above-named Branas made an insurrection aiming at the Empire but was killed And after him others did usurp the Title so unfortunate and worthless was Isaacius And one Isaacius Comnenus usurped the Kingdom of Cyprus nor was the Greek Emperor able to expel him until Edward King of England intending for Jerusalem came and took him and gave him as a Captive to one of his Subjects he possessed all the Island and at his returning home he gave it as his proper gift unto the King of Jerusalem Nicet li. 2. de Isaac Isaacius was dethroned by his Brother Alexius ann 1190. 4. HENRY VI. the second Son of Frederick hearing that his Father Base ambiton bringeth under was dead and fearing that his elder Brother would return unto the Crown sought the Empire miserably First He restoreth unto Henry Duke of Saxony and others which had rebelled against his Father all that his Father had taken from them Then he sent unto the Pope Clemens and Cardinals promising in all things to confirm the Laws and Liberties of the Church if they would grant him their consent Clemens with advice assigneth him the time of Easter in the next year to his Coronation but Clemens died sooner When Henry came at the appointed time with his new Empress Constantia the Romans receive him with a few persons but would not admit his Army Then Pope Celestin standing on the steps before the door of St. Peter's took an oath of Henry that he shall defend the See of St. Peter he shall repair whatsoever hath been diminished from it especially he shall surrender unto the Church of Rome the Cities Tusculo c. and expel Tancred the base Son of Roger out of both Sicilies which Kingdom appertained unto his Wife the onely Daughter of King William reserving the pension that belongeth unto the Pope in the name of few These Articles being so granted they go into the Church and Henry was Crowned in this maner The Pope sitting in his Chair held the Crown betwixt his feet the Emperor boweth down his head unto the Pope's feet the Pope setteth on the Crown with his feet and by and by struck it off again with his foot to the ground thereby declaring that he had power to take it from him if he shall so deserve Then the Cardinals took up the Crown and set it on the Emperors head And thenceforth the Emperor is but the image of the old Emperors as Cumm The image of the Beast Ventura in Thesor Polit. at that Title Quomodo Imperium à Pontifice dependeat saith They do stray very far who distinguish not the now Empire from the old Roman Empire for the old received no beginning from the high Priests but the Pope was reverenced as the Vicar or rather Minister of Christ and head of the Church and they do erre saith he who discern not the present Empire from the Empire of Charles the Great c. When the Coronation was ended the Pope sent immediately unto Tusculum and made it level to the ground to be example unto others that they presume not against the Chair of St. Peter Platin. Henry undertook wars against Tancred but soon left off because the plague had entered into his Army After two years Tancred dieth and Henry got the Kingdom after some skirmishes and severity used against some rebellious At that time the truce of five years which Richard King of England had made with Saladin were expired wherefore Pope Coelestin did solicite the Princes especially the Emperor that they would not forget the Conquess of Jerusalem seeing so fit an occasion of peace at home was offered and Saladin was lately dead The Emperor pretendeth infirmity and sent a great Army with the Dukes of Saxony and Austria and some Bishops At this time Almarik King of Cyprus married Isobel the Widow-Queen of Jerusalem and he was called King of Cyprus and Jerusalem He had no minde to the wars and therefore the Title King of Jerusalem was given to John de Bregna a man of great valor and Son in Law unto the same Isobel The Germans joyning with him were Masters of the field for a space they took Berito and re-edified Japha or Joppe In the mean time Henry made greater Conquess in Italy then the Pope desired taking some Lands and Cities which the Pope did alledge to appertain unto his See Then he became sick at Messina and caused his Son Frederick as yet lying in the cradle to be elected King of the Romans and of both Sicilies and recommended him unto his Brother Duke of Suevia and unto Pope Innocentius and he died ann 1198. Alexius reigned at Constantinople with great misfortune CHAP. II. Of POPES 1. PASCHALIS II. was chosen ann 1099. at his Election the people A new pomp of the Pope cried St. Peter hath chosen good Rainer that was his name then he put on a purple vesture and a tiare on his head and riding on a white palfrey was led unto the Lateran Palace by the people and Clergy there a Scepter was given him and a girdle put about him with seven keys and seven seals in token of his seven-fold power to wit of binding loosing shutting opening sealing resigning and judging He had open field of his Anti-Pope Clemens III. and put him to flight Not long after Clemens died when he had sat 21. years Then Richard Earl of Campania caused Albert to be installed for Clemens but he saw no appearance of quietness and forsook his Papacy within four moneths At Preveste another was set up whom they called Silvester III. he despairing of so great honor would be an Anachorite within 105. days A fourth Roman was set up but he was also forsaken So Paschalis being alone set his heart to enlarge Peter's patrimony he besiedgeth some Cities belonging unto the Emperor and raised the Son of Henry V. against the Father The Popes were wont to date all their Writs from the year of the Emperor but now Paschalis beginneth with the year of his Papacy He sate eighteen years and six moneths in continual sedition 2. GLASIUS II. had his neck thrown and was trampled under foot before he was Crowned for Cincius Patricius Romanus would have had another elected and the Emperor set up Gregory VIII and went to dethrown Gelasius who fled from place to place till he came to Cluniak where he died within a year 3. CALLISTUS II. was set up by the Cardinals at Cluniak but would not accept till he knew the consent of the Cardinals at Rome Before he entered the City he sent a Nuntio to excommunicate the Emperor in Germany He had many bouts with Gregory VIII and at last thrust him into a Monastery Then began the controversie betwixt the Imperialists and Contention whether the Emperor or Pope should have the precedenc◠Papalines whether the Emperor or Pope did excel in dignity Reasons were alledged on both sides but for brevity I omit the one and that the pride of the man of
eighth are contrary unto the above-named Articles of Aen. Sylvius and Naucler That the seventh is a calumny appeareth by that they did condemn the begging of Friers and Freher pag. 231. saith their Teachers are Weavers and Taylors they heap not up riches but are content with necessaries and pag. 253. he hath an answer of theirs unto Augustin Olomucen where they say we are not ashamed of our Priests for that they purchase their livings by their handy work because so the doctrine and Apostolical example teacheth us c. And it is clear that their condition did so require and they did judge that the truth of the Gospel and reproaches for Christ were greater riches then the treasures of Egypt It is objected also that Peter Waldo was a Lay-man and so wanting a call or orders he could not confer it on others But Matth. Parisiensis ad An. 1223. testifieth that many Bishops turned unto them and that they had an Arch-Bishop Bartholomew who consecrated other Bishops and Ministers So albeit at the first the man began to teach his own family onely yet afterwards their number increasing they wanted not lawful teachers Some object that they refused Baptism unto Infants and others say They despised the Old Testament but those are contrary unto their confession It may also be objected that in their confession they acknowledged seven Sacraments but consider the description and use of those which they call Sacraments and the difference shall be found of no great weight all those things being well weighed we need not doubt to joyn hands with the Waldenses as with our elder Brethren nor can the Papists deny that our Church is older then Luther I say with Brethren not as Fathers because their doctrine and ours is not originally from them but from Christ and the sacred Scriptures 19. It remaineth to shew how the Waldenses were persecuted In the The persecution of the Waldenses year 1163. Ecbert a Monk had disputed at Colein August 2. with Arnold Marsilius and Theodorick who had come from Flanders because they would not yield Arnold with seven men and two women were burnt the next day When they were in the fire Arnold was heard to say unto his Brethren Be constant in the faith ex Caesari Heisterb lib. 5. cap. 19. Theodorick escaped at that time but afterwards he with some others was burnt at Binna The same year Pope Alexander III. in a Synod at Towers accurseth them all without any special mention of their doctrine and he accurseth all that bought or sold with them Ann. 1170. the same Pope sent a Cardinal unto Tolouse to persecute them there at that time two left their profession and he gave them places of Canons Hovedan Annal. par 2. testifieth that Oliverius and some others which were called good men were brought into Inquisition in the Province of Tolouse by Peter Arch-Bishop of Narbon Girald Albien and others all the people beholding the spectacle Their preachers were called in Lombardy Consolati in Germany and France Boni homines An. 1178. Peter Cardinal of S. Chysogono was sent again to Tolouse where he and Lewes King of France and Henry King of England against the Albigenses but there came little or no speed Continuator Rober. Monten and from thence they sent Reginald Bishop of Bathonien and Henry Abbot of Clareval in the Diocy of Albia in the Legate's name to charge Roger Lord of that Land to purge his Territories from those Heretiques because he would not give obedience nor his presence they accursed him Rog. Hov. lo. cit The next year the same Pope in a Councel at Rome accurseth them all the decree is in Tom. 4. Council printed at Rome neither is any mention of their errors in it After two years that Abbot being made Bishop of Albanen and a Cardinal was sent into Gascony but in vain saith Altisiod Cronol ad An. 1181. for so soon as the poor men had liberty they returned unto their profession An. 1183. in the Village Bituricen 5000. were killed in one day whom they called Catharelli or more contemptuously Ruptarii Guil. Armorica in Gestis Philippi Frumald Bishop of Atrebat imprisoned Adam and Radulph with other two because he was sick William Bishop of Rhems came thither with the same Philip and caused them to be burnt The next Pope Lucius in a Councel at Verona where the Emperor Frederik was present accursed all the Waldenses so did Urban III. and Clemens III. as witnesseth Andr. Favin in Hist Navar. lib. 5. and we will hear more of their persecution hereafter Ia. Vsser in Eccless statu cap. 8 10. 20. Radevic a Canon Frising wrote two Books of the life of the Emperor Frederick I. lib. 1. cap. 10. he speaking of Pope Adrian saith Let us hear the beast that hath a face like a lamb and speaketh as a dragon 21. William Arch-Bishop of Senon wrote unto Pope Alexander III. thus Let your Excellency most holy Father hear patiently what we say for our soul is in bitterness and so is your devoted Son the most Christian King of France how all the Church of France is troubled with scandals flowing in time of your Apostleship from the Apostolical See Seeing as our Nation saith Satan is let loose there to the ruine of all the Church there Christ is crucified again and manifestly sacrilegious persons and murtherers go free Baron ad An. 1170. ex Manuscrip Vatic At the same time Stephan Tronac in epist 86. ad Ioh. Pictavi which is printed with the Epistles of Gerebert said I know not Father whether the 1000. years be expired when Satan should be loosed but we see his servants so loose that they binde God's servants Vsser lib. cit cap. 3. 22. Peter a Parisian Monk being of great age died Ann. 1167. in his Book De Verbo Abbreviat he commendeth God's word and taxeth the idleness and impieties of Priests the curiosity of School-men the multitude and abuses of Masses the multitude of mens traditions whereby the precepts of God are made void he calleth Indulgences a godly deceit He sheweth how Lucas a Bishop of Hungary had excommunicated a Lay-man for a crime the man ran to Pope Alexander III. and obtained absolution for money but the Bishop regarded not the Pope's threatnings but did excommunicate the man again and the third time for his obstinacy wherefore the Pope did excommunicate the Bishop but Lucas dispised his curses as unjust and never sought absolution nevertheless this Bishop was highly accounted after his death and was called St. Lucas Catal. test ver 23. Bernard Clunicen about that time wrote a large satyr not sparing the Pope nor Cardinals of which are here some passages ex Catal. test ver lib. 14. Pontificalia corda carentia corde probavit Pontificalia corda pecunia contenebravit Pontificum status antè fuit ratus integer antè Ille statum dabat ordine nunc labat ille labante Qui super hoc mare debuerat dare se quasi
Christ The same night he was taken with a whore It was so notorious that it could not be denied saith the same Author 2. DAVID the third Son of Malcolm Cammore did erect four Alterations in the Church of Scotland Bishopricks and seven Abbeys and other religious places as they called them and repaired sundry decayed Monasteries therefore the Clergy called him Saint David but his Successor called him a good Saint to the Church and an ill Saint to the Crown The fruit of so large donations saith Buchan Hist lib. 7. was As the use of the members faileth in them who stuff their bellies with too much meat so from thenceforth the small sparks of wit being oppressed with luxury did dayly decay the study of learning failed piety was turned into a formality and superstition and as in untilled land the seeds of all weeds and vices sprang up And the Prelates shook off the care of preaching as a work not beseeming their Dignity and because the Monks had the favor of the people for preaching the Prelates gave unto them liberty above the Parish Priests to the end that the Monks might the more recommend them in their preachings 3. When HENRY I. King of England died without a Son Steven Earl of Bolonia and his Sisters Son usurpeth the Crown about the year 1133. His Brother Henry Bishop of Winchester procured the first Law that ever was in England for appealations to Rome Ia. Vsser de stat succes eccle Appeals to Rome cap. 8. ex Hen. Hunting Hist but Steven reserveth to himself the right and power of bestowing Benefices and investing Prelates In the beginning of his reign William Dean of London Ralph Longford Richard Belmeys and others of the Chapter did elect a Bishop without the King's recommendation wherefore he causeth to be imprisoned not their persons but their wives until they had satisfied for their contempt Io. Bale ex Rad. de Dicet Whence it appeareth that as yet the Priests had wives notwithstanding all former Acts. Thereafter Albericus Bishop of Ostia was sent by Pope Innocentius II. and in a Synod at Westminster condemned the marriage of Priests again and ordained that Christ's body as they spoke should not be kept above eight days lest it become hoary and rot At that time Robert Pully deserved commendation for restoring or erecting the University of Oxford and was Rector thereof 4. HENRY II. Nephew of Henry I. by his Daughter Maude disclaimed â—â— forbidden all the Authority of the Pope refused to pay Peter-pence and interdicted all appealation to Rome At that time Philip de Brok a Canon of Bedford was questioned for murther he used reproachful speeches to the King's Justices for which he was censured and the Judges complained unto the King that there were many robberies and rapes and murthers to the number of an hundred committed within the Realm by Church-men The King commanded that justice should be executed upon all men alike in his Courts But Thomas Becket Arch-Bishop of Canterbury would have the Clergy so offending judged in the Spiritual Court and by men of their own coat who if they were convicted should at first be deprived of their Benefice and it they were found guilty again they should be judged at the King's pleasure The King stood for the ancient Laws and Customs and in a Ancient Laws are restored general Assembly at Clarendon in the year 1164. with consent of the Arch-Bishop Bishops Abbots Priors Earls Barons and great men was a rehearsal and acknowledgement of some ancient Customs and Laws among which that were authorised being sixteen in number were these 1. If between a Lay-man and a Clark were any strife for Church-goods the plea should be in the King 's Court. 2. No Bishop nor Clark should go forth of the Realm without the King's licence and then he shall swear upon the Book that he shall procure no hurt to the King nor any of his Subjects 3. None who holdeth of the King in chief or in service shall be accursed without the King's licence 4. All the Bishopricks and Abbeys when they be vacant should be in the King's hands until a Prelate be chosen and he should be chosen out of the King's Chappels and before he be confirmed he should do his homage unto the King 5. If any plea were brought to the Consistory a party might appeal unto the Arch-Deacon and from him to the Bishops Court and thence unto the Arch-Bishop and from him to the King and no further 6. All debts that were owing of truth-plight should not be pleaded in Spiritual but Temporal Courts 7. The Peter-pence which were gathered for the Pope should be collected for the King 8. If any Clark were taken for felony and it were so proved he shall first be degraded and then after judgement be hanged or if he were a traitor he shall be drawn in sunder They did all sweâ—r and by word of mouth faithfully promise to observe these Laws unto the King and his Heirs simply and without fraud Mat. Parisi calleth them wicked and detestable Acts But Tho. Becket's testimony is the stronger de facto Tho. Becket sent unto the Court of Rome to signifie the grief of the Church and his own for consenting unto these Laws and asked absolution from the bond which he had unwisely entered into and he obtained it The same year the King required to have punishment of some misdoings among the Clergy The Arch-Bishop would not permit and when he saw in his judgement the liberties of the Church troden under foot he without the King's knowledge took ship and intended toward Rome but by a contrary winde he was brought back Then he was called to account for his receipts that came to his hand while he was high Chancellor He appealeth to the See of Rome and under pain of excommunication forbad both Bishops and Nobles to give sentence against him seeing he was both their Father and their Judge Nevertheless they without his confession gave sentence against him Then he seeing himself forsaken of all the other Bishops lifted the cross which he held in his hand aloft and went away from the Court and the next day got him over into Flanders and so to the Pope Matth. Parisien hath many Letters betwixt the Pope and this King and the King of France and sundry Bishops of France and England for reconciliation betwixt the King and this proud Prelate but all to no purpose till Henry of his own accord did cause his Son Henry III. to be crowned and then he being in Normandy was content by the mediation of the French King to accept the Prelate Thomas returning into England excommunicateth all the Bishops which had been at the Coronation of the yong King because it appertained unto him forsooth to inaugurate the King The King sent unto him and required to absolve them seeing what was done unto them was done for his cause The Prelate refuseth On Christmas day he solemnly excommunicateth
two Gentlemen for cutting his horse tail On the fifth day four Gentlemen did kill him in the year 1171. At Easter Pope Alexander canonized him as a Saint and would have excommunicated the King for his death but the King by his Ambassadors purged himself that he knew not of his death yet because he did carry grudge at him he was forced to renounce the investiture of Bishops and thereby his Kingdom became more slavish then before And the Pope in token of his victory to the shame of the King and credit of the Clergy did pretend some miracles as done by this Thomas after his death and commanded his feast to be kept throughout the Kingdom and the Cathedral which before was called Christ's Church was after that called St. Thomas Becket's and to the end the King might suffer this infamy the more patiently and also to make Ireland the more subject unto the See of Rome Pope Alexander confirmed again unto King Henry the Lordship of Ireland and ordained that the Bishops there should obey the Laws of England For in the year 1155. Murchard or as some call him Dermot mac Morrog King of Leinster being exiled by O. Roricy King of Midia sought aid from Henry II. he sent Richard Strongbow Earl of Penbrok who had married the onely Daughter of Murchard with a considerable Army into Ireland and within a short space he restored his father in law and conquered other Lands so that Henry was jealous of his power and commanded by open Proclamation him and all his Army to return under pain of forfeiture In obedience Richard gave into the King's hand all his purchase and his wifes inheritance and again received as his vassal Weisford Ossoria Carterlogia c. But in the year 1172 Henry went personally into Ireland and the most part submitted themselves unto him as unto their onely and lawful Soveraign whereas in former times that Nation was divided into four petty Kingdoms and several Dukedoms and one of them was chosen Monarch The same Henry did claim the Lands of Northumberland and from the Scots Malcolm the maiden and his Brother William at two several times went to London and did acknowledge the King for these Lands whereas in former times the Heir of the Crown did onely perform that ceremony But then Henry would have more that all the Bishops of Scotland should be under the yoke of the Arch-Bishop The Bishops of Scotland will not submit to the Primate of York of York as their Metropolitan At the first meeting at Norham the Scots put it off but with slender delays The next year Hugo Cardinal de S. Angelo sent into England was for Henry in this purpose and did cite the Bishops of Scotland to compear before him in Northampton they went thither and the Cardinal had a speech of humility and obedience all to perswade the Scotch Bishops to submit themselves unto the Primate of York who was a Prelate of great respect and whose credit in the Court of Rome might serve them to good use A yong Clerk stood up and spake in name of the others his speech is written diversly I shall shew it as I have copied it out of an old Register of Dunkel by the favor of Bishop Alexander Lindsay It is true English Nation thou mightest have been noble and more noble then some other Nations if thou hadst not craftily turned the power of thy Nobility and the strength of thy fearful might into the presumption of tyranny and thy knowledge of Liberal Science into the shifting Glosses of Sophistry but thou disposest not thy purposes as if thou wert lead with reason and being puft up with thy strong Armies and trusting in thy great wealth thou attemptest in thy wretched ambition and lust of domineering to bring under thy jurisdiction thy neghbor Provinces and Nations more noble I will not say in multitude or power but in linage and antiquity unto whom if thou wilt consider ancient records thou shouldest rather have been humbly obedient or at least laying aside thy rancor have reigned together in perpetual love and now with all wickedness of pride that thou shewest without any reason or law but in thy ambitious power thou seekest to oppress thy mother the Church of Scotland which from the beginning hath been Catholique and free and which brought thee when thou wast straying in the wilderness of heathenism into the safe-guard of the true faith and way unto life even unto Jesus Christ the Author of eternal rest she did wash thy Kings and Princes and people in the laver of holy Baptism she taught thee the commandments of God and instructed thee in moral duties she did accept many of thy Nobles and others of meaner rank when they were desirous to learn to read and gladly gave them dayly entertainment without price books also to read and instruction freely she did also appoint ordain and consecrate thy Bishops and Priests by the space of thirty years and above she maintained the primacy and pontifical dignity within thee on the North side of Thames as Beda witnesseth And now I pray what recompence renderest thou unto her that hath bestowed so many benefits on thee is it bondage or such as Judea rendered unto Christ evil for good it seemeth no other thing Thou unkinde vine how art thou turned into bitterness we looked for grapes and thou bringest forth wilde grapes for judgement and behold iniquity and crying If thou couldest do as thou wouldest thou wouldest draw thy mother the Church of Scotland whom thou shouldest honor with all reverence into the basest and most wretchedst bondage Fie for shame what is more base when thou wilt do no good to continue in doing wrong even the serpents will not do harm to their own albeit they cast forth to the hurt of others the vice of ingratitude hath not so much moderation an ungrateful man doth wrack and masacre himself and he dispiseth and minceth the benefits for which he should be thankful but multiplieth and enlargeth injuries It was a true saying of Seneca I see The more some do owe they hate the more a small debt maketh a grievous enemy What sayest thou David it is true They rendered me evil for good and hatred for my love It is a wretched thing saith Gregory to serve a Lord who cannot be appeased with whatsoever obeysance Therefore thou Church of England doest as becomes thee not thou thinkest to carry what thou cravest and to take what is not granted seek what is just if thou wilt have pleasure in what thou seekest And to the end I do not weary others with my words albeit I have no charge to speak for the liberty of the Church of Scotland and albeit all the Clergy of Scotland would think otherwise yet I dissent from subjecting her and I do appeal unto the Apostolical Lord unto whom immediately she is subject and if it were needful for me to die in the cause here I am ready to lay down my
