâ—me notes thereon ibidem why they were called Caursines p. 61. ¶ 8. St. CEDDE his difference from St. Chad C. 7. ¶ 84. St. CHAD his difference from St. Cedde C. 7. ¶ 84. teacheth Wulfade the Christian faith ¶ 86. CHANTEREYES given to the King b. 6. p. 250 ¶ 2. what they were ¶ 5. Fourty seven founded in St. Pauls Church in London p. 351 352 c. vasi though uncertain their number in England p. 354. ¶ 18. Free CHAPPELS given to the King b. 6. p. 354. ¶ 15. King CHARLES his solâ—mn coronation b. 11. ¶ 19 c. restoreth Imprepriations of Ireland to the Church p. 149. ¶ 45. unwillingly consenteth to the taking away of Bishops votes in Parliament p. 195. ¶ 29 and 30. his severall papers in the Isle of Wight in defence of Episcopacie p. 230 231 c. his death which endeth the eleventh Book CHARLES eldest Son to King Charles his short life b. 11. p. 135. ¶ 1. an excellent Tetrastick on his death ¶ 2. CHARTER-HOUSE founded by Mr. Sutton b. 10. p. 65. in some respect exceeding the Annuntiata at Naples p. 66. ¶ 21. Thomas CHASE cruelly martyred b. 5. p. 164. ¶ 3. Geffery CHAWCER the famous Poet b. 4. p. 151. ¶ 46. his Parentage Armes and praise p. 152. ¶ 47 48. his cumity to Friers ¶ 49. Student sometimes in Cambridge Hist Camb. p. 52. ¶ 38. as also in Oxford ibidem CHEALSEY Colledge a large discourse of the foundation thereof b. 10. p. 51 52 53 c. Sr. J. CHEEK Tutour to King Edward the sixth b. 7. p. 422. ¶ 12. restored to health by King Edward's prayers p. 424. ¶ 13. A prime Exile in the Reign of Q. Mary b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 24. his sad return into England ¶ 30. orally recanteth ¶ 31. and dyeth for the grief thereof ibidem vindicated from slandring and mistaking Pens in his Parentage Parts and Posterity ¶ 32. Henry CHICHELEY Arch-bishop of Canterbury foundeth All-Souls Colledge b. 4. p. 181. ¶ 10. soberly returneth a tart jear p. 182. ¶ 11. saveth Abbies by sending King Henry the fifth into France b. 6. p. 302 ¶ 5. CHRIST-CHURCH in Oxford b. 5. p. 169. ¶ 28 c. confirmed by King Henry the eighth ¶ 30. the Deans Bishops Benefactours c. thereof ¶ 32. John CHRISTOPHERSON Bishop of Chichester a learned man but great persecuter under Q. Mary b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 8. CHRISTS COLLEDGE founded by Margaret Countesse of Darby Hist of Camb. p. 90. ¶ 55. endowed it with rich lands ¶ 56. augmented by King Edward the sixth p. 91. ¶ 7. Their numerous worthies of this foundation ¶ 9. CIRCUMSPECTE AGATIS the form thereof b. 3. p. 79. ¶ 15. both a statute a writ grounded thereon p. 80. a large discourse of the severall branches thereof p. 81 82 83. CISTERTIANS being refined Benedictines b. 6. p. 266. ¶ 2. exempted by Pope Adrian the fourth from paying of Tithes and why p. 283. ¶ 4. their freedome somewhat confined by the Lateran Councell ¶ 5. CLARE HALL founded by
Elizabeth Countesse of Clare Hist of Camb. p. 37. ¶ 41. The Masters Benefactours Bishops c. thereof ibidem anciently called Soler Hall p. 38. ¶ 44. ruinous and lately re-edified ¶ 45. Four hundred pounds worth of timber reported taken from it in these troublesome times which the Authour of this Book will not believe ibid. CLAUDIA mentioned by St. Paul 2. Tim. 4. 21. probably a British Convert C. 1. ¶ 9. notwithstanding Parsons his Cavils to the contrary ¶ 10. CLUNIACK Monks being reformed Benedictines b. 6. p. 266. ¶ 2. Elianor COBHAM Dutchess of Glocester accused for a Sorceress by some made a Confessour by M. Fox b. 4. p. 171 c. COIFY a Pagan Priest his remarkable speech C. 7. ¶ 41. COLCHESTER claimeth Constantine to be born therein C. 4. ¶ 18. Augustinean Monks had there their prime residence b. 6. p. 268. ¶ 6. COLLEDGES not in the Universities but for superstitious uses given to the King b. 6. p. 350. ¶ 3 4 5. John COLLET Dean of St. Pauls b. 5. p. 167. ¶ 13. foundeth Pauls School ¶ 14. making the Mercers overseers thereof ¶ 15. out of provident prescience ¶ 16. Tho. COMBER Master of Trinity Colledge in Camb. highly commended by Morâ—nus History of Camb. p. 123. ¶ 20. High COMMISSION arguments for and against it b. 9. p. 18â— CONSTANTINE the first Christian Emperour proved a Britan by birth C. 4. ¶ 15. the objections to the contrary answered ¶ 16. richly endoweth the Church ¶ 19. CONSTANTIUS CHLORUS the Roman Emperour and though no Christian a favourer of them C. 4. ¶ 12. buried