that they have seen and perused some of them This they do partly to enhaunce the merit of their Industry in finding out so many Rarities and partly to commend to the world the latitude of their own Reading I shall as soon believe that they have seen all Solomon's Volumes which he wrote from the Cedar of Libanus to the Hyssope that groweth on the VVall. But this Humour possesseth many men that brag of many Books coming under their Discovery as if not onely with the Mice they had crept through the Crannies of all Libraries but also with the Mothes had got betwixt the Leaves of all Treatises therein In plain truth as it is probable that those British Prelates wrote many Books of consequence so it is certain that long since by Time they have been abolished As for those spurious Tracts which Monks in after-Ages set out under these Worthy mens names they are no more to be accounted the true Off-spring of these learned Saints then that common Manna ordinarily sold in Apothecaries Shops is the self-same with that Angels Food which fell down from Heaven and feasted the Israelites THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN THE SECOND BOOK From the Conversion of the Saxons to Christianity until the commonly called Conquest of the Normans To the right Honourable HENRY LORD MARQUES OF DORCHESTER EARLE OF KINGSTON Viscount Newark Lord Peirrepont c. HOw low Learning ran in our Land amongst the Native Nobility some two hundred yeares since in the Reign of King Henry the sixth too plainly appeareth by the Motto in the Sword of the Martiall Earle of Shrewsbury where at the same time one may Smile at the Simplicity and Sigh at the Barbarisme thereof SUM TALBOTI PRO OCCIDERE INIMICOS MEOS The best Latin that Lord and perchance his Chaplains too in that Age could afford But in the next Generation we may observe the Rise of Learning in Noble Families I behold John Tiptoft Earle of Worcester bred in Bailioll Colledge as the first English Person of Honour that graced Learning with the Study thereof in the dayes of King Edward the fourth both at Home and in Forreign Vniversities He made so * 1. Bale de Scripâ— Angl. Eloquent an Oration in the Vatican in the presence of Pope Pius the second one of the least Bad and most Learned of any of his Order that his Holiness was divided betwixt Weeping and VVondering thereat This Earle may be said to have left John Bourchier Baron of Berners and Governour of Callis the Heir to his Learning as who wrote * Idem Pitz de Scrip. Anglic. many Treatises and made Excursions into Variety of Studies in the dayes of King Henry the seventh This Learned Baron had severall Successours under King Henry the eighth at the same time to his Parts and Liberall Studies 1. Henry Lord Stafford Son to the last Duke of Buckingham of that Name 2. William Lord Montjoy a great Patron to Erasmus and well skilled in Chymistry and Mathematicks 3. Henry Howard Earle of Surrey though last in Time not least in Merit the first reviver of English Poetry so that he may seem in some sort to wave his Coronet to wear the Laurell Since whose time to our dayes Learning hath ever had a visible succession in our Nobility Amongst whom your Honour as Captain of the Highest Form is most illustrious Indeed your Lordship is a reall Refutation of that Scandalous Position which some maintain That such who are generally seen in all Arts cannot be eminently skilfull in any one A Position no better then a Libell on Learning invented and vented either by the Idle who would not themselves Study or by the Envious who desire to discourage the Endeavours of others VVhereas there is such a Sympathy betwixt several Sciences as also betwixt the learned Languages that as in a Regular Fortification one Piece strengtheneth another a resultive Firmeness ariseth from their Complication reflecting Life and Lustre one on another Arts may be said to be Arched together and all Learned Faculties have such a Mutual Reciprocation Thus one is the better Canonist for being a good Civilian and a better Common-Lawyer for being both of them And hereof your Honour is an Experimentall Proof whose Knowledge is spread so broad yet lieth so thick in all Liberall Sciences VVhat remaineth but that I crave leave humbly to mind your Lordship of that allusive Motto to your Name PIE REPONE TE that your Honour reposing yourself piously in this life may in a good Old Age be gloriously translated into another The desire of Your Lordships Most Bounden Oratour THOMAS FULLER THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN Anno. Dom. VI. CENTURIE 1. IT is wonderfull to see how the Fruits of great Events are vertually comprised in the small Seed of their Causes 585 and how a Contemptible Accident may give the Occasion of most Considerable Effects The first occasion of the Saxons conversion to Christianity as may appeare by the Conversion of the Saxons to Christianity For it happened that certain Saxon Children were to be sold for Slaves at the Market-place at Rome when Divine Providence the great Clock-keeper of Time ordering not onely Houres but even a Luke 2. 38. Instants to his own Honour so disposed it that Gregory afterwards first Bishop of Rome of that Name was present to behold them It grieved the Good man to see the Disproportion betwixt the Faces and Fortunes the Complexions and Conditions of those Children condemned to a Servile Estate though carrying Liberall Looks so legible was Ingenuity in their Faces It added more to his Sorrow when he conceived that those Youths were twice Vassalls bought by their Masters and b Rom. 7. 14. sold under Sin Servants in their Bodies and Slaves in their Souls to Satan which occasioned the c Bede Hist ecclesiast l. 2. cap. 1. Good man to enter into further enquiry with the Merchants which set them to Sale what they were and whence they came according to this ensuing Dialogue Greg. Whence come these Captives Mer. From the Isle of Britain Greg. Are those Islanders Christians Mer. O no they are Pagans Greg. It is sad that the Authour of Darknesse should possesse men with so bright Faces But what is the name of their particular Nation Mer. They are called Angli Greg. And well may for their Angel-like Faces it becometh such to be Coheires with the Angels in Heaven In what Province of England did they live Mer. In d VVhich at this day is the Bishoprick of Deirham or Durham Deira Greg. They are to be freed de Dei ira Anno. Dom. 585 from the Anger of God How call ye the King of that Country Mer. ELLA Greg. Surely Hallelujah ought to be sung in his Kingdome to the Praise of that God who created all things Thus Gregorie's gracious Heart set the Sound of every word to the Tune of spirituall Goodnesse Nor can his words be justly censured for Levity if we
a Godwin Catal of Bps. in S. Davids Treasurer of England In whom the King much confided though T. Walsingham be pleased to dash his Memory that he was the cause of much mischief His Sir-Name speaks him English by extraction and he was of no remarkable activity He might be English or Welch by his Name but I believe the latter A man of merit sent by the King into Germany to give satisfaction of King Henries proceedings Second of that Christian and Sirname Bishop of that See a Welchman no doubt he was sent saith T. Walsangham to Spain to give account of the Kings proceedings Very loyal at the present but after his return home he sided with Owen Glendowre But though the English at this time were so severe against the Welch King Henry the seventh born in the bowels of Wales at Pembroke and assisted in the gaining of the Crown by the valour of his Country-men some years after plucked down this partition-wall of difference betwixt them admitting the Welch to English Honours and Offices as good reason equality of merits should be rewarded with equality of advancement 14. Sir John Tiptoff made afterwards Earl of Worcester put up a Petition to the Parliament The Petition of the Lords and Commons to the King against Lollards touching Lollards which wrought so on the Lords that they joined a Petition to the King Anno Regis Hen. 4 14. according to the Tenour following To our most redoubted and gracious Soveraign the King YOur humble * * Contracted by my self exactly keeping the words out of the Original Son HENRY PRINCE OF WALES and the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in this present Parliament humbly shew That the Church of England hath been and now is endowed with temporal possessions by the gifts and grants as well of your Royal Progenitours as by the Ancesters of the said Lords Temporal to maintain Divine Service keep Hospitality c. to the Honour of God and the souls health of your Progenitors and the said Lords Temporal Yet now of late some at the instigation of the Enemy against the foresaid Church and Prelates have as well in publick Sermons as in Conventicles and secret places called Schools stirred and moved the people of your Kingdom to take away the said temporal Possessions from the said Prelates with which they are as rightly endowed as it hath been or might be best advised or imagined by the Laws and Customes of your Kingdom and of which they are as surely possessed as the Lords Temporal are of their inheritances Wherefore in case that this evil purpose be not resisted by your Royal Majestie it is very likely that in process of time they will also excite the people of your Kingdom for to take away from the said Lords Temporal their possessions and heritages so to make them common to the open commotion of your people There be also others who publish and cause to be published evilly and falsly among the people of your Kingdom that Richard late King of England who is gone to God and on whose soul God thorow his Grace have mercy is still alive And some have writ and published divers false pretended prophecies to the people disturbing them who would to their power live peaceably Serve God and faithfully submit and obey you their Liege Lord. Wherefore may it please your Royal Majestie in maintenance of the honour of God conservation of the Laws of the holy Church as also in the preservation of the estate of You your Children Anno Regis Hen. quart 14. and the Lords aforesaid and for the quiet of all your Kingdom to ordain by a Stature in the present Parliament by the assent of the Lords aforesaid and the Commons of your Kingdom that in case any man or woman of what estate or condition they be preach publish or maintain hold use or exercise any Schools if any Sect or Doctrine hereafter against the Catholick faith either preach publish maintain or write a schedule whereby the people may be moved to take away the Temporal Possessions of the aforesaid Prelates or preach and publish that Richard late King who is dead should still be in full life or that the Fool in Scotland is that King Richard who is dead or that publish or write any pretended Prophesies to the commotion of your people That they and every of them be taken and put in Prison without being delivered in Bail or otherwise except by good and sufficient mainprise to be taken before the Chancellour of England c. 15. See we here the Policy of the Clergie The Prince made a party against Wicklivites who had gained Prince Henry set as a Transcendent by himself in the Petition to their side entring his Youth against the poor Wicklivites and this Earnest engaged him to the greater Antipathy against them when possest of the Crown 16. Observe also the Subtilty of the Clergie in this medley Petition Complication or Royal and Prelatical interest interweaving their own interest with the Kings and endeavouring to possess him that all the Adversaries to their Superstitions were Enemies also and Traytors to his Majesty 17. Now as Conventicles were the Name of disgrace cast on Wicklivists their Schools Schools was the terme of Credit owned by the Wicklivists for the place of their meeting Whether because f Acts 19. 9. the School of Tyrannus wherein S t Paul disputed was conceived by them Senior in Scripture to any material Church Or that their teaching therein was not in intire discourses but admitted as in the Schools of interlocutory opposition on occasion 18. By Lollards all know the Wicklivites are meant Lollards why so called so called from h Trithemius in Chron. Anno 1315. Walter Lollardus one or their Teachers in Germany and not as the i Of S. Aug. Cont. M. S. Anno 1406. Monk alluded quasi lolia in ar â Domini flourishing many years before Wickliffe and much consenting with him in judgment As for the word Lollard retained in our Statutes since the Reformation it seems now as a generical name to signifie such who in their opinions oppose the setled Religion of the Land in which sense the modern Sheriffs are bound by their Oath to suppress them 19. The Parenthesis concerning King Richard Who is gone to God and on whose Soul God through his Grace have Mercy is according to the Doctrine of that Age. For they held all in Purgatory gone to God A charitable parenthesis because assured in due time of their happiness yet so that the suffrages of the Living were profitable for them Nor feared they to offend King Henry by their charitable presumption of the final happy estate of King Richard his professed Enemy knowing he cared not where King Richard was so be it not living and sitting on the English Throne 20. As for the report of King Richards being still alive King Richard why believed alive it is strange any
justly slain and their numerous rabble routed and dispersed In other remarkables Cade differed from Jack Straw First Straw defied all Nobility and Learning vowing and endeavouring their ruine and extirpation whilest Cade pretended himself to be the Lord Mortimer and next heir to the Crown and no design against Learning is charged on his account Lastly Straws Rebellion is though most falsly fathered by Popish writers on Wicliff and his adherents to have occasioned at leastwise connived at his commotion but I never met yet with any Romanists accusing the Lollards as they term them for having any hand in Cades Rebellion 23. Now began the broyls to break out betwixt the two houses of Lancaster and York The wars begin betwixt York and Lancaster so mutually heightened 1455. that scarce a County betwixt York the place whence generally their Armies started and London 34. the Goal they both aimed to win but a set Battle hath been sought therein and if any one Shire lieth fallow in this kinde the next afforded a double crop in that nature besides other Counties in the Marches of Wales as by the ensuing Catalogue will appear Place Betwixt Time Number slain Conqueror 1. S t Albans in Hertfordshire Richard Duke of York and King Henry the 6 th for Lancaster Anno 1455. and 34 th of King Hen. 6. in June Slain on the Kings side five thousand On the the Dukes six hundred York House 2. Blore-heath in Staffordshire Rich. Earl of Salisbury for York James Touchet L. Audley for Lanc. Anno 1469. the 37 th of Hen. 6. Septemb 21. Two thousand 4 hundred most Coshire men slain on Lancast side York House 3. Northampton Anno Regis Hen. 6 34. Richard Earl of Warwick Anno Dim 1459. for York King Hen. 6. for Lancaster Anno 1460. 38 Hen. 6. 9 July Ten thousand slain and drowned on both sides York House 4. Wakefield in Yorkshire Richard Duke of York Queen Margaret for Lancaster In the same year Decem. 31. Two thousand two hundred slain on York side with their Duke Lancaster 5. Mortimors Cross in Shropshire Edward Earl of March afterwards King for York Anno 1461. 39 Hen. 6. Feb. 2. Three thousand eight hundred slain on Lancaster side York House 6. S t Albans in Hertfordshire Richard Earl of Warwick for York King Henry and Margaret his wife in person for Lancaster The same year and moneth 17 Feb. About two thousand on both sides Lancaster 7. Towton in Nottingham-shire Edward Earl of March for York King Hen. 6. Same year March 27. being Palm-Sunday Thirty five thousand ninety and one on both sides York House 8. Hexham in Northumberland John Nevil Lord Montague King Hen. 6. and the Queen Anno 1464. 4 Edw. 4. May 15. Number great but uncertain York House 9. Banbury or Edgcot in the confines of Oxford and Northampton shire William Herbert Earl of Pembroke for York Robbin of Ridsdale alias Hilliard for Lancaster Anno 1469. 9 Edw. 4. July 26. Five thousand slain in the place most of them Welchmen Lancaster 10. Barnet in Middlesex Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick for Lancaster King Edw. 4. for York Anno 1471. 11 Edw. 4. April 14. being Easter-day Four thousand slain on both sides York House 11. Tewxbubury in Glocestershire King Edw. 4. for York Queen Margaret and Edward her son for Lancaster In the same year on the 4 th of May. Three thousand slain of the House Lancaster York House 12. Bosworth in Leicester-shire King Rich. 3. for York Henry Earl of Richmond for Lancaster Anno 1485. 3 Rich. 3. August 22. About 4 thousand slain in all Lancaster Place Betwixt Anno Regis Hen. 6 34. Time Number slain Conqueror 13. Stoak in Notingham-shire John Delapole Earl of Lincoln for York King Hen. 7. for Lancaster Anno 1487. 2 King Hen. 7. June 16. About four thousand wherof many Irish slain on both sides Lancaster or rather the two houses united in King Henry the 7 th Besides many other Skirmishes corrivals with Battles so that such who consider the bloud lost therein would admire England had any left And such as observe how much it had left would wonder it had any lost such still the populousness thereof But these things the Reader may best inform himself of 1459 out of the State-Historians 37. and particularly out of that Noble Italian Author elegantly and expressively translated by the Earl of Monmouth who hath written a large Volume to the great credit of our English Nation of the wars betwixt York and Lancaster So that I could heartily wish that some English man in requital of his courtesie would write the Italian discords betwixt the Guelphes and Guibelines 24. It was much Magdalen College in Oxford Founded by Bishop Wainfleet that in the middest of so many miseries of Civil Wars William sir-named Patin from his Parents but Wainefleet from the place of his nativity now Bishop of Winchester should Found the fair Colledg Dedicated to Mary Magdalen in Oxford for One President Fourty Fellows Thirty Demies Four Chaplains Eight Clerks and Sixteen Choristers which number can never be increased But though this Foundation cannot be made broader or longer admit of more members yet may it be made deeper and is capable of Benefactours charity to augment the maintenance of the aforesaid number This William Wainefleet first Founded Magdalen-Hall hard by as Scriveners use to try their pens on a small piece of paper before they begin what they fairly intend to write and afterwards undertook and finished this far more stately piece of Architecture For whoso observeth the magnificence of the structure the numerousness of the Corporation the largeness of their endowments and the mutual concinnity of all parts amongst themselves therein may possibly finde out a College which may exceed it in some but hardly any that will equal it in all accommodations Where nothing is wanting for health and pleasure except some will say that Mary Maudlin weepeth too much and the walks sometimes too wet and moist from the depressed situation thereof 25. Nor hath this House been less fruitfull then any with famous persons The many Worthies bred therein and it is observable that there is scarce a Bishoprick in England to which this College hath not afforded one Prelate at the least doubling her files in some places as by the ensuing Catalogue will appear Presidents Anno Regis Hen 6 37. M r William Horneley Anno Dom. 1459. M r William Tybbard M r Rich. Mayewe M r John Clarmund M r Knolles M r Oglethorp M r Cole M r Coveney M r Laur. Humfride D r Nich. Bond. D r Jo. Harding D r William Langton D r Accept Frewen D r John Oliver D r Jo. Wilkinson D r Tho. Godwin Benefactors King Henry the seventh Thomas Ingledue Chaplain to the Founder William Fitz-Allen Earl of Arundel John Forman D r Higden Jo. Claimund Pref. Robert Morewent John Mullins Arch-Deac of London D r John Warner
Treasurer of Our houshold Sir John Gage Knight Comptroller of Our houshold Sir Anthony Wingfield Knight Our Vice Chamberlain Sir William Peeter Knight one of Our two principall Secretaries Sir Richard Rich Knight Sir John Baker Knight Sir Ralph Sadler Knight Sir Thomas Seymour Knight Sir Richard Southwell and Sir Edmund Peckham Knights they and every of them shall be of Counsell for the aiding and assisting of the forenamed Counsellours and Our Executors when they or any of them shall be called by Our said Executors or the more part of the same Item We bequeath to Our Daughters MARY and ELIZABETH's marriage they being married to any outward Poâ—entate by the advise of the aforesaid Counsellours if We bestow Them not in Our life time Ten thousand pounds in money plate jewels and houshold-stuffe for each of Them or a larger summe as to the discretion of Our Executors or the more part of them shall be thought convenient Willing Them on My blessing to be ordered as well in marriage as in all other lawful things by the advise of Our forenamed Counsellours And in case They will not then the summes to be minished at the Counsellours discretions Further Our Will is that from the first hour of Our death until such time as the said Counsellours can provide either of Them or both some Honourable marriages They shall have each of Them MMM li. ultra reprisas to live upon willing and charging the aforesaid Counsellours to limit and appoint to either of Them such sage Officers and Ministers for orderance thereof as it may be employed both to Our Honour and Theirs And for the great love obedience chastnesse of life and wisdome being in Our forenamed Wife and Queen We bequeath unto Her for Her proper use and as it shall please Her to order it MMM li. in plate jewels and stuffe of houshold besides such apparell is it shall please Her to take as She hath already And further We give unto Her M li. in money with the enjoying of Her Dowry and Joynture according to Our Grant by Act of Parliament Item for the kindnesse and good service that Our said Executors have shewed unto Us We give and bequeath unto each of them such summes of money or the value of the same as hereafter ensueth First to the Archbishop of Canterbury vC marks to the Lord Wriothesly vCli. to the Lord St. John vCli. to the Lord Russell vCli. to the Earl of Hertford vCli. to the Viscount Lisle vCli. to the Bishop of Duresme CCC li. to Sir Anthony Browne CCC li. to Sir William Pagett CCC li. to Sir Anthony Denny CCC li. to Sir William Herbert CCC li. to Justice Montague CCC li. to Justice Bromley CCC li. to Sir Edward North CCC li. to Sir Heward Wotton CCC li. to Doctor Wotton CCC li. Also for the speciall love and favour that We bear to Our trusty Counsellours and other Our said Servants hereafter following We give and bequeath unto them such summes of money or the value thereof as is tottad upon their heads First to the Earl of Essex CC li. to Sir Thomas Theny CC li. to the Lord Herbert CC li. to Sir John Gage CC li. to Sir Thomas Seymour CC li. to John Gage CC li. to Sir Thomas Darcy Knight CC li. to Sir Thomas Speke Knight CC marks to Sir Philip Hobbey Knight CC marks to Sir Thomas Paston CC marks to Sir Morrice Barkeley CC marks to Sir Ralph Sadler CC li. to Sir Thomas Carden CC li. to Sir Peter Newtas CC marks to Edward Bullingham CC marks to Thomas Audeley CC marks to Edmund Harman CC marks to John Penne C marks to Henry Nevile a C li. to William Symbarbe C li. to Richard Cooke C li. to John Osborne C li. to David Vincent C li. to James Rufforth Keeper of Our house here C marks to Richard Cecill Yeoman of Our Robes C marks to Thomas Strenhold Groom of Our Robes C marks to John Rowland Page of Our Robes L li. to the Earl of Arundell Lord Chamberlain CC li. to Sir Anthony Wingfield Vice-Chamberlain CC li. to Sir Edmond Peckham CC li. to Sir Richard Rich CC li. to Sir John Baker CC li. to Sir Rich Southwell CC li. to Mr. Doctor Owen C li. to Mr. Doctor Wendy C li. to Mr. Doctor Cromer C li. to Thomas Alssop C marks to Patrick C marks to John Ailef C marks to Henry Forrest C marks to Richard Ferrers C marks to John Holland C marks to the four Gentlemen Ushers of Our chamber being daily Waiters a hundred pound in all And We will that Our Executors or the most part of them shall give Orders for the payment of such Legacies as they shall think meet to such Our ordinary Servants as unto whom We have not appointed any Legacy by this Our present Testament Finally this present Writing in Paper We ordain and make Our last Will and Testament and will the same to be reputed and taken to all intents and purposes for Our good strong available most perfect and last Will and Testament And We doe declare all other Wills and Testaments made at any time by Us to be void and of none effect ¶ In witnesse whereof We have signed it with Our hand in Our Palace at Westminster the thirtieth day of December in the yeare of our Lord God 1546. after the computation of the Church of England and of Our Reign the xxxviij th year being present and called to Witnesse the Persons which have written their names John Gate Ed Harman William Saint-Barbe Henry Nevill Richard Cooke David Vincent Patrick George Owen Thomas Wendy Robert Kewicke William Clerke 51. This the Will was drawn up some two years since When this Will was made before He went to Bologne as is intimated in a passage Be it beyond the sea c. which now was onely fairly written over again without any alteration save that Stephen Gardiner was expunged from being one of His Executors It seems that formerly finding none substituted in Gardiner's room He appointed seventeen Executors that so a decisive Vote might avoid equality of Voices And although in this Will provision is made for multitude of Masses to be said for his soule yet * Fox Acts and Mon. p. 1291. one pretending to extraordinary intelligence herein would perswade us that K. Henry intended in His later daies so thorow a Reformation as not to have left one Masse in the Land if death had not prevented Him 52. Amongst His Servants in ordinary attendance to whom Legacies were bequeathed Legacies scarcely paid Richard Cecil there named Yeoman of the Robes was the Father to William Cecil afterwards Baron of Burghly and Lord Treasurer of England Thomas Sternhold Groom of the Robes and afterwards of the * Balens Cent. pagin 728. ab intimâ—s cubiculis Bed chamber to King Edward the sixth was one of them who translated the Psalmes into English Meeter being then accounted an excellent Poet though he who wore bayes in
Monks therein were it so their soyl being so fruitfull and pleasant it would merit more wonder than that Ireland hath no Venemous creatures therein Quare what meant by four Abbots peculiarly exempt But their brag hath more of Mirth than Truth in it seeing the Priorie at Caris-brook and Nunnery at Quarre evidence them sufficiently stockt with such Cattell 17. I have done with this subject of Mitred Abbeys when we have observed that they were called ABBOTS GENERALL aliàs ABBOTS n Sir H. Spelman in Glossario verbo Abbas SOVEREIGNE as acknowledging in a sort no Superiour because exempted from the Jurisdiction of any Diocezan having Episcopall power in themselves And here I would be thankfull to any who would inform me that seeing all these Abbots were thus priviledged how it came to passe that Four of them were especially termed ABBOTS o Titles of honour pag. 727. EXEMPTI viz Bury Waltham S. Albans and Evesham I say seeing these were so called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 EXEMPT as it were out of the EXEMPTED I would willingly be satisfied what extraordinary Priviledges these enjoyed by themselves above others of their own Order Of the Civill benefits and Temporall conveniences accruing to the State by the continuance of Abbies SO much of the greatnesse Give Abbies their due somewhat of the goodnesse of Abbeys if possibly it may be done without prejudice to truth Surely some pretences plausible at least did ingratiate them with the Politicians of that Age otherwise Prince and people in those daies though blinded with ignorant zeal yet worldly-wise would never have been gulled into so long a toleration yea veneration of them 2. They were an easie and cheap outlet for the Nobility and Gentry of the land They convenient to dispose youngest children in therein to dispose their younger children That younger son who had not mettal enough to manage a sword might have meeknesse to become a coule Which coule in short time might grow up to be a Mitre when his merits presented him to be Abbot of his Covent Clap a vail on the head of a younger daughter especially if she were superannuated not over-handsome melancholy c. and instantly she was provided for in a Nunnery where without cost or care of her parents she lived in all outward happinesse wanting nothing except perhaps it were an husband This was a great cause of the long continuance of the English Nobility in such pomp and power as having then no temptation to torture their Tenants with racking of rents to make provision for their younger children Indeed sometimes Noblemen gave small portions with their children to the Covent not such as would preferre them in marriage to one of their own quality but generally Abbeys were glad to accept them with nothing thereby to engage the Parents and Brothers of such young men and maidens to be the constant friends to their Covent on all occasion at Court and chiefly in all Parliaments 3. One eminent instance hereof we have in Ralph Nevil An eminent instance thereof first Earl of Westmerland of that Family whom I behold as the happiest Subject of England since the Conquest if either we count the number of his Children or measure the height of the Honour they attained He had by Margaret his first Wife Joan his second Wife 1. John his eldest son Lord Nevil c. 2. Ralph in the right of Mary his wife Lord Ferrars of Ously 3. Maud married to Peter Lord Mauley 4. Alice married to Sir Thomas Gray 5. Philip married to Thomas Lord Dacres of Gilsland 6. Margaret married to the Lord Scroop of Bolton 7. Anne married to Sir Gilbert Umfrevil 8. Margerie Abbesse of Bearking 9. Elizabeth a Nun. 1. Richard Earl of Sarisbury 2. William in the right of Joan his wife Lord Faulconbridge 3. George Lord Latimer 4. Edward Lord Abergavennie 5. Robert Bishop of Durham 6. Thomas in right of his wife Lord a Mills p. 393. Seymour 7. Katharine married to Thomas Duke of Norfolke 8. Elianour to Henry Earl of Northhumberland 9. Anne to Humphrey Duke of Buckingham 10. Jane a Nun. 11. Cicilie to Richard Duke of York and Mother to King Edward the fourth See we here the policie of that age in disposing of their numerous issue More than the tithe of them was given to the Church and I trow the Nuns and Abbesse especially were as good Madams as the rest and conceived themselves to go in equipage with their other Lady-Sisters And no wonder if an Earl preferred his daughters to be Nuns seeing no King of England since the Conquest had four Daughters living to womans estate but He disposed one of them to be a Votarie And Bridget the fourth Daughter to King Edward the fourth a Nun at Dartford in Kent was the last Princesse who entered into a Religious Order 4. They were tolerable Tutours for the education of youth there being a great penurie of other Grammar-schools in that Age and every Covent had one Children taught therein or moe therein who generally gratis taught the children thereabouts Yea they who were loose enough in their own lives were sufficiently severe in their discipline over others Grammar was here taught and Musick which in some sort sung her own Dirige as to the generall use thereof at the dissolution of Abbies 5. Nunneries also were good Shee-schools Conveniency of Shee-Colledges wherein the Girles and Maids of the Neighbourhood were taught to read and work and sometimes a little Latine was taught them therein Yea give me leave to say if such Feminine Foundations had still continued provided no vow were obtruded upon them virginity is least kept where it is most constrained haply the weaker sex besides the avoiding modern inconveniences might be heightned to an higher perfection than hitherto hath been attained That sharpnesse of their wits and suddenness of their conceits which their enemies must allow unto them might by education be improved into a judicious solidity and that adorned with Arts which now they want not because they cannot learn but are not taught them I say if such Feminine Foundations were extant now of dayes haply some Virgins of highest birth would be glad of such places and I am sure their Fathers and elder Brothers would not be sorry for the same 6. They were the sole Historians Monks the sole Historians and why in writing to preserve the remarkable passages of Church and Common-wealth I confesse I had rather any than Monks had written the Histories of our Land yet rather than the same should be unwritten I am heartily glad the Monks undertook the performance thereof Indeed in all their Chronicles one may feel a rag of a Monks coule I mean they are partial to their own interest But in that Age there was a choicelesse choice that Monks or none at all should write our English Histories Sword-men lacked learning States-men leasure to doe it it was therefore devolved to Monks and Friers who
Orders have spauned much since our late Civil Warres Protestant confusions multiplying Popish foundations 2. Yet I cannot believe what * Mr. Prin. one reports of two Covents in London Two Covents reported in London set up about the year 1640. One at the Lord Gages neer Queens-street the other at Westminster For finding no person who is properly tearmed the Lord Gage I suspect all the rest And though I confesse Catholicks then arrived at such boldnesse as rather to dare than dread any discovery yet it seemeth improbable any should abide there save onely to wait conveniencie of transportation And so much for English Covents beyond the Seas which discourse let none censure as alien and not pertaining to the History of England For I would willingly be condemned for a needlesse excursion on the condition that they belonged not at all unto us who daily fetch over too much money hence and doe mutually bring back too much mischief hither To whom the Sites of Mitred Abbeys were granted and by whom they are possessed at this day IT were a work almost impossible for our pen to pursue the Lands of each Religious house from the time that they parted from the Crown to the present Owners thereof A possible designe preferred impossible declined Yea such a task when ended were endlesse of no other use than the satisfaction of curiosity As therefore the best Anatomists cannot hunt out the deviations of every petty vein embracing severall courses in sundry bodies but abundantly acquit their skill and industry if truly discovering the trunkveins observing the same chanels in all people Kephalicall Basilicall c. So we conceive our duty discharged to any rationall expectation if instancing onely out of the Originall Records in the Sites of the Mitred Abbeys marking their fluctuation since passed from the Crown into the possession of severall subjects 2. Here I intended to present the Reader with the particulars of all those Owners through whose hands these Mitred Abbeys have passed from those to whom King Henry granted them to those who at this day are possessed thereof A thing with very much difficulty such the frequencies of the exchange collectible out of the severall fines payd at their alienation but having tyred out mine own modesty though not my good friend Mr. John Witt 's officious industry in being beholden to him above my possibility of requitall for perusing so many Records I desisted from so difficult a design Abbey Granted by Unto In consideration Tenure and rent After alien'd to Present owner Tavestock in Devon K. a 1 parte rotulo 29. formerly Osboâ—ns Remembrancers Office Henry the 8 in the 31 of his Reign July 4. Iohn Lord Russel Anne his Wife and their Heires c. of his faithfull service and counsell in Capite by Knights service of cum aliis one Knights see paying 36 li. none but still possessed by their Heirs William Russell Earle of Bedford Middleton in Dorsetshire K. b 1 par rot 95. Henry the 8 in the 31 of his Reign 23 of Febr. Iohn Tregonwell Kn t Doctor of Law of a PensioÌ„ of 40 l. per ann surrendred 1000 l. paid down his good service in Capite by Knights service of the tenth part of a Knights fee paying 12 l. 4s none but still possessed by his Heirs Iohn Tregonwell Esquire Malmesbury in Wilt-sh K. c 7 par râ—t 147. Henry the 8 in the 31 of his Reign William Stampe Gentleman of the payment of 1516 l. 15s 2d ob in Capite by the tenth part of a Knights fee paying 8l 8s ob  Thomas Ioy Esquire Ramsey in Huntingtonshire K. d 2 par rot 293. Henry the 8 in the 31 of his Reign 4 of March. Richard Williams alià s Cromwell Esq of his good service and the payment of 4663l 4s 2d in Capite by the tenth part of a Knights fee paying 29l 16s none possessed by his Heir Sir Oliver Cromwell the most aged Gent. and Knight in England Selby in Yorkshire K. e 1 part rot 140. Henry the 8 in the 32 of his Reign 28 of August Ralph Sadleir of Hackney Knight of 736l paid in Capite by the tenth part of a Knights fee paying 3l 10s 8d  Charles Walmesley Esquire Teuxburie in Glocester shire K. f 2 part rot 26. Henry the 8 in the 36 of his Reign Tho Stroud Wal Earle and Iam Paget of 2283 li. 19s 3d. in capite by the 20th part of a Knights fee paying 1l 18s 0 3 4   Hyde juxta Winton K. g 7 part rot 44 Henry the 8 in the 37 of his Reign 11 of Janu. Rich Bethel Gent. after a Lease of the Lord Wriothesly was expired of 110 li. 17 s. 1d in free Soccage of the King's Manour of Rumsey paying 6l 13s 4d to the Vic. of St. Barthol Wint   S. Johns juxta Colchester K. h 4 part rot 13. Edward the sixt in the first of his Reign June 22. Iohn Dudley Earle of Warwick of his service in Scotland and France whereby he had much impair'd his own estate in Capite cum aliis by service of one Knights fee paying 16s 11. d. ob  Sir Iohn Lucas L d Lucas Cirencester in Glocester shire K. i 1 part rot Edward the sixt in the first of his Reign 19 of August Thomas Lord Seymer high Admiral of his service and kindred being the Kings Uncle in Capite with land in 15 Shires by the service of one Knights fee paying 1l 1s 8d  Sir William Masters Bardney in Lincoln-shire K. k 3 part rot 95. Edw 6. in the second of his Reign Thomas Heneage Katherine his Wife and their Heirs of an exchange for the Manour of overton in Knights service  Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham Glaston in Somerset K. l 3 part rot 17. and againe 4 pars rot 77. Edward the sixt in the 4 th year of his Reign 4 of June Ed Seymer Duke of Somerset of his Petition and the advise of the Counsel to support his dignity in Capite by the 40 th part of a Knights fee sine reditu   Reading in Berkshire K. m Ibidem Edw. the sixt in the 4 th year of his Reign 4 of June Ed Seymer Duke of Somerset of his Petition and the advise of the Counsel to support his dignity in Capite by the 40 th part of a Knights fee sine reditu  Francis Knolles Esquire Crowland in Lincolnshire K. Edward the sixt in the 4 th year of his Reign Decemb. 1. Edw. Fines Knight L d. Clinton and Say high Admiral of England of the exchange of other lands with the Crown to be held in Soccage as of the Kings Manour of Louth by fealty only  till lately in the Crown Winchcomb in Glocestershire K. Edward the sixt in the fift year of his Reign June 24. William Par Marquesse of Northhampton of his faithfulness and valour against the Rebels in Northfolk in
free Soc. to be held as of the Manour of East Greenwich sine reditu  George Bridges Lord Shandois St. Edmunds-Bury in Suffolke Q. o 2 parte rot 13. Elizabeth in the second year of her Reign Feb. 14. Iohn Eye Esquire of the payment of four hundred pound in free Soccage to be held as of the Queens Manour of East Greenwich sine reditu   St. Albans in Hertfordshire Q. p 4 part rot 52. Elizabeth in the sixt of her Reign May 6. Christopher Smith Esq Thomas Broughton Gent. of the payment for it and other lands in the Grant of 1703 li. 1s 4d in free and common Soccage sine reditu   Hitherto we have proceeded on the most authentick authority out of Records And although we are confident of the truth of such as follow yet wanting the like assurance in the Dates Tenures and Considerations we thought fit to rank them by themselves 2. Battel-Abbey in Sussex was bestowed by King Henry the eighth on Sir Anthony Browne Knight of the Garter and Master of His Majesties Horse enjoyed by his heir-male in a direct line at this day 3. Thorney-Abbey in Cambridge-shire was conferred by King Henry the eighth on Iohn Lord Russell and is possessed by his Abnepos William Earle of Bedford in a lineall descent 4. S. Iohn's Priory in Coventry was given by King Henry the eighth to Hales Esquire Clerk of the Hanaper at this day in possession of one of his name and lineage 5. Eversham-Abbey in Worcester-shire I finde not to whom first granted but by a long Lease it was in the possession of one Mr. Andrewes father and son whose Grandchilde living now at Berkhampsteed in Hertford shire hath better thrived by God's blessing on his own industry than his Father and Grandfather did with Evesham-Abbey The sale of the stones whereof he imputeth a cause of their ill successe Lately it was Sir William Curteens and I know not to whom his Sonne sold it 6. The Abbey of S. Bennet's in the Holme in Norfolke was never sold Bennet in the Holme changed with the Bishop of Norwich but onely changed in the two and thirtieth of King Henry the eighth with the Bishop of Norwich as appeareth by the printed Statute which affirmeth That the lands setled by the King on the Bishoprick were of a greater yearly value than the Lordships and Manours given to his Grace Which might be so seeing all profit consists not in annuall revenue but much in casualties of Fines Indeed generally Coronets did gain but Miters lose in their exchanges with the Crown 7. S. Maryes in Yorke with Selby S. Maryes in Yorke how disposed the onely Mitred Abbey beyond Trent was kept in the Crown to be the Kings Palace when repairing into those parts Since called the Manour where the Lord President of the Councell in the North held his residence At this day it is in the hands of the States as excepted by name in the Ast for the sale of Kings lands and one was allowed a Fee for the carefull keeping thereof 8. My enquire cannot attain to whom S. Maryes in Shrewsburie was passed As for Augustine's in Canterbury I conceive it never aliened from the Crown reading in my worthy * Will Somner in his Antiq. of Canterbury pag. 60. friend that the remaining ruines thereof are made subject to publick uses And thus we have a perfect account of all the Mitred English-Abbeys The Reader well remembring what we have formerly written at large of S. Iohn's of Ierusalem and Waltham as also of Glocester Peterborough and Westminster advanced into Cathedrals save that the last was afterwards altered into a Collegiate-Church 9. we may observe that the greatest Abbeys founded in Cities were of the least profit Countrey Abbeys largest in profit because so streight-laced with streets and houses round about them that they could not grow to any extraordinary bulk for ground continued thereunto so that the Sites were but Sites as in S. Albans S. Edmunds-Bury Hyde c. Whereas Monasteries in Countrey-Towns let loose at more liberty to dilate themselves had generally a large Manour and ample Demesnes annexed unto them 10. Wise men have informed me Present gaine future losse that had succeeding Princes followed King Henry's pattern generally granting Abbeys only in Capite that such lands though passed gratis from the Crown under small rents would notwithstanding in some part have returned thither again as affording Respit of Homage Reliefs Wardships Fines for alienation for a constant revenue Whereas being afterwards granted in free soccage whilst the tenure onely advanced the present sale the Crown was deprived of much Emolument and more obligation 11. Richard Williams aliàs Cromwell Esquire A solemn Tilting proclaimed to whom Ramsey Abbey was partly given partly sold was one of the five who in the thirty second year of Henry the eighth made the bold challenge at Justs to all comers that would in France Flanders Scotland and Spain Here it was expected that some of our Knights Hospitallers whose House by Act of Parliament was dissolved but a month before should appear valiantly in their vindication if conceiving any injustice offered unto them But they kept themselves close probably not so much for fear of all the Challengers as of one of the Spectatours viz King Henry Himself as sure if Conquerours of the King's anger and others envy if worsted of their own disgrace Besides by the laws of their Order they were not to Tilt against Christians but onely to spend their spears against Pagans and Infidels Lastly the challenge seemed only confined to forraigners 12. This Richard Williams aliàs Cromwell came into the place an Esquire The noble atchievements of Rich. Cromwell but departed a Knight dubbed by the King for his valour clearly carrying away the credit overthrowing Mr. Palmer * Stow in the reign to Hen. 8. pag. 580. in the field at Justs one day and the next serving Mr. Culpepper at Barriers in the same manner Hereupon there goeth a Tradition in the Familie that King Henry highly pleased with his prowesse Formerly said He thou wast My Dick but hereafter shalt be My Diamond and thereat let fall His Diamond-Ring unto him In avowance whereof these Cromwells have ever since given for their Crest a Lyon holding a Diamond-Ring in his Fore-paw 13. Some conceive these Abbey-Lands more unsuccessfull than any other Censure on Abbey-Lands and infectious to the third Generation Yea Papists would perswade us that as Bucephalus cast all his Riders till backed by Alexander his Lord and Master so these skittish-Lands will dismount all that bestride them untill forsooth they be as they hope restored to their proper Owners And this they impute to the curse of their Founders denounced to such who should alienate them from their first institution Others maintain that no certainty can be concluded from such casualties but that all things come to passe alike to all As dye
mile of this City runneth partly by partly through it but contributeth very little to the strengthning thereof 5. The Rebels encamped or rather enkennelled themselves on Moushold-Hill whereon Mount-Surry a fair House of the Dukes of Northfolk whence they had free egresse and regresse into Norwich as oft as they pleased One Coigniers a Vicar in the City they had for their Chaplain and were so religiously rebellious that prayers Morning and Evening were read amongst them Mean time so intolerable was their insolence that now they sent up such Demands to the King to which He neither would in honour nor could in justice condescend Yet the King constantly chequered His comminations with Proclamatians of pardon which the Rebels scorn'd to accept 6. As for Thomas Cod Major of Norwich and others of the Gentry detained prisoners in Ket's camp they were admitted to the counsels of the Rebels for the better credit thereof If Ket were present they were no better than herbe John in the pottage and had no influence on their consultations But if he happily chanced to be absent then they were like S. Johns wort so soveraign for soars and against the plague it self and did much mitigate the fury of their mischievous Decrees Mean time great plenty was in Kets camp where a fat sheep was sold for a groat but penury and misery in all other places 7. Doctor Matthew Parker afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury getting up into the Oake of Reformation preached to their Rebels of their duty and allegiance But the Oake as soon as the Auditory would embrace his Doctrine yea his life was likely to be ended before his Sermon Arrows being shot at him had not Coigniers Kets Chaplain seasonably yet abruptly set the Te Deum during the singing whereof the Dr. withdrew to sing his part at home and thank God for his great deliverance 8. William Par Marquesse of Northhampton Aide sent to suppresse the Rebels but more acquainted with the witty than the warlike part of Pallas as compleat in Musick Poetry and Courtship with many persons of honour as the Lords Sheffield and Wentworth Sir Anthony Denny Sir Ralph Sadlier Sir Thomas Paston c. is sent to quell this Rebellion They were assisted with a band of Italians under Malatesta their Captain whereof the Rebels made this advantage to fill the Countrey with complaints that these were but an handfull of an armfull to follow driving on the designe to subject England to the insolence of Foraigners 9. Now The Lord Russell conqueror Lord Marquiss conquered though neither wisdome nor valour was wanting in the Kings Souldiers yet successe failed them being too few to defend Norwich and oppose the Rebels Insomuch that the Lord Sheffield was barbarously butcher'd S r Tho Corwallis taken prisoner and the City fired by the Rebels which probably had been burnt to ashes had not the clouds commiserating the Cities calamity and melting into tears quenched the flames and thus the Marquesse fain to quit the service returned to London 10. Then was John Dudley Earle of Warwick The Lord Gray and Earle of Warwick come with new supplies with such Forces as were intended for Scotland sent to undertake the Task The Marquesse of Northhampton attended him to trie whether he could be more fortunate in following than he had been in leading Coming to Norwich he easily entred the City and entertained the Rebels with many sallies with various successe here too long to relate but generally the Earle of Warwick came off with the better 11. Now the Rebels impregnable in some sort if still keeping Moushold-Hill whereon the Earles Horse could doe small service deserted it of their own accord and came down into Dussin-dale Here their superstition fancied themselves sufficiently fenced by the virtue of an old prophecie Hob Dick and Hick with clubs and clouted shoon Shall fill up Dassin-dale with blood of slaughtered bodies soon It hath ever been charged on the English as if they alwaies carried an old Prophesie about with them in their pockets which they can produce at pleasure to promote their designes though oft mistaken in the application of such equivocating Predictions as here these silly folke were deluded For it being believed that Dussin dale must make a large and soft pillow for Death to rest thereon these Rebels apprehended themselves the Upholsters to make who proved onely the stuffing to fill the same 12. The Earle glad that the enemy had quitted the Hill fell with all his forces upon them and here happened a most bloody Battle The Rebels disputed the ground with their naturall Logick as I may term it down-right blows without much military Discipline Here one might have seen young Boyes timely Traytours plucking the arrows wherewith they were wounded out of their own flesh and giving them to those of their owne party to shoot them back againe July 27. Here some thrust through with spears wilfully engaged their Bodies the deeper thereon onely striving to reach out their revenge on those who wounded them But at last rage was conquered by courage number by valour Rebellion by Loyalty and in the fight and pursuit two thousand at the least were slain 13. Remarkable was Divine Providence in preserving the captive Gentlemen of the Countrey whom the Rebels coupled together and set them in the front of the Fight Now although it be true what David saith * 2 Sam. 11. 25. The sword devoureth one as well as another yet so discreetly did Captaine Druery charge the Van of the Rebels that most of these innocent Prisoners made their escape The last litter of Kets kennell stifly standing out and fortifying themselves accepted of pardon on the Earls promise it should be assured unto them 14. On the nine and twentieth of August a solemn Thanks-giving was made in Norwich for their deliverance Aug. 6. and is annually continued Indeed this City being betwixt weaknesse and strength â—s taxed for wavering at the time betwixt Loyalty and Revolt though to give the Citizens their due many expressed their fidelity to their Prince as farre as they durst for fear of destruction Yet better had it been had Norwich been weaker to be quitted or stronger to be defended whose mongrell strength exposed it to the greater misery 15. Robert Ket was hanged on Norwich Castle The legal 〈◊〉 of the Rebels William his brother on Windham Steeple Nine others on the Oake of Reformation which never till then brooked the name thereof Amongst these Miles a cunning Cannoneer was much lamented because remorse kept him from doing much mischief to which his cunning did enable him Thus by Gods blessing on Mans endevours both these Rebellions were seasonably supprest That of Devon-shire did openly avouch the advancing of Popery the other was suspected secretly fomented by some Papists who stood behinde the curtain but ready to step on the stage had Successe of the Designe but given them the Cue of Entrance As for the Rebellion at the same
to oppose and the flattery of the Courtiers most willing to comply matters were made as sure as mans policy can make that good which is bad in it self But the Commons of England who for many yeers together had conn'd loyalty by-heart out of the Statute of Succession were so perfect in their lesson that they would not be put out of it by this new started designe so that every one proclaimed Mary next Heir in their consciences and few daies after King Edwards death all the project miscarried of the plotters whereof some executed more imprisoned most pardoned all conquered and Queen Mary crowned Thus though the streame of Loyalty for a while was violently diverted to runne in a wrong channell yet with the speediest opportunitie it recovered the right course again 2. But now in what manner this Will of King Edwards was advanced The truth of the carriage of Sr. Edward Mountagu in his drawing up the Will of King Edw. the sixth that the greatest blame may be laid on them who had the deepest guilt the following answer of Sr. Edward Mountagu Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas accused for drawing up the Will and committed by Queen Mary to prison for the same will truly acquaint us The original whereof under his own hand was commnuicated unto me by his great grandchilde Edward Lord Mountagu of Boughton and here faithfully exemplified SR Edward Mountagu Knight late Chief-Justice of the Common Pleas received a letter from Greenwich dated the eleventh day of June last past signed with the hands of the Lord Treasurer the Duke of Northumberland John Earl of Bedford Francis Earl of Shrewsburie the Earl of Pembroke the Lord Clynton the Lord Darcie John Gate William Peter William Cecill John Cheke whereby he was commanded to be at the Court on the morrow by one of the clock at after-noon and to bring with him Sr. John Baker Justice Bromley the Attorney and Solicitour General and according to the same all they were there at the said hour of one of the clock And after they were brought to the presence of the King the Lord Treasurer the Marquesse of Northampton Sr. John Gate and one or two more of the Councill whose names he doth not now remember were present And then and there the King by His own mouth said that now in His sicknesse he had considered the state of this His Realm and Succession which if He should decease without Heir of His body should go to the Lady Mary who was unmarried and might marry a stranger-borne whereby the Lawâ— of this Realm might be altered and changed and His Highnesse proceedings in Religion might be altered Wherefore His pleasure was that the state of the Crown should go in such forme and to such persons as His Highnesse had appointed in a Bill of Articles not signed with the Kings hand which were read commanded them to make a Book thereof accordingly with speed And they finding divers faults not onely for the incertainty of the Articles but also declaring unto the King that it was directly against the Act of Succession which was an Act of Parliament which would not be taken away by no such devise Notwithstanding His Highnesse would not otherwise but that they should draw a Book according to the said Articles which he then took them and they required a reasonable time of His Highnesse for the doeing thereof and to consider the Laws and Statutes made for the Succession which indeed were and be more dangerous then and of them they did consider and remember and so they departed commanding them to make speed And on the morrow all the said persons met and perusing the said Statutes there grew this question amongst them whether it were presently treason by the words of the Statute of Anno primo Edvardi Sexti or no treason till it were put in execution after the Kings death because the words of the Statute are the King His Heirs and Successours because the King can have no Successours in His life but to be sure they were all agreed that it were the best and surer way to say to the Lords that the execution of this devise after the Kings decease was not onely treason but the making of this devise was also presently treason as well in the whole Councell as in them and so agreed to make their report without doing any thing for the execution thereof And after Sr. William Peter sent for the said Sr. Edward to Eely-place who shewed him that the Lords required great speed in the making of the said Book and he told him there were none like to be made for them for the danger aforesaid And after that the said S. Edward with the rest of his company went to the Court and before all the Council the Duke of Northumberland being not in the Council-chamber made report to the Lords that they had considered the Kings Articles and also the Statutes of Succession whereby it appeared manifestly that if they should make any Book according to the Kings commandment they should not onely be in danger of treason but also their Lordships all wherefore they thought it their bounden duties to declare the danger of the Laws unto them and for avoiding of the danger thereof they had nothing done therein nor intended to doe the Laws being so dangerous and standing in force The Duke of Northumberland having intelligence of their answer either by the Earle of Huntington or by the Lord Admiral cometh into the Council-Chamber before all the Council there benign in a great rage and fury trembling for anger and amongst his ragious talk called the said Sr. Edward Traitour and further said that he would fight in his shirt with any man in that quarrel as all the whole Council being there will report whereby the said Sr. Edward with the rest were in great fear and dread in special Mr. Bromley and the said Sr. Edward for Mr. Bromley told the said after that he dread then that the Duke would have striken one of them and after they were commanded to go home and so departed in great fear without doing any thing more at that time wishing of God they had stood to it as they did then unto this time And after the said Sr. Edward received another letter dated at Greenwich the 14 th of June last past signed with the hands â—f the Lord Treasurer the Earl of Bedford the Marquesse of Northampton the Earle of Shrewsburie the Lord Clynton the Lord Cobham the Lord Darcy William Peter John Gate John Cheeke whereby he was commanded to bring with him Sr. John Baker Justice Bromley and Mr. Gosnolde and to be at the Court on the morrow by one of the clock at after-noon where all they were at the same houre and conveyed into a chamber behinde the Dining-Chamber there and all the Lord looked upon them with earnest countenance as though they had not known them So that the said Sr. Edward with the other might perceive there