things of the world that the Prince of this world may not finde any thing that is his in thee c. He did oft call the Clergy Syria Edom the calves of Bethel Idols of Egypt Priests of Baal c. In his other Epistles he saith If thou hadst once tasted the sweetness of wisdom i. e. of the holy Scripture thou wouldest loath all other things in comparison for this giveth abundantly the incomparable treasures of pleasure and the grace of all gifts And again It is necessary to read the Scriptures for that is the table of the tabernacle that is the food by which we breath and live Certainly Christ did use the onely testimony of the word against all the tentations of Satan in the wilderness if therefore an host should come against you guard your self with the buckler of a good conscience and with the sword of the Spirit Again The exhortation of man without the grace of God is but as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal he onely can give a mouth and wisdom which saith Without me you can do nothing Lord take thou away my stony heart and give a new humble contrite and a heart of flesh In the last of his Epistles he reckoneth the Books of Wisdom Ecclesiasticus Esdras III. and IV. Judeth Tobias Maccabees among the Apocrypha Catol test ver lib. 14. 10. Richard de St. Victor a Scot was held for a learned and good man about the year 1140. He wrote much On Cant. c. 2. The reading and meditation of the Scriptures do strengthen the minde and weaken the enemy so long as they keep this in minde and do it they are hereby most expert to encounter with the enemy De statu hom inter cap. 12. How justly is frâ—ewill said to be dead seeing by it self it is never moved unto any good for what good can it do of it self seeing it cannot say Jesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost and indeed it is often moved unto good but never accept by the holy Ghost De sacrif Abrah Mariae If the grace and protection of God be withheld man is thrown down at every suggestion of the enemy and into whatsoever evil and being once thrown down he can never rise by his own power A man can bring forth no bud of good work of himself without working grace and when he hath begun to work he can no way continue without its cooperation Par. 2. in explanat aliquot locor Apost The Law teacheth onely what we should do and addeth not how we may obey and therefore it can justifie none the Gospel teacheth what should be done how it may be done and how that which is not done may be supplied In Apocaly lib. 3. Onely that prayer is acceptable in heaven which the Son offereth unto the Father Catol test ver lib 15. He was the first which taught that the Virgin Mary was born without original sin Io. Maior in gest Scot. lib. 3. cap. 12. 11. Malcolm IV. King of Scots did command Roger Arch-Bishop of The Pope's Legate is forbidden to come into Scotland York and Roman Legate to depart out of the Realm and said It was not reason that the Land should be oppressed by ungodly men bearing glorious names He. Boet. Hist lib. 13. Again in the year 1188. Pope Clement sent another and he had not better success for all did refuse him except John Bishop of St. Andrews and therefore he was banished and he had refuge unto the Pope who by and by sent unto Henry King of England and gave unto him the right of the Crown of Scotland Io. Bale Cent. 3. § 26. in Appen 12. It is recorded that one Fulco came and said unto the English King King Richard's three daughters Richard with great boldness O King thou hast three very bad daughters take good heed unto them and provide unto them good husbands lest by inconvenient bestowing of them thou run not into damage onely but utter perdition unto thy self The King said Thou art mad foolish hypocrite I have no daughter Fulco replieth I do not lye O mighty King for you have three daughters continually in your Court and wholly possess your person and such whores are they that the like hath not been heard I mean mischievous pride greedy covetousness and filthy letchery therefore I say again beware of them and out of hand provide marriages for them The King then took his words in good part by and by calling his Nobles declared unto them them the words of Fulco whose counsel said he I intend to follow not doubting of your consents my Lords thereunto wherefore here before you all I give my eldest daughter swelling pride to wife unto the proud Templars my greedy daughter avarice unto the Cistertian Monks and filthy luxury unto the riotous Prelates of the Church so severally agreeing with all their natures that the like match is not to be found unto them This was about the year 1198. saith I. Fox in Act. 13. Here it shall not be amiss to remember the example of Simon Thurvey Simon Thurvey an English man of Cornwal for a warning to temerarious Students He was a subtil Logician and expert in all Liberal Sciences he left his own Countrey and was a Doctor in Paris many years and trusting to his Philosophy he vaunted that he knew all Christ's Law and by force of disputation he could disprove it all on a suddain he became forgetful of all learning and could not say the Lord's Prayer nor knew the a b c. Mat. Paris reporteth that when he was writing his History Nicola epi. Danelm told him this and had seen this Simon learning to read from his own bastard son as if he had been a childe of six years onely 14. King William went into England to congratulate the safe arrival of Richard from Judea in the year 1199. at that time Harald Earl of Orknay and Caitnes took the Bishop of the Countrey prisoner because he had stopped some suit he had demanded of the King and bereft him of his eyes and tongue William at his returning would revenge this inhumanity and Harald would defend himself by force but his forces were scattered and he was apprehended it was done unto him by the hangman as he had unto the Bishop and then strangled all his male-children were gelded and many of his friends as accessories were fined in money Buchan lib. 7. When this was reported unto Pope Innocentius III. he sent his Legate John Cardinal de monte Celio with a sword richly set with precious stones a purple hat in form of a diadem and a Bull of large priviledges exempting the Church of Scotland from all censures except onely of the Pope or Legate sent by the Conclave the Bull was dated in the year 1209. H. Boeth Hist lib. 13. cap. 8. THE FOURTH AGE Of the CHURCH OR The History of the Church lurking and of Anti-Christ reigning containing the space of 300. years from the year
bread of the Mass and that the Eucharist should be carried with lighted candles unto the sick De celebrat Miss lib. 3. tit 41. c. Sanè It followeth to speak of his pride He sat eleven years 3. GREGORY the IX so soon as he was set in his Chair sent a Nuntio Steven into England to crave the tenth part of all movables both of the Nobility and Clergy for maintenance of his wars against the Emperor but under the name of wars against the Infidels Because they refused he excommunicateth them all until they obeyed P. Mornay in Myster The next year he sent his Legates through Europe who by preachings entreatings and excommunications purchased great sums of money as if it had been for aid of the holy Land but it could not be known into what gulf so vast sums were hid but the care of the holy Land was forgot and the charity of men grew cold Mat. Paris Behold the issue it was to repress the Emperor Frederick who is more execrable said the Pope then Pharaoh Nero or any Tyrant He sent his Legate Albert Beham into Germany to deprive all Bishops and to excommunicate all Laicks adhering unto the Emperor or who wished him well But at that time none of the Bishops nor Abbots regarded that commission and being assembled they openly protested That the Priest of Rome had no power in Germany without consent of the Bishops there Let the Priest of Rome feed his Italians said they we who are the dogs of this flock will beat away the wolves lurking under lambs skins what he will do to others ye may know seeing this disguised Vicar so dealeth with us The Pope accursed Frederick Duke of Austria as the chief of that Assembly and Eberhard Bishop of Salzburgh presently absolved him And all the Bishops with one consent accursed the Pope as the enemy of Christian peace a most damnable Arch-Heretick and more pestiferous then the Turks Jews or Tartars seeing he doth such things as those had never done the like Mornay in Myster ex Avent lib. 7. Annal. Boio Then Gregory sent unto the Canons and Monks charging them to choose other Prelates They would not Therefore he charged some of them to compear before him for their rebellion They contemned his summons Then the Princes and Clergy of Germany assembled again but the Pope died This opposition had he abroad neither wanted he enemies at home for in his first year was so great variance between him and the Citizens that he fled out of Rome about Easter to Viterbio and then to Pirusio and having no other means of revenge he excommunicated them all The cause of this sedition was the Citizens claimed an ancient custome and law that the Pope should not excommunicate any of them nor suspend the City with any interdiction for any excess He answered The Pope is less then God but greater then any man consequently greater then a Citizen yea greater is he then any Emperor and seeing he is their spiritual father he may chastise his children and reduce them so oft as they go astray Moreover the Romans alledged that their Bishops were tied to pay unto the Senate yearly tribute both by ancient and late laws of which they have been in use and possession until these days Gregory replied Albeit in time of persecution the Church for her defence and cause of peace had gratified the heads of the City with kindely rewards yet that should not now be pleaded as a debt This strife was not soon ended Mat. Paris ad An. 1234. It would seem incredible almost to read how vast sums of money this Pope did rake together by exactions voluntary offerings confirmations of Bishopricks removing variances betwixt Bishops and Magistrates and other Church-men and especially for dispensing with oaths by all which what inconveniences did arise it cannot be told saith Matth. Parisien ibid. for as there was nothing so hard or absurd wherewith the Pope could not dispense for money so the people trusting to dispensations did little regard how great evil they did As for example Henry King of England being desirous of a taxation did swear in Parliament that he would ratifie some ancient Liberties which they were suing and after the tax was granted he past from his oath by a dispensation At another time the same Henry did sign himself with the cross pretending and swearing that he would go into the holy Land against the Infidels when the money was amassed for his journey he gave over his journey being assured that the Pope would acquit him for 100. or 200. pounds From this sink of dispensations did more and more abound the plurality of Benefices in one mans person Bishopricks were bestowed on men without literature children were made Parsons kinsfolks were married within degrees in a word what kinde of iniquity was not committed under sure confidence of dispensations Matth. Parisien This Gregory made truce with the Emperor An. 1240. and within a few moneths he calleth for the Cardinals John de Columna and Raymond and said I am ashamed of the truce made with the enemy of the Church go therefore unto the Emperor thou John who wast mediator betwixt us and shew him that I will not accept the articles and that I am his enemy John answereth Far be that inconstancy from such an one I will not consent unto this counsel yea I earnestly contradict it Gregory saith Then from this forth I will not hold thee for a Cardinal John answereth Nor will I have thee for a Pope Thus they were parted with mutual defiance Ibid. When the King of France heard of this he commandeth to hold up all the moneys that the Legate had amassed under the name of relief for the holy Land and then the Pope was content to keep the truce Ibid. He was the Author of that hymn Salve Regina c. in which he giveth unto the blessed Virgin the proper worship of Christ In his name were published the Books of Decretals that were collected by Raymond a Dominican He sat fourteen years and died An. 1241. When the Cardinals came together for election Robert Somerset an English Cardinal was likely to have carried it and in the mean time he and some others who did incline that way were poisoned to the great infamy of the Roman Clergy saith Mat. Paris 4. CELESTIN the IV. a very old man attaineth the Chair by promises He sat eighteen days and was poisoned Then the See was vacant twenty and one moneths because the Emperor had some Cardinals under arrest whom at last he dismissed by intercession of Baldwin Greek Emperor and Raymund Earl of Tolouse 5. Here it shall not be amiss to insert the comparison of these former Popes A parallel of preceeding and following Popes with others following as it is in Io. Bale Catal. From Silvester the Il. until this year 1242. that is for the space of 240. years Antichrist did reign in the Roman Church like some accursed Lucifer for in
all deceiving tyranny fraud and oppression of truth I will not speak of their filthiness more then Sodomitish did these high Priests employ their times so that then Rome did deserve to be called the synagogue of Satan or seat of the Divel and justly might be reputed the habitation of foul spirits and the sink of all uncleanness Revel 2 18. Wherefore when they went to their general Councels or their Legates were sent unto the Nations under colour of reconciliation and reformation it may seem that so oft did Satan come out from the presence of the Lord to smite Job for whatsoever he is said in the Scriptures to have done the same did these his hooded Vicars nor did their hellish madness spare the most puissant Princes but hereafter shall the Kingdom of Abaddon which is the King of Locusts or Friers of the begging Order by their sophistry lay waste and destroy all things until Pope Julius the II. that is the space of 260. years but that the Lord will have sparks of honesty to be seen here and there 6. So many Cardinals were poisoned at the last election that they which were alive would not conveen until the Emperor did charge them to go on with the election with certification that if they would not he would cause his Soldiers to plunder their Lands Cities and houses and until the French King told them that he would choose a Pope for the Church of his own Kingdom Mat. Paris INNOCENTIUS the IV. was then chosen he was one of these whom the Emperor had under arrest and had been familiar with him but now he forgot his kindeness and without delay did confirm the sentence of Pope Gregory against the Emperor so the wars did continue He profered the Kingdom of Italy unto Edmund for a certain sum of money but his father Henry King of England was scant of money saith Mat. Par. that he could not perform what was required because he had foolishly tied his Kingdom unto the Popish Merchants In the Councel at Lions which Bellarmin calleth the thirtieth general Councel he would not delay his curse three days against the Emperor albeit he understood that the Emperor was upon his journey to come before him and satisfie He ordained the feast Octava festivitatis Mariae And that Cardinals should ride with foot-mantles ◠〈…〉 ◠garments and red hats and red clokes for honor of their Order saith Platina or in imitation of the Jewish Priests saith Po. Virg. de inven rer lib. 4. cap. 9. or rather it came so pass that the prophecy might be fulfilled and the Beast be cloathed in scarlet Revel 17. 3. He added unto the Decretals and honored the Dominicks with apostatical they say Apostolical honors and priviledges and advanced them unto Bishopricks and in favor of Curates he discharged all begging Friers to exercise any of their function Mortous Appeal lib. 5. cap. 4. § 6. ex Azor. Iesui Thus he did ramverse the priviledge granted by Pope Honorius the III. After the Councel when he heard that the Imperial forces did prevail in sundry places he like a lion robbed of his whelps rageth and leaveth no means unessayed to cut off the Emperor especially he enticeth some of his domesticks Theobald Francis James de Mora Pandulf de Fasanellis and William de S. Severino to lie in wait for his life either by poison secretly or by weapons violently it was made known unto the Emperor and yet he could not be so watchful but he was poisoned in Pulia as appeareth by his Letters unto his Brother in law Henry the III. King of England The doers of this fact saith he being accompanied with a number of Friers Minorites do openly avow that they are about the affairs of the Mother Church of Rome and that they are signed by Apostolical Letters against us and the Pope is the Author of our death and disinheriting Matth. Parisien So soon as the Pope heard of the Emperor's death he taketh his journey into Italy when he went from Lions the Bishop and other chief men of the City did accompany him and unto them he said I have done much good in this City since I came into it At that time were but three or four Stews in it now is but one howbeit a large one from the East-gate to the West-gate Idem ad An. 1251. He coming into Italy ceased not to draw the Cities cleaving unto the Emperor from his Son Conrade yea at the same time when Lewes the French King and his Navy were in great peril of the Turks in Syria he caused to proclaim greater pardon unto all who would fight against Conrade then he or any Pope had profered to fight against the Turks for he caused it to be preached in all the pulpits of Italy If any will fight against Conrade both the signed that is the fighter under the sign of the Cross and his father and mother shall have pardon of all their sins When he heard of Conrades death he laughed loudly and said I am glad and let all the Church of Rome rejoyce for now our two greatest enemies are out of the way Conrade King of Siciles and Robert Bishop of Lincoln And immediately he went unto Naples to take possession of that Kingdom Not long thereafter he directeth Letters into England to take up the dead body of the before named Robert and cause him to be proclaimed an Heathen the same night after this direction he thought that the same Robert did smite him on the side and for his impiety did threaten him with the judgement of God the next day his side was very sore and within few days he died Matth. Paris 7. ALEXANDER the IV. was chosen at Naples when the See had been vacant two years His first exploit was to follow the wars moved by his Predecessors against Manfred then King of both Sicilies to this effect he sent his locusts the Friers to preach that every one should send Subsidy unto the holy wars against the enemy of the Church Some did see the Pope's insatiable greediness and others were perswaded and so all Italy was in an uproar He rewarded his Friers with red hats and cornered caps He gave the Kingdoms of Sicily and Pulia unto Edmund Son of Henry III. King of England for the conquering and for this effect he sent Legate Rostand to collect all the tenths of England and Scotland against Manfred still prevailing not onely in Naples but in Hetruria and Lombardie and many abominable things saith Matth. Paris did flow from the sulphurous fount of the Roman Church fie for sorrow to the dammage of many Such an exaction was not heard as the Pope craved at that time Rostand said in the Assembl◠at London All the Churches belong unto my Master the Pope One Leonard in name of the Bishops said It is true for defence but not for possession nor dissipation as all things belong unto the King In a word at three several meetings he
Rome Matth. Paris loc ci and he sent unto Sifrid Bishop of Mentz commanding him to publish the sentence of the Roman Consistory against Otho throughout all Germany and charge all the Cities that they do not acknowledge him Sifrid delayed no time But immediately Henry Count Palatine of Rhene the Duke of Brabant and other Princes and Barons levy an Army against Sifrid and forced him to leave his Bishoprick and hide himself in Thuringia where the Count did as yet cleave unto the Pope When Otho understood of this stir in Germany he did return quickly and notwithstanding the Pope's curse was received as Emperor and calleth a Diet at Norinberg An. 1212. about Whitsunday where he declareth the manifold fraud of Innocentius and how unjustly he had accursed him and then said Be of courage you Princes unto you belongeth the charge of this Kingdom and the administration thereof I say unto you belongeth every disposition of the Teutonick Kingdom and to provide for every thing therein it is in your power and not in the power of the Pope to create or forsake an Emperor it is your part to calm the troubles if any shall arise within the Empire therefore ye Princes and Nobles maintain your rights and shew your power for your Nation and Imperial Laws lest if ye do it not ye be deprived of Empire and patrimony c. By these and such other words they resolve to levy immediately an Army and first to invade Thuringia Io. Naucler gener 41. In the year 1214. Innocentius causeth Frederick to be elected which now had been well bred in literature and Otho thought to have hindered the election but the Princes some for envy of his puissance and some for affection to the former Emperor and some addicted unto the Pope fell from him therefore he retired into Saxony until he gathered a new Army he made some attempts but in vain and died An. 1220. 3. FREDERICK the II. left Germany in peace and went to be confirmed at Rome He gave unto Pope Honorius the County of Funda and other great gifts even a rod to break his own head and he confirmed the Act Whosoever continued a year under excommunication shall be guilty of proscription and shall not be absolved until he make satisfaction unto the Pope In recompence of these gratitudes and obeysance when two Counts in Tuscia Thomas and Richard did rebel against the Emperor the Pope maintained them and absolved them from their allegiance and because Frederick did expostulate Honorius the Pope thundereth a curse against him Some Bishops conspired with the rebels and the Emperor accused and pursued them for treason They run to Honorius He sent a Nuntio unto the Emperor and commandeth to restore the Bishops and dischargeth him that he meddle not with Church-men The Emperor could not endure such imperiousness and said How long will the Bishop of Rome abuse my patience when will his covetous heart be satisfied go tell him that I have as great prerogatives as my Father Henry and Frederick my Grand-father and that I will rather hazard my Crown then suffer him to empair my authority seeing every Prince in France Spain England c. hath the nomination of their own Prelates Pe. Mexia But Platina saith The cause of this excommunication was when his Mother died which held him within bounds he began to vex the Church Lands But it is certain by sundry Histories that his Mother died in the beginning of Innocentius In his time came John de Bregna King of Jerusalem into Italy for aid against the Turks he made reconciliation betwixt the Pope and Emperor and gave his onely Daughter Jole unto the Emperor then a widower with the Title King of Jerusalem for this cause the Kings of Sicily were called Kings of Jerusalem for a long space Then Frederick did intend to go into Asia yet because he delayed Pe. Mexia saith the truce which John had made with the Sultan for ten years was not yet expired the Pope did intend some great thing against him but was taken away by death When Gregory was installed Jole was brought to Rome to be married and when the Pope held out his right foot unto the Emperor to kiss it he scarcely touched his knee but would not bow unto the foot P. Mexia The Pope was not well pleased he dissembleth for a time but intendeth to revenge So after some moneths he chargeth the Emperor to go into Asia according to his vow but intendeth to deprive him of the Empire Frederick suspecteth it and delayeth the longer till he heard that the Christians in Asia were utterly distressed then he assembleth his Nobles at Cremona and causeth his Son Henry to be created Caesar and sent him to perswade the Princes to send aid unto his expedition An. 1226. At this time the Lombards had made a league with other Cities of Italy by suggestion of Pope as is believed saith Naucler Honorius against the Emperor which league continued many years to the great prejudice of the Empire and manifest hindering of the expedition An. 1227. Pope Gregory again chargeth the Emperor to go into Asia Frederick writeth unto his Son to conveen the Princes again and nameth the time when they should make their rendezvous at Brundusio The Emperor becometh sickly nevertheless he sailed with his Army into Creta and there being hindered by sickness he sent his Army forward and returned himself into Pulia Then the Pope excommunicateth him the Papalines say because he had murthered Jole and others speak of other pretexts but P. Mexia and Blondus say that Jole died after this curse Immediately Frederick sent to Rome offering to clear himself but his Ambassade was not admitted Therefore the Emperor sent Letters throughout the Empire and to other Princes shewing how wonderously he was excommunicated and how presumptuous and covetous the Church of Rome was become even the mother of all mischief Unto Otho Duke of Bavier he wrote thus The high Priests of Rome do now affect not onely dominion but God-head for they will have all men to fear them more then God and it is sure that there be many Antichrists among them neither hath Christian Religion any such adversary that man which is called the Pope abounding in wealth to the great prejudice of piety thinketh after the maner of Tyrants that he may do as he listeth and is answerable to none as if he were God what is proper unto God he vaunteth of himself that he cannot err he requireth both impudently and imperiously all men to believe that he cannot be guilty of a lye Avent Annal. lib. 7. And unto Henry the III. King of England he wrote The Church of Rome is become so avaricious that they are not content with the goods of the Church but they will have the inheritance of Emperors Kings and Princes and make them all tributaries as Henry hath experience and the Earl of Tolouse whom the Popes binde with excommunication till they bring them into