at York and not in Wales as Florilegus will have it ¶ 13. CONVENTICLE the true meaning thereof b. 9. p. 102. ¶ 4. CONVENTS some generall conformities used in them all b. 6. p. 287 c. CONVOCATIONS three severall sorts of them b. 5. p. 190 191. they complain of erroncous opinious p. 209 210 c. CORPUS CHRIST COL in Camb. See Bennet Colledge CORPUS CHRISTI COLL. in Oxford founded by Bishop Fox b. 5. p. 166. ¶ 11. called the Colledge of three Languages ibid. the worthies thereof ibid. Masse quickly set up therein in the first of Q. Mary b. S. p. 8. ¶ 10 11. Dr. John COSEN charged with superstition his due praise b. 11. p. 173. ¶ 34 c. The Scotish COVENANT the form thereof b. 11. p. 201. ¶ 13 c. exceptions to the Preface and six Articles therein 203 204 205 206. never taken by the Authour of this Book p. 206. ¶ 30. Will. COURTNEY Bishop of London his contests about Wickliffe with the Duke of Lancaster b. 4. ¶ 135. ¶ 19. Arch-bishop of Canterbury p. 142. ¶ 24. COURTS SPIRITUALL began in the Reign of King William the first when severed from the Sherifs Courts b. 3. ¶ 10. Their contesting with the Common Law how to be reconciled ¶ 11. Richard COX Dean of Christs Church accused t is hoped unjustly for cancelling Manuscripts in Oxford Library b. 7. p. 302. ¶ 19 20. flies to Frankford in the Reign of Queen Mary b. 8. p. 30. ¶ 3. where he headeth a strong party in defence of the English Liturgie p. 31 32. made Bishop of Ely b. 9. p. 63. his death and Epitaph p. 111. ¶ 34. Thomas CRANMER employed by King Henry to the Pope b. 5. p. 179. ¶ 9. to prove the unlawfulnesse of the Kings marriage ¶ 18. thence sent into Germany ¶ 22. made Arch-bishop of Canterbury against his will ¶ 27. defended against the cavils of Papists and Mr. Prin ¶ 28 c. his death b. 8. p. 203. ¶ 32. CREKELADE or GREEKLADE an ancient place where Greek was professed C. 9. ¶ 29. CROWLAND Monks massacred by the Danes C. 9. ¶ 19. Thomas CROMWELL first known to the World for defending his Mr. Card. Woisey b. 5. p. 177 ¶ 1. as the Kings Vicar in Spiritualibus presidenteth it in the Convocation p. 206. ¶ 21. falls into the Kings displeasure p. 231. ¶ 20. deservedly envred ¶ 21. his admirable parts ¶ 22. with the History of his death c. ¶ 23 c. Chancelour of Cambridge Hist. of Cambridge p. 108. ¶ 53. Richard CROMWEL alias Williams Knighted for his valour at a solemn tiâ—ting b. 6. p. 370. ¶ 11. giveth a Diamond Ring in his Crest on an honourable occasion ¶ 12. CUTHBERT Arch-bishop of Canterbury by the Kings leave first brings Bodyes to be buried in the Church b. 2. p. 103. ¶ 27. D. DANES their first arrivall in England B. 2. p. 103. ¶ 29. why their country formerly so fruitfull is lately sobarren of people ¶ 30 31 32. the sad Prognosticks of their coming hither ¶ 33. make an invasion into Lincolnshire C. 9. ¶ 18. massacre the Monks of Crowland C. 9. ¶ 19. and burn the Monastery of Medeshamsted ¶ 20 21. why their fury fell more on Convents then Castles C. 10. ¶ 48. after sixty years absence re-invade England ibidem A dear peace bought with them ¶ 50. to no purpose ¶ 52. their Royall line in England suddenly and strangely extinct C. 11. ¶ 10. no hostile appearance of them in England ¶ 13. Thomas L. DARCY beheaded B. 6. p. 313. ¶ 5. his Extraction vndicated from the causelesse Aspersion of King Henry the eighth page 324 325. John DAVENANT sent by King James to the Synod of Dort B. 10. p. 77. ¶ 63. made Bishop of Salisbury B. 10. p. 91. ¶ 35. questioned for his Sermon at Court B. 11. p. 138. ¶ 14 15. relates all the passages thereof in a Letter to Dr. Ward ¶ 16. his opinion about the suspension of Bishop Goodman p. 170. ¶ 23. his death p. 176. ¶ 53. St. DAVID a great advancer of Monastick life C. 6. ¶ 4. one of his paramount Miracles ¶ 5. St. DAVIDS or Menevia in Wales once an Arch-bishoprick B. 3. p. 24. ¶ 25. contesteth with Canterbury ibidem but is overpowered ¶ 26. DEANES and CHAPTERS defended in the House of Commons by an excellent speech of Doctour Hackets B. 11. p. 177 178 179. Edward DEERING his death and praise B. 9. p. 109. ¶ 22. Sr. Auth. DENNIE his extraction issue death and Epitaph Hist of Walt. p. 12 13. DERVVIANUS sent by Eleutherius Bishop of Rome to King Lucius to instruct him in Christianity C. 2. ¶ 8. DEVONSHIRE commotion begun out of superstition heightned with cruelty supprest by Gods blessing on the valour of the Lord Russell B. 7. p. 393 394 c. The DIRECTORY compiled by the Assembly of Divines B. 11. p. 221. ¶ 1. commanded by the Parliament ¶ 6. forbidden by the King to be generally used ¶ 7. it and the Liturgy comparted together p. 223. 224. DISSENTING BRETHREN B. 11. ¶ 35 why departing the Land ¶ 36. kindly entertained in Holland ¶ 37. their chief ground-works ¶ 39. 40. manner of Church-service ¶ 41. Schism betwixt them ¶ 42 c. Sr. Th. DOCKWRAY Lord Prior of St. Joanes B. 6. p. 359. ¶ 4. and p. 361. in the dedication John DOD his birth and