witnesses Henceforward 〈…〉 all his first information which from this day sunk 〈◊〉 silence and employed all his power on the proof of Subornation That 〈…〉 too hard for his Teeth to enter and fastned his fangs on a softer place so to pinch the Bishop to purpose yea so expensive was the suit that the Bishop well skilled in the charge of charitable works might with the same cost have built and endowed a small Colledge 84. Some daies before she hearing a Noble Lord of his Majesties Councell In 〈…〉 with the King the Bishops great Friend interposed himself to compound the matter prevailing so farre that on his payment of two thousand pound the Suit should be superseded in the Star-Chamber and he freed from further molessation But at this Lords return the price was risen in the market and besides the aforesaid 〈◊〉 it was demanded of him that to procure his peace he must part with his Deanery of Westminster Parsonage or Walgrave and Prebend of Lincoln which he kept in commendam To this the Bishop answered that he would in no base forgoe those few remainders of the favour which his dead master King James had conferred 〈◊〉 him 85. Not long after another bargain was driven frustrated therein by his great Adversary by the well intended endeavours of the same Lord that seeing his Majesty at that time had much occasion of moneys if he would but double the former summe and lay down four thousand pounds he should be freed from further trouble and might goe home with all his 〈◊〉 about him The Bishop returned that he took no delight 〈◊〉 at law with his Soveraign and thankfully embracing the motion prepared himself for the payment When a great Adversary stepping in so violented his Majesty to a Tryall that all was not onely frustrated but this afterwards urged against the Bishop to prove him conscious of a crime from his forwardness to entertain a composition 86. The day of censure being come July 11. Tuesday Sir John Finch Lord chief Justice fined the Bishop ten thousand pound for tempering to suborn Witnesses His heavy censure Secretary Windebank concurred with that little Bell being the lowdest and shrillest in the whole peaâ— as who alone motioned to degrade him which was lustily pronounced by a Knight and Layman having no precedent for the same in former ages The other Lords brought the fine downe to eight thousand pound and a thousand marks to Sir John Munson with suspension ab officio et beneficio and imprisoning him during the Kings pleasure The Earl of Arundell added that the cause in its self was extraordinary not so much prosecuted by the Atturney as immediately by the King himself recommended to their justice Manchester Lord privy Seal said that this was the first precedent wherein a Master had undone himself to save his Servant 87. The Archbishop of Canterbury did consent thereunto To which the Archbishop of Canterbury did concurre aggravating the fault of subornation of perjury with a patheticall speech of almost an houre long shewing how the world was above three thousand years old before ripe enough to commit so great a wickedness and Jesabell the first in Scripture branded with that infamie whose false Witnesses the holy Spirit refused to name otherwise than under the Character of Men of Belial Wherefore although as he said he himself had been five times down on his knees to his Majesty in the Bishops behalf yet considering the guilt so great he could not but agree with the heaviest censure And although some Lords the Bishops Friends as Treasurer Weston Earl of Dorset c. concurred in the fine with hope the King should have the sole honor of the mitigation thereof yet his Majesties necessaries meeting with the person adjudged guilty and well known for solvable no wonder if the utmost penny of the fine was exacted 88. At the same time were fined with the Bishop Three of his Servants fined with 〈◊〉 George Walker his Secretary Cadwallader Powell his Steward at three hundred pounds a piece and Thomas Lund the Bishop his Servant at a thousand 〈◊〉 all as 〈◊〉 in the same cause yet none of them was imprisoned save Lund for a few weeks and their fine never called upon into this day which the Bishop said was commuted into such Office as hereafter they were go doe in the favour of Kilvert 7. To make this our History entire The complaints against the unjust proceedings against him put in by the Bishop into the Parliament the matter in this particular suite Be it therefore known to the Reader than some foure years after 〈◊〉 1640 when this Bishop was fetch out of the Tower and restored a Peer in Parliament he there in presented severall grievances concerning the indirect prosecution of this cause against him whereof these the principall First that his Adversaries utterly waâ—ed and declined the matter of their first Information about revealing the Kings secrets as hopeless of success therein and sprung a new mine to blow up his credit about perjury in the examination of Witnesses Whereas he conceived it just that all accidentalls and occasionalls should sink with the substance of the accusation otherwise suits would be endless if the branches thereof should still survive when the root doth expire * These complaints I extracted out of the Bishop his Originall Secondly that he was deprived of the benefit of bringing in any exceptions against the Testimonies of Sir John Lambe and Dr. Sibthorp to prove their combination against him because they deposing pro Domino Rege nonâ— must impeach the credit of the Kings Witnesses who must be reputed holy and sacred in what they 〈◊〉 in so much that after Briefs were drawn by Counsells on both sides the Court was moved to expunge those Witnesses which made most against the King and for the Defendant Thirdly that Kilvert used all wayes to menace and intimidate the Bishop his Witnesses frighting them as much as he could out of their own consciences with dangers presented unto them To this purpose he obtained from Secretary Windebank that a Messenger of the Star-chamber one Pechye by name was directed to attend him all along the speeding of the Commission in the Country with his Coat of Armes upon him with power to apprehend and close imprison any person whom Kilvert should appoint pretending from the Secretary Warrants for matters of State and deep consequence so to doe by vertue whereof in the face of the Commission he seised on and committed George Walker and Thomas Lund two materiall Witnesses for the Bishop and by the terror thereof chased away many more whose Depositions were necessary to the clearing of the Bishop his integrity yet when the aforesaid two Prisoners in the custody of the Messenger were produced before Secretary Winebank he told them he had no matters of State against them but turned them over to Kilvert wishing them to give him satisfaction and were not permitted
33. As Bishop Williams and Mr. Osbaston Dr Pocklinton and Dr. Bray censured were the two first Clergy-men who found the favour of this Parliament being remitted their finâ—s and restored to their livings and liberty so Doctor Pocklington and Doctor Bray were the two first that felt their displeasures The former for preaching and printing the latter for licencing two books one called Sunday no Sabbath the other The Christian altar Bishop Williams moved that Dâ—ctor Bray might recant seven errours in the first four and twenty in the second Treatise Soon after both the Doctors deceased for grief say some that they had writen what they should not for shame say others that they had recanted what they would not though a third sort more charitably take notice neither of the one nor the other but meerly impute it to the approach of the time of their dissolution 34. Anno Dom. 1640. Doctor Cosen soon after was highly accused Superstitions charged on Dr. Coseâ— for superstition and unjust proceedings against one Mr. Smart on this occasion The Doctor is charged to have set up in the Church of Durham a Marble Altar with Cherubins which cost two thousands pounds with all the appurtenances thereof namely a Cope with the Trinity and God the Father in the figure of an old man another with a Crucifix and the Image of Christ with a red Beard and blew Cap. Besides he was accused for lighting two hundred wax Candles about the Altar on Candlemas day For forbidding any Psalmes to be sung before or after Sermon though making an Anthem to be sung of the three Kings of Collen by the names of Gasper Balthazar and Melchior and for procuring a consecrated Knife only to cut the Bread at the Communion 35. Mr. Smart a prebendary of the Church Cruel usage of Mr. Smart one of a grave aspect and reverend presence sharply enveyed in a Sermon against these innovations taking for his text I hate all those that hold superstitious vanities but thy law doe I love 36. Hereupon he was kept prisoner four moneths by the high Commission of York before any Articles were exhibited against him and five moneths before any Proctor was allowed him Hence was he carried to the High-Commission at Lambeth and after long trouble remanded to York fined 500. pounds committed to prison ordered to recant and for that neglect thereof fined again excommunicated degraded and deprived his damage as brought in amounting to many thousand pounds 37. But now Mr. Rows of the House of Commons Relieved by Parliament bringing up the charge to the Lords against Doctor Cosen termed Mr. Smart the Proto martyr of England in these latter dayes of persecution and large reparations was allowed unto him though he lived not long after to enjoy them 38. Now though none can excuse and defend Doctor Cosen his carriage herein Dr. Cosen his due praise yet this must be reported to his due commendation Some yeers after getting over into France he neither joyned with the Church of French Protestants at Charentoun nigh Paris nor kept any communion with the Papists therein but confined himself to the Church of old English Protestants therein Where by his pious living and constant praying and preaching he reduced some recusants to and confirmed more doubters in the Protestant Religion Many his incounters with Jesuits and Priests defeating the suspicions of his foes and exceeding the expectation of his Friends in the successe of such disputes 39. The Commons desired the Lords to joyn with them to finde out Jan. 23 Goodman a Priest handled betwixt life and death who moved the King to reprieve John Goodman a seminary Priest who as they said had been twice condemned and now the second time reprieved whilest the Parliament sate 40. The King sent a message by the Lord Privy-Seal Jan. 25 that Goodman was not as the Commons were informed condemned and banished but only sentenced for being a Priest and therefore that in reprieving him he shewed but the like mercy which Queen Eliz. and King James had shewed in the like cases 41. The Lords joyned with the Commons in their desire concerning Goodman Jan. 27 that the Statutes might speedily be executed upon him as necessary in this juncture of time wherein Papists swarmed in all parts presuming on indemnity With what credit or comfort could they sit to enact new Lawes whilst they beheld former Statutes dayly broken before their eyes 42. The King acquainted the Houses that though Queen Eliz. and King James never condemned Priest meerly for Religion Feb. 3 yet rather then he would discontent his Subjects he left him to the judgment of both Houses to be disposed of at their pleasure 43. Goodman petitioned the King that like Jonah the Prophet Anno Dom 1640 Anno Regis Caroli 16 he might be cast into the Sea Yet he escapeâ—â— with lâ—fe at last to still the tempest betwixt the King and his People conceiving his blood well spent to cement them together But in fine he escaped with his life not so much by any favour indulged him as principally because the accusations could not be so fully proved against him Febr. 4. 44. About this time was the first motion of a new Protestation The first mention of the Protestation to be taken all over England the Copy whereof is omitted as obvious every where which some moneths after was generally performed as containing nothing but what was lawfull and commendable therein Yet some refused it as suspecting the adding of new would substract obedience from former oâ—thes men being prone to love that best which left the last relish in their souls and in fine such new obligations of conscience like suckers would draw from the stock of the old oathes of supremacy and alleagiance 45. March began very blusteringly March 1. on the first day whereof Archbishop Laud was in Mr. Maxfeild his Coach carried to the Tower A Committee of the Lords to settle religion and not long after the Lords appointed a Committee of their own Members for settling of peace in the Church What hopefull opinion the aforesaid Archbishop had of their proceedings will appear by the following note which he entred into his a March 21. pag. 24. Diarie A Committee for Religion settled in the upper house of Parliament Mond 21. Ten Earles ten Bishops ten Barons So the Lay-Votes will be double to the Clergy This Committee will meddle with Doctrine as well as Ceremonies and will call some Divines to them to consider of the businesse as appears by a Letter hereto annexed sent by the Lord Bishop of Lincoln to some Divines to attend this service upon the whole matter I believe this Committee will prove the Nationall Synod of England to the great dishonour of the Church And what else may follow upon it God knowes 46. At the same time the Lords appointed a Sub-committee A Sub-Committee for the
Rochester 2 Sir Walter Mildmay Knight 3 Richard Risley 4 Dr. Patison 5 Philip Rawlins 6 Mr. Jennings 7 Nicolas Culverwell 8 Thomas Laughton 9 Mr. Wentworth 10 Robert Isham 11 Richard Bunting 12 Richard Car. Learn Writ Fellowes Learn Writ no Fel. Livings 1 Edward Dearing 2 John More Preacher in Norwich he made the excellent Map of the Land of Palestine 3 Hugh Broughton a learned Man especially in the Eastern languages but very opinionative 4 Andrew Willet one of admirable industry 5 Richard Clerk one of the Translators of the Bible and an eminent Preacher at Canterbury 6 William Perkins 7 Thomas Morton a melancholy Man but excellent Commentator on the Corinthians 8 Francis Dillingham a great Grecian and one of the Translators of the Bible 9 Thomas Taylor a painfull Preacher and profitable Writer 10 Paul Bains he succeeded Mr. Perkins at St. Andrews 11 Daniel Rogers one of vast parts lately deceased 12 William Ames Professor of Divinity in Holland 13 Joseph Mede most learned in mysticall Divinity 1 Anthonie Gilby he lived saith Bale in Queen Maries reign an exile in Geneva 2 Arthur Hildersham Haereticorum malleus 3 John Dounham lately deceased Author of the worthy work of The holy Warfare 4 Robert Hill D. D. he wrote on the Lords Prayer 5 Edward Topsell on Ruth 6 Thomas Draxe 7 Elton 8 Richard Bernard of Batcomb 9 Nathaniel Shute another Chrysostome for preaching 10 William Whately 11 Henry Scuddar Kegworth R. in Lincoln Dioc. valued at 25 l. 15s 8d Toft R. in Ely Dioc. 6l 16s 9d Cauldecot R. in Ely Dioc. valued at 3l 12s Bourn V. in Ely Dioc valued at 9l 15s 9d Clipston duarum partium R. in Peterb Dioc. valued at 11l 12s 8d Helpston V. in Peterb Dioc. valued at 8l 4d Nawmby R. in Lincoln valued at 17l 9s 10d Croxton V. in Norwic. valued at 6l 13s 4d Maverbyre V. in St. Davids Dioc. valued at 8l Ringsted V. in Norwic. Dioc. valued at Gately V. in Norwic. Dioc. valued at 3l 2s 8d Hopton V. in Norwic. Dioc. valued at With many moe Worthies still alive Anno Regis Hen. 7. amongst whom Anno Dom. Mr. Nicolas Estwich Parson of Warkton in Northamptonshire a solid Divine and a great advancer of my Church-History by me must not be forgotten I have done with Christ-Colledge when we have observed it placed in St. Andrews Parish the sole motive by Major * Lib. 1. fol. 8. Foâ— quod ipsum in St. Andrâ—ae Parochia sicum offendi his own confession making him to enter himself therein a Student St. Andrew being reputed the tutelar Saint of that Nation Had Emmanuel been extant in that age he would have been much divided to dispose of himself finding two so fair foundations in the same Parish 10. Be the following caution well observed Caution generall which here I place as in this mid'st of this our History that it may indifferently be extended to all the Colledges as equally concerned therein Let none expect from me an exact enumeration of all the Worthies in every Colledge seeing each one affordeth Some Writers from me concealed Let not therefore my want of knowledge be accounted their want of worth Many most able Scholars who never publiquely appeared in print nor can their less learning be inferred from their more modesty Many pious Men though not so eminently learned very painfull and profitable in Gods Vineyard Yea the generall weight of Gods work in the Church lieth on Men of middle and moderate parts That servant who improved his two * Math. 25. 22. talents into four did more than the other who encreased his five into ten Trades-men will tell you it 's harder to double a little than treble a great deale seeing great banks easily improve themselves by those advantages which smaller summs want And surely many honest though not so eminent Ministers who employ all their might in Gods service equal if not exceed both in his acceptance and the Churches profit the performances of such who farre excell them in abilities John Eccleston 22 Vice-Chan Edm. Natares Proc. Drs. of Divinity 12. Tho. Swayn 1506 of Canon-Law 2. of Civil-Law 2. Doc. of Physick 2. Mrs. of Arts 25. Bac. Law 18. John Brakingthorp Maior of Musick 1. Gram. 3. Arts 26. Bac. of Divinity 8. William Robson 23 Vice-Chan John Philips Proc. Drs. of Divinitie 1. Rich. Picard 1607 of Canon-Law 1. Bac. of Divin 1. Bac. Law 5. John Brakingthorp Maior  Mus 1. Mrs. of Arts 17. Arts 42. Will. Buckenham 24 Vice-Chan James Nicolson Proc. Drs. of Divinitie 3. Milles Bycardick 1508 Bac. of Divinitie 5. Mrs. of Arts 18. Bac. of Law 12. Hugh Chapman Maior of Arts 46.  William Buckenham Hen. 8. 1 Vice-Chan Will. Chapman Proc. Doc. of Divinitie 5. Will. Brighouse Bac. of Divinitie 8. Mrs. of Arts 14. Bac. of Law 11. Hugh Raukin Maior of Arts 31. 11. Last year began the foundation of St. Johns Colledge The death oâ— the Lady Margaret whose Foundrss Anno Dom. 1509. the Lady Margaret Anno Regis Hen. 8. 1. countess of Richmond and Derbie died before the finishing thereof This Lady was born at Bletsho in Bedford-shire where some of her own needle-work is still to be seen which was constantly called for by King James when passing thereby in his progress Her father was John * Camden in Bedfordshire Beaufort Duke of Somerset and mother Margaret Beauchamp a great inheritrix So that fairfort and fairfield met in this Lady who was fair-body and fair-soule being the exactest patterne of the best devotion those dayes afforded taxed for no personal faults but the errors of the age she lived in John Fisher Bishop of Rochester preached her funeral sermon wherein he resembled her to Martha in four respects * Rich. Hall in his manuscript life of John Fisher Bishop of Rochester first nobility of person secondly discipline of her body thirdly in ordering her soul to God fourthly in hospitality and charity He concluded she had thirty Kings and Queens let he himself count them within the foure degrees of mariage to her besides Dukes Marquesses Earles and other Princes She lieth buried in the Chappell at Westminster neer her Sonne in a fair Tombe of touch-stone whereon lieth her Image of gilded brass She died June the 29. * Stows Chron. pag 487. and was buried as appeareth by a note annexed to her Testament the July following 12. Her death The carefulness of her Executors though for a time retarding did not finally obstruct the ending of St. Johns Colledge which was effectually prosecuted by such as she appointed her Executors viz. 1. Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester 2. John Fisher Bishop of Rotchester 3. Charles Somerset Lord Herbert afterwards Earle of Worcester 4. Sir Thomas Lovel Treasurer of the Kings house 5. Sir Henry afterwards Lord Marny Chancellor of the Dutchie of Lancaster 6. Sir John St. John her Chamberlain and
conscience Yea for the present such the reverence to his integrity no punishment was imposed upon him 57. Merks was conceived in the judgment of most moderate men Activity will he tampering abundantly to have satisfied his conscience with his speech in Parliament But how hard is it to stop an active soul in its full speed He thought himself bound not onely to speak but do yea and suffer too if called thereunto for his Soveraign This moved him to engage with Henry Hot-spur and other discontented Lords against King Henry on whose defeat this Bishop was taken prisoner and judicially arraigned for high Treason 58. This is one of the clearest distinguishing characters A Bishop not triable by his Peers betwixt the Temporal and Spiritual Lords that the former are to be tried per pares by their Peers being Barons of the Realm the later are by Law and custome allowed a Trial onely by a Jury of able and substantial persons Such a Mr Selden in a late small Treatise of Parliaments men found Bishop Merks guilty of Treason for which he was condemned and sent prisoner to S t Albans 59. The King would gladly have had a fair riddance of this Bishop A seasonable expedient whom he could not with credit keep here nor send hence As to deprive him of life it was dangerous in those dayes when some Sacredness was believed inherent in Episcopal persons Here his Holiness helpt the King with an handsom expedient to salve all matters by removing Merks to be Bishop of b Godwin in his Bishops Samos in Grecia I finde three Grecian Islands of the same name and a critick c Carolus Stephanus in dictionario poetico complaineth they are often confounded The best is it is not much material of which of them Merks was made Bishop having onely a Title to sterve in state without a penny profit thereby But before his translation was compleated he was translated into another world The End of the Fourteenth CENTURY SECT II. Anno Regis TO Sir GERRARD NAPIER OF Dorcet-shire Anno Dom. BARONET I Have read that a Statute was made to retrench the number of great mens keeping their Reteiners in the Reign of King Hen. 7 th and that politickly done in those nutinous times to prevent Commotions lest some popular person should raise a little Army under the covert of his great Attendance A Law improved to Rigor though certainly as all other penal Statutes intended but to terrour insomuch that the Earl of Oxford more meriting of King Hen. 7 th then any other subject was even * Lord Verulum in his Life p. 211. delivered to the Kings Atturney and as report saith Fined fifteen thousand Marks for exceeding the proportion legally allowed I confess we live in as dangerous dayes and affording as great jealousies as those But I have cause to be right glad as deeply concerned therein that though a Statute hath forbidden many to depend on one none hath prohibited one to depend on many Patrons But any Author of a Book may multiply them Sance-number as driving on no hurtful design but onely the protection of his own endeavours On this account I tender these my Labours unto you knowing the very Name of NAPIER acceptable to all Scholars ever since the Learned Laird of Marchistowne no stranger to your bloud as I am informed by his Log-arithmes contracted the pains and so by consequence prolonged the time and life of all imployed in Numeration 1. KIng Henry being conscious that he had got and did keep the Crown by a bad Title Hen 4 10. counted it his wisest way 1408. to comply with the Clergie King Henry bloudy against â—oor Christians yt 〈◊〉 his Regal power against the Popes encroachments whose present power was not onely useful but needful for him To gain their favour he lately enacted bloudy Laws for the extirpation of poor Christians under the false notion of Hereticks a Statute 2 of Hen. 4. c. 15. condemning them to be burnt A torment unheard of in such cases till that time and yet it appeareth that the Pope in this Age was not possest of so full power in England whatsoever the Catholicks pretend but that this politick Prince kept the reins though loose in his own hand For in this b 1 Henry 4 th fol. 19. time it was resolved that the Popes Collector though he had the Popes Bull for that purpose had no jurisdiction within this Realm and that the Arch-Bishops and Bishops of England Anno Dom. 1408. were the Spiritual Judges in the Kings behalf Anno Regis Hen. 4. 10. As it was also a Statute 2 Hen. 4. cap. 3. enacted if any person of Religion obtained of the Bishop of Rome to be exempt from obedience regular or ordinary he was in a premunire Yea this very Statute which gave power to a Bishop in his Diocess to condemn an Heretick plainly proveth that the King by consent of Parliament directed the proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Court in cases of Heresie so that the Pope even in matters of Spiritual cognizance had no power over the lives of English subjects 2. The first on whom this cruel Law was hanselled William Sautre the protomertyr of English protestants was William Sautre formerly parish Priest of S t Margaret in the town of Lin but since of S t Osith in the City of London This was he whose Faith fought the first Duell with Fire it self and overcame it Abel was the first Marry of men S t Stephen the first of Christian men S t Alban the first of British Christians and this Sautre the first of English Protestants as by Prolepsis I may terme them Scriveners use with gaudy flourishes to deck and garnish the initial characters of Copies which superfluous pains may be spared by us in adorning this leading letter in the pattern of patience seeing it is conspicuous enough in its self died red with its own bloud Some charge this Sautre with fear and fickleness because formerly he had abjured those Articles for which afterwards he died before the Bishop of Norwich But let those who severely censure him for once denying the truth and do know who it was that denied his Master thrice take heed they do not as bad a deed more then four times themselves May Sautre's final Constancy be as surely practised by men as his former Cowardliness no doubt is pardoned by God Eight Errours were laid to his charge in order as followeth 1. Imprimis He saith that he will not worship the Cross on which Christ suffered but onely Christ that suffered upon the Cross 2. Item That he would sooner worship a temporal King then the aforesaid wooden Cross 3. Item That he would rather worship the bodies of the Saints then the very Cross of Christ on which he hung if it were before him 4. Item That he would rather worship a man truly contrite then the Cross
Vniversitas praedicta solvant teneantur folvere ipsi Domino nostro Regi Henrico haeredibus suis mille Libras legalis Monetae Angliae Concordat cum Originali GULIELMUS RYLEY Afterwards the King confirmed the same with the consent of the Lords and Commons in Parliament as in the Tower Rouls doth plainly appear 27. See we here the grand difference The effect of the Statute of Praemunire betwixt the Popes power in England before and after the Statute of Praemunire Before it his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was authentical and his Bulls received next to Canonical Scripture Since that Statute hath broken off their best Seals wherein they crosse the Royall Power and in all things else they enter into England mannerly with good King by your leave Sir or else they were no better then so much waste Parchment 28. This doth acquaint us with a perfect Character of King Henry the fourth Farwell to K. Henry the fourth who though curteous was not servial to the Pope And * Fourth book of his Instit of the Jurisd of Courts page 228. S r Edward Cook accounteth this his Oxford action though unwilling to transcribe the Instrument for the tediousness thereof a noble act of Kingly power in that Age and so we take our farwell of King Henry the fourth not observed as all English Kings before and after him to have erected and endowed any one intire house of Religion as first or sole Founder thereof though a great Benefactor to the Abby of Leicester and Colledg of Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire his Picture is not so well known by his Head as his Hood which he weareth upon it in an antick fashion peculiar to himself 29. At the Commons Petition to the King in Parliament Chaumberdakyns banished England that all Irish begging-Priests Hen. 5 1413 called * Rotuli in Turre in hoc anno The death of T. Arundel Chaumberdakyns should avoid the Realm before Michaelmas next 1. they were ordered to depart by the time aforesaid upon pain of loss of goods and imprisonment during the Kings pleasure 30. I had almost forgotten that just a moneth before the death of King Henry the Fourth Thomas Arundel Arch-Bishops of Canterbury expired famished to death not for want of food but a throat to swallow it such the swelling therein that he could neither speak nor eat for some dayes I may safely report what others observe how he who by his cruel Canons forbad the food to the soul and had pronounced sentence of condemnation on so many innocents was now both starv'd and strick dumb together Henry Chichely succeeded him in the place whose mean birth interrupted the Chain of Noble Arch-Bishop his two predecessors and successors being Earls sons by their extraction 31. The Prelates and Abbots especially The Clergie jealous of King Henries activity began now to have the activesoul of King Henry in suspition For working heads are not so willing to follow old wayes Hen. 5 1414. 2. as well-pleased to find out new ones Such a medling soul must ne sent out of harms-way If that the Clergie found not this King some work abroad he would make them new work at home Had his humor happend to side with the Lollards Anno Regis Hen. 2 8. Henry the fifth would have saved King Henry the Eight much pains in demolishing of Monasteries Anno Dom. 1414. 32. Hereupon the Clergie cunningly gave vent to his Activity Divert it on a war in France by divertting it on a long warre upon the French where his Victories are loundly sounded forth by our State Historians A warre of more credit then profit to England in this Kings Reigne draining the Men and Money thereof Thus Victorious Bayes bear onely barren Berries no whit good for food and very little for Physick whilst the Peaceable Olive drops down that precious liquor making the face of man to shine therewith Besides what this King Henry gained his Son as quickly lost in France Thus though the Providence of Nature hath priviledged Islanders by their entire position to secure themselves yet are they unhappy in long keeping their acquisitions on the Continent 33. Now began the Tragedy of Sir John Oldcastle The sad story of Sir John Oldcastle so largely handled in Mr. Fox that his pains hath given Posterity a Writ of Ease herein He was a vigorous Knight whose Martiall Activity wrought him into the affections of Jone f Camd. Brit. in Kent D la Pole Baronesse of Cobham the Lord whereof he became sed quaere whether an Actuall Baron by her Marriage 34. As for the Opinions of this Sir John Oldcastle His belief they plainly appear in his Belief which he drew up with his own hand and presented it first to the King then to the Archbishop of Canterbury wherein some things are rather coursely then falselie spoken He knew to speak in the Language of the Schools so were the meetings of the Wicklivists called but not scholastically and I believe he was the first that coyned and last that used the distinction of the Church Militant divided into Priest-hood Knight-hood and Commons which had no great harm therein as he explained it As for * In his 3 conversion Persons his charging him with Anabaptistical Tenets it is pitty that the words of a plain meaning man should be put on the Wrack of a Jesuites malice to extort by deduction what never was intended therein 35. But a worse accusation is charged on his Memory He is charged of Treason that he was not onely guilty of Herese but Treason But by the way it appeareth that Lolardisme then counted Heresie was made Treason by Statute and on that account Heresie and Treason signifie no more then Heresie and then Heresie according to the abusive language of that Age was the best serving of God in those dayes But besides this a very formal Treason is laid to this Lords account in manner following It is laid to his charge that though not present in the person with his Councel he encouraged an Army of Rebels no fewer then twenty thousand which in the dark thickets expounded in our Age into plain pasture of S t Giles Fields nigh London intended to seize on the Kings Person and his two Brothers the Dukes of Bedford and Glocester Of this numerous Army thirty six are said to be hang'd and burnt though the Names of three are onely known and S r Roger Acton Knight the onely person of quality named in the design 36. For mine own part The Author intricated I must confess my self so lost in the Intricacies of these Relations that I know not what to assent to On the one side I am loath to load the Lord Cobhams memory with causless crimes knowing the perfect hatred the Clergie in that Age bear'd unto him and all that look d towards the reformation in Religion Besies that 20000 men should be brought into the field
Fellows two Chaplains three Clerks six Choristers besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation with other Students the whole number being seventy The Fellows of this College are bound by their Statutes to be benè nati spendidè vestiti mediocriter docti in plano cantu Know Reader I was promised by my respected friend D r Jeremy Taylor late Fellow of this house well known to the world by his worth a Catalogue of the Eminent Scholars thereof but it seems the Press like Time and Tide staying for no man I have not been so happy seasonably to receive it 11. Six years did this Arch-Bishop survive the first Founding of this Colledg A tart jeer soberly returned He was a worthy man in his generation 1443 had not his vassalage to the Pope the epidemical disease of those dayes ingaged him in cruelty against the poor professors of the truth 21. May 3. Most of the Synods called by him toward the latter end of his life effected onely the advance of money the Clergy being very desirous to buy off the penalty of a Praemunire so pernicious to their proceedings but could not compleatly compass the same I have nothing else to observe of Arch-Bishop Chichely save the common tradition how King Henry the sixth acted herein by some misoclere-Countries otherwise in himself friend enough to Church-men sent this Arch-Bishop for a New-years-gift a shred-pie indeed as containing pieces of cloath and stuff of several sorts and colours in jeer because his father was a Taylor at Higham-Ferrars in Northampton-shire The Arch-Bishop thankfully received the gift even after he had seen the entrals thereof and courteously entertained the messenger Anno Regis Hen 6 21. requesting him to return to his Grace If my Lord the King do but as far exceed Henry the fifth whom God assoil his Father Anno Dom. 1443 as my meanness hath gone beyond my poor father he will make the most accomplished Monarch that ever was in Christendom John Stafford one of noble parentage succeeded in the place of Chichely deceased 12. This good precedent of the Arch-Bishops bounty 24. may be presumed a spur to the speed of the Kings liberality 1446 who soon after Founded Eaton Colledg The Founding of Eaton Colledg incorporate by the name of Praepositi Collegii Regalis Col. Beatae Mariae de Eaton juxta Winsor It seemeth these words Beatae Mariae are so necessary that being left out in a Lease wherein all the other Titles of the Foundation were inserted at large the said a A bridgment of Judge Diers reports Num. 379. Trin. Term. quarto Mariae Lease was adjudged void for that omission But know this verdict passed in Queen Maries dayes when Regina Maria made the mention of Beatae Mariae so essential thereunto 13. Indeed it was high time some School should be founded The bad Poetry of that Age. considering how low Grammer-Learning ran then in the Land as may appear by the following Verses made for King Henry the Founder as good no doubt as the generality of that Age did afford though scarce deserving Translation so that the worst scholar in Eaton Colledg that can make a Verse can make a better Luce tua qui natus erat Nicolae sacer Rex Henricus Sextus hoc stabilivit opus Vnctum qui Lapidem postquam ponebat in Eaton Hunc fixit Clerum commemorando suum Astiterant illi tunc Pontifices in honorem Actus solennis Regis Ecclesiae Ex Orientali * Medlo si bis septem pedetentim Mensurare velis invenies Lapidem In festo sancti Jacobi sanctam stabilivit Hic unctam Petram Regia sacra manus Annis M. CCCC sexto quarter Xque Regis H. Regni quinto jungendo Vicena Devout King Henry of that name the sixt Born Nic'las on thy day this building fixt In Eaton having plac'd a stone anointed In sign it for the Clergy was appointed His Prelates then were present so the more To honour the Kings acts and holy Chore. From Eastern midst whereof just fourteen feet If any measure they this stone shall meet On holy James his day the sacred hand Of Royal Henry caus'd this stone to stand M. four C s. fourty six since Christ was born When H. the Crown * Viz. Current otherwise but 24 compleat twenty five years had worn 14. This Colledg consisteth of one Provost A Bountiful Foundation God continue it Fellows a Schoolmaster and Usher with Kings Scholars Besides many Oppidanes maintained there at the cost of their friends so that were Eaton as also Winchester-School removed into Germany they would no longer be accounted Scholae but Gymnasia a middle terme betwixt a School and an Vniversity The Provostship of Eaton is accounted one of the Gentilest Anno Dom. 1446. and intirest preferments in England the Provost thereof being provided for in all particulars Anno Regis Hen. 6 24. to the very points of his hose my desire is one tag of them may not be diminished and as a pleasant * Prov. 28. 19. Courtier told King Henry the eighth an hundred pound a year more then enough Sir John Harrington in the continuation of Godwins Bish in Bish Day of Winchester How true this is I know not this I know if some Courtiers were to stint the enough of Clergy-men even the most industrious of them should with * Prov. 28. 19. Solomons sloathful man have poverty enough But take here a Catalogue of the Provosts of Eaton 1. Henry Seilver D. D. Almoner to King Henry the sixth 2. William Wainflet B. D. afterwards Bishop of Winchester 3. John Clerk B. D. died Provost the 7 th Novemb 1447. 4. William Westbury B. D. chosen Provost Anno 1448. 5. Hen. Bost B. D. he gave an hundred Marks and twenty pounds per an to the Colledg died the 7 th Feb. 1503. 6. Roger Lupton B. D. 7. Robert Aldridge afterwards Bishop of Carlisle 8. S r Tho. Smith Doct. of Law of Queens Colledg in Cambridg chosen Anno 1554. 9. Henry Colle D. D. and Law chosen in the same year 1554. 10. William Bill D. D. Almoner to Queen Elizabeth chosen July 5. 1559. 11. William Day B. D. Dean also of Windsor chosen Jan. 5. 1561. afterwards Bishop of Winchester 12. Sir Henry Savile Warden of Merton Colledg in Oxford chosen 3 June 1596. eminent to all posterity for his magnificent Edition of Saint Chrysostome in Greek 13. Tho. Murrey Esq Tutor and Secretary to King Charls whilst Prince 14. S r Henry * Whose Life is excellently written by my worthy fried Mr Isaac Walton Wotton famous for several Embassies chosen 1625. 15. Steward Doct. of Law and Dean of S t Pauls 16. Francis Rouse Esabque This Eaton is a nursery to Kings Colledg in Cambridg All that I will add is to wish that the prime Scholars in this School may annually be chosen to the University and when chosen their places may
Henry had already attained both by his partial Reformation Power by abolishing the Pope's usurpation in His Dominions Profit by seizing on the lands and goods of suppressed Monasteries And thus having served His own turn His zeal wilfully tired to goe any farther and onely abolishing such Popery as was in order to his aforesaid designes He severely urged the rest on the practice of His Subjects 16. Herein he appeared like to Jehu King of Israel Compared with King Jehu who utterly rooted out the forraign Idolatry of BAAL fetcht from the Zidonians and almost appropriated to the family of Ahab but still worshipped the CALVES in DAN and BETHEL the state-Idolatry of the Kingdome So our Henry though banishing all out-landish superstition of Papall dependance still reserved and maintained home bred Popery persecuting the Refusers to submit thereunto 17. For The six bloody Articles by the perswasion of Bishop Gardiner in defiance of Archbishop Cranmer and the L. Cromwell with might and main opposing it it was enacted 1. That in the Sacrament of the Altar after consecration no substance of bread or wine remaineth but the naturall body and blood of Christ 2. That the Communion in both kindes is not necessary ad salutem by the law of God to all persons 3. That Priests after Orders received may not Marry by the Law of God 4. That Vows of Chastity ought to be observed 5. That it is meet and necessary that private Masses be admitted and continued in Churches 6. That auricular Confession must be frequented by people as of necessity to salvation Laws bad as penned worse as prosecuted which by some Bishops extensive interpretations were made commensurate to the whole body of Popery 18. Indeed The L. Cromwel's designe miscarrieth the Lord Cromwell unable to right his own had a designe to revenge himself on the opposite party by procuring an Act That Popish Priests convict of Adultery should be subject to the same punishment with Protestant Ministers that were married But Gardiner by his greatnesse got that law so qualified that it soon became lex edentula Ann. Reg. Hē 8. 32. whilst the other remained mordax death being the penalty of such who were made guilty by the six Articles though Nicholas Shaxton of Salisbury Ann. Dom. 1540. and Hugh Latimer of Worcester found the especial favour to save themselves by losing of their Bishopricks 19. And now began Edmond Bonner 〈…〉 aliàs Savage most commonly called by the former but too truly known by the later name newly made Bishop of London to display the colours of his cruelty therein which here I forbear to repeat because cited at large by Mr. Fox For I desire my Church-History should behave it self to his Book of Martyrs as a Lieutenant to its Captain onely to supply his place in his absence to be supplemental thereunto in such matters of moment which have escaped his observation 20. Match-makers betwixt private persons seldome finde great love for their pains Cromwell fal's into the Kings displeasure and peoples hatred betwixt Princes often fall into danger as here it proved in the L. Cromwell the grand contriver of the King's marriage with Anne of Cleve On him the King had conferred Honours so many and so suddainly that one may say The crudities thereof lay unconcted in his soul so that he could not have time to digest one Dignity before another was poured upon him Not to speak of his Mastership of the Jewel-house he was made Baron Master of the Rolls the Kings Vicar-general in spiritual matters Lord Privie-Seale Knight of the Garter Earle of Essex Lord Great Chamberlaine of England And my b Camdens Brit. in Essex p. 454. Authour observeth that all these Honours were conferred upon him in the compasse of five years most of them possessed by him not five moneths I may adde and all taken from him in lesse than five minutes with his life on the scaffold 21. This was the cause why he was envied of the Nobility and Gentry Why Cromwel was deservedly envied being by birth so much beneath all by preserment so high above most of them Besides many of his advancements were interpreted not so much Honours to him as Injuries to others as being either in use improper or in equity unfit or in right unjust or in conscience unlawfull for him to accept His Mastership of the Rolls such who were bred Lawyers conceived it fitter for men of their profession As for the Earldome of Essex conferred upon him though the title lately became void by the death of Bourchier the last Earl without Issue-male and so in the strictnesse of right in the King 's free disposal yet because he left Anne a sole Daughter behinde him Cromwel's invading of that Honour bred no good blood towards him amongst the kinred of that Orphan who were honourable and numerous His Lord great Chamberlainship of England being an Office for many years Hereditary in the Antient and Honourable House of Oxford incensed all of all that Family when beholding him possessed thereof His Knighthood of the Garter which custome had appropriated to such who by three degrees at least could prove their Gentile descent being bestowed on him did but enrage his Competitours thereof more honourably extracted As for his being the King's Vicar-General in Spiritual matters all the Clergie did rage thereat grutching much that K. Henry the substance and more that Cromwell His shadow should assume so high a Title to himself Besides Cromwel's name was odious unto them on the account of Abbies dissolved and no wonder if this Sampson plucking down the pillars of the Popish-Church had the rest of the structure falling upon him July 9. These rejoiced when the Duke of Norfolke arrested him for Treason at the Councel-Table whence he was sent Prisoner to the Tower 22. And now to speak impartially of him Cromwell's admirable parts though in prison If we reflect on his parts and endowments it is wonderfull to see how one quality in him befriended another Great Scholar he was none the Latine Testament gotten by heart being the master-piece of his learning nor any studied Lawyer never long-living if admitted in the Inns of Court nor experienced Souldier though necessity cast him on that calling when the Duke of Burbone besieged Rome nor Courtier in his youth till bred in the Court as I may call it of Cardinal Wolsey's house and yet that of the Lawyer in him so helped the Scholar that of the Souldier the Lawyer that of the Courtier the Souldier and that of the Traveller so perfected all the rest being no stranger to Germany well acquainted with France most familiar with Italy that the result of all together made him for endowments eminent not to say admirable 23. It was laid to his charge Articles charged upon the Lord Cromwell First that he had exceeded his Commission in acting many things of high conseqsence without acquainting the King therwith dealing therein
his plain Prayer which he immediately after made His Prayer whereby his Speech may be interpreted too long here to insert but set down at large in Mr. Fox and which speaketh him a true Protestant And if negative Arguments avail ought in this matter no superstitious crossing of himself no praying to Saints no desiring of prayers for him after his death c. may evidence him no Papist in the close of his life Indeed Anti-Cromwellists count this controversie of the Religion he died in not worth the deciding no Papists conceiving the gain great to get him on their side and some Protestants accounting the losse as little to part with him However this right ought to be done to his Memory in fixing it on its own principles and not mis-representing the same to posterity 28. Remarkable is that passage in his Speech Heaven is just in Barths injustice wherein he confesseth himself by Law condemned to die because a story dependeth thereupon Not long agoe an Act had passed in Parliament That one might be attainted of Treason by Bill in Parliament and consequently lose his life without any other legal triall or being ever brought to answer in his own defence The Lord Cromwell was very active in procuring this Law to passe insomuch that it is generally believed that the Arme and Hammer of all King Henry's Power could never have driven on this Act thorough both Houses had not Cromwell first wimbled an hole for the entrance thereof and politickly prepared a major part of Lords and Commons to accept the same For indeed otherwise it was accounted a Law injurious to the liberty which reason alloweth to all persons accused and which might cut out the tongue of Innocency it self depriving her of pleading in her own behalf Now behold the hand of Heaven It hapned that this Lord first felt the smart of this rod which be made for others and was accordingly condemned before ever he was heard to speak for himself Nec lex est justior ulla Quam necis artifices arte perire suâ Most just it is that they bad Laws who make Should themselves first of their own Laws partake Thus those who break down the banks and let in the stream of Arbitrary power be it into the hands of Prince or People are commonly the first themselves which without pity are drowned in the deluge thereof 29. Thus farre I have swome along with the winde and tide of all our English Historians Yet the Lord Cromwell by a great person acquitted herein in charging of Cromwell herein But I finde one * Sir Edward Coke Part 4. of Institut in Jurisdiction of Courts p. 37. Authour of strong credit such he needs to be who swims against the stream acquitting the said Lord deriving his intelligence from Sir Thomas Gawdie a grave Judge then living who acquainted him as followeth King Henry commanded the L. Cromwell to attend the Chief Justices and to know whether a man that was forth-coming might be attainted of high Treason by Parliament and never called to his answer The Judges answered That it was a dangerous question and that the high Court of Parliament ought to give examples to inferiour Courts for proceeding according to justice and no inferiour Court could doe the like and they thought the high Court of Parliament would never doe it But being by the expresse commandement of the King and pressed by the said Earl to give a direct answer they said That if he be attainted by Parliament it could not come in question afterwards whether he was called or not called to answer and the Act of Attainder being passed by Parliament did binde as they resolved The party against whom this was intended was never called in question but the first man after the said resolution that was so attainted and never called to answer was the said Earl of Essex whereupon that erroneous and vulgar opinion amongst our Historians grew That he died by the same Law which he himself had made 30. But His exemplary gratitude grant this Lord Cromwell faulty in this and some other actions in the main he will appear a worthy person and a great instrument of God's glory in the reforming of Religion and remarkable for many personal eminencies Commonly when men are as in a moment mounted from meannesse to much wealth and honour first they forget them selves and then all their old friends and acquaintance Whereas on the contrary here gratitude grew with his greatnesse and the Lord Cromwell conferred many a courtesie on the Children from whose Fathers Master Cromwell had formerly received favours As he was a good Servant to his Master so was he a good Master to his Servants and fore-seeing his own full which he might have foretold without the Spirit of Prophesie some half a year before he furnished his Men which had no other lively-hood to subsist by with Leases Pensions and Annuities whereby after his death they had a comfortable maintenance 31. One so faithfull to his Servants His care for his Children cannot be suspected for an Infidel in not providing for his family of his own children It was not therefore his ambition but providence that on the same day wherein he was created Earle of Essex he procured Gregory his Son which otherwise had been then but a Lord by courtesie to be actually made Baron Cromwell of Oke-ham Which honour because inherent in the Son was not forfeited on his Father's attainture but descends at this day on his Posterity 32. We will conclude his story with this remarkable instance of his humility An eminent instance of his humility Formerly there flourished a notable family of the b Camdens Brit. in Lincoln-shire Cromwells at Tattershall in Lincoln-shire especially since Sir Ralph Cromwell married the younger Sister and Coheir of William the last Lord Deincourt Now there wanted not some flattering Heraults excellent Chemists in Pedegrees to extract any thing from any thing who would have entituled this Lord Cromwell to the Armes of that antient Family extinct in the issue male thereof about the end of King Henry the sixt His answer unto them was That he would not weare another mans coat for fear the right owner thereof should pluck it off over his ears and preferred rather to take a new coate viz. * See Vincent in the Earles of Essex AZure Or a Fess inter three Lyons rampant Or a Rose Gules betwixt two Chaughes proper being somewhat of the fullest the Epidemical dissease of all Armes given in the Reign of Henry the eighth 33. After the execution of the Lord Cromwell Men of different judgment meeting at their death the Parliament still sitting a motly execution happened in Smithfield three Papists hanged by the Statute for denying the King's supremacy and as many Protestants burnt at the same time and place by vertue of the six Articles dying with more pain and no lesse patience Papists Protestants Edward Powell
hand thought fit to insert this his following account thereof though not knowing whether the same will give the Reader satisfaction 45. A match was made Her plea for leaving her husband by the power of their Parents betwixt Mr. Kyme his Son in Lincoln shire and Sir William Ashcough his eldest Daughter who chanced to die before the completing thereof Sir William loth to lose so rich an Heir and having payed part of her Potion for lucrâ—s sake compelled this Anne his second Daughter to supply her Sisters place and to marry him against her own will and consent notwithstanding the marriage once past she demanded her self like a Christian Wife l Bales Manuscript p 91 92. and bare him two Children In processe of time by oft reading of the sacred Bible she cleerly fell from all Papistrie to a perfect belief in Jesus Christ Whereupon her Husband was so offended that by suggestion of the Priests he violently drove her out of his house And she on this occasion sought from the Law a Divorce and because of his cruell usage would not return unto him again thinking her self free from that uncomely kinde of coacted marriage by the doctrine of Saint Paul m 1 Cor. 7.15 But if the unbelieving depart let him depart A brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases But God hath called us to peace This is the effect of what our Authour speaketh in moe words Now whether this rule laid down by Saint Paul betwixt Christian and Heathen be also commensurate betwixt Protestant and Papist is not my work to decide Perchance she would only answer to the King for her behaviour towards her Husband as hoping for some tendernesse from His Highnesse because of some general conformity in the first part of her Case with the Kings as Who for by respects was first married to then divorced from His Brothers Wife 46. Her several examinations are largely penned by her self extant in Mr. Fox She is first rached and then burnâ— where the Reader may finde them But be it remembred that whereas heresie onely was charged upon her without the least suspition of Treason yet was she rackt to detect some Court Ladies of her opinion by the Lord Wriothisly the then and Sir Robert Rich the n Fox p. 1239 next Lord Chancellour But whether it was noble in these Lords or legall in these Lawyers or conscientious in these Chancellours to rack one already condemned to death belongeth to others to determine Their cruelty extorted no discovery from her whose constancy now made recompense for her former infirmities If it be true what is charged upon her that before she had twice subscribed the Real Presence in the Sacrament of the Altar but zealously died at last in the earnest deniall thereof being amongst those who according to the precept in the o Isa 24.15 Prophet glorified the Lord in the sires Her suffering in Smithfield was most solemnly performed where three men Nicolas Belevian Priest of Shropshire John Lacells Gentleman of the Houshold of King Henry the eighth and John Adams a poor Taylor of London were all burnt together Three couple of qualities meeting together in four persons Clergy and Laity Male and Female Gentle and Simple made the fewell of the same fire 47. John Bale registers this Anne Ashcough Her Prose and Poâ—â—â—y amongst the number of his English learned Writers for her Examinations Letters and Poems wrote with her own hand though the p Parsons utpriùs Jesuite jeers him for his pains as if no works save those of the needle became her sex I have seen a Manuscript of her Verses afterwards printed at Marpurge in Germany and must confesse I better approve her Charity in the four last than her Poetry in all rest Yet Lord I thee desire Ann. Reg. HeÌ„ 8.38 Let them not taste the hire For that they doe to me Of their iniquity However those that have drunk deeper than she of Helicon Ann. Dom. 1546. would be loth to pledge her in the bitter cup of Martyrdome So I take my leave of her memory 48. Now began the troubles of Queen Katharine Parr The King marrieth KatbarineParr whom the King married some two years since For He either being or believing Himself wronged by His last Wife whom He married for a Maid resolved now to take a Widow to Wife who had given proof of her chastity and loyalty to her former Husband and thereupon married this Katharine the Daughter of Sir Thomas Parr of Kendall the Relict of John Nevill Lord Latimer one of great piety beauty discretion Next to the Bible She studied the Kings disposition observing Him to Her utmost And need She had of a nimble soul to attend at all times on His humour whose Fury had now got the addition of Frowardness thereunto She was rather Nurse than Wife unto Him who was more decayed by sickness intemperance than old age 49. Yet sometimes She would presume to discourse with the King about points of Religion The conspiracy of Her enemies against Her defending the Protestant-Tenents by Scripture and reason and sometimes would hold up the King very close hard at it This displeased Him who loved loosness and liberty in His clothes arguments and actions and was quickly observed by Gardiner and others who were the Queens enemies Hereupon taking advantage of an unhappy juncture of time Gardiner drew up Articles against Her and had got them subscribbed with the Kings own hand to remove Her to the Tower Whither had She been sent Vestigia nulla retrorsum without doubt She had followed the way of His former Wives in that place 50. But Divine Providence ordereth all things to fall out for the good of Gods children Chancellour Wriothesly put the paper of those Articles pretious jewels in no worse cabinet than his own bosome Hence it casually fell out By Gods Providence defeated was taken up by one of the Queens servants and brought to Her Grace who on Her sicknesse and submission to the King obtained His pardon signed ad sealed unto Her with may kisses and embraces As for such Her enemies who came at the present to attach Her intending by virtue of the Kings Warrant to send Her the shortest way to Her long home they were sent back with what made worse rumbling than a flea in the eare even the taunts and threats of the enraged King against them 51. And yet Pasons tell q In his Exam. of Fox his Martyrs in June c. 10 p. 433 us that not with standing the King purposed to have burned Her if He had lived Parsons his wild intelligence I know not whence he derived this his strange intelligence and therefore justly suspect the truth hereof The rather because I finde Her in great grace with the King as appeareth by the good language and great Legacie He gave Her in His Will which here we thought fit to transcribe both for the
be then alive thereunto before the marriage had in writing sealed with their seals which Condition We declare limit and appoint and will by these presents shall be to the said estate of Our said Daughter ELIZABETH in the said Imperiall Crown and other the premises knit and invested And if it shall fortune Our said Daughter ELIZABETH to die without Issue of Her body lawfully begotten We will that after Our decease and for default of Issue of the several bodies of Us and of our said Son Prince EDWARD and of Our said Daughters MARY and ELIZABETH and said Imperiall Crown and other the premises after Our decesse shall wholly remain and come to the Heires of the body of the Lady FRANCES Our Niece eldest Daughter to Our late Sister the French Queen lawfully begotten and for default of such Issue of the body of the said Lady FRANCES We will that the said Imperiall Crown and other the premises after Our decease and for default of Issue of the severall bodies of Us and of Our Son Prince EDWARD and of Our Daughters MARY and ELIZABETH and of the Lady FRANCES lawfully begotten shall wholly remain and come to the Heirs of the body of the Lady ELANOR Our Niece second Daughter to Our said Sister the French Queen lawfully begotten And if it happen the said Lady ELANOR to die without Issue of Her body lawfully begotten We will that after our decease and for default of Issue of the severall bodies of Us and of Our said Son Prince EDWARD and of Our said Daughters MARY and ELIZABETH and of the said Lady FRANCES and of the said Lady ELANOR lawfully begotten the said Imperiall Crown and other the premises shall wholly remain and come to the next rightfull Heirs And we sill that if Our said Daughter MARY doe marry without the consent and assent of the Privy Counsellours and others appointed by Us to be of Counsell to Our said Son Prince EDWARD or the most part of them as shall then be alive thereunto before the said marriage had in writing sealed with their seals as is aforesaid that then and from thenceforth for lack of Heirs of the severall bodies of Us and of Our said Son Prince EDWARD lawfully begotten the said Imperial Crown shall wholly remain be and come to Our said Daughter ELIZABETH and to the Heirs of Her body lawfully begotten in such manner and form as though Our said Daughter MARY were then dead without any Issue of the body of Our said Daughter MARY lawfully begotten Any thing contained in this Our Will or any Act of Parliament or Statute to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And in case Our said Daughter the Lady MARY doe keep and perform the said Condition expressed declared and limited to Her estate in the said Imperiall Crown and other the premises in this Our last will declared And that Our said Daughter ELIZABETH doe not keep and perform for Her part the said condition declared and limited by this Our last Will to the estate of the said Lady ELIZABETH in the said Imperiall Crown of this Realm of England and Ireland Ann. Dom. 1546 and other the premises Ann. Regis HeÌ„ 8. 38. We will that then â—and from thencesorth after Our decease and for lack of Heirs of the several bodies of Us and of Our said Son Prince EDWARD and of Our said Daughter MARY lawfull begotten the said Imperiall Crown and other the premises shall wholly remain and come to the next Heirs lawfully begotten of the body of the said Lady FRANCES in such manner and form as though the said Lady ELIZABETH were then dead without any Heir of Her body lawfully begotten Any thing contained in this Will or in any Act or Statute to the contrary not withstanding the remainders over for lack of Issue of the said Lady FRANCES lawfully begotten to be an continue to such persons like remainders and estates as is before limited and declared And We being now at this time thanks to Almighty God of perfect memory Names of the Executo s. doe constitute and ordain these personages following Our Executors and Performers of this Our last Will and Testament willing commanding and praying them to take upon them the occupation and performance of the same as Executors Tho Cranmer that is to say the Archbishop of Canterbury the Lord Wriothesly Chancellour of England the Lord St. John greater Master of Our House Edw. Seymour John Dudley the Earl of Hartford great Chamberlain the Lord Russell Lord Privie Seal the Viscount Lisle high Admirall of England the Bishop Tonstall of Duresme Sir Anthony Browne Knight Master of our Horses Sir Edward Montague Knight chiefe Judge of the Common Pleas Justice Bromley Sir Edward North Knight Chancellour of the Augmentations Sir William Pagett Knight Our chief Secretary Sir Anthony Denny Sir William Herbert Knights chief Gentlemen of Our Privy Chamber Sir Edward Wotton Knight and Mr. Doctor Wotton his brother and all these We will to be Our Executors and Counsellors of the Privie Counsell with Our said Son Prince EDWARD in all matters concerning both his private affairs and publick affairs of the Realm willing and charging them and every of them as they must and shall answer at the day of judgment wholly and fully to see this my last Will and Testament performed in all things with as much speed an diligence as may be and that none of them presume to meddle with any of Our treasure or to do any thing appointed by Our said Will alone unlesse the most part of the whole number of these Co-executors doe consent and by writing agree to the same And will that Our said Executors or the most part of them may lawfully doe what they shall think most convenient for the execution of this Our Will without being troubled by Our said Son or any other for the same Willing further by Our said last Will and Testament that Sir Ed mund Peckham Our trusty servant and yet Cofferer of Our house shall be Treasurer and have the receipt and laying out of all such treasure and money as shll be defrayed by Our Executors for the performance of this Our last Will straightly charging and commanding the said Sir Edmund that he pay no great summe of money but he have first the hands of Our said Executors or of the most part of them for his discharge touching the same charging him further upon his allegiance to make a true account of all such summes as shall be delivered to his hands for this purpose And sithence We have now named and constituted Our Executors We will and charge them that first and above all things as they will answer before God and as We put Our singular trust and confidence in them that they cause all Our due Debts that can be reasonably shewed and proved before them to be fully contented and payed as soon as they conveniently can or may after Our decease without longer delay and that they doe