a Synod at Lions An. 1245. he excommunicateth the Emperor for perjury in not performing his promises and for heresie but no particular is named either in the citation or sentence The Emperor made haste to answer at Lions if by any means he might enjoy peace but being within three days journey he heard how peremptory the Pope was against him and also the Gwelphs had taken some of his Towns in Italy whereby he knew it would be to no purpose though he went forward and therefore he wheeleth about and layeth siege to Parma Innocentius causeth to elect Henry Landtsgrave of Thuringia to be Emperor and he directeth Letters unto the Soldan of Babylon craving peace at least truce betwixt the Christians and the Saracens as some say saith Mat. Paris but others write to break the truce betwixt him and the Emperor but the matter of the Letter is understood by the Soldan's answer We have heard saith he thy Nuntio talking much of Christ we know A Soldan's Letter unto the Pope more of this Christ then you know and we magnifie him more then you magnifie him whereas you say you desire peace and quietness among men so do we always but there is mutual love betwixt us and the Emperor since the days of my Father but betwixt you and the Emperor it is as you know but it is not lawful unto us to treat with the Christians without his counsel and consent We have written unto our Ambassador at the Emperor's Court shewing him the heads of your message he will come unto you and tell you and report again unto us Matth. Parisien saith there was suspicion that this Letter was forged by information of the Emperor but he judgeth otherwise And Alb. Crantz in Saxo. lib. 8. cap. 4. saith The Pope was so wrathful against Frederick that he would have turned away not onely Christians but the Infidels also And it may appear what the Pope was seeking seeing in the mean time he was exacting tenths and twentieths through France England c. as for maintaining the wars against the Infidels and sent the money into Germany and Italy against the Emperor In Germany Conrade the Son of Frederick led an Army against Henry and overthrew him in the second fight An. 1247. and he died before he was Crowned Matth. Parisien Then the Pope did proffer the Imperial Crown unto Richard Brother of Henry the III. King of England He refused simply Then unto Haco King of Norway He answered He would fight against the enemies of the Church but not against all the enemies of the Pope At last he caused to be elected William Count of Holland which was Crowned but the foresaid Conrade pursued him and he retired into Holland and then did renounce his Title of Emperor The more God did prosper Frederick Innocentius was the madder and the more mad was he when heard that Entius the Emperor's bastard Son had obtained victories against the Gwelphs and other Gibeline Captains prevailed in other places When the Emperor lay at Parma he as secure went one day a hunting and left his Army not sufficiently provided the Citizens came out and took his pavilions which they called victory So the Emperor turned to Domnio and thence into Pulia bringing many Cities into his obedience And then An. 1249. he sendeth unto Lions professing his innocency in all that had happened and shewing the wrongs that he had sustained by the former Popes and withal that howbeit the Pope by custom as he alledgeth had the confirmation of the Emperor yet he had not power to depose him no more then other Prelates in other Realms who anoint their Kings and nevertheless I earnestly crave that I may have peace The Pope hearing of this submission became the more haughty and would not consent to a treaty so that many great men were offended and did detest so great pride and did return unto the Emperor Great were the schisms in Germany and Italy nothing in safety to any each party by violence robbing the other Now Otho Duke of Bavier and others more forsook the Pope wherefore the Pope caused to assemble another Synod at Mildorf and summoned Otho to compear and answer for his rebellion against the Pope He appeareth and said unto the Commissioners I cannot marvel enough at your inconstancy ye know how ye drew me from the Pope and ye your selves called him the Antichrist and ye perswaded me to take part with the Emperor so there is great inconstancy both in your deeds and words calling that wicked and violent wrong which lately ye called just and right But ye are overcome with expectation of honors and pleasures more then led with honesty and godliness according to your office As for me I will obey God and my Prince I believe in Christ and trust in his mercy and perswade my self that those whom ye do curse and give to the divel are in the greater favor with God They could give no reasonable reply yet they accounted him as bad as the worst and accursed him Avent Annal. lib. 7. All these are but a taste of the Popes innumerable inventions against the Emperor And here you may please to see the verses which Frederick sent unto Pope Innocentius the IV. Esses si membrum non te Caput Vrbis Orbis Iactares cùm sis Vrbis Orbis onus Nunc membrum non es sed putre cadaver hulcus Ense residendum ridiculumque caput A Daniele 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 nefasque caputque malorum Diceris à Paulo filius exitii Nos solum Christum nostrum caput esse malorum Orbis totius te caput esse facis At caput est unum quod Paulus dicit ubique Tu vecors balatro dic mihi quale caput Corporis ergo caput monstrosi es monstra parisque Monstra paris Monachos scorta nefanda foves Est tua relligio stuprum ira superbia caedes Error deliciae fulmina turpe lucrum Ex his ergo liquet Christum te spernere Christo Hostem esse invisum dedecorique Deo Rex tandem veniet coelo delapsus ab alto Tunc non defendent te sacra missa cruces Non in sublimi surgentes vertice cristae Non diploma potens non tua sacra cohors Non diadema triplex nec sedes sanguine parta Nullus honos solii purpura nulla tui Triginta argenteis Christum vendebat Iudas Tu Christi vendis corpora plura tui Corpora tu vendis Christi parvo aere polumque Coelestes genios sidera jura Deos. At last the Emperor heard that his Son Entius was taken captive and his enemies waxed strong in Germany wherefore he intendeth to go into Germany but was poisoned as is touched before and became sick at Florence An. 1250. and there divided his lands and goods unto his children and then set his heart on meditation of the promised blessedness The Papalines write that after a little space he began to recover somewhat and was stifled
cutteth off the nose of the yong Empress and throweth her mother out at a window into the sea Robert could not revenge it for at that time he must go to Rome for confirmation and in his returning he died at Macedonia His Brother Baldwin was received Emperor and because he was yong the Pope sent John de Bregna to be Governor there He contracteth Baldwin with his second Daughter governeth the Empire six years and leaveth it in peace unto his Son in law John Duca married the onely Daughter of Lascaris and did reign thirty and three years but dwelt at Nice in Bithynia He was peaceable and dischargeth his subjects from wearing any clothes but what their own Countrey did afford and he caused them to be industrious in husbandry by which two means as Nic. Gregoras witnesseth his subjects became very wealthy and amassed plenty of Silver and Gold from their neighbors round about which at that time were necessitated to come and buy victuals from them Unto John succeeded Theodor Lascaris he put Baldwin to such stress that he went unto his Brother in law Frederick the II. for aid when Innocentius the IV. was chosen Then Lascaris died and Baldwin returned but had not long peace for Michael Palaeologus the Nephew of Alexius was first chosen Governor of the Empire and then Crowned Emperor for the time of his pupil John the Son of Lascaris his minority he would be Lord of the whole Empire Caesar Brother of Michael was sent against Epirus by the way he came near Constantinople with eight hundred men without his expectation the Greeks being wearied with the Government of the Latins envite him to come in Baldwin was not able to resist and fled so that Empire returned unto the Greeks An. 1260. but sore weakened and after that it decayed also 5. WILLIAM Earl of Flanders and CONRADE the Son of Frederick now strove for the Empire of Germany the one was confirmed by the Pope and Conrade was aided by the Gibelines so that Italy and Germany had not peace for many years At last Conrade considering the difficulty of holding Germany and that the Kingdom of both Sicilies were more sure appertaining unto him by his Grand-mother Constantia he left Suevia and such Cities of Germany as had accepted him under the tuition of his Father in law the Duke of Bavier and went into Italy still keeping the title of Emperor He was received in Verona and being accompanied with Enceline Captain of the Gibelines he was made welcome in sundry places on the coast of the Golf and passing by Romandiola he sailed into Pulia where he was heartily received by all except the Cities of Naples and Capua he besiegeth them and took them and punisheth them severely Not long thereafter he dieth at Naples and left his Son Conradine Heir of both Sicilies and Suevia under the protection of his wife and some German Princes But Manfred the bastard Son of Frederick behaving himself at first as one of the Tutores endeavoreth by all means to possess himself of both Sicilies Pope Innocentius the IV. and his Successor did alledge that Kingdom appertained unto the Church of Rome because Frederick and Conrade had died under excommunication But Manfred with the help of the Gibelines prevaileth so that he was Crowned King of Sicilies his Nephew living in Suevia and did invest Bishops and Arch-Bishops without consent of the Pope and they all contemning the Papal prohibition gave obedience unto their King Matth. Parisien ad An. 1258. William then was onely Emperor and they which had adhered unto Conrade sought his peace He thought to be Crowned at Rome but being in a Diet at Colein saith Naucler he heard that the Frisons had rebelled and invaded Holland this rumor made him stay his journey He went against them as he with one or two went to spie a place to encamp his horse fell thorow the ice and he was so pestered that he could not come out some Frisons perceiving him and not knowing who he was slew him and drowned him After him not any Emperor was of such authority as the former had been 6. The Princes could not agree in the election at last three choose Alfonso King of Castile three were for Richard Earl of Cornwal Brother of Henry King of England and the King of Bohem was for himself Alfonso was glad but could not come into Germany because of his business with the Moors in Spain and to keep the Pope's favor he gave him some Cities upon the river Po he gave what he never had and in so doing he did deplume the Eagle saith Crantz in Saxo. lib. 8. cap. 21. Richard had the assistance of his Brother and was Crowned at Aken Some Towns received him others wait for Alfonso and many were neutral usurping liberty so miserable Germany was kindled again with Civil wars Richard died after he had remained in Germany seventeen years If Alfonso had come then he might have been Emperor But the Gibelines in Italy do invite Conradine Duke of Suevia now about eighteen years of age and of good expectation to come and they would aid him in recovering his Father's inheritance from Charles Duke of Anjow Pope Clemens the IV. hearing of his preparation declareth Charles King of Sicilies to be Vicar of the Empire and wrote unto all the Nations that they should not aid Conradine against Charles and that the German Electors should not name him to be King of the Romans On the other side Conradine publisheth a deploring declaration shewing how injuriously Innocentius the IV. had dealt with him being at that time very innocent for his Father Conrade had recommended him unto the tutory of the Roman Church especially and Innocentius as one of his Tutors had taken possession of the Kingdom of Sicilies and then divided it among his own friends 2. When Manfred had in his name recovered that Kingdom Pope Alexander did stir up other men to invade that Kingdom 3. Pope Urban had dealt unmannerly with him for first he would have confirmed that Kingdom unto Manfred and his Heirs and then he inviteth Charles to take it 4. Pope Clemens now dealeth unclemently with him in establishing a King within that Kingdom against him and as if that were not enough he thundereth a process against him and hath declared Charles to be Vicar of the Empire throughout all Italy to the end he may have the more power against him and he concludeth that upon these grounds he taketh arms against Charles Naucler gener 43. About that time Henry who was banished out of Castile by his own Brother King Alfonso and having insinuated himself into favor with the Romans was created Senator of Rome and had great authority there sent unto Conradine and promised him aid not for recovering his Kingdom onely but to attain the Imperial Crown Conradine with all haste marcheth into Italy and was accepted as Emperor by them of Sena Pisa and the Gibelines of Lombardie and Romandiola He overthrew
obey whether he will or not The King in this strait submitteth himself and resigneth the Crown of England and Ireland from him and his heirs for ever upon condition that he and his heirs should have again the same Dominions from the Pope for paying yearly unto the See of Rome 1000. marks of Silver Then he kneeled and gave his Crown unto Pandulf the Legate who kept it five days as a seizing of these two R ealms and the King confirmeth the same by his Charter obligatory Here by way of anticipation it is marked in the Histories that no King of England did acknowledge this subjection nor pay the farm Pol. Virgil. in Hist Anglor lib. 15. Matth. Parisien saith It is reported by many that this detestable Charter was burnt in the chamber of Pope Innocentius the IV. An. 1245. when he caused his own wardrobe to be burnt to the end he might obtain a new taxation from the Bishops which were conveened at the general Councel and after the Councel he sent a Charter with a command unto all the Bishops of England to subscribe it and King Henry was not onely enraged against the Bishops for subscribing it but did also swear that he would stand for the freedom of his Kingdom and would not pay tribute to the Court of Rome so long as he breathed But to return at that time some of the Priests and Abbots consented not unto this shameful action of whom some came afterwards like blinde idiots unto Pandulf and begged remission the baser sort was forgiven and the heads as fattest and fittest for the Pope's mouth were sent to Rome In the mean time Innocentius was holding his Latronal Councel and there did excommunicate Otho the Emperor John King of England Peter King of Arragon Raymund Earl of Tolouse c. Then Stephen Langton was sent and absolved King John and immediately he called many Bishops Abbots Earls and Barons unto London and perswadeth them into a league against the King unless he will renounce all title unto vacant Benefices wards of marriages c. Then Innocentius sent Nicolaus Bishop of Tusculo and he began to intrude persons into vacant Benefices of Canterbury as it pleased him The Arch-Bishop refused and appealed to Rome and sundry Nobles took part with him alledging that they would defend the Liberties of their Countrey Innocentius approveth generally all that his Legate had done The Bishop and Lords stood for their Liberties The King began to think how to be relieved of his new tribute and sent unto the Pope requesting him to excommunicate the Bishop of Canterbury who had been the occasion of all these broils with some of the Lords and he would never intend exemption of his fue-duty and with his Letter he sent a sum of money But this stir was soon calmed but by and by that faction did conveen again and did force the King to yield unto all their above named demands The King then sendeth unto the Pope and sheweth how they had wrested his power from him and craveth his aid for recovery The Pope sendeth his excommunication against them all his Nuntio chargeth Stephen to publish the excommunication he refuseth and posteth toward Rome where after he was heard he was suspended and another sentence of excommunication was directed against all the Nobles and Barons which had conspired against the Pope's beloved Son and remission of sins was proclaimed to all the subjects of the Kingdom which will take part with the King and the Legate against the Lords and all the Bishops were commanded to publish this excommunication under no less pain then to be in the same danger Then the Lords Matth. Parisien calleth them Londoners to wit because of their league made in London were in despair and knew no more whither to turn then the King did before but they cried out in reproach of the King saying Wo to thee John the last of Kings the abomination of English Princes and confusion of our Nobility Alas thou hast wasted England and more wilt thou be wasted alas England England c. Then twenty four of them in name of the rest went unto Philip King of France and intreated him to give them his eldest Son to be their King The Pope understanding this motion sent Wallo Cardinal of St. Martin and chargeth Philip to desist from so rash attempts and to defend his vassal John and the Lands of the Church against those Traitors Philip did judge this an insolency and he hoped that the Lords would stand to their promise and partly he trusted in the league lately renewed with Alexander King of Scots and therefore he answered The Kingdom of England was never a part of Peter's patrimony nor shall it be hereafter no Prince may pledge or give away his Kingdom without the consent of his Barons which are tied to defend it If the Pope shall bring this preparative into Christendom he will set at naught all Kings and Kingdoms I love not this example which is begun in these days and therefore I cannot allow what John hath done though he be my utter enemy and I lament that he hath so ruined that noble Realm The Peers standing by cried as in a fury with one voice We will stand to this Article though to the losing of our lives let John do as he willeth no King can put his Land under tribute and so make his Nobility slaves Lewes said The Barons of England have elected me for their Lord and King surely I will not lose my right but will fight for it unto death I doubt not but I shall obtain it for I have friends among them his Mother was Sister of King John At this time John was going from place to place possessing himself of the Noble mens Lands yet fearing their attempts he came to Dover expecting aid from forraign Countries and many came to him from Flanders Braband and Holland on the one side and from Guien Gascony and Poictiers on the other and a most wonderful number of men from other Countries for the report went that the Pope had written unto them to assist King John Wallo the Legate followed Lewis into England An. 1216. and renewed the curse against him for usurping against John and against Simon Langton and other English which had excited Lewis and against Alexander the II. King of Scots with a wonderful solemnity causing all the bells to be tolled candles lighted Church-doors opened and committing them all to the Divel for their contumacy Lewis caused the curse to be proclaimed null and was accepted at London as King He made Simon high Chancellor King Alexander wasted the North parts of England And every one said The Bulls were of no force since the ordering of temporal affairs did not belong unto the Pope and what hath the Bishop of Rome to do with our wars behold he will be the Successor of Constantine and not of Peter Matth. Parisien ad An. 1216. It happened at that time that the Viscount of Mandevil who
came from France with Lewis fell sick and being moved in conscience called unto him some of the English Lords and said unto them I lament your wretched case and from my heart I do pity the desolation come upon your Country the dangerous snares which are laid for your confusion are hid from your eyes but take heed in time Prince Lewis hath sworn a great oath and sixteen of his Nobles of whom I was one that if he obtain the Crown of England he will banish them all which are now against their native King and are Traitors to his noble Person And that ye take not this for a fable I assure you upon my faith being in this condition as ye now see at the mercy of God I have great conscience hereof and I pity your estate and so give you this warning your King hath for a season kept you under but if Lewis shall prevail he will put you from all of two extream evils chuse the least and keep it secret what I have told you Shortly thereafter he departed this life When this was once noised among the Barons they were in great heaviness for they saw themselves betrapped every way on the one side was the Pope's curse and also Lewis dealing to the French all that he purchased either Territories or Castles yea and they heard him say They were all Traitors Then they agree to submit themselves unto King John they were easily pardoned And John recovered Rochester Castle and City London York Lincoln and prevailed in many hazardous adventures against Lewis and Alexander The same year John did lodge two days in the Abbey not far from Lincoln and there died Some say he was poisoned by a Cistertian Monk Matth. Parisien saith he died of an Ague through sorrow and surfeit Rog. Hoveden and 1. Fox in Act. Monim give him this testimony He was indeed a valorous Prince and unfortunate like Marius having experience of both fortunes nor loved he the Mass Then many of the Lords swear obedience unto Lewis But William Earl of Pembroke Marshal of England a grave and wise Counsellor did quietly and friendly call together sundry of the Earls and Barons and set before them Henry the eldest Son of King John being them nine years old and perswaded them to embrace him for their King and he was crowned by Wallo at Glocester with consent of them which had followed his Father and Wallow acccursed them all which did follow Lewis Nevertheless Lewis did more and more harm in the Land until the above named William went against him with an Army and then he fled into London and sent unto his Father for help an hundred Ships were prepared in France but Richard a bastard Brother of King John having onely eighteen Ships for keeping the Cinque-Ports set upon them and by providence fifteen of them escaped not unsunk or taken Then the Ambassades of Lewis writ from Rome unto him If he left not England the Pope would renew the sentence of excommunication against him likewise many of the Nobles forsook him Then he sought a treaty with the King and at last it was concluded that a 1000 l. should be given unto Lewis to depart and should never return So he was honourably convoyed unto the Sea And reconciliation was made betwixt Henry and Alexander with consent of the Legate Then Wallo began his harvest the Kings had dealt for themselves and their Armies and the Legate could wring nothing from them but he calleth the Clergy to account Hugh Bishop of Lincoln paid 1000. marks unto the Pope and as much unto the Legate c. He summoned the Scotch Bishops and Abbots to Anwick some opened their purses and were absolved and the most stubborn as he called them were sent to Rome With the inferior Church-men he took another course he sent for the Prior of Duresm and Westbeck the Arch-Deacon to go into Scotland and call before them the Priests and Canons into every principal Town of the bounds and there partly upon their confessions and partly by wearisome protractions from day to day great sums were squeezed from them They who went to Rome had purchased Letters from the Bishops and Abbots of England against Wallo and accused him before Pope Honorius of avarice and other crimes Wherefore the Pope took from him a part of the prey and the accusers were absolved and sent home with empty purses But the Pope being not yet contented sent Cardinal Aegidius to exact other sums for absolving them from their vow of going into Palestina When Aegidius returned he said he was robbed by the way therefore another Legate was sent to gather as much The King convened his Nobles and Prelates and all in one voice did send and forbid the Legate to come into the Realm G. Buchan Hist lib. 7. Also England groaned under these burthens and sent their grievances unto the Councel at Lions Regrating 1. That the Pope was not content with Peter-pence but extorted from them great sums of money without consent of the King and against all precedent examples 2. Patrons cannot present unto Benefices which are given to Romans ignorant of the language to the great prejudice of souls and spoiling of the Realm 3. Of the frequent recourse of the Pope's Legates by whom faith and fidelity the ancient Customs of the Nation the Authority of the Statutes Laws and Priviledges are abrogated But the Pope's purse had no ears to hear such complaints and anon he sent for more money wherefore a Proclamation was made in name of King Henry the III. that no man should consent to any exaction of money unto the Court of Rome The Pope in a rage directed instantly his Letters unto the Bishop of Worcester charging all England under pain of his curse to obey his Legate before such a day and that Bishop to be executioner of his curse Fear of the curse prevailed against the former Proclamation But the Pope was not yet satisfied he was not ashamed to crave first the tenth then the fifth part and lastly the third part of all Church-revenues within England besides other extraordinary occasions and the yearly revenue of the Pope in England was 60000. marks sterling Whereupon the King sent his Messengers again unto Rome and the Nobles did by writing complain of the scandals arising from the avarice of the Court and spread their complaint through the Christian world professing that they would not suffer the Country to be so rudely abused although the King would wink at it and unless these things said they unto the Pope be speedily redressed by you let your Holiness know for certainty that it may not without cause be feared that such danger is like to ensue both to the Church of Rome and unto our King that no remedy will easily be found for it At that time John a Cardinal and an English man did entreat his Holiness for God's cause to bridle with some temperance the passion of his minde which is here said he