Kingdome ¶ 25. forbiddeth an appeal to the Pope for the triall of Bastardy b. 3. p. 58 59. troubled a long time with the animosityes of his Subjects p. 66. ¶ 33 c. reformeth his faults ¶ 38. his quiet death p. 73. ¶ 1 2. King HENRY the fourth gaineth the Crown by deposing King Richard b. 4. p. 152. ¶ 52 53. bloudy against poor Innocents p. 155. ¶ 1. subjecteth Oxford notwithstanding many Papal exemptions thereof to the visitation of the Arch-bish of Cant. p. 164 165. his death p. 166. ¶ 28. King HENRY the fifth whilest Prince engaged himself in a bitter Petition with the Bishops against the poor Lollards b. 4. p. 162 163. when king the prelates afraid of him p. 166. ¶ 31. divert his activity on the French ¶ 32. his death King HENRY the sixth his plety b. 4. ¶ 1. foundeth Eaton Colledge p. 183. looseth all in France p. 184. ¶ 15. 16. foundeth Kings Coll. An Camb. Hist. of C. p. 73. conquered by K. Edward the 4. p. 190. ¶ 26. returneth out of Sâ—otl fighteth and is roured ¶ 29. afterward enlarged out of prison and made King p. 191. ¶ 31. reimprisoned and murdered p. 3. worketh many miracles after his death p. 154. ¶ 25 yet could be made a Saint by the Pope and why ¶ 27. King HENRY the seventh his sixfold title to the Crown b. 4. p. 194. ¶ 15. his extraction p. 200. ¶ 18. retrencheth the exorbitances of sanctuaries ¶ 19. endeavouret him vain to get King Henry the sixth Sainted p. 153. ¶ 23. and converteth a lollard and then burneth him p. 155. ¶ 31. foundeth the Savoy b. 5. p. 165. ¶ 4. his death ibidem King HENRY the eighth marrieth the relict of his Brother Arthur b. 5. p. 165. ¶ 6. writes against Luther p. 168. ¶ 21. therefore stiled Defender of the Faith ¶ 22. embraceth the Motion to be divorced p. 171. ¶ 38. troubles before it could be effected p. 172. c. owned supream Head of the Church p. 187. 48. justified in abolishing the Papal power in England p. 194. and 195. his large Will from p. 243. to 253. observations thereon p. 252 253. his disease and death p. 254. ¶ 61. vices and vertues 64. imperfect Monuments 65. Prince HENRY his death and excellent Epitaph b. 10. p. 67. ¶ 22. HERBERT the simoniacal Bishop of Norwich b. 3. p. 11. ¶ 33. Charles HERLE prolocutour in the Assembly b. 11. p. 213. ¶ 53. HILDA the worthy Abbesse C. 7. ¶ 90 93. a Miracle imputed unto her ¶ 94. Arthur HILDERSHAM his remarkable life and death b. 11. p. 142. ¶ 22 c. John HILTON Priest solemnly abjureth his blasphemous heresies before Arch-bishop Whitgift in the Convocation b. 9. p. 175. ¶ 27. Robert HOLCOT a great School-man his sudden death C. 14. p. 98. ¶ 21. John HOLYMAN Bishop of Bristol no persecutour in the Reign of Q. Mary b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 4. HOMILIES of two sorts b. 9. p. 74. ¶ 60. their use ¶ 62. authenticalnesse unjustly questioned ¶ 63. Rich. HOOKER his character b. 9. p. 214. ¶ 15. and p. 216. ¶ 53. clasheth with Mr. Travers about a point of Doct. and overpowreth him ¶ 55 56 c. commended by his Adversaries for his holinesse p. 217. ¶ 59. his death p. 235. ¶ 40. John HOOPER Bishop of Glocester the first founder of non-conformity in England b. 7. p. 42 43 44. c. much opposed by Bp. Ridley ibid. till fire and fagots made them friends p. 405. ¶ 29. Robert HORNE chosen Reader of Hebrew to the English Exiles at Frankford b. 8. p. 31. ¶ 6. His contest with M. Ashley ¶ 11 12 13. stickleth there for the Old discipline ¶ 14 c. chose a Disputant in the conference at Westminster b. 9. ¶ 10. consecrated Bishop of Winchester ¶ 31. his Sute against Bonner p. 77. ¶ 1 2 c. superseded by a provisoe in Parliament ¶ 7. his death p. 111. ¶ 32. Ancient HOSTLES in Cambridge before any Colledges therein were built or endowed Hist of Camb. p. 26 27. though fewer greater then those in Oxford p. 27. ¶ 21 22. Richard HUN martyr barbarously murthered b. 5. p. 166. ¶ 9. Mathew HUTTON Arch-bishop of Yorke by his letter concurreth with Lamheth Articles b. 9. pag. 230. his death b. 10. p. 38. ¶ 42. and memorie rectified from a foule mistake ¶ 43. I. St. JAMES how mistaken to have preached in Britain Cent. 1. ¶ 8. KING JAMES b. 9. p. 5. ¶ 13. his speech at Hampton Court p. 8. and discreet carriage therein p. 9. 