those daies deserveth not ivie in cur Age. Now seeing by the rules of justice and the Kings own appointment His Debts were to be paid before His Legacies and seeing many of His personall debts remained unsatisfied till the daies of Queen Elizabeth probably most of these Legacies were never paid especially to inferiour persons As if it were honour enough for them to have such summs bequeathed unto though never bestowed upon them 53. Whereas mention in this Will of a Monument well onwards and almost made Monument made for the King by the Cardinal it is the same which Cardinal Wolsey built For King Henry and not for himself as is commonly reported Wherefore whereas there goeth a tale That King Henry one day finding the Cardinal with the workmen making His Monument should say unto him Tumble your self in this Tomb whilest you are alive for when dead you shall never lie therein it is a meer fiction the Cardinal originally intending the same for the King as appeareth by the ancient Inscription * Godwin in Hen 8. p. 200. thereupon wherein King Henry was stiled LORD not KING of Ireland without addition of supreme Head of the Church plainly shewing the same was of antient date in the daies of the Cardinal 54. Whereas the Lady Mary and Elizabeth Why His Nieces more at liberty than his Daughters Their marriages are so severely conditioned that if made without consent of the Councell They were to forfeit Their right to the Crown men interpret it as provided in terrorem and not otherwise Yet this clause was it which afterwards put so plausible a pretence on Wiat his rebellion which though made of rotten cloth had notwithstanding a good colour thereon Now whereas the King's Nieces the Daughters to Mary His younger Sister were not clogg'd in this His Will with such restrictions concerning their Marriages the plain reason was because both of them were already married before this Will was made Frances the elder to Henry Gray Marquesse Dorset afterward Duke of Suffolke and Eleanour the younger to Henry Clifford Earl of Cumberland 55. The Portion of but ten thousand pounds a piece left to His two Daughters Ten thousand pounds the portion of a Princesse was not much unproportionable to the value of money as it went in that Age though a summe small for such an use in our daies And I have heard that Queen Elizabeth being informed that Doctor Pilkington Bishop of Durham had given ten thousand pounds in marriage with his Daughter and being offended that a Prelates daughter should equal a Princesse in portion took away one thousand pounds a year from that Bishoprick and assigned it for the better maintenance of the Garrison of Barwick 56. Very much of His own abitrarinesse appears in this Will of King Henry Much of arbitrarinesse in this Will entalling the Crown according to His own fancie against all right and reason For first how unjust was it that His female issue by Queen Katharine Parr His last Wife had He had any should inherit the Crown before Mary and Elizabeth His eldest Daughters by His former Wives If Mary and Elizabeth were not His lawfull Children how came They by any right to the Crown If His lawfull Children why was Their birth-right and seniority not observed in succession Well it was for Them that Henry Fitz Roy His naturall Son but one of supernaturall and extraordinary endowments was dead otherwise some suspect had He survived King Edward the sixth we might presently have heard of a K. Henry the ninth so great was His Fathers affection and so unlimited His power to preferre Him 57. But the grand injury in this His Testament is The Scotish Line quite left out That He quite passeth over the Children of Margaret His eldest Sister married into Scotland with all Her issue not so much as making the least mention thereof 58. Great indeed when this Will was first made was the antipathy which for the present possessed Him against the Scotch with whom then He was in actual warre though at other times when in good humour very courteous to His kinred of that extraction For most sure it is that when Margaret Douglas His Sisters Daughter was married to Math. Earle of Lenox He publickly professed That in case His own Issue failed He should be right glad some of Her body should sacceed to the Crown as it came to * Henry Lord Darly her Son Father to King James passe 59. Of the eleven Witnesses Legatees Witnesses in Kings Will. whose names are subscribed to His Will the nine first are also Legatees therein and therefore because reputed Parties not sufficient Witnesses had it been the Will of a private person But the Testaments of Princes move in an higher sphere than to take notice of such Punctilloes and forraigners being unfit to be admitted to such privacies domesticall Servants were preferred as the properest Witnesses to attest an Instrument of their Lord and Master 60. It is but just with God that He who had too much of His Will done Little of His Will performed when living should have the lesse when dead of His Testament performed The ensuing Reformation swept away the Masses and Chantery Priests founded to pray for His soul The Tombs of Henry the sixth and Edward the fourth the one the last of Lancaster the other the first of Yorke the Titles of both which Houses met in this Henry remain at this day in statu quo priùs without any amendment Where by the way seeing in this Will King Henry the sixth is styled his Uncle I cannot make out the relation in the common sence of the word except any will say that Kings Uncles as their Cousins are oft taken in a large and favourable acception But the main wherein His Will missed the intent is in that the Scotch Line neglected and omitted by Him ordinary Heirs are made in Heaven Heirs to Crowns in the Heaven of Heavens came in Their due time to the Throne Their undoubted Right thereunto recognized by Act of Parliament 61. After the making of this his Will His disease and the manner of His death He survived a full Month falling immediately sick He had sesque corpus a body and half very abdominous unweldy with fat and it was death to Him to be dieted so great His appetite and death to Him not to be dieted so great His corpulency But now all His humours repaired to one place and setled themselves in an old sore in His thigh which quickly grew to be greatly enflamed Here flame met with fire the anguish of the sore with an hot and impatient temper so that during his sickness few of His Servants durst approach His presence His Physicians giving Him over desired some who tendred the good of His soul to admonish Him of His estate But such who could flie with good tidings would not halt to Him with ill newes Besides lately a Law was made That
His choller now swelling high because opposed by the Rebels more than His judgment in this His expression and seeing an Historian should suum cuique tribuere give me leave a little to enlarge in this subject 2. Of the Lord Marney What the Lord Marney was I can say but little finding him whilst as yet but a Knight Sir Henry Servant and one of the Executors to the Lady Margaret Countesse of Darby at which time he was Chancellour of the Dutchie of Lancaster It seemeth he rose by the Law being the first and last Baron of his name whose sole Daughter was married to Thomas Howard Vicount Bindon 3. Longer must we insist on the Parentage Three noble Branches of the Darcyes in the North. performances and posterity of Thomas Lord Darcy finding in the North three distinct branches thereof whereof the first was Begun Continued Extingnished In Norman de Adrecy or Darcy possessed under K Will the Conquerour of many Manours in Yorke shire and * Dooms-day book chap. 32. in Lincoln shire Lincoln shire where Normanbye His prime seat seemeth so named by him For ten Generations most of them buried in Noketon Priory in Lincoln sh by them founded and indowed viz 1. Robert 2. Thomas 3. Thomas 4. Norman 5. Norman 6. Philip. 7. Norman 8. Philip. 9. Norman 10. Philip. In Philip Darcy dying issue-less whose two Sisters and Co-heires were married the one to Roger Pedwardine the other to Peter of Limbergh 4. The first Male Line of the Darcyes being thus determined a second Race succeeded derived from Norman Darcy the Penultim Lord in the last Pedigree Begun Continued Extinguished In Iohn Darcy Son to the aforesaid Norman Steward to the King's Houshold Justice of Ireland For five descents being Barons of Knaith Moynill 1. John 2. John 3. Philip. 4. John 5 Philip. In Philip the fifth Baron who though dying under age left two Daughters Elizabeth married to Sir James Strangewayes of Hartley Castle and Margaret to Sir Iohn Coigniers of Hornbey-Castle 5. Thus expired the second Male stem of the Darcyes styled Barons of Knaith long since aliened from their Family and for this last hundred years the habitation of the Lord Willoughby of Parham Come we now to the third Stemme which was Begun Continned Extinguished In Sir Iohn Darcy of Torxay second Son to the last Lord John Darcy of Knaith Through seven Generations 1. Richard 2. William 3. Thomas 4. George 5. Iohn 6. Michael 7. Iohn In Iohn Lord Darcy of Ashton dying issue-lesse though hee had foure Wives in the Reigne of King Charles 6. Thomas Darcy here named is the person the subject of this discourse of whom four things are memorable 1. He was Knighted by K. Henry the seventh who made him Captain of the Town and Castle of Barwick * privatae Sigilla de anno 14 Henrici 7. and Commander of the East and Middle Marches 2. K Henry the eighth in the first year of his Reign made him Iustice in Eyre of the Forests beyond Trent summoned him the same yeare as a Baron to Parliament imployed him with a Navie An. 1511. to assist Ferdinand King of Arragon against the Moores and made him knight of the Garter 3. Though the Ancestours of this Thomas Darcy since the second Branch was expired were styled Lords in some Deeds whether by the courtesie of the Countrey or because the right of a Barony lay in them yet this Thomas was the first summoned Baron to Parliament in the first of King Henry the eighth and his Successours took their place accordingly 4. Though the Revenue of this Thomas Lord Darcy was not great at the beginning of King Henry the eighth because the Heires Generall of the Lord Darcyes of Knaith carried away the maine of the Inheritance yet he had a considerable Estate augmented by his Match with Dowsabella the Daughter and Heire of Sir Richard Tempest The result of all is this This Lord was most Honourably descended and his Nobility augmented not first founded by K. Henry the eighth as his words did intimate Let therefore passionate Princes speak what they please their patient Subjects will believe but their just proportion And although the Foxes eares must be reputed horns whilst the Lyon in presence is pleased so to term them yet they never alter their nature and quickly recover the name after the Lyons departure This I though fit to write in vindication of the Lord Darcy who though he owed his life to the Law it is cruelty he should lose both it and the just honour of his Extraction 7. As for the present Coigniers Lord Darcy he is not onely descended from the foresaid Lord Thomas but also from the Heire Generall of the second Stem of the Lord Darcyes of Knaith and was by King Charles accordingly restored to take his place in Parliament The antient English Nobility great Losers by the Dissolution of Abbeys ALthough many modern Families have been great Gainers by the destruction of Monasteries Antient Nobility losers yet the Antient Nobility when casting up their Audits found themselves much impaired thereby both in power and profit commodity and command I mean such whose Ancestours had been Founders of Abbeys or great Benefactours unto them These reserved to themselves and their Heirs many Annual Rents and Services Reliefs Escuage as also that such Abbots and their Successours should doe Fealry and Homage to their Heirs for such Lands as they held of them in Knights Service 2. Now although order was taken at the dissolution to preserve such Rents to the Founders Heires payable unto them by the Kings Officers out of the Exchequer yet such summes after long attendance were recovered with so much difficulty that they were lost in effect Good rents ill paid Thus when the few sheaves of the Subject are promiscuously made up in the Kings mewe it is hard to finde them there and harder to fetch them thence 3. As for the foresaid Services reserved either at money Services wholly lost or money worth to them and their Heires they were totally and finally extinguished for formerly such Abbeys used 1. To send men on their own Charges in Voyages to Warre to aid and attend such of their Founders and Benefactors Heires of whom they held Land in Knights service 2. They bountifully contributed a Portion to the Marriage of their eldest Daughters 3. They bear the Costs and charges to accoutre their eldest Sonnes in a gentile military equipage when Knighted by the King But now the Tree being pluckt up by the roots no such fruit could afterwards be expected 4. Nor must we forget the benefit of Corrodies With the commodity of Corodies so called à conradendo from eating together for the Heires of the foresaid Founders not by courtesie but composition for their former favours had a priviledge to send a set number of their poor Servants to Abbeys to diet therein Thus many aged Servants past working not feeding costly to keep and
time in York shire which from a small pustle might have proved a painfull bile yea a fistulated ulcer if neglected it was quickly quelled on the execution of Omler and Dale the chief promoters thereof 22. By the favour of Sir Thomas Cotton 1550. having obtained to make use of his Library our English Vatican Abstracts of Church matters out of K. Edwards own Diary for Manuscripts I shall transcribe King Edwards Diurnall written with His own hand of the transactions in His Reigne True it is His Observations for his two first years are short and not exactly expressing the notation of time but His Notes as the Noter got perfection with His age They most belong to Secular affairs out of which we have selected such as respect Ecclesiasticall matters May the Reader be pleased to take notice that though my Observations as printed goe a-breast in parallel Columes with those of His Highnesse it is my intention they should observe their distance in their humble attendance thereupon Text Royall Observations thereon THe Lord Protectour by his own a a Thus the Pilot to save the Ship from sinking casts out the rich lading into the Sea agreement April 2. and submission lost his b b This lay void ever after whilst the Treasurership was presently conferred on Will Powlet Marquesse of Winchester and the Marshalship on John Dudley Earle of Warwick Protectourship Treasurership Marshalship all his Moveables and neer 2000 li. Land by Act of Parliament The Bp. of c c Namely George Day who notwithstanding this Sermon remained a zealous Papist and on that score was deprived of his Bishoprick Chichester before a vehement affirmer of Transubstantiation Ann. Dom. 1650. did Preach against it at Westminster in the Preaching-place April 4. My Lord Somerset taken into the Counsel 10. Order taken 13. that whosoever had d d Understand it not by Private Patrones but either presented by the King or Lord Chancellour Benefices given them should preach before the King in or out of Lent and every Sunday there should be a Sermon Masse for the Lady Mary denied to the Emperours e e These ingaged Archbishop Cranmer and Bishop Ridlye to presse the King with politick Reasons for the permission therof He unable to answer their Arguments fell a weeping Ambassadour 19. It is granted that my Lord of Somerset should have all his moveable Goods 27. and Leases except those that be already f f Courtiers keep what they catch and catch what ever they can come by given May 2. Joane g g An obstinate Heretick maintaining That Christ assumed nothing of the Virgin Mary but passed through Her as a Conduit-pipe She with one or two Arians were all who and that justly died in this Kings Reign for their Opinions Bocher otherwise called Joane of Kent was burnt for holding that Christ was not incarnate of the Virgin Mary being condemned the year before but kept in hope of conversion The Bishops of London and Ely were to perswade her but she withstood them and reviled the Preacher that preached at her death The Lord Cobham and Sir William Peter came home from their journy 20. delivering both the Oath and the Testimonial of the Oath witnessed by divers Noblemen of France and also the h h Advantageous enough for the French and dishonourable too much to the English whose covetousnesse was above their sense of Honor selling Bologne bought with blood for a summe of money Treaty sealed with the great Seal of France and in both was confessed that I was i i The Controversie about this Title lying not betwixt the Crowns of England and France but betwixt England and Rome no wonder if the French yeilded to any Style in a Treaty so gainfull to themselves supreme Head of the Church of England and Ireland Ann. Dom. 1550. The Duke of Somerset June 9. Marquesse of North-hampton Lord Treasurer Bedford and the Secretary Peter went to the Bishop of Winchester to know to what he would k k For as yet this subtile-Statist scarce knew his own mind often receding from his Resolves whose inconstancy in this kinde incensed the King and Councell against him stick He made Answer that he would obey and let forth all things set forth by Me and My Parliament and if he were troubled in conscience he would reveal it to the Councell and not reason openly against it The Books of My Proceedings were sent to the Bishop of Winchester to see whether hee would set his hand to it 10. or promise to set it forth to the people The Duke of Somerset 14. with five others of the Councell went to the Bp. of the Winchester to whom he made this Answer I having deliberately seen the Book of Common-Prayer although I would not have made it so my self yet I finde such things in it as satisfieth my conscience therefore both I will execute it my self and also see other my l l Parish in the Dialect of a Bishop is notoriously known to be his Diocese Yet I deny not but that the numerous Parishioners of Saint Mary Overies wherein Winchester-House are herein particularly intended Parishioners to doe it This was subscribed by the aforesaid Counsellours that they heard him say these words The Earl of Warwick July 9. the Lord Treasurer Sir William Herbert and Secretary Peter went to the Bishop of Winchester with certain Articles signed by Me and the Councel containing the Confessing of his Fault the Supremacy the establishing of Holy-daies the abolishing of the six Articles c. whereunto he put his hand saving to the Confession Sir William Herbert and the Secretary Peter July 10. were sent to him to tell him That I marvelled that he would not put his hand to the Confession To whom he made Answer That he would not doe it because he was m m If conscious of no crime he is not to be condemned for justifying his own integrity innocent 11. The Bishop of London Secretary Peter Mr. Cecil and Gooderich were commanded to make certain Articles according to the Laws and to put them in the Submission It was appointed that under the n n Such Umbrages of Simulation presumed lawful by all Politicians Quaere whether the Protestants in the Netherlands or France those of High Germany being beyond the line of probability were here intended shadow of preparing for Sea-matters 12. there should be sent 5000 lib. to the Protestants to get their good wills The Bishop of Winchester denied the o o They were drawn up in so punctual expressions the other had neither compasse for evasion nor covert for equivocation Articles 14. which the Bishop of London and others had made The Bishop of Winchester was p p A Rod formerly in fashion but never so soundly layd on as of late sequestred from his fruits for three months 19.
other strangers in London to have and to hold for them their heirs and successours in Frank Almonage to be a meeting-place for them therein to attend God's Word and Sacraments He ordered also that hereafter it should be called by the new name of the Church of the Lord IESUS and incorporated the said Superintendent Ministers and Congregation to be a body politick for all purposes and intents empowering them from time to time in the vacancy of a Superintendent to chuse name and substitute any able and fit person in that place provided that the person so chosen be first presented to the King His Heirs and Successours to be approved and confirmed by them in the Office of the Ministerie enjoyning all Archbishops Bishops and other Officers Quòd permittant praefatis g The Letters are kept in the Dutch Church and exemplified in Iohannes Utenbovius in his narration of the Dutch Congregation pag. 13. c. Superintendenti Ministris Sucessoribus suis liberè quietè frui gaudere uti exercere ritus ceremonias suas proprias disciplinam Ecclesiasticam propriam peculiarem non obstante quòd non conveniant cum ritibus ceremoniis in Regno nostro usitatis That they permit the foresaid Superintendent and Ministers and their Successours freely and quietly to hold enjoy use and exercise their own proper rites and ceremonies and their proper and peculiar Church-discipline notwithstanding that they agree not with the rites and ceremonies used in Our Kingdome 34. Now followed the fatall tragedy of the Duke of Somerset Womens brawles Mens thralles and we must recoile a little to fetch forward the cause thereof Thomas Seymour Baron of Sudely and Lord Admirall the Protectours younger Brother had married the Lady Katharine Parre the Relict of King Henry the eighth A contest arose betwixt their Wives about place the Protectresse as I may call her refusing to give it to the Kings Dowager Yet was their precedencie no measuring cast but clear in the view of any unpartiall eye Nor needed other Herauld to decide the controversie than the Kings own Injunctions a Vide supra in the first of this King wherein after prayer for His own Royall person Ministers were commanded to pray for the Queen Dowager even before the Kings Sisters Mary and Elizabeth the Protectour under whom his Lady must claim place being placed last in the List of their Devotions 35. The Womens discords derived themselves into their Husbands hearts Lord Thomas â—eymour executed for Treason Whereupon not long after followed the death of the Lord Thomas Seymour arraigned for designing to traslate the Crown to himself though having neither Title to pretend unto it nor effectual Interest to atchieve the same Let b 1 King 2. Adonijah and this Lord's example deterre Subjects from medling with the Widows of their Soveraigns left in the same match they espouse their own danger and destruction This Lord thus cut off the Protectour stood alone on his own bottome at which his enemies daily endevoured to undermine 36. Soon after the Lords of the Councel resolved to accuse him of many high offences A tripartite accusation Of these Lords some were Lawyers as the Lord Wriothesley lately the Lord Rich then Lord Chancellour Sir Edward Montague Chief Justice c. some Martialists as S r Ralph Sadler Treasurer to the Army and some meer Statesmen as William Pawlet Lord Treasurer and their accusations participated of the severall conditions of the Accusers The Lawyers charge him for bringing Westminster-hall into Somerset-house keeping there a Court of Request and therein determining Titles of Land to the apparent injury of the Subject Military men taxed him for his Sumptuous buildings having their Morter tempered with the tears of Souldiers Wives and Children whose wages he detained and for betraying Bolloigne and other places in France to the Enemy States-men chiefly insisted on his engrossing all power to himself that whereas by the constitution of the Protectourship he was to act nothing without the advice of King Henry's Executours he solely transacted matters of the highest consequence without their privity 37. Here I must set John Dudley Earl of Warwick as a Transcendent in a form by himself Earle of Warwick the Proectors grand enemy being a competent Lawyer Ann. Dom. 1551. Son to a Judge known Soldier Ann Reg. Ed 6 5. and able States man and acting against the Protector to all these his capacities Indeed he was the very soul of the Accusation being all in all in every part thereof And seeing the Protector was free spirited open hearted humble hard to distrust easie to forgive The other proud suttle close cruell and revengefull it was impar congressus betwixt them almost with as much disadvantage as betwixt a naked and an armed person 38. Hereupon The Protector accused and imprisoned yet restored he was imprisoned at Windsor in a place antiently called c Fox Acts Mon. pag. Beauchamp's Tower it seems by a sad Prolepsis but never verified till now when this Vâ—count Beauchamp by his original honour was therein consined and hence was he removed to the Tower of London However although all this happened in the worst juncture of time viz in the disjuncture of his best Friend the Lord Russell Privie Seal then away in the West yet by his own innocence his other Friends endeavour the Kings interposing and Divine Providence he was acquitted and though outed his Protectorship restored and continued Privie Counsellour as in the King's Diarie was formerly observed 39. But after two years and two months Accused the second time his enemies began afresh to assault him hoping that as the first stroak shak'd the next would fell him to the ground Indeed Warwick who had too powerfull an influence upon all the Lords could not erect his intended Fabrick of Soveraignty except he first cleared the ground work from all obstructive rubbish whereof this Duke of Somerset was the Principall In whose absence the Lords met at the Councell Table where it was contrived how all things should be ordered in relation to his Arraignment 40. R. Rich Lord Chancellor then living in great S. Bartholomews though outwardly concurring with the rest Lord Rich his Servants dangerous mistake began now secretly to favour the Duke of Somerset and sent him a Letter therein acquainting him with all passages at the Councell Board superscribing the same either out of haste or familiarity with no other direction save To the Duke enjoying his Servant a raw attendant as newly entred into the family safely to deliver it The man made e This story attested to me by his great grand childe the Earl or Warwick more haste than good speed and his Lord wondring at his quick return demanded of him where the Duke was when he deliver'd him the Letter In Charter-house said his Servant on the same token that he read it at the window and smiled thereat But the
he presented a list of all the Prebendaries of that Church referring the election to his Majesty himself who made choise of Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids for that attendance 18. Dr. Senhouse Feb 2. The Coronation Sermon Bishop of Carlile Chaplain to the King when Prince preached at the Coronation his text And I will give unto thee a Crown of life In some sort it may be said that he preached his own funerall dying shortly after and even then the black Jaundice had so possessed him a disease which hangs the face with mourning as against its buriall that all despaired of his recovery Now seeing this Coronation cometh within if not the pales and Park the purlews of Ecclesiastical Historie we will present so much thereof as was acted in the Church of Westminster Let Heraulds marshall the solemnitie of their advance from Westminster-Hall to this Church The solemn advance to the Church Anno Dom. 1625-2â— Anno Regis Car. 1. 1 where our pen takes the first possession of this subject 19. But first we will premise the equipage according to which they advanced from Westminster-Hall to the Abbey-Church in order as followeth 1. The Aldermen of London two by two ushered by an Herauld 2. Eightie Knights of the Bath in their Robes each having an Esquire to support and Page to attend him 3. The Kings Serjeants at Law Solicitour Atturney Masters of Request and Judges 4. Privie-Counsellors that were Knights and chief Officers of the Kings Houshold 5. Barons of the Kingdome all bare-headed in their Parliament-Robes with swords by their sides 6. The Bishops with Scarlet-gowns and Lawn-sleeves bare-headed 7. The Vice-Counts and Earles not in their Parliament but in their Coronation-Robes with Coronetted-Caps on their Heads 8. The Officers of State for the day whereof these are the principall Sr. Richard Winn. Sr. George Goreing The Lord Privie-Seal The Archbishop of Canterbury The Earl of Dorset carrying The first Sword naked The Earl of Essex The second The Earl of Kent The third The Earl of Montgomerie The Spurs The Earl of Sussex The Globe and Crosse upon it The Bishop of London The Golden Cup for the Communion The Bishop of Winchester The Golden Plate The Earl of Rutland The Scepter The Marquesse Hammilton The Sword of State naked The Earl of Pembroke The Crown The Lord Maior in a crimson Velvet gown carried a short Scepter before the King amongst the Serjeants But I am not satisfied in the criticalness of his place The Earl of Arundel as Earl-Marshall of England and the Duke of Buckingham as Lord High-Constable of England for that day went before his Majestity in this great solemnity 20. The King entred at the West-gate of the Church The manner of the Kings Coronation under a rich Canopy carried by the Barons of the Cinque-Ports his own person being supported by Dr. Neyle Bishop of Durham on the one hand and Dr. Lake Bishop of Bath and Wells on the other His train being six yards long of purple Velvet was held up by the Lord Compton as belonging to the Robes and the Lord Viscount Dorcester Here he was met by the Prebends of Westminster Bishop Laud supplying the Dean his place in their rich Copes who delivered into his Majesties hand the Staff of King Edward the Confessor with which he walked upto the Scaffold 21. This was made of wood at the upper end of the Church The fashion of the Scaffold from the Quire to the Altar His Majesty mounted it none under the degree of a Baron standing thereon save only the Prebends of Westminster who attended on the Altar three Chaires were appointed for him in severall places one of Repose the second the ancient Chair of Coronation and the third placed on an high square of five Staires ascent being the Chair of State 22. All being settled and reposed The King presented and accepted by the People the Lord Archbishop did present his Majesty to the Lords and Commons East West North South asking their minds four severall times if they did consent to the Coronation of King Charles their lawfull Soveraign The King mean time presented himself bare-headed Anno Regis Car. 1. 1. Anno Dom. 1623-26 the consent being given four times with great acclamation the King took his Chaire of repose 23. After the Sermon whereof before the L. Archbishop Sworn and annointed invested in a rich Coape tendered to the King kneeling down on cushions at the Communion-Table a large Oath then were his Majesties Robes taken off him and were offered on the Altar He stood for a while stripped to his Doublet and Hose which were of white Satten with Ribbons on the Armes and Shoulders to open them and he appeared a proper Person to all that beheld him Then was he led by the L. Archbishop and the Bishop of St. Davids and placed in the Chaire of Coronation a close Canopie being spread over him the L. Archbishop anointing his head shoulders armes and hands with a costly ointment the Quire singing an Antheme of these words Zadok the Priest anointed King Solomon 24. Hence the King was led up in his Doublet and Hose with a white Coyfe on his head to the Communion Table Solemnly Crowned where Bishop Laud Deputy for the Dean of Westminster brought forth the ancient Habiliments of King Edward the Confessour and put them upon him Then was his Majestie brought back to the Chaire of Coronation and received the Crown of King Edward presented by Bishop Laud and put on his head by the Archbishop of Canterburie The Quire singing an Antheme Thou shalt put a Crown of pure Gold upon his head Whereupon the Earles and Viscounts put on their Crimson Velvet Caps with Coronets about them the Barons and Bishops alwayes standing bare headed Then every Bishop came severally to his Majesty to bring his benediction upon him and he in King Edwards Robes with the Crown upon his head rose from his Chaire and did bow severally to every Bishop apart 25. Then was King Edwards Sword girt about him And giâ—t with several Swords which he took off again and offered up at the Communion Table with two Swords more surely not in relation to Scotland and Ireland but to some ancient Principalities his Predecessors enjoyed in France Then the Duke of Buckingam as Master of the Horse put on his Spurres and thus completely crowned his Majesty offered first Gold then Silver at the Altar and afterwards Bread and Wine which were to be used at the holy Communion 26. Then was his Majesty conducted by the Nobility to the Throne upon that square Bâ—fs of five ascents Homage done by the Nobility to his Majestys the Quire singing Te deum Here his Majesty took an Oath of homage from the Duke of Buckingam as Lord high Constable for that day and the Duke did sweare all the Nobilitie besides to be Homagers to his Majestie at his Majesties knees 27. Then as
The Bishop of Lincoln fell now through the Dukes The Bishop of Lincoln loseth his Keepers place into the Kings displeasure and such who will read the late letters in the Cabala may conjecture the cause thereof but the certainty we leave to be reported by the Historians of the State belonging in his Episcopall capacity to my pen but as Lord Keeper properly to theirs 38. The Bishop finding his own tottering condition The Duke incensed against him addressed himself to all who had intimacie with the Duke to reingratiate himself But such After-games at Court seldome succeed All would not doe for as Amicus omnium optimus was part of the Dukes Epitaph * On his Tomb in Westminster Chappell so no fiercer foe when displeased and nothing under the Bishops removall from his office would give him satisfaction 39. Sir John Suckling was sent unto him from the King The Bishops wariness in resigning the Seale to demand the broad Seale of him which the cautious Bishop refused to surrender into his hands to prevent such uses as might be made thereof by him or others in the intervall betwixt this resigning it and the Kings conferring it on another but he charily locked it up in a Box and sent the Box by the Knight and Key thereof inclosed in a letter to his Majesty 40. However his bruise was the less But keeps his Bishoprick because he fell but from the first Loft and saved himself on the second Floere Outed his Lord Keepership but keeping his Bishoprick of Lincoln and Deanarie of Westminster though forced to part with the Kings Purse he held his owne and that well replenished And now he is retired to Bugden-great where whither greater his anger at his enemies for what he had lost or gratitude to God for what he had left though others may conjecture his owne Conscience only could decide Here we leave him at his hospitable Table where sometimes he talked so loud that his discourse at the second hand was heard to London by those who bare no good will unto him 41. An old Hall turned into a new Colledge A new Colledge of an old Hall in Oxford was this yeare finished at Oxford This formerly was called Broadegates Hall and had many Students therein amongst whom Edmund Bonner afterwards Bishop of London Scholar enough and Tyrant too much had his education But this place was not endowed with any Revenues till about this time for Thomas Tisdale of Glimpton in the County of Oxford Esquire bequeathed five thousand Pounds wherewith Lands were purchased to the value of two hundred and fiftie pounds per annum Anno Dom 16â—â— Anno Regis Caroli 1 for the maintenance of seven Fellowes and six Scholars Afterwards Richard Wightwick Bachelor of Divinity Rector of East-Isle in Barkshire gave Lands to the yearly value of one hundred pounds for the maintenance of three Fellowes and four Scholars whereupon petition being made to King James this new Colledge was erected and a Charter of Mortmain of seven hundred pounds per annum granted thereunto 42. It was called Pembrook Colledge Called Pembrook Colledge partly in respect to William Earle of Pembrook then Chancellor of the University partly in expectation to receive some favour from him And probably had not that noble Lord died suddenly soon after this Colledge might have received more than a bare Name from him The best where a Child hath rich parents it needeth the less any gifts from the Godfather Masters Benefactors Bishops Learned Writers 1 Dr. Clayton 2 Dr. Langley King Charles who gave the Patronage of St. Aldates the Church adjoyning   So that this Colledge consisteth of a Master ten Fellowes and ten Scholars with other Students and Officers to the number of one hundred sixty nine 43. The Doctor and the Duke were both of them unwilling to an openbreach loved for to temporise and wait upon events Surely Temperise here is taken in the Apostle sense according to some * Dr. Prestons Life p 505. * Rom. 12. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ambiosius copies serving the Times And henceforwards the Duke resolved to shake off the Doctor who would not stick close unto him betaking himself to the opposite Interest Nor was the other surprized herein as expecting the alteration long before 44. By the late conferences at York-house it appeared Dr. Preston declines in the Dukes favour that by the Dukes cold carriage towards him and smiling on his Opponents Dr. Preston was now entring into the Autumn of the Dukes favour Indeed they were well met each observing neither trusting other as I read in the Doctors Life written by his judicious Pupil 45. This year concluded the life of Arthur Lakes The death of godly Bishop Lakes Warden of New-Colledge in Oxford Master of St. Crosses Dean of Worcester and at last promoted Bishop of Bath and Wells not so much by the power of his Brother Sir Thomas Secretarie to King James as his own desert as one whose piety may be justly exemplary to all of his Order He seldom if at all is said to have dreamt justly imputed not to the dulness of his fancie in which faculty he had no defect but to the staidness of his judgment wherein he did much excell as by his learned Sermons doth appear 46. About the sametime Lancelot Andrews ended his religious life The death and character of Bishop Andrews born at Alhollows-Barking in London Scholar Fellow and Master of Pembrook-Hall in Cambridge Then Deane of Westminster Bishop of Chicester Ely and at last of Winchester The world wanted learning to know how learned this Man was so skil'd in all especially oriental Languages that some conceive he might if then living almost have served as an INTERPRETER GENERALL at the confusion of Tongues Nor are the Fathers more faithfully cited in his books than lively copied out in his countenance and carriage his gravity in a manner awing King James who refrained from that mirth and liberty in the presence of this Prelate which otherwise he assumed to himself He lyeth buried in the Chappell of St. Mary Overees having on his Monument a large elegant a Stows Survay of London pag. and TRUE Epitaph 47. Since his death some have unjustly snarld at his memory accusing him for covetousness Anno Regis Car. 1. 2. Anno Dom 1626 Unjustly accused for Covetousness who was neither rapax to get by unjust courses as a profest enemy to usury simony and bribery nor tenax to hold money when just occasion called for it for in his life time he repaired all places he lived in and at his death left the main of his Estate to pious uses Indeed he was wont to say that Good Husbandry was good Divinity the truth whereof no wise man will deny 48. Another falls foully upon him for the ornaments of his Chappel as Popish and superstitious And Superstition in the b
Court hoped hereby to make him fall totally and finally from the Kings favour though missing their mark herein as in fine it did appear 15. Two daies after he was called before the Privie Councell For which he is convented before the Councell where he presented himself on his knees and so had still continued for any favour he found from any of his own function there present But the Temporall Lords bad him arise and stand to his own defence being as yet only accused not convicted Dr. Harsenet Archbishop of York managed all the businesse against him Bishop Laud walking by all the while in silence spake not one word making a long oration uttered with much vehemency to this effect First He magnified King James his bounty unto him Anno Regis Caroli 6 Anno Dom. 1630-31 who from a private Master of a Colledge in Cambridge without any other immediate preferment advanced him by an unusuall rise to the great and rich Bishoprick of Salisbury Secondly He extolled the piety and prudence of King Charles in setting forth lately an usefull Declaration wherein he had commanded that many intricate questions tending more to distraction then edification of people should utterly be forborn in preaching and which had already produced much peace in the Church Thirdly He aggravated the hainousnesse of the Bishops offence who so ill requited his Majesties favour unto him as to offer in his own presence in so great an Auditorie to break his Declaration inviting others by his example to doe the like Fourthly that high contempt was the lowest tearm could be given to such an offence seeing ignorance could in no probability be pretended in a person of his reputed learning and eminent Profession What the other answered hereunto will best appear by his own letter writen to his worthy friend Doctor Ward giving him an exact account of all proceedings herein in manner as followeth 16. As for my Court businesse Bishop Davenant his relation of the whole matter in his letter to Doctor Ward though it grieved me that the established Doctrine of our Church should be distasted yet it grieved me the lesse because the truth of what I delivered was acknowledged even by those which thought fit to have me questioned for the deliverie of it Presently after my Sermon was ended it was signified unto me by my L. of York and my L. of Winchester and my L. Chamberlain that his Majesty was much displeased that I had stirred this question which he had forbidden to be medled withall one way or other My answer was that I had delivered nothing but the received Doctrine of our Church established in the 17 Article and that I was ready to justify the truth of what I had then taught Their answer was the Doctrine was not gainsaid but his Highnesse had given command these questions should not be debated and therefore he took it more offensively that any should be so bold as in his own hearing to break his royall commands And here my L. of York aggravated the offence from many other circumstances My reply was only this That I never understood that his Majesty had forbid a bandling of any Doctrine comprised in the Articles of our Church but only raising of new questions or adding of new sense thereunto which I had not done nor ever should doe This was all that passed betwixt us on Sunday night after my Sermon The matter thus rested and I heard no more of it till coming unto the Tuesday Sermon one of the Clerks of the Councell told me that I was to attend at the Councell-Table the next day at two of the clock I told him I would wait upon their Lordships at the hour appointed When I came thither my L. of York made a speech welnigh of half an hour long aggravating the boldnesse of mine offence and shewing many inconveniences that it was likely to draw after it And he much insisted upon this what good effect his Majesties Declaration had wrought how these controversies had ever since been buried in silence no man medling with them one way or other When his Grace had finished his speech I desired the Lords that since I was called thither as an offender I might not be put to answer a long speech upon the suddain but that my Lords grace would be pleased to charge me point by point and so to receive my answer for I did not yet understand wherein I had broken any commandement of his Majesties which my Lord iâ— his whole discourse took for granted Having made this motion I gave no further answer and all the Lords were silent for a while At length my Lords Grace said I knew well enough the point which was urged against me namely the breach of the Kings Declaration Then I stood upon this Defence that the Doctrine of Predestination which I taught was not forbidden by the Declaration First because in the Declaration all the Articles are established amongst which the Article of Predestination is one Secondly because all Ministers are urged to subscribe unto the truth of the Article and all Subjects to continue in the profession of that as well as of the rest Upon these and such like grounds I gathered it could not be esteemed amongst forbidden curious or needless Doctrines and here I desired that out of any Clause in the Declaration it might be shewed me that keeping my selfe within the bounds of the Article I had transgressed his Majesties command but the Declaration was not produced nor any particular words in it onely this was urged that the Kings will was that for the peace of the Church these high questions should be forborne My answer then was that I was sorry I understood not his Majesties intention which if I had done before I should have made choice of some other matter to intreat of which might have given none offence and that for the time to come I should conform my self as readily as any other to his Majesties command The Earle of Arundell seemed to approve of this my answer and withall advised me to proceed no further in my defence This in substance all which was done or said in this matter and so I was dismissed The Lords said nothing either in approbation of what I had alleadged to shew that I had not wittingly broken the Kings known command or in confirmation of the contrary urged against me by my Lords Grace At my departure I intreated their Lordships to let his Majesty understand that I had not boldly or wilfully and wittingly against his Declaration medled with the forenamed point and that now understanding fully his Majesties minde and intenâ—ion I should humbly yeeld obedience thereunto This business thus ended I went the next day to my L. Chamberlain and intreated him to doe me the favor that I might be brought to kisse the Kings hand before I went out of Town which his Lordship most readily promised and performed When I came in his Majesty declared his
may happen to your Lordships but I have done this heretofore and will not offer your Lordships Cramben bis coctam These speeches though they converted none of the opposite confirmed those of the Episcopall party making the Lords very zealous in the Bishops behalf 20. There were in the House Temporall Lords favourers of Bishops many other defenders of Episcopacy as William Lord Marques of Hartford the Earle of Southampton the Earle of Bristol and the Lord Digby his Son and the never to be forgotten William Earle of Bath a learned Lord and lover of learning oftentimes on occasion speaking for Bishops once publiquely prefessing it one of the greatest Honours which ever happily happened to his family that one thereof Thomas Bourcher by name was once dignified with the Archbishoprick of Canterbury Many other Lords though not haranging iâ—in long Orations by their effectuall Votes for Bishops manifested their unfained affections unto them 22. About this time The death of Bishop Mountague there were many vacant Cathedrals Anno Dom. 1641 Anno Regis Caroli 17 which the King lately had or now did furnish with new Bishops Dr. Joseph Hall being removed from Exeter to Norwich voyd by the death of Richard Mountague born in Westminster bred in Eaton School Fellow in Kings Colledge a great Grecian and Church Antiquary well read in the Fathers But all in his Diocesse not being so well skilled in Antiquity as himself some charged him with superstitious urging of Ceremonies and being accused in Parliament he appeared not being very weak but * He died on the 12 of April went a more compendious way to answer all in the High-Court of Heaven 22. As for new elected Bishops Eminent and popular persons made Bishops his Majesty was most carefull to chuse them out of the most sound for Judgement and blamelesse for Conversation 1. Dr. John Prideaux almost grown to the Kings-Professors-Chair in Oxford he had set so long and close therein Procuring by his painfull and learned Lectures deserved repute at home and amongst Forain Protestants he was made Bishop of Worcester 2. D. Thomas Winniffo Dean of St. Pauls a grave learned and moderate Divine made Bishop of Lincoln 3. Dr. Ralph Brownrig of most quick and solid parts equally eminent for disputing and preaching made Bishop of Exeter 4. Dr. Henry King acceptable on the account of his own merit and on the score of a Pious and popular Father made Bishop of Chichester 5. Dr. John Westfield for many yeers the painfull and profitable Preacher of great St. Bartholomews London made Bishop of Bristol He dyed not long after Surely si urbs defensa fuisset his dextris if Divine Providence had appointed that Episcopacy at this time should have been kept up and maintained more probable Persons for that purpose could not have been pick'd out of England so that envie and detraction might even feed on their own flesh their teeth finding nothing in the aforesaid Elects to fasten upon 23. But Episcopacy was so far from faring the better for them All would not doe that they fared the worse for it insomuch that many who much loved them in their Gowns did not at all like them in their Rochets 24. The Bill was again brought in A disadvantageous juncture of time for Bishops against Bishops Votes in Parliament and that in a disadvantageous juncture of time the Bishops then being under a threefold qualification 1. Imprisoned in the Tower Of these eleven besides Archbishop Laud whose absence much weakned the party 2. Lately Consecrated and later inducted into the House of Lords as the Bishops of Worcester Lincoln Exeter Chichester Bristol such their modesty and manners they conceived it fitting to practise their hearing before speaking in the House So that in some sort they may be said to have lost their Voices before they found them in the Parliament 3. The remainder of ancient Bishops London Salisbury Bangor c. who seldome were seen detained with other occasions and more seldome heard in the Parliament So that the Adversaries of Episcopacy could not have obtained a fitter opportunity the spirits of time at large being distilled thereinto then in this very instant to accomplish their desires 25. Only Dr. John Warner Bishop of Rochester Bishop Warner the best Champion for Bishops was he in whom dying Episcopacy gave the last groan in the House of Lords one of good speech and a cheerfull spirit and which made both a good Purse and which made all three a good cause as he conceived in his conscience which made him very pertinently and valiantly defend the Antiquity and Justice of Bishops Votes in Parliament This is he of whose bounty many distressed soules since have tasted whose reward no doubt is laid up for him in another World 26. The main argument which was most insisted on The principall Plea against Bishops Barontes against their temporall Baronies were the words of the Apostle * 2 Tim. 2 4 No man which warreth entangleth himself with the affaires of this life Their friends pleaded 1. That the words equally concerned all Militant Christians Bishops not being particularized therein 2. That it was uncharitable to conclude their fingers more clasping of the World or the World more glutinous to stick to their fingers that they alone of all persons could not touch the World but must be entangled therewith But it was answered that then à fortiore Clergy-men were concerned in the Text aforesaid not to meddle with Worldly matters whose Governing of a whole Diocesse was so great an imployment that their attendance in Parliament must needs be detrimentall to so carefull a vocation 27. The Earl of Bristol engaged himself a valiant Champion in the Bishops behalf Earl of Bristols Plea for Bishops he affirmed that it was according to the Orders of the House that no Bill being once cast out should be brought in again at the same Sessions Seeing therefore the Bill against Bishops Votes had formerly been cleerly carried by many decisive Votes for the Bishops it was not only praeter but contra Parliamentarie it should be brought again this Sessions 28. But seeing this Parliament was extraordinary in the manner and continuance thereof one Session being likely to last for many yeers Resuted by others it was not conceived fit they should be tied to the observance of such punctuall niceties and the resumption of the Bill was not only overruled by Votes but also it was cleerly carryed in the Negative that Bishops never more should vote as Peers in Parliament 29. Nothing now wanted The King unwilling to consent save the Royall Assent to passe the said Votes into a Law The King appeared very unwilling therein partly because he conceived it an injury to give away the Bishops undoubted right partly because he suspected that the haters of the function and lovers of the Lands of Bishops would grow on his grants and improve themselves on his
candles catchingness of Papers narrowness of studies late reading and long watching of Scholars cannot but conclude that an especial Providence preserveth those places How small a matter hath sometimes made a partition betwixt the fire and the fuel Thus an haiâ—s breadth fixed by a divine-finger shall prove as effectuall a separation from danger as a miles distance And although both Universities have had sad accidents in this kind yet neither in number or nature since the Reformation so destructive as in other places so that blessed be God they have been rather seare-fires than hurt-fires unto them 41. But to return to Mr. Badew Rebuilt after it was burnt by Eliz. countess of Clare and named Clare-Hall who sadly beholding the ruins of his Hall perceived that the rebuilding thereof was a work too weighty for himself though a Man of worship so that some person of honor must undertake it And here happily a worthy Lady presents her self Elizabeth third sister and coheir of Gilbert Earl of Clare wife of John de Burge Lord of Conaugh and mother to William de Burge last Earl of Ulster who built it again of her own proper cost endowed and called it Clare-Hall Masters Benefactors Bishops Learned Writers Living in Col. gift 1 Walter Thaxted 2 Ralph Kerding toÌ„ 3 John Dunwich 4 John Chatteress 5 Will Radwinter 6 Will. Wimble k Betwixt these two Caiâ—â— placeth William Gull not owned by others 7 Will. Wilfleet 8 Will. Millington 9 Thomas Stoyl 10 Richard Stubs 11 Gabriel Silvester 12 Will. Woodhous 13 Edm. Naturess 14 John Crayford 15 Rowl Swiborn 16 John Madew 17 Thomas Barly 18 Edmund Leeds 19 Thomas Binge 20 William Smith 21 Robert Scot. 22 Thomas Pask 23 D r. Ralph Cudworth 24 Theophilus Dillingham John Thaxto Eaith Green William Ducket Will. Worleigh Will. Marshall Ralph Srivemar Tho. Cave Dr. Stoyl Naturess Leeds Scot Masters of this Hall Thomas Cecil E. of Exeter and his Lady Dorothy who gave 108 l. per annum in very good rent William * See more of him at his death anno 1617. Butler John Freeman Esq who gave 2000 l. George Ruggle Fellow of the Colledge Hee gave in money and Plate above 400 l. Sir Robert Heath Mr. Thom. Binge Humsrey Hide Rob. Johnson Esq M r. Eras Farrar Will. Briden Tho. Croply Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York Augustine Lynsel Bishop of Hereford John Bois Dean of Canterbury writer of the learned Postils Richard Tompson Augustine Lynsel He set forth when Bishop of Peterborough Theophylact in Greek never before in print on all St. Pauls Epistles 1 Lillington Vic. in Ely Diocess valued 5 l. 19 s. 9 d. 2 Everton Vic. in Lincoln Dioc. valued 5 l. 13 s. 8 d. 3 Gransden Vic. Lincoln Diocess valued 3 l. 7 s. 2 d. So that lately Anno Dom 1326 viz. anno 1634. therein were maintained one Master Anno Regis Edw. 2. 19 eighteen Fellowes thirty six Scholars beside Officers and Servants of the Foundation and other Students the whole number being an hundred and six It were presumption in me to disturb this method of Masters agreed on by D r. Caius M r. Parker and others Otherwise I would prepose Millington first Provost afterwards of Kings in the reign of King Henry the sixth before Wilflete Master under King Richard the third I would also set Swinhorn both before and after Madew Swinbornum Madew sequitur Madewque vicissim Swinbornum sortes versat utrinque Deus For it appeareth in M r. Fox * In C. Pools Visitation of Camb. in the reign of Queen Mary that after Madew his expulsion for being maried Swinborn succeeded him 42. I have read how Richard the third pretended himself descended from the Foundress of this Hall Rich. the third a seeming Benefactor to Clare Hall which I account of more truth then his claim and title to the English Crown and on that consideration tyrannidi suae fucatum literarum l Sceletos Cantabrigiensis made by R. Parker patrocinium mendaci fronte obtendens faith my Author He challenged the Patronage of this Hall when William Wilflete was Master to himself But if no better Patrone to this House than Protector to his own Nephews his courtesy might wel have bin spared And because I find him omitted in Scots last Tables drawn up no doubt by the consent of this Colledge amongst the benefactors I suspect this his fact as a flourish at which Art he was excellent rather than any real favour to this foundation 43. Long was it ere this Hal got a Chappel to it self This Hall long Chappelless viz. til the year 1535. al which time possibly they did their publick devotions in that I le of S t. Edwards Church wherein anciently their Masters and Fellowes were interred 44. This CLARE-Hall was also called Solere Hall in the daies of Chaucer Solere the same with Clare-Hall as our Antiquary m Caius Hist Cant. Acad. pag. 57. hath observed And namely there was a great College Men depen it the Solers hall of Cambrege n Chaucer in the Reves tale Some will say And whence termed Solere Hal Was it not from Solarium which in the Latin of that Age signified a fair and light chamber or is it not mistaken in pronouncing and printing for Scoller-Hall as otherwhiles it is writen But the matter is not much and who so seekes a reason of all proper names of places may seek it 45. This aged Hal The Hall lately reedified grown very ruinous was lately taken down and reedified by the bounty of severall benefactors M r. Barnabas Oly late Fellow of this House and Proctor of the University may truly be termed Master of the fabrick so industrious and judicious was he in overseeing the same Nor was he like the foolish builder that could not but the unhappy that might not finish his work being outed the Colledge on the account of the Covenant Had this structure been perfected according to the first designe no fault could have been found therewith except that the brightnes and beauty thereof should make the blear eyes of our envyous Age to smart much grudging at the decency more at the magnificence of the Muses Yet I cannot beleeve what I read * Querela Cantabrigiensts pag. 14. that three or four hundred pounds worth of timber brought hither for the repaire of this Hal was lately taken away Yea had I seen it I would not have beleeved mine own eyes but rather suspected my sight that some requisit to right sensation was wanting in me and the fault either in the organ medium object or undue distance thereof Themas de Foxton Chancellor 1329 Doctor of the Lawes Edw. 3. 4 John de Langley Chancellor Anno Regis Edw. 3 6 Doctor of Divinity Anno Dom 1331 John de Shipeden Proctor Thomas de Bucknam Proctor 46. KING EDWARD THE THIRD 7 understanding it was his Fathers intention to erect a Colledge in Cambridge