to tell you plain too much commoved without cause your Fatherhood may consider that the days be evil 1. The holy Land lieth in misery and peril 2. All the Greek Church is departed from us 3. Frederick the mightiest Prince of Christendom is against us 4. Both your Holiness and we are exiled from your Papal seat and thrust out of Italy 5. Hungary and all the Nations thereabout look for nothing but utter ruine from the Tartars 6. Germany is tossed with intestin wars 7. Spain is fierce and cruel against us even to the cutting out of Bishops tongues 8. France is by us impoverished and like to conspire against us 9. Now wretched England so oft plagued by us much like Balaam's ass goared with spurs begineth to complain of her intolerable griefs and we after the maner of Ismael hating all men do provoke all men to hate us ...... Matth. Parisien ad An. 1246. But Innocentius would relent nothing yea made his exaction more grievous and began to excite Lewis King of France to slay or expel King Henry France remembred former times and Lewis refused to vex his Cousin But saith the before named writer the hearts of all men were provoked to mislike the Pope and Church of Rome whereof the one sought to be esteemed a Father and the other to be the Mother of all Churches but he proved a step father and she a step-dame 4. In the year 1222. the in-dwellers of Caithnes refused to pay tenths unto Adam their Bishop and therefore he excommunicated them all then they came into his house and in his chamber they slew a Monk and his Servant and they drew him into his kitchin and burnt him with all the house Pope Honorius rested not till he had caused King Alexander to hang four hundred of them and the Earl of Caithnes hardly obtained pardon albeit he was not accessory unto the deed Boet. lib. 13. cap. 14. About that William Bishop of St. Andrews brought from France some Dominicans Franciscans Jacobines and some Monks called vallis umbrosae these by their crafty insinuations with people did supplant the credit of Priests and drew unto themselves both credit and means of the Ministry and were maintained by the Popes because they studied especially to advance their designs Spotsw Hist p. 43. 5. Nigellus Vireker a learned and much respected Monk at Canterbury writ a Book De abusu Verum Ecclesiae and sent it unto William Bishop of Ely Chancellour of England a man saith Bale most envious In this Book he rebuked not the proud Prelate only but all Teachers under the Tyranny of the Pope because they committed the cure of souls unto children belly-gods and despisers of the sacred Word 6. Walter Mapez Arch-Deacon of Oxford was once sent by King John unto Rome after his return he did write several books against the Pope and his Clergy closely reproving the Pope somtimes under the name of Goliah somtimes of Pluto and shewing manifestly that then Antichrist was reigning in the World He had a fellow with him who made shew of a Pleasant or Rimer but all his rimes were said to be written by Mapez himself In them he plainly paints forth the Roman Court and calleth the Prelats proud beasts The rimes begin thus Roma Caput Mundi sed nil capit mundum Quod pendet à Capite totum est immundum Trahit enim vitium primum secundum Et de sundo redolet quod est juxta fundum Roma capit singulos res singulorum Romanorum Curia non est nisi forum Ibi sunt venalia jura Senatorum Et solvit contraria copia nummorum In hoc Consistorio siquis causam regat Suam vel alterius hic imprimis legat Nisi des pecuniam Roma totum negat Qui plus dat pecuniae meliùs allegat c. Io. Bale In Catalog test verit lib. 14. we find these rimes ascribed unto this Mapez Vide Deus ultionum Vide videns omnia Quod spelunca vespillonum Facta est Ecclesia Quod in Templum Solomonis Venit Princeps Babylonis Et excelsum sibi Thronum Posuit in medio These words are to no sense unless the Temple signifie the Church of Christ and the Prince of Babylon signifie the Pope of Rome 7. An. 1237. was a conference at York between Henry the III. King of England and Alexander the II. King of Scots where they did accord upon the matters of debate between the kingdoms Then Otto the Pope's Legate would go into Scotland for redressing as he said the affairs of the Church But Alexander said unto him I remember not that evera Legate was in my Land neither have I need of one thanks be unto God neither was any in my Father's time nor in any of my Ancestours neither will I suffer any so long as I may Otto returned with King Henry Matth. Parisien Nevertheless this Alexander did suffer Peter Red to take away 3000. pounds for the Pope which no King of Scotland had suffered before Idem ad An. 1240. But Boet. lib. 13. cap. 20. addeth He sent the Earls of Carrict and Athale to accompany Lewis King of France into Syria and he sent unto the Pope a thousand marks lest he should think himself despised 8. Robert Grosshead alias Capito Bishop of Lincoln was the most renowned Bishop of his time a godly man an admonisher of his King a fearfull rebuker of the Pope a bold reprover of Prelates a corrector of Monks a directer and teacher of Priests a favourer of Students a Preacher to the people a defender of fatherless and widows a persecutor of the incontinent a searcher of the Scriptures a lover of truth a hammerer and contemner of the Romans saith Matth. Paris In the year 1237. his own Clarks gave him poison in a drink but as it pleased God he escaped death at that time by help of medicine The Priests which taught not the word of God but human traditions he called the Ministers of Satan theeves of the night robbers in the day corrupters of manners murtherers of souls and Angels of darkness and he called their exemptions snares of the Divel An. 1253. Pope Innocentius sent unto him a Letter commanding him to provide a Canons place for an Italian in his Diocy nihil obstante He returned answer I am most willing to obey Apostolical commandments but those things which are contrary unto the Apostles command I will gain-stand since I am obliged unto both by the command of God ..... The tenor of your aforesaid Letter agreeth not with Apostolical holiness but plainly disagreeth 1. Because by that word non obstante in that and so many other Letters do abound a deluge of inconstancy shamelesness lying deceiving difficulty of trusting any and innumerable other vices following thereupon shaking and confounding the purity of Religion and the quietness of all sociable conversation ..... 2. Except the sin of Lucifer which is also the sin of Antichrist there cannot be a greater sin nor
the Danube near unto Frioli in Italy and on the North he marcheth with Poland and Muscovy In Affrick his ditions are for the most part barren except most fertile Aegypt This Empire is now governed by twenty Bassaws of which three are in Europe the most potent is in Greece another in Hungary and the third in Temisnara in Asia are thirteen three in Affriâ—k and one in Cyprus Cumin Ventura in Relatio de Vrbe Constantinop Wheresoever they prevailed they either slue all the inhabitants or led them away in such misery that they lived so that death had been more tolerable Bathol Georgueviz lived amongst them the space of 13. years about the year 1540. and returning writ a book Deploratio Christianorum which was printed at Wittemberg An. 1560. there he saith If any man had foreknown that calamity they would rather have chosen to have died a thousand times if in any place death be mixed with life or if life be prolonged that men may be long a dying it is under the Turks the bondage in Aegypt the captivity in Assyria and exile in Babylon are light in comparison of this most grievous oppression for whether Christians do submit unto them or not it is all one if these prevail as in their promises is no fidelity so is no mercy in their victory they kill all the Nobility and scarcely spare any of the Clergy they throw down all the Churches or turn them to their blasphemous superstition leaving unto Christians old Chappels which when they decay it is permitted to rebuild for a great sum of money neither are Christians permitted to have any audible sign of assembling but only as it were by stealth to exercize their religion neither may a Christian bear Office in any Province or City nor carry a weapon if any blasphemy be spoken against Christ or contumely against a Christian he must hold his peace but if thou speak against their Mahumet the punishment is fire or if against their religion thou shalt be circumcized If a Christian on horseback do meet a Turkish Priest he must come down and with low courtesie salute the Priest Every Christian now must pay the fourth part of all his increase as well of their Corns and Bestial as of their handy-work and every Master of a family paieth a ducate yearly for every person of his family if the Parents have it not to pay they must sell their children and others are compelled to beg it or they are condemned to perpetual prison and still it is free unto the Turk to take the most handsom of the Christian children and circumcize and bring them in their Cloisters to be Seminaries of his Janizaries or guard and of his Souldiers so that they hear not of Christ nor Parents yet many of these Janizaries carry under their arm pits a New-Testament in Greek or Arabick From amongst the fairest of the Christian daughters the great Turks hath his Wives and Concubines and it is religion unto them to do otherwise So that by custom or contempt of the old Turkish blood the present Emperours and Janizaries and Bassaws are descended of the Christians Both the Christians and the Janizaries in these Provinces do heartily wish the revenging Sword of Christians to deliver them from their wofull thraldom and the Turks stand in fear of it because of such a prophesie amongst them Georgieviz de affectione Christianor The multitude of the Turks are base minded being destitute of all learning for their Laws forbid Schools and they live most by Pasturage Euphorm in Icon. animor cap. 9. This brief glance of the power and tyranny of the Turks is usefull for understanding some passages of the Scriptures as also to move others unto compassion and praiers for the Christians whose troubles we know not and to make us the more thankfull for our tranquility and liberty and more patiently to bear sickness a little penury or if it were banishment for Christ's sake c. which light things many do impatiently undergo because they know not the heavy crosses of other Christians Yea and for cleering the justice of God in all these heavy burthens of Christians it may be marked out of Nicep Gregoras and Chalcocondylas their Histories that though these Greeks were very constant both in the Doctrine and Rites of their Antients yet amongst their Nobility were manifold divisions and strifes amongst their Clergy great ambition and contention and especially they complain of the wretchlessness of the Emperours and the infinite Taxes which they exacted of the people so that many did even before the loss of Constantinople chuse to live under the Turks and the rather because at that time the Turks dealt fairly with the Christians that would come and dwell in their Towns and proffered them liberties and it was upon occasion of these grievances that some Greeks came into Italy and Germany in the beginning of that Century CHAP. IV. Of BRITAIN 1. WHilest King Richard was living in prison Henry the IV. was Crowned King of England An. 2. chap. 3. he ordained that if any person should obtain from the Bishop of Rome any provision to be exempt from obedience regular or ordinary or to have any Office perpetual in any house of Religion he should incur the pains of Praemunire And chap. 15. He gave authority unto Bishops and their Ordinaries to imprison and fine Civil power of coaction gâ—ven to Bishops who exerce it cruelly all Subjects who refuse the Oath ex Officio Here by the way I add that in the Parliament of King James An. 1610. Stat. 1. it is said Whereas the Temporal Sword was never in the Prelates power untill the 2. of Henry the IV. and then usurped by them without consent of the Commons for say They were truly Ecclesiastical yet it is against the Laws of God and of the Land that they should meddle with civil jurisdiction therefore is an Act past against it and the Oath Ex Officio In the same Parliament of Henry the IV. it was ordained that all Lollards that is who professed the doctriue which Wickliff had taught should be apprehended and if they should remain obstinate they should be delivered to the Bishop of the Diocy and by him unto the correction of the Secular Magistrate to be burnt This Act was the first in this Island for burning in case of Religion and began to be put in execution the same year 1401. and Thomas Arundel Arch Bishop of Canterbury swore that he would not leave a slip of the Lollards in the Land At that time did suffer William Sawtree a Priest William Swinderby Richard White William Thorp Reinold Peacock once Bishop of Saint Aâ—â—ph and then of Chicester Io. Fox in Acts Mon. Many errours were imputed unto them maliciously but as Ph. Morn in Myster pag. 495. shews ex Walsing in Hypodeig they held no other doctrine but of the Waldenses George Abbot contra Hill in answer to the first reason sec 25. shews that
Pope Gregory the XII did direct a Bull to Oxford against the Wiclevists and there he saith They did follow the doctrine of Marsilius of Padua and John of Ganduin There he mentioneth a Provincial Councel held at Oxford and sharp inquiry decreed by the above named Thomas against all even the heads of Colledges and Halls and others suspected of Lollardy They might very well suppose saith he that the Students of that place were also entertainers of the aforesaid doctrine since about that very time in the Margine is Anno 1406. October the 5. a testimonial was given in the Congregation-House under seal in savor of John Wickliff where these words are God forbid that our Prelates should have condemned a man of such honesty for an Heretick c. By this testimonial it appeareth that the fire could not consume the truth In time of the same King Henry many propositions were published upon occasion of the schism between the Antipopes arguing that the Pope should be subject unto Laws Censures and Councels And the King wrote unto Pope Gregory the XII An. 1409. thus Most blessed Father if the most discreet providence of the Apostolick See would call to minde with what perils the universal world hath been damnified hitherto under pretence of this present schism and especially what slaughter of Christian people to the number of 200000. as some say hath been thorow the world and lately 30000. were slain for the Bishoprick of Leodium by two Antibishops set up against one another by two Popes certainly you would lament in spirit and be grieved for the same so that with good conscience you would relinquish the honour of the Apostolick See rather then suffer so horrible blood-shed hereafter to insue following the example of the true Mother who pleading before Solomon for the right of her Childe would rather part from the Childe then the Childe should be parted with a sword c. 2. In the year 1407. James Resby was burnt at Glascow for saying The Pope is not the Vicar of Christ and A man of wicked life should not be acknowledged for Pope About the year 1411. was the beginning of the University of St. Andrew's not so much for publick or private addoting of revenues as by voluntary profession of learned men In the year 1416. the Abbot of Pontiniak was sent Legate from the Councel of Constance into Scotland and Pope Benedict sent Henry Hardin an English Franciscan to perswade Robert Governor of Scotland in time of the captivity of King James the I. he was taken by the English when he was sailing into France unto their adherence The Governor consented unto Benedict but all the Clergy received Pope Martin and followed the authority of the Councel Buchan 3. In the year 1412. the Commons of England presented a Bill petitioning King Henry to take the temporal lands from the spiritual men so were the Monks named because the temporalities were disorderly wasted by them and might suffice to entertain unto the King 15. Earls 1500. Knights 6200. Esquires 100. Alms Houses for the Poor and 20000. l. to the King's Exchequer so that every Earl shall have 3000. Marks yearly every Knight have 100. M. and four plow-lands every Esquire have 40. M. and two plow-lands and each Alms-House 100. M. with the oversight of two secular men unto each House all English money Unto this Bill no answer was made Tho. Cooper In the year 1414. Thomas Arundel Bishop of Canterbury put to death and martyrdom in January these persons Sir Robert Actoun Mr. John Brown John Beverley with 36. more and in March following he was so plagued in his tongue that some days before his death he could neither eat nor drink nor speak many said It was justly done unto him because he had tied the truth that it should not be preached M. Fox ex Tho. Gascoin Unto him succeeded Henry Chicesley who sate 25. years and was no less an adversary against the followers of truth As the Preachers were increased the stricter inquisition was made some were burnt some fled and some abjured Among those that were burnt was John Claydon a Currier in London and Richard Turning both in one fire at Smithfield An. 1415. and 36. at Thickethfield Here Sir John Oldcastle Lord Cobham deserveth peculiar remembrance for his godliness and warlike courage about the year 1413. he was called The Protector of the Lollords When he was committed unto the Tower he gave in writing unto the Arch-Bishop a confession of his faith the Arch-Bishop read it and said It contained many good and Catholick points but he must satisfie them in other heads as concerning Transubstantiation the Sacrament of Pennance the worship of Images the power of the Keys the power of the Pope and Roman Hierarchy Sir John was so far from giving satisfaction in these heads that he said plainly The Pope is the Antichrist the Arch-Bishop and other Prelates are the members of the Antichrist and the Friers are his tail and the usual determination of these other points is contrary unto Scripture and was devised since poison was infused into the Church and not before For these answers the Arch-Bishop condemned him of heresie and ordained him to be punished But the King loved him and caused the execution to be delayed In the mean time Sir John escaped out of the Tower and then a great multitude joyned with him trusting to be free of danger but many both Priests and others were condemned to the fire and would not recant P. Morn in Myster ex Walsing and he shews ex Io. Copgra lib. 2. de Nobilib Henr. that Sir John Oldcastle said in a Parliament England will never be in peace until the authority of the Pope be sent over the Sea He was a learned and eloquent man and published sundry Treatises against invocation of Saints auricular confession the single life of Priests and other errors then waxing Wherefore he was apprehended and brought again to London he was first hanged as if he had been a Traitor and then burnt as an Heretick An. 1417. Io. Fox hath his story at great length in Act. Mon. If we will believe Walsingham at that time were in England 100000. persons professing the same doctrine King Henry the V. writ to Pope Martin An. 1422. there were so many infected with the Heresies of Wickliff that without the force of an Army they could not be suppressed Neither yet left he off to make strict Acts against them under the name of Lollards that they should be punished as Felons and Traitors and so were they pursued Nevertheless many endured the heat of the fire for worshipping God alone for denying the Pope's usurped power for maintaining the lawfulness of communicating in both elements c. Among these are numbred Laurence Redman Master of Arts John Aschwarby Vicar of St. Maries in Oxford William James who is called an excellently well learned young man Thomas Brightwel William Haulam a Civilian Ralph Greenhurst c. Among
those which fled was Peter Pain who had been a hearer of Wickliff and then went into Bohemia and was sent unto the Councel of Basil where he argued for partaking of both elements and against the Civil Power of the Clergy William White being examined before William Bishop of Norwich An. 1428. did hold as he had also written that by Law Marriage was granted unto all persons of the militant Church but the Pope who is the Antichrist and his Counsellors which are the Clarks of Lucifer have abolished this Law to the undoing of the Priesthood after the loosing of Satan that is after the 1000. years from the incarnation Anno 3. of Henry the V. the Act was renewed against presentations unto Benefices to be purchased from the Pope but under colour of prejudice to the Incumbents in going so far for them but by this Act all presentations from the Pope were annulled An. 1439. under King Henry the VI. Richard Wiche was burnt the next year Eleanora Cobham Dutchess of Glocester was condemned to perpetual imprisonment in the Isle of Man and Robert only a Priest was condemned to death Philip Morice was excommunicated by Pope Eugenius and he appealed unto the General Councel 4. Richard King of England had made Truce with France for 30. years Troubles between France and England these being expired Henry the V. sent unto Charls the VII King of France An. 1415. claiming the Crown of France So Wars began Henry conquered a great part of France In the year 1419. Charls did dis-inherit his son Lewis and then the Kingdom was divided some cleaving unto Lewis who at that time was called King of Vierron because he lived there in Berry Charls agreed with Henry that Henry should take to wife the daughter of Charls and be proclaimed Regent of France and both should keep what they have and after the death of Charls the Crown of France shall remain with Henry and his heirs and that Henry with the Duke of Burgundy should pursue Lewis the Dolphin as an enemy of the Common-Wealth These two Kings died in one year Charls died first and Henry because his son was but eight moneths old ordained his brother Humphrey Duke of Glocester to be Protector of England and the Dukes of Bedford and Burgundy Protectors of France These two had continual Wars with Lewis Henry the VI. was Crowned King of England in the eighth year of his age and at Paris he was Crowned King of France in the tenth year of his age An. 1431. Five years thereafter the Duke of Bedford died and the Duke of Burgundy became an enemy to England then all things in France went backward from England but no cessation of wars untill the year 1475. when King Edward the IV. invaded France and then Truce was made for seven years at that time Lewis gave unto Edward 75000. crowns and 50000. crowns yearly during the Truce Henry the VII renewed the old claim An. 1487. Peace was made An. 1492. on condition that Charls should pay presently a great sum of money and then yearly 25000. crowns in the name of Tribute Tho. Cooper 5. At Saint Andrews Paul Craw was accused An. 1431. for following John Wickliff and Huss namely for denying that the substance of the Bread and Wine is changed or that confession is necessary to be made unto Priests or praiers unto Saints departed When he was condemned they did put a Bull of Brass in his mouth to the end he should not speak unto the people or they should not know for what he was burnt King James the I. then did set himself to reform the abuses that had crept into the Realm under the Reign of Robert the III. and his own captivity in England he made Laws against the disturbers of the common peace and against them who ride with more men then their yearly Revenues may sustain he punished Robbers and Rebels He considered the Clergy and saw that Benefices were not bestowed on learned men but as rewards done unto the Pope or a Bishop And he saw Monks abounding in wealth and more mindfull of their bellies than of books and the Churches served by some begging Friers which were hired by the Titulars to preach now and then and the Beneficed men did never see their Parishes unless it were to crave their Tithes When the King did publickly rebuke such enormities the Bishops answered and the Friers preached Church-men should be left unto the Pope and to God neither are they obliged to answer unto any prophane Magistrate When he could A glimpsâ— of Reformation not amend the present possessours he would provide for the time to come At Saint Andrews he founded some Schools to be Seminaries of all Estates and to the end the Schools should be had in the greater estimation he honoured the Masters with competent maintenance and their meetings and disputes with his Royal presence He gave strict command that the Masters should recommend unto him the most diligent and worthiest Disciples on whom he might bestow the vaking Benefices and he had alwaies by him a role of the recommended Students Likewise he turbed the Monasteries and said King David who erected so many Monasteries was a good Saint to the Church but an ill Saint to the Crown Buchan lib. 10. With consent of all the Estates he made an Act that all the Subjects should be ruled by the King's Laws only In Parliam 3. and if any did fly or appeal from the King's judgment he should be accounted a Rebel and punished accordingly In Parliam 8. James Kennedy Bishop of Saint Andrews was then exemplary he caused all Parsons and Vicars to dwell at their Parish Churches for preaching the Word of God unto their people and to visit them especially in time of sickness He indeavoured to visit all the Parishes within his Diocy four times in the year and inquired in every Parish if they were duly instructed by their Parson or Vicar and if the Sacraments were duly administred if the poor were helped and the young ones instructed in the grounds of Religion Where he found not this order observed he punished the Delinquents severely to the end God's glory might shine throughout his Diocy Ex M. S. histor in Biblioth Edimb 6. James the III. King of Scotland ordained by Act of Parliament An. 1466. that no Commenda old or new should have place within the Realm and that none shall purchase nor accept any Commenda under pain of rebellion otherwise then for the space of six moneths And that no Pension new or old of any Benefice Secular or Religious be sought nor accepted from any person without or within the Realm under the same pain James the III. Parlia 1. Hence we may guess at the abuses of Commendaes and Pensions out of Benefices as certainly complaints have been made at that time against them Here by the way the Reader may inquire what a Of Commenda Commenda is and how it began This we may
learn from P. Soave in Hist Concil Trident. lib. 2 5. In ancient times by frequent incursion of enemies or in time of Pestilence it came to pass that when the Teachers died Successors could not be had in a short space and lest the People should be destitute of a Spiritual Ruler the chief Prelates of the Province or some neighbour Bishop did commend that Church unto some Minister until these lets were removed and a qualified Minister might be had that besides the charge of his own flock he would also help the other as he might and in the mean time he had no power of the Benefice but only to preserve it But afterwards these Commendataries pretending necessity and difficulty had power to meddle with the Benefice and then being delighted with the Benefice they would pretend some lets why another Minister was not needful and so they retained both Benefices to the prejudice of both flocks For remedy of this malady it was provided that a Commenda should not continue above six moneths But the Pope by the fulness of his power would grant it for a larger time yea during the Commendatarie's life especially when Acts were made against plurality of Benefices So they would keep the words of the Act but do contrary unto the sense thereof since a Commenda during life is all one with a title Yea not only would the Pope give one Commenda but more at his pleasure and then the style was changed For whereas at first the words were That the Church in the mean time may be rightly and orderly admonished we do commend it unto thee then they said That thou mayest administrate thy estate and condition the more decently we commend this Church unto thee And which is yet worse the Pope would give unto the Commendatary a power to dispose the Benefice after his death yea and such Commendataries were exempted from subjection unto the Bishop and he had no power over them whereby it came to pass that the Roman Courtiers were desirous of no Benefices but by way of Commenda and not by way of Title because upon this account they were subject and upon the other they were absolute without any tie of looking after the flock nor edifices belonging thereunto but only unto their own benefit and will And the number of such Commendaes turned to such abuse saith the same Author that when all men were calling for a Reformation Pope Clemens the VII in the year 1534. was not ashamed to give unto his Nephew Hippolitus Medices a Cardinal a Commenda of all the Benefices throughout the World both Secular and Regular both Dignities and Rectories for the space of six moneths after the day of his possession with power to dispose of all their fruits at his pleasure By which irregularity as wickedness may be thought to have come to the highest pinacle so in former ages saith he such a number of Commendaes was not known when the Church of Rome durst not seem so shameless And yet even then to cover the plurality of Benefices they had another trick which in ancient time was devised for the good of the Church The union of Benefices At first if any Church was any way robbed of its Benefice what was left was bestowed with the care of souls on a neighbor and both the Parishes were accounted one But by the craft of Courtiers it came to pass that without respect of souls many rich Benefices were united and by this means plurality of Benefices were covered if in favors of a Cardinal 30. or 40. Benefices were united even though in divers Nations Whence arose many inconveniencies because the number of Benefices was diminished and what favor was bestowed upon one person was also communicated unto his Successor though not so deserving nor craving it so that the Court and Chancellary was damnified Therefore it was provided that the Pope may unite so many Benefices as he thinketh expedient yet so that after the death of him in whose favor these are united the union shall be null and the Benefices shall be in their former condition and so the Chancellary did retain their gain of disposing many Benefices That Author speaketh thus of these Commendaes and Unions generally in all parts whereby it appeareth that the care of souls was altogether neglected But our History sheweth yet more abuses for some did obtain at Rome an Abbocy Restraint of the Pope's power in dispensing Benefices and other Benefices and had power to exact Taxes or Pensions from Prelates and Clarks and Parsonages were annexed unto Bishopricks or unto Abbocies Therefore in the year 1471. an Act of Parliament was made by King James the III. that because innumerable riches were carried out of the Realm by such means the purchase of Abbocies and other Benefices should be null if they were never at the Court of Rome before but such places should have free election And that no Subject spiritual or temporal take upon him to be Collector unto the See of Rome of any higher or greater taxation but as the use and custom of old was before in the old taxation of Bagimont And that there be no union nor annexion made in time to come to Bishopricks Abbocies nor Priories of any Benefice nor that any such union made lately nor since the present King received the Crown be of any strength or effect nor be suffered but the said Benefices shall return to the first foundation all under pain of Treason And in the year 1481. it was provided by the same King and Estates that no person should purchase Commission from the See of Rome to be preferred unto any Benefice vaking even though the See of the Benefice be vacant for the time These Acts were renewed by King James the IV. in the year 1488. with this addition If any person spiritual or temporal shall maintain or defend such purchasers of Benefices after it is declared to be of the King's patronage shall also be guilty of Treason But in the year 1493. it was ordained that all Prelacies Abbocies Priories and other Benefices should be disposed as they were in the time of King James the I. and that no person attempt to purchase any Benefice from the Court of Rome under pain of proscription and banishment The next year an Act was made that because still some did go to Rome for purchasing of Benefices which may be preferred and given within the Realm and also brought novelties and innovations into the Church without advice of the King for remedy hereof no Subject shall go out of the Countrey until the spiritual persons intimate the cause of their passing unto their Ordinary and that spiritual and temporal persons shall shew unto the King or his Chancellor the cause of their passing and obtain licence under the pain of Treason Conformable to this practice Richard Cawdray Proctor in the name of King Henry the VI. King of England protested by publick instrument that whereas the King and