10 c. writeth against the Pope p. 45. ¶ 58 against Vorstius p. 27. ¶ 5. his discourse with the legate ¶ 7. happy in discovery of Impostors p. 73. ¶ 56. 57. his Sicknesse p. 113. ¶ 21. increased with a plaister ¶ 23. his faith and Charity at his death ¶ 25. his peaceableness Eloquence piercing wit Judgement bounty and Mercy p. 114. ¶ 27. 28. c. His funerall Sermon preached by Bp. Williams b. 11. pag. 117. ¶ 3. Doctor JAMES his good motion in the convocation at Oxford b. 11. ¶ 12. Queen JANESEYMOUR marryed to King Henry the eighth b. 5. p. 208. ¶ 25. her letter on her delivery to the Lords of the Councell b. 6. p. 421. ¶ 11. her death p. 422. ibidem JESUATES how differing from JESUITES b. 6. p. 278. ¶ 45. JESUITES their beginning just when other orders in England were dissolved b. 6. p. 278. ¶ 43. best Butteresses in the Romish Church p. 279. ¶ 56. their policie ¶ 57. how in Engl. like the Astrologers in Rome ¶ 58. their bitter contentions with Secular Priests b. 9. p. 225 226. JESUITESSES a Viraginous Order I think extinct b. 6. p. 364. JESUS COLL. IN CAMBRIDGE founded by Bp. Alcock Hist. Camb. p. 84. ¶ 42 c. called the Bp. of Ely'es house p. 84. ¶ 46. The Masters Benefactors Bishops c. thereof p. 86. JESUS COLL. IN OXFORD founded by Hugh Price b. 9. p. 96. ¶ 28. the Principalls Bps. Benefactors c. thereof ibidem IMPROPRIATIONS endeavoured to be bought in by Feoffees b. 11. p. 136. ¶ 5 6. crushed by Archbishop Laud p. 143. ¶ 26. c. those in Ireland restored to the Clergie by the bounty of King Charles b. 11. p. 149. ¶ 45. INNES of Bishops or their severall Lodging-houses in London b. 3. p. 63. INNOVATIONS in doctrine and discipline complained of b. 11. p. 174 175. JOHN JEWELL draweth up the Gratulatory letter of Oxford to Queen Mary b. 8. ¶ 6. driven out of Corpus Christi Colledge ¶ 11. his great fall ¶ 15. seasonable and sincere recovery ¶ 17. Vice-Master of P. Martyrs Colledge at Strasbourg Sect. 3. ¶ 24. one of the disputants against the Papists at Westminster b. 9. ¶ 10. his reasons against the Councill of Trent ¶ 42. his death and deserved praise p. 101. ¶ 1. 2. JEWES first came over into England under William the Conquerour b. 3. p. 9. ¶ 44. highly
favoured by W. Rufus ibid. had a chief Justicor â—ver them p. 84. ¶ 33. a High priest or Presbyter ¶ 35. their griping usurie p. 85. ¶ 36 c. unfortunate at Feast and Frayes p. 86. ¶ 40. eruelly used by K. Henry the 3d. ¶ 43. Misdomeanours charged on them p. 87. ¶ 46 cast out of the land by K. Edward the first 47. though others say they craved leave to depart ibid c. ILTUTUS abused by Monkish for geries C. 6. ¶ 8. IMAGE-WORSHIP first setled by Synod in England C. 8. ¶ 9 10. injoyned point-blank to poore people to practice it b. 4. p. 150. ¶ 40. IN A King of the West-Saxons his Ecclesiasticall Laws C. 7. ¶ 106. he giveth Peter-Pence to the Pope C. 8. ¶ 13. INDEPENDENTS vide dissenting Brethren Sr. Fra. INGLEFIELD a Benefactour to the English Coll. at Valladolit b. 9. p. 87. yea to all English Papists p. 108. ¶ 20. St. JOHNS COLLEDGE in Cambridge founded by the Lady Margaret Hist of Cam. p. 94. ¶ 11. the Masters Bishops c. thereof p. 94 95. St. JOHNS COLL. Oxford founded by Sr. Tho. White b. 8. S. 3. ¶ 44. The Presidents Bishops Benefactours c. thereof ¶ 45. King JOHN receives a present from the Pope b. 3. p. 48. ¶ 4. returns him a stout answer 5. for which the whole Kingdome is interdicted p. 49. ¶ 6 7 c. his Innocency to the Popes injustice ¶ 9. by whom he is excommunicated by name ¶ 10. yet is blessed under his curse ¶ 11. his submission to the Pope p. 51. ¶ 13. resigning his Crown ibid. his unworthy Embassey to the King of Morocco p. 53. ¶ 21. lamentable death ¶ 22. and character ¶ 23. JOSEPH of ARIMATHEA said to be sent into Britain C. 1. ¶ 11. his drossy History brought to the Touch ¶ 12. severall places assigned for his buriall ¶ 14. the Oratours of Spain in the councill of Basel endeavour to disprove the whole story b. 4. p. 180. ¶ 8. whose objections are easily answered