on the ninth of March 1588. as appears by the Epitaph on her Monument in Westminster Abbey in which Church she founded a Salarie of twenty pounds a yeare for a Divinity Lecture By her Will dated December the sixt 1588. she left to her Executours Henry Gray Earl of Kent and to her Nephew Sir Iohn afterwards Lord Harrington five thousand pounds besides her goods unbequeathed for the erection of a Colledge and purchasing of competent lands for one Master ten Fellows and twenty Schollers But in case the Legacie would not thereunto extend then the same to goe to the enlarging of Clare Hall for the maintenance of so many Fellows and Schollars therein to enjoy all liberties customes and priviledges with other Fellows and Schollars of that Foundation She appointed Iohn Whitgift Archbishop of Canterbury and Gabriel Goodman Dean of Westminster Overseers of her Will ordering also that Alexander Nowel Dean of S. Pauls should preach her funerall Sermon which no doubt was done accordingly 24. Be it remembred by the way The spight of Index expurgatorius that the lately mentioned Earl of Kent is he on whom Mr. Cambden bestows this deserved commendation Verae Nobilitatis ornamentis a Camdens Brit in the conclusion of Kent Vir longè bonoratissimus But the Index expurgatorius set forth at Madrid by Lewis Sanchez the King's Printer 1612. and truly reprinted at Geneva 1619. dashes these words with a Dele b Prima Classe literae G. thought the character given this Peet most honourable for his parentage and no lesse for his piety will justly remain to his memory when this peevish partial Index shall be purged to nothing 25. These two noble Executours The Colledge Mortmain how procured in pursuance of the Will of this Testatrix according to her desire and direction therein in her name presented Q. Elizabeth a Jewell being like a starre of Rubies and Diamonds with a Rubies in the midst thereof worth an hundred and forty pounds having on the back side an Hand delivering up an Heart unto a Crown At the delivery hereof they humbly requested of Her Highnesse a Mortmaine to found a Colledge Copied out of the words of her Will. which She graciously granted unto them Their next care was to purchase of Trinity Colledge a parcell of ground with some antient buildings thereon formerly called the Franciseans or Gray Fryers procuring the same to be passed unto them in Fee farme by Act of Parliament Ann. Dom. 159-96 and thereon they laid the foundation of this new Colledge Ann. Regi Eliz. 38. 26. We usually observe Infants born in the seventh month A little Babe thank God and good Nurses well batled though poor and pitifull creatures are vitall and with great care and good attendance in time prove proper persons Ovid or his elder Brother the words being dubiously placed may be an instance hereof d De tristibus lib. 4. Eleg. 10. Qui tribus ante quater mensibus ortus erat To such a Partus Septimestris may Sidney Colledge well be resembled so low lean and little at the birth thereof Alas what is 5000 li. to buy the scite build and endow a Colledge therewith As for her unbequeathed goods they answered not expectation and I have heard that some inferiour persons imployed in the sale of her Jewels were out of their own want of skill or of honesty in others much deceived therein Yet such was the worthy care of her honourable Executors that this Benjamin-Colledge the least and last in time and born after as he at the death of its mother thrived in a short time to a competent strength and stature Masters Bishops Benefactours Learn'd Writers Liveings 1. I am Montague first Master of this House and a worthy Benefactour thereof giving much procuing more thereunto 2. Fran Aldridge Fellow of Trin Coll chosen 1608. 3. Sam Ward Fellow of Emmanuel Colledge chosen 1609. of whom largely hereafter 4. Rich Minshul first I am since informed one once a Servant of Bishop Montagu hath given them one in Bedfordshire Master bred in and chosen by the Colledge and much meriting thereof by his providence Iames Montague Bishop of Bath and Wells Anno 1608. afterwards Bishop of Winchester Iohn Bramhall Bishop of London-Derrie in Ireland Henry Earle of Kent who let the Legacy of of 100 l. bequeathed him by the Foundresse go on to the building of the Coll though generally omitted in the Catalogue of their Benefactors Sir Iohn Hart Knight Leonard Smith Citizen of London Peter Blundel of Tiverton Clothier Iohn Freestone Esq Edward Lord Montagu of Boughton Iohn Lord Harrington the younger Lady Lucy his Sister Countesse of Bedford Lady Anne Harrington their Mother George Lord Goringe Iohn Yong D. D. Dean of Winchester Sir Will Wilmore first Pensioner in the Coll Robert Iohnson Archdeacon of Leicester Iohn Harrington Godfr Fuliambe Edward Wray Robert Hadson Francis Combe Esq Paul Micletwait D. D. and Fell of the Coll. Richard Dugard 1. Daniel Dike that faithfull Servant in discovering the deceitfulnesse of mans heart 2. Ier Dike his Brother 3. Sam Ward Minister of Ipswich 4. Tho Gatacre much knowne by his Book of Lots and other works 5. Ier Witaker 6. Tho Adams a noted Preacher in London * The three former were put in by the Foundresse Executors Sunt mihi non potis est dicere dicit erunt 27. As for the bounty of Sir Francis Clerk Sir Fran Clark deservedly accounted a By-Founder it exceedeed the bounds of Benefaction and justly entituled him to be a By-founder The Giver doubled the Gift if we consider First his estate was not great for one of his condition Secondly he had a Daughter and generally it is observed that Parents are most barren and the childlesse most fruitfull in great expressions of Charity Thirdly he was altogether unknown to the Colledge and the Colledge to him surprizing it on a suddain with his bounty so much the more welcome because not expected Yet such his liberality that he not onely built a fair and firm range of twenty chambers from the addition whereof a second Court resulteth to the Colledge but also augmented the Schollarships of the foundation and founded four Fellowships and eight Schollarships more Herein his favour justly reflected on his Countrey-men of Bedford shire preferring them before others to places of his own foundation 28. Nor comes the bounty of Sir John Brereton much behinde him To whom Sir John Brereton not much inferiour He was as I may term him one of the Aborigines of the Colledge one of the first Schollars of the House and afterwards became His Majesties Sergeant for the Kingdome of Ireland At his death he was not unmindfull of this his Mother to whom he bequeathed a large Legacy above two thousand pounds Now whereas some Benefactors in repute are Malefactors in effect giving to Colledges 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 viz such as burden and clog their donations to maintain
Venerable Bede 167 14 Henry of Erphurt 169 15 Annals of Lichfield 175 16 Marianus Scotus 177 17 Ralph de Balduâ— 178 18 Iohn Bale 179 19 Polydor Virgil. Anno Dom. 108 182 20 Chron. Brit. Abbrev. 183 21 Roger de VVendover 184 22 Matth. Paris Westminster 185 23 Hector Boethius 187 24 Martin Polonus 188 25 Saxon Annals 189 26 Iohn Harding 190 Here is more then a Grand-Iury of Writers which neither agree in their Verdicts with their Fore-man nor one with another there being betwixt the first the last Paulus Iovius Iohn Harding ninetie years distance in their Account This with other Arguments is used not onely to shake but shatter the whole reputation of the Story And we must endeavour to clear this Objection before we go farther which is shrewdly pressed by many For if the two Elders which accused Susanna were condemned for Liars being found in two Tales the one laying the Scene of her Incontinency under a a Susanna verse 54. and 58. Mastick-tree the other under an Holme-tree why may not the Relation of Lucius be also condemned for a Fiction seeing the Reporters thereof more differ in Time then the forenamed Elders in Place seeing when and where are two circumstances both equally important and concerning in History to the Truth of any action 3. But we answere The History of K. Lucius not disproved by the dissension of Authors concerning the time thereof That however Learned men differ in the Date they agree in the Deed. They did set themselves so to heed the Matter as of most moment being the Soul and Substance of History that they were little curious not to say very careless in accurate noting of the Time which being well observed doth not onely add some lustre but much strength to a relation And indeed all Computation in the Primitive time is very uncertain there being then and a good while after an Anarchy as I may terme it in Authours their reckoning of years because men were not subject to any one soveraign Rule in accounting the year of our Lord but every one followed his own Arithmetick to the great confusion of History and prejudice of Truth In which age though all start from the same place our Saviour's Birth yet running in severall ways of account they seldome meet together in their dating of any memorable Accident Worthie therefore was his work whoever he was who first calculated the Computation we use at this day and so set Christendome a Copy whereby to write the date of actions which since being generally used hath reduced Chronology to a greater Certainty 4. As for their Objection Lucius might be a British King under the Roman Monarchy That Lucius could not be a King in the South of Britain because it was then reduced to be a Province under the Roman Monarchy It affects not any that understand how it was the Roman b Veâ—us jampridem recepta populi Romani consuetudo ut haberet instrumenta â—ervitutis Reges Tacitus in vita Agricolae custome both to permit and appoint Pettie Kings in several Countries as Antiochus in Asia Herod in Iudea Dtotaurus in Sicilie who under them were invested with Regal Power Dignity And this was conceived to conduce to the state and amplitude of their Empire Yea the German Emperour at this day Successour to the Roman Monarchy is stiled Rex Regum as having many Princes and particularly the King of Bohemia Homagers under him As for other inconsistents with truth which depend as Retainers on this Relation of King Lucius they prove not that this whole Story should be refused but refined Which calleth aloud to the Discretion of the Reader to fan the Chaffe from the Corne and to his Industry to rub the Rust from the Gold which almost of necessity will cleave to matters of such Antiquity Thus conceiving that for the main we have asserted King Lucius we come to relate his History as we finde it 5. He being much taken with the Miracles which he beheld truly done by pious Christians Lucius sendeth to the Bishop of Rome to be instructed in Christianity fell in admiration of 167 and love with their Religion and sent Elvanus and Meduinus men of known Piety and Learning in the Scriptures to Eleutherius Bishop of Rome with a Letter requesting several things of him but principally that he might be instructed in the Christian Faith The reason why he wrote to Rome was because at this time the Church therein was she can ask no more we grant no less the most eminent Church in the World shining the brighter Anno Dom. 167 because set on the highest Candle-stick the Imperial City We are so far from grudging Rome the Happiness she once had that we rather bemoan she lost it so soon degenerating from her primitive Purity The Letter which Lucius wrote is not extant at this day and nothing thereof is to be seen save onely by reflection as it may be collected by the Answer returned by Eleutherius which such an one as it is it will not be amisse here to insert 6. Ye require of us the Roman Laws This translation of the letter of Eleutherius is transcribed out of Bishop Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops and the Emperours to be sent over unto you which you would practice and put in ure within your Realm The Roman Laws and the Emperours we may ever reprove but the Law of God we may not Ye have received of late through Gods mercy in the Kingdom of Britain the Law and Faith of Christ Ye have with you within the Realm both parts of the Scriptures out of them by Gods grace with the Councell of the Realm take ye a Law and by that Law through Gods sufference rule your Kingdome of Britain There is some variety between this and that of M r. Fox For you be God's Vicar in your Kingdom The Lords is the Earth and the fulness of the world and all that dwell in it And again according to the Prophet that was a King Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity therefore God hath anointed thee with the Oile of gladness above thy fellows And again according to the same Prophet O God give Iudgement unto the King and thy Righteousness unto the Kings Sonne He said not the judgement and righteousness of the Emperour but thy Iudgement and Righteousness The Kings Sonnes be the Christian people and folk of the Realm which be under your Government and live and continue in peace within your Kingdome As the Gospel saith Like as the Hen gathereth her Chickens under her wings so doth the King his people The people and the folk of the Realm of Britain be yours whom if they be divided ye ought to gather in concord and peace to call them to the Faith and Law of Christ to cherish and a In the Latin it is Manu tenere maintain them to rule and govern them so as
indeed more full stately and masculine But such is the Epicurisme of Modern Times to addulce all words to the Eare that as in the French they melt out in pronouncing many essentiall Letters taking out all the Bones to make them bend the better in speaking and such Hypocrites in their Words speak them not truly in their native Strength as the plain-dealing British do which pronounce every letter therein more manly if lesse melodious Lastly some condemn it unjustly as a Worthlesse Tongue because leading to no matter of moment and who will care to carry about that Key which can unlock no Treasure But this is false that Tongue affording Monuments of Antiquity some being left though many be lost and moe had been extant but for want of Diligence in Seeking and Carefulnesse in Preserving them 19. But Augustine bapitzeth 10000. in one day craving pardon of the Reader for this Digression we reassume our Augustine who all this while was very industrious and no lesse successefull in converting the Saxons to the Christian Faith Insomuch that a certain a Cited by Mr. Camden Presace of Brit. pag. 136. Authour reporteth how in the River Swale near Richmond in Yorkshire Augustine on one day baptized above ten thousand adding withall that the People not onely passed without Danger through so deep a River but also they who weresick and deformed when they went in were whole b Flores Sanctorum tom 1. wrote by Hierome Porter pag. 515. and handsome when they came forth again The judicious Reader may in this Miracle discover how the Authour thereof no doubt some ignorant Monk hath therein jumbled and confounded three distinct Seripture-Histories to make a mock-Parallel betwixt the Rivers Iordan and Swale Borrowing 1. The Peoples safe passing through it 2. Their being baptized in it 3. The curing of their Infirmities by it from Ioshuas c Ios 4. 1. conducting the Israelites through Iohn's d Matth. 3. 6. baptizing the Iews in Elisha's e 2 Kin. 5. 14. healing Naaman's leprosie in Iordan But here it must be remembred that Bede maketh no mention at all hereof and ascribeth this numerous Baptizing to Paulinus Arch-Bishop of York many years after It would argue too much Morosity in us to demurre in our saith to the whole Fact till Authours are all agreed about the Doer thereof For mine own part I conceive Paulinus the more probable Person as questioning whether Augustine most conversant amongst the South and VVest-Saxons ever moved so far Northward 20. And The simplicity of ancient Baptisme if so many were baptized in one day it appeares plainly that in that Age the Administration of that Sacrament was not loaded with those Superstitious Ceremonies as essentiall thereunto of Crossing Spittle Oyl Cream Salt and such like Trinkets which Protestants generally as little know what they are as Papists why they use them I say in that Age nothing was used with Baptisme but Baptisme the VVord and the VVater made the Sacrament Yea the Arch-Bishop is said to have f Camden ut prius commanded by the voice of Cryers that the People should enter the River confidently two by two and in the name of the Trinity baptize one another by turns This indeed was the most compendious way otherwise Ioshua's day wherein the Sun stood still had been too short for one mans personal performance of such an Employment 21. Another considerable Accession was made to Christianity in the SouthWest part of this Isle The Idol Healedestroied by Augustine at Cern and particularly in Dorsetshire where Augustine at Cern destroyed the Idol of Heale or Aisculapius which the Saxons formerly g Camden's Brit. in Dorsetshire adored But in his journey hither Reader they are not mine but my h Flores Sanctorum in the life of Augustine P. 515 516. Authours words with his Holy Company they were cruelly oppressed with the three familiar Discommodities of Travellers Hunger Thirst and VVearinesse when Augustine striking his Staffe into the Ground fetch'd forth a crystal Fountain which quenched the extremity of their Thirst whence the Place was afterward called Cernel from Cerno in Latine to see and El in Hebrew God A Composition of a Name hardly to be precedented that a Word should commence per saltum from Latine into Hebrew without taking Greek by the way thereof Why not rather Cernwell Behold the fountain or Cernheal See the Destruction of the Idol But in truth in all Books ancient and a So both in Camden and Harpsfield modern the Place is plainly written Cern without any paragogical apposition thereunto 22. Indeed A ridiculous miracle most of the Miracles assign'd unto this Augustine intended with their Strangenesse to raise and heighten with their Levity and Absurdity do depresse and offend true Devotion Witnesse how when the Villagers in Dorsetshire beat Augustine and his Fellows and in Mockery fastened Fish-tailes at their Backs in punishment hereof All that b Flores Sanctorium ut prinus Generation had that given them by Nature which so contemptibly they fastened on the Backs of these Holy men Fy for shame he needs an hard Plate on his Face that reports it and a soft Place in his Head that believes it 23. However The great improvement of the Gospel for the main we undoubtedly believe that the Preaching of Augustine and his Fellows took good Effect finding the visible Progresse and the Improvement thereof in the Conversion of so many from Paganisme to Christianity For Sebert King of Essex nephew to Ethelbert King of Kent by Ricula his Sister embraced the Faith with all his Kingdome by the Ministery of Mellitus whom Augustine ordained Bishop of London much about the same time making one Iustus a Roman who was vir sui nominis a man answering his Name Bishop of Rochester Many other remarkable matters happened in the Life of Augustine especially those Questions and Answers which passed betwixt him and Gregory the Great by us purposely omitted partly because they are too voluminous to insert and partly because they are at large in many c Bede Book of Mareyrs and others Augustine ' s death and Epitaph Authours to whom we remit the Reader 24. And now was the time come of Augustine's Dissolution 610 alias whose Body was buried in the Northern Porch of the New Church in Canterbury 611 alias dedicated to Peter and Paul 612 having as d Eccles Hist lib. 2. cap. 5. Bede informs us this Inscription written upon his Monument Here resteth Lord Augustine the first Arch-Bishop of Canterbury who being in times past sent hither from Blessed Gregory Bishop of the Roman City and supported by God with the working of Miracles brought King Ethelbert and his Countrey from the worshipping of Idols to the Faith of Christ and the dayes of his Office being finished in Peace he died the seventh of the Calends of Iune the same King reigning 25. But in this Epitaph one thing
another man's sent from Guichelm King of the VVest-Saxons with an envenomed Dagger sought to kill King Edwine when Lilla one of his Guard foreseeing the Blow and interposing himself shielded his Sovereign with his own Body yea deaded the Stroak with his own Death Loyalty's Martyr in a Case which is likely to find moe to commend then imitate it on the like occasion Edwine notwithstanding slightly hurt was very sensible of the Deliverance and promised that if he might conquer the treacherous VVest-Saxon King with his Adherents he would become a Christian And though there be no indenting and conditional capitulating with God who is to be taken on any terms yet this in a Pagan was a good step to Heaven and Paulinus was glad he had got him thus far especially when in Earnest of the Sincerity of his Resolution he consigned over his infant-Daughter f Idem ibidem Eansled to be baptized whom Paulinus christened with twelve moe of the Queen's Family Well the VVest-Saxon King was quickly overcome and all his Complices either killed or conquered and yet King Edwine demurred to embrace Christianity But he communicated with the sagest of his Counsell with whom he had daily Debates being loth rashly to rush on a matter of such Moment And truly that Religion which is rather suddenly parched up then seasonably ripened doth commonly ungive afterwards Yea he would sit long alone making company to himself and silently arguing the Case in his own Heart being partly convinced in his Iudgement of the Goodnesse of the Christian Religion and yet he durst not entertain Truth a lawfull King for fear to displease Custome a cruell Tyrant 41. Amongst the many Debates he had with his Counsell about altering his Religion The speech of Coify the Priest two Passages must not be forgotten whereof one was the Speech of Coify the prime Pagan-Priest Surely said g Bede Eccles Hist lib. 2. cap. 13. he these Gods whom we worship are not of any Power or Efficacy in themselves for none hath served them more conscientiously then my self yet other men lesse meriting of them have received moe and greater Favours from their hand and prosper better in all things they undertake Now if these were Gods of any Activity they would have been more beneficiall to me Anno. Dom. 626 who have been so observant of them Here the Reader will smile at Coify his Solecisme wherein the Premisses are guilty of Pride as the Inference thereon of Errour and Mistake If he turn Christian on these termes he will be taught a new Lesson how not onely all outward things happen alike to good and bad to a Eccles 9. 2. him that sacrificeth as to him that sacrificeth not but also that b 1 Pet. 4. 17. Iudgement beginneth at the house of God and the best men meet with the worst Successe in Temporal matters However God was pleased to sanctifie this mans Errour as introductory to his Conversion and let none wonder if the first Glimmering of Grace in Pagans be scarce a degree above Blindnesse 42. Better The Courtier 's Comparison in my opinion was the plain Comparison which another namelesse Courtier made at the same time Mans life said c Idem ibid. he O King is like unto a little Sparrow which whilest your Majesty is feasting by the Fire in your Parlour with your royall Retinue flies in at one VVindow and out at another Indeed we see it that short time it remaineth in the House and then is it well sheltred from VVind and VVeather but presently it passeth from Cold to Cold and whence it came and whither it goes we are altogether ignorant Thus we can give some account of our Soul during it's abode in the Body whilest housed and harboured therein but where it was before and how it fareth after is to us altogether unknown If therefore Paulinus his Preaching will certainly inform us herein he deserveth in my opinion to be entertained 43. Long looked for comes at last 627 King Edwine almost three yeares a Candidate at large of Christianity Edwine converted and baptized cordially embraceth the same and with many of his Nobles and Multitudes of his Subjects is solemnly baptized by Paulinus in the little Church * Bede Eccles Hist lib. 2. cap. 14. of S t Peters in York hastily set up by the King for that purpose and afterward by him changed into a firmer and fairer Fabrick Thus as those Children which are backward of their Tongues when attaining to Speech pronounce their words the more plainly and distinctly so Edwine long yea tedious before his turning to Christianity more effectually at last embraced the same And when it was put to the Question what Person most proper to destroy the Heathen Altars Coify the chief Priest tendered his Service as fittest for the purpose solemnly to demolish what he had before so superstitiously adored Down go all the Pagan Altars and Images at God-mundingham now Godmanham a small d Camden's Britannia Village in the East-Riding of Yorkshire and those Idols with their Hands were so far from defending themselves that their mock-Mouths could not afford one word to bemoan their finall Destruction 44. VVhen thou art converted The East-Angles converted to Christianity strengthen thy Brethren was the personall Precept given to e Luk. 22. 32. Peter but ought generally to be the Practice of all good men as here it was of King Edwine restlesse untill he had also perswaded Earpwald King of the East-Angles to embrace the Christian Faith Indeed Redwald Earpwald's Father had formerly at Canterbury to ingratiate himself with King Ethelbert professed Christianity but returning home he revolted to Paganisme at the instance of His f Bede Hist Ecc. l. 2. c. 15. Wife So great is the Power of the Weaker Sex even in matters of Religion For as Bertha and Edelburge the Queens of Ethelbert and Edwine occasioned and expedited the Conversion of their Husbands Kingdomes so here a Female-instrument obstructed that holy Design Yea Redwald afterwards in the same Church set up a g 2 Kings 17. 41. Samaritane-mongrel-Religion having Altare h Bede ut prius Arulam a Communion-Table and an idolatrous Altar in the same Temple You cannot be partakers saith the i 1 Cor. 10. 21. Apostle of the Lords Table and of the table of Devils that is You cannot lawfully conscionably comfortably but de facto it may be done was done by Bedwald in this his miscellaneous Religion 45. But three yeares after 630 the Conversion of the East-Angles was more effectually advanced by King Sigebert The Religion and learning of King Sigebert Brother and after the death of Earpwald his Successour in the Kingdome This Sigebert had lived an Exile in France Anno. Dom. 630 and got the benefit of Learning by his Banishment For wanting accommodations to appear in Princely Equipage he applyed himself the more close to his Studies seeing that
Monarchy was desultory and moveable sometimes the West-Saxon sometimes the Mercian sometimes the Northumberland King ruled over the rest But henceforward Egbert fixed the supreme Soveraignty in himself and his Posterity for though afterwards there continued some other Petty Kings as Kenulph King of Merâ—ia c. yet they shined but dimly as the Moon when the Sun is risen and in the next Age were utterly extinguished So that hereafter we shall double our Files and for the better regulating of time next the Columne of the year of our Lord adde another of the Reign of our English Kings THE NINTH CENTURY Anno Regis Egberti Anno Dom. To M r. William and M r. Robert Christmas Merchants of London YOu are both Brethren by Birth and by your joynt Bounty on my Endeavours It is therefore pitty to part you May no other Difference be in your Hearts then vvhat Herauldry allovves in your Armes onely to distinguish the Age of the Elder from the Younger that so the Memory of your happy Father may survive in you his hopefull Children 1. THen Kenulph 1 King of Mercia 801 sent a Letter to Leo the third The Arch-bishoprick restored to Canterbury at the instance of King Kenulph Pope by Aethelard the Arch-bishop to this effect That whereas the Metropolitan Seat by Authority Apostolick was primitively fixed at Canterbury where the blessed Body of Augustine was buried and whereas lately King Offa out of Opposition to Arch-bishop Lambert had removed the same Seat to Lichfield and procured from Pope Adrian the same Translation to be confirmed Kenulph a Malmesb. de Gestis Reg. lib. 1. c. 4. requested his Holinesse so farre to concurre with the generall Desire of the English Nation as to revoke the Act of his Predecessour and restore the Arch-bishoprick to it's proper place And knowing that Sutes in the Court of Rome speed no whit the lesse when accompanied with Gifts he sent his Holinesse 120. b Mancusae quasimanucusae a coyn about the valuation whereof is much variety The first most formall subscription in a Synod Mancuses for a Present The Gift was kindly accepted the Arch-bishop courteously entertained the Request bountifully granted and thus the Arch-bishops See dislocated or out of joynt for a time was by the hands of his Holinesse set right again 2. Aethelard returning home 3 called a Synod at Clives-Ho 803 in Kent not farre from Rochester where by Power from the Pope he riveted the Arch-bishoprick into the City of Canterbury the Synod denouncing heavy Penalties to any that hereafter should endeavour to divide them so that it is believed that the Arch-bishops See may as easily be wholly dissolved as hence removed The Subscriptions in this Council were the most formall and solemn of any so ancient The Reader will not be offended with their hard c The originall is extant in the Records of Canterbury copied out by S t. Henry Spelman in his Councils pag. 325. Names here following seeing his Eye may run them over in perusing them though his Tongue never touch them in pronouncing them Diocese Bishops Abbots Presbyters Deacons Canterbury Aethelard Arch. Aethilheah Feologeld Wulfheard VVernoth Beornmod Vulfraed Arch. Lichfield Aldulf Higherth Lulls Monn VVigfreth Eadhere Cuthberth 00000000 Leicester Werenberth Falmund Pr. Beomia Pr. Forthrod Pr. Wigmund Pr. Eadberth 00000000 Sydnacester Eadulf Eadred Pr. Daeghelm Pr. Plegberth Eadulf Hereberth 00000000 Worcester Daenebreth Higberth Thineferth Pega Freothomund Pr. Coenferth 00000000 Hereford Vulfheard Cuthraed Srygol Dygoga Monn Heathobald Shireburn VVigberth Muda Eadberth Beorthmund 000000 00000000 Winchester Almund Cuthberth Mark Cumba Lulla Northeard Vngthe 00000000 Helmham Ealheard 000000000 Folcberth Frithoberth Eadberth Vulflab Hunfride Dunwich Fidsrith Vulfheard Lulla Ceolhelm Cynulfe Tydberth Eadberth London Osmond Heahstan Plegberth VVigheard Tidhun Frithorad Ethelhelme 00000000 Rochester VVaermund 00000000 Lullingo Tuda Beagnoth Heathoberth VVigheard 00000000 Selsey VVeothun Ceolmund Duud Eadberth Beorcol Hethfride a Doubtfull whether priests or deacons Cynebald 00000000 Arch-Bishop 1 Presbyters 39 82 in all Bishops 12 Archdeacon 1 Abbots 26 Deacons 3 3. Now to make a short but necessary Digression Some observables on the method and manner of their meeting in this Synod we may observe That Bishops appeared personally and the rest of the Clergy were represented Monks in their Abbots and the Seculars in the Priests and Deacons of their Diocese respectively Such Abbots as in this Catalogue have the addition of Pr. were also Priests and so present in a double Capacity though perchance they made onely use of their Abbotship No Deans appear here as a Dignity of farre later Institution The Bishops in the order of their Subscriptions seem to observe Seniority of their Consecrations and not Dignity of their Bishopricks seeing London lags one of the last to which our Church a Harpsfield Hist Ang. pag. 743. Heraulds did afterwards assign the highest place next the Arch-bishops onely Lichfield may seem to have had the Preccedency by the Courtesie of the Synod that the lost Dignity thereof might be buried in Honour being so lately the Seat of an Arch-bishop Lastly this was but a Provinciall Council for Canterbury alone York with his two Suffragans Lindisfern and Hexham not mentioned in the meeting Thus as the Anatomie of a little Child representing all Parts thereof is accounted a greater Rarity then the Sceleton of a man of full Statute so I conceive it more acceptable to the studious in Antiquity to behold the Form of these Synods with the distinct Members thereof in the Infancy of the Saxon Church then to see a compleat Council in after-Ages when grown to full Perfection 4. Passe we by some Petty Synods celebrated in the Reign and Countrey of King Kenulph of Mercia 16 Eminent was the Council at Celichyth under VVolfred who succeeded Aethelard Arch-bishop of Canterbury 816 Wherein The Acts of the Council at Colichyth amongst other things slight or superstitious was decreed 1. That the Catholick Faith should be kept and ancient Canons observed 2. That b See S r. Hen. Spelman in his Councills pag. 328. new Churches should be consecrated with Holy-water by their Bishops and the Saint somewhere painted therein to whom the same is dedicated 3. That all in Christian Charity mutually love one another 4. That Abbots and Abbesses be blamelesse persons chosen by the Bishop with the consent of the Convent 5. That no Scotch-man baptize or administer the Eucharist in England it being uncertain whether or by whom they are ordained We may discover herein some remaining Dreggs of the long-lasting Difference about the Celebration of Easter which made the suspicious English still to harbour a causelesse prejudice against the Scotch Priesthood 6. That the judiciall Sentences of Bishops in former Synods remain ratified as also all their Acts solemnly signed with the Crosse 7. That no Abbey-lands be leased out longer then in dies spatium unius hominis that is as I take
of solid Reason and therefore the 〈◊〉 the Argument the better for his Apprehension 13. Most solid and ingenious was the Answer of a most eminent Serjeant at Law of this Age A solid Answer of a learned Serjeant to the impertinent Clamours of such against the payment of Tithes because as they say due onely by Humane Right My Cloak is my Cloak by the Law of Man But he is a Thief by the Law of God that taketh it away from me 14. True it is that this Law did not presently find an universall Obedience in all the Land This law not presently and perfectly obeyed And the Wonder is not great if at the first making thereof it met with many Recusants since corroborated by eight hundred yeares Prescription and many Confirmations it findes Obstacles and Oppositions at this day for in succeeding Ages severall Kings confirmed the same though Papall Exemptions of severall Orders and modus Decimandi according to custome have almost since tithed the Tithes in some places 15. King Athelwolphus the next year took his call it Progresse or Pilgrimage to Rome 19 Where the report of his Piety prevented his Arrivall provided both Welcome and Wonder for his Entertainment 856 Here he confirmed unto the Pope his Predecessours Grant of Peter-pence King Ethelwolph's journey to Rome and bounty to the Pope and as a a William Malmesbury ut prius Surplusage bestowed upon him the yearly Revenue of three hundred Marks thus to be expended 1. To maintain Candles for S t. Peter one hundred Marks 2. To maintain Candles for S t. Paul one hundred 3. For a free Largesse to the Pope one hundred 16. If any be curious to know how these 300 Marks were in after-Ages divided and collected How this Summe was divided and collected out of severall Dioceses let them peruse the following Account if the Particulars be truely cast up and attested to me out of Sir Tho. Cotton's Librarie and as they say out of the Vatican it self be authenticall  l. s. d. Canterbury 8 8 0 London 16 10 0 Rochester 5 12 0 Norwich 21 10 0 Sarisbury 17 0 0 Ely 5 0 0 Lincoln 42 0 0 Chichester 8 0 0 Winchester 17 6 8 Covent Lichfield 41 5 0 Excester 9 5 0 Worcester 10 5 0 Hereford 6 0 0 Bathe Wells 12 5 0 York 11 10 0 These Summes were demanded by Pope Gregory the thirteenth in the 46. of Edward the third on that Token that their payment was much opposed by Iohn of Gaunt I dare not discede from my Copy a tittle coming as they say from the Register at Rome nor will I demand a Reason why Durham and Carlisle are here omitted much lesse examine the Equity of their Proportions as applied to their respective Dioceses but implicitly believe all done very justly The reason why the VVelsh Bishopricks were exempted is because at the grant hereof by King Athelwolph Wales was not then under his Dominion This 300 Marks was but a distinct payment by it self and not the whole Body of Peter-pence amounting to a greater Summe whereof God willing hereafter 17. After the Death of King Athelwolphus Ethelredi 1 and his two Sons Ethelbald and Ethelbert succeeding him 867 this Land was in a sad Condition The Saxons wilfully accessory to their own ruine by the Danes though nothing so bad as under the Reign of Ethelred his third Son and Successour for then indeed most miserable was the state of the English harassed by the Danes who like the running-Gout shifted from Joynt to Joynt from place to place often repelled from the severall Shires never expelled out of England The Saxon Folly hurt them more then the Danish Fury refusing effectually to unite to make a joynt-Resistance against a generall Enemy For some sixty yeares since the VVest-Saxons had subdued the other six Kings of this Nation yet so that they still continued kings but Homagers to the VVest-Saxon Monarchy The shortning of their Sceptres stuck in their Stomacks especially of the Mercian and Northumbrian Kings the most puissant of all the rest Whereupon beholding Ethelred the VVest-Saxon King the Staffe and Stay of the whole Nation embroiled with the Invasion of the Danes they not only lazily looked on but secretly smiled at this Sight as the only way to Conquer the Conquerour Yea Anno Dom. 867 such their Envy that rather then one once their equal should be above them in Felicity Anno Regis Ethelredi 1 they all would be equall with him in Misery They would more contendly be Slaves to a Forrain Foe to whom they all stood unrelated then Homagers to him who had as they thought usurped Dominion over them Never considering that the Danes were Pagans Self-interest is deaf to the Checks of Conscience and Revenge which is wilde at the best was so mad in them that they would procure it with the Hazzard if not Losse of their God his Church and true Religion Thus the Height of the Saxon Pride and Envy caused the Breadth of the Danish Power and Cruelty Indeed the foresaid Saxon Kings perceiving their Errour endeavoured at last to help the VVest-Saxon or rather to help themselves in him against the Danes But alas it was too late For the Danish Garisons lay so indented in the Heart of the Land that the Saxon Troups were blasted before they could grow into Regiments and their Strength dispersed in the gathering was routed before regulated into an Army 18. This year the Danes made an Invasion into Lincolnshire Fight betwixt Christians and Danes where they met with stout Resistance 870 and let us take a List of the chief Officers on both sides 4 Christian Saxons a Ingulphi Hist p. 865. Count Algar Generall with the Youth of Holland Harding de Rehale with Stanford men all very young and valiant Tolie a Monk with a Band of two hundred Crowlanders Morcar Lord of Burn with those of his numerous Family Osgot b Vicedominus Sheriff of Lincolnshire with five hundred under him VVibert living at VViberton nigh Boston in Holland Places named from their Owners Leofrick living at Leverton anciently Lefrinkton Danish Pagans King Gordroum King Baseg King Osketill King Halfeden King Hammond Count Frena Count Vnguar Count Hubba Count Sidroke the Elder Count Sidroke the Younger The Christians had the better the first day wherein the Danes lost three of their Kings buried in a place thence called Trekingham so had they the second till at night breaking their Ranks to pursue the Danes in their dissembled Flight they were utterly overthrown 19. Theodore Abbot of Crowland Crowland Monks massacred hearing of the Danes Approach shipped away most of his Monks with the choicest Relicks and Treasures of his Convent and cast his most precious Vessels into a VVell in the Cloister The rest remaining were at their Morning-prayers when the Danes entring slew Theodore the Abbot on the High Altar Asher
was by him preferred to be Arch-bishop of Canterbury 889 then a miserable place A generall Contribution to Rome and Ierusalem as hardly recovered from the late Sacking of the Danes By the Kings command he called the Clergy of England together and made a Collection of Almes to be sent to Rome and Ierusalem and Athelm Arch-bishop of York was imployed in the Journey going personally to the aforesaid Places to see the Contribution there faithfully delivered and equally distributed 44. About the end of this Century died worthy King Alfred 900 remarkable to Posterity on many Accounts Death of King Alfred whereof this not the least That he turned Davids Psalms into English so that a Royall Text met with a Royall Translatour He left his Crown to Edward his Sonne commonly called the Elder farre inferiour to his Father in Skill in but not so much in his Love to good Literature Indeed he had an excellent Tutour Asserius Menevensis Arch-bishop of S t. Davids the faithfull Writer of his Fathers Actions supposed by some Bishop of Sherburn which is denied by b Iames Usher de Brit. Eccles primor in Iâ—dice Chronolog p. 1177. Weak Guardians God wote others though one of the same name was some yeares before as inconsistent with Chronologie 45. As for principall Clergy-men extant at this time we take speciall notice of two the one Berthulf Bishop of VVinchester made one of the Guardians of the Realm against the Incursion of the Danes the other Halard Bishop of Dorchester advanced also into the same Employment But alass what weak Guardians were these to defend the Land which could not secure their own Sees And in what Capacity save in Prayers and Teares were they Able to make any Resistance for now the Danes not onely affailed the Skirts and Out-sides of the Land but also made Inrodes many miles into the Continent thereof Insomuch that VVinchester lay void six and Sherburn seven yeares such the Pagan Fury that none durst offer to undertake those Places 46. True it is The wofull estate of the English the English oftentimes in Battell got the Advantage of them when the Pagan Danes being conquered had but one way to shift for themselves namely to counterfeit themselves Christians and embrace Baptisme but no sooner had they got Power again into their hands but that they turning Apostates were ten times more cruell then ever before Thus successively was the Land affected with Sicknesse Recovery and Relapses the peoples Condition being so much the more disconsolate because promising a Continuance of Happinesse to themselves upon their Victories they were on their Overthrows remanded to the same if not a worse Condition 47. It is strange to observe the Alternations of Successe between the English and Danes The commendable temper of King Alfred and King Edward how exactly they took their Turns God using them to hold up one another whilest he justly beat both Mean time commendable the Temper of late King Alfred Anno Dom. 900 and present King Edward Anno Regis it being true of each of them Si modo Victus erat ad crastina bella parabat Si modo Victor erat ad crastina bella timebat If that it happ't that Conquered was he Next day to fight he quickly did prepare But if he chanc't the Conquerour to be Next day to fight he wisely did beware But these things we leave to the Historians of the State to prosecute and confine our selves onely to matters of Ecclesiasticall cognizance THE TENTH CENTURY Anno Regis Iacobo Langham Anno Dom. Armigero amplissimi Senatoris Londinensis Primogenito DEcimam hanc Centuriam tibi dedicandam curavi quòd Numerus Denarius semper aliquid augustum sonet Sic in Papicolarum Globulis quibus preculas suas numerant decimus ut Decurio aliis magnitudine praestat At dices Centuria haec inter Ecclesiasticos audit infelix cùm suâ tantùm Obscuritate sit illustris Quid Tibi igitur Felicissimo Viro cui laetum Ingenium lauta Haereditas cum infelici Seculo Verbo expediam Volui Nomen Tuum Historiae meae hic praetendi ut instar Phosphori Lectores in hac tenebrosa Aetate oberrantes splendoris sui Radiis dirigat Percurras quaeso insequentes paginas nihil Scientiae aliquid Voluptatis tibi allaturas Quo cum nemo sit in ipsis Elegantiarum apicibus Latinior probe scio Te perquam suaviter risurum cum Diploma Edvardinum nimia Barbarie scatens perlegeris 1. AT this time there was a great Dearth of Bishops in the Land Edvardi Senioris 3 which lasted for seven yeares as long as the Famine in Aegypt during which time 904 there was no Bishop in all the West parts of England England interdicted by the Pope for want of Bishops Pope Formosus was foully offended hereat and thereupon cum magna a Archiv Cant. in Regist Priorat Eccles Cant. fol. 3. b. Iracundia Devotione with much Passion and Piety by his Curse and Excommunication interdicted King Kingdome and all the Subjects therein We cannot but gaze at the Novelty of this act as we conceive a leading Case in this kind whilest the skilfull in the Canon Law can give an account of the Equity of the Popes Proceedings why all should suffer for some the guiltlesse with the guilty and have the VVord and Sacraments taken from them for the want of Bishops in other places Otherwise the Punishment seemeth unjust in the rigid justice thereof and if not heavier larger then the Offence and beareth no Proportion with common Equity Christian Charity and Gods Proceedings who saith the soul that sinneth shall dye 2. Not withstanding The Character of those this excommunicating of K. Edward bythe Pope is highly urged by a In his answer to the Lord Cooks Report pag. 136. cap. 6. Parsons Kings on whom the Pope most improved himself to prove the Popes Power in England over Princes Anno Dom. 904 according to his constant Soloâ—cisme clean through the tenure of his Book Anno Regis Edvardi Sen. 3 to reason à Facto ad Ius arguing from the Popes barely doing it that he may justly do it We deny not but that in this Age active and ambitious Popes mightily improved their Power upon five sorts of Princes First on such as were lazy and voluptuous who on condition they might enjoy their Sports and Delights for the present cared not for their Posterity Secondly on such as were openly vicious and so obnoxious to Censure who would part with any thing out of the apprehension of their Guiltinesse Thirdly on such as were tender and easie-natured who gave not so much out of Bounty to give as out of Bashfulnesse to deny the Popes Importunity Fourthly on those of a timorous spirit who were affrighted with their own Fancies of the Popes Terriblenesse and being captivated unto him by their own Fear they ransomed themselves at what Price
Cruelty to himself if unwillingly was it Dunstan's Fire or his Faith that fail'd him that he could hold out against him no longer But away with all Suspicions and Queries none need to doubt of the truth thereof finding it in a Sign painted in Fleet-street near Temple-barre 16. During Dunstan's abode in his Cell Aelsgine Dunstan's bountifull friend he had to his great Comfort and Contentment the company of a good Lady Aelfgine by name living fast by No Preacher but Dunstan would please her being so ravisht with his Society that she would needs build a little Cell for her self hard by him In processe of time this Lady died and by her last Will left Christ to be the Heir and Dunstan the Executor of her Estate Enabled with the accession thereof joyned to his paternall Possessions which were very great and now fallen into his hands Dunstan erected the Abbey of Glassenbury and became himself first Abbot thereof a Title till his time unknown in England he built also and endowed many other Monasteries filling them with Benedictine Monks who began now to swarm in England more then Magots in a hot May so incredible was their Increase 17. After the death of King Athelstane 16 Dunstan was recalled to Court in the reign of King Edmund 939 Athelstan's Brother Recalled to Court and re-banished thence and flourished for a time in great Favour But who would build on the brittle Bottome of Princes Love Soon after he falls into the Kings Disfavour Edmundi 1 the old Crime 940 of being a Magician and a Wanton with Women to boot being laid to his charge Surely Dunstan by looking on his own Furnace might learn thence there was no Smoak but some Fire either he was dishonest or undiscreet which gave the Ground-work to their generall Suspicion Hereupon he is re-banisht the Court and returned to his desired Cell at Glassenbury but within three dayes was solemnly brought back again to Court if the ensuing Story may be believed 18. King Edmund was in an eager pursuit of a Buck King Edmund his miraculous deliverance on the top of a steep Rock whence no Descent but Destruction Down falls the Deer and Dogs after him and are dashed to pieces The King follows in full speed on an unruly Horse whom he could not rein is on the Brink of the Brink of the Precipice yet his Prayers prove swifter then his Horse he but ran whilst they did fly to Heaven He is sensible of his Sin in banishing Dunstan confesseth it with Sorrow vowes Amendment promiseth to restore preferre him Instantly the Horse stops in his full Career and his Rider is wonderfully preserved 19. Thus farre a strong Faith may believe of the Story Fy for shame lying Monk but it must be a wild one which gives credit to the remainder a Ross Histor Matt. West Iob. Capgr Osbernus Cervus Canes reviviscunt saith the impudent Monk The Deer Dogs revive again I remember not in Scripture that God ever revived a brute Beast partly because such mean subjects are beneath the Majesty of a Miracle and partly because as the Apostle faith brute Beasts b 2 Pet. â— 12. are made to be taken destroyed Well then might the Monk have knockt off when he had done well in saving the Man and Horse and might have left the Dogs Deer to have remained dead on the place the Deer especially were it but to make Venison Pasties to feast the Courtiers at the solemnizing of their Lord and Masters so miraculous Deliverance 20. Dunstan returning to Court was in higher Favour then ever before 6 Edredi 1 Nor was his Interest any whit abated by the untimely Death of King Edmund slain by one Leoff a Thief seeing his Brother Edred 946 succeeding to the Crown King Edred a high Patron of Dunstan continued and increased his Kindness to him Under him Dunstan was the Doe-all at Court Anno Dom. 946 being the Kings Treasurer Anno Regis Edredi 1 Chancellour Counsellour all things Bishopricks were bountifully profered him pick and chuse where he please but none were honoured with his Acceptance Whether because he accounted himself too high for the place and would not stoop to the Employment or because he esteemed the place too high for him unable conscientiously to discharge it in the midst of so many Avocations Mean time Monasteries were every where erected King Edred devoutly resigning all his Treasure to Dunstan's Disposall Secular Priests being thrust out of their Convents and Monks substituted in their rooms 21. But after Edred's Death But King Edwine his profest Enemy the Case was altered with Dunstan falling into Disgrace with King Edwin his Successour 954 This King on his Coronation-day was said to be incestuously imbracing both Mother Daughter 9 Edwini 1 when Dunstan boldly coming into his Bed-chamber after bitter Reproofs stoutly fetcht him thence and brought him forth into the company of his Noblemen An heroick act if true done with a Iohn Baptist spirit and no wonder if Herod and Herodias I mean this incestuous King and his Concubines were highly offended with Dunstan for the same 22. But good men Who though wronged by the Monks was a worthy Prince and grave Authours give no belief herein conceiving King Edwin how bad soever charactered by the Monks his malicious Enemies to have been a worthy Prince In witnesse whereof they produce the words of a Hist lib. 5. pag. 357. Henry Huntington a learned man but no Monk thus describing him Edwin non illaudabiliter regni insulam tenuit Et rursus Ed win rex anno regni sui quito cum in principio regnum ejus decentissime flor eret prospera laetabunda exordia mors immatura perrupit Edwin was not undeserving of praise in managing the Sceptre of this Land And again King Edwin in the fifth year of his Reign when his Kingdome began at first most decently to flourish had his prosperous and pleasant Beginnings broken off with untimely Death This Testimony considered makes many men think better of King Edwin and worse of Dunstan as guilty of some uncivil Intrusion into the Kings Chamber for which he justly incurred his royall Displeasure 23. Hereupon Dunstan is banished by King Edwin He banisheth Dunstan and dieth heart-broken with grief not as before from England to England from the Court to his Cell at Glassenbury but is utterly expelled the Kingdome and flieth into Flanders Where his Friends say that his Fame prepared his Welcome the Governour of Gaunt most solemnly entertained him 956 Mean time 3 all the Monks in England of Dunstan's Plantation were rooted up and Secular Priests set in their places But soon after happened many Commotions in England especially in Mercia and Northumberland The Monks which write the Story of these Rebellions conceive it unfit to impart to Posterity the Cause thereof which makes wise men to
Sons having much of the Mother in them grew up as in Age in obstinacy against him His Subjects but especially the Bishops being the greatest Castle mongers in that Age very stubborn and not easily to be ordered 54. Mean time one may justly admire What became of Maud the Empress than no mention in Authors is made of nor provisions for Maud the Kings Mother surviving some years after her Son's Coronation in whom during her life 〈◊〉 lay the real right to the Crown 〈◊〉 Yet say not King Henries policy was little in preferring to take his Title from an Usurper by adoption rather then from his own Mother the rightful heir by succession and his piety less in not attending his Mothers death but snatching the Scepter out of her hand seeing no Writer ever chargeth him with the least degree of undutifulness unto her Which leadeth us to believe that this Maud worn out with age and afflictions willingly waved the Crown and reigned in her own contentment in seeing her Son reign before her 55. Those who were most able to advise themselves 1. are most willing to be advised by others 1155. as appeared by this politick Prince The body of the Common-Law compiled Presently he chuseth a Privy Councel of Clergie and Temporalty and refineth the Common Laws Yea towards the end of his Reign began the use of our Itiâ—erant Judges The platform hereof he fetch'd from France where he had his education and where Charles the Bald some hundred of years before had divided his Land into twelve parts assigning several Judges for administration of Justice therein Our Henry parcelled England into six Divisions and appointed three Judges to every Circuit annually to visit the same Succeeding Kings though changing the limits have kept the same number of Circuits and let the skilful in Arithmetick cast it up whether our Nation receiveth any loss by the change of three Judges every year according to Henry the second 's Institution into two Judges twice a year as long since hath been accustomed 56. The Laws thus setled King Henry cast his eye on the numerous Castles in England 2. As a good reason of State formerly perswaded the building 1156. so a better pleaded now for the demolishing of them Castles demolished William the Conqueror built most of them and then put them into the custody of his Norman Lords thereby to awe the English into obedience But these Norman Lords in the next generation by breathing in English ayre and wedding with English wives became so perfectly Anglized and lovers of Liberty that they would stand on their guard against the King on any petty discontentment If their Castles which were of proof against Bowes and Arrows the Artillery of that Age could but bear the brunt of a sudden assault they were priviledged from any solemn Siege by their meanness and multitude as whose several beleguerings would not compensate the cost thereof Thus as in foul bodies the Physick in process of time groweth so friendly and familiar with the disease that they at last side together and both take part against Nature in the Patient so here it came to pass that these Castles intended for the quenching in continuance of time occasioned the kindling of Rebellion To prevent farther mischief King Henry razed most of them to the ground and secured the rest of greater consequence into the hands of his Confidents if any ask how these Castles belong to our Church-History know that Bishops of all in that Age were the greatest Traders in such Fortifications 57. Thomas Becket Thomas Becket L. Chancellor of England born in London and though as yet but a Deacon Arch-Deacon of Canterbury Doctor of Canon-Law bred in the Universities of Oxford Paris Bononia was by the King made Lord Chancellor of England During which his office who braver then Becket None in the Court wore more costly clothes Anno Dom. 1158. mounted more stately steeds made more sumptuous feasts kept more jovial company brake more merry jests used more pleasant pastimes In a word he was so perfect a Lay-man that his Parsonages of Bromfield and S t Mary-hill in London with other Ecclesiastical Cures whereof he was Pastor might even look all to themselves he taking no care to discharge them This is that Becket whose mention is so much in English and miracles so many in Popish writers We will contract his acts in proportion to our History remitting the Reader to be satisfied in the rest from other Authors 58. Four years after His great reformation being made Arch-Bishop of Canterbury upon the death of Theobald 1162 Becket was made by the King 8. Arch-Bishop of Canterbury The first Englishman since the Conquest and he but a mongrel for his mother was a Syrian the intercourse of the Holy-War in that age making matches betwixt many strangers who was preferred to that place And now if the Monks their writing his life may be believed followed in him a great and strange Metamorphosis Instantly his cloaths were reformed to gravity his diet reduced to necessity his company confined to the Clergie his expences contracted to frugality his mirth retrenched to austerity all his pastimes so devoured by his piety that none could see the former Chancellor Becket in the present Arch-Bishop Becket Yea they report that his clothes were built three stories high next his skin he was a Hermite and wore sack-cloth in the midd he had the habit of a Monk and above all wore the garments of an Arch-Bishop Now that he might the more effectually attend his Archiepiscopal charge he resigned his Chancellors place whereat the King was not a little offended It added to his anger that his patience was daylie pressed with the importunate petitions of people complaining that Becket injured them Though generally he did but recover to his Church such possessions as by their covetousness and his predecessors connivence had formerly been detained from it 59. But A stubborn defender of the vicious Clergy against secular Magistrates the main matter incensing the King against him was his stubborn defending the Clergie from the secular power and particularly what a great fire doth a small spark kindle that a Clerk having killed and stolen a Deer ought not to be brought before the Civil Magistrate for his punishment Such impunities breeding impieties turned the house of God into a den of thieves many rapes riots robberies murders were then committed by the Clergie If it be rendered as a reason of the viciousness of Adonijah that his father never said unto him a 1 King 1. 6. Why doest thou so No wonder if the Clergy of this age were guilty of great crimes whom neither the King nor his Judges durst call to an account And seeing Ecclesiastical censures extend not to the taking away of life or lim such Clerks as were guilty of capital faults were either altogether acquitted or had onely penance inflicted upon