Patavium c. and unto the Pope Arimino Faventia Cervia Ravenna c. and he reserveth unto himself their part of Lombardy So the Dominion of the Venetians was sore weakned and never of such power again howbeit by their power they have recovered what was given unto Maximilian Pope Iulius was the first who forsook the League when he had such towns he feared that if the Venetians were brought to ruine his own estate might be in danger for the Colledge have special care that none be of greater power than the Pope Wherefore Julius made peace with Venice as is hinted before Because John King of Navar did aid King Lewes the Pope knowing that Navar at that time was in a manner dis-peopled gave it unto Ferdinand who did invade it albeit he had married his Brothers Daughter he took Pompejopolis and the Spanish keep a great part of that Kingdom until this time About the years 1512. Maximilian made league with Henry VIII King of England and they both invade France and in severall parts prevaile The Emperour was drawn back to appease a debate twixt the Ecclesiastical and seculare Estates he was advised to restrain the avarice of Church-men and in the Diaet at Trevers they consult how Pluraelity of Benefices discharged by the Emp. A coat without a seam drunkennes and common swearing should be punished but these two grievous sins could not be rooted up saith Osiander in Epit. Hist. Cent. 16. libr. 1. Cap. 16. Nevertheless by Imperiall authority the plurality of Benefices was for bidden Fasci rer expetend Pag. 170. In time of that Diaet in presence of the Emperour and all the Princes was opened the altar of the great Church of S. Peter there in was found a coat without a seam and that was called Christs coat Some said it was but a device to delude the Emperour and the Princes and to conciliate some authority unto the Church and that See saith Osiand loc cit The same yeare was another tumult at Spira the Commons rose against the Senate because they were burdened with so many taxes they thrust out the Counsellers and set up another Counsell and took the keies of the town into their own power The Emperour interponed his authority and establishes the Senate At that time Lewes XII made peace with England and marryed Marie Sister of King Henry VIII concluded peace with the Venetians by the meanes of two Senatours whom hee had captives Then Francis I. perceiving that the Emperour in his olde age was inclined to peace entred upon the Dutchie of Millain and fought with the Duke till night they stood both in arms all the night in the morning the King carried it and shortly had possession of Millain An. 1515. The same yeare Ferdinand King of Castile died at Madril and left Charls then 15 years olde his successour so the many Kingdoms of Spain were united Maximilian was making readie to goe and recover Millain and was hindered by the death of Ladislaus King of Hungary and Bohem Whose young son was espoused to the Emperours Daughter He appeased the tumults there made peace with France and employed the rest of his time in ministration of justice and reforming some abuses and confusions of the Empire untill the year 15â—9 when he died He was a Prince abounding in vertues and so bountifull that if he had been Lord of all the revenues of the earth he never wold have had treasure so couragious that he could not be timorous of singulare sagacity and judgement yet would alwayes ask counsell of them who loved him and were able to advise he loved learning and was liberal toward them who were expert in the liberall sciences Pet. mexia Then all the Electours made choise of Frederik Duke of Saxony but he would not accept it saith Erasm in Epist. Roffensi Episc dated An. 1519. CHAP. III. Of DIVERSE COVNTRIES RAymond Cardinal S Mariae Novae and Bishop of Curca was sent Legate The selling of indulgences and the account of them by Pope Alexander VI. into Germany in the year 1501. and from thence into Dacia Suecia and Prussia with power to sell Indulgences unto all which had not been in Rome at the Jubilee The Emperour and the Princes hearing of his earand sent unto him when he was at Trent and forbade him to come into Germany without doubt perceiving that it was but a cunning trick to squeeze moneys out of the Country Nevertheless after some Mâ—ssives sent to and fro he came unto the Emperour and then to Norenbergh and from thence to Mentz and then more Northward and leaveth abundance of these indulgences printed on parchement to be sold before his return Nic. Besel in Addit Naucler telleth of his coming and how he obtained liberty but he speaks not of his account But Orth. Gratius in Epistol ad Lector before the works of Petr. de Aliaco helpeth saying When Raymond returned with vast sums of money the Colledge of the Cardinals asked him Whath said the Barbarians when these wares of indulgences were sent unto them He answereth All the World so for as I have been complain of the prodigality of Cardinals and certanly if they see you not amended our Republick will bee in danger They frown on him and his friends said He should not speake of Reformation which is an odious purpose at Rome 2. Many tricks did the Friers devise to delude the World for example I Iugleries of Friers wil name but one At Berna in the year 1507. the Dominicanes think what way to ingratiat themselves unto the people and be preferred unto the Franciscanes and so might draw the oblations of the people unto themselves They cause one who was lately entred among them believe that S. Marie and S. Barbara and S. Catharin of Siena did appear and speak unto him and brought unto him the Hostie or Eucharist bleeding as the very blood of Christ and commanded him to goe unto the Senate of the town and report such and such things especially that the blessed Virgine was conceived in sin and the Franciscanes as liars should not be suffered in the town and neverthelesse the image of the blessed Virgine should be worshipped As also they made an image of the Virgine with a device to drop as it were weeping tears The thing was belleved as truth that red-coloured water was adored as if it had been Christs blood and drops of it sent hither and thiter as a rare and precious gift lykewise was great concourse of people to see their Ladie weeping Thus the Dominicanes were thought the only men for the space of three or four years The Franciscanes had used such jugleries before and for respect to them selves were loath to bewray it but at last they sought it and revealed it all Then the Provinciall and three other Dominicanes were taken and burnt An. 1509 when the deceivers were tortured they confessed other jugleries but the Popes Legate would not suffer them be divulged T is historie is
Soaue When the See is vaking the Cardinals are wont to prescribe some articles of reforming the Papal power which they sweare to observe precisely if any of them shall be chosen albeit it is known by experience of all ages that none of them hath a purpose to observe that oath for so soon as they be invested they professe that they could not be tied and they are absolved by their assumption So at that time it was one of the articles that he who shall be chosen shall call a Councell within a year III. PAUL III. Had been Dean of the Colledge of Cardinals many years and would seem not to be afraid of a Councell as Clemens was but to be desirous of it and ere he was crowned he propoundeth in the first meeting that it is necessary to hold a Councell seing otherwise peace can not stand among Christian Princes nor can heresies be rooted out he appointeth three Cardinals to advise upon the place time and other circumstances and to give their Overtures in the first Consistory after his coronation and to lay the blame of opposition upon their side he saith Seing a Reformation must be of the Church it were most expedient that the Cardinals from that present time begin to reform themselves rather than be reformed by others neither can there fruit be expected by a Councell nor can the decrees have any authority unless they go before by their good example In the first Consistory Novemb. 12. he speaks of this purpose again They thought he spoke ingenuously but some did smell out his policy because he had appointed three the most unfit men of all the number to consult of this But in December he took away all fear from them for then he created a Cardinall Alexander Farnesius the son of his own bastard son and another Guido Ascanius Sforza the son of his bastard Daughter the one being 14. years old and the other 15 years Then the Cardinals had enough to object to wit their childhood January 16. An. 1535. he had a large speach in the Consistory that the Councell can be delaied no longer lest all men think themselves deceived with words and he sent his Nuntio's unto Princes shewing his resolution and that he judgeth Mantua the fittest place he sayd There were but two wayes of dealing with the Protestants force or allurements he judgeth the later the better and he will refuse no condition of accord saving his Papall dignity Vergerius goeth into Germany as followeth in Cha. 3. and returning the next year saith There is no hope to winne Luther and his followers they must be oppressed by arms For his service he is made a B. in Istria and immediatly dispatched unto the Emperour in Naples Charles heares his report and hasteneth unto Rome At this time Lewes Sfortia Duke of Millan was dead without children and the King of France professeth to recover it with a strong hand Charles telleth this unto the Pope who answereth It were better for him to subdue the Protestants in Germany and himself with the Venetians will perswade Francis to desist Pe. Soavesaith The Pope professeth the destruction of the Lutherans but his purpose was rather that an Italian should be Lord of Millain But Charles did understand what he meant and intending Cretizare cum Cretensi said he would do so yet thought it not expedient to raise up so many enemies at once and adviseth the Pope to call a Councell that so the world may see they had used all meanes of peace before arms The Pope seemes to be wel pleased because warrs were begun in Pymount and certainly will come into Italy and when the Councell is summoned he will have a faire pretence to guard the Councell under shew of custody So he calleth a Councell to assemble at Mantua May 27. in the year 1537. and also gives commission unto four Cardinals and some bb to Reforme the Paenitentiaria Dataria Court of Rome threatning his curse against all that shall disobey them But nothing was done and men of judgement said No better was to be expected of the Councell called so unseasonably in time of warre between the Emperour France Pe. Soave in Hist Conc. No Nation would consent unto this Councell nor the Duke of Mantua unless the Pope would give him money to hire a guard of souldiers The Pope was glad that others had refused when he had offered it and to shew his readiness he appoints to conveen against Novemb. 1. but he nameth no place Henry VIII King of England by a published Declaration shews that he is desirous of a Councell but he will neither go nor send unto any called by the Pope seing now he hath no correspondence with the Pope and it is not a new thing that the Pope deceives the world as now he blameth the Duke of Mantua but who seeth not that it is but to delude men as also that he calleth a Councell and nameth not the place and seing now there is no hope of a free Councell he judgeth it best that every Prince reforme Religion with in his own dominion Or if any will shew a better way he will not refuse it In Italy also many said boldly that albeit the Pope lay the blame on the Duke of Mantua yet it is the Popes only fault as appears by that nothing is done in Reformation of Rome albeit he had made a shew of it when the Councell at Mantua was proclaimed and none other had opposed that worke To wash himself of this imputation he gives a charge again unto four Cardinals and 5. Prelates to search out the maladies and apply remedies with all diligence Now these gather the heads of Reformation in write and do present them unto the Pope where in they shew a threefold cause of all the maladies the proneness of PP to heare flatterers their readiness to derogate from former lawes and the neglect of Christs command to take no gain for spirituall things Then more particularly they observe 24. abuses in the administration of Church affaires and 4. in the Romane Government In the ordination of Clerks collation of Benefices pensions permutations regressions reservations pluralities commenda's non-residences exemptions deformation of Regulares ignorance of Preachers and confessours .... then they came to dispensations first of them that were married then to marry within degrees forbidden dispensations of simony of granting confessionals and indulgences dispensation of vowes of changing testaments tolerating whoores neglect of almes-houses and many more such The Pope gives these Overtures unto the Consistory where somesaid it was not a time to reforme these things seing the Lutherans would boast that they had caused the Pope to enter upon a Reformation not only of abuses but of laudable rites John Peter Caraffa Cardinall of Theate said a Reformation is necessary nor can it be omitted without great offence as evill should not be done that good may come of it so necessary good works should not be omitted for feare
refuse if upon no other account yet ro save themselves from suspition But when he had sent his Nuntio unto them severally none of them would consent every one had their own excuse and a common one was the hindering of the Councell and yet saith Pe. Soave many thought the raising of the Councell had not been displeasing unto him seing he did alwaies furnish occasions of fomenting that opinion Of his relation unto the Councell more followes in that place After the Councell he published a Bull which is annexed to the Canons of the Councell out of it I have extracted these words The duty of the Apostolick service which is committed unto us requires that the things which the almighty Lord hath vouchsafed for provident direction of his Church to inspire from above unto the holy Fathers assembled in his name Wee should speedily execute the same to his praise and glory Observe what false and hypocriticall pretenses Therefore seeing according to the disposition of the Tridentine Councell all who shall hereafter happen to be advanced unto Cathedrall and superiour Churches or who shall happen to be Overseers of dignities chanonries or other Church-Benefices having the cure of souls are obliged to make open profession of the orthodox faith and to promise and sweare that they shall continue in obedience unto the Romane Church Wee willing ..... that the tenour it self which is noted by these presents be published .... and observed and under paines .... wee command that it be framed by Apostolick authority .... after this and no other forme .... to wit I. N. do with firme faith believe and professe all and every thing contained in the summ of faith which the holy Church of Rome useth to wit Here is the Confession of Athanasius and immediatly it followes I most firmely embrace the Apostolicall and ecclesiasticall traditions and other obseruances and constitutions of the same Church I do admitt the holy Scripture according to that sense which the holy mother the Church held and holdeth unto which Church it belongeth to judge of the true sense and interpretation of the Scriptures nor shall I ever accept or expound the Sctiptures but according to the unanimous consent of the Fathers I confesse also that there be truly and properly seven sacraments of the new law instituted by Jesus Christ for salvation of mankind albeit they be not all necessary unto every one these are baptisme confirmation the eucharist pennance extreme unction orders and marriage and that these do conferre grace and of these baptisme confirmation marriage should not be reiterated without sacriledge I receive and approve all the received and approoved rites of the Catholick Church in the solemn administration of all the forenamed sacraments I embrace all and every thing that was defined and declarad concerning originall sin and justification in the Synode of Trent I professe also that in the Masse is offered unto God a very proper sacrifice of attonement for the quick and the dead and that in the most holy sacrament of the Euchatist is verily really and substantially the body and blood together with the soul and Deity of Christ Jesus and that there is a conversion of the whole substance of the bread into his body and of the whole substance of the wine into his blood which conversion the Catholick Church calleth Transsubstantiation I confesse also that all and whole Christ and the very sacrament are received under one kind only I hold constantly that there is a purgatory and that the souls there-in are aided by the prayers of believers also that the Saints reigning with Christ are to be worshipped and invocated and that they offer prayers unto God for us and that their relicques are to be worshipped I most constantly affirme that the images of Christ and of the mother of God ever a Virgine and of other Saints should be had and retained and that due honour worship should be given unto them That the power of indulgences is left by Christ in the Church and that the use of them is very profitable to the salvation of Christians I acknowledge that the holy Catholick and Apostolick Church of Rome is the mother and Mistris of all Churches and I promise and swear obedience unto the Romane Pope the successour of blessed Peter Prince of the Apostles and Vicar of Jesus Christ And all other things that were delivered defined and declared by holy canons and Occumenicall Councells and especially by the most holy Synode at Trent These do I undoubtedly receive and professe And also all contrary things and whatsoever heresies were condemned rejected and anathematized I also doe condemne reject and anathematize And the same true catholicke faith without which no man can be saved which I do at this present willingly professe and sincerely hold I the same N. doe vow and swear that I shall have care so farre as lieth in mee that the same faith shall be kept whole and unviolated most constantly with the help of God untill the last breath of my life and that it shall be kept and taught preached by my subjects or by such as I shall have charge of in my calling So may God help mee and these holy Euangels of God Wee will that these present Letters be read in our Apostolicall Chancelary ...... Given at S. Peters in Rome An. 1564. Novembr 13. and fifth year of our Papacy These were read and puplished Decembr 9. Here is a tenure of Episcopall profession and it is a summ of Papistry After the Councell the Pope thought himself secure and spent the rest of his time in building sumptuous houses and entertaining some Princes with Princely feasts He built in the Vatican a place like unto the amphitheater for all such games He was most expert in dissembling addicted to all pleasures of meat wyne and venery which were thought to have hastened his death for he died ex nimia venere Decembr 9. An. 1565. Jac. Thuan. CHAP II. Of EMPEROVRS CHARLES V. the nephew of Maximilian and King of Spain c. was chosen King of the Romanes he had the largest Dominions of any Emperour for many hundred years he was crowned at Aken An. 1520. and held a Diet at Worms An. 1521. where unto Luther was summoned there it was ordained that Luthers books should be burnt and himself be bannished out of the Empire but of his Acts concerning Religion we will God willing speak more hereafter The Pope had been his Tutour and the King of France was prevailing in Lombardy wherefore the Pope and the Emperour made a League against France and they drewe in Henry VIII King of England with them Charles began his warrsin Lombardy but was not there personally at the battell of Pavy Francis was taken prisoner and carried to Madrid afterwards he was dismissed and gave his two sonnes in hostage and marryed Leonor the Emperours Sister But Francis got from Pope Clement a dispensation of his oath which he had given to Charles for
alive or other wayes put to death for the cause of religion John oecolampade in the year preceeding was retyred into a Monastery for feare of trouble but when he heard of the publick edict he set forth some Sermons and a book of Confession for which Glapio the Emperours Chapelan did threaten him mischief but he with consent of the Friers went away in safety Martin Bucer had been a Dominican 15 years at that time he left that Order and was Chaplaine unto Fredederik Prince Palatin and President of the Imperiall Councell the next year he was called to be Preacher at Landstall When Luther was lurking the Augustinians of Wittembergh put away the private Masse because it was an execrable abuse of the Lords supper and turned into a propitiatory sacrifice c. The Electour requires the judgement of the University then Justus Jonas Jo. Dolcius Andr. Carolstad Jerom Schurff Nic. Amsdorff and Phil. Melanchton approove the reasons of the Augustinians the Elector ratifieth their Act and not only dischargeth private Masses in the Cloister but in the open Church and then in the Church of the Castle Then and there also images were broken down auricular confession was forbidden both elements were delivered unto the people and Andr. Carolstad teaches that Civill courts should be ordered not by the law of man but of Moses he set forth a book of the lawfulness of Priests-mariage and against the vowes of Monks When Luther heard hereof though he did not approve all that was done and written yet he wrote unto Spalatinus August 15 Carolstad must have some liberty for he will not be content if any do oppose him Erasmus was offended that any Reformation was begun without the authority of a Generall Councell and he wrote unto Peter Barbire August 13. saying It can not be told how many and what kind of men did at the first love Luther when I had read a few pages of his books I did foresee the matter would turn to a broil I do so hate discord that even verity with sedition is unpleasant unto mee .... As I think many things are received in the Church which may be changed to the great good of Christian religion So nothing pleaseth me which is done tumultuously And in another dated August 23 he saith I wish it were true that Christiern King of Denmark said unto me while we were talking of such a purpose Gentle purges worke not but efficacious potions shake the whole body I see no good issue unless Christ himselfe turne the temerity of men into good c. Albert archb of Mentz began again to sell pardons in Hala of Saxony then Luther wrote unto him from his Pathmos Novemb. 25. threatning him that if he leave not that idol of pardons greater evils will be sent on him and if he dismisse not these which for eschuing fornication have marryed he will make known openly some things both of him and other bb which they desire to be buried in silence The Bishop returnes answer Decemb. 21. shewing that he had read his Letter with good lyking and afterwards he shall have no cause to complain of him and he will live as becomes a Christian Prince for which end he requires his prayers and of other good men seing that is the gift of God alone he can take admonitions in good part and wisheth well unto Luther for Christs cause The University of Paris sent forth their judgement against Luther's books and Ph. Melanchton opposeth it with this inscription of his book Against the famous Decree of the Parisians the apology of Melanchton for Luther Likewise Henry VIII King of England wrote against Luther in defense of the seven saeraments and the power of the Pope When Leo heard of it he sent unto him the title defender of the faith as Alexander VI. had given unto the King of Spain the title of Catholick King and I know not what other Pope did first call the King of France The most Christian King But saith Pe. Soave Luther was not dashed with authority but laying aside the due reverence of his person wrote against him with such bitterness of words as he had used against the puny Doctors and the medling of the King in this cause did not satisfy many in this controversy and as it hapneth in debates most do favour the weaker party and do much commend their weak endeavours Immediatly after the publishing of the Edict at Worms Hugh Bishop of Constance sendeth the Popes Bull and that Edict unto the town of Zurik and commandeth them to obey both the one and the other and he inveighes against Zuinglius and his followers Wherefore Zuinglius gives account unto the Senate and to the colledge of the Chanons of what he had taught and he writes unto the Bishop especially pressing that he forbeare not the priests with their concubines which wickedness saith he brings the clergy into contempt and is a very lewd example unto the people And he wrote unto the Swisers generally that they should remember a former licence which the Magistrats had granted unto the priests to have a concubine for saving the honesty of other mens wives which licence though ridiculous yet necessary for the time should be amended by turning fornication into lawfull marriage The Bishops command gave courage unto the black Friers to write against Zuinglius and he ceaseth not to defend his own doctrine he published 67. conclusions containing the summe of his doctrin and the abuses of the Clergy The Senate for removing such strife do appoint a convocation of all the Clergy within their jurisdiction against January 23. promising free liberty of reasoning unto both parties and by Letters invite the bb of Constance Curia and Basile either to come personally or to send their Commissioners There were assembled about 600. priests and as they called them Divines The Bishop of Constance sent in his name John Faber who afterward was Bishop of Vienna The Burgermaster beginneth saying It is not unknown what dissension hath arisen in the cause of religion therefore this assembly is called especially that if any can speak against these 67 conclusions of Zuinglius now made known unto them all he may now speak the same freely Faber shewes his Commission and alledgeth it was not a pertinent place nor time to decide things of that kind which appertain properly unto a Generall Councell and the Pope and Princes have agreed that one shall be called shortly Zuinglius said as Pe. Soave reports that is but a trick to deceive people with vaine hope and to keep them in grosse darknes it were better in the mean while to search some particulars that are sure and undoubted by the word of God and the received custom of the Church untill a more copious clearing of doubts come by a Councell When Faber was urged again and again to shew what he could speak against that doctrine of Zuinglius he said I will not deal with him by word but I will confute
zeal of piety in the closure he saith Well Illustrious Prince stirr up that sparke which hath begun to kindle in thee and let fire come from the house of Savoy as from the house of Joseph and let all France be kindled by thee yea let that holy fire burn and increase that at last France may be truly called for the Gospel's sake the most Christian Kingdom as heretofore for that wicked service of Antichrist in shedding blood it was wickedly called most Christian Dated Septemb. 7. An. 1523. The particulare persecutions that were in that year I leave unto the Martyrologies XVII In the year 1525. Erasmus was persuaded by Henry VIII King The mutuall respect of Luther Erasmus of England and by Card. Wolsey Bishop of York to write against Luther which he did under that inscription diatribe de libero arbitrio Against that book Luther sent forth another de servo arbitrio The eyes of all men were then towards these two as if two bulls of Bashan were to rencounter But lyke two war-ships they were both sparing For Erasmus writing unto Melanchton saith You maruell why I have sent forth a book of free-will I had three sorts of enemies Divines and haters of learning were assaying every where to undo Erasmus both because I had hinted them in my books and because I had brought that most florishing Colledge into Lovan and that I had infected all that Country with tongues and good Letters as they speak These had persuaded all the Monarchs that I was asworne friend of Luther Therefore my friends seeing that I was in danger gave some hope unto the Pope and the Princes that I was to do some what against Luther and I did entertain this hope for the time and in the interim men not awaiting my book did provoke me with their pamphlets So I could not eschue but send forth what I had written or els I had offended all the Monarchs which would have thought that I had deluded them and these turbulent bodies would have cried that I keeped up for feare and looking for some what more sharpe would have raged more furiously Lastly because an epistle of Luther is in all mens hands where in he promiseth to hold his quill off me if I will also be silent men would have thought that here is a compact twixt us Moreover the Professors of heathnish letters at Rome themselves being more heathnish were wonderfully raging against me as it seemes envying the Germans Therefore if I had set forth nothing I had given occasion unto these Divines and Monkes and these clay-bakers at Rome whose Alpha if I be not deceived is N whereby to persuade the Pope and Monarchs what they were endeavoring Finally these furious Evangelicanes had been the more angry For I have handled the matter very modestly and yet what I writ it is according to my own mind albeit I will gladly quite it when I shall be persuaded of what is more right And what Luther thought of this book wee may understand by an epistle unto Spalatin dated Feriâ— 3. omnium Sanct saying It is incredible how I disdain thar book De libero arbitrio as yet I have reade but two shiets of it it is grievous to answer so learned a book of so learned a man This year by authority of Frederik King of Denmark notwithstanding all the opposition of the Bishops Copenhagen Malmoy and other towns especially the diocy of Vibergh forsook Popery and made open profession of Reformation So did George de Polentia Bishop of Sambia in Prussia and the town of Coningsberg there So did Henry Duke of Meklenburgh At Brunswik the Minorites held a Synode and setforth some propositions concerning prayer to Saints and the sacrifice of the Masse but not only the learned did impugne them but the people after much contention did expell the Minorites Jodoc Cownt of Hoia made a Reformation in his Land It began also at Anneberg and Cygnaea in Misnia at Gotha in Thuringia at Noribergh and Noerdling at Lichstall Scaphusen and some other places in Heluetia though at the same time some towns there made a combination against the Reformation Abr. Schultet Annal. XVIII The main business of that year was the work of Card. Campegius An example of Papal fraude Legate of Pope Clemens This Pope was altogether against the calling of a Councell and thought upon wayes to put it out of the thoughts of them who were desirous of it He considered the Grievances of Germany and resolves to give some satisfaction yet so that neither his authority nor gain of the Court may be abaited He findeth that these Grievances were not only against the Romane Court but against the bb and their officials against Curats and priests of Germany So he resolves to send an active man who may make some Reformation in these smaller things and he thinks if Germany be satisfied in these particulars concerning themselues they will not enquire further To this end he sends Campegius unto the Diet of the Princes at Norinbergh he had a long oration admiring that so many wise Princes would suffer any change in that Religion wherein they were born and their Ancestours had died and that they considered not how this change tendeth not only to condem all theit forefathers and the destruction of their souls but likewise to a rebellion against Civill Powers The Pope regardes not his own interest but in compassion toward Germany hath sent him to search out meanes of healing these maladies throughly It is not the purpose of his Blessednes to prescribe any thing unto them and far less expects he that they will prescribe any thing unto him but rather that they will think upon expedient salves And if this diligence of the Highpriest be now refused they can not blame him hereaâ—ter The Emperour was then in Spaine and the Princes give thankes for the Popes good affection they shew that they are sensible of their own calamities as they had represented unto Pope Hadrian both their maladies and what salves they thought expedient and as yet they had received no answer and if he had any commission in that matter they entreat him to deliver it Campegius answereth that he knowes not whether any thing in that kind was propounded unto the Pope or his Cardinalls but he knowes their good affection and he hath full commission to concurre with them in what they shall judge conducible and he knowes what Cesar and they had done in the Diet at Worms and some had obeyed that Edict but why others had not obeyed it he knowes not but it seemes expedient that chiefly they would take a course to prosecute that Edict As for that they speak of Propositions tendered unto the Pope Hadrian he knowes not whether the Pope hath heard of them but this much three Coppies were brought to Rome and the Pope had seen one of them but he and the Cardinals did judge that these things were not done by Order of
and propound unto the King the inconstancy of promises from an hostile king he needs not go into England for any benefite seing he hath enough at home they promise to give him yearly 30000 crowns from the Church and of them which are rebellious against the holy Father the Pope and his lawes he may make unto the Crown yearly above 100000 Crouns if he will authorize such a Judge as they would name to proceed against them Nor can there be any danger in arraigning them seing it is known that they do use the Bible in English they talk commonly of the Popes power they despise the Service of the Church they deny obedience unto sacred persons and are not worthy to live under a king By these persuasions the king gives-over his journey to York Wherefore king Henry was offended and prepares an Army against Scotland and James prepares another to inuade England In time of these levies the Cardinal gives unto the king a catalogue of above 300 persons whom in his inquisition he had appointed unto death but this bloody designe was stayd by that preparation and taken away by the death of the king For the sum of the warrs is when the Scots were past Solvay a gentle man Oliver Sinclare shewes his Commission to be Commander in chieff the Noble men refuse to fight under his command and were taken captives the water flowing they could not return and King James hearing of their overthrow died in sorow within 3. dayes on December 13. year 1542 leaving a Daughter Mary five dayes old to be his heire Then were various discourses what might be the issue of those warrs Every one talkes as he wisheth or feareth Henry calleth for the captives unto White-hall and shewes them how God had offered them a most fit occasion of firme concord if their Queen were contracted with his son They do promise to use their diligence so far as they could without prejudice of the kingdom and their own infamy and so were dismissed in January Buchan Histor Libr. 14. 15. Then the Cardinall had more than hope to be Regent he causeth a Priest Hen. Balfour to write as the Kings last will that he and some others should be Governours and the Queen Dowager favoureth him But these who loved not his Inquisition and others calling to mind the former difficulties of the kingdom in the like case chuseth and declareth February 10. James hamilton Earle of Arran who was one of these whom the Cardinal had appointed unto death and next heire of the â—rown to be Regent during the minority of the infant Queen He had two preachers Thomas Guilliam and John rough sound in religion according to these times The Card. was not content with the Regent nor his preachers he endeavoureth to molest him and to stay the preaching of the Word In March a Parliament was assembled thither Ralph Sadler Ambassadour from England comes for common peace and by the way to put in mind the former captives of their promises The Contract of promise was once concluded but the Qu. Dowager the Card. and the Prelates do so wilfully oppose it that with common voice of the most part the Cardinal was removed and shut up strait in a chamber untill the votes were asked then the marriage was concluded other conditions of peace were penned and pledges were ordained to be sent into England The Cardinal was convoied to Palkeith and there kept as in firme warde by intercession of the Queen he obtaines liberty to go unto Seton and afterwards was set at full liberty In the same The first Pâ—blick step of Reformation Parliament the rigour of Acts against them who have English Bibles was taken off The Prelates did obiect that the Church had forbidden all languages in religion but three Hebrew Greek and Latine The Lords demande When was that inhibition made seing Chrysostom complaines that men will not use the sacred books in their own language The Bishops answer These were Greeks The Lords reply Christ commandeth that his Word be preached unto all Nations and therefore it should be preached in every language which the Nation understands best and if it should he preached in all tongues why should it not be read in all tongues In the end the best part prevailes and liberty was granted to read the Bible and to say prayers in the vulgar language This was not a small victory of the trueth and thereby many simple ones receive information Sundry treatises went abroad against the tyranny and abuses of the Church of Rome and many in forrein Nations praise God for the Regent At that time the New Testament was so unknowen unto the multitude of priests that they were not ashamed to say in their preachings That book was written by Luther Not long after the Abbot of Pasley comes out of France and prevailes so with his brother the Regent that Frier Guilliam and hindred again was put from preaching and went into England and John rogh went to Kyle and all godly men were terrified from Court Likewise the Card. hindereth the sending of the pledges into England and by his meanes and of his complices the Regent was persuaded to alliance with France Yea the craftly insinuations of the Card. and Abbot move the Regent to ren ounce the profession of the Gospell and submit himself unto the Pope Then every thing was done at the nod of the Cardinal many were persecuted of whom some fled and some were burnt as An. 1546. in February Ja. huncer Will. lambe Witanderson and Ja. rannelt burgesses of Sant Iohn stoun because they had eaten a goose on a fryday and a woman because in her travelling she would not call upon Mary John rogers a black â—rier who had faithfully preached the gospell unto many in Anguise and Merns was murdered in the sea-tower of Santandrews and then was thrown over the wall and a report was spred that he had broken his own George VVishart neck In the year 1544. came home that blessed servant of Christ George wishart one of great learning Zeal and modesty as I being young have heard of very antient men he had been Schoolemaster of Montros and there did teach his disciples the new testament in Greek for this fault he was delated unto the Bishop of Brechen in time of the persecution An. 1538. when he was summoned to appear he fled and after sixe years returnes with more knowledge of the trueth and with more Zeall He preached first in Montros within a private house next unto the church except one then in Dundie where by authority of the Card. he was prohibited to preach because the town was so ready to forsake the Word of God for boast of a man he foretold that a scourge was coming shortly upon them From thence he went to Aire and preached in the open fields at the church of Gastoun for he was hindered by the Bishop of Glasgow to preach in a Church There he is informed that within
with greater audience than ever he had before There the Earles Marshall Glencairn and others advise him to write unto the Regent an exhortation unto the hearing of Gods word He obeâ—etâ— them but it was in vain He is called by his flock at Frankford to return he goeth against the mind of many but promiseth to return if they abide constant in the trueth Then the Bishops summon him again for no-compearance they burn him in effigie at the cross of Edinburgh in July An. 1556. He wrote his appeal and caused it to be printed and directed it unto the Nobility and Commons of Scotland William harlaw preaches publickly in Edinburgh so did John Douglas a Carmelite and sometimes in Lieth Paul meffin preacheth ordinarily in Dundy and many leaving the Cloisters preach in all parts of the Country and the number of professors of Reformation was multiplied When the priests saw that they were much deserted they complain unto the Bishops and the Bishops judge it vain to summon these Preachers for heresy therefore they complain unto the Regent and accuse the Preachers of mutiny and sedition The Regent knew that the multitude of all sorts were earnest that way and saith It is safer to delay for a time all contrary course let the hereticks have some way and wee shall wait our opportunity Buchan Hist Lib. 16. V. After the death of King Henry followes a blessed Reformation in Publik Reformation in England under King Edward England for he had caused his young son Edward to be well instructed by Do. Cox and Edward L. Herford who then was called Protectour of England and Duke of Somerset both loved the Reformation and did his endeavour that the true light of the Gospell might shine everywhere He had a good helper Tho. Cranmer archb of Canterbury The King also was of singulare gifts above his age one of the rarest Princes that had been in many ages yea it is doubted if ever he had an equall in prudence besides his knowledge of Sciences and languages Greek Latine and French So he as another Josias purgeth the temple of the Lord from Popish idolatry and false invocation and would have brought it to greater perfection if time and life had answered unto his godly purpose It may be easily conceived how difficult it was to Reform all things at the first when the greatest part of the Privy Counsell of the Bishops and Nobility were open or close Papists but his purpose was not to leave one hooâ—e of the Romish Beast and did forbid that the Masse should be permitted unto his sister In â— is first year by authority of Parliament the sacrament of the Lords supper was administred unto the people with both elements and Cranmer did translate and in some measure purge the Missal and Breviary In the second year that book under the name The book of common prayer and administration of Sacraments was by act of Parliament to be used in all churches and chappells and that none practize nor speak against it nor any part of it Providing also that they who are acquainted with other languages may use that which they understand best in chappells but not in parish-churches In this third year an Act was made against all books called Antiphoners Missals grailes processionals manuals legends pies portuisses paimers and other books whatsoever used before for service in the Church of England in English or Latine other than were then or after shal be set forth by the King Item against all images of stone timber alabaster or earth graven carved or painted in any church or chappell except only images or pictures upon any tombe for monument only of any person which had been of good reputation The book of Common prayer was some what amended in the year 1552. He put the Popish Bishops and priests to silence and removed them from their Benefices Boâ—er Bishop of London was removed and for contumacy was condemned to perpetuall prison in the Tower and Do. Ridley became Bishop of London Gardener was deposed from Winchester c. But he killed none yea when the Counsell would persuade him to burn a woman Joan butâ—her he said What will yee send her quick to the Devill in her errours When the Reformation was first intended a generall Visitation of the Bishopricks was made by certaine prudent and learned men which were appointed Commissioners for severall Diocies and unto every Company two or three preachers were adjoined to preach at every Session and dehort the people from their wonted superstition and inform them in the trueth And that they might proceed the more orderly in their Commâ—ssions or visitations 32 persons as in the time of King Henry VIII were appointed to prescribe certain instructions and orders of Visitation The troubles in Germany at that time did contribute by the gracious providence of God to the furtherance of the Gospell in England Tho. Cranmer by Letters brought Martin Bucer Paul Fagius Peter Martyr and other learned men in the year 1548 and 1549 their coming was most acceptable unto the King country Fagius an expert Hebrician and Bucer were sent to be Doctors in Cambridge and Martyr was designed Reader of Divinity in Oxford But as Theod. Beza in â—esp ad Fr. Balduin Vol. 1. Tractat. Pag. 322 edit An. 1570. hath observed in epist Buceri daâ—ed Cantabrig Januar. 12 An. 1550 concerning the purity of rites the advice of no forreiner was sought what they could do they did not fail both by word and write to advise the people to chuse good Pastours and to endeavour more purity both in doctrine and rites but some through mans wisdom and vanishing thoughts would glue God and Belial with the leaven of Antichrist And John à Lasco a Polonian was then a preacher of a Dutch congregation in London he in his preface before his book de Ecclesiastico ordine saith That most holy King was desirous to have the whole Religion so reformed throughout aâ—â— the king â—om that he was carefull of no other thing almost but because some Lawes of the country were in the way that the publick rites of Divine worship especially which had been in use under Popery could not be purged out as the King himself would and I was instant for the forrein Churches it pleased them at last that the publick rites should be purged out of the English churches by degrees so soon as they could by the lawes and in the mean time forreiners which in this respect were not so tied unto these lawes of the Country should order their churches freely and without any respect unto the rites of tâ—e Country if their doctrin were only Apostolicall for so it may come to passe that the English churches also might be moved by unanimous consent of the Estates to embrace the Apostolical purity and some tooke tâ— is so ill that they did strive against the Kâ— purpose So far he yea they did so strive and were so malicious that they did accuse the Duke of
undique et ano Etpene erupit qui tibi Carle cruor Non tuus iste cruor sanctorum at caede cruorem Quem ferus hausisti concoquere haud poteras III. So soon as Henry king of Poland heard of his Brothers death he Troubles of Henry â— returned privily and quickly and was crowned King of France He renewed the warres against the Reformed Church he took Mons Monmorancy and quartered him for Religion Nevertheless they increased in number for the Duke Alanchon the Kings Brother and the Duke of Condee joyned with them so that a peace was granted and proclamed with liberty of Religion in the year 1576 but that peace endured not long Then Henry king of Navar joyned with the Reformed again yet they were all in great danger in the year 1586. The Pope Sixtus 5. excommunicated the King of Navar and the Prince of Condee and declared them uncapable of the crown of France and ordered King Henry 3. to persue them with arms The King of Navar sent unto Frederik king of Denmark and unto the Princes of Germany for aid They sent their Ambassadors unto the King of France to interceed for the Protestants He returned answer that they should medle with his subiects no more then he did with theirs Wherefore those Princes assembled at Luneburgh where were also the Ambassadors of Navar England Scotland of the Duke of Pomer c. They concluded that the King of Navar should not be forsaken Chytrae Lib. 28. So they sent 5000. horse-men and 20000. foot but unhappily for the Guises and other confoederats in Liga aurea gave them the foil in Lorrain An. 1587. The next year Henry III. understood of the presumption and intention of the Guises and he called a Parliament professing that he would give the chief Commande of his Army against the Hugonots unto Henry Duke of Guise The man doubted of the Kings favor and yet upon those fair words he went unto the Parliament he was killed in his bedchamber and his body was first burnt then his asshes were thrown into Ligeris His brother Lewes a Cardinal was hang'd and his son with some Bishops were imprisoned Within twelve dayes the Queen-mother died through sorow for the death of the Guises Ibid. Behold how God then brought peace unto his Church They who before favoured the Guises secretly do then profess open rebellion against the King the Parisians create Charles Duke of Mayen and Brother of the Duke of Guise to be Governor of Paris and of the Isle of Francia the Sorbonists deny the kings authority and absolve all men from the oath of allegiance Many cities joyn themselves unto Duke Charles to wit Lions Roan Orleance Ambian c. The King assembleth the Nobility he proclames unto all his subiects pardon of all former trespasses if now they shall return into obedience and he threatneth loss of Goods and life if they return not Henry king of Navar craves pardon obtaines it and is made General of the Army against the traitors the Dukes of Mayen and Aumale in Aprile An. 1589. And the same sommer he granted by edict at Nantes Liberty of the Religion liberty unto the Reformed to assemble not only for exercise of their Religion in their churches but also for holding their Synods yearly and so to be free from the jurisdiction of Bishops Which liberty no king of France hath impeded untill this present time and unto all who were under the former Edicts of exile he restored their honors and goods upon their submission Then the followers of Duke Charles called the king an enemy of the Apostolical Roman Church and August 1. new style a Jacobin Monk having purchased leave to deliver a Letter unto the king stabbed him as he was reading the Letter in the belly with a poisoned knife the villan said he was commanded by an Angel to kill the tyrant and his death would bring peace into France The king feared not death at the first and immediatly dispatched Posts to all the chief parts of the realm giving them notice of what was done and exhorting them to constancy and loyalty as is due unto their Soverain Before midnight he apprehendes death and the next day he caused proclaim Henry king of Navar to be his heir After the Henry 4 King of France kings death the Peers of the realm then in the lieger require an oath of the king of Navar to defend the Roman Religion and he swore to maintain even to hazert of his life the Catholick Apostolical and Roman Religion within the kingdom of France and that he will make no change in the exercise thereof and for his own person he will obey the decrees of a godly and lawfull general or National Councel and promiseth to procure it with all diligence and he swear to permit no other Religion but what is already allowed untill peace being restored it shall be otherwise provided and he confirmed all the Officers of State On the other side these and the Ptinces of the blood the other Peers and many others acknowledge Henry 4. king of France and Navar and swear lojalty and fidelity unto him Then both he and they swear that they shall revenge the villanous murder of the late king and the disturbance of the realm against all the rebels Then the Duke Mayen being at that time called Duke of Guise and the king of Spain dealt with the Pope that the king of Navar should not be absolved from the former Sentence and that faction declares Charles Duke de Mayen king of France but the Senat of Paris not admitting that any should be king who were not of the blood royal he was not proclamed there In the year 1593. Henry 4. took his oath to defend the Roman Religion he wrot an abiuration of the doctrine of the Reformed Church and sent it unto the Pope then he received a pardon and the Popes blessing and was absolved in the Church of S. Denis by the arch Bishop of Bourges upon condition to embrace the Acts of the Councel of Trent and to cause them to be observed within his realms to hear Masse to choose Mary for his advocate before God to breed the young Prince of Condee in the Romish religion c. But though for earthly peace he professed Popery yet in the Parliament at Roan An. 1597. he gave liberty of Religion within his dominions One day he said unto a Noble man I saw you tooday at the Masse Yes said the other I will follow your Majesty The King replied But you shall not have the Crown of France for it IV. Some variances arose amongst them of the Augustan Confession The causes of variance amongst the Lutherans 1. Whereas in the year 1547. theâ— were pressed by the book called Interim to accept that article Good works are necessary unto salvation the Divines of â—itteberg for peace sake did yeeld unto it but those of Iena as being more wary thought good to wave that phrase
by our Master Christ Jesus we are taught in these words In vain Do they worship mee teaching for Doctrines the precepts of men So without respect of men those did cleave unto the Word of God and did iudge What soever is without the Word either in doctrine or religious worship or in Ecclesiastical discipline can not be accepted of God as service when he requires it not But England upon account that those who had been enured with Popish doctrine and superstitions might be the more easily allured to forsake that doctrine if the rites and discipline were retained and hoping as is hinted in the former part that by time a more perfect Reformation might be attained took this prudential course as it is called trusting especially that bishops and priests might be the more easily enduced to joyn with the Reformation So both in the Confession in King Edwards time and in the articles of the Convocation An. 1564. or according to the English Style 1563. they allowed liberty unto dissenting judgements and made large expressions and capacious words being loath to drive off from the communion any who differing in the branches meet in the main grounds of religion Those things that were retained upon such plausible motives had a twofold influence Such is the nature of humane corruption to wit 1. one superstition draweth-on another as a link of a chain If this may be used why not that 2. what was at first retained by way of toleration condescension was afterwards pressed upon mens consciences by authority that men must conform in practise of rites and to the opinion of Superiors or suffer punishment The first particular exception was made by the Papists against the The Head of the Church and Supream Iudge in al causes title The Head of the Church which was given unto King Henry and The Supream Iudge in causes Ecelesiastical which was given unto Queen Elisabet They excepted against this alwayes but the first that hath written of it was Harding in his pretended refutation of Englands Confession Bishop Jewell answereth him in his Defence of the Apolog. part 6. cap. 11. divis 1. saying Concerning the title The supream head of the Church wee need not search the Scriptures to excuse it For 1. We devised it not 2. We use it not 3. our Princes at this time claim it not Your Fathers first enrituled that noble Prince King Henry VIII with that unused and strange Style as it may wel be thought the rather to bring him into the talk and slander of the world Howbeit that the Prince is the highest Iudge and Governor over all his subjects whatsoever alswel priests as laymen without exception c. He insists at length upon this purpose as also Doct. Fulk against the Rhemists Annotations on Matth. 22. and others I shall add the Answer of Thom. Bilson sometime Warden of Wincester unto the Jesuits Apolog. Lib. 2. where the Iesuit or Philander saith You would have our faith and salvation so to hang on the Princes will and lawes as if there could be no nearer way to religion then to believe what our temporal Lord and Master list He answereth It is a cunning when you can not confute your adversaries at least to belie them that you may seem at least to say somwhat against them indeed your fourth chapter is wholly spent in refelling this position which we detest as much as you Philander replieth You begin to shrink from your former teaching He answereth in name of Theophilus You will never shrink from your former facing Did ever any man on our side affirm the Princes will to be the rule of faith have we not earnestly written and openly taught that religion must not depend on the pleasure of men Have not thousands here in England and elsewhere given our lifes for the witnes and confession of Gods Truth against Princes Lawes and Popes decrees In Spain France and Italy and other places at this day do we not endure all the torments you can devise because we will not believe what temporal Lords and Masters will your conscience knowes it is ttue that we say Why do you then charge us with this wicked assertion from which we be farther off then you For you hold opinion of Popes they can not err we do not of Princes Why do you Father your fancies upon us why do you purposely pervert the question heaping absurdities and alledging authorities against that which we do not defend Philander The oath which yee take yourselves and exact of others induces us thus to think of you for there you make Princes the only supream Governors of all persons in all causes aswell spiritual as temporall utterly renouncing all forrain jurisdictions and Superiority Upon which word mark what an horrible confusion followes If Princes be the only Governors in ecclesiasticall matters then in vain did the Holy Ghost appoint Pastors and Bishops to govern the Church If they be Supream then are they Superior to Christ himself and in effect Christs Masters If in all things and causes spiritual then they may prescribe unto the Priests and Bishops what to preach and which way to worship and serve God how and in what form to Minister the Sacraments and generally how men shall be governed in soul If all forrain jurisdiction be renounced then Christ and his Apostles because they were and are forrainers have no jurisdiction nor authority over England Theophilus VVake you or dream you That in matters of no less weight then your duty to God and the Prince you fall to these childish and pelting sophisms VVhat kind of concluding call you this Princes only bear the sword to command and punish Ergo Bishops may not teach and exhort Princes are not subject unto the Pope Ergo Superiors to Christ They may by their laws establish what Christ hath commanded Ergo they may change both Scripture and Sacraments No forrainer at this this day hath jurisdiction over this Land ergo Christ and his Apostles 1500. years ago might not preach the gospell Philand We make no such reasons Tâ—eop The former propositions are the true contents of the oath we take the later are the very absurdities which you infer upon us fortaking the oath ..... Philan. Do you not make Princes supream Governors of all spiritual things Theoph. you reason as if we did but ourwords since you will rest upon words are not so Philan. What are they then Theoph. We confess them to be supream governors of their realms and dominions Philan. And that in all spiritual things and causes Philan. Not of all spiritual things and causes Philan. What difference between those two speeches Theoph. Just as much as excludes your wrangling we make them not governors of the things them selves but of their subiects which I trust you dar notwithstand Philan. I grant they be Governors of their subjects bur not in ecclesiastical things or causes ..... Theoph. Where we profess that her highness is the only Governor of
61. e Germanus Bishop of Constantinople seeketh union with the Latines by a Councel 430 No Goodness is in man of himself 27. m. 132. m The Goths in Spain renounce Arianism 51. A Good cause giveth confidence 6. True Grace is by inspiration of the holy Ghost 89. m We are prevened and saved by Grace only 178. m. 211. e. 215. m. 222. m. 295. m. 331. m. S. 7. m The Greek Empire was possessed by the Latines sixty years 405 407 the Tenets of the Greek Church 259 261. Some Greek Preachers came into England 441. b Gratian's Decrees 365. Pope Gregory I. his Faith 26 29. Gregory King of Scots gave some Priviledges unto Church men and conquered three North Provinces of England 186. The Grievances of England against the Pope that were sent unto the Councel of Lions 445. m Some of the hundred Grievances of Germany S. 80. m A Letter of Grindal Bishop of Canterbury unto Queen Elizabeth S. 333. Gunther Bishop of Colein and Thietgaud Bishop of Trevers with their Synod despise the sentence of Pope Nicolaus the I. refuse to communicate with him and content themselves with the communion of the Church c. 155. H Halelujah in the Mass 143. e The Church hath not two Heads nor two Husbands 386. e The title Head of the Church agreeth to none but unto Christ S. 329. e Effectual Hearing is by God touching the heart 294. e The Emperour Henry the IV. is basely abused 235. 238 The Emperour Henry the VII would not swear fealty un to the Pope and was poisoned with Wine of the Mass 462. Henry the I. King of England denied that the Pope is successor of St. Peter 375. m Henry the II. King of England discharges Appeals to Rome and judged Church-men for crimes 376. m Henry the VIII King of England is called Defensor Fidei S. 73. a narration of his divorcement S. 173 he forsakes the Pope S 174. he enacteth Statutes against the Pope S. 175. he made some steps of Reformation S. 177. he opposeth Reformation S. 178. In Helvetia were tumults for Reformation S. 100. m. the latter confession of Helvetia is subscribed by the Church of Scotland S. 347. e A Heretick having power is a persecutor 7. Hereticks do wrest Scripture 103. e Heresies corrupt manners 212. m A bundle of Heresies concerning the Natures and Offices of Jesus Christ 96. m Herman Bishop of Cole in would have reformed his Diocy and was deprived S 120 The use of the book of English Homilies S. 334. 335. Hungary becomes Christian 94. m. 254 b. 269. 270. Hungary is reformed S. 353. I James the VI. Kâ—ng of Scotland his Declaration concerning the Religion S. 482. m. his Letters unto Queen Elizabeth in favour of the imprisoned Anti-Episcopal Ministers S 485 Janus Monluc Bishop of Valentia his Oration at Fountainbleau for a reformation S. 134. James Gibson a Minister was deposed for his speeches against the King 475 476 478. JESUS CHRIST wrought no miracles before his baptism 213. m. He diâ—d for them that shall be saved 37. m. 162. m. 176. e. 180. m. 192 m. the Beleevers before his incarnâ—tion were saved by him 97. b. 372 e the reasonableness of his incarnation and sufferings 297. 302. The issue of the expedition unto Jerusalem 434 e The Order of the Jesuites began their Tenets S. 324. Jerom of â—râ—gue is commended 569 he is summoned to Constance 565. he recants 568. m. be revokes his recanâ—ation and suffered couragiously 569. The contention between the Greek Emperours and the Bishops of Rome for Images 68. e 69 e Images should not be worshipped 40 42 105. e. 113. m. 130. b m. 131 m. 132 b. 183. m. 277. e. 330. m 500. b 505. b Indifferent things must not be Universal but used according to expediency 25. e. 336 e. S. 92 b The Indices Expurgatorii condem and wrest books 182. m. 263. b 297 m 549 m. S. 18. m. 19. e. 23. m Indulgences depend upon Purgatory 32 b. 418 m. their original and progress 58 290 e. they were preclaimed to Souldâ—ers 251 252. they are the cause of sin 462. b. 492. b they are condemned 550 m. 552. m S. 3. e. 6. S. 19. e The pride and blasphemy of Pope Innocentius the III 385. There is but one Interâ—â—ssor 97 e. 131 b. 223. e 331. e. Intercession of Saints is but â— fable 69 e John King of Englaâ—d is tosâ—ed by the Pope and forced to give up his Crown unto the Legate and as a Vassal receives it again 440. seqq John Cisca or Zisca the victorious Bohemian 520. John an English Cardinal his admonition to Pope Innocentius 446 b John Cumâ—n'â— falshood against Robert Bruce 493. John Hunniades Prince of Transilvania 524. 525. John Huss his doctrine 530. he is forbidden in the Pope's name and appeals unto the Pope being better advised 530. e. then two other Preachers taught It is an error to withhold the cup from the people 331. b John sends to Rome and could not be heard but was excommunicated 531. m. the Bohemians then call the Pope the Antichrist and were divided into parâ—ies 53â— e. John is sâ—mmoned unto Co stance and prepares himself with testimonies and instruments of protestation then takes his journey 532. before he was heard particularly he was imprisoned and being sick in prison the Councel gives order to proceed against him nor will grant him the liberty of a Proctor 533. they proceed against him and when he is recovered they will not grant him access 534 they give him access but will not hear him speak 535. they let him speak but will not argue and urge him to recant he proâ—esses to recant iâ— they will convince him of error 336. he is degraded 537. and burnt 538. his Vision of Reformaâ—ion 539. the articles laid unto his charge 566. John Knox is accused by Queen Mary and his answers S. 226 235. he is accused the third time before the Privy-Council S. 238 239. his Letter unto the National Assembly S. 370. his exhortations and other words before his death 377. John Bishop of Sarisbury his judgement of the Roman Church and Pope 380. John Semeca his Glossa was variously censured by the Popes 437. 438. John de Wesalâ—a his articles and examination 546. Ireland is made subject unto England 377. e The first Jubilee at Rome 397. m. it is reduced to the 50. year and the Rites of it 457. m. it is appointed to be every 25 year 506 b. some will have it every 33. year 460 e. and then it was in the 17. year 462. Some sparks of truth in Italy S. 153 154. K A good advice unto a King 204. S. 170 171. None may judge a King S. 167. Legislative power belongs unto the King within his own Realm and not unto the Pope 225. The power of Kings in Church affairs S. 290. e. 330. m In what sense a King is Supream Judge in all causes S 239. How Kings may rule well 502.
John the arch-chanter of Saint Peters in Rome into Novations England to compose the difference betwixt Honorius and Wilfrid the two Arch-Bishops and withall to deliver them the Acts of Pope Martin the I. and to teach them to sing the Liturgy according to the custom of Rome Beda lib. 4. cap. 18. Upon this occasion Sir Henry Spelman sheweth out of an old Manuscript a Catalogue of twelve or thirteen Liturgies that were then used and others have other forms that he hath not Behold Novations are multiplied 7. Benedictus Biscopius a Noble-man of England was famous for his journey to Rome in the service of the Church and for bringing many books into the Monasteries of Tinmouth and Wirmouth The first glass in this Island is said to be his gift 8. Here it is to be marked what Beda in hist lib. 3. cap. 26. relateth of the Custome of those times manners in this time In these daies saith he they never came into a Church but only for hearing the word and prayer no word of the Mass the King would come with five or six and he stayed till the prayer was ended All the care of these Doctours was to serve God and not the world to feed souls and not their own bodies wherefore in these daies a religious habit was much reverenced so that wheresoever a Clark or Monk did come he was accepted as a servant of God and if he were seen journeying they were glad to be signed with his hand or blessed with his mouth and they gave good heed unto the words of his exhortation and on the Lord's day they came in flocks unto the Church or Monasteries not to refresh their bodies not to hear Masses but to hear the word and if any Priest entred into a Village incontinently all the people would assemble being desirous to hear the word of life for neither did the Priests go into Villages upon any other occasion except to preach or visit the sick or in a word to feed souls These Clarks did so abhor the filthy pest of Covetousness that they would not accept any lands or possessions for building Monasteries unless they had been compelled with secular power Out of this Io. Bale Cent. 14. appr 21. hath marked that whereas Beda was wont before this time to call the Preachers Presbyters now he calleth them Priests when they had but lately received shaven crowns as the mark of the Beast At that time also saith he the Clergy and Monks in England had liberty to marry he nameth some and then saith and others without number CHAP. V. Of COUNCELS 1. OF all the Councels in this Century excepting these at Rome it is Synodes were assembled by Kings said generally that they were called by the authority of Princes within their Dominions as is plain out of the first words of each of them almost but never any syllable to the contrary where it is read By command or at the calling of the King or The King commanding Of the General Councel at Constantinople in this point is spoken before Concerning France we see in Gregory the I. lib. 9. Ep. 52 53 54. the Bishop calleth not a Councel but beseecheth the King to call one his words are Iterata vos pro vestra magna mercede aahortatione pulsamus ut congregati Synodum jubeatis In England a Synod An. 694. beginneth thus Withred the glorious King of Kent with the reverend Arch Bishop Brithwald hath commanded the Synod to be assembled in the place called Bacancelot the most gracious King of Kent Withred preceding Nota in the same Synod and the same reverend Primate of Britan and also Tobias Bishop of Rochester with Abbots Abbotesses Presbyters Deacons Dukes and Counts together considering of the affairs of the Churches of God in England c. Sir Henry Spelman in Concil constitut pag. 191. This is to be marked against the Papists who hold now that a Synod cannot be convened but by the authority of the Pope Bellarm. de conc lib. 1. cap. 12. 2. About the year 610. was the second Councel at Bracara or Braga in Synod at Bracara Portugal 1. Out of the Greek Councels many Acts were read and ratified Ca. 2. If any Bishop exercize not his calling in the Church committed unto him he ought to be excommunicated and if afterwards through compulsion he will obey let the Synod use their discretion concerning him Ca. 19. A Bishop being called unto a Synod should not contemn but go and if he can he should teach things profitable to the good of the Church and of others or he should hear if he be ignorant but if he will not go he should be guilty of censure by the Synod Ca. 45. It shall not be lawfull to read or sing from the Pulpit but to them who are approved by the Church Ca. 84. If any man enter into a Church and hear the word and then withdraw himself from the Sacrament let him be excommunicated till he shew the fruits of repentance 3. The Authour of Catalog test verit she weth out of Aventi Annal. lib. 3. Synod in Bojaria that under Lotharius was a Synod in Bojaria against the new ceremonies of Columban and Gallus but he declareth not what they were But we have seen that these two were Scots and did not agree with Augustine nor Lawrence and did oppose their Ceremonies 4. An. 618. Was the IV. Councel called the Universal at Toledo of The IV. Synod at Toledo 70. Bishops Ca. 2. It pleaseth all the Priests who embrace the unity of the Catholick faith that from henceforth we have no variety nor contrariety of rites in the Church lest any difference amongst us seem unto strangers and carnal men to savour of errout and give occasion of scandal to any therefore let one order of praying and singing be kept thorough all Spain and Galicia and no more diversity because we are in one faith and one Kingdom although the old Canons heretofore ordained each Province to keep their own tites Ca. 6. Some Parishes are noted who have no preaching on the Friday before Easter now it is decreed to preach of Christ's pashon that day that people may be the better prepared to receive the Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood on the Feast of the resurrection Ca. 7. Because the Universal Church passeth that whole day in sorrow and abstinence for the Lord's passion whosoever on that day except little ones and old or sick persons should interrupt the Fast untill the Church service be done let him be debarred from the joy of Easter and not be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lord's Body and Blood Ca. 9. Because some Priests in Spain do omit to say the Lord's prayer except on Sunday in publick service therefore it is decreed that every day both in publick and private worship none of the Clergy omit the Lords prayer under pain of Deposition seeing Christ hath prescribed this saying When ye pray say Our Father and
not the peace of God and so long an high priest hath not been in the Church as there hath not been peace ...... who were not content to kill the bodies of men cruelly for mantaining the truth but would destroy the souls beloved of God the spouse of Christ that noble spoile of hell that reward purchased by the blood of Christ have they trode under feet killed and devoured c. This he wrote from his castle Steckelberg Decemb. 1. 1517. There indeed he commends Pope Leo wishing as it seemes he were such an one but a little after that he speakes more freely for when Pope Leo sent unto Germany to extract tithes for preparation of warrs against the Turk the Princes of Germany assembled and there in presence of the Emperour one being demanded to give his advice had a large discourse Ort. Gratius writes it was said to be the Oration of Vlric Hutten Among other things he saith Yee would expell the Turk I commend your purpose but I fear that yee mistake the name seek him in Italy not in Asia our Kings are able to defend their own Dominions from him in Asia but all Christendom is not able to danton the other the one hath skirmished with his nighbours and as yet hath done us no harm but the other oppresseth every where and thirsteth after the blood of miserable people yee can not satiate this Cerberus with a flood of gold there is no need of armes nor an Army tithes will be more forcible then garrisons of souldiers When I doe weigh the matter seriously I see two wayes are propounded one at the command of superstition craves gold the other if wee refuse threatneth the Popes curse take either of the two as you will but ô fond and superstitious opinion of men who think him to be the God of heaven he who duely considereth seeth that all are carried at the becke of the Florentines Not to give is offensive and to give is gracious the thunder of Christs vicar is not to be despised but every bolt is not to be feared especially when it is directed by humane affections I feare the indignation of Christ but not of the Florentines This is the cause of the Florentines and not of Christ The last yeare upon no small charges were the wars carried on against Francis D. of Urbine who was expelled out of his Dominion that Laurence Medices might have it Lewes was not provident enough to leave more gold ..... When the Urbin Duke is away the lyke fortune is threatned against the Prince of Ferraria and then wee must salute Laurence Medices a Citizen of Florence King of Hetruria This shall be the effect of the tieths and this is the craft of the Italian Turk who by the convoy of superstition entreth into our bowels c. 23. About that time the study of learning was in a manner revived in many parts of Europe for Pope Leo X. erected some Colledges at Rome Cardinal Francis Ximenius Archbishop of Toledo caused the Bible called Complutensia to be printed An. 1515. in four languages the Hebrew with the Chaldaick Greek Latine translations Henry VIII did endowe the Universities of England Francis King of France did the lyke there so also did Charles in Low-Germany as we heard before of Wittenbergh and Frankford Because Sanctes Pagnin and Arias Montanus had translated the Bible word for word which did not so well agree with the Latine phrase Francis Vatablus the Kings Professor of the Hebrew tongue at Paris translates the old Testament in a clearer style And here Andrew Cratander the Printer then at Basile deserves to be remembred hee was both learned and wealthy and upon his charges set many learned men a worke to translate the books of John Chrysostom Cyrillus Alexandrinus Theophylactus and such other antient Greek Authours which then began to speak Latine in his house as the Emperour Charles V. testifies in Exemp privilegii before the works of Cyril After him a litle later in time was Robert Stephanus that learned and famous Printer at Paris it appeares in his Respons ad censuras Theolog. Paris that when he was Corrector in the shope of his father-in-law Simon Colen he caused to be printed a little New Testam corrected in sundry texts conforme unto the Greek for this cause the Sorbonists cried out against him as worthy to be burnt for saith he they called that corruption whatsoever was purged from the dregs of their common ignorance This was in the yeare 1522. I make mention of him in this place especially because of that which followes in that his Answer he saith I may speak this truely when I did ask them he is speaking of the Masters of Sorbone In what place of the New Testament is that written they did answer like shameless whores They had read it in Ierom. or in the Decrees but they knew not what the New Testament was Even so ignorant were they that they knew not the New Testament was wont to be printed with and after the old Testament This saith he will be though prodigious and yet most true and certain which I shall relate a few years agoe one of Coledge was wont to say dayly I wonder that these young men talk of a New testament I was above 50. years of age and knew not what a New Testament was Oh blindness and also desperate shamelesness So far he But how gross soever was the ignorance of many not only of the vulgar sort but of those which were called Rabbies nevertheless all Sciences and languages were polished every where as there were at that time many learned men and so by mercifull providence the world was prepared for a Reformation 24. And here Erasmus a Roterdamer deserves to be remembred about that time he was busy in translating some Greeke Fathers into Latine and in delivering some Latine Fathers from the moths and gathering from sundry Bibliotheks the dispersed Copies both of the one sort and the other so that by his diligence many Printers were held in worke and Europe was furnished with books more abundantly than ever before and in the year 1516. he published a translation of the New Testament out of the Greek by the permission of Pope Leo that worke as it was acceptable unto good men so it did provoke the implacable hatred of the idle Monks against him they had their quarells against him before that for in the year 1508. he had been in Italy and in his returning he wrote a part of what he had seen and heard in a little book under the title 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the praise of folly and in a jocund way brings Folly as speaking what He thought among other things Folly speaking of the preachers saith They have devised a foolish faith but a pleasant persuasion to wit If one shall look upon a painted Polyphemus Chrystophorus he shall not perish that day or if one shall in the prescribed words pray unto Barbara he shall return safe from
Peter-pence unto any of the Collectors This vexeth the Romane Court and all their thoughts were upon remedies Many would proceed with censures against the king and interdict all Nations to have commerce with England but they took a more moderate course to serve the time and by intercession of France to compose the business And Francis undertooke it and sent the Bishop of Parise unto Rome with tolerable propositions and in the mean while they went on slowly at Rome that they would decern nothing unless Cesar would either first ot at the same time revenge by the sword his cousin's wrong The plea was branched into 23 articles as 1. whether Prince Arthur had carnall copulation with Catherin The half of Lent was spent on this question then March 19 Newes were brought to Rome that a famous libell was published in England against the Pope and all his Court and that before the king was a comâ—dy to the great reproach of the Pope and the Cardinals Then all were in a rage and March 24 they pronounce sentence that the marriage betwixt Henry Catharin was lawfull and unless he hold her for hiâ— wife he shall he reputed as excommunicated This praecipitation pleaseth not the Pope for within sixe dayes Letters come from France shewing that Henry is content to submitt unto their judgement and obey the Pope if such Cardinals were secluded of whom he was jealous and such as were free of suspicion were sent to Camerac and there determine the plea and Francis sent Oratours for tâ—is effect Thâ—n Clemens adviseth on pretenses to suspend the Sentence and recover a lost cause But Henry said Their Sentence was nothing unto him he is the only Lord of his own kingdom as the Pope is the only Bishop of Rome and he will do as the Easterne Church did of old He renunceth the Pope and takes his power unto himself in England to wit he will keep the Christian faith and cast-off the Popes authority nor will he suffer that the Lutheran or any other heresy have place in his â—ealm And so he did for he publisheth an Edict whereby he declares himself The head of the Church of England and chargeth upon pain of death that no man assâ—ribe any power unto the Pope within Englâ—nd and commandeth all the Collectors of Peter-pence to be gone All those were confirmed by ordinance of the Estates which they call the Parliament And it was also Acted that the archb of Canterburry shall invest all the bb of England and that the Churchmen shall pay yearly unto the King 150000 pounds for defence of the kingdom against whatever enemy Various were the judgements of men concerning this action of the King some said it was done prudently that he had cast of the Romane See without any alteration of religion without any sedition among his subjects and without appeal of his cause unto a Councel for if he had permitted it unto the judgement of a Councel he saw that he could not carry it without difficulty and the issue might have been dangerous for a Councel consisting of Church-men would without doubt have maintained the Papal power seing albeit they be in some respect obnoxious unto Emper. and Princes yet they do prefer the eminency of the Pope nor among the Churchmen is any but the Pope that carrieth sway having no Superour in degree of honour But the Roman Court argueth it could not be affirmed that he had made no change in religion â—hen the chief and first article of their faith concerning the Primacy of the Pope was changed for which alone they should have kindled the fire of sedition as if all had been changed and the event did confirm this seing the King was driven by necessity of maintaining this edict to punish severely his formerly dearest minions Nor can it be easily told how great offense and sadness not only at Rome but every where this departure of so great a Prince from the obedience of the Pope wrought in the â—earts of Churchmen Certainly â—t was a cleare document of humane frailty whereby it often hapneth that what things were most advantagious turn at last to the greatest A wicked policy of the bb loss and harm For the Romish PP by dispensations of marriages and sentences of divorces either granted or denied were wont to make great advantages under the name of Christs Vicar as under a shadow covering those Princes which thought it expedient either by some incestuous marriage or by violating one and contracting another to make new purchase of other Landes or to cut away the rights and titles of diverse competitours and that made sure friendship among them The Pope and the Princes when his authority did serve to maintain their power without which the actions of Princes being unlawfull had been clearly condemned hindered nor only unto these Princes but unto all their children which might have been called to prove the lawfulness of their birth So far Pe. Soave in hist Conâ— Trid. Lib. 1. Others shew what was done in England Card. Wolsey archb of York had advised the King unto that divorcement but when he understood of his affection toward Anna Bolen he changeth his mind because she was infected so he spoke with Lutheranisme and he wrote unto the Pope that for this cause he would not consent unto the divorce Thus we see that in all these variations both at Rome and in England the Pope and his Cardinals look not to any Rule either of Gods word or of reason but are moved by the Spring of their own interest When the King understood of these Letters by his Agent lying at Rome he was highly displeased and displaceth Wolsey of his office of Chanceller in France and of two bishopricks for he had three York Duresme Winchester and at last â—e sent the Captain of his Gaird to bring him to London but he died by the way of a flixe When the king was married with Queen Anna he entangleth all the Clergy by the law Praemunire for assisting the Popes Legate They submitt themselves namely the Prelates profer for discharge of that law to give unto the king 100000 pounds out of Canterburry and 18840 pounds out of York and in their submission they call the King the head of the Church In the Parliament An. 24. of his reigne in January following he annulleth some former Acts that were made against hereticks and ordaineth that none shall be in danger for speaking against the Popes pretented authority or his Decrees or lawes which are not grounded on the holy Scriptures Item An. 25 ch 39 he appointed 32 judges out of the higher lower houses whereof 16 should be of the clergy and 16 of the temporality and all at his own nomination to examine the Synodal Canons and to determine of them either to stand in strength or to abrogat them at their discretions Item the Clergy should promise on the word of a priest never to assemble without the Kings
baptisme pennance and sacrament of the altar little or nothing differing from the Church of Rome 3. he declareth that the cause of our justification is the only mercy of the Father promised freely unto us for his son Christs sake and for the merit of his passion yet good works are necessary with inward contrition charity and other spirituall graces and good motions that is when wee have received remission of our sins or are justified we must give obedience unto God in observing his Law 4. he commandeth pastors to teach their people that images should not be worshipped and are but representers of vertue and good example and therefore no incence knieling nor offering should be done unto them 5. Saints are to be praised or Christ is to be praised in them for their graces and good example that they have left unto us but wee obtain all grace by the only Mediation of Jesus Christ and of none other 6. concerning ceremonies as holy vestures holy water bearing candles on Candlemes-day and some such others he admits them to be good so far as they put men in remembrance of spirituall things but so that they contain in them no power to remit or take a way sin c. There he addeth other iniunctions specially he causethto translate the Bible and commandeth all priests to have a Latine and English Bible lying open in their parish-churches that whosoever pleaseth may read them Then diverse images were demolished An. 1538 especially the most notable stocks of idolatry at Walsingham Worchester ... which had devices to role their â—ies and to stirre other parts of their body and many other false juglings wherewith simple people had been deceived all which was then made known and destroyed Jo. Foxe in Acts. In the same year followeth the ruine of all religious as they had been called houses by advice of the same L-Cromwell Lord of the privy seale So that all friers Nuns and sects of religion were rooted out of England to the number of 645. Abbeys priories and Nuneries and by Act of Parliament their lands did return to the heirs of the first Donours All that time Steeven Gardener Bishop of Winchester so dealt with the king by representing unto him the grudge of his subjects for rejecting the pope and for his dealing toward his wifes he had then married Anna Sister to the Duke of Cleve An. 1539. and for these his late doings that he persuadeth him for taking away suspicion of heresy to consent unto the burning of John Lambert yea Gardener prevaileth so that the king hearkned no more unto L. Cromwell but contrariwise he beheaded him and Walter L. Hungerford July 28 An. 1540. Tho. Cooper He made an Act discharging the Translation of the Bible made by W. Tindall and restraining the authorized Translation with many limitations An. 34. Henr. VIII It came then to passe that the estate of Religion seemed more and more to decay and popish injunctions were authorized establishing Transubstantiation vowes of chastity private Masses and auricular confession and forbidding communion in both kinds and marriage of priests wherefore some said Henry had forsaken the Pope but not popery and he annulled not those former Statutes Such was the craft of the venemous serpent But God raiseth up some good instruments for Thomas Cranmer archb of Canterburry resists Gardener and the Counsel of England was divided some were for the old Religion and some for the Reformed and Statutes of both sorts were in force So in one day at Smith field An. 1541. Gardener with his faction for refusing his articles caused burn three godly men Do. Robert Barnes Tho. Garret Will Jerom priests and Tho Cranmer with his side caused hang drawe and quarter other three Ed. Powell Ric. Fetherston Tho. Abell for denying the kings Supremacy and maintaining the Bishop of Rome's authority Jo. Foxe in Acts. A stranger beholding these said Good God how can men live here on the one side Papists are hanged and on the other anti-papists are burnt The people were brought marvelously into doubt of Religion All the number of them which suffered in England for maintaining Papacy which was called Treason wer 24 persons but of the other sort many were burnt and so many were imprisoned the same year that room could not be found in the prisons of London and many were kept in other houses by intercession of the L. Chanceller Audley many of them were given to the custody of Noble men where they were used favourably In that year Henry was divorced from his fourth wife by Sentence of his Clergy which did hate her for Lutheranisme as they spoke yet with her own consent and within a month he married Catherin Howard a brothers daughter of the house of Norfolk the next year she was accused of adultery with Tho. Culpeper and beheaded in the Tower with Jane Lady Rocheford as accessory unto her deeds After that Henry began to misse his good Counseller L. Cromwell and to perceive the scope of Gardener he wrote unto Archbisbop Cranmer to reforme pilgrimages and idolatry and he permits to eat flesh in Lent pretending a civill respect and the benâ—fite of the people But bloodie Gardener â—easeth not from persecution and burnt in one fire Ro. Testwood Ja. Filmer Jo. Marbeck and Antonie pierson at Winchester An. 1543 and great numbers at Calice amongst whom was the abovenamed Alex. Seton The Commissioners of this bloody Inquisition were restrained by the Lords of parliament An. 1545 that no inditements should be received against any person but by the oaths of 12. men at least of honesty credite and free of malice Item that no person should be put in ward before his enditement were heard judged except at the Kings speciall command Item An. 35. Henr. VIII c. 16. it was enacted that the king should have full authority to appoint 16. of the clergy and 16 of the Temporalty to peruse and examine the canons constitutions and ordinances Provincial and Synodal and according to their discretions with his Royall consent to setle and establish an order of Ecclesiasticall lawes to be observed in time coming in all spirituall courts As these Acts did in some measure shew the mind of the King so Gardener ceaseth not yea he spareth not the godly Lady the Kings sixth wife and sent to apprehend her but by her wisedom and submission unto the King she was saved out of the butchers handes In a word Henry was much led by his Counsellers he died in January 1547. When he saw death approaching he nameth his son Edward to be his heire and failing him he appointeth the Crown unto Mary and failing her unto Elisabeth he appointeth 16. Counsellours as Governours of his son amongst whom were Th. Cranmer and Gardener but afterward he caused to blott out Gardeners name because said he he would trouble all the rest he is of so turbulent a spirit The chieff of these Counsellers was Edward Seymer Earle of Herford uncle to king
who teach that the erroneous should be forced to return unto the Church albeit the antient scandals be not removed and new ones are multiplied c. He speaks also of their means of alluring men of their policies and corruptions more particularly Another saith The four wings of these locusts are arrogancy of learning their flattering of Princes and wealthy persons impudence in denying and the great power that they have purchased CHAP. IV. Of BRITANNE 1. I Left at the gracious providence of God towards Queen Elisabet in God protected Queen Elisabeth continuance thereof is here to be remembred 1. that Pope Pius V. did accurse her An. 1569. and caused the Breve to be affixed on the Bishop of London's palace An. 1570. by John Felton yet neither did her subjects love her the less nor other Princes leave off correspondence with her and the worst effect was Felton was hanged and. 2. The Earls of Northhumberland and Westmerland hearing of the curse and trusting to the promises of aid from the Pope and from Spain raised a rebellion in the North the one was taken and beheaded and Westmerland escaped into Flanders and died in a poor condition 3. The next year Leonard Dacres began to revive the rebellion in the same Shiers and was soon defeated 4. About the same time Iohn Story a Doctor of law and one Prestol were apprehended and convinced of treason for giving information unto Duke d'Alva how he might invade England and cause Irland revolt 5. John â—esley bishop of Ross plotted with sundry Englishes to intercept the Queen and set Queen Mary at liberty An. 1571. God turned their plots to their dammage 6. John Duke of Austria aiming at that kingdom sought Queen Mary in marriage in the midst of his projected plots he died suddenly An. 1567. 7. Thomas stuckly plotted first with Pius V. and then with Gregory XV. to conquer Irland unto the Pope's son he was made General and sent away with 800. Italians but God disposed so that Stukly was first employd to aid Sebastian King of Portugal against the Mauritanians and died there 8. Nicolas Sanders a priest entred into Irland with an Army of Spaniards An 1580. and ioyning with other rebellious Papists made a great insurrection they were soon quasshed 9. The next year numbers of Seminaries and Jesuits came from Rome to prepare the subiects unto a change and to take part with forrein powers when they shall come into the Land for this cause greater restraint was layd upon Papists of those incendiaries some were executed for treason and many were sent out of the kingdom 10. In the year 1583. John Somerwill was taken when he was going to kill the Queen he confessed that he was persvaded to do so byreading books written by the Seminaries he was condemned and strangled himself in New-gate 11. An. 1585. William Parry having an absolution from the Pope vowed to kill her but God struck him with such terror that having opportunity he could not do it his purpose was discovered and he received the reward of a traitor 12. An. 1586. John Ballard a priest stirred up some gentle men to kill Her when she went abroad to take the air this was discovered before they had opportunity they confessed their plot to bring-in forrein forces fourteen was executed as traâ—tors 13. William Stafford a young gentle man and one Moody were persvaded by a forrein Ambassador lying in England An 1587 to kill Her this was discovered 14. An. 1588. Philip King of Spain sent an hudge navy which he supposed as it was called invincible the Lord of land and sea heard the prayers of both kingdoms England and Scotland and dissipated that naâ—y by stormy winds 15. An. 1593. Lopez a Iew and the Queen 's ordinary Physician undertook to poison her upon promise of 50000. crouns from King Philip but before the hyre came the traitor was punished 16. The next year Patrik Cullen an Irish fencer was hired by English fugitives in Flanders to kill Her intelligence was given and he was apprehended 17. The same year other two undertook the â—ame fact as also to set her Navy on fire with bals of wild-fire and received the like reward 18. An. 1598. Edward Squire was suborned in Spain by a Iesuit to poison Her by laying strong poison on the pommel of the sadle whereon she was wont to ride that she laying her hand on it might carry the sent of it unto her nose Squire followed direction and did the deed on a day when she was going to ride and if She had touched the pommel it had been her death but Divine providence so ruled that she touched it not the treason was discovered and rewarded 19. The Earle of Tyron came from Spain An 1599. and raised the greatest rebellion in Irland that was in her time yet he was overthrown 20 An. 1600. a plot was layd to remove some chief Officers and Counselors from her and then the Papists thought to find their opportunity this project was discovered and prevented 20. Henry Garnet Superior of the Seminaries in England and others had another plot and sent Thomas winter into Spain An. 1601. King Philip embraced the motion and promised to help them but before it came the Queen ended her dayes in peace Seing so many plots were discovered it may not improbably be iudged that moe were intended but she was so safe under the wings of the Almighty that neither open hostility nor privy conspiracy could annoy her The remembrance hereof may teach others to trust in God as the safest policy I return unto Church-affaires First we may profitably observe the cause of the difference in the Reformation of the Churches in those two Kingdoms It is true both looked unto the Worde as the rule of Reformation but they varied in the manner of application for England held that whatsoever in discipline and rites is not contrary unto Gods word should be retained for in the twentieth article of the Convocation An. 1563. it is said The Church hath power to decree rites or ceremonies and authority in matters of faith and yet it is not lawfull for the Church to ordain any thing that is contrary unto Gods word neither may it so expound one place that it be contrary unto another wherefore although the Church be a witness and keeper of holy Writ yet as it not ought not decree any thing against the same so besides the same ought it not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of salvation But Scotland applied the Rule more closs in this manner What soever hath not a warrant in the Word should be abolished as in the fourtienth article of Confession they say Evill works are not only those that are done expresly against Gods commandement but those also that in matters of religion and inworshipping of God have no other assurance but the invention and opinion of man which God hath ever from the beginning rejected as by the prophet Isaiah and
weak instruments to make his glory so sensibly appear in the Land that I may boldly say Mercy and trueth righteousness and peace had never since Christs coming in the flesh a more glorious meeting and amiable embracing on earth even so that the Church of Scotland justly obtained a name among the chief Churches and Kingdoms of the world A people sitting in darknes hath seen a great light and unto them who sate in the region of death light did spring up As the darknes evanishes at the rising of the Sun so God made all adverse power give way unto these weake instruments by degrees as followes more clearly To what Nation under heaven since the Sunne of righteousness had shined upon the most part of Europe hath the Lord communicated the Gospell for so large a time with such purity prosperity power liberty and peace The hottest persecutions had not greater purity the most halcion times had not more prosperity and peace the best reformed churches in other places scarcely parallelled their liberty and unity And all these with such continuance that not only hath He made the trueth to stay there as He made the Sun to stay in the dayes of Josua But when the cloud of iniquities did threaten a going down in his mercy he hath brought back the glorious sunne by in any degrees Christ not hath only been one and his name made known in respect of his propheticall office for information of his priesthood for the expiation of sins and for intercession But also had displayd his banner and hath shewd himself few can say the like a Soveraigne King in the Land to govern with his own Scepter of the Word to cutt off with the Civill sword all moniments of idolatry and superfluity of vain rites and to restore all the meanes of his Worship in doctrine Sacraments and discipline to the holy simplicity and integrity of the first pattern shewed in the mount from which by that wisdom of man which ever is foolishness with God they were fearfully and shamefully swerving II. Another particulare is Some Noble men namely Lord James Steward and others were very zealous for the Reformation at the first but when they were accustomed with the aire of the Court they cooled were for toleration of the Masse and relented for their preferment as hee was made Earle of Morray and others became officers of State The Ministers admonished them and threatned them for their lukewarmness They despised admonitions and would not use the preachers so familiarly as before they were wont though none of them turned Papist excep the Earle of Bothwell and they heard the preachings When the Queen intended to marry Henry Stuard sone to the Earle of Lennox and sought not the consent of the Parliament they oppose her marriage and therefore were all exiled and fled into England Thus God made the threatnings true but in mercy to the Land he wondrously brought them back when variance fell betwixt the King and Queen the King recalleth the exiled Noble men of purpose to make himselfe the stronger by them And when the King 1567. was murthered on February 9. by the Earle of Bothwel and the Queen married that Earle these same Noble men with other stood in defence of the young Prince that he came not into the hands of him who had killed his father They went to the fields with armies on both sides and the Queen's Army was the stronger but they were strucken with such feare that without stroak of sword the Earle fled away into Denmark and the Queen went to the Lords Juny 11. and renounced the Crown in favors of her sone and did chuse the Earle of Murray to be Regent of the Q. Mary renounced the Croâ—n Kingdom enduring her Sone's minority And then the Religion was established as followes So it pleased God to change things beyond the expectation of men VI. Soon after the Queens marriage a proclamation was made wherein the Queen declares that She will confirm all that She had promised at her arrivall concerning the Reformed Religion This was to stop the peoples mouths But all in vain For the people universally were against Bothwell For some declared openly against him some were Neuters and a few of the Nobility did join unto him especially the Bishop of Santandrews and the Earle of Huntly who had been lately restored by the Queen Within few dayes after the Queen came unto the Lords she would have gone from them but they fearing what she might attempt convoy her into the Castle of Lochlevin then the Earle of Glencarn with his domesticks went to the Chappell-Royall and break down the Altars Images This fact did content the zealous Protestants but did offend the Popish party The Histor of Reformat Lib. 5. On Juny 25. The Nationall Assembly conveenes at Edinburgh George Buchanan then The XIII Assembly Principall of S. Leonards Colledge was chosen Moderator 1. The Superintendent of Anguise and Bergany were sent unto the Lords of the Secret Counsell to request their L. L. to conveen with the Assembly and give their assistance in such things as shall be thought good for establishing true Religion and supporting the Ministry 2. It is thought good by all that are conveened that this assembly shall conveen Iuly 20. next to come for setting foreward such things as shall then be propounded and for that purpose ordaines to write Missives to all and sundry Earles Lords and Barons requiring them to conveen at that day And to this effect appoints Commissioners to deliver the Missives and to require answer according to their Commissionâ— The tenor of the Commissions given to every one followes For so much as Satan this long time in his memberâ— had so raged and perturbed the good success proceedings of Christs Religion within this realm by crafty meanes subtile coâ—spiracyes that the same from time to time doth decay and in hazard to be altogether subverted unlesâ— God of his mercy find hasty remedy and that mainly through extream poverty of the Ministers who should preach the word of life unto the people and are compelled thereby some to leave that Vocation alluterly some others so abstracted that they can not insist so diligently in the exercise of the word as they would Therefore the Church presently conveened in this generall Assembly hath thought it most necessary by these presents to request admonish most brotherly all such persons as do truly professe the Lord JESUS within this realm of whatsoever estate or degree either of the Nobility Barons and Gentle men and all others true professours to conveen in Edinburgh July 21. next in their personall presence to assist with their counsell power for order to be taken alswell towardâ— the establishing of Christs religion universally throughout the realm and abolishing the contrary which is Papistry as the sustentation of the Ministers not only for the present time and instant necessity but also for a perfect order to be taken and