p. 181. ¶ 9. IRELAND excludeth their own Articles and receiveth the 39 Articles of England b. 11. p. 149. ¶ 46. ITALIANS had in England seventy thousand Marks a year of Ecclesiasticall revenues b. 3. p. 65. ¶ 29. held the best livings and kept no Hospitalitie b. 4. p. 138. ¶ 17. William JUXON Bishop of London made Lord Treasurer b. 11. p. 150. ¶ 48. his commendable carriage ¶ 49. K. Q. KATHARINE de Valois disobeyeth her Husband b. 4. p. 170. ¶ 46. therefore never buried ¶ 47 48. Q. KATHARINE Dowager for politick ends married to King Henry the eighth b. 5. p. 165. ¶ 6. on what score the match was first scrupled by the King p. 171. ¶ 36 37 c. her Speech p. 173. her character and death b. 5. p. 206. ¶ 19. KATHARINE HALL founded by Robert Woodlark Hist of Camb. p. 83. ¶ 40. in strictnesse of Criticisme may be termed Aula bella ¶ 41. KEBY a British Saint fixed in Anglesey C. 4. ¶ 25. KENT the Saxons Kingdome therein when beginning how bounded C. 5. ¶ 17. first converted to Christianity by Augustine the Monk b. 2. C. 6. ¶ 11. the Petition of the Ministers of Kent against subscription b. 9. p. 144. KENULPHUS King of the West-Saxons his Charter granted to the Abbey of Abbington proving the power of Kings in that Age in Church matters b. 2. p. 101. ¶ 25. notwithstanding Persons his objections to the contrary ¶ 26. putteth down the Arch bishoprick of Lichfield KETTS Robert and William their Rebellions b. 7. p. 339. ¶ 2. their execution p. 397. ¶ 15. The KINGS EVILE a large discourse of the cause and cure thereof C. 11. p. 145 146 147. John KING Dean of Christ-Church b. 5. p. 170. present at Hampton-Court conference b. 10. p. 7. when Bishop of London graveleth Legate the Arrain p. 62. ¶ 8. condemneth him for a Heretick p. 63. ¶ 10. his cleare carriage in a cause of great consequence p. 67. ¶ 24 25. his death p. 90. ¶ 31. and eminencies in defiance of Popish falshood ¶ 32. 33. Henry KING made Bishop of Chichester b. 11. p. 194. KINGS HALL built by King Edward the third Hist of Camb. p. 39. ¶ 46. three eminences thereof ¶ 47. KINGS COLLEDGE founded by K. Henry the sixth Hist of Camb. p. 73. John KNEWSTUBS minister of Cockfield in Suffolk b. 9. p. 135. ¶ 16. a meeting of Presbyterians at his house ibidem against conformities at Hampton-Court conference b. 10. p. 7. his exceptions propounded p. 16 and 17. shrewdly checkt by King James p. 20. a Benefactour to Saint Johns Colledge Hist of Camb. p. 95. ¶ 15. KNIGHTS of the Garter their Institution qualifications hubilliments Oath and orders by them observed how their places become vacant b. 3. p. 116. KNIGHTS anciently made by Abbots b. 3. p. 17 18. untill it was forbidden by Canon ibidem Mr. KNOT the Jesuit his causelesse Cavills at Mr. Sutton confuted b. 10. p. 65. ¶ 17 c. John KNOX chosen their minister by the English Exiles at Frankford b. 8. S. 3. ¶ 1. opposed in his discipline by Dr. Cox ¶ 3 4. accused for treacherous speeches against the Emperour ¶ 5. forced to depart Frankford to the great grief of his party ibidem L. Arthur LAKE Bishop of Bath and Wells his death and character b. 11. ¶ 45. LAMBETH Articles by whom made b. 9. p. 229. ¶ 23. nine in number p. 230. various judgements of them p. 231. ¶ 24 c. LANCASTER and York houses the Battels betwixt them for the Crown Place Time number slain and Conquerour b. 4. p. 186 and 187. LANCK-FRANCK made Arch-bishop of Canterbury b. 3. ¶ 4. most kindly treated by the Pope ¶ 17. to whom he accuseth Thomas elect of York and Remigius elect of Lincoln ¶ 18 19. his return and imployment ¶ 20. Hugh LATIMER a violent Papist History of Cambridge p. 102. ¶ 33. converted by Bilney ¶ 34. his Sermon of Cards p. 103. ¶ 38. preacheth before the Convocation b. 5. p. 207. ¶ 23. deprived of his Bishoprick of Worcester p. 231. ¶ 18. why he assumed it not again in the Reign of King Edward the sixth b. 7. p. 405. ¶ 28. his judgement of the contemners of common prayer p. 426. ¶ 17. William LAUD made Bishop of St. Davids b. 9. p. 90. ¶ 30. a great Benefactour to St. Johns in Oxford b. 8. p. 40. ¶ 45. accused by the Scotch for making their Liturgy b. 1â— p. 163. prepares for his death b. 11. p. 215. ¶ 68. his Funerall speech and burial p. 216. ¶ 69 70. his birth breeding and character p. 216 217 218 219. LAURENTIUS Arch-bishop of Cant. reconcileth the British to the Romish Church in the Celebration of Easter C. 7. ¶ 27. intending to depart England iâ— rebuked in a vision ¶ 34 35. LECHLADE or LATINELADE a place where Latine was anciently taught Cent. 9. ¶ 30. Thomas LEE or LEAH a prime Officer imploied in the dissolution of