Acts and Monum pag. 493. two hundred and seventy They might well have been brought up to four hundred and made as many as Baals lying Prophets though even then one Propher of the Lord one Micaiah one true miracle were worth them all 70. It is almost incredible The blinde superstition of people what multitudes of people flock'd yearly to Canterbury which City lived by Beckets death especially on his Jubilee or each fifty years after his enshrining No fewer then an hundred c Wil. Somner ut priùs pag. 249. thousand we finde it in words at length and therefore a cipher is not mistaken of English and forrainers repaired hither And though great the odds in hardness between stones and flesh there remains at this day in the marble the prints of their superstition who crept and kneeled to his shrine The revenues whereof by peoples offerings amounted to more then six hundred pounds a year And the same accomptant when coming to set down what then and there was offered to Christ's or the High-Altar dispatcheth all with a blanke Summo Altari nil Yea whereas before Beckets death the Cathedral in Canterbury was called Christ's Church it passed afterwards for the Church of S t Thomas verifying therein the complaint of d John 12. 13. Mary Magdalen Sustuleruat Dominum They have taken away the Lord. Though since by the demolishing of Beckets shrine the Church and that justly hath recovered his true and ancient name SECT II. DOMINO JOANNI WYRLEY DE WYRLEY-HALL In Com. Stafford Equiti Aurato LEx Mahometica jubet ut Turcarum quisque mechanicae arti incumbat Hinc est quòd vel inter Ot tomanicos Imperatores hic faber ille Sartor hic totus est in baltheorum * * Edw. Sandys in suis peregrinationibus bullis ille in Sagittarum pennis concinnandis prout quisque suà indole trahatur Lex mihi partim placet partim displicet Placet industria nè animi otii rubigine obducti sensim torpescerent Displicet ingenuas mentes servili operi damnari cùm humile nimis sit abjectum At utinam vel lex vel legis aemula consuetudo inter Anglos obtineret nt nostrates nobiles ad unum omnes meliori literaturae litarent Hoc si fiat uberrimos fructus Respublica perceptura esset ab illis qui nunc absque Musarum cultu penitus sterilescunt Tu verò Doctissime Miles es perpaucorum hominum qui ingenium Tuum nobilitate premi non sinis sed artes ingenuas quas Oxonii didicisti juvenis vir assiduè colis Gestit itaque Liber noster Te Patrono quo non alter aut in not andis mendis oculatior aut in condonandis clementior 1. EVen amongst all the stripes given him since the death of Becket 20. none made deeper impression in King Henry's soul 1174. then the undutisulness of Henry The undutisulness of young King Henry his eldest Son whom he made the foolish act of a wise King joynt-King with himself in his life time And as the Father was indiscreet to put off so much of his apparel before he went to bed so the Son was more unnatural in endeavouring to rend the rest from his back and utterly to difrobe him of all Regal power The Clergie were not wahting in their plentiful censures to impute this mischance to the King as a Divine punishment on Beckets death that his natural Son should prove so undutiful to him who himself had been so unmerciful to his spiritual father Anno Dom. 1174. But this rebellious childe pass'd not unpunished Anno Regis Hen. 2. 20. For as he honoured not his Father so his dayes were sew in the land which the Lord gave him And as he made little account of his own father so English Authors make no reckoning of him in the Catalogue of Kings This Henry the third being wholly omitted because dying during the life of his Father 2. But Richard made Arch-Bishop of Canterbury before this Henries death Richard Prior of Dover who divided Kent into three Arch-Deaconries was made Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Indeed the place was first profered to Robert Abbot of Becco in Normandy Sequents of three if he had accepted it Anselme Theobald and this Robert who in the compass of seventy years out of the same Abby were made Arch-Bishops of Canterbury but he refused it as ominous to succeed Becket in his Chair lest he should succeed him in his Coffin and preferr'd a whole skin before an holy Pall. But Richard accepting the place is commended for a milde and moderate man being all for accommodation and his temper the best expedient betwixt the Pope and King pleasing the former with presents the latter with compliance This made him connive at Jeffery Plantaginet his holding the Bishoprick of Lincoln though uncanonicalâ—ess on uncanonicalness met in his person For first he was a bastard Secondly he was never in orders Thirdly he was under age all which irregularities were answered in three words The Kings Son This was that Jeffery who used to protest by the royaltie of the King his Father when a stander by minded him to remember the honesty of his Mother 3. A Synod was call'd at Westminster The controversy betwixt Canterbury York for precedency the Popes Legat being present thereat 1176. on whose right hand sat Richard 22. Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as in his proper place When in springs Roger of York and finding Canterbury so seated fairly sits him down on Canterburie's lap a baby too big to be danced thereon yea Canterbury his servants dandled this lap-childe with a witness who pluck'd him thence and buffeted him to purpose Hence began the brawl which often happened betwixt the two Sees for precedency though hitherto we have pass'd them over in silence not conceiving our selves bound to trouble the Reader every time those Arch-Bishops troubled themselves And though it matters as little to the Reader as to the Writer whether Roger beat Richard or Richard beat Roger yet once for all we will reckon up the arguments which each See alledged for its precedencie Canterburies Title 1. No Catholick person will deny but that the Pope is the fountain of spiritual honor to place and displace at pleasure He first gave the Primary to Canterbury Yea whereas the proper place of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in a general Councel was next the Bishop of S t Ruffinus Anselme and his successors were advanced by Pope Vrban to sit at the Popes right foot as alterius orbis Papa 2. The English Kings have ever allowed the Priority to Canterbury For a Duarchie in the Church viz. two Arch-Bishops equal in power being inconsistent with a Monarchy in the State Anno Regis Hen. 2. 22. they have ever countenanced the superiority of Canterbury Anno Dom. 1176. that the Church-government might be uniform with the Commonwealths 3. Custome hath been accounted a King in all
and the City of Jerusalem from the Turks in Palestine 9. Having formerly written an whole Book of the Holy War An account of our design and particularly of King Richards atchievements therein 1190 I intend here no repetition 1. Onely our design is to give a Catalogue of some of our English Nobility who adventured their persons in the Holy War and whose Male-Posterity is eminently extant at this day I have known an excellent Musician whom no Arguments could perswade to play until hearing a Bungler scrape in the company he snatch'd the Instrument out of his hand in indignation that Musick should be so much abused then turned and played upon it himself My project herein is that giving in an imperfect list of some few noble Families who ingaged themselves in this service It will so offend some eminent Artist hitherto silent in this kinde that out of disdain he will put himself upon so honourable a work deserving a Gentleman who hath Lands Learning and leisure to undertake so costly intricate and large a subject for the honor of our Nation And be it premised that to prevent all cavils about precedency first come first serv'd I shall Marshal them in no other method but as in my studies I have met with the mention of them 10. To begin with the place of my present habitation Anno Regis Rich. prim 1. one Hugh Nevil attended King Richard into the Holy War Anno Dom. 1190 and anciently lieth buried in a Marble Monument Nevil Kill Lion his performance in Palestine in the Church of Waltham Abbey in Essex whereof no remainders at this day This Hugh Nevil being one of the Kings special samiliars slew a Lion in the Holy Land first driving an arrow into his Breast and then running him through with his sword on whom this Verse was made a Mat. Paris Anno Dom 1222. Viribus Hugonis vires periêre Leonis The strength of Hugh A Lion slew If Benaiah the son of Jehoiadah was recounted the fifth amongst Davids worthies for b 2 Sam. 23. 20. killing a Lion in the middest of a pit in the time of snow surely on the same reason this bold and brave Baron Hugh ought to be entred into the Catalogue of the Heroes of his Soveraign But I cannot give credit to c Weavers Fun. Mon. pag. 644. his report who conceiveth that the Atchievement of the man was translated to his Master And that on this occasion King Richard the first got the name of Cordelion or Lions Heart 11. This Hugh Nevil gave the Manor of d Registrum Cart Abbat de Waltham Thorndon to Waltham Abby Ancesters to the Noble numerous Nevils and was Ancester of the Noble and numerous Family of the Nevils to which none in England equal for Honor Wealth and number in the later end of King Henry the sixth though at this day the Lord Abergavenny be the only Baron thereof He gave for his Armes a Cross Saltire or the Cross of S t Andrew probably assuming it in the Holy War For though I confess this is not the proper Cross of Hierusalem yet was it highly esteemed of all those who adventured thither as may appear in that all Knights-Templers make such Saltire Cross with their Thwarted Leggs upon their Monuments 12. Giralde de Talbote succeeds in the second place Giralde de Talbote whence the house of Shrewsbury When Articles were drawn up between our King Richard in his passage to Palestine and Tancred King of Sicily for the mutual observation of many Conditions betwixt them He put in upon their Oaths for his Sureties a Grand-Jury of his principal Subjects then present viz. two Arch-Bishops two Bishops and twenty other of his Prime Nobility expressed in his Letters e R. Hoveden pars poster 〈◊〉 in Rich. primo Patents Besides many other whose names were concealed Of these twenty the aforesaid Girald de Talbote is the first whose Male Issue and Name is extant at this day flourishing in the Right Honourable Family of the Earls of Shrewsbury 13. Next amongst the Royal Jurors as I may term them was Guarrin Fitz-Girald Guarrin Fitz Girald from whom the Earls of Kildare and Barons of Windsor from whom are descended the Fitz Giralds in Ireland where their name is in some places Provincial of whom the Earl of Kildare is chief A memorial of their service in Palestine is preserved in their Armes giving Argent a Cross Saltire Gules Here it must be remembred that the valiant sprightly Gentleman Hickman Lord Windsor is descended from the same f See Camd. Brit. in Berkshire Male Ancestors with the Fitz Giralds as Robert Glover a most exquisite Herald doth demonstrate though according to the fashion of that age altering his old and assuming a new name from Windsor the place of his office and Command This Lord Windsor carrieth the Badg of his Service in his Arms being essentially the same with the Earl of Kildares save that the colours are varied the field Gules and cross Saltire Argent betwixt twelve Crosses crossed OR Which Coat seemingly sursited was conceived in that age the more healthful for the same the more Crossed the more Blessed being the Devotion of those dayes 14. Four other Gentlemen of quality remain mentioned in that Parent A Quaternion more of adventures William de Curcy Father to John the valiant Champion and Conqueror of Ireland Robert de Novo Burgo Hugh le Brain and Amaury de Mountford of all whom formerly in our Alphabetical Comment on Abby Roll. Anno Dom. 1191. Anno Regis Rich. Prim. 2. 15. At the siege of Acres or Ptolemais the Grave General of the Christian Army amongst many Worthies dying there within the compass of one year Ingleram 〈◊〉 his posterity I finde a 〈…〉 pag. 655. Ingelram de Fiennes to be slain from whom the Lord Viscount Say and Seal and the Lord Dacres of the South derive their discent But most visible are the remains of the Holy War in the atchievement of Theophilus Finnes alias Clinton Earl of Lincoln giving in the lower parts of his shield in a field Argent six Crosses crossed Fitchee Sable denoting the stability and firmness of his Ancestors in that service 16. Also at the aforesaid Siege of Acres Radulphus De Alta ripa Radulphus de Alta ripa Arch-Deacon of Colchester ended his life Now although because a Clergy-man he could not then leave any lawful Issue behinde him Yet we may be confident that the Ancient Family De Alta ripa or Dautry still continuing in b Camd. Brit. ibid. Sussex were of his Alliance 17. Before we leave the Siege of Acres let me refresh the Reader with my innocent and give me leave to say provable mistake A mistake freely confest I conceived the Noble Family of the Lord Dacres took their Sir-name from some service there performed confirmed in my conjecture 1. Because the
Sap still remained in the English Sceptre that it durst oppose the Pope in so high a degree 6. In this year 1235. the CAURSINES first came into England Caursines what they were proving the Pests of the Land and Bane of the people therein These were Italians by Birth terming themselves the Pope's Merchants driving no other Trade then Letting our money great Banks whereof they brought over into England differing little from the Iews save that they were more merciless to their Debtours Now because the Pope's Legate was all for ready money when any Tax by Levy Commutation of Vows Tenths Dispensations c. were due to the Pope from Prelate Convents Priests or Lay persons these CAURSINES instantly furnished them with present Coin upon their solemn Bonds and Obligations one form whereof we have inserted To all that shall see the present Writing Anno Dom. 1235 Thomas the Prior the Convent of Barnwell wish health in the Lord. Anno Regis Henrici 3. 19 Know that we have borrowed and received at London for our selves profitably to be expended for the Affaires of our Church from Francisco and Gregorio for them and their Partners Citizens and Merchants of Millain a hundred and four Marks of lawfull Money Sterling thirteen shillings four pence sterling being counted to every Mark. Which said one hundred and four Marks we promise to pay back on the Feast of S t. Peter ad Vincula being the first day of August at the New Temple in London in the year 1235. And if the said money be not throughly paid at the time and place aforesaid we bind our selves to pay to the foresaid Merchants or any one of them or their certain Atturney for every ten Marks forborn two months one Mark of money for recompence of the Damages which the foresaid Merchants may incur by the not-payment of the money unto them so that both Principall Damages and Expences as above expressed with the Expences of one Merchant with his Horse and Man until such time as the aforesaid money be fully satisfied For Payment of Principal Interest Damages and Expences we oblige our selves and our Church and Successours and all our Goods and the Goods of our Church moveable or immoveable Ecclesiasticall or Temporall which we have or shall have wheresoever they shall be found to the foresaid Merchants and their Heirs and do recognize and acknowledge that we possesse and hold the same Goods from the said Merchants by way of Courtesy untill the Premises be fully satisfied And we renounce for our selves and Successours all help of CANON and CIVILL LAW all Priviledges and Clark-ship the Epistle of S t. Adrian all Customes Statutes Lectures Indulgences Priviledges obtained for the King of England from the See Apostolick as also we renounce the Benefit of all Appeales or Inhibition from the King of England with all other Exceptions real or Personal which may be objected against the Validity of this Instrument All these things we promise faithfully to observe In witnesse whereof we have set to the Seal of our Convent Dated at London die quinto Elphegi in the year of Grace 1235. Sure bind sure find Here were Cords enough to hold Sampson himself an order taken they should never be cut or untîd the Debtour depriving himself of any relief save by full payment 7. It will not be amisse Necessary observations to make some brief Notes on the former Obligation it being better to write on it then to be written in it as the Debtour concerned therein One hundred and four Marks the od four seem added for Interest Feast of S t. Peter ad Vincula The Popish Tradition saith that Eudoxia the Empress Wife to Theodosius the Younger brought two great Chains wherewith Herod imprisoned S t. Peter from Ierusalem to Rome where they are reported seen at this day and a Solemn Festivall kept on the first of August the quarter-pay-day of Romes Revenues in Momoriall thereof But the Name of LAMMAS hath put out S t. Peter's Chains in our English Almanack New Temple at London in Fleet-street founded by the Knights Templers and dedicated by Heraclius Patriarch of Ierusalem 1185 Called New in relation to ancient Temple lesse and lesse convenient they had formerly in Oldburn And our certain Atturney Nuncius in the Latine being one imployed to solicite their Suit All the Goods of our Church moveable and immoveable Hence oftentimes they were forced to sell their Chalices and Altar-plate to pay the Bond and secure the rest of their Goods for these Creditcurs CANON and CIVILL LAW Common Law not mentioned herein with which these CAURSINES Anno Regis Hen. 3. 19 being Forrainers would have nothing to do Epistle of S t. Adrian This seems to be some Indulgence granted by Pope Adrian the fourth perchance whereby Churches indicted found some favour against their Creditours Die quinto Elphegi I am not Datary enough to understand this I know Elphegus to be Arch-bishop of Canterbury and Martyr and his day kept the nineteenth of April so that the money was borrowed but for three moneths so soon did the Payment or heavy Forfeiture in default thereof return 8. These CAURSINES were generally hated for their Extorsions Caursines whence so called Some will have them called CAURSINES quasi CAUSA URSINI so Bearish and cruell in their causes others CAURSINI quasi CORRASINI from scraping all together But these are but barbarous Allusions though best becoming such base practises 9. Mean time the CAURSINES cared not what they were called Foxes hapand happinesse being a-kin to the cunning Creature which faireth best when cursed and were indeed Lords of the Land according to Scripture rule the Borrower is servant to the Lender Many of the Laity more of the Clergy and Convents and the King himself being deeply indebted unto them Indeed Roger Black that Valiant Learned and Pious Bishop of London once excommunicated these CAURSINES for their Oppression but they appealing to the Pope their good friend forced him after much molestation to desist 10. These CAURSINES were more commonly known by the Name of LOMBARDS Caursines and Lombards the same from Lombardy the place of their Nativity in Italy And although they deserted England on the decaying of the Pope's power and profit therein yet a double memoriall remaineth of them One of their Habitation in Lumbard-street in London the other of their Imployment A LOMBARD unto this day signifying a Bank for Vsury or Pawns still continued in the Low-Countries and elsewhere 11. Mean time one may lawfully smile at the Pope's Hypocrisy Deep Hypocrisy forbidding Vsury as a sin so detestable under such heavy penalties in his Canon Law whilst his own Instruments were the most unconscionable Practisers thereof without any control 12. Otho 22 Cardinal 1238 Deacon of S t. Nicholas The Present of the Oxford Scholars to the Legate was sent the Pope's Legate into England and going to a M. Paris in Anno
the Crown of Scotland is written on the back-side of Constantines Donation And it is strange that if Scotland be the Popes peculiar Demeanes it should be so far distant from Rome his chief Mansion house he grounded his Title thereunto because a Fox Acts Monuments lib. 1. p. 444 and 445. Scotland was first converted by the reliques of S t Peter to the unity of the Catholick faith But it seemes not so much ambition in his Holiness made him at this present to start this pretence but the secret solicitation of the Scots themselves Anno Dom. 1301. who now to avoid the storme of the English Anno Regis Ed. 1. 29. ran under this Bush and put themselves in the Popes protection 2. Hereupon King Edward called a Councel of his Lords at Lincoln 〈…〉 where perusing the contents of the Popes prescript he returned a large answer where in he endeavoured by evident reasons and ancient predceents to prove his propriety in the Kingdom of Scotland This was seconded by another from the English Peerage subscribed with all their hands the whole a 〈…〉 the first pag. 311. tenor whereof deserves to be inserted but this passage must not be omitted being directed to no meaner then his Holiness himself Wherefore after treaty had and diligent deliberation of the contents of your foresaid Letters this was the common agreement and consent with one minde and shall be without fail in time to come by Gods grace that our foresaid Lord the King ought by no means to answer in judgement in any case or should bring his foresaid rights into doubt nor ought not to send any Proctors or messengers to your presence Especially seeing that the premisses tend manifestly to the disheriting of the Crown of England and the plain overthrow of the State of the said Realm and also hurt of the Liberties Customes and Laws of our Fathers for the keeping and defence of which we are bound by the duty of the Oath made and we will maintain them with all power and will desend them by Gods help with all our strength The Pope perceived he had met with men which understood themselves and that King Edward was no King John to be frighted or flattered out of his Right he therefore was loath to clash his Keys against the others sword to trie which was made of the hardest mettal but foreseeing the Verdict would go against him wisely non-suited himself Whereas had this unjust challenger met with a timerous Defendant it had been enough to have created an undeniable title to him and his successors The best is Nullum tempus occurrit Papae no process of time doth prejudice the Popes due but whensoever he pleaseth to prosecute his right One condemned for a traitor for bringing the Popes Bull. Scotland lieth still in the same place where it did before 3. About this time a subject brought in a Bull of Excommunication against another subject of this Realm 1302 and published it to the Lord Treasurer of England 30. and this was by the ancient a Brook tit pâ—aemuntre p. 10. Common-Law of England adjudged Treason against the King his Crown and dignity for the which the offender should have been drawn and hanged but at the great instance of the chancelour and Treasurer he was onely abjured the Realm for ever And this case is the more remarkable because he was condemned by the Common-Law of England before any particular c â— part of Sir Ed. Cokes Reports de jure Reg. Ecc. fol. 12. Statute was enacted in that behalf The Arch-Bishop of Canterbury humbled by the King 4. But the Courage of the King Edward most appeared in humbling and ordering Robert Wincelsey 1305 Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 33. He was an insolent man hated even of the Clergie because though their champion to preserve them from Civil and Secular burdens yet the Popes Broker to reserve them for his unconscionable exactions as if keeping Church-men to be wrong'd by none but himself Long had the King looked on him with an angry eye as opposite to his proceedings and now at the last had him at his mercy for plotting d Annal. Eccl. August Cant. Guiltiness makes proud men base Treason with some others of the Nobility against him against him projecting to depose him and set up his Son Edward in his Room 5. The Arch-Bishop throwing himself prostrate at the Kings feet with tears and e Antiq Brita p 20◠〈…〉 Wâ—â—singham lamentation confessed his fault in a posture of cowardly dejection descending now as much beneath himself as formerly he had arrogantly insulted over others f Haâ—pssield Hist Eccl. Aug. pag. 446. some are loath to allow him guilty of the crime objected Worthily see Goâ—dwin de Archiepisâ— Cantâ—â—riens p. 145. others conceive him onely to have done this Anno Regis Ed. 1. 33. presuming on the Kings noble disposition for pardon Anno Dom. 1305. But such must yield him a Traitor either to the Kings Crown or to his own innocence by his unworthy acknowledging his offence Thus that man who confesseth a debt which he knows not due hoping his Creditor will thereupon give him an acquittance scarce deserveth pitty for his folly if presently sent to prison for non-payment thereof Then he called the King his Master a terme wherewith formerly his tongue was unacquainted whom neither by word or letter he would ever acknowledg under that nation tendering himself to be disposed at his pleasure 6. No Quoth the King The remarkable Dialogue betwixt the King and Arch Bish I will not be both party and judg and proceed against you as I might by the Common-Law of the Land I bear more respect to your order whereof you are as unworthy as of my favour having formerly had experience of your malice in smaller matters when you so rigorously used my Chaplains attending on me in their ordinary service beyond the Seas â— Antiquitates Britiannicae ut prius so that though I sent my Letters unto you you as lightly regarded what I wrot as what they pleaded in their own behalf Wincelsey having but one guard for all blows persisted in his submission desiring a president unparalle'd that the King would give him his blessing No said the King it is more proper that you should give me your blessing But well I will remit you to your own great Master the Pope to deal with you according to your deserts But the Arch-Bishop loath belike to-go-to Rome and staying longer in England then the Kings command and perchance his own promise lurk'd in a Covent at Canterbury till fourscore b Annal. Eccl. August Cant. Monks were by the Kings command thrust out of their places for relieving him out of their charity and were not restored till the aforesaid Arch-Bishop was banished the Kingdom 7. Not long after he appeared before Pope Clement the fift at Burdeaux Wincelsey finds no â—avour
Jurisdictions RICHADO SEYMERE Necessario meo INter Amicum meum Necessarium hoc pono discriminis quod ille ad bene esse Hic ad meum esse quodammodo requiratur Quo nomine Tu mihi es salutandus qui sine te planè mancus mihi videor Tuâ enim artifici dextrâ usus sum per totum hoc opus in scutis Gentilitiis depingendis Macte vir Ingenue ac Natales tuos Generosos satis novo splendore illustriores reddito 1. COlledges Anno Regis Ed. secun 9 yet Anno Dom. 1316. were few and Students now many in Oxford Exeter Colledg founded by Bishop Stapleton whereupon Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter founded and endowed one therein by the name of Stapletons Inn since called Exeter Colledge This Bishop was one of high Birth and large Bounty being said to have expended a years revenews of his this rich Bishoprick in the Solemnity of his instalement He also founded Hart-Hall in Oxford But oh the difference betwixt the Elder and Younger Brother though Sons to the same Father the one carrying away the whole Inheritanoe whilst the other sometimes hath little more than himself left unto Him as here this Hall is altogether unindowed 2. This worthy Bishop had an unworthy and untimely death some ten years after Who afterwards was barbarously murdered For being Lord Treasurer and left by the King in his absence to govern the then mutinous citty of London the Citizens not without incouragement from the Queen furiously fell upon him and in Cheapside most barbarously butchered him and then as hoping to bury their murder with his body hudled him obscurely into a hole But afterward to make his Ghost some reparation and stop the clamour of the Clergy the Queen ordered the removing and interring of his Body and his Brothers a valiant Knight slain on the same account in the Cathedral of Excter One would wonder this Bishop was not made a Martyr and Sainted in that Age save that his suffering was of civill concernment and not relating to Religion 3. This House hath since found two eminent Benefactors Sir William Petre his bounty first Sir William Petre born of honest Parentage in Exeter principal Secretary to four successive King and Queens One who in ticlish and turning times did good to himself got a great estate injurious to none that I ever heard or read of but courteâ—us to many and eminently to this Colledge wherein he bestowed much building and augmented it with eight Fellowships 4. The other George Hackwel Doctor of Divinity Dr Hackwel built this Chappel late Rector thereof who though married and having children must it not be a quick and large fountain which besides filling a Pond had such an over flowing stream bestowed more than one thousand pounds in building a beautiful Chappel This is He who wrote the Learned and Religious Apologie for Divine Providence proving that the World doth not decay Many begin the reading thereof with much prejudice but few end it without full satisfaction converted to the Authors Opinion by his unanswerable Arguments 5. This Colledge consisteth chiefly of Cornish and Devonshire men Western men here most proper the Gentry of which latter Queen Elizabeth used to say were Courtiers by their birth And as these Western men do bear away the Bell for might and sleight in wrastling so the Schollars here have alwayes acquitted themselves with credit in Palaestra literarie The Rectors of this House anciently were annual therefore here omitted fixed but of latter years to continue the term of their lives Rectors 1 John Neale 2 Tho. Glaster 3 Tho. Holland 4 John Prideaux 5 George Hackwel 6 Conant Bishops John Prideaux Bishop of worcecester Tho. Winniff Bishop of Lincoln Benefactors Edmund Stafford Bishop of Exeter Mr. John Piriam Alderman of Exeter Sir John Ackland Knight expending besides other Benefactions 800. pound in building the Hall * I am informed that Dr. Prideaux in a Dedication to one of his Sermons hath reckoned all the Worthy Writers of this house but as yet I have not seen it Learned Driters Judge DODDERIDGE George Hackwell John Prideaux Sir Simon Baskervil Dr. Veluain Nath. Carpenter Norrington George Kendal So that lately therein were maintained one Rector twenty three Fellowes a Bible-Clerk two Pensioners Servants Commoners and other Students to the number of two hundred 6. Clergy-men began now to complain The Kings courteous answer to the Prelates complaints that the Lay-Judges entrenched on their Priviledges and therefore they presented a Petition to the King in his Parliament at Lincolne requesting the redresse of sixteen grievances To most of them the King returned a satisfactory answer and so qualified his denyals to the rest that they could not but content any reasonable disposition 7. These Concessions of the King were digested into Laws Made a Printed Statute under the title of Articuli Cleri and are printed at large in the Statutes known by the title of Articuli Cleri Whereon Sir Edward Coke in the second part of his Institutes hath made no lesse learned then large Commentary So that though the Law of circumspectè agatis had stated this difference Yet it seems this Statute as Circumspectivus agatis was conceived very requisite 8. Moreover these Statutes did not so clearly decide the difference betwixt the Spiritual and Temporal Jurisdictions Yet the controversie between the two Jurisdictions still continued but that many contests happened afterwards betwixt them no longer ago then in the fift of King James when the Doctors of the Commons under Richard Bancroft Arch-Bishop of Canterbury their General opposed the Judges about the indeterminable controversies of Prohibitions Adde hereunto that the Clergy claimed to themselves the most favourable interpretation of all Statutes in their own behalf whilst the Temporal Judges in the not sitting of Parliaments challenged that priviledge to themselves 9. The most lasting Monument of the memory of wofull King Edward the second 17 was the building of Orial Colledge in Oxford 1324 Indeed some make Him Orial Colledg built by King Ed. the 2. and others Adam Brown his Almoner Founder thereof and both perchance truly the King allowing his Almoner issuing money for the building and endowing thereof Others will have it that his Almoner perswaded him on consciencious Principles to this good work pertinently all eadging and pressing this instance to prove that the Kings nature not bad in it self but too yielding to the impressions of others Now whereas the other Alms of this King were perishing as relieving only poor for the present these as more lasting have done good to many Generations 10. I meet with no satisfactory reason of the name which some will have to contain something of Easternes therein Quere about the name thereof So scituated comparatively to some more ancient Foundation Others deduce it from Criolium an eminent room in * M. Paris in vitis 23. Ab. 5 Albani p.
100. Kings nursing Fathers to this house Monaesteries and I cannot but smile at such who will have O Royal as a Pathetical admiration of Princely Magnificence 11. However I do not deny but that the Kings of England have been very indulgent to this Foundation For besides King Edward the second the Founder thereof his Son King Edward gave unto them the Hospital of Saint Bartholmews nigh Oxford with Lands to maintain eight poor people subject to the government of the Provost and Fellows of this Colledge Besides King James being informed of some Legal defects in this Foundation granted them a new Corporation Cavill-proof against all exceptions 12. This Colledge being much decayed Lately rebuilded most decently Anthony Blencow late Provost bequeathed twelve hundred pounds to the new building of a Front thereof Which being done lest it should be a disgrace to the rest of the Fabrick the whole Colledge is rebuilt in a most decent manner Provosts Anno Dom. 1324. Adam Brown Anno Regis Ed. secun 16 William de Leverton William de Hankesworth William Daventre William Colyntre John Middleton John Possell William Corff Thomas Lintlewarden Henry Kayle Nicholas Barry John Carpenter Walter Lyhart John Hales Henry Sampson Thomas Hawkins John Taylower Thomas Cornish Edmund Mylforde James Morc Thomas Ware Henry Myn. William Haynes John Smith Roger Marbeck John Belly Anthony Blencowe Dr. Lewes Dr. Tolson Dr. Sanders Benefactors John Franke gave four Fellowships John Carpenter Bishop of Worcester gave one Fellowship William Smith Bishop of Lincolne gave one Felship Richard Dudley D. D. gave two Fellowships two Exhibitions Bishops John Carpenter Bishop of Worcester Learned Writers William Allen Cardinal * Before or after of Christ-church S r Walter Rawleigh William Prin. So that lately were maintained therein one Provost eighteen Fellows one Bible-Clerk twelve Exibitioners with Commoners and Colledge Officers amounted to one hundred and sixty 13. Let us cast our eye on the Common-wealth only War between the Queen and King as it is the Ring wherein the Diamond of the Church is contained and that now full of Cracks caused by the severall state-factions The two Spencers ruled all things till the Queen and her Son who politiquely had got leave to go beyond the Seas returned into England with a Navy and Army landing in Suffolk She denounceth open war against her Husband unlessse he would presently conform to her desires 14. The King proclaimed that a thousand pound should be given to Him that brought the head of Roger Mortimer Counter-proclamations and counterrumours The Queen proclaimed such who had the better purse may give the greater price that whosoever brought the head of the young Spencer it seems his Father was not so considerable should have two thousand pounds The Queens party gave out that the King of France had sent over a vast Army for her assistance Anno Regis Ed. secun 18 and the Kings side Anti-rumoured who could raise reports easier then Armies that the Pope had excommunicated all such who sides against him Anno Dom 1326 now though both reports were false they made true impressions of hope in such hearts as beleeved them 15. Three wayes were presented to King Edward The King unable to fight Fight Flight and Concealment the first he was unable to doe having no effectuall Forces only able for a time to defend the Castle of Bristol till many of his Complices were taken therein a Tower therein given out to be undermined being indeed undermonied with bribes to the defenders thereof Here the elder Spencer was taken and executed 16. Flight was no lesse unsafe then dishonourable And flee For his Kingdome being an Island the Sea would quickly put a period thereunto Indeed there was some thoughts of his Flight into Ireland which was no better then out of a dirty way into a very Bogg besides great the difficulty to recover the Sea and greater to passe over it all Ports and passages were so way-layed 17. Concealment was at the last resolved on After a short concealment is taken not as the best but only way of his security for a time he lay hid amongst the Welsh not able to help but willing to pitty him as a Native of their Countrey concealed in the Abby of Neath till men are sent down with money no such ligh as the shine of silver wherewith to discover a person enquired for and soon after he was betrayed into their hands The younger Spencer taken with him is hung on a Gallows fiftie foot high and the promised two thousand pounds were duly payed and equally parted betwixt severall persons imployed in his apprehension 18. Many Persons of quality were sent down from the Parliament then sitting King Edward resigneth his Crown to King Edward to Kenelworth Castle to move alias to command him to resign the Crown which at last he sadly surrendred Sir William Trussel a Lawyer of great abused abilities being rather to make then finde a precedent in this kinde improved his witts in the formalities thereof Soon after Prince Eward his Son is Crowned King whose Father is now no more then plain Edward of Caernarvon though his mother whose title was Relative to and a Derivative from her Husband the dethroned King was now more Queen Isabel then ever before Thus the degradation of a Knight as some have informed me extendeth not to his Wife who by the courtesie of England if once is ever a Lady 19. Edward late King He is rejected by his own wife with many Letters Solicited to be admitted into the Queens company All in vain she found embraces at a lesse distance dearer unto her preferring the society of a Lord who in effect had deposed a King before a King who had deposed himself She made many excuses of sickness and indisposition to enjoy him So easily can that Sex make plausible pretences that they cannot what they will not do 20. Roger Mortimer And cruelly murthered whose lust and revenge was equally unsatiable could not be quiet whilst King Edward was alive he feared King Edward was might play an after game of affection in his Subjects in order therefore to his death he is removed from Kenelworth where the Earl of Leicester his Keeper was suspected too sympathising with his sorrow unto Berkley Castle where he was barbarously butchered being struck into the Postern of his body with a hot spit as it is generally reported 21. Nothing now remaineth in this Kings reign A brace of loyal Subjects save to take notice how the Clergy understand such who were Active for Newters shall passe for none stand affected in this great State-difference I find not enough to call a number of the Bishops cordial to the King For besides Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter of whom before only John Stratford Bishop of Winchester heartily adhered unto him and yet this Stratford was imployed on a message from the Parliament to the King at
Kenelworth to perswade him to resign sign the Crown though having no other design Anno Dom. 1326. then the Kings safety therein He hoped that in this tempest the casting out of the Lading Anno Regis Ed. secun 19â— would save the Hulke of the Ship and the surrendring of the Scepter secure the Kings person 22. With John Stratford let me couple Robert de Baldock though no Bishop And a Loyal Priest-Chancelour a Bishops mate as a Priest and Chancelour of England This man unable to assist resolved to attend the King and was taken with him in Wales Hence was he brought up to London and committed to Adam Tarleton Bishop of Hereford Here the shadow of Tarleton Miter if pleased to put forth his power might have secured this his Guest-prisoner from any danger whereas on the contrary it is more then suspicious that he gave a signall to the tumultouous people to seize his person For he was dragged to Newgate and there payed his life for his Loyalty yet was never heard to complain of the dearnesse of his penyworth If any violence was secretly offered unto his person he might endure it the more patiently having read * St. Mat. 10. 24. that the Disciple is not above his Master nor the servant better then his Lord. This Baldock was a good Justicer nor charged in our Chronicles with any misdemeanour save faithfulnesse to an unfortunate Master and his Memory will travers his Innocence as confessing the Fact but denying any fault therein 23. But we have more then a good number of such Bishops W. Reinolds unthankful to the King which ungratefully sided with the Queen against her Husband and their Soveraign Walter Reynolds Arch-Bishop of Canterbury leads their Van preferred to that See at the Kings great importunity and by the Pope his Power of Provision On the same token that a Far better Man Thomas Cobham by name Deane of Salisbury so learned and pious a person that he was generally called the good Clergy-men legally elected by the Commons was put by by the Pope to make room for this Reinolds He afterwards complied with the Queen his new Mistress against his old Master active to perform his desires This some seek in vain to excuse by pleasing Her imperious spirit and this Arch-Bishops fearfulness alleadging that cowardlinesse is rather a defect in nature then default in Morality 24. A word by the way of the nature of the Popes provisions lately mentioned which now began to be a general grievance of our Nation The nature of the Popes provisions When any Bishoprick Abbots place Dignity or good Living Aquila non capit muscas was like to be void the Pope by a profitable Prolepsis to himself predisposed such places to such successors as he pleased By this devise he defeated when so pleased the Legal election of all Convents and rightful presentation of all Patrons He took up Churches before they fell yea before they ever stumbled I mean whilst as yet no suspition of sicknesse in Incumbents younger and healthier than his Holiness himself Yea sometimes no Act of Provision was entered in scriptis in the Court only the Pope was pleased to say by word of mouth and who durst confute him he had done it So that Incumbents to Livings who otherwise had a rightful Title from their Patrons were to purchase their peace glad to buy of the Popes provisions Yea his Holiness sold them aforehand to several persons so that not he who gave the first but the most Money carried away the preferment 25. Next we take notice of Henry Burwash Bishop of Lincoln Hen. Bishop of Lincoln bad lately restored to the favour of King Edward and by him lately esteemed Yet no sooner did the Queen appear in the field with an army against him but this Bishop was the first and for wardest who publiquely repaired unto Her This Burwash was he who by meere might against all right and reason took in the Land of many poor people without making also the least reparation therewith to compleat his Park at Tinghurst These wronged persons though seeing their own Bread Beef and Mutton turned into the Bishops Venison durst not contest with him who was Chancelour of England though neither Law Anno Regis Ed. secun 18 nor equity in this his Action Anno Do. 13 m only they loaded him with curses and execrations This mindeth me of a Modern accident when some twenty years since a Knight went about injuriously to inclose the Commons of a Town and demanded of his Builiffe what the railing in of the same would amount to to whom his servant answered that if he would take in the Commons the Countrey would find him railings as here they did this injurious Bishop Otherwise let me say that inclosures made without oppression are a grand inriching both to private persons and to the Common-wealth 26. Here let the Reader smile or frown Smile or frown I am resolved to write what I find recorded in a * Godwin in the Bishop of Lincoln Grave Author deriving it no doubt from good intelligence This Bishop Burwash is said after his death to have appeared to one of his former familiar friends apparelled Like a Forester all in Green a with his Bow and Quiver of Arrows and his Bugle horn hanging by his side to him he complained that for the injuries done by him to poor whilst living he was now condemned to this penance to be the Park-keeper of that place which he so wrongfully had enclosed He therefore desired him to repair to the Canons of Lincoln and in his name to request them that they would take order that all hedges being cut down and Ditches filled up all might be reduced to their property and the poor men be restored to their inheritance It is added moreover that one W. Batheler was imployed by the Canons aforesaid to see the premises performed which was done accordingly 27. This pretended Apparition seems inconsistent with the nature of Purgatory A grave foolery as usually by Papists represented to people Surely the smoake thereof would have sooted his Green suit and the Penance seems so slight and light for the offence as having so much liberty and pleasure in a place of Command Some Poets would have fancied him rather conceived himself turned Acteon-like into a Deere to be daily hunted by his own Hound guilt of Conscience untill he made restistution But it seems there be degrees in Purgatory and the Bishop not in the Prison itself but only within the Rules thereof priviledged to go abroad whether on his Parel or with his Keeper uncertain till he could procure Suffrages for his Plenary relaxation 28. Adam Tarlton Bishop of Hereford A Divell preaching is the last we will insist on born in that City where afterward he became Bishop yet not honoured but hated and feared in the place of his Nativity He was the grand Engineer and contriver of all
mischief against the King Witnesse the Sermon preached by him at Oxford before the Queen then in hostile pursuit after her Husband taking for this Text the words of the sick Son of the Shunamite My head my head Here his wit and malice endeavoured to reape what Gods Spirit did never intentionally sowe and urged that a bad King the distempered head of a State is past Physick or Chirurgery to be cured by Receits or Plasters but the only way is to cut it off from the Body 29. His writing was worse then his Preaching And as bad writing For when such Agents set to keep King Edward in Berkley Castle were by secret Order from R. Mortimer commanded to kill him they by letters addressed themselves for advice to this Bishop then not far off at Hereford craving his Counsel what they should do in so difficult and dangerous a matter He returned unto them a Ridling Answer altogether unpointed which carried in it Life and Death yea Life or Death as variously construed resolved to be guided and governed wholy by his direction not to dispute but do what from him was recommended unto them as knowing him able both in Conscience and Policy to advise them Life Anno Dom. 1326 and Death Anno Regis Ed. secâ—â— 19. To kill King Edward you need not to fear it is good A strange apparition Life To kill King Edward you need not to fear it is good Death To kill King Edward you need not to fear it is good 30. This Adam Tarlton was afterwards accused of Treason Arraigned for treason he escapes the the first time in the beginning of the reign of King Edward the third and arraigned by the Kings Officers when in the presence of the King he thus boldly uttered himself My Lord the King with all due respect unto your Majesty I Adam an humble Minister and member of the Church of God and a consecrated Bishop though unworthy neither can nor ought to answer unto so hard Questions without the connivence and consent of my Lord Arch-bishop of Canterbury my immediate Judge under the Pope and without the consent of other Bishops who are my Peers Three Arch-Bishops were there present in the place Canterbury York and Dublin by whose intercession Tarlton escaped at that time 31. Not long after Arraigned again and protected by the Clergy he was arraigned again at the Kings Bench the news whereof so startled the Clergie that the foresaid Arch-Bishops erected their standards I mean set up their Crosses and with ten Bishops more attended with a numerous train of well-weaponed servants advanced to the place of judicature The Kings Officers frighted at the sight fled away leaving Tarlton the Prisoner alone at the Bar whom the Arch-Bishops took home into their own custody denouncing a curse on all such who should presume to lay violent hands upon him 32. The King offended hereat caused a jury of Lay-men to be impannelled Cast the third time by a Lay-jury and proscribed and to enquire according to form of Law into the actions of the Bishop of Hereford This was a leading case and the first time that ever Lay-men passed their verdict on a Clergy-man These Jurors found the Bishop guilty whereupon the King presently seized on his Temporals he proscribed the Bishop and dispoiled him of all his moveables However afterwards he came off and was reconciled to the King and by the Pope made Bishop of Winchester where he died a thorow old man and blinded with age many envying so quiet a death to one who living had been so turbulent a person But these things happened many years after SECT To Master THOMAS WILLIAMS And Master WILLIAM VANBRVG of London Merchants AStronomers affirm that some Planets Saturn Jupiter c. are by many degrees greater then the Moon it self And this they can easily evidence by Demonstration However the Moon is bigger and shews brighter to mens eyes because of the Vicinity thereof Whilst other Stars are dimmed and diminished by their distance He is not the happiest man who has the Highest friends too remote to assist him whilst others lesser might be nearer at his need My own experience can avouch the truth thereof in relation to your Courtesies bestowed upon me SOon after his death King Edward was much lamented by those of whom in his life time he was never beloved Whether this proceeded from the meer mutability of mens minds weary to loyter long in the lazie posture of the same affection Defunctus amabitur Idem Or whether it proceeded from the pride of Mortimer whose insolence grew intolerable Or whither it was because his punishment was generally apprehended to be too heavie for his fault So that Deposition without death or at the worst death without such unhumane cruelty had been sufficient One of our English * King Edward the second half-sainted Poet-Historians acquainteth us with a passage which to my knowledge appeareth not in other Authors At Gloucester entombed faire and buried Where some say God shewed for him great grace Sith that time Anno Dom. 1326 with Miracles laudisied Oft times Anno Regis Ed. tertii 1. in diverse many case As is written there King John Harding in the life of K Ed. the second in that same place For which King Richard called the second To translate him was purposed whole and sound It is much that one but a small Saint whilst alive should be so great an one when dead as to be miraculously illustrious But every man may believe his proportion 2. Indeed great was the conformity betwixt this King Edward and that King Richard A paire of Kings well matched both being secundi the second of their name but not secundi happy in their successe And had King Richard the second known aforehand what casualtie did attend him no wonder if he secretly sympathized with his condition Both sons of valiant and beloved Fathers both of proper and amiable persons Both debauched by the ill Counsel of their dissolute companions Both deposed from their Crowns Both murdered whilst prisoners in a Clandestine and as some report self same way of Cruelty 3. Ingenuous people are very loath to believe King Edward the third accessary to his Fathers death King Edward not active in his fathers deposing otherwise then by accepting the Crown which he should have resused and antedating his own Soveraignty Which may be excused by his tender years thirteen as some fifteen as others compute them Nor is it a weak argument of his innocence with impartiall people because he reigned above fifty years and lived to be a thorow old man An happiness promised by God to such who are obedient to their Parents Besides it is considerable that this King having a numerous issue of active children of both Sexes none visibly appear a crosse unto him for any notorious undutifulnesse 4. The former part of this Kings reign affords but little Church-History
of the Duke de Alva drove over more Dutch into England But enough of this subject which let none condemn for a deviation from Church-history First because it would not grieve one to goe a little out of the way if the way be good as this digression is for the credit and profit of our Country Secondly it reductively belongeth to the Church-History seeing many poore people both young and old formerly charging the parishes as appeared by the accounts of the Church Officers were hereby enabled to maintain themselves 14. The extortion of the Pope being now somewhat abaâ—ed in England The Popes Italian Usurers turn Merchants the Caursines or Lumbards formerly the money Merchants of his Holinesse and the grand Vsurers of England did not drive so full a Trade as before Wereupon they betake themselves to other Merchandize and began to store England with forraign commodities but at unreasonable rates whilst England it self had as yet but little and bad shipping and those lesse imployed 15. But now King Edward But at last are prohibited by the King to prevent the ingrossing of Trade into the hand of Forreigners and to restore the same to his native Subjects took order that these Aliens should no longer prey on the Radical moisture of his Land but began to cherish Navigation in his own Subjects and gave a check to such Commodities which Forreiners did import as in ancient Poems is largely described whereof so much as concerneth our purpose He made a Statute for Lombards in this Land Liber de custodia Maris extant in Hacluits voyages book 1. p. 191 That they should in no wise take on hand Here to inhabit here to charge and dsscharge But forty dayes no more time had they large This good King by wit of such appreise Kept his Merchants and the sea from mischiefe But this was a work of time to perform and took not full effect to the end of this Kings reign yea the Lombards were not totally routed till the reign of King Richard the third 16. About this time the Clergie were very bountifull in contributing to the Kings necessities A survey made of the Cleargies Glebeland in proportion to their Benefices Hereupon a survey was exactly taken of all their Glebeland and the same fairly ingrossed in parchment was returned into the Exchequer where it remaineth at this day and is the most usefull Record for Clergie men and also for Impropriators as under their claim to recover their right Many a stragling Acre wandring out of the way had long since by Sacrilegious Guides been seduced into the possession of false owners had not this Record directed them at last to their true proprietary 17. The worst is Partly useless by ill engrossing whilst some Diocesses in this Terreer were exactly done and remain fairly legible at this day others were so slightly slubbered over that though kept with equall carefulnesse they are useless in effect as not to be read Thus I was informed from a Clerk in that Office * Walt. Hillary lately desceased who when Living was older and as able as any therein And thus Manuscripts like those men who wrote them though starting with their equals hold not all out to the same length their humidum radicale their inke I mean not lasting alike in all Originals 18. It was now generally complained of as a grand grievance Clergie-men engrosse all offices that the Clergie engrossed all places of Judicature in the Land Nothing was left to Lay-men but either military commands as General Admiral c. or such Judges places as concerned only the very letter of the Common Law and those also scarcely reserved to the Students thereof As for Embassies into forraine parts Noblemen were imployed therein when expence not experience was required thereunto and Ceremony the substance of the service otherwise when any difficulty in civil-law then Clergy-men were ever entertained The Lord Chacellor was ever a Bishop as if against Equity to imploy any other therein yea that Court generally appeared as a Synod of Divines where the Clerks were Clerks as generally in Orders The same was also true of the Lord Treasurer and Barons of the Exchequer 19. Some imputed this to the pragmaticalnesse of the Clergie Severall opinions of the causes thereof active to insinuate themselves into all employment how improper soever to their profession Others ascribed it to the Kings necessitie The war engrossing the maine of his men of merit so that he was necessitated to make use of Clergie-men Others attributed it to the Kings election no way weak in head or hand plotting or performing finding such the fittest to serve him who being single persons and having no design to raise a family were as knowing as any in the Mysteries of money * Matters of weight and safest to be entrusted therein * The founding of Q. Col. in Oxford by R. Englesfield But more hereof hereafter 20. Robert Eglesfield Batchelour of Divinity Chaplain to Queen Philippa wife to King Edward the third Anno Dom. 1340. founded a Colledge on his own ground Anno Regis Ed. tertii 15. by the name of Queens Colledge commending the Patronage thereof to his Lady the Queen and to the Queens of England successively which he endowed with Lands and Revenewes for the maintenance of a Provost and twelve Fellows which were to be augmented as the Revenews increased 21. Now though this was called Queens A paire of Princes bred therein from their Honorarie Patronesses a Rossus war wicensis Mâ—â—in Henricâ— quinto it may be stiled Princes Colledge from those paire of Students therein Edward the black Prince who presently after this foundation had his Education therein and Henry the fift as yet Prince of Wales under Henry Beaufort Chancelor of this University and his Uncle his Chamber was over the Colledge gate where his picture at this day remaineth in brass with this inscription under it In perpetuam rei memoriam Imperator Britanniae Triumphator Galliae Hostium Victor sui Henricus quintus hujus Collegii Et cubiculi minuti satis Olim magnus Incola which lodging hath for this sixteen years belonged to my worthy friend Mr. Thomas Barlow that most able and judicious Philosopher and Divine being a Library in himself and keeper of another that of Sir Tho. Bodlyes erection out of which he hath courteously communicated to me some rarities of this University 22. Now according to the care and desire of the founder Queens nursing Mothers to this Colledge The Queens of England have ever been Nursing Mothers to this Foundation O what advantage they have when lying in the bosoms of their Royall Consorts by whom they cannot be denyed what is equall and of whom they will not desire what is otherwise Thus Queen Philippa obtained of her Husband King Edward the third the Hospital of St. Julians in Southampton commonly called Gods House Queen Elizabeth wife to King
moderate the execution thereof 31. This year The institution of the Knights of the Garter Authors generally agree some few making it later 1350 viz. 25 after John K. of France was taken prisoner K. Edward instituted the Order of the Garter consisting of 1. One Chief Guardian or Soveraign being the King of England 2. Five and twenty Knights whereof the first set were termed Founders and their Successors ever since called Fellows or Companions of the Order 3. Fourteen Canons resident being Secular Priests 4. Thirteen Vicars or Chorol Priests 5. Twelve Military Gentlemen of the meaner sort decayed in age and estate commonly called the poor Knights of Winsor 6. One Prelate of the Garter being alwaies the Bishop of Winchester 7. One Chancelour thereof being antiently the Bishop of Salisbury in whose Diocesse Winsor is but lately a Lay-Person The truly Honourable and well experienced Statesman and Traveller Sir Thomas Row if I mistake not was the last Chancelour of the Garter 8. One Register being alwaies the Dean of Winsor 9. One Usher who is one of the Ushers of the King his Chamber called the Black Rod. 10. A chief Herald added for the more Solemnitie by K. Henry the 5. and called Garter This Order the K. founded within his Castle of Winsor to the honour of Almighty God and the blessed Virgin Mary and of the glorious Martyr St. George and to the exaltation of the holy Catholick Faith 32. Four Essentials are requisite in the Persons Eligible into this Order The qualification of these Knights that they be Gentlemen of Name and Arms by Fathers and Mothers side for three descents Secondly that he be without spot or foule reproach understand it not convicted of Heresie or attainted of Treason Thirdly that he have a competent estate to maintain the dignity of the Order Fourthly that he never fled in the day of battle his Soveraign Lord or his Lieutenant in being in the field 33. Their habiliments are either ordinary Their habits as a Blew Ribbon with the picture of St. George appendent and the Sun in his Glory on the left shoulder of their Cloak added as some say by King charles being for their daily wearing or extraordinary as their Collar of S. S. their Purple Mantle their Gown Kirtle Chaperon and chiefly their Garter This being made of Blew is with Hony Soit qui male pense in Golden Letters enchased with precious stones fastened with a Buckle of Gold and worn on the left leg of the Fellows of this Order 34. They take an Oath Their Oath that to their power during the time that they are Fellows of the Order they shall defend the honour quarrel rights and Lordships of their Soveraign that they shall endeavour to preserve the honour of the Order and without fraud or Covin well observe the Statutes thereof This is taken absolutely by the Natives of this Kingdom but by Forrainers relatively and in part with their reference to some former Order 35. They oblige themselves Other Rites they are bound to observe first to be personally present without a just cause specified to and accepted by the Soveraign or his Deputy at Winsor on the Festival of St. George Secondly that if coming within two miles of that place except hindered by some important businesse they repair thither Anno Regis Ed. tertii 26. put on their Mantles Anno Dom. 1350. lying constantly Liegers there proceed to the Chappel and there make their Offering Thirdly that they be never openly seen without their GEORGE'S which they shall neither engage alien Fell nor give away on any necessity whatsoever Lastly that they take order their Garter at their death be safely and solemnly sent back to the Soveraign to confer the same on one to succeed him in the Order 36. I have done when I have told that their places may be vacated Order how voided on three occasions First by death which layeth this as all other honour in the dust Secondly by deprivation on the persons misdemeanour or want of the foresaid qualifications Thirdly by cession or surrender when a Forraign Prince entreth into enmity with this Crown is pleased to send his Garter back again 37. Excesse in Apparel began now to be great in England Excesse in apparel restrained which made the State take order to retrench it Some had a project that mens Cloatthes might be their signs to shew their Birth Degree or Estate so that the quality of an unknown person might at the first sight be expounded by his Apparrel But this was soon let fall as impossible Statesmen in all Ages notwithstanding their several laws to the contrary being fain to connive at mens Râ—ot in this kind which maintaineth more poor people than their charity However the ensuing passage must not be omitted 38. Item that the Clerks which have a degree in a Church 37 Cathedral 1361 Collegial or in Schools Rot. Tur. Lon. anno Ed. ter 37. and the Kings Clerks which have such an estate that requires Fur do and use according to the constitution of the same and all other Clerks which have above two hundred marks rent per annum use and do as Knights of the same rent And other Clerks under that rent use as Squires of an hundred pound rent * Pellure in the French Original And that all those aswell Knights as Clerks which by this Ordinance may use Fur in Winter by the same manner may use it in Summer 39. Passe we now from soft Furr Clergy-men injoyned to take up arms to hard Steel I mean a command from the King for the arming of all Clergy-men 40. And besides this 43 the King commands 1368 and requires all the Prelates there assembled Rot. in Tur. Londin anno Ed. tertii that in respect of the great danger and damage which perhaps might happen to the Realm and Church of England by reason of this war in case his Adversary should enter the Kingdom to destroy and subvert the same that they will put to their aid in defence of the Kingdom and cause their Subjects to be arraied aswell themselves and their religious men as Parsons Vicars and other men of holy Church whatsoever to abate the malice of his Enemies in case they should enter the Kingdom which Prelates granted to do this in aid and defence of the Realm and holy Church And so the Parliament ended Here we see More seâ—â—ed then hurt In hostes publicos omnes homo miles none are dispenced with to oppose an invading enemy But where were these Forraign Foes France and Scotland being now both of them ordered into a defensive posture whose invasion was expected Possibly these dangers were represented thorough State-Multiplying Glasses to quicken the care and continue the Taxes on the English Nation 41. The Lords and Commons in Parliament began now to find themselves much agrieved A petition against Clergy mens imployment in Secular places