PURGATORY not held in the Popish notion before the Conquest b. 2. p. how maintained in the Mungrell Religion under King Henry the eighth b. 5. p. 223. a merry Vision thereof b. 4. p. 107. PURITANS when the word first began in that odious sense b. 9. ¶ 67. vide Non-conformists The Arch-bishop of Spalato the first who abused the word to signifie the Defenders of matters Doctrinall Conformable Puritans by whom complained of b. 11. p. 144. ¶ 31. Q. QUEENS COLL. in Oxford founded by R. Eglesfield b. 3. p. 114 115. QUEENS COLL. in Cambridge founded by Q. Margaret History of Cambridge p. 80. ¶ 31. finished by Q. Elizabeth wife to King Edward the fourth ¶ 33. The Masters Benefactours Bishops ibidem R. READING a pleasant story between the Abbot thereof and King Henry the eighth b. 6. p. 299. ¶ 12 13. RECUSANTS for Papists when the name in England first began 809. p. 98. ¶ 29. Our REFORMATION under King Henry the eighth cleared from the aspersion of Schisme b. 5. p. 194 and 195. William REGINALD or Reinolds a zealous Papist his death and character b. 9. p. 224. ¶ 12. John REINOLDS against Conformity in Hampton-Court conference b. 10. p. 7 8 9 c. his death p. 47. ¶ 3. admirable parts and piety p 48. ¶ 5. desireth absolution at his death ¶ 6. RELICTS their abominable superstition and Forgery b. 6. p. 331. ¶ 10 11 c. RENT-CORN by statute reserved to Colledges History of Cambridge p. 144. ¶ 6. procured by Sr. Tho. Smith ¶ 7. to the great profit of both Universities ¶ 8. R. Lord RICH his servants sad mistake b. 7. p. 408. ¶ 40. which cost his master the losse of his Chancellours place ¶ 41. King RICHARD the first endeavoureth to expâ—are his undutifulnesse by superstition b 3. p. 40. ¶ 8. dearly ransomed p. 44. ¶ 28 29. made better by affliction p. 45. ¶ 30. his death burial and Epitaph ¶ 32 c. King RICHARD the second b. 4. p. 137. ¶ 12. his loose life p. 152. ¶ 51. conspired against by Duke Henry ¶ 52. forced to depose himself or be deposed p. 153. ¶ 53. his death ibid. King RICHARD the third his pompous double Coronation b. 4. p. 196. ¶ 4. barbarously murthered his brothers Sons ¶ 5. endeavoureth in vain to be Popular p. 197. ¶ 6 and 7. unjustly commended by a Modern Writer ¶ 8. beaten and killed in the Battel of Bosworth p. 194. ¶ 14. RIPPON Collegiat Church endowed by King James b. 10. p. 29. ¶ 16. their Land since twice sold ¶ 17. John ROGERS prime Patron of Non-conformity b. 7. p. 402. martyred b. 8. p. 23. ¶ 32. Thomas ROGERS writeth on the Articles of the Church of England b. 9. p. 172. ¶ 22. first opposeth the opinion of the Sabbatarians bitterly enough p. 228. ¶ 22. ROME COLLEDGE for English fugitives b. 9. p. 86. The ROODE what is was and why placed betwixt the Church and Chancell History of Walt. p. 16. in the first item S. The SABBATH the strict keeping thereof revived by Doctour Bound b. 9. p. 227. ¶ 20. learned men divided therein p. 228. ¶ 21 c. liberty given thereon by King James his Proclamation in Lancashire b. 10. p. 74. ¶ 58 59. reasons pro and con whether the same might lawfully be read p. 74. ¶ 56. ministeâ—s more frighted then hurt therein p. 76. ¶ 62. no reading of it enforced on them ibidem controversie revived in the Reign of King Charles b. 11. p. 144. ¶ 13 c. SAINTS Numerous and noble amongst the Saxons C. 8. ¶ 6. ridicliously assigned by Papists to the Curing of sundry diseases and patronage of sundry professions b. 6. p. 33. ¶ 13. SAMPSON an ancient British Bishop madef fine Titulo C. 6. ¶ 9. Thomas SAMPSON Dean of Christ-Church in Oxford the first that I find outed his place for Puritanisme b. 9. p. 77. ¶ 72. Edwin SANDYS Bishop of Worcester b. 9. p. 63. ¶ 31. Arch-bishop of York his death p. 197. ¶ 35. his Sermon before the Duke of Northumberland at Cambridge Hist of Camb. p. 131. ¶ 40. his ill usage for the same ¶ 43. SARDIS some representation of the British at the Generall Councill kept therein C. 4. ¶ 20. SARUM secundum usum thereof its originall and occasion b. 3. ¶ 23. William SAWTREE b. 4. p. 156. Articles against him ibidem degraded p. 157. ¶ 5. and the first man burnt for his Religion p. 158. SAXONS the first mention of them in Brit. C. 5. ¶ 9. unadvisedly invited over by King Vortiger ¶ 16. erect seven Kingdomes in Britain ¶ 17. The rabble of their Idols C. 6. ¶ 6. willfully accessorie to their own 〈◊〉 by the Danes C. 9. ¶ 17. SCHISME unjustly charged on the English Church in their Reformation and returned on Rome b. 5. p. 194 and 195 SCHOOL-MEN nine eminent all of England most of Merton Colledge C. 14. p. 94 95. their needlesse difficulties p. 98. ¶ 24. barbarous Latine ¶ 25. divisions in judgement ¶ 26. why their Learning lesse used in after ages ¶ 28. SCOTLAND challenged by the Pope as his peculiar C. 14. ¶ 1. stoutly denied by the English ¶ 2. SCOTCH Liturgie the whole story thereof b. 11. p. 160. ¶ 95 c. John SCOTUS Erigena his birth-place C. 9. ¶ 32 33 34. miserably murthered by his Scholars ¶ 35. unmartyred by Baronius ¶ 36. causlesly confounded with Duns Scotus ¶ 37. John DUNSSCOTUS why so called C. 14. p. 96. ¶ 19. his birth claimed by three Kingdomes ibidem SEATER a Saxon Idol his shape and Office b. 2. C. 6. ¶ 6. SECULAR Priests their contesting with Monks C. 8. p. 133 134. John SELDEN setteth forth his Book against Tithes b. 10. p. 70. ¶ 39 40. puzleth the Assembly of Divines with his queries b. 11. p. 213. ¶ 54. Richard SENHOUSE preacheth King Charles his Coronation and his own funerall b. 11. ¶ 18. Edward SEIMOUR Duke of Somerset Lord Protectour b. 7. p. 372. ¶ 3. his tripartite accusation p. 407. ¶ 36. imprisoned yet restored p. 408. ¶ 38. afterwards impeached of Treason ¶ 42. and executed p. 409. ¶ 43. unjustly saith a good Authour ¶ 44. though King Edward was possessed of his guiltiness as appeareth by his letter ibidem his character and commendation p. 410. ¶ 45. SIDNEY SUSSEX Colledge founded Hist of Camb. p. 153. ¶ 23 c. SIGEBERT King of the East-Angles his Religion and Learning C. 7. ¶ 45. reputed founder of the University of Camb. ¶ 46. the Cavils to the contrary answered ¶ 49 c. SIGEBERT the pious King of the East-Saxons C. 7. ¶ 81. SIMON ZELOTES made by Dorotheus to preach in Britain C. 1. ¶ 8. SIVIL COLLEDGE in Spain for English fugitives b. 9. p. 88. Mr. SMART termed proto-Martyr of England b. 11 p. 173. ¶ 35 c. Sr. Tho. SMITH Benefactour generall to all Scholards Hist of Camb. p. 81. ¶ 37 38. and also p. 144. ¶ 6 7 8. Henry SMITH commonly called
the Masters Bishops Benefactours c. thereof ibidem States-men Divines Criticks p. 123. ¶ 20. James TURBERVILL Bishop of Exeter no active persecuter b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 2. findeth fair usage after his deprivation b. 9. ¶ 19. TURNAMENTS their ill effects History of Camb. p. 11. ¶ 39. forbidden within five mile of Camb. ¶ 40 c. Wat TYLER his rebellion b. 4. p. 138. ¶ 18 c. parallelled with Judas of Galilee p. 140. ¶ 21. the Wicklivites defended from having any hand in causing his Rebellion p. 141. ¶ 23. see Jack Straw William TYNDAL his story at large b. 5. p. 224 225. TUYSC a Saxon Idol his shape and office b. 2. C. 6. ¶ 6. William TWISSE prolocutor in the Assembly b. 11. p. 199. ¶ 4. his death p. 213. ¶ 53. V. VALLADOLIT COLL. in Spain for English fugitives b. 9. p. 87. Richard VAUGHAN Bishop of London his death b. 10. p. 49. ¶ 11. Master UDAL King James his letter for him b. 9. p. 203. ¶ 30. arraigned and condemned p. 221. ¶ 1. Richard VINES his argument at Vxbridge treaty to prove the sufficiency of ordination by Presbyters b. 11. p. 215. ¶ 65. Polydore VIRGIL Collector of Peter-Pence in England b. 5. p. 198. ¶ 51. Benefactour to the Church of Wells malefactour to the Church of England ¶ 52 53. Eight forrain UNIVERSITIES conclude it unlawfull to marry a Brothers Wife b. 5. p. 183. ¶ 19. UNIVERSITY COLL. in Oxon founded by King Alfred C. 9. ¶ 30. the maintenance paid out of the Kings Exchequer ¶ 38. exhibitions allowed to the Scholars thereof why detained by William the Conqueror b. 3. ¶ 16. re-founded and endowed p. UNIVERSITY Hall in Cambridge founded by Richard Badew Hist of Cam. p. 37. ¶ 40. burnt down ibidem see Clate Hall Conradus VORSTIUS his dangerous opinions b. 10. p. 60. opposed by King James p. 61. in his letter to the States ¶ 3 c. K. VORTIGER his incefluous match condemned by Germanus C. 5. ¶ 13. calleth in the Saxons ¶ 16. burning in lust is burnt to Ashes ¶ 27. URSULA her fabulous Martyrdome at Colen with â—1000 Virgins attending her confuted C. 5. ¶ 21. USURPERS how far they are to be abeyed in the case of King Stephen b. 3. p. 25 26 27. UXBRIDGE treaty the fruitlesse fruits thereof b. 11. p. 214. ¶ 61. Conference about Church-matters therein ¶ 63. c. W. WADHAM COLLEDGE in Oxford founded by Nicholas Wadham b. 10. p. 68. ¶ 29 30. Peter of WAKEFIELD prophesied against K. John b. 3. p. 50. ¶ 12. hanged p. 52. ¶ 16. whether justly or unjustly disputed ibidem WALTHAM ABBEY why so named Hist. of Walt. p. 5. ¶ 2. the scituation thereof ¶ 3. excused for its bad aire p. 6. ¶ 1. the Town first founded by one Tovy ¶ 2. but Abby by Earle Harold ¶ 4. refounded by King Henry the second p. 7. Nicholas abbot of WALTHAM most eminent Hist of Wal. p. 20. toward the end John de WALTHAM keeper of the privy seale to K. Richard the second Hist of Wal. p. 30. near the end Roger de WALTHAM a great Scholar Hist of Wal. p. 20. at the bottome William WARHAM Arch-bishop of Canterbury his death and character b. 5. p. 184 ¶ 26. John WARNER Bishop of Rochester chosen to sollicite the Bpsâ— cause when charged with a premunire b. 11. p. 183. ¶ 7. pleadeth stoutly for their votes in Parliament p. 194. ¶ 25. William WATSON a Secular Priest his notorious railing against the Jesuites b. 10. ¶ 5 6. his Treason against K. James ¶ 14. and silly plea at his Execution ¶ 17. WEASEL the English Exiles under Q. Mary why quickly removing thence b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 41. WELCH two grand mistakes therein b. 11. p. 170. ¶ 21. committed to Welch Bps. to amend 〈◊〉 ibidem WESTMINSTER pretends to a Massacre of primitive Monks therein Cent. 4. ¶ 9. a Church therein built by Edward the Confessor said to be consecrated by St. Peter himself C. 11. ¶ 22. five alterations in St. Peters therein within 30. yeares b. 9. p. 70. ¶ 43. Herbert WESTPHALING Bishop of Hereford seldome seen to laugh b. 10. ¶ 10. WEST-SAXONS their Kingdome when begun how bounded C. 5. ¶ 17. William WHITACRE Master of St. Johns in Camb. kindly resens are proofe from one of the felâ—â—es Hist of Camb. p. 97. ¶ 18. his sicknesse and death p. 151. ¶ 18. his sad solemn funerall ¶ 19. John WHITE swalloweth 〈◊〉 to get the Bishoprick of Winchester b. 8. S. 3. ¶ 42. preacheth a 〈◊〉 yet flattering Sermon at the Funeralls of Q. Mary ¶ 52. stirred against Q. Eliz. b. 9. ¶ 17. Sr. THO. WHITE Lord Major of London founder St. Ionâ—s Colledge in Ox b. â— S. 3. ¶ 44. Iohn WHITGIFT Dr. of D. after much clushing with Mr. Cartwright Hist. of Camb. p. 140. expelleth him ibid. 〈…〉 Cant. 〈…〉 Lords in defence of Conformity b. 9. p. 145. c. his death b. 10. p. 25. ¶ 2. just defence against the exceptions of 〈…〉 c. William WHITTINGHAM head of 〈…〉 non-conformists at Frankford b. 8. 〈…〉 ¶ 7. 〈◊〉 whom he deparâ—eth to Geneva ¶ 10. a fierce Non-conformist though Dean of Dâ—rham in the beginning of Q. Eliz. b. 9. ¶ 71. John WICKLIFF his parent age learning and opinions b. 4. p. 130. ¶ 3. c. marvelously spread and why p. 142. ¶ 25. his quiet death ¶ 26. Richard WIGHTWICK an eminent Benefactor to Pembrook Colledge in Oxford b. 11. ¶ 41. Edward WIGHTMAN burnt for a Heretick b. 10. p. 64. ¶ 13. WILFRIDE a Champion for the Romish Easter C. 7. ¶ 90. his prevailing argument ¶ 91. envyed by Theodoius Arch-bishop ¶ 97. converteth the South-Saxons ¶ 98 c. per secuted by King Alfride C. 8. ¶ 1. appealeth to Rome ¶ 2. dyeth ¶ 3. WILLIAM the first conquereth King Harold in fight C. 11. ¶ 40. rebateth his conquering sword with composition ¶ 41. calleth a Synod of his Bishops at Winchester b. 3. ¶ 4. is civill to the Pope ¶ 5. yet so as he is true to his own interest ¶ 6. refuseth to do fealty to Pope Gregory the seventh ¶ 7 8. suffers none of his Barons to be excommunicated without his consent ¶ 9. divides the jurisdiction of the Bishops from the Sheriffs ¶ 10 11. quits the Crown by Conquest but kept it by composition ¶ 13. his death and buriall ¶ 25. WILLIAM Rufus crowned b. 11. p. 10. ¶ 27. his covetnousness ¶ 28 29. contests with Anselme p. 11. ¶ 3. John WILLIAMS Bishop of Lincoln made Lord keeper b. 10. p. 89. ¶ 24 25 c. preacheth King James his funerall Sermon b. 11. ¶ 3. exceptions thereat ¶ 4. excluded attendance at the Coronation ¶ 17. looseth the Keepers place ¶ 37 c. is sued in the Star-Chamber from p. 153 to 158. severely censured there ibidem fined the second time in the same Court p. 165 166. vindicateth his extraction p. 183. ¶ 9. the first and most active