that the Clergy ingrossed all Secular Offices and thereupon presented the insuing Petition to the King according to this effect insisting only in the substance thereof 42. And because that in this present Parliament it was declared to our Lord the King 45 by all the Earls 1370 Barons Ex Rot. Parl. in Turr. Lond. in 45. Ed. tertii and Commons of England that the Government of the Kingdom hath been performed for a long time by the men of Holy Church which are not * Justifiables in the French Originals 〈◊〉 whether whether not able to do justice or not to be justified in their imployment as improper for it justifiable in all cases whereby great mischiefs and damages have happened in times past and more may happen in time to come in disheriting of the Crown and great prejudice of the Kingdom for divers causes that a man may declare that it will please our said Lord the King Anno Dom. 1370 that the Laymen of the said Kingdom which are sufficient and able of estate Anno Regis Ed. tertii 45. may be chosen for this and that no other person be hereafter made Chancelour Treasurer Clerk of the Privy Seale Barons of the Exchequer Chamberlains of the Exchequer Controler and all other great Officers and Governours of the said Kingdom and that this thing be now in such manner established in form aforesaid that by no way it may be defeated or any thing done to the contrary in any time to come Saving alwaies to our Lord the King the Election and removing of such Officers but that alwaies they be Lay-men such as is abovesaid 43. To this Petition the King returned The Answer in effect a denial that he would ordain upon this point as it shall best seem to him by the advice of his good Councel He therefore who considereth the present power of the Clergy at the Councel-Table will not wonder if all things remained in their former Condition till the Nobility began more openly to favour John Wickliff his Opinions which the next Book God willing shall relate 44. We will close this with a Catalogue of the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury Simon Mepham Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Contemporary with King Edward the third and begin with Simon Mepham made Arch-Bishop in the first year of his reign so that the Crown and the Mitre may seem in some sort to have started together only here was the odds the King was a young yea scarce a man whereas the Arch-Bishop was well stricken in years Hence their difference in holding out the King surviving to see him buried and six more whereof four Simons inclusively heart-broken as they say with grief For when John Grandison Bishop of Exeter making much noise with his Name but more with his Activity refused to be visited by him the Pope siding with the Bishop Mepham so resented it that it cost him his life 45. John Stratford was the second John Sratford his successor Consecrated first Bishop of Winchester on the Lords day whereon it was solemnly sung many are the afflictions of the Righteous whereof he was very apprehensive then and more afterwards when his own experience had proved a Comment thereon Yet this might comfort him whilst living and make others honour his memory that a good Conscience without any great crime generally caused his molestation For under King Edward the second he suffered for being too loyall a Subject siding with the King against the Queen and her Son and under King Edward the third he was molested for being too faithfull a Patriot namely in pittying his poor Countreymens taxations for which he was accused for correspondency with the French and complying with the Pope Pope and King of France then blowing in one Trumpet whereat King Edward was highly incensed 46. However Stratford did but say what thousands thought His last his best dayes viz. that a peace with France was for the profit of England especially as proffered upon such honourable conditions This the Arch-Bishop was zealous for upon a threefold accompt First of Pietie to save the effusion of more Christian blood Secondly of Policie suspecting successe that the tide might turn and what was suddenly gotten might be as suddenly lost Thirdly on Charity sympathizing with the sad condition of his fellow Subjects groaning under the burthen of Taxes to maintain an unnecessary war For England sent over her wealth into France to pay their victorious Souldiers and received back again honour in exchange whereby our Nation became exceeding proud and exceeding poor However the end as well as the beginning of the Psalm was verified of this Arch-Bishop the Lord delivereth them out of all dying in great honour and good esteem with the King a strong argument of his former innocence 47. The third was Tho. Bradwardine Tho. Bradwardine the third Arch-bishop whose election was little lesse then miraculous For Commonly the King refused whom the Monks chose the Pope rejected whom the Monks and King did elect whereas all interests met in the choise of Bradwardine Yea which was more the Pope as yet not knowing that the Monks and the King had pre-elected him of his own accord as by supernaturall instinct appointed Bradwardine for that place who little thought thereon Thus Omne tulit punctum and no wonder seeing he mingled his profitable Doctrines with a sweet and amiable conversation Camden in Eliz. indeed he was skilled in School Learning which one properly calleth Spinosa Theologia and though some will say can figgs grow on thorns yet his thorny Divinity produced much sweet devotion 48. He was Confessor to king Edward the third whose miraculous victories in France The best Arch-Bishop of that See some impute more to this mans devout prayers Then either to the Policy or Prowess of the English Nation He died before he was inthronized few moneths after his consecration though now advanced on a more Glorious and durable Throne in Heaven where he hath received the Crown from God who here defended the * He wrote de Causae Dei Cause of God I behold him as the most pious man who from Anselm not to say Augustine to Cranmer sat on that Seat And a better St. Thomas though not sainted by the Pope then one of his predecessors commonly so called 49. Simon Islip was the fourth Simon Islip next Arch-Bishop a parcimonious but no avaricious man thrifty whilst living therefore clandestinely Inthronized and when dead secretly interred without any solemnity Yet his frugality may be excused if not commended herein because he reserved his estate for good uses founding Canterbury Colledge in Oxford Excipe Merton Colledge Thus generally Bishops founders of many Colledges therein denominated them either from that Saint to whom they were dedicated or from their See as Exeter Canterbury Durham Lincoln putting thereby a civil obligation on their Successors to be as Visitors so Benefactors thereunto This Canterbury Colledge is now
our leave of this Bishop whosoever considers the vast buildings and rich endowments made by this Prelate besides his expence in repairing the Cathedral at Winchester will conclude such atcheivements unpossible for a Subject until he reflect on his vast Offices of preferments being Bishop of Winchester Rector of S t Martins Le Grand holding twelve Prebends in Comendam with it Anno Dom. 1392. Lord Privy-Seal Chancellor and Treasurer of England besides other places of meaner consequence Anno Regis Ric. 2. 16. Wardens Rich. Toneworth Nich. Wickam Tho. Cranely Rich. Malsorde Jo. Bouke Will. Escot Nich. Osylbury Tho. Chaundler Walt. Hill Will. Porter Jo. Reade Jo. Younge Jo. London Hen. Cole Ral. Skinner Tho. White Mart. Culpepper George Rives Arth. Lake Pink. Stringer Marshal Benefactors M r Rawlins S r Rich. Read K t. D r Newman D r Reeve Ward D r Martin Rob. Bell. D r Smith Bishops Will. Warham Arch-Bish of Cant. Will. Wainffet Bish of Winchester Jo. White Bish of Winchester Tho. Bilson Bish of Winchester Will. Knight Bish of Bath Wells James Turbervil Bish of Exeter Rob. Sherbourne Bish of Chichester Arth. Lake Bish of Bath and Wells Learned Writers Tho. Harding Tho. Nele Nich. Sanders Nich. Harpsfield Will. Reynolds * He was brother to Doct John Reynolds the great protestant Tho. Hide Jo. Marshall Tho. Stapleton Jo. Fenne Rich. White * He wrote a History of England Jo. Pits All violent maintainers of the Popish Religion S r HEN. WOOTTON D r Tooker Dean of Lichfield D r James Cook Arch-Dec of Winch. S r. Tho. Rives besides other elegant works for his VICARS PLEA S r James Hassee S r Hen. Martin D r Merideth Dean of Wells ARTHUR LAKE Bish of Bath and Wells William Twisse John White One may defie the suspicion of flattery if adding D r Harris the reverend Warden of Winchester D r Rich. Zouch not beholden to his Noble extraction for his Repute founded on his own worth and Books reprinted beyond the Seas D r Merick late Judg of the Prerogative but it is better to leave the characters of their worth to the thankfullness of the next Age to describe 32. Lately the Popes usurpation was grown so great Good Laws in due season in intrenching on the Crown that there was an absolute necessity seasonably to retrench his usurpation For albeit the Kings of England were as absolute in their demeans their Prelacy and Clergie as learned their Nobility as valiant and prudent their Commons as free and wealthy Anno Dom. 1393. as any in Christendom Yet had not some Laws of Provision now been made England had long since been turned part of S t Peters Patrimony in demeans Yea the Scepter wrested out of their Kings hands her Prelates made the Popes Chaplains and Clerks Nobility his servants and vassals Commons his slaves and villaines had not some seasonable Statutes of Manumission been enacted 33. For now came the Parliament wherein the Statute was enacted The Maul-Popes Statute of premunire which mauled the Papal power in England Some former laws had pared the Popes nailes to the quick but this cut off his fingers in effect so that hereafter his hands could not grasp and hold such vast summes of money as before This is called the Statute of PREMUNIRE and let not the Reader grudg the reading therof which gave such a blow to the Church of Rome that it never rcovered it self in this Land but dayly decayed till its finall destruction VVHereas the Commons of the Realm in this present Parliament have sued to our redoubted Lord the King grievously complaining that whereas the said our Lord the King and all his liege people ought of right and of old time were wont to sue in the Kings Court to recover their Presentments to Churches prebends and other benefices of holy Church to the which they had right to present the Conisance of Plea of which Presentment belongeth onely to the Kings Court of the old right of his Crown used and approved in the time of all his Progenitors Kings of England And when judgment shall be given in the same Court upon such a Plea and Presentment the Arch-Bishops Bishops and other Spiritual persons which have Institution of such Benefices within their jurisdictions be bound and have made Execution of such Judgments by the Kings commandements of all the time aforesaid without interruption for another Lay person cannot make such execution and also be bound of right to make execution of many other of the Kings commandements of which right the Crown of England hath been peaceably seised as well in the time of our said Lord the King that now is as in the time of all his Progenitors till this day But now of late divers Processes be made by the Bishop of Rome and censures of Excommunication upon certain Bishops of England because they have made execution of such commandements to the open disherison of the said Crown and destruction of our said Lord the King his Law and all his Realm if remedie be not provided And also it is said and a common clamor is made that the said Bishop of Rome hath ordained and purposed to translate some Prelates of the same Realm some out of the Realm and some from one Bishoprick into another within the same Realme without the Kings assent and knowledg and without the assent of the Prelates which so shall be translated which Prelates be much profitable and necessary to our said Lord the King and to all his Realme By which translations if they should be suffered the Statutes of the Realm should be defeated and made void and his said liege Sages of his Councel without his assent and against his will carried away and gotten out of his Realm and the substance and treasure of the Realm shall be carried away and so the Realm destitute as well of Councel as of substance to the final destruction of the same Realm And so the Crown of England which hath been so free at all times that it hath been in no earthly subjection but immediately subject to God in all things touching the realitie of the same Crown and to none other should be submitted to the Pope the Laws Statutes of the Realm by him defeated avoided at his will in the perpetual destruction of the Soveraigntie of the King our Lord his Crown his Regalitie of all his Realm which God defend And moreover the Commons aforesaid say that the things so attempted be clearly against the Kings Crown and Regality used and approved of the time of all his Progenitors Wherefore they and all the liege Commons of the same Realm will stand with our said Lord the King and his said Crown and his Regalitie in the cases aforesaid and in all other cases attempted against him his Crown and his Regalitie in all points to live and to die And moreover they pray the King and him require by way of justice that he would
examin all the Lords in Parliament as well Spiritual as Temporal severally and all the States of the Parliament how they think of the cases aforesaid which be so openly against the Kings Crown and in derogation of his Regalitie and how they will stand in the same cases with our Lord the King in upholding the rights of the said Crown and Regalitie Whereupon the Lords Temporal so demanded have answered everie one by himself that the cases aforesaid be clearly in derogation of the Kings Crown and of his Regalitie as it is well known and hath been of along time known and that they will be with the same Crown and Regalitie in these cases especially and in all other cases which shall be attempted against the same Crown and Regality in all points with all their power And moreover it was demanded of the Lords Spiritual there being and the procurators of others being absent their advise and will in all these cases which Lords that is to say the Arch-Bishops Bishops and other Prelates being in the said Parliament severally examined making protestations that it is not their minde to denie nor affirm that the Bishop of Rome may not Excommunicate Bishops nor that he may make translation of that if any Execution of Processes made in the Kings Court as before be made by any and censures of Excommunication to be made against any Bishops of England or any other of the Kings liege people for that they have made execution of such commandments and that if any executions of such translations be made of any Prelates of the same Realm which Prelates be very profitable and necessarie to our said Lord the King and to his said Realm or that the sage people of his Councel without his assent and against his will be removed and carried out of the Realm so that the substance and treasure of the Realm may be consumed that the same is against the King and his Crown as it is contained in the petition before named And likewise the same procurators every one by himself examined upon the said matters have answered and said in the name and for their Lords as the said Bishops have said and answered and that the said Lords Spiritual will and ought to be with the King in these cases in lawfully maintaining of his Crown and in all other cases touching his Crown and his Regalitie as they be bound by their Liegeance Whereupon our said Lord the King by the assnt aforesaid and at the request of his said Commons hath ordained and established that if any purchase or pursue or cause to be purchased or pursued in the Court of Rome or elsewhere any such translations processes sentences of Excommunications Bulls Instruments or any other things whatsoever which touch the King against him his Crown and his Regalitie or his Realm as is aforesaid and they which bring within the Realm or them receive or make thereof notification or any other execution whatsoever within the same Realm or without that they their notaries procurators maintainers abbettors fantors and councellors shall be put out of the Kings protection and their Lands and Tenements Goods and Chattels forfeit to our Lord the King and that they be attached by their bodies if they may be found and brought before the King and his Councel there to answer to the cases aforesaid or that process be made against them by Praemunire facias in manner as it is ordained in other Statutes of Provisors and other which do sue in any other Court in derogation of the Regality of our Lord the King 43. Something of the occasion The occasion of this Statute name and use of this Statute the first is notoriously known from the Papal encroachments on the crown No Bishoprick Abathie Dignitie or Rectorie of value in England was likely to fall but a successour in reversion was by the Popes provisions fore-appointed for the same To make sure work rather then they would adventure to take the place at the first rebound Anno Dom. 1392. they would catch it before it light on the ground Anno Regis Ric. 2 16. This was imputed to the Popes abundance yea superfluity of care 〈◊〉 â—etur vacuum in the Church and rather then a Widow Benefice should mourn it self to death a second husband had his License for marriage before the former was deceased But great parishes where small the profit and numorous the people and where indeed greatest care ought to be had of their soules were past by in the Popes Bulls His Holiness making no provisions for those Livings which Livings had no provisions for his Holiness 35. Some will have it called Praemunire Why called Praemunire from fencing or fortifying the Regal power from forain assaults as indeed this was one of the best bulworks and sconces of Soveraignty Others that Praemunire signifieth the Crown fortified before the making of this Statute as fixing no new force therein but onely declaring a precedent and forgoing just right and due thereof Others conceive the word Praemonere turned by corruption of barbarous transcribers interpreters and pronouncers into Praemunire Others alledg the figure of the effect for the cause and the common Proverb Praemonitus Praemunitus Most sure it is that Praemunire sacias are operative words in the form of the Writ grounded on the Statute which may give denomination to the whole 36. It may seem strange such a Statute could pass in Parliament where almost sixty Spiritual Barons Popes covetousness odious to the Clergy Bishops and Abbots Voted according to Papal Interest except any will say that such who formerly had much of a Pope in their bellies had now more of Patriots in their breast being weary of Romes exactions Indeed no man in place of power or profit loves to behold himself buried alive by seeing his successour assigned unto him which caused all Clergy-men to hate such superinductions and many friends to the Pope were foes to his proceedings therein 37. This Law angred all the veines in the heart of his Holiness The Popes Letter against this Statute the Statute of Mortmain put him into a sweat but this into the sit of a fever The former concerned him onely mediately in the Abbies his darlings this touched him in his person and how cholerick he was will appear by the following Letter here inserted though written some fifty years after to make the story entire MArtinus Episcopus The Original of this Bill was in the Study of Sir Nichol. Bacon L. C ancellor whence the Arch-Bish of Armagh had this his Copy from which that of S Robert Cottons is derived servus servorum Dei 1393. Dilecto filio nobili viro Jobanni 16 Duct Bedsord Salutem Apostolicam Benedictionem Quamvis dudum in regno Anghae jurisdictio Romanae Ecclesiae liberatas Ecclesiastica suerit oppressa vigore illius Execrabilis Statuti quod omni divinae humanae rationi contrarium est Tamen adhuc non
worse did he finde it witness Leland thus praising him Praedicat Algerum meritò Florentia Dantem Italia numeros tota Petrarche tuos Anglia Chaucerum veneratur nostra Poëtam Cui veneres debet patria lingua suas Of Alger Dants Florence doth justly boast Of Petrarch brags all the Italian coast England doth Poet Chaucer reverence To whom our language ows its eloquence Indeed Verslegan a learned a In his restitution of de caied intelligence p. 203. Antiquary condemns him for spoiling the purity of the English tongue by the mixture of so many French and Latin words But he who mingles wine with water though he destroies the nature of water improves the quality thereof 49. I finde this Chaucer fined in the Temple two shillings A great enemy to Friers for striking a Franciscan Frier in Fleet-street and it seems his hands ever after itched to be revenged and have his penniworths out of them so tickling Religious-Orders with his tales and yet so pinching them with his truths that Friers in reading his books know not how to dispose their faces betwixt crying and laughing He lies buried in the South-Isle of S t Peters Westminster and since hath got the company of Spencer and Drayton a pair-royal of Poets enough almost to make passengers feet to move metrically who go over the place where so much Poetical dust is interred 50. Since the Abjuration last exemplified A short quiet in the Church we meet in this Kings Reign no more persecution from the Bishops We impute this not to their pity but other imployment now busie in making their applications to the new King on the change of government King Richard being now deposed 51. He was one of a goodly person The character of King Rich the second of a nature neither good nor bad but according to his company which commonly were of the more vicious His infancy was educated under several Lord Protectours successively under whom his intellectuals thrived as babes battle with many nurses commonly the worse for the change At last he grew up to full age and empty minde judicious onely in pleasure giving himself over to all licentiousness 52. As King Richard was too weak to govern Conspired against by Hen. the fourth so Henry Duke of Lancaster his Cousin-germane was too wilful to be governed Taking advantage therefore of the Kings absence in Ireland he combined with other of the discontented Nobility and draws up Articles against him some true some false some both as wherein truth brought the matter and malice made the measure Many misdemeanors mo misfortunes are laid to his charge Murdering the Nobility advancing of worthless Minions sale of justice oppression of all people with unconscionable taxations For such Princes as carry a forke in one hand Anno Regis Hen. 4 1. must bear a rake in the other and must covetously scrape to maintain what they causlesly scatter 53. Loosness brings men into streights at last And resigneth the Crown as King Richard may be an instance thereof Returning into England he is reduced to this doleful Dilemma either voluntarily by resigning to depose himself or violently by detrusion to be deposed by others His misery and his enemies ambition admit of no expedient Yea in all this Act his little judgment stood onely a looker-on whilest his fear did what was to be done directed by the force of others In hopes of life he solemnly resigneth the Crown but all in vain For cruel thieves seldom rob but they also kill and King Henry his Successour could not meet with a soft pillow so long as the other wore a warm head Whereupon not long after King Richard was barbarously murdered at Pomfret-Castle But of these transactions the Reader may satisfie himself at large out of our civil Historians 54. Onely we will add The baseness of the disloyal Clergy that the Clergy were the first that led this dance of disloyaltie Thomas Arundel now Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in the room of William Courtney deceased made a Sermon on Samuels words Vir dominabitur populo He shewed himself a Satyrist in the former a Parasite in the later part of his Sermon a Traitor in both He aggravated the childish weakness of King Richard his inability to govern magnifying the parts and perfections of Henry Duke of Lancaster But by the Arch-Bishops leave grant Richard either deservedly deposed or naturally dead without issue the right to the Crown lay not in this Henry but in Edmond Mortimer Earl of March descended by his mother Philippa from Lionel Duke of Clarence elder son to Edward the third This the Arch-Bishop did willingly conceal Thus in all State-alterations be they never so bad the Pulpit will be of the same wood with the Councel-board And thus ambitious Clergy-men abuse the silver trumpets of the Sanctuary who reversing them and putting the wrong end into their mouthes make what was appointed to sound Religon to signifie Rebellion 55. But whilest all other Churches in England rung congratulatory peales to King Henry his Happiness The couragious conscience of the Bishop of Carlile one jarring bell almost marr'd the melody of all the rest even Thomas Merks Bishop of Carlile For when the Lords in Parliament not content to Depose King Richard were devising more mischief against him up steps the aforesaid Bishop formerly Chaplain to the King and expresseth himself as followeth There is no man present worthy to pass his sentence on so a Bishop Gedwin in the Bishops of Carlile great a King as to whom they have obeyed as their lawful Prince full two and twenty years This is the part of Traitors Cut-throats and Thieves None is so wicked none so vile who though he be charged with a manifest crime we should think to condemn before we heard him And you do ye account it equal to pass sentence on a King anointed and Crowned giving him no leave to defend himself How unjust is this But let us consider the matter it self I say nay openly affirm that Henry Duke of Lancaster whom you are pleased to call your King hath most unjustly spoiled Richard as well his Soveraign as ours of his Kingdom More would he have spoken when the Lord Marshal enjoyned him silence for speaking too much Truth in so dangerous a time Since it seems some Historians have made up what more he would have said spinning these his Heads into a very large Oration though tedious to none save those of the Lancastrian faction 56. Here Innocency the lest Armour if ever did the Proverb take effect Truth may be blam'd but cannot be sham'd for although the rest of the Bishops being guilty themselves condemned him as discovering more Covent-devotion who originally was a Monk of Westminster then Court-discretion in dissenting from his Brethren Yet generally he was beheld as Loyalties a Confessor Anno Dom. 1400. speaking what became his calling Anno Regis Ric. 2 2. in discharge of his
whthout knots tied thereon ready to disburse such summes as should be demanded Indeed the Clergie now contributed much money to the King having learned the Maxime commended in the Comedian b Terent Adelph Pecuniam in loco negligere maxumum interdum est lucrum And perceiving on what ticklish termes their state stood were forced to part with a great proportion thereof to secure the rest c Vide infrà in hist of Abbeys lib. 2. cap. 1. the Parliament now shrewdly pushing at their temporal possessions For although in the first year of King Henry the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland came from him to the Clergie with a complement that the King onely d Antiq. Brit. pag. 273. Harpsfield hist Ang. pag. 618. out of whom the following table of Synods is composed desired their prayers and none of their money Kingdoms have their honey-moon when new Princes are married unto them yet how much afterwards he received from them the ensuing draught of Synods summoned in his dayes doth present Place President Preacher Text. Money granted the King The other Acts thereof 1. Saint Pauls in London The Prior and Chapter of Canterbury in the Arch-Bishops absence William Bishop of Rochester Cor meum diligit Principes Israel Nothing at this time but the Clergies prayers required The King at the request of the Universities promised to take order with the Popes Provisions 1399 provensions 1. that so learned men might be advanc'd St Gregory his day made holy 2. Saint Pauls in London 2 Thomas Arundel 1400  A Tenth and half For a single Tenth was first profered him and he refused it Nothing else of moment passed save Sautres condamnation 3. Ibidem 4 Idem 1402.  At the instance of the Earl of Somerset of Lord Ross the Treasurer a Tenth was granted The Clergy renewed their Petition of Right to the King that they should not be proceeded aganist by temporal Judges nor forced to sell their goods for provision for the Kings Court No answer appears 4. Ibidem 6. Henry Bishop of Lincoln 1404 the Arch-Bishop being absent in an Embassie  A Tenth towards the Kings charges in suppressing the late Rebels Constituted that the obsequies of every English Bishop deceased should be celebrated in all the Cathedrals of the Kingdom 5. Ibidem 7. Thomas Arundel 1405  A Tenth when the Laity in Parlian t. gave nothing Nothing or consequence 6. Ibidem 8. Henry Beaufort Bish 1406 of Winchest the Arch-Bishop being absent Thomas Bishop of Carlile Magister adest vocat te A Tenth Nothing of moment 7. Ibidem 10. Thomas Arundel 1408 John Monke of S t Augustine in Canterbury Faciet unusquisque opussuum  This Synod was principally employed in suppressing of Schism and the following Synod in the same year to the same purpose 8. Saint Pauls in London Idem Anno Dom. 1408. John Botel general of the Franciscans Vos vocati estis in uno corpore   9. Ibidem Anno Regis Hen. 4 10 Henry Bishop of Winchester the Arch-Bishop being abroad in an Embassie John Langdon Monk of Canterbury Stellae dederunt lumen A Tenth and a Subsidy granted saith a Antiq. Brit. p. 274. Matthew Parker but b Harpsfield Ecc. Ang pag. 616. others say the Clergie accused themselves as drained dry with former payments Also the Popes Agent progging for money was denied it 1411. Little else save some endeavours against Wicliffs opinions 13. 10. Ibid. Thomas Arundel John God-mersham Monk of Canterbury Diligite lumen sapientiae omnes qui praeestus A Tenth 1412. The Clergie compained to the King of thier grievances but received no redress The Popes Rents sequestred into the Kings hands during the Schisme betwixt Gregory the 12 th and Benedict 14. We will not avouch these all the conventions of the Clergie in this Kings Reign who had many subordinate meetings in reference to their own occasions but these of most publick concernment Know this also that it was a great invitation not to say an inforcement to make them the more bountiful in their contributions to the King because their leaders were suspicious of a design now first set on foot in opposition to all Religious Houses as then termed to essay their overthrow Which project now as a Pioneer onely wrought beneath ground yet not so insensibly but that the Church-Statists got a discovery thereof and in prevention were very satisfying to the Kings Pecuniary desires Insomuch that it was in effect but ask and have such their compliance to all purposes and intents The rather because this King had appeared so zealous to arm the Bishops with terrible Laws against the poor naked Lollards as then they were nick-named 9. Now we pass from the Convocation to the Parliament Anno Regis Hen. quart 14. onely to meddle with Church-matters therein Anno Dom. 1412. desiring the Reader to dispense in the Margin with a new Chronology of this Kings Reigne A new Crhonologie assuring him that whatsoever is written is taken out of the Authentick Records of the Parliament in the Tower 10. It was moved in Parliament A severe motion against the Welch that no Welch-man Bishop or other be Justice Chamberlain Chancellor Treasurer Sheriff Constable of a Castle Receiver Escheator Coroner or chief Forester or other Officer whatsoever or * Ex rot Par. in tur Lond. in hoc anno Keeper of Records or Lieutenant in the said Offices in any part of Wales or of Councel to any English Lord not withstanding any Patent made to the contrary Cum clausula non obstante Licet Wallicus natus 11. It was answered that the King willeth it except the Bishops Moderated by the King and for them and others which he hath found good and loyal lieges towards him our said Lord the King will be advised by the advise of his Councel 12. Such as wonder why the Parliament was so incensed against the Welch The cause of his auger seeing Henry Prince of Wales was their own Country-man born at Monmouth may consider how now or very lately Owen Glendowre a Welch Robber advanced by the multitude of his followers into the reputation of a General had made much sepoil in Wales Now commendable was the King's charity who would not return a national mischief for a personal injury seing no man can cause the place of his Nativity though he may bemoan and hate the bad practises of his own Nation 13. The Kings courteous exception for the Welch Bishops The Quaternion of welch Bps. who and what at this time putteth us upon a necessay enquiry who and what they were placed in Sees at this time S t Davids Landaffe Bangor S t Asaph Guido de Dona. Thomas Peberell Richard Yong. John Trebaur Or of Anglesey A true Briton by birth witness'd by his Name He was at the present Lord
Oxonford I mean Wickliff by Name afterwards chewed the Cud and was sufficiently reconciled to the Roman faith as appears by his Recantation Living and Dying conformable to the holy Catholick Church 58. It is strange that this Popish Priest alone should light on his Recantation which I believe no other eyes before or since did behold Besides if as he saith Wickliff was sufficiently reconciled to the Roman Faith why was not Rome sufficiently reconciled to him using such crueltie unto him so many years after his death Cold incouragement for any to become Romist's Converts if notwithstanding their reconciliation the bodies must be burnt so many years after their death 59. But though Wickliff had no Tombe A Monk's charity to Wickliffe he had an Epitaph such as it was which a Monk afforded him and that it was no worse thank his want not of malice but invention not finding out worse expressions The k Walsing Ypodig Neust p. 3â—2 Divels Instrument Churches Enemie Peoples confusion Hereticks Idol Hypocrites Mirror Schisms Broacher hatreds sower Anno Dom. 1430. lyes forger flatteries sinke who at his death despaired like Cain Anno Regis Hen. 6. 8. and stricken by the horrible Judgements of God breathed forth his wicked Soul to the dark mansion of the black Divell Surely He with whose Name this Epitaph beginneth and endeth was with the maker clean thorow the contrivance thereof 59. Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester A conditional privy Council Cardinal Sancti Eusebij but commonly called Cardinal of England was by consent of Parliament made one of the Kings Council with this condition that he should make a * Ex Archivis tur London Protestation to absent himself from the Council when any matters were to be treated betwixt the King and Pope being jealous belike that his Papal would prevaile over his Royall interest The Cardinal took the Protestation and promised to perform it 60. The Clergy complained in Parliament to the King Priviledge of Convocation that their Servants which came with them to Convocations were often arrested to their great damage and they prayed that they might have the same Priviledge which the Peeres and Commons of the Kingdom have which are called to Parliament which was granted accordingly 61. Great at this time was the want of Grammar Schools and the abuse of them that were even in London it self Want of Grammar Schools complained of for they were no better then Monopolize it being penall for any to prevent the growth of Wicklivism to put their Children to private Teachers hence was it that some hundreds were compelled to go to the same School where to use the words of the Records the Masters waxen rich in money and learners poor in cunning Whereupon this grievance was complained on in Parliament by four eminent Ministers in London viz. M r. William Lichfield Parson of All-Hallow's the More Gilbert Parson of St. Andrews Holbern John Cote Parson of St. Peter's Cornhill John Neele Master of the House of St. Thomas Acre 's and Parson of Colchrich To these it was granted by the Advice of the Ordinary or Archbishop of Canterbury to erect five Schools Neele the last named having a double licence for two places in their respective Parishes which are fitly called the five vowels of London which Mute in a manner before began now to speak and pronounce the Latine Tongue Know that the house St. Thomas Acres was where Mercers Chappel standeth at this day About this time the Lady Eleanor Cobham Elianour Dutchess of Glocester commended by M r. Fox for a Confessor so called from the Lord Cobham her Father 1433 otherwise Elianour Plantagenet by her Husband was married unto Humphrey the Kings Uncle Duke of Glocester 11. She was it seems a great Savourer and Favourer of VVickliffe his Opinions and for such Mr. Fox hath ever a Good word in store Insomuch that he maketh this Lady a Confessor Sr. Roger Only alias Bolignbroke her Chaplain a Martyr assigning in his Kalender the eleventh and twelfth of February for the dayes of their commemoration But Alanus Copus namely Harpsfield under his name falls foul on Mr. Fox for making Sr. Roger a Martyr Made Traitor by A. C. who was a Traitor and Elianour this Dutchess a Confessor who by the consent of our Croniclers Robert Fabian Edward Hall c. was condemned after solemn penance and carrying a Taper barefoot at Pauls Crosse to perpetuall banishment for plotting with Only his Chaplain an abominable Necromancer and three others by witchcraft to destroy the King Anno Regis Hen. sixt 11. so to derive the Crown to her Husband Anno Dom. 1433. as the next heir in the Line of Lancaster But Cope-Harpsfield pincheth the Fox the hardest for making Margaret Jourdman the witch of Eye a Martyr who was justly burnt for her witchcraft Other small errors we omit where of he accuseth him In answer hereunto Mr. Fox makes a threefold return ingeniously confessing part of the charge Mr. Fox His ingenious confession flatly denying part and fairly excusing the rest He confesseth and take it in his own words that the former Edition of his Acts and Monuments was a First Volum pag. 920. HASTILY RASHED up at the present in such shortnesse of time fourteen moneths as I remember too small a term for so great a Task that it betraied him to many mistakes as when he calleth Sir Roger Only a Knight who was a Priest by his profession Adding moreover that had he thought no b Pag. 921. imperfections had passed his former Edition he would have taken in hand a second recognition thereof He flatly denyeth that his Martyr-making of Margaret Jourdman the Witch of Eye His flat deniall I here saith professe confesse and ascertain both you Cope-Harpsfield He meaneth and all English men both present and all posterity hereafter to come that Margaret Jourdman I never spake of never thought of never dreamed of nor did ever hear of before you named her in your Book your self So farre it is off that I either with my will or against my will made any Martyr of Her He excuseth the aforesaid Dutchess Elianour His ten Coniectures in behalf of the Dutchess alledging ten Conjectures as he calleth them in her vindication 1. Sir Roger Only took it upon his death that He and the Lady were innocent of those things for which they were condemned 2. It was usuall for the Clergie in that Age to load those who were of Wickliffe his perswasion such this Dutchess with no lesse false then feule aspersions 3. Sir Roger Only wrote two Books mentioned by c As in his 8th Cent. cap. 4. Bale the one of his own innocency the other Contra Vulgi Superstitiones It is not therefore probable he should be so silly a Necromancer who had professedly confuted Popular Superstitions 4. The Accusation of this Dutches beganne not untill after the Grudges betwixt the
They also complained With great earnestnesse that when such Merchants troubled in the Courts Christian addressed themselves for remedy to the Chancery and moved therein for a Prohibition which in such cases is to be granted unto them by vertue of a Statute made in the forty fift year of King Edward the third yet such a writ of Prohibition and attachment was against all law and right denyed them Wherefore they humbly desired the King to ordaine by authority of the present Parliament that such who shall find themselves grieved may hereafter have such writs of Prohibition and upon that Attachments aswell in the Chancery as in the Kings and Common-Bench at their choice * Ex Archivis in Tur. Londin undecimo Hen. sexti And that the said Writs of Prohibition and Attachment issuing out of the said Benches have the said force and effects as the Original writs of Prohibition and Attachment so issuing out of the Chancery of our Lord the King 70. To this it was returned Yet not fully redressed the King will be advised the civilest expression of a Denial However we may observe that for a full hundred years viz. from the middle of King Edward the third to and after this time no one Parliament passed wherein this Grievance was not complained on So that an Acorn might become an Oake and good Timber in the term wherein this molestation for the Tithes of wood under the pretence of Silva Cedua did continue But it seems it was well Ordered at last finding future Parliaments not complaining thereof 71. At this time William Linwood finished his industrious and usefull work of his Constitutions William Linwood his Constitutions set forth He was bred in Cambridge first Schollar of Gonvile then Fellow of Pembroke-Hall His younger years he spent in the studie of the Laws whereby he gained much wealth and more reputation Afterwards quitting his practice he betook himself to the Court and became Keeper of the Privie-Seale unto King Henry the fifth who employed him on a long and important Embassy into Spain and Portugal 72. Linwood being no less skilful in Civil than Canon Law First imployed Embassador into Portugal performed the place with such exemplarie industrie and judgement that had not the Kings suddain death prevented it he had been highly advanced in the Common-wealth Afterwards he reassumed his Officials place of Canterburie and then at spare houres collected and digested the Constitutions of the fourteen latter Archbishops of Canterbury from Stephen Langton to Henry Chicheley unto whom he dedicated the Work submitting the censure thereof to the Church 73. A worthy Work highly esteemed by forraign Lawyers not so particularly Provincial for England His work printed and prized beyond sea but that they are usefull for other Countries his Comment thereon being a Magazine of the Canon-Law It was printed at Paris 1505. but at the cost and charges of William Bretton an honest Merchant of London revised by the care of Wolfgangus Hippolius and prefaced unto by Jodocus Badius This Linwood was afterward made Bishop of Saint Davids whose works though now beheld by some as an Almanack out of date will be valued by the judicious whilst Learning and Civility have a being CENT XV. Anno Regis TO M r THOMAS RICH Anno Dom. Late of LONDON Esquire Great is the praise S. Paul * * Rom. 16. 23. gives to Gaius stiling him his host and of the whole Church Surely the Church then was very little or Gaius his house very large Now Hosts commonly are Corpulent persons but Gaius not so it being more then suspicious that he was afflicted with a faint body as may be collected from the words of ††3 John 2. S. John I wish that thou maist prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth You are Sir the Entertainer-general of good men many a poor Minister will never be wholly Sequestred whilest you are living whose Charity is like to the winde which cannot be seen but may be felt And God hath dealt with you more bountifully then with Gaius blessing you in all dimentions of Soul Body and Estate and my prayers shall never be wanting for the continuance and increase thereof 1. THis year began the smart and active Councel of Basil Hen. 6 12. to which our Ambassadours were to represent both their Soveraign 1434. and the English Nation English Ambassadors sent to Basil where they were received with honour and respect the reputation of King Henry his Holiness adding much to their credit Foraigners there being very inquisitive of them to be satisfied in the particulars of his devotion which by them was represented much to their Masters advantage But it is worth our pains to peruse the Commission they carried with them REx omnibus quos c. Anno Dom. 1434 salutem Anno Regis Hen. 6. 12. Sciatis quòd cum juxta decreta Constantiensis Concilii praesens Concilium Basileense actualiter celebretur sub sanctissimo Patre Domino Eugenio Papa quarto Nos eidem Concilio nedum ex parte ejusdem Concilii per suos Oratores nobis ex hac causa specialiter destinatos verum etiam Apostolicis Imperialibus ac aliorum quamplurimorum sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Patrum Principum saecularium literis creberrimè instigati ad Dei laudem sanctae Matris Ecclesiae prosperitatem optatam honorem praesertim ob fidei Catholicae exaltationem interesse cupientes variis diversis causis rationabiliter praepediti quo minus personaliter eidem interesse poterimus ut vellemus venerabiles Patres Robertum Londoniensem Philippum Lexovieasem Johannem Roffensem Johannem Bajocensem Bernardum Aquensem Episcopos ac carissimum consanguineum nostrum Edmundum Comitem Moritonii dilectos nobis Nicholaum Abbatem Glastoniensem Willielmum Abbatem Ecclesiae beatae Mariae Eborum Willielmum Priorem Norwincensem nec non dilectos fideles nostros Henricum Broumflete Militem Magistrum Thomam Broun utriusque Juris Doctorem Sarum Decanum Johannem Colluelle Militem Magistrum Petrum c c Or Maurison Mauricii Doctorem in Theologia Magistrum Nicholaum David Archidiaconum Constantiensem Licentiatum in utroque Jure nostros Ambassiatores Oratores veros indubitatos Procuratores Actores Factores Nuncios speciales constituimus facimus deputamus per praesentes dantes eis ipsorum majori parti potestatem mandatum tam generale quam speciale nomine nostro pro nobis in eodem Concilio interessendi tractandi communicandi concludendi tam de hiis quae fidei Orthodoxae fulcimentum Regumque ac principum pacisicationem concernere poterunt nec non de super pace perpetua guerrarúmve abstinentia inter Nos Carolum Adversarium nostrum de Francia ac etiam tractandi communicandi appunctuandi consentiendi insuper si opus fuerit dissentiendi hiis quae juxta deliberationem
will more admire where he got mouthes for so much meat But see the Bill of fare Quarters * Godwin in his Catalogue of the Bishops of York pag. 65. of Wheat 300 Tuns of Ale 330 Tuns of Wine 104 Pipe of Spiced Wine 1 Fat Oxen 80 Wilde Bulls 6 Weathers 1004 Hoggs 300 Calves 300 Geese 3000 Capons 3000 Piggs 300 Peacocks 100 Cranes 200 Kids 200 Chickens 2000 Pigeons 4000 Rabbits 4000 Bittours 204 Ducks 4000 Hernsews 400 Pheasants 200 Partriges 500 Woodcocks 4000 Plovers 400 Curlews 100 Quailes 100 Egrets 1000 Rees 200 Bucks Does Roes more then 400 Hot Venison Pasties 1506 Cold Venison Pasties 4000 Dishes of Gelly parted 1000 Dishes of Gelly plain 4000 Cold Custards 4000 Hot Custards 2000 Pikes 300 Breams 300 Seals 8 Porpaises 4 Tarts 400 Earl of Warwick Steward Earl of Bedford Treasurer Lord Hastings Controler with many more Noble Officers Servitours 1000 Cooks 62 Kitchiners 515. People present at this Feast needed strong stomachs to devour and others absent stronger faith to believe so much meat at one time Take the proportion by sheep whereof magnificent Solomon spent but an a 1 King 4 23. hundred a day in his sumptuous Court and here was ten times as many expended at this Feast as he in a dayes provision for all his numerous retinue How long this entertainment lasted is uncertain but by the Porke Doves and Woodcocks eaten therein it plainly appears kept in Winter when such are in season and how the same can be reconciled with so much Summer Fowl as was here used I little know and less care to resolve 39. But seven years after 12. this Arch-Bishop to entertain King Edward 1472 made another Feast at More-Park in Hertford-shire A second sadder in the conclusion inferiour to the former for plenty yet perchance equalling it in price For the King seized on all his Estate to the value of twenty thousand prounds amongst which he found so rich a Mitre that he made himself a Crown thereof The Arch-Bishop he sent over prisoner to Callis in France where Vinctus jacuit in summa inopia he was kept bound in extreme poverty justice punishing his former b Idem ibidem prodigality his hungry stomach being glad of such reversions could he get them which formerly the Voider had taken away at his Riotous Installation 40. He was afterwards restored till his liberty and Arch-Bishoprick 14. but never to the cheerfulness of his spirit 1474 drooping till the day of his death Scotland freed from the See of York It added to his sorrow that the Kingdom of Scotland with twelve Suffragan Bishops therein formerly subjected to his See was now by Pope Sixtus Quintus freed from any further dependence thereon S t Andrews being advanced to an Arch-Bishoprick and that Kingdom in Ecclesiastical matters made intire within its self Whose Bishops formerly repaired to York for their Consecration not without their great danger especially in times of hostility between the two Kingdoms In vain did this Nevil plead for some compensation to be given his See in lieu of so great a loss or at leastwise that some acknowledgment should be made of his former jurisdiction the Pope powerfully ordering against it Henceforward no Arch-Bishop of York medled more with Church matters in Scotland and happy had it been if no Arch-Bishop of Canterbury had since interested himself therein 41. About this time John Goose sole Martyr in this Kings Reign John Goose Martyr suffered at Tower-Hill Anno Dom. 1474. Let Papists who make themselves sport at the simplicity of his name Anno Regis Ed. 4. 14. remember how their Pope Os porci or Swines face could change his name into Sergius which liberty if allowed here would quickly mar their mirth This Goose when ready to suffer desired meat from the Sheriff which ordered his execution and had it granted unto him I will a Fox Act. Mon. de Polychron eat saith he a good competent dinner for I shall pass a sharp showre ere I come to supper 42. King Edward foreseeing his approaching death who King Edward preacheth his own Funeral Sermon by intemperance in his diet 1482 in some sort 22. digg'd his grave with his own teeth caused his own and Wives kindred sadly privy to the grudges betwixt them to waite on him when he lay very sick on his bed To these he made a passionate speech to exhort them to unite from the profit of peace and danger of discord and very emphatically urged it insomuch that seemingly they were his converts and in token thereof shook hands together whilest their hearts God knows were far asunder This speech I may call King Edward his own Funeral Sermon preached by himself and it may pass also for the Funeral Sermon of his two Sons finding no other obsequies at their burial though very little was really thereby effected Thus died King Edward who contrary to the ordinary observation that men the elder the more covetous as indeed dying-mens hands grasp what is next and hold it hard was gripple in the beginning of his Reign and more bountiful towards the end thereof SECT III. Anno Regis Anno Dom. TO JOHN FERRARS OF TAMWORTH Castle Esquire SIR MOdest Beggars in London-streets commonly chuse twylight to prefer their Petitions that so they may have light enough to discover Him to whom they sue and darknesse enough to cover and conceal themselves This may make you the more to admire my boldnesse who in a meer mid-night utterly unknowing you and unknown to you request you to accept this Dedication But know Sir though I know not your face I know you are a FERRARS enclined by your Extraction to a Generous Disposition as I have found by one of your nearest Relations 1. MIserable King Edward the fifth ought to have succeeded his Father Ed. 5. but alas 1483. He is ever pictured with a chasma After More no more or distance betwixt his head and the Crown and by the practice of his Uncle the Duke of Glocester chosen Protector to protect him from any of his friends to come near him was quickly made away being a King in right though not in possession as his Uncle Richard was in possession though not in right All the passages whereof are so elegantly related by Sir Thomas More that a man shall get little who comes with a forke where S r Thomas hath gone with a rake before him and by his judicious industry collected all remarkables Onely as proper to our employment let us take notice of the carriage of the Clergie in these distractions 2. Although most of the Prelates were guilty of cowardly compliance with King Richard Clergy complying not active yet we finde none eminently active on his side Anno Dom. 1483 Indeed the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was employed to get Richard Duke of York Anno Regis Ed. 5. 22. from his Queen-Mother
in the Sanctuary in Westminster and very pathetical he was in the perswading her to part with him haply on a point of conscience as fearing if denied some injury would be offered to the prejudice of the Church and therefore more willing himself to wooe him from her with eloquence then that others should wrest him thence with violence Yet he is generally conceived innocent here in as not as yet suspecting any fraud in the Duke of Glocester except any will say that it was a fault in him that so great a States-man was no wiser then to have been deceived by his dissimulation 3 But of the inferiour Clergie D r Shaw a popular preacher made himself infamous to all posterity Shaws shameless Sermon His Sermon at S t Pauls Cross had nothing but the text and that in the a Eccles 23. 25. Spuria vitulamina non agent radices alias Apocrypha good therein as consisting of two parts defaming of the dead and flattering of the living making King Edward far worse then he was and Duke Richard far better then ever he would be He made King Edward the fourth and the Duke of Clarence both to be bastards and Duke Richard onely right begotten so proclaiming Cicilie his Mother still surviving for a whore all being done by secret instructions from Duke Richard himself who hereby gave a worse wound to his Mothers credit then that which at his birth he caused to her body being as it is commonly reported cut out from her With Shaw we may couple another brawling cur of the same litter Pynkney the Provincial of the Augustinian Friâ—rs who in the same place used so loud adulation he lost his credit conscience and voice altogether These two were all and they too many of the Clergie whom I finde actively ingaging on his party whilest multitudes of the Lairy sided with him So that thorough the popularity of the Duke of Buckingham the Law-learning of Catesby the City-interest of Shaw then Lord Major of London and brother to the preacher the rugged rigor of Ratclifse and the assistance of other instruments in their several spheres the Queens kindred were killed Ric. 3 1. the Lord Hastings murdered King Edward and his Brother imprisoned and at last Richard Duke of Glocester elected King of England The sumptuous Coronation of King Richard 4. His Coronation was performed with more pomp then any of his Predecessours as if he intended with the glory thereof so to dazle vulgar eyes that they should not be able to see the shame of his usurpation Indeed some of our English Kings who by undoubted right succeeded to the Crown accounted their Coronation but a matter of course which did not make but manifest them to be Kings and so less curious in the pompous celebration thereof But this Usurper apprehended this ceremony more substantial and therefore was most punctual in the observation of it causing all the Nobility who held Lands in grand Soveraignty to do their service in state amongst whom Richard Dimock Esquire hereditary Champion by tenure with a safe piece of valour having so many to back him cast down his Gauntlet challenging any that durst oppose the title of King Richard and for ought I do know to the contrary he afterwards made his challenge good in Bosworth field And because sure binde sure finde he is said and his Queen to be Crowned again in York with great solemnity 5. Soon after followed the murder of King Edward King Edward and his brother stifled and his Brother Richard Duke of York It was high time they should set when another already was risen in the throne By a bloudy bloudless death they were stifled with pillows and then obscurely buried The uncertainty of their interment gave the advantage to Perkin Warbeck afterwards to counterfeit Richard Duke of York so like unto him in age carriage stature feature favour that he wanted nothing but success to make him who did but personate Duke Richard to pass current for the person of Duke Richard 6. After this bloudy act Anno Regis Ric. 3. 2. King Richard endeavoured to render himself popular Anno Dom. 1484 First by making good Laws in that sole Parliament kept in his Reign King Richard vainly endeavoureth to ingratiate himself by makeing good Laws Benevolence malevolence which formerly the subjects unwillingly willing had paid to their Soveraign power where it requests commands it not being so much thank-worthy to grant as dangerous to deny it he retrenched and reduced to be granted onely in Parliament He regulated Trading which the Lombards and other foraigners had much ingrossed to the detriment of the English Nation Now although all people carry much of their love and loyaltie in their purses yet all this would not ingratiate this Usurper with them the dullest nostrils resenting it done not for love of vertue but his own security And that affects none which all palpably discover to be affected 7. Next he endeavoured to work himself into their good will As also by building of Monasteries by erecting and endowing of Religious Houses so to plausiblelize himself especialy among the Clergy Thus he built one far North at Middleham and and a College in the Parish of a Stows Survey of London in Tower street Ward Alhallows-Barking hard by the Tower as if he intended by the vicinity thereof to expiate those many murders which he therein had committed Besides he for his time dis-Forested Whichwood in Camâ—dens Bâ—â—â—â—an Oxford shire pag 374. out of John Rouse Oxford-shire then far more extended then in our Age which his brother Edward had made Forest to the great grievance of the Country thereabouts Yet all would not do the people being more patient for an injury done by King Edward then thankful for the favour this Richard bestowed upon them He is said also to have given to Queens College in Cambridg c Stow in his Annals p. 470. five hundred marks of yearly rent though at this time I believe the College receives as little benefit by the Grant as Richard had right to grant it For it was not issued out of his own purse but given out of the lands of his enemy the unjustly proscribed Earl of Oxford who being restored by Henry the seventh made a resumption thereof 8. Duke Richard was low in stature Art hath done more for King Richard then ever nature did crook-backed with one shoulder higher then the other having a prominent gobber-tooth a war-like countenance which well enough became a souldier Yet a modern d e George Buck Esqu a claw-back to Crook-back Author in a Book by him lately set forth eveneth his shoulders smootheth his back planeth his teeth maketh him in all points a comly and beautiful person Nor stoppeth he here but proceeding from his naturals to his morals maketh him as vertuous as handsome which in some sense may be allowed to be true concealing most denying some defending others
of his foulest facts wherewith in all ages since he standeth charged on record For mine own part I confess it no heresie to maintain a paradox in History nor am I such an enemy to wit as not to allow it leave harmlesly to disport it self for its own content and the delight of others Thus Cardan hath written his Encomium Neronis and others best husbandmen who can improve the barrennest ground have by art endeavoured to praise as improbable subjects But when men shall do it cordially in sober sadness to pervert peoples judgments and therein go against all received Records I say singularity is the least fault can be laid to such mens charge Besides there are some Birds Sea-pies by name who cannot rise except it be by flying against the winde as some hope to atchieve their advancement by being contrary and paradoxal in judgment to all before them 9. Soon after followed the execution of the Duke of Buckingham The request of the Duke of Buckingham denied King Richard his grand enginere or Master of the fabrick of his preserment The occasion thus The Duke requested-required of King Richard as confident that his merits were incapable of a denial the Earldome of Hereford and the hereditary Constable-ship of England laying title to them by discent Well did he ask both together which would be granted both together For the Earldome of Hereford was an Abishag concubine to the former Kings of England which had long lien in the Crown whilest in the Lancastrian line so imbraced and interlaced therewith that it was difficult to dissever them And the affecting thereof proved as fatall to Buckingham Anno Dom. 1484. as the desiring of the other was to Adonijah Anno Regis Ric. 3. 2. being interpreted in both an ambition of the Kingdome The Hereditary Constableship was conceived too unlimited a power to be trusted to a Subject lest he should make more disorder then he should mend therewith so that in fine both in effect were denied unto him 10. Buckingham stormes thereat Buckingham surpâ—â—â—ed and beheaâ—ed Shall a Coronet be denied him by him on whom he had conferred a Crown Yet what anger soever boiled in his â—eart none ran over in his mouth pretending very fair in his behaviour But hard it is to halt before a cripple and dissemble before King Richard The Duke withdraws to Brecknock in Wales with his prisoner Bishop Morton of Elie committed unto him by the King on some distaste who tampered with him about the marriage of Henry Earl of Richmond with the eldest Daughter of King Edward the fourth The Duke carried himself so open therein that surprised by King Richard his head was divorced from his body before this marriage was compleated II. More cunning was Bishop Morton to get himself over into France Morten make peace there to contrive the Union of the two Houses of York and Lancaster If Blessed be the peace-makers be pronounced of such as reconcile party and party how much more must it be true of his memory the happy instrument to unite those Houses to the saving of the effusion of so much bloud Some will say it was a design obvious to every capacity to make such an union But we all know when a thing is done then it is easie for any to do it Besides it is one thing for men in their brains barely and notionally to apprehend a project and another as our Morton did to elect proportionable means and by the vigorous prosecution thereof really to effect it 12. A modern Writer in his voluminous book Mr Pryn charged for charging Bishop Morton of â—reson which he hath Entituled The Rebellions Treasons Conspiracies Antimonarchical practises c. of the English Prelates to swell his number chargeth this Bishop Morton with Treason against King Richard the third But is it treason for one in savour of the true heir to oppose an Usurper in Title and Tyrant in practice Surely unbiased judgments behold Morton herein under a better notion Had this Bishop been active on King Richards side how would the same Author have proclaimed him for a Traitor against King Henry the seventh Thus I see an inevitable necessity that Morton must be a Traitor whatsoever he did and observe that no practice will please which cometh from one whose person or profession is distasted 13. But King Richard his cruelties had so tired out Divine patience Earl Henry landeth at Milsord Haven that his punishment could be no longer deferred 1585 Henry Earl of Richmond lands with an handful of men at Milford Haven 3. A landing place politickly chosen near Pembroke the place of his Nativity in the heart of his Country-men and Kinsmen the Welsh his grand-father Owen ap Theodore alias Tuthar having thence his extraction and far from London the Magazine of King Richards might From Milford the Earl marched North-East through the bowels of Wales and both his Army and fame thereof crevit eundo grew by going Many old Prophesies the people about Leicester will load a stranger with them were fulfilled in him and this amongst the rest may be remembred It was foretold that in a great battle which was to be fought near Leicester whosoever should shoot the arrow first should have the victory This most understood that the archer in the fight which should first let loose should gain the day to his side When behold the Earl of Richmond bending his march out of Wales to the middle of England first passed Arrow a rivolet in the confines of Worcester and Warwick-shire and accordingly proved victorious For into Leicester-shire he came and in the navel thereof is met by King Richard and next morning both sides determine to trie their fortunes in fight This night the Earl had sweet and quiet rest whilest King Richard his guilty conscience was frighted with hideous dreams Anno Regis Ric 3 3. and fanciful apparitions Anno Dom. 1485 as no wonder if no pillow could give him quiet sleep who with a pillow had so lately smothered his Lord and Master 14. The Battle is called the Battle of Bosworth though fought full three miles from the a Burton in his description of Leicestershire Town The Battle of Bosworth and nearer other Country Villages because Bosworth is the next Town of not ethereunto The Earls Army fell far short of the Kings in number and Armes equalled it in courage exceeded it in cause and success Indeed the Kings Army was hollow at the heart many marching in his main battle who were much suspected and therefore purposely placed there to secure them from flying out and fought as unwilling to overcome Yet the scales of victory seemed for a long time so equal that an exact eye could not discern on which side the beam did break At last the coming in of the Lord Stanley with three thousand fresh men decided the controversie on the Earls side King Richard fighting valiantly so his friends
Innocent But others conceive King Henry not so simple himself his parts onely seeming the lower being over-topped with a high spirited queen more probable it is what another d See Mr Habington in the life of Ed. 4. saith that seeing King Henry held the Crown by a false title from the true heir thereof the Pope could not with so good credit fasten a Saintship on his memory But our great e Camd. Brit. ◠Surrey Antiquary resolveth all in the Popes covetousness In cause fuit Pontificis avaritia demanding more then thrifty King Henry the seventh would allow Who at last contented himself by the Popes leave hardly obtained to remove his Corps from Chertsey in Surrey where it was obscurely Interred Anno Regis Hen. 7 10. to Windsor Chappel Anno Dom. 1494. a place of greater reputation Thus is he whom Authors have observed twice Crowned twice Deposed twice Buried the best was though he was not Canonized yet there was plenty of Popish Saints beside him wherewith the Calender is so overstocked that for want of room they justle one another 28. But the Saintship of Anselme Arch-Bishop Morton procureth the Sainting of Ansilm Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 13. was procured on cheaper terms 1497 though it cost Arch-Bishop Marton much money who procured the same Indeed Anselme being alterius orbis Papa the Pope of the English world as the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was termed no wonder if one Pope upon reasonable termes did this courtesie for another Besides great was the merit of Anselme to the Church of Rome little whereof goes far to obtain a Canonization seeing he was the Champion and confessor of the Popes cause about investing of Bishops against two Kings successively William Rufus and King Henry the first 29. Observable was the carriage of King Henry towards the Pope The Kings carriage to the Pope the Clergie and the poor Lollards To the Pope he was submissive not servile his devotion being seldom without design so using his Holiness that he seldom stooped down to him in any low reverence but with the same gesture he took up something in order to his own ends 30. To the Clergie of desert he was very respectful trusting and imploying them in State affairs more then his Nobility To the dissolute and vitious Clergie he was justly severe Severe to the vitious Clergie and pared their priviledges ordeining that Clerks a Lord Verulam in Hen. 7. pag. 66. convict should be burnt in the hand both that they might taste a corporal punishment and carry a brand of infamy But for this good act the King himself was afterwards branded by Mock-King-Perkins proclamation for an execrable breaker of the Rights of Holy Church He also made a b Statotes undecimo Hen. 7. cap. 2. Law that begging scholars though Clerks should be reputed Vagabonds without they shew the Letters of the Chancellor of the University from whence he saith he cometh 31. To the Lollards so were Gods people nick-named he was more cruel then his predecessors Sad to be the Kings Convert for he not onely in the beginning of his Reign connived at the cruel persecutions which Jo. Halse Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield raised against them 14. but towards the end of his Reign appeared in his person very bloudy unto them 1498 if the story be true which is very lamely delivered unto us There was in Canterbury an old Priest so resolute in Wicliffs opinions that none of the Clergie there could convince him of the contrary The King casually coming thither in the moneth of May undertook the Priest himself though we never read before of his Majesties disputing save when he disputed Bosworth field with King Richard the third The King by what arguments we know not converted this Priest and then presently gave order he should be burnt which was done c Fox Acts Mon. pag. 556. accordingly Surely there was more in the matter then what appeared in the Record or else one may boldly say that if the Kings Converts had no better incouragement this was the first he made and the last he was ever likely to make 32. Two most needless pieces of Cruelty were committed at this time the one an aged old man burnt in Smithfield the other one Joan Baughton widow Needless cruelty which seemeth a woman of some quality as Mother to the Lady Young who was afterwards Martyred she being fourscore d Fox Ibid. years of age was burnt for an Heretick posting her to the Stake which was going to the Grave 33. William Smith sometimes Fellow of Pembroke Hall in Cambridg The Founding of Brasen-nose Colledg and Bishop of Lincoln this year began the Foundation of Brasen-nose Colledg in Oxford I meet not with any satisfactory reason why so called save the fancy of the Founder Except any will say it was so named because built c where anciently Brasen-nose hall stood though this does not so much resolve the Question as put it a degree further off Anno Dom. 1498 But when such who cavil at the name Anno Regis Hen. 7 14. build a Colledg it shall be left at their free liberty to call it according to their own pleasure This Bishop lived not to finish his intentions and the resore after his death Richard Sutton Esq took upon him to perfect the same and accomplished it accordingly Principals Bishops Benefactors Learned men Matthew Smith John Hawarden Tho. Blanchard Rich. Harris Alex. Noel Tho. Singleton D r Ratcliffe Tho. Yates Dr. Greenhil Richard Barnes Bishop of Durham William Clifton William Porter Jo. Elton aliàs Baker Hum. Ogle Edw. Darby Jo. Claymond Jo. Williamson Brian Higden Alexand. Noel Joyce Frankland Richard Harper S r Jo. port Jo. Lord Mordant D r Jo. Barneston Geo. Palin Richard Caldwell Doctor of Physick and a Camdent Eliz. in Anno 1585. Founder of a Chirurgery Lecture in London Ro. Bolton a famous Preacher So that at this present the Colledg is much beautified with buildings and ornaments for the perfecting whereof great summes have been expended within these few last years maintaining a Principal twenty Fellows besides Scholars Officers and Servants of the Foundation in all Anno 1634. amounting to one hundred eighty six Cheshire-men whose Country is called Nobilitatis Altrix and those of Lancashire most commendable ob bonitatem habitudinis decorem aspectus are in this Colledg most proper for preferment 34. John Morton Cardinal and Arch-Bishop of Canterbury deceased The Death of Arch-Bishop Morton many condemned him in his life for acting and putting the King forward to be burtheniome to his Subjects with his Taxes 1500 but his innocence appeared after his death 16. that he rather tempered the Kings covetousness then otherwise He was a Learned man and had a fair Library Rebuss'd with More in text and Tun under it partly remaining in the possession of the late Earl of Arundell I finde him in the
the silken flie wherewith Anglers cheat the fishes was onely given out to tempt King Henry to a longer patience and quiet expectation of the event Octo. 22. But by this time Queen Katharine had privately prevailed with the Pope to advoke the cause to Rome as a place of more indifferency for a plea of so high concernment Whereupon Campegius took his leave of the King and returned into Italy 49. The Papists tell us Love-Letters of King Hen. kept in the Vatican that Cardinal Campegius sent over before him some amatorious Letters which passed written with the Kings own hand betwixt him and his dear Nan as he termed her These are said to import more familiarity then chastity betwixt them and are carefully kept and solemnly shewn in the Vatican to strangers especially of the English Nation though some suspect them to be but forged For though the King had wantonness enough to write such Letters yet Anna Bollen had wit and warmess too much to part with them It would more advance the Popish project could they shew any return from her to the King accepting his offers which they pretend not to produce Our Authors generally agree her deâ—â—alls more inflamed the Kings desires For though perchance nothing more then a woman was wish'd by his wilde sancy yet nothing less then an husband would content her conscience In a word so cunning she was in her chastity that the farther she put him from her the nearer she fastened his affections unto her 50. Still was the Kings cause more delaied in the Court of Rome No haste to end the Kings cause at Rome If a melancholick School-man can spin out a speculative controversie with his Pro's and Con's to some quires of paper where the profit is little to others and none to himself except satisfying his curiosity and some popular applause no wonder if the Casuists at Rome those cunning Masters of Defence could lengthen out a cause of so high concernment and so greatly beneficial unto them For English silver now was current and out gold volant in the Popes Courts whither such masses of money daily were transported England knew not certainly what was expended nor Rome what received herein Yea for seven years was this suit depending in the Popes Court after which Apprentiship the Indentures were not intended to be cancelled but the cause still to be kept on foot it being for the interest to have it alwayes in doing and never done For whilest it depended the Pope was sure of two great friends but when it was once decided he was sure of one great foe either the Emperour or our King of England 51. It was a Maxime true of all men King and Queen hoth offended with Wolsey but most of King Henry Omnis mora properanti nimia He who would have not onely what but when he would himself was vexed with so many delayings deferrings retardings prorogations prolongations procrastinations betwixt two Popes as one may say Clement that was and Wolsey that would be So that all this while after so much adoe there was nothing done in his business which now was no nearer to a final conclusion then at the first beginning thereof Yea now began Cardinal Wolsey to decline in the Kings favour suspecting him for not cordial in his cause and ascribing much of the delay to his backwardness herein More hot did the displeasure of Queen Katharine burn against him beholding him as the chief engine who set the matter of her Divorce first in motion 52. Be it here remembred that in perswading the Kings Divorce Wolsey looks two wayes in this design Wolsey drave on a double design by the recess of the Kings love from Queen Katharine to revenge himself of the Emperour by the access of his love to Margaret of Alenson to oblige the King of France Thus he hoped to gain with both hands and presumed that the sharpness of his two-edged policy should cut on both sides when God to prevent him did both blunt the edges and break the point thereof For instead of gaining the love of two Kings he got the implacable anger of two Queens of Katharine decaying and Anna Bollen increasing in the Kings affection Let him hereafter look but for few fair dayes when both the Sun-rising and setting frowned upon him SECT II. TO M r THOMAS JAMES OF BUNTINGFORD IN Hertford-shire COrner Stones two walls meeting in them are polished with the more curiosity and placed with more carefulness So also corner bones as I may say which do do double duty and attend the service of two joynts in the Elbow and Knee are rarely fixed by the providence of Nature This Section being in the turning of Religions the going out of the Old and coming in of the New ought to have been done with most industry difficultie meeting therein with dark instructions However I have endeavoured my utmost though falling short of the merits of the matter and doubt not but you will be as candid in the perusing as I have desired to be careful in the writing thereof KKnow now in the next year Anno Regis Hen. 8 22. the Lords in Parliament put in a Bill of fourty four particulars against Wolsey Anno Dom. 1530. The most material was his exercising of power-Legative Accused in Parliament and well defended by Mr Cromwel his servant without leave to the prejudice of the Kings Crown and Dignity The Bill is brought down into the House of Commons where M r Cromwel then Servant to the Cardinal chanced to be a Burgess Here he defended his Master with such wit and eloquence that even those who hated the Client yet praised the Advocate who pleaded in his behalf This was the first time that publick notice was taken of Cromwel his eminent parts and advantagious starting is more then half the way in the race to preferment as afterwards in him it came to pass As for Wolsey though at this time he escaped with life and liberty yet were all his goods of inestimable value confiscated to the King and he outed of most of his Ecclesiastical promotions 2. Court-favourites Prefeâ—red 〈…〉 to York when it is once past noon Anno Dom. 1530 it is presently night with them Anno Regis Hen. 8 22. as here it fared with wolsey His enemies of whom no want follow the 〈◊〉 given unto him For they beheld him rather in a Sown then as yet dead in the Kings favour and feared if his submission should meet with 〈◊〉 remembrance of his former services they might produce his full 〈◊〉 to power and dignity The rather because the Cardinal was cun 〈◊〉 to improve all to his own advantage and the King as yet not cruel 〈◊〉 too perfect in that lesson afterwards His enemies would not trust the Cardinal to live at London nor at Winchester within fifty miles thereof but got the King to command him away to York sending him thither whither his conscience
long since should have sent him namely to visit his Diocess so large in extent and reside therein 3. Indifferent men thought that he had enough 〈…〉 his Foes that too much onely himself that too little was left unto him Pride accounts the greatest plenty if without Pomp no better then Penury Yet he had the whole revenues of York Arch-Bishoprick worth then little less then four thousand pounds yearly besides a large Pension paid him out of the Bishoprick of Winchester Was not here suel enough had thee not been too much fire within such his covetousness and ambition 4. Earthly Kings may make men humbled He states it at York God alone humble Wolsey began to state it at York as high as ever before in proportion to his contracted revenues Preparation is made in a Princely equipage for his Installation attracting envie from such as beheld it All is told unto the King and all made worse by telling it complaining Wolsey would never leave his pride till life first left him His old faults are revived and aggravated and the King incensed afresh against him 5. The Earl of Northumberland by the Commission from the King Arrested of Treason and dieth Arrested him of high-Treason in his own chamber at Cawood By slow and short journeys he setteth forward to London meeting by the way with contrary messages from the King Sometimes he was tickled with hopes of pardon and preserment sometimes pinched with fears of a disgraceful death so that he knew not how to dispose his minde to Mirth or Mourning Age and anguish brought his disease of the dysentery the pain lying much in his guts more in his heart Especially aftger S r William Kingston was sent unto him who being Lieutenant of the Tower seemed to carry a restraint in his looks Coming to Leicester he died being buried almost as obscurely as he was born 6. I know not whether or no it be worth the mentioning here Wolseys credulity befooled with dubious Prophecy however we will put it on the adventure that Cardinal Wolsey in his life time was inform'd by some Fortune-tellers that he should have his end at Kingston This his credulity interpreted of Kingston on Thames which made him alwayes to avoid the riding through that Town though the nearest way from his house to the Court. Afterwards understanding that he was to be committed by the Kings express order to the charge of S r Anthony Hen. Lord Howard in his Book against Prophesies chap. 28. fol. 130. Kingston it struck to his heart too late perceiving himself deluded by that Father of Lies in his homonymous prediction 7. Anna Bollen did every day look fairer and fiarer in the King's eyes The King deluded with delays at Rome whilest the hopes of his marriage with her seemed every day farther and farther from him For the Court at Rome meddled not with the merits of the causse but fell upon by-points therein of lesser concernment Yea they divided his case into three a Hist of Councel of Trent pag. 69. and twenty particulars whereof the first was Whether Prince Arthur had carnal knowledg with the Lady Katharine This bare about a years debate so that according to this proportion King Henry would be not onely past marrying but past living before his cause should be decided This news put him into a passionate pensiveness the rather because meeting with sadness here many populous places in England and Cambridg particularly being at the present visited with the sickness 8. But it is an evil plague which brings no body profit On this occasion D r Cranmer retired to Waltham with two of his Pupils Doct. cranmet comes to Waltham the sons of M r Cressey a name utterly extinct in that Town where God hath fixed my present habitation long before the memory of any alive But consulting Weavers a In Essex Pag. 645. But see the former part of Cranmers life until this time in our History of Cambridg Funeral-Monuments of Waltham-Church more truly then nearly by him composed I finde therein this Epitaph Here lyeth Jon and Jone Cressy On whose soulys Jesu havmercy Amen It seems paper sometimes in more lasting then brass all the ancient Epitaphs in that Church being defac'd by some barbarous hands who perchance one day may want a grave for themselves 9. The King coming to Waltham Is imployed by the King to the Pope D r Fox his Chaplain and Almoner afterwards Bishop of Hereford is lodged in M r Cressy 's house Discoursing about the Kings Divorce Cranmer conceived that the speediest course was to prove the unlawfulness of his Match by Scripture whence it would follow that the Pope at first had no power to dispence therewith and that the Vniversities of Christendom would sooner and truer decide the case then the Court of Rome This passage Fox reports to the King who well pleased thereat professes that this man had the b Fox Acts Mon. 1861. Sow by the right ear An ear which the King never left worrying till he had got it off and effected his will therein Cranmer being sent for comes to the King who very lovingly entertains him Indeed he was a most comely person having an amiable eye and as the soul sees much by the eye so is it much seen in them and pleasing countenance as by his lively c Which I have seen at Chesthunt in the house of Sir Tho. Docres done as I take it by Hans Holbein Picture doth appear Glad was the King to see more to hear him enlarge himself on the former subject that it was above the Popes power to dispense with Gods work in the Kings case And now what fitter Nurse for the Childe then the own Mother what person more proper to manage this matter then Cranmer himself who first moved it The King resolves and Cranmer consents he should be sent to the Pope there to make God his possition Leave we Cranmer for a time preparing himself for his long journey and come briefly to state the Kings Controversie out of Gods Word and several Authors who have written thereof 10. It plainly appears that a marriage with a Brothers wife is unlawful Marriage with Brothers Wives twice forbidden in Scripture because expresly forbidden LEVIT 18. 16 Thou shalt not uncover the Nakedness of thy Brothers Wife it is thy Brothers Nakedness Wherein we have 1. A Prohibition Thou shalt not uncover the Nakedness of thy Brothers Wife See all these Laws are made to men it being presumed that the weaker sex whose part it is to take not tender accept not offer love would be so modest as not to adventure of themselves on any incestuous act except first solicited by men thereunto 2. The Reason thereof It is thy Brothers Nakedness God could according to his Dominion peremptorily have forbidden the same without rendring a reason of his Prohibition but that men might pay the more willing obedience to his Law
do much unto whom Christ gave the i Speeds Chro. in H. 8. p. 766. Keys of the Kingdom of heaven hath no power to give a dispensation to any man to contract such Marriage In witness whereof we confirm this our judgment both under the Seal of our University as also with the Seal of our Colledg of Doctors of Divinity and have subscribed it in the Cathedral Church of Bonony this tenth of June in the year of our Lord 1530. 21. k De schismate Anglic. p. 60 61. Sanders hath little to say against so many and clear decisions of the Universities The Recusancy of other Universities onely he tels us that all the Kings Agents had not equal success in their Negotiations and particularly that one Hutton the Kings instrument herein could not bow those of Hamborough and Lubeck to express themselves against the Marriage But surely these two places were onely Gymnasia for I finde them not mentioned amongst the Dutch Universities Also he saith that Richard Crook another of the Kings Emissaries prevailed nothing on many Germane Professors and particularly he praiseth the University of Colen for their recusancy therein As for such who subscribed on the Kings side he pretends that Bribes bought their judgments as if our King Henry had learnt from King l Eccles 10. 19 Solomon that Money recompenceth all things The best is the cleanly hands of the Court of Rome had never no doubt any bribes sticking to their fair fingers But though that Englsh Angels flew over to foraign Universities yet there lieth a real distinction betwixt a Bribe and a Boon freely bestowed not to bow and bias their opinions but to gratifie their pains and remunerate their industry in studying of the point 22. As for our English Ambassadours at Rome Cranmer travelleth into Germany finding themselves onely fed with delaies no wonder if they were sharp set to return home All came back again save D r. Cranmer who took a journey to the Emperours court in Vieâ—â—a Here he grew acquainted with Cornelius Agrippa who had written a Book of the Vanity of Sciences having much of the Sciences but more of the vanity in himself Here also he conversed with many great Divines and satisfied some of them out of Scripture and Reason which formerly were unresolved in the unlawfulness of the Kings Marriage 23. A Parliament was now called The Clergy 〈…〉 praemunire wherein the Clergie were found guilty of a Praemunire 1531 because they had too much promoted the Papal interest and acted by vertue of his power to the damage and detriment of the Crown of England whereupon being willing to redeem their whole estates forfeited by 〈◊〉 they were glad to commute it into a summe of money the Clergy of the Province of Canterbury alone bestowed on the King one hundred thousand pounds to be paid by equal portions in the same year say some in four years say others and that in my opinion with more probability 24. But the King would not be so satisfied with the payment of the money Acknowledg the 〈…〉 of the Church except also they would acknowledg him to be Supreme Head of the Church This was hard meat and would not easily down amongst them however being thoroughly debated in a Synodical way both in the upper and lower houses of Convocation they did in fine agree on this expression cujus Ecclesiae Anglicanae singularem Protectorem unicum supremum Dominum quantum per Christi leges licet supremum caput ipsius Majestatem recognoscimâ—s 25. This thus consented unto Confirmed by Act of Parliament and subscribed by the hands of the Clergie as appears at large in the Records and Acts of the Convocation and so presented to the King in the name of his Clergie was afterwards confirmed by Parliament and incorporated into a solemn Act for the ratification thereof 26. During these transactions The death of Arch Bishop Warham William Warham 1532 Arch-Bishop of Canterbury ended his life 23. Aug. 23. A politick person well learned in the Laws generally reputed a moderate man though specially towards his latter end a still and silent persecutor of poor Christians He was first Parson of Barly in Hertford-shire as appears by an a Weavers Funeral Mon. inscription in that Church thence rising by degrees to great preferment In his Will he requested his Successour not to sue his b Antiq. Brit. pag. Executors for Dilapidations as having expended some thousands of pounds in repairing his several Palaces We verily believe his request was granted seeing Cranmer was free from all exacting in that kinde Sede vacante John Stokesly Bishop of London was President in the Convocation 27. Messengers are sent into Germany for Thomas Cranmer Cranmer sent for and unwilling accepteth the Arch-Bishoprick to finde him out and fetch him home with all possible speed the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury waiting his acceptance thereof The Post easily doth the first but Cranmer prolonged his journey by c Fox Acts Mon. p. 1703. seven weeks at the least hoping that in the mean time the King might forget him and confer the place on another being really unwilling to imbrace the preferment having aliquid intus something within him which reluctated against those superstitions through which he must wade in the way thereunto But there lieth no Nolo Episcopare against King Henry his Volo te Episcopum esse It being as mortal to refuse favours from him as to offer injuries to him Cranmer therefore now come home must in his own defence be Arch-Bishop who to serve the King and salve his own conscience used the expedient of a Protestation whereof hereafter 28. The Philosoper gives us this note of direction A preparative to Cranmers just defence whereby to finde out a vertue viz. that it is accused by both Extremes Thus Liberality is charged by Prodigals to be Covetousness by Covetous men to be Prodigality By the same proportion Cranmer appears a worthy Prelate taxed by Papists to be an Heretick by others no Papists as guilty of Superstition We will endeavour his just defence conceiving the Protestants cause much concerned therein the Legality of his Consecration having an influence on all the Bishops made by him Anno Regis Hen. 8 23. that of the Bishops making an impression on the Priests and Deacons by them ordained Anno Dom 1532 and their rightful ordination deriving validity to the Sacraments by them administred to all the members of the Church of England 29. A Papist a Becan contro Angl. c. 4. q. 9. n. 6. objects Cranmer lawfully consecrated non fuit consecratus ab ullo Episcopo sed à solo Rege intrusus that he was consecrated by no Bishop but thrust in by the King alone The falseness whereof doth appear on publick Record still to be seen in the Register being solemnly consecrated by John b Regist Cramn fol. 5.
Te Deum laudamus to the end and the Psalm In te Domine speravi Then came the Executioner and bound an handkerchief about his eyes and so the Bishop lifting up his hands and heart to heaven said a few prayers which were not long but fervent and devout Which being ended he laid his head down over the midst of a little block where the Executioner being ready with a sharp and heavy Ax cut asunder his slender Neck at one blow which bled so abundantly that many saith my Authour wondred to see so much blood issue out of so lean and slender a body Though in my judgement that might rather have translated the wonder from his leanesse to his age it being otherwise a received tradition That lean folk have the most blood in them 13. Thus died John Fisher in the seventy seventh year of his age His age and statuâ—e on the two and twentieth of June being S. Alban's day the Protomartyr of England and therefore with my Authour most remarkable But surely no day in the Romish Kalendar is such a Skeleton or so bare of sanctity but had his death hapned thereon a Priest would pick a mysterie out of it He had a lank long body full six foot high toward the end of his life very infirm insomuch that he used to sit in a chair when he taught the people in his Diocesse 14. His corpse if our Authour speaketh truth was barbarously abused His mean not to say if true barbarous buriall no winding-sheet being allowed it which will hardly enter into my belief For suppose his friends durst his foes would not afford him a shroud yet some neuters betwixt both no doubt would have done it out of common civility Besides seeing the King vouchsafed him the Tower a noble prison and beheading an honourable death it is improbable He would deny him a necessary equipage for a plain and private buriall Wherefore when Hall tells us That the Souldiers attending his execution could not get spadâ—s to make his grave therewith but were fain with halbards in the North-side of the Church yard of All-Hallows Barking to dig a hole wherein they cast his naked corpse I listen to the relation as inflamed by the Reporters passion Be it here remembred that Fisher in his life-time made himself a Tomb on the North-side of the Chappel in S. John's Colledge intending there to be buried but therein disappointed This Fisher was he who had a Cardinals Hat sent him which stopp'd at Callis never came on his head and a Monument made for him wherein his body was never deposited 15. Our Authour reporteth also An impudent improbable Lie how Queen Anna Bolen gave order his head should be brought unto Her before it was set up on London bridge that She might please Her self at the sight thereof and like another Herodias insult over the head of this John Her professed enemy Nor was she content alone to revile his ghost with taunting terms but out of spight or sport or both struck Her hand against the mouth of this dead head brought unto her and it hapned that one of Fisher's teeth more prominent than the rest struck into her hand and not onely pained Her for the present but made so deep an impression therein that She carried the mark thereof to Her grave It seems this was contrary to the proverb Mortui non mordent But enough yea too much of such damnable falshoods Passe we from Fisher to More his fellow prisoner whom Fisher's execution had not mollified into conformity to the King his pleasure as was expected 16. Son he was to Sir John More Sir Tho. More 's extraction and education one of the Judges of the Kings Bench who lived to see his Son preferred above himself Bred a Common-Lawyer but withall a general Schollar as well in polite as solid learning a terse Poet neat Oratour pure Latinist able Grecian He was chosen Speaker in the House of Commons made Chancellour first of Lancaster-Dutchie then of all England performing the place with great integrity and discretion Some ground we have in England neither so light and loose as sand nor so stiffe and binding as olay but a mixture of both conceived the surest soil for profit and pleasure to grow together on such the soil of this Sir Thomas More in which facetiousnesse and judiciousnesse were excellently tempered together 17. Yet some have taxed him Charged for his over-much jesting that he wore a feather in his cap and wagg'd it too often meaning he was over-free in his fancies and conceits Insomuch that on the Scaffold a place not to break jests but to break off all jesting he could not hold but bestowed his scoffs on the Executioner and standers-by Now though innocency may smile at death surely it is unfit to flout thereat 18. But the greatest fault we finde justly charged on his memory A great Anti-Procestant is his cruelty in persecuting poor Protestants to whom he bare an implacable hatred Insomuch much that in his life-time be caused to be inscribed as parcell of his Epitaph on his Monument at Chelsey that he ever was Furibus Homicidis Haereticisque molestus a passing good praise save after the way which he there calleth Heresie pious people worship the God of their fathers He suffered the next moneth after Fisher's execution in the same place July 6. for the same cause July 6. and was buried at Chelsey under his Tomb aforesaid which being become ruinous and the Epitaph scarce legible hath few years since been decently repaired at the cost as I am informed of one of his near Kinsmen 19. At this time Katharine Dowager The death and character of Qu. Katharine Dowager whom we will be bold still in courtesie to call a Queen notwithstanding King Henry's Proclamation to the contrary ended her wofull life at Kimbolton Jan. 8. A pious woman toward God according to Her devotion frequent in prayer which She alwaies performed on Her bare knees nothing else between Her and the earth interposed little curious in Her clothes being wont to say She accounted no time a Sanders de Schismate Anglicano lost but what was laid out in dressing of Her though Art might be more excusable in Her to whom Nature had not been over-bountifull She was rather staid than stately reserv'd than proud grave from Her cradle insomuch that She was a matrone before She was a mother This Her naturall gravity encreased with Her apprehended injuries setled in Her reduced age into an habit of melancholie and that terminated into a consumption of the spirits She was buried in the Abby-Church of Peterborough under an Herse of black Say probably by Her own appointment that She might be plain when dead who neglected bravery of clothes when living A noble b Lord Herbert in his Henry the eighth pen tells us that in intuition to Her corpse here interred King Henry at the destruction of Abbies not
onely spared the Church in Peterborough but also advanced it into a Cathedral If so it was civilly done of Him not to disturb Her in Her grave whom He had so disquieted in Her bed The news of Her departure was not unwelcome to Queen Anna Bollen who though too good a Christian to desire Her death was too wife a woman to be over-sorrowfull for the same seeing formerly She was the King's Wife but by sequestration the true possessour of His bed being yet alive whereas now c Gen. 26. 22. Rehoboth She conceived God had made room for her 20. This Anna Bollen was great-grand-childe to a Citizen The character of Queen Anna Bollen Sir Jefferie Bollen Lord Major of London grand-childe to Sir William Bollen Knight who lived respectedly in his Countrey daughter to Thomas Bollen Earle of Wiltshire a great Courtier and she had Her birth in England blood by her d Daughter to Thomas Earl of Ormond Grand-mother from Ireland and breeding in France under Mary the French Queen so that so many relations meeting in Her accomplished Her with an acceptable behaviour to all qualities and conditions of people Of an handsome person and beautifull face and therefore that e Sanders de Schismate Anglicano pen that reports Her lean-visaged long-sided gobber-toothed yellow-complexioned with a wen in her neck both manifests his malice and disparageth the judgement of King Henry whom all knew well read in books and better in beauties who would never have been drawn to so passionate a love without stronger load-stones to attract it This Queen remembring how Her Predecessour lost the King's love with her over-austerity tuned Her self to a more open and debonaire behaviour even generally to all with whom She conversed Which being observed by Her adversaries was improved by them to Her overthrow so that She but for a very short time had the sole and peaceable possession of Her Husband In a word She was a great Patronesse of the Protestants Protectour of the persecuted Preferrer of men of merit among whom Hugh Latimer a bountifull Reliever of the poor and the happy Mother of Queen Elizabeth 21. On the eighth of June began a short The first reformed Convocation but sharp Parliament dissolved the eighteenth of July following effecting much in little time June 8. matters it seems being well prepared afore-hand 9. and the House assembled not to debate but doe the King's desires The parallel Convocation began the day after being one new-modelled and of a fashion different from all former Convocations Therein the Lord Cromwell prime Secretary sate in state above all the Bishops as the King's Vicar or Vicegerent-Generall in all spirituall matters Deformi satis spectaculo saith my f Godwâ—â—â—'s Annals Anno Dom. 1536. Authour indocto Lacio coetui praesidente sacratorum Antistitum omnium quos ante haec tempora Anglia unquam habuisset doctissimorum In one respect that place had better become the person of King Henry than this Lord His Proxie all allowing the King a very able Scholar But Cromwell had in power and policie what he lacked in learning if he may be said to lack it who at pleasure might command the borrowing thereof from the best brains and pens of those of his own partie in the Convocation 22. This Convocation consisted of two Houses The silence in the Abbots of the Convocation the Lower of the Clerks and Proctours of their respective Cathedrals and Diocesses with the Deans and Arch-Deacons therein the Upper of the Bishops with the Lord-Abbots and Priors I mean so many of them as voted as Barons in Parliament as may appear by their several g Concordatum erat per Honorandum virum Cromwell Reverendos Epiâ—copos Abbates Priores Domus superioris Acta Convocationis celebrat An. 1536. fol. antepenul â— subscriptions However I finde not the Abbots active in any degree in canvassing matters of Religion Whether this proceeded from any desire of ease their laziness being above their learning or out of humility counting it more proper to permit such disputes to the sole disposall of the Bishops as most concern'd therin or out of fear loth to stickle on religion knowing on what ticklish terms they stood For in this very Parliament all Abbies which could not dispend 200 li. a year were dissolved and bestowed on the King and those rich Abbots which had more than so many thousands yearly knew that Maxime in Logick to be true Magis minùs non variant speciem More and lesse doe not alter the kinde and might say with him on the Crosse They were in the same condemnation though as yet the sentence was not passed upon them 23. We will observe the daily motions in this Convocation The Diurnal of this Convocation as with mine own hand I have faithfully transcribed them out of the Records Hugh Latimer Bishop of Worcester June 16. made the Latine-Sermon taking for his Text h Luke 16. 8. The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light On the Friday following Richard Gwent Arch-Deacon of London was presented and confirmed Prolocutour in this Convocation On the same day Master William Peter Doctor of the Laws came into the House as deputed from his Master the Lord Cromwell who could not be present because of his greater employment in Parliament This Dr. Peter claimed the highest place in the House as due to his Master the Lord Cromwell i Records of Cant. An. Dom. 1536. fol. 9. petiit dictum locum sibi tanquam Procuratori dicti Magistri and he shall I say requested or required the same precedencie as due to him being his Proctour and obtained it accordingly without any dispute Though some perchance might question whether a Deputie's Deputy as one degree farther removed might properly claim His place 21. who was primitively represented Next Wednesday came in the Lord Cromwell in person and having judiciously seated himself above all tendred unto them an Instrument to be publickly signed by all the Convocation concerning the nullitie of the King's marriage with the Lady Anna Bollen 24. Some ten daies before Cranmer solemnly divorceth Anna Bollen from the King Archbishop Cranmer at Lambeth had held an open Court in the presence of Thomas Audley Lord Chancellour Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolke and most of the Privie Councel Wherein the King and Queen were cited to appear as they did by their Proxies Doctor Richard Sampson being the Kings and Doctor Nicholas Wootten the Queens Then proceeded the Archbishop to discusse the validity of their marriage and at the last by his definitive Sentence pronounced the same invalid frustrate and of none effect No particular cause is specified in that Sentence still extant in the Record and though the Judge and Court seemed abundantly satisfied in the Reasons of this Nullitie yet concealing the same unto themselves they thought not fit to communicate this treasure to
posterity except they shut their coffers on purpose because there was nothing in them Sure I am there is no dashing on the credit of the Lady nor any the least insinuations of inchastity in that Instrument Praeclara Domina Serenissima Regina being the worst titles that are given her therein 25. Men may justly marvell what King Henry meant by this solemn and ceremonious Divorce What might be the King's designs in this divorce which the edge of the Ax Ann. Dom. 1536. or Sword was more effectually to perform the day after Ann. Regis Hē 8. 28. Her death being then designed Was it because He stood on this punctilio or criticisme of credit that He might not hereafter be charged with cruelty for executing His Wife that first He would be divorced from Her and so cannot be said to put His Queen but Anna Bollen to death Or did He first but barely intend Her divorce and afterwards suspecting this would not make sufficient avoidance in His bed to clear all claims took up new resolutions to take away Her life Or was it because He conceived the execution would only reach the root the Queen Her self and not blast the branch the Lady Elizabeth whom by this divorce He desired to render illegitimate Whatever His aimes were He got Her divorce confirmed both by Convocation and Parliament interesting all equally therein that hereafter none should accuse Him of this act but first they must condemn themselves However after-ages take the boldnesse to conceive that the greatest guilt of Anna Bollen was King Henry's better fancying of another which made Him the next day after Her death to mourn so passionately for Her in the embraces of a new and beautifull Bride the Lady Jane Seymour 26. But The Convocation bucksome to please the King in all things to return to the Convocation That Instrument of Divorce was no sooner tendred therein but all subscribed it The Papists willingly the Protestants faintly but all publickly Yea in this Convocation nothing was propounded in the King's name but it passed presently Oh the operation of the purge of a Praemunire so lately taken by the Clergie and an hundred thousand pounds paid thereupon How did the remembrance thereof still work on their spirits and made them meek and mortified They knew the temper of the King and had read the Text k Amos 3. 8. The lyon hath roared who will not fear Gardiner the fox durst not so much as bark to oppose the King nor the proudest in the place As for Edmond Bonner Arch-deacon of Leicester present and active in this Convocation I may say Bonner was no Bonney yet but a perfect Cromwellist and as forward as any to promote his designes 27. On the Friday following A Catalogue of erroneous opinions complained of in the Convocation Mr. Gwent the Prolocutour July 23. brought to the Upper House of Convocation a Book containing the Mala dogmata those erroneous doctrines then as he complained publickly preached printed and professed requesting reformation thereof that order might be taken against the future propagation of such dangerous positions Behold them here transcribed out of the Record partly for novelty-sake because to my knowledge never printed before and partly because though many wilde and distempered expressions be found therein yet they contain the Protestant Religion in oare which since by God's blessing is happily refined 28. The Protestation of the Clergie of the Lower House Erroneons opinions as then accounted complained of in the Convocation within the Province of Canterbury with declaration of the faults and abuses which heretofore have and now be within the same worthy special reformation IN very humble and reverent manner with protestation That we the Clergie of the Lower House within the Province of Canterbury nother in word deed or otherwise directly or indirectly intend any thing to speak attempt or doe which in any manner of wise may be displeasant unto the King's Highnesse our most dread Sovereign Lord and supreme Head of the Church of England but in all things according to the command of God to be most obedient to His Grace to Whom accordingly we submit our selves minding in no wise by any colourable fashion to recognize privily or apertly the Bishop of Rome or his usurped authority or in any wise to bring in defend or maintain the same into this noble Realm or Dominions of the same but that the same Bishop of Rome with his usurped authority utterly for ever with his inventions rites abuses ordinances and fashions to be renounced forsaken extinguished and abolished And that we sincerely addict our selves to Almighty God his laws and unto our said Severeign Lord the King our supreme Head in earth and His Laws Statutes Provisions and Ordinances made herewithin His Graces Realm We think in our consciences and opinions these errors and abuses following to have been and now to be within this Realm causes of dissention worthy speciall reformation It is to were 1. That it is commonly preached taught and spoken to the slander of this noble Realm disquietness of the people dammage of Christian souls not without fear of many other inconveniences and perils That the Sacrament of the Altar is not to be esteemed For divers light and lewd persons be not ashamed or aferde to say Why should I see the sacring of the high Masse Is it any thing else but a piece of bread or a little predie round Robin 2. Item That they deny Extreme Unction to be any Sacrament 3. Item That Priests have no more authority to minister Sacraments than the Lay-men have 4. Item That Children ought not in any wise to be confirmed of the Bishops afore they come to the age of discretion 5. Item That all Ceremonies accustomed in the Church which are not clearly expressed in Scripture must be taken away because they are mens inventions 6. Item That all those are Antichrists that doe deny the Lay-men the Sacrament of the Altar sub utrâque specie 7. Item That all that be present at Masse and doe not receive the Sacrament with the Priest are not partakers of the said Masse 8. Item That it is preached and taught That the Church that is commonly taken for the Church is the old Synagogue and that the Church is the congregation of good men onely 9. Item It is preached against the Letany and also said That it was never merry in England sithence the Letany was ordained and Sancta Maria Sancta Catharina c. sungen and said 10. Item That a man hath no Free-will 11. Item That God never gave grace nor knowledge of holy Scripture to any great estate or rich man and that they in no wise follow the same 12. Item That all Religions and Professions whatsoever they be are clean contrary to Christs religion 13. Item That it be preached and taught That all things ought to be commune and that Priests should have Wives 14. Item That Preachers will in no
improved by her Officers in the Exchequer who sometimes have none of the softest palms to those that fall into their hands that many Ministers were much vexed thereby Yea one u M. Parker Ant. Brit. in vitâ Reginalldi Peli observeth that the courtesie intended to the Clergie by Q. Mary in remitting their tenths proved in event an injury to many so vexed about their arrears 8. In vain have some of late beaved at this Office which is fastned to the State The state profit and policy of this Office with so considerable a revenue as it advanced thereunto by tenths and first-fruits The former certain the latter casuall as depending on the uncertain deaths of Iucumbents and such as succeed them Many indeed accuse such payments as Popish in their original But could that be superstitious which was pluckt down by Queen Mary and set up again by Queen Elizabeth Besides suppose them so in their first foul fountain since being shifted yea strained through the hands of Protestant Kings Tenths have their old property altered and acquire no doubt a new purity to themselves And the Advocates for this Office doe pertinently plead that there ought to be a badge of subjection * Some say such a vectigal from the Clergie is mentioned in Bede of the Clergie to the Secular power by publick acknowledgement of their dependence thereon which by such payments is best performed 9. John Lambert John Lambert condemned and why aliàs Nicolson bred in Cambridge had lately been much persecuted by Archbishop Warham about some opinions he held against the corproal presence in the Sacrament And now being fallen into fresh troubles on the same account 1538. to make the quicker work following the precedent of S. Paul appealing to Caesar he appeals to the King Who having lately taken upon him the title of the Supreme head of the Church of England He. 8. 20. Nov. 10. would shew that head had a tongue could speak in matters of Divinity In White-hall the place and day is appointed where an ACT-ROYAL was kept the King himselfe being the Opponent and Lambert the Answerer and where His Highnesse was worsted or wearied Arch-bishop Crammer w Fox Acts Mon. supplied His place arguing though civilly shrodely against the truth and his own private judgment 10. Was not this worse than keeping the clothes of those who killed S. Stephen Cranmer's unexcusable cowardly dissimulation seeing this Archbishop did actually cast stones at this Martyr in the Arguments he urged against him Nor will it excuse Cranmer's cowardise and dissimulation to accuse Gardiner's craft and cruely who privily put the Archbishop on this odious act such Christian courage being justly expected from a person of his parts and place as not to be acted by another contrary to his own conscience I see not therefore what can be said in Cranmer's behalf save onely that I verily hope and stedfastly believe that he craved God's pardon for this particular offence and obtained the same on his unfained repentance And because the face of mens faults is commonly seen in the glasse of their punishment it is observable that as Lambert now was burnt for denying the corporal presence so Cranmer now his Opponent was afterwards condemned and died at Oxford for maintaining the same opinion which valour if sooner shewn his conscience had probably been more cleared within him and his credit without him to all posterity 11. A match being now made up by the Lord Cromwel's contrivance Dutch-men broach strange opinions betwixt King Henry and the Lady Anne of Cleve Dutch-men flockt faster than formerly into England Many of these had active souls so that whilest their hands were busied about their manufactures their heads were also beating about points of Divinity Hereof they had many rude notions too ignorant to manage them themselves and too proud to crave the direction of others Their mindes had a bystream of activity more than what sufficed to drive on their Vocation and this waste of their souls they imployed in needlesse speculations and soon after began to broach their strange opinions being branded with the general name of Anabaptists 24. These Anabaptists for the main are but Donatists now dips and this year their name first appears in our English Chronicles for I * Stoe in his Chron p. 576. read that four Anabaptists three men and one woman all Dutch bare faggots at Paul's Crosse and three daies after a man and woman of their sect was burnt in Smithfield 12. It quickly came to the turn of Queen Anne of Cleve to fall Queen Anne of Cleve why divorced if not into the displeasure out of the dear affection of King Henry the eighth 27. Hē 8. 31. She had much of Katharine Dowager's austerity 1539. little of Anna Bollen's pleasant wit lesse of the beauty of Jane Seamour Some feminine impotency that She answered not Her creation was objected against Her though onely Her precontract with the Son of the Duke of Lorraine was publickly insisted on for which by Act of Parliament now sitting She was solemnly divorced 13. King Henry durst not but deal better with Anne of Cleve than with such His Wives The reparations the King made her which were His native Subjects not so much for love of Her Ann. Dom. 1539. as for fear of Her Brother the Duke of Cleve Ann. Regis Hē 8. 31. considerable if not much in Himself in His union with the Protestant Princes of Germany Wherefore He restored Her all Her Jewels assigned Her precedencie above all English save His own that should be Queen and Children graced Her with a new-devised stile of His adopted Sister by which from henceforward He saluted Her in His Letters and She in Answer subscribed Her self allotted Her Richmond-House for Her retirement with an augmentation of means for Her maintenance And now let Her be glad that She escaped so well seeing all which had reference to King Henry's bed came off gainers if savers of their own lives and reputations She returned no more into Her own Countrey but living and dying Anno a Stow's Funerall Monuments p. 513. 1557. in England was buried in Westminster Church at the head of King Sebert in a Tomb not yet finished none other of King Henry's Wives having any and this Anne but half a Monument 14. In the last Parliament Reformation goes backwards Reformation running a race with Superstition hardly carried it by the heads-length but it was hoped that in this new Parliament now sitting true Religion would run her Rivall quite out of distance Whereas alas it not onely stood still but went backwards the SIX ARTICLES being therein enacted that whip with six knots each one as heavily laid on fetching blood from the backs of poor Protestants 15. K. Henry was much blamed for passing this Act. King Henry justly blamed Indeed Power and Profit being the things politick Princes chiefly desire King
though perchance wisely for the State not warily for himself Indeed it is impossible for such Officers managing not onely multitudes but multiplicity of matters but that in some things they must mistake As in c Prov. 10. 19. many words there wanteth not iniquity so in the Actours of many affairs faults are soon found out He was also accused to set at liberty certain persons not capable of it for granting Licenses and Commissions destructive to the King's authority for being guilty of Heresie himself and favouring it in others Trayterous speeches were also charged upon him spoken two years before in the Church of S. Peter's in the Poor in Broad street the avouchers thereof pretending that as hitherto they had concealed them for love of themselves fearing Cromwel's greatnesse so now for the love of the King they revealed the same Indeed on the first manifesting of the King's displeasure against him the foes of Cromwel had all their mouthes open and his friends their mouthes shut up 24. The mention of S. Peter's in Broad-street An injurious Act to many poor people charged on the Lord Cromwell mindeth me of a passage not unworthy to be recited of an injury offered by this Lord Cromwell to many poor men in the same Parish And because every one is best able to tell his own tale take it in the words of John d Survey of London p. 187. Stow being himself deeply concerned therein The Lord Cromwell having finished his house in Throgmorton-street in London and having some reasonable plot of ground left for a garden caused the pales of the gardens adjoyning to the North part thereof on a sudden to be taken down two and twenty foot to be measured forth-right into the North of every man's ground a line there to be drawn a trench to be cast a foundation laid and an high brick-wall to be builded My father had a garden there and there was an house standing close to his South-pale this house they loosed from the ground and bare upon rowlers into my father's garden two and twenty foot ere my father heard thereof no warning was given him nor other answer when he spake to the Surveyors of that work but that their Master Sir Thomas commanded them so to doe no man durst goe to argue the matter but each man lost his land and my father paid his whole rent which was six sâ—illings eight pence the year for that half which was left Thus much of mine own knowledge have I thought good to note that the sudden rising of some men causeth them to forget themselves I am moved the rather to believe our Authour herein because elsewhere he alloweth this Lord his deserved praise for his virtues and especially his Hospitality affirming e Survey of London p. 74. he had often seen at the Lord Cromwell's gate above two hundred persons served twice every day with meat and drink sufficient Nor can I see what may be said in excuse of this oppression except any will plead that Abimelech's servants violently f Gen. 21. 26. took away the wells from Abraham and yet Abimelech himself never knew more or lesse thereof 25. As for the passionate expressions of Cromwell The worst passionate Speech objected against him a g Sir I. Strode of Parubam in Dorcet-shire Knight aged well-nigh eighty whose Mother was Daughter to the Lord Cromwell's Son hath informed me That the principall passage whereon the Lord's enemies most insisted was this It being told the L. Cromwell that one accused him for want of fidelity to the King Cromwell returned in passion Were he here now I would strike my dagger into his heart meaning into the heart of the false Accuser and therein guilty of want of charity to his fellow-subject not of loyaltie to his Sovereign But seeing the words were a measuring cast as uttered though not as intended to whom they should relate the pick-thank Repeater avowed them uttered against the King Himself So dangerous are dubious words and ambiguous expressions when prevalent power is to construe and interpret the meaning thereof 26. Ten daies after his Arrest His Speech on be scaffold he was attainted of high Treason in Parliament and brought on the Scaffold the next week to execution Here he spake the following words unto the people which the Reader is requested the more seriously to peruse July 19. that thereby he may be enabled to passe if concerned therein his verdict in what Religion this Lord died I Am come hither to die 29. and not to purge my selfe as some think peradventure that I will For if I should so doe I were a very wretch and miser I am by the law condemned to die and thank my Lord God that hath appointed me this death for mine offence For since the time that I have had years of discretion I have lived a sinner and offended my Lord God for the which I aske him heartily forgivenesse And it is not unknown to many of you that I have been a great traveller in this world and being but of base degree I was called to high estate and since the time I came thereunto I have offended my Prince for the which I aske Him heartily forgivenesse and beseech you all to pray to God with me that he will forgive me And now I pray you that be here to bear me record I die in the Catholick Faith not doubting in any Article of my faith no nor doubting in any Sacrament of the Church Many have slandered me and reported that I have been a bearer of such as have maintained evil opinions which is untrue But I confesse that like as God by his Holy Spirit doth instruct us in the truth so the Devil is ready to seduce us and I have been seduced but bear me witnesse that I die in the Catholick Faith of the Holy Church And I heartily desire you to pray for the King's Grace that He may long live with you in health and prosperity and that after Him His son Prince Edward that goodly impe may long reign over you And once again I desire you to pray for me that so long as life remaineth in this flesh I waver nothing in my faith And so making his Prayer c. The generall terms wherein this his Speech is couched hath given occasion for wise men to give contrary censures thereof Fox in his Marginall Note on this Speech pag. 515. A true Christian Confession of the Lord Cromwell at his death Lord Herbert in the Index of his History under C. Cromwell died a Roman-Catholick notwithstanding he had been such a destroyer of the Church True it is so warie were Cromwell's expressions that Luther and Bellarmine might in their own persons have said the same without any prejudice to their own principles and many conceive that the most which these his words amount to will but make him an six-Articles Protestant 27. But let Cromwell's politick Speech be in part expounded by
none should speak any thing of the King's death Which Act though onely intended to retrench the Predictions and mock-Prophesies of Southsayers yet now all the Courtiers glad of so legall a covert for their cowardise alledged it to excuse themselves to inform the King of Nis approaching end At last Sir Anthony Denny went boldly unto Him and plainly acquainted Him of His dying condition whereupon Archbishop Cranmer was by the King his desire sent for to give him some ghostly counsell and comfort 62. But before Cranmer then being at Croidon could come to Him His hope expressed by speechlesse gesture He was altogether speechlesse but not senslesse The Archbishop exhorted Him to place all His trust in Gods mercies thorough Christ and besought Him that if He could not in words He would by some signe or other testifie this His hope Who then wringed the Archbishops hand as hard as He could and shortly after expired having lived fifty five years and seven moneths Jan. 28. and thereof reigned thirty seven years nine moneths and six daies 63. As for the report of Sanders Lying Slanders that King Henry perceiving the pangs of approaching Death called for a great bowle of white wine and drinking it off should say to the company We have lost all it is enough to say it is a report of Sanders As loud a lie is it what he affirmeth that the last words heard from His mouth were The Monks the Monks and so gave up the ghost This may goe hand in hand with what another Gatholick * Rich. Hall in his Manuscript-Life of Bishop Fisher relates that a black Dog he might as truly have said a blew one lickt up His blood whilest the stench of His corps could be charmed with no embalming though indeed there was no other noysomnesse than what necessarily attendeth on any dead body of equall corpulency 64. Vices most commonly charged on His memory are His Vices and Virtues 1. Covetousness He was an eminent Instance to verifie the Observation Omnis prodigus est avarus vast His profusiveness coming a fork after a rake not only spending the great Treasure left Him by His Father but also vast wealth beside and yet ever in want and rapacious to supply the same Secondly Cruelty being scarce ever observed to pardon any Noble person whom He condemned to death I finde but two black swannes in all the currant of His Reign that tasted of His favour herein And therefore when Arthur * Godwin in Hen. 8. p. 181. Lord Lisle imprisoned and daily expecting death in the Tower was unexpectedly set free he instantly died of soddain joy so that it seems King Henry's pity proved as mortal as His cruelty Thirdly Wantonness which cannot be excused But these faults were if not over even poised with His virtues of Valour Bounty Wisdome Learning and love of Learned men scarce one Dunce wearing a Miter all His daies 65. The Monument mentioned in His Will Why K. Henry's Monument never perfected as almost made was never all made but left imperfect whereof many reasons are rendred Some impure it to the very want of workmen unable to finish it according to the exactnesse wherewith it was begun a conceit in my minde little better than scandalum seculi and very derogatory to the Art and Ingenuity of our Age. * Godwin in Hen. 8. p. 113. Others more truly ascribe it to the costlinesse thereof which deterred His Successours from finishing of it Indeed King Henry the seventh in erecting His own Monument in His Chappell at Westminster did therein set a Pattern of despair for all Posterity to imitate And yet Sanders * De schis Angl. pag. 216. tells us That Queen Mary had a great minde to make up His Tomb but durst not for fear a Catholick should seem to countenance the memory of one dying in open schism with the Church of Rome As for His imperfect Monument it was beheld like the barren Fig-tree bearing no fruit and cumbring the * Luke 13. 7. ground I mean the Chappell wherein it stood and therefore it was since these Civill Warres took down and sold by order of Parliament 66. In the Reign of Queen Mary Card. Poole his project it was reported that Cardinal Poole whose spleen generally vented it self against dead-mens bodies had a designe with the principall Clergie of England to take up and burn the body of King Henry the eighth This plot is said to be discovered by Doctor Weston * Fox Acts and Mon. p. 2102. Dean of Westminster But because Weston was justly obnoxious for his scandalous living for which at that time he stood committed to the Tower and bare a personal grudge to the Cardinal his report was the lesse credited as proceeding from revenge and desire to procure his own enlargement 67. Indeed when a Vault The bones of K. Hen. abused seven years since was pierced in the midst of the Quire at Windesor therein to interre the corps of King CHARLES they lighted on two Coffins therein Now though no memory alive could reach the same yet constant tradition seconded with a * See more hereof at the buriall of K. Charles coincidency of all signs and circumstances concluded these Coffins to contain the bones of King HENRY the eighth and His dear Queen JANE SEYMOUR And yet the bignesse of the Coffin though very great did not altogether answer that Giant-like proportion which posterity hath fancied of Him The end of the Fift Book THE Church-History OF BRITAIN THE SIXT BOOK BEING The History of Abbeys in ENGLAND Of their Originall Increase Greatnesse Decay and Dissolution To the Right Honourable WILLIAM COMPTON Sonne and Heire to the Right Honourable JAMES Baron COMPTON of COMPTON AND Earle of NORTHAMPTON HAving formerly proved at a In severall Dedicatory Epistles in my Pisgah Sight large That it is lawfull for any and expedient for me to have Infant-Patrons for my Books let me give an account why this parcell of my History was set apart for your Honour not being cast by chance but led by choice to this my Dedication First I resolved with my self to select such a Patron for this my History of Abbies whose Ancestour was not onely of credit and repute in the Reîgn but also of favour and esteem in the affection of King HENRY the Eighth Secondly he should be such if possible to be found who had no partage at all in Abbey-Lands at their dissolution that so his judgement might be unbiased in the reading hereof Both my Requisits have happily met in your Honour whose direct Ancestour Sir WILLIAM COMPTON was not onely chief Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to the aforesaid KING but also as a noble b The Lord Herbert in his History page 8. pen writing his Life informeth us the third man in His favour in the beginning of His Reign yet had he not a shooe-latchet of Abbey-Land though nothing surely debarred him save his
they were summoned the way long the weather especially in winter tedious travelling on the way costly living at London chargeable Some Priors were so poor they could not more so covetous they would not put themselves to needlesse expences All so lazie and loving their ease that they were loath to take long journeys which made them afterwards desire to be eased of their Honourable but Trouble some attendance in Parliament 3. At last Their number contracted to twenty six King Edward the third resolved to fix on a set number of Abbots and Priors not so many as with their numerousnesse might be burdensome to His Councell yet not so few but that they should be a sufficient representation of all Orders therein concerned which being twenty six in number are generally thus reckoned up 1. St. Albans 2. Glassenbury 3. St. Austins Cant. 4. Westminster 5. Edmunds-bury 6. Peterborough 7. Colchester 8. Evesham 9. Winchelcombe 10. Crowland 11. Battaile 12. Reading 13. Abington 14. Waltham 15. Shrewsbury 16. Glocester 17. Bardney 18. Bennet in the Holme 19. Thorney 20. Ramsey 21. Hide 22. Malmsbury 23. Cirencester 24. St. Mary Yorke 25. Selbye 26. VVith the Prior of St. Johns of Jerusalem first chief Baâ—on of England None of these held of mean Lords by franke almonage but all of the King in capite per Baroniam having an intire Baronie to which thirteen Knights sees at least did belong 4. Yet even after this fixation of Parliamentary Abbots in a set number the same was estsoons subject to variety Doubtfull Barons amongst the Abbots The Prior of Coventry played at in and out and declined his appearance there So did the Abbot of Lester who may seem to have worn but half a Mitre on his head So also the Abbot of St. James by Northhampton may be said to sit but on one hip in Parliament he appears so in the twilight betwixt a Baron and no Baron in the summons thereunto But afterwards the first of these three was confirmed in his place the two last on their earnest request obtained a discharge Partly because they were summoned onely interpolatis vicibus and nor constantly Partly because they made it to appear that they held not of the king a whole Barony in chief 5. To these twenty six regular Barons A short-lived Baroney made by K. Henry the eighth King Henry the eighth added one more for a casting voice viz the Abbot of Tavistocke in Devon-shire on this token that being created in the eighth of His Reigne he enjoyed not his Baronie full twenty years and acted so short a part on the stage of Parliament that with Cato he might seem onely ingredi ut exiret to come in that he might go out And because some may be curious to know the manner of his creation take here the form thereof HENRICUS c. b Pat. 5. Hen 8. part 2. in 22. Sciatis quod certis considerationibus nos specialitèr moventibus ob specialem devotionem quam ad beatam Virginem Mariam matrem Christi Sanctumque Rumonum in quorum Honore Abbatia de Tavistoke quae de fundatione nobillium progenitorum nostroum quondam Regum Angliae nostro patro natu dedicata existit gerimus habemus hinc est quod de gratia nostra speciall ac ex certa scientia mero motu nostris volumus eandem Abbatiam sive Monasterium nostrum gaudere honore privilegio ac libertatibus spirtualium Dominorum Parliamenti nostri Haredem successorum nostrorum ideo concessimus per prasentes concedimus pro nobis Haeredibus sucessoribus nostris quantum in nobis est dilecto nobis in Christi Richardo Banham Abbati de Tavistocke pradicto successoribus suis ut corum quilibet qui pro tempore ibidem fuerit Abbas sit erit unus de spiritualibus religiosis Dominis Parliamenti nostri Haeredem successorum nostrorum gandendo honore privilegio ac libertatibus ejusdem Et insuper de uberiori gratia nostra affectando utilitatem dicti nostri Monasterii considerando ejus distantiam ita quod si contingat aliquam Abbatem qui pro tempore fuerit sore velesse absentem propter praedicti Monasterii utilitatem in non veniendo ad Parliamentum praedictum Haeredem vel successorum nostrorum quam quidem absentiam eidem Abbati perdonamus per praesentes Ita tamen quod tunc solvet pro hujusmodi absentia cujuslibet Parliamenti integri in nostro Saccario suum per attornatum quinque Marcas nobis haeredibus sive successoribus nostris toties quoties hoc in futurum contigerit In cujus c. Teste c. Vicesimo tertio die Januarii c. Whereas this Charter affirmeth Tavistocke founded by King Henry's noble Progenitors Some will wonder thereat and the rather because c Combdens Br. in Devon-shire Ordulph the son of Ordgare Earl of Devon-shire is notoriously known for the Founder of this Monastery before the Conquest and no English King appeareth eminently a Benefactour thereunto Yet because the English Kings successively confirmed the Charters thereof they were in a loyall complement acknowledge as the interpretative Founders of that Abbey And as little children whose parents decease in their infancie innocently own their Fathers and Mothers-in-laws for their naturall parents So many Monasteries whose first Founders were in a manner forgotten as time out of minde applied themselves to the present Kings though but the Favourers as to the Founders of their Corporations 6. Know that besides these Abbots Abbesses no Baronesses though holding Baronies there were four Abbesses viz of Shaftsbury Barking in Essex St. Marys in Winchester and Wilton who held from the King an intire Baronry yet never were summoned as Baronesses to Parliament because that honour frequent in Lay-persons was never conferred on any Ecclestastical Female Yet were they and almost all other Abbesses of any quality saluted Ladies as Earls Daughters are by the courtesie of England which custome hath made such a right that they are beheld not onely as unmannerly but unjust who in common discourse deny the same However the aforesaid four Abbessos though not called to Parliament were solemnly d Pat. 5. Ed. 1. Dors in 11. Rot. Scutagii ejusd an in 7. summoned by special Writs ad habendum servitium suum that is to have their full number of Knights in time of warre where the Ladies personal presence was not expected but their effectual appearance by the proxies or their purses to supply the King's occasions 7. Of all these Prior of Ierusalem chief Baton the Prior of S. Johns in Jerusalem took the precedencie being generally of Noble extraction and a Military person Yea not content to take place of all regular Barons Primus Angliae Baro haberi voluit saith my e Cambd. Brit. pag. 123. Authour He would be counted simply and absolutely the first and chief Baron in England though the expression speaks rather his affectation than
had store of time and no want of intelligence to take that task upon them And surely that industrious b An able Stationer in Little Britain London Bee hath in our Age merited much of posterity having lately with great cost and care enlarged many Manuscripts of Monks formerly confined to private Libraries that now they may take the free aire and being printed publickly walk abroad Mean time whilest Monks pens were thus employed Nuns with their needles wrote histories also that of Christ his passion for their Altar-clothes and other Scripture and moe Legend stories in hangings to adorn their houses 7. They were most admirable good Land-lords Abbots excellent Land-lords and well might they let and set good peny-worths who had good pounds-worths freely given unto them Their yearly rent was so low as an acknowledgment rather than a rent onely to distinguish the Tenant from the Land-lord Their fines also were easie for though every Convent as a body politick was immortal yet because the same consisted of mortal Monks for their members and an old Abbot for the head thereof they were glad to make use of the present time for their profit taking little fines for long leases As for rent-beeves sheep pullein c. reserved on their leases Tenants both payed them the more easily as growing on the same and the more cheerfully because at any time they might freely eat their full share thereof when repairing to their Land-lords bountiful table Insomuch that long Leases from Abbeys were preferred by many before some Tenures of freeholds as lesse subject to taxes and troublesome attendance 8. Their hospitality was beyond compare And admirable House-keepers insomuch that Ovid if living in that Age who feigned famine to dwell in Scythia would have fancied feasting an inhabitant of English Abbeys Especially in Christmas-time they kept most bountifull houses Whosoever brought the face of a man brought with him a Patent for his free welcome till he pleased to depart This was the method where he brake his fast there he dined where he dined there he supped where he supped there he brake his fast next morning and so in a circle Alwaies provided that he provided lodging for himself at night Abbeys having great halls and refectories but few chambers and dormitories save for such of their own society 9. Some will object Objection against their hospitality that this their hospitality was but charity mistaken promiscuously entertaining some who did not need and moe who did not deserve it Yea these Abbeys did but maintain the poor which they made For some Vagrants accounting the Abbey-almes their own inheritance served an apprentiship and afterwards wrought journey-work to no other trade than begging all whose children were by their fathers copie made free of the same company Yea we may observe that generally such places wherein the great Abbeys were seated some few excepted where cloathing began when their Covent did end swarm most with poor people at this day as if beggary were entailed on them and that lazinesse not as yet got out of their flesh which so long since was bred in their bones 10. All this is confessed The same answered yet by their hospitality many an honest and hungry soul had his bowels refreshed which otherwise would have been starved and better it is two drones should be fed than one bee famished We see the heavens themselves in dispensing their rain often water many stinking bogs and noisome lakes which moisture is not needed by them yea they the worse for it onely because much good ground lies inseparably intermingled with them so that either the bad with the good must be watered or the good with the bad must be parched away 11. Of all Abbeys in England Elie puts all Abbeys down for feasting Elie bare away the bell for bountifull feast-making the vicinity of the fenns affording them plenty of flesh fish and fowle at low rates Hereupon the Poët Praevisis aliis Eliensia festa videre Est quasi praevisa nocte videre diem When other Feasts before have been If those of ELIE last be seen 'T is like to one who hath seen night And then beholds the day so bright But with the leave of the Poëts Hyperbole other Abbeys as Glassenbury S. Albans Reading spurred up close to Elie which though exceeding them in feasts the evidence oft of a miser yet they equalled Elie in the constant tenour of house-keeping The mention of Reading mindes me of a pleasant and true story which to refresh my wearied self and Reader after long pains I here intend to relate 12. King Henry the eighth A pleasant story of K Henry the eighth as He was hunting in Windesor Forrest either casually lost or more probable willfully losing Himself struck down about dinner-time to the Abbey of Reading Where disguising Himself much for delight more for discoverie to see unseen He was invited to the Abbots table and passed for one of the Kings guard a place to which the proportion of His person might properly intitle Him A Sir-loyne of beef was set before Him so Knighted saith tradition by this King Henry on which the King laid on lustily not disgracing one of that place for whom He was mistaken Well fare thy heart quoth the Abbot and here in a cup of sack I remember the health of His Grace your Master I would give an hundred pounds on the condition I could feed so heartily on beef as you doe Alas my weak and squeazie stomack will hardly digest the wing of a small rabbet or chicken The King pleasantly pledged him and heartily thanking him for His good cheer after dinner departed as undiscovered as He came thither 13. Some weeks after He proves a good Physician the Abbot was sent for by a Pursevant brought up to London clapped in the Tower kept close-prisoner fed for a short time with bread and water Yet not so empty his body of food as his minde was filled with fears creating many suspitions to himself when and how he had incurred the King's displeasure At last a sir-loyne of beef was set before him on which the Abbot fed as the Farmer of his Grange and verified the Proverb That two hungry meals makes the third a glutton In springs King Henry out of a private lobbie where He had placed Himself the invisible spectatour of the Abbots behaviour My Lord quoth the King presently deposit your hundred pounds in gold or else no going hence all the daies of your life I have been your Physician to cure you of your squeazie stomack and here as I deserve I demand my fee for the same The Abbot down with his dust and glad he had escaped so returned to Reading as somewhat lighter in purse so much more merrier in heart than when he came thence Presages of the approaching ruine of Abbeys THE wisest and most religious amongst the Romanists Oliban's prophesie of the Friers fall presaged and suspected a
married to Tho Howard Duke of Norfolk who dwelt therein and which from him was called the Dukes-Place No ingenuous soul will envy so Honourable a person the accommodation of so handsome an habitation onely some perchance will bemoan that the Lords-Place for so in their and g Gen. 38. 17. Jacob's language they called the Church whither alone the numerous neighbour-inhabitants repaired for publick service should be so destroyed that the people were for many years left Church-lesse till their wants b viz. An Dom. 1621. very lately were supplied by the re-edifying thereof out of the ruines by the charity of others I am sure none of the Heirs of Him who demolished the same Of the suppression of the Order of Observant Friers and a preparatory for the dissolution of all the rest IT is the practise of advised Physicians Observant Friers why first falling under King Henry's displeasure in purging of long corrupted bodies where the ill humours may prescribe peaceable possession for many years to proceed not violently all at once but gently by degrees The same course was embraced by King Henry in dissolving of Abbeys gradually and therefore the lesse visibly to work their subversion so to avoid the danger of a sudden and extreme alteration And first He began with the Minorities or Franciscan-Observant-Friers whose chief seats were Greenwich and Canterbury Two motives mainly incensed Him against this Order One because two of their most eminent Fathers Hugh Rich Prior of a Covent in Canterbury and Richard Risby had tampered with Elizabeth Barton aliàs the holy maid of Kent and were convicted and executed with her for high Treason A second because this Order generally manifested most contumacie and contempt against the King in the matter of Queen Katharine's divorce inveighing both in their sermons a Sanders de Schis Anglic. lib. 1. pag. 81. and disputations against the unlawfulness thereof especially Elston and Payton two famous Friers in London A great b Idem pag. 80. Papist beholds it as ominous and a prognostick of sad successe that the Lady afterward Queen Elizabeth just eleven moneths before had been Christened in these Friers Church in Greenwich as if Her baptizing therein portended That those Friers should soon after be washed away from this their Covent 2. Hereupon Totally and finally dissolved in the year of our Lord 1534 the aforesaid whole Order of Friers-Observant were suppressed and Augustine-Friers substituted in their places Nor were these Observants like the Canon-Regulars in the last Chapter disposed of in other Foundations but totally and finally banished out of all Religious Societies For King Henry his smiles complemented the former out of their Houses by their own willing condescension whilst His frowns outed these as Delinquents by a violent expulsion Yea probably some of them had been expelled their lives as well as their livings two hundred of them being at once imprisoned had not Sir Tho c Sanders p. 89. Wriotheslie their great friend and favourer seasonably interceded for them to the King on hopes of some of their future conformity to His Majesties desires 3. Immediately after The Supplication of Beggars with the Sense thereof a famous Petition called the Supplication of Beggars came into publick view It was made some years before by one Mr. Simon d Fox Monum vol. 2. pag. 279. Fish a Gentleman of Grays-Inne and solemnly presented by George Eliot an English-Merchant and entertained by King Henry for a great rarity Though indeed the same long since had been tendred Him by Queen e Idem ibidem Anna Bollen and the King acquainted with the passages therein So that possibly this Supplication might first come from some neer His Majesty as contrivers thereof And as Moses f Exod. 2. 8. was sent to be nursed unto her who though generally unknown was indeed his own Mother which bare him so Petitions may sometimes be recommended back to the same power that first framed them Great ones delighting not onely for the greater solemnity but also for their better security to transferre their intentions to be other intreaties their private designes finding more acceptance when passing under the notion of a publick desire The effect thereof was to complain how a crew of strong puissant counterfeit-holy idle beggars and vagabonds by their luxurie starved a number of needy impotent blinde lame and sick people which otherwise might comfortably be maintained As also to discover the foul enormities and filthy conversation used amongst those pretended pious Fraternities as the same is set forth at large in the Book of Martyrs whither we remit the Reader 4. Onely a word of the Geometry The Geometry Arithmetick and Chronology of the Author thereof Arithmetick and Chronologie used by the Author of this Supplication For his Geometry I conceive he faileth not much in proportion when in measuring the content of this Kingdome he affirmeth That they had got into their hands more than the third part of all the Realm But whereas he auditeth the Revenues of the Friers in England besides their lands to amount yearly to Four hundred thirty thousand three hundred thirty and three pounds allowing their quarteridge to arise out of Fifty two thousand Parishes he highly over-reacheth their number not compleating g See Cambd. Brit. in his division of Brit. pag. 162. Ten thousand Indeed the Papists tell us of Ten thousand Churches in England destroyed all in one year Millia dena unus Templorum destruit annus Yet these being Conventual not Parochial Churches adde nothing to the former computation Yea should all the Chappels of Ease in this Land be admitted to take a new degree and to commence Churches in this catalogue it would not make up the number But it is given to Beggars sometimes to hyperbolize to make their case the more pitifull and indeed if we defalk a third part of that summe yet still vast was the remainder of such Friers revenues But whereas the said Authour of this Supplication saith That four hundred years past these Friers had not one peny of this money Quare whether he be not mistaken in his Chronologie and whether some of the same profits accrued not to the Benedictines before the Conquest 5. In answer to this The Anti-supplication of the souls in Purgatorie an Anti-supplication was made and set forth by Sir Thomas More extant amongst his other works called The Supplication of the souls in Purgatory The scope whereof is to presse the continuation of those lands given to pious uses for the good of the deceased and that they might not be aliened without danger of Sacriledge In this Supplication pleasant dallying and scoffing are so intermixt with complaints that the Authour thereof discovereth himself more Satyrist than Saint in his expressions So hard it is for an Actor so to devest himself of himself as not to vent some of his own humours with the property of that person whom he is to
represent And seeing Sir Thomas More would have his own jests when dying no wonder if he makes others to jeer when dead 6. These two Supplications pressing both together for audience and reception The first Supplication best received that of the Beggars on earth found the best entertainment Whether because it came first which we know is great advantage in Beggars first come first served Or because these Terrestrial beggars were neerer at hand and so best able to manage their own suit whilst those in Purgatory were conceived at a greater distance Or chiefly because their Supplication suggested matter of profit to the King and His Courtiers and such whispers sound loud and commonly meet with attentive ears And as an introduction to the dissolution of all Abbeys spies were sent forth to make strict discovery of mens behaviours therein Indeed the Lord Cromwell Scout-Master-Generall in this designe stayed at the Court whilst his subordinate Emissaries men of as prying eyes as afterwards they proved of gripple hands sent unto him all their intelligence in manner and form as in due time shall ensue The lesser Monasteries bestowed on the King NOW because some moneths were imployed in that service before a perfect account was returned to the Lord Cromwell The suppressing of the smaller Monasteries may here seasonably be inserted For in the twenty seventh of the King's Reign Anno 1539 a motion was made in Parliament A gainfull motion made for the King That to support the King's States and supply His wants all Religious Houses might be conferred on the Crown which were not able clearly to expend above Two hundred pounds a year 2. Some may report Reported by mistake opposed by Bishop Fisher that John Fisher Bishop of Rochester earnestly though pleasently opposed the motion by alledging an Apologue out of Aesope That the Helve of the Axe craved a Handle of the wood of Oaks onely to cut off the Serebowes of the Tree but when it was a complete Instramentall Axe it felled down all the wood Applying it That the grant of these smaller Houses would in fine prove destructive to all the rest But Fisher being now in his grave this could not be spoken in this Parliament which with more probability was formerly urged by him against Cardinal Wolsey in dissolving the forty Houses whereof before 3. This Proposition found little opposition in either Houses Easily passed in Parliament Henry the eighth was a King and His necessities were Tyrants and both suing together for the same thing must not be denied besides the larger thongs they cut out of other mens leather the more intire they preserved their own hide which made the Parliament to ease their own purses by laying the load on those lesser Houses which they accordingly passed to the Crown 4. The Lord Herbert in his a Of Henry 8 pag. 376. Historie complaineth and that justly That this Statute for dissolution of the lesser Monasteries doth begin very bluntly A Preamble of importance restored out of the Records to the Printed Statute without any formall Preamble in the Printed Books they are Published It seemeth that herein he never searched the Record it self otherwise industrious in that kinde to which a solemn Preface is prefixed shewing some Reasons of the dissolution and pious uses to which they were attained In form as followeth The Preamble is this Forasmuch as manifest sin vitious carnall and abominable living is daily used and committed commonly in such little and small Abbeys Priories and other religious houses of Monks Canons and Nuns where the Congregation of such religious persons is under the number of twelve persons whereby the Governours of such religious Houses and their Covent spoile destroy consume and utterly waste as well the Churches Monasteries Priories principall Houses Farms Granges Lands Tenements and Hereditaments as the ornaments of the Churches and their goods and Chattels to the high displeasure of Almighty God slander of good Religion and to the great infamy of the King's Hignesse and the Realm if redresse should not be had thereof And albeit that many continuall Visitations hath been heretofore had by the space of two hundred years and more for an honest and charitable reformation of such unthrifty carnall and abominable living yet neverthelesse little or no amendment is hitherto had but their vitious living shamefully increaseth and augmenteth and by a cursed custome so grown and infested that a great multitude of the religious persons in such small Houses do rather choose to rove abroad in Apostasie than to conform themselves to the observation of good Religion so that without such small Houses be utterly suppressed and the Religion therein committed to the great and honourable Monasteries of Religion in this Realm where they may be compelled to live religioussly for reformation of their lives there can else be no redresse nor reformation in that behalf In consideration whereof the King 's most royall Majesty being Supreme head in earth under God of the Church of England daily studying and devising the increase advancement and exaltation of true doctrine and virtue in the said Church to the onely glory and honour of God and the totall extirping and destruction of vice and sin having knowledge that the premises be true as well by the compts of his late visitations as by sundry credible informations considering also that divers and great solemn Monasteries of this Realm wherein thanks be to God Religion is right well kept and observed be destitute of such full numbers of religious persons as they ought and may keep have thought good that a plain Declaration should be made of the premises as well to the Lords spirituall and Temporall as to other His loving Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament assembled WHEREUPON the said Lords and Commons by a great deliberation finally be resolved That it is and shall be much more to the pleasure of Almighty God and for the honour of this His Realm that the possessions of such small religious Houses not being spent spoiled and wasted for increase of maintenance of sin should be used and converted to better uses and the unthrifty religious persons so spending the same to be compelled to reform their lives And hereupon most humbly desire the King's Highnesse that it may be enacted by authority of this present Parliament That His Majesty shall have to Him and to Hit Heirs for ever all and singular such Monasteries His Majesty shall have and enjoy c. As it foloweth in the printed b Cap. 28. Statute In this Preamble two principles are laid down of infallible truth Two principles which must not be questioned and posterity must not be so presumptuous as to question them 1. The smallest Convents were the greatest sinners and they who had the least lands led the leudest lives 2. It was harder to reform little Covents than those that were greater It seems such small Houses like little fishes could not be caught with the
His Graces late promotion had Subverted the Faith of CHRIST as they thought which is the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishops of Rochester Salisbury S. Davids and Dublin 3. This Lincoln shire Commotion being quickly suppressed and a right understanding begotten betwixt the King and His Subjects the Rebellious humour removed into Yorkâ—shire where no fewer than fifty thousand saith Sanders were assembled in a body under Robert Aske a mean Gentleman their Captain and one Diamond though a knave of another suit who termed himself the Earl of Poverty yet this distemper also was seasonably cured by the King's pardon and their submission till soon after a great part of them fell into a relapse of Rebellion carrying in their Ensignes the five wounds of our Saviour the Chalice wiâ—h the Hoste and the Name of JESUS betwixt them who being vanquished by the King's forces under the command of the Earle of Shrewesbury were condignely executed for the same 4. Indeed Sanders Excused by Sanders unjustly to whom it is as naturall to defame as for a stone to descend complaineth That the King executed those whom formerly He had pardoned for the same offence contrary to Gods proceedings with whom peccata remissa non recurrunt yea contrary to equity and all common justice but our Chronicles make it plain that they ran on the score of a new Rebellion their faults specifically not numerically the same and justly suffered for their offences therein 5. Thomas Lord Darcy and the Lord Hussey first and last Baron of his Family were beheaded on this account The first of these being much bemoaned both for what he had been a marshall man of merit by sea and land and for what he was decaied being almost eighty with old age insomuch that there goeth a Tradition that he had the King's Pardon in his pocket and slept the while the sentence of condemnation was passed on him and then produced it too late such it seems were the rigorous proceedings against him Ask and Diamond were executed in this Rebellion Persons executed and so also were six Abbots namely of Sanley Barling Gerviaus Whaley Rivers with the Prior of Berlington besides many Gentlemen of prime account whereof these the chief Robert Constable Thomas Piercy Francis Bigot Nicholas Musgrave Nicholas Temple Stephen Hamilton Thomas Gilby William Lomley John Bulmar and his Wife However some pity may seem proper to these persons as ignorantly zealous and grieved to behold the destruction of the old Religion before they had received any competent instruction for a new And thus was there a rout of the most antient of the Northern Gentlemen of the Romish perswasion who in the next Generation had scarcely rallied themselves again but they were routed the second time in the Rebellion of the Earls of Northuâ—berland and Westmerland The return of the Visitors of Abbeys BY this time the Instruments imployed by the Lord Cromwell The return of the L. Cromwells agents to make discovery of the vitious lives of Monks and Fryers were all returned in their persons or in their intelligence sent unto him They were men who well understood the Message they went on and would not come back without a satisfactory answer to him that sent them knowing themselves were likely to be no losers thereby And now they had sound out water enough to drive the mill besides what ran by a sufficient detection to effect the businesse Of these some were put in Commission to visit Abbeys others moving in a lower but no lesse needful sphere of activity 2. Of these Commissioners the principal were Rich Layton The principall Commissioners The Legh William Peters Doctors of the Law a L. Herbert in the Life of Hen. 8. p 398. Doctor John London Dean of Wallingford Of the three former I can say nothing but finde the later though imployed to còrrect others no great Saint himself For afterwards he was publickly b Fex Acts Mon p. 1221 where is a picture thereof Their two-edged sword convicted of perjury and adjudged to ride with his face to the Horse-tale at Windosor and Ockingham with papers about his head which was done accordingly 3. Their power was partly Inquisitive to search into the former lives of religious persons partly Impositive to enjoyn them stricter rules for their future observation It is hard to say whether their eyes were more prying for what was past or hands more heavy for the time to come and most true it is that betwixt both many Monks formerly lazie in were now weary of their present profession 4. Some counted their Convents Monks weâ—ry of their lives their Prisons being thus confined for once out of the house without lawful cause and leave obtained and never in again It was a fine thing when they might but sad case when they must live in their Monasteries the Eighty six Articles of the Visitors looking with Janus partly backward partly forward did so vex them that many who had hopes of others subsistence cast off the Couls and Vails and quitted their Convents The second sort of insinuating Emissaries THese Visitors were succeeded with a second sort of publick Agents Others undone by their own dissentions but working in a more private way encouraging the members in Monasteries to impeach one another for seeing there was seldome such general agreement in any great Convent but that factions were found and parties did appear therein these Emissaries made an advantageous use thereof No Abbey could have been so soon destroyed but by cunning setting it against it self and secret fomenting of their own divisions Whereupon many being accused did recriminate their Accusers and hopelesse to recover their own innocency pleased themselves by plunging others in the like guiltinesse Others being conscious to themselves prevented accusing by confessing their faults and those very foul ones Insomuch that some have so much charity as to conceive that they made themselves worse than they were though it was a needlesse work for a Black-Moore to besoot his own face 2. Yea A charitable censure some hold that as Witches long-tortured with watching and fasting and pinched when but ready to nod are contented causlessly to accuse themselves to be eased of the present pain so some of these poor souls frighted with menaces and fearing what might be the successe acknowledged all and more than all against themselves the truth whereof none on earth can decide Soliciting and tempting Emissaries complained of by the Papists THe Papists doe heavily complain how justly God alone knoweth that a third sort of Agents were imployed A devilish design if true to practise on the chastity of the Nuns so to surprize them into wantonness Some young Gallants were on disigne sent to some Covents with fair faces flattering tongues store of gold and good cloathes youth wit wantonness and what else might work on the weaker sex These having with much craft scrued themselves into the affections of Nuns and brought them to
cruell to cast off were sent by their Masters to such Abbeys where they had plentifull food during their lives Now though some of those Corrodies where the property was altered into a set summe of money was solvable out of the Exchequer after the dissolution of Abbeys yet such which continued in kinde was totally extinct and no such Diet hereafter given where both Table and House were overturned The Premisses proved by instance in the Family of the Berkeleys THe Noble Family of the Berkeleys may well give an Abbots Mitre for the Crest of their Armes because so loving their Nation and building them so many Synagogues Hence it was that partly in right of their Auncestors partly by their Matches with the Co-heirs of the Lord Mowbray and Seagrave in the Vacancies they had a right of Nomination of an Abbot in following Foundations Place Founder Order Value 1. St. Augustines in Bristoll 2. Burton Laus in Leicester shire 3. Byland or Bella-Launda in York sh 4. Chancomb in Northhampton shire 5. Combe in Warwick shire 6. Croxton in Leicester shire 7. Edworth in the Isle of Axholme in Lincoln-shire 8. Fountains 9. Kirkby in Leicestershire 10. Newburge in Yorkshire 1. Robert Fitz-Harding whose posterity assumed the name of Berkeley 2. The Lord Mowbray in the Reign of K. Henry the first 3. Robert de Mowbray Gonnora his Mother 4. Hugh de Anaf Kn t in the time of the Conq. whose Son Robert took the name of Chaâ—comb Annabisia his daughter was married to Gilbert Lord Seagrave 7. Tho Mowbray Earl of Notingham in the Reign of K. Rich. the 2. to which the Mowbrays were grand Benefactors 9. Roger de Beller who held this Manour of the Lord Mowbray 1. Black Canons of the Order of S. Victor 2. Leprous people professing the Order of S. Augustine 6. Premonstratentian Monks 7. Carthusians 9. Canons Regular of S. Augustine l. s. d. ob q. 767.15.3.0.0 458.19.11.1.1 7.290.14 178.7.10 0 1 What shall I speak of the small Houses of Longbridge and Tintern in Gloucestershire not mentioned in Speed the Hospitals of S. Katharine and Mary Maudlins neer Bristol the well endowed Schoole of Wotton Underhedge in Glocester shire besides forty Chanteries founded by the Berkeleys yea I have read in a Manuscript belonging unto them no lesse judiciously than industriously composed by Mr. John Smith who did and received many good offices to and from that Family as is mutually confessed that the forenamed Abbeys and others held of the Lord Berkeley at the dissolution no fewer than eighty Knights fees and payed services unto them accordingly all which are now lost to the value of ten thousand pounds within the compasse of few years 2. Nor will it be amisse to insert Rob. Derby last Abbot of Croxton that Robert Derby the last Abbot of Croxton was presented thereunto April 22. the 26 of King Henry the eighth by Thomas the sixt of that name Lord Berkeley the place being void by the death of one Atter cliffe belonging to his presentation by inheritance And in the Record he commandeth the Prior and Convent to receive and obey him as Abbot Ingratitude to their Founders a grand fault in many Abbeys INgratitude is the abridgement of all basenesse If unthankfull all bad a fault never found unattended with other vitiousness This is justly charged on the account of many Abbeys whose stately structures grew so proud as to forget the Rock whence they were Hewen and the Hole of the Pit whence they were digged unthankfull to such Founders who under God had bestowed their maintenance upon them 2. One instance of many Great bounty Vast was the liberality of the Lord Berkeleys to S. Austins in Bristoll leaving themselves in that their large Estate not one Rectory to which they might present a Chaplaine all the Benefices in their numerous Manours being appropriated to this and other Monasteries Now see the Requitall 3. Maurice Ill required the first of that name Lord Berkeley having occasion to make the ditch about his Castle the broader for the better fortifying thereof took in some few feet of ground out of Berkeley Church-yard which Church with the Tithes thereof his Ancestors had conferred on the aforesaid Monastery The Abbot beholding this as a great trespasse or rather as a little sacriledge so prosecuted the aforesaid Lord with Church-censures that he made him in a manner cast the dirt of the ditch in his own face inforcing him to a publick confession of his fault and to give Five shillings rent for ever with some Tithes and Pasture for as many Oxen as would till a Plow-land by the words of his Will Pro emendatione culpa meae de fossato quod feci de Coemiterio de Berkeley circa castellum meum 4. I know it will be pleaded for the Abbot that there is as much right in an inch as in an ell Summum jâ—â— that he was a Fiduciary intrusted to defend the rights of his Covent that Founders Heirs are not priviledged to doe injuries yea they of all persons most improper to take back what their Ancestors have given However the Lords incroachment on the Church-yard being in a manner done in his own defence the thing in it self so small and the merit of his Ancestors so great to that Abbey might have met with that meeknesse which should be in the brests of all Spirituall persons to abate his rigorous prosecution against him 5. Thomas the first Lord Berkeley of that name Another instance of ingratitude found little better usage from the Abbot of S. Austines though he had formerly besides confirmation of many Lands conferred on that Convent pasture for Twenty four Oxen discharging also their Lands lying within certain of his Manours from all Services and Earthly demands onely to remember him and his in their prayers yet did that Abbot and Convent implead him before the Popes Delegates for Tythes of Paunage of his Woods for Tythes of his Fishing and of his Mills The Lord removed the Suit to Common Law as challenging the sole power to regulate Modum Dicimandi And now when all was ready for a Tryall before the Judge irinerant at Gloucester it was compounded by Friends on such Terms as the Abbot in effect gained his desire 6. Indeed A cause of their â—uine so odious and obvious was the unthankfulnesse of some Convents that it is reputed by some the most meritorious Cause of their Dissolution and their doing things without and against the Will of their Founders is instanced in the * For the dissolution of Chanteries Colledges 37 of Hen. 8. cap. 4. An overwise conceit Statute as a main Motive to take them away 7. Some who pretend to a Prometheus wit fondly conceive that the Founders of Abbeys might politickly have prevented their dissolution had they inserted a provision in their Foundations That in case Abbey Lands should be alienated to other uses against or besides the Owners intents then such
the Ignorant with much Veneration Now at the dissolution of Abbeys it was brought up to London and burnt at the Gallows in Smithfield with Fryer Forrest executed for a Traytor 13. A Prophecie was current in the Abbey of Glassenborough Haret Delphinus in ulmo That a Whiting should swim on the top of the Torr thereof which is a steep hill hard by and the credulous Countrey people understood it of an eruption of the Sea which they suspected accordingly It happened that Abbot Whiting the last of Glassenbury was hanged thereon for his Recusancy to Surrender the Abbey and denying the King's Supremacy so swimming in aire and not water and waved with the winde in the place 14. We will close all with the Propheticall Mottoes at leastwise as men since have expounded them of the three last successive Abbots of Glocester Propheticall Mottoes inscribed in Glocester Church because much of modesty and something of piety contained therein 1. Abbot Boulers Memento memento that is as some will have it Remember remember this Abbey must be dissolved 2. Abbot Sebruck Fiat voluntas Domini that is if it must be dissolved the will of the Lord be done 3. Abbot Mauborn Mersos reatâ— suscita Raise up those which are drowned in guiltiness Which some say was accomplished when this Abbey found that favour from King Henry the eighth to be raised into a Bishoprick But I like the Text better than the Coment and there is more humility in their Mottoes than solidity in the Interpretations That many precious Books were embezeled at the dissolution of Abbeys to the irreparable losse of learning THe English Monks were bookish of themselves English Libraries excellently furnished and much inclined to hoord up monuments of learning Britain we know is styled Another world and in this contradistinction though incomparably lesse in quantity acquits it self well in proportion of famous Writers producing almost as many Classical School-men for her Natives as all Europe besides Other excellent Books of forraign Authors were brought hither purchased at dear rates if we consider that the Presse which now runs so incredibly fast was in that Age in her infancie newly able to goe alone there being then few Printed Books in comparison of the many Manuscripts These if carefully collected and methodically compiled would have amounted to a Librarie exceeding that of Ptolomie's for plenty or many Vaticans for choicenesse and rarity Yea had they been transported beyond the seas sent over and sold entire to such who knew their value and would preserve them England's losse had been Europe's gain and the detriment the lesse to Learning in generall Yea many years after the English might have repurchased for pounds what their Grand-fathers sold for fewer pence into forraign parts 2. But alas The miserable martyrdome of innocent Books those Abbeys were now sold to such Chap-men in whom it was questionable whether their ignorance or avarice were greater and they made havock and destruction of all As Broakers in Long-lane when they buy an old suit buy the lineings together with the out-side so it was conceived meet that such as purchased the buildings of Monasteries should in the same grant have the Libraries the stuffing thereof conveyed unto them And now these ignorant owners so long as they might keep a Lieger-book or Terrier by direction thereof to finde such stragling acres as belonged unto them they cared not to preserve any other Monuments The covers of books with curious brasse bosses and claspes intended to protect proved to betray them being the baits of covetousness And so many excellent Authors stripp'd out of their cases were left naked to be burnt or thrown away Thus Esop's cock casually lighting on a pearl preferr'd a grain before it yet he left it as he found it and as he reaped no profit by the pearl it received no damage by him Whereas these cruell Cormorants with their barbarous beaks and greedy claws rent tore and tatter'd these inestimable pieces of Antiquity Who would think that the Fathers should be condemn'd to such servile employment as to be Scavengers to make clean the foulest sink in mens bodies Yea which is worse many an antient manuscript Bible cut in pieces to cover filthy Pamphlets so that a case of Diamond hath been made to keep dirt within it yea the Wisemen of Gotham bound up in the Wisdome of Solomon 3. But hear how John Bale John Bale lamentably bemoaneth thâ—â—massacre a man sufficiently averse from the least shadow of Popery hating all Monkery with a perfect hatred complained hereof to King Edward the sixt a In his Declaration upon Leland's Journall Anno 1549. Covetousnesse was at that time so busie about private commodity that publick Wealth in that most necessary and of respect was not any where regarded A number of them which purchased those superstitious mansions reserved of those Library-books some to serve their jakes some to scour their candlesticks and some to rub their boots some they sold to the Grocers and Sope sellers and some they sent over sea to the Book binders not in small number but at times whole ships full Yea the Universities of this Realme are not all clear in this detestable fact But cursed is that belly which seeketh to be fed with so ungodly gains and so deeply shameth his naturall Countrey I know a Merchant-man which shall at this time be namelesse that bought the contents of two noble Libraries for fourty shillings price a shame it is to be spoken This stuffe hath he occupied instead af gray paper by the space of more than these ten years and yet he hath store enough for as many years to come A prodigious example is this and to be abhorred of all men which love their Nations as they should doe Yea what may bring our Realm to more shame and rebuke than to have it noised abroad that we are despisers of learning I judge this to be true and utter it with heavinesse that neither the Britains under the Romans and Saxons nor yet the English people under the Danes and Normans had ever such damage of their learned monuments as we have seen in our time Our posterity may well curse this wicked fact of our Age this unreasonable spoil of Englands most noble antiquities 4. What soul can be so frozen Learning recelveth an incurable wound by the losse of books as not to melt into anger hereat What heart having the least spark of ingenuiry is not hot at this indignity offered to literature I deny not but that in this heap of Books there was much rubbish Legions of lying Legends good for nothing but fewell whose keeping would have caused the losse of much pretious time in reading them I confesse also there were many volumes full fraught with superstition which notwithstanding might be usefull to learned men except any will deny Apothecaries the priviledge of keeping poison in their shops when they can make antidotes of them But be
the way I conceive Livings were estimated not according to the favourable rates in the King's Book where few of forty four pounds per annum but according to the ordinary value as they were worth to be let and set in that Age. 6. Here faine would I be satisfied from some Learned in the Lawes A Quaere propounded That whereas provision is made in this Patent for the Prior to enjoy his Pension untill per nos by the King's self or His under-Officers he was preferred to promotion of equall value whether or no this Pension determined if not the King but some inferior Patron provided such preferment for him Seeing in a generall sense all may be said presented by the King as Patron Paramount of the Church of England who by virtue of His Law have institution and induction into any Ecclesiasticall promotion 7. That effectuall passage is inserted in all Patents of Abbots Seniority in Covents an advantage Priors and Monks that they were in the Covent Diu antea Long before the Dissolution thereof Otherwise many young folk who lately came in even barely went out without any Pensions Such Novices and Probationers whose Coules came but yesterday out of the Drapers shop having youth and strength to provide for themselves were left to the choice of their own calling without any other annuity allowed them 8. Their Pensions Many Pensions mount to much money though seeming but small being many in number made a deep hole in the King's revenue insomuch that He received from some Houses but small profits de claro until the said Pensions were extinguished As will appear guesse Hercules from his Foot by comparing the Profits arising from with the Pensions allotted to the Monks in the aforesaid Priory of Hinton in Somersetshire Edmond Hord Prior his Pension 44 li. his Gratuity 11 li. Monks Pensions Gratuitie Monks Pensions Pensions Grat.  li. s. d. li. s. d.  li. s. d. li. s. d. Thomas Fletcher 6 13 4 1 13 4 William Reynold 6 13 8 1 13 4 William Burford 6 13 4 1 13 3 Robert Savage 6 13 4 1 13 4 Hugh Laycoâ—ke 8 00 0 2 00 0 Will Robinson 2 00 0 0 10 0 Robert Frye 6 13 4 1 13 4 Jo Chamberlaine 6 13 4 1 13 4 Jo Bachcroft 8 00 0 2 00 0 William Coke 6 13 4 1 13 4 Robert Russell 2 00 0 0 10 0 James Marble 6 13 4 1 13 4 Robert Lightfoot 2 00 0 0 10 0 Roger Legge 2 00 0 0 10 0 Robert Nolinge 6 13 4 1 13 4 Hen Bourman 6 13 4 1 13 4 Henry Gurney 6 13 4 1 13 4 John Calert 2 00 0 0 10 0 Thomas Hellyer 6 13 4 1 13 4 Robert Stamerdon 6 13 4 1 13 4 Nicholas Baland 6 13 4 1 13 4     li. s. d.  li. s. d. The total sum of yearly Pensions 163 6 8 The total sum of Grat. 40 16 9 Now whereas the Priory of Hinton at the dissolution thereof was valued at no more than two * Speed in his Catalogue of religious Houses pag. 707. hundred sixty two pounds twelve shillings if the aforesaid summe of yearly Pensions be thence deducted the clear remainder to the King was but ninety nine pounds five shillings four pence But the Crown had a double advantage One that Priory-Lands were lasting whilst Pensions expired with Monks lives and the other that the pensions were but bare Penny-Rent whilst Abbey-Lands were lowly rated farre beneath their true valuation 9. Now because our hand is in The Pensions of the Abbots in Somerset and I for the present can make use of an Authentick Manuscript once Henry Baron Hunsdon's Lord Chamberlain Kindly communicated to me by a worthy * Mr. Edward Pepis of the Temple friend of all the Pensions in Somerset-shire it will not be amisse to exemplifie such as were allotted to the severall Abbots and Priors therein Place Abbot Pension Gratuity   li. s. d. li. s. d. Athelnye R. Hamlyn 50 00 00 the Prebend of Sutton Briston Jo Ely 80 00 00 20 00 00 Keynsham Jo. Stoneston 60 00 00 00 00 00 Place Prior. Pension Gratuity   li. s. d. li. s. d. Bath William Gibby 08 00 00 an House in Bath Montacute R. Whitlocke * Besides the Capitol Messuage in East Ghynock 80 00 00 20 00 00 Taunton W. Williams 60 00 00 30 00 00 Witham Jo. Michell 33 06 08 08 06 08 Place Master Pension Gratuity   li. s. d. li. s. d. Bridgwater Ro. Walshe 33 06 08 16 13 04 Wells Ric. Clarkeson 12 00 00 00 00 00 These two last were Hospitalls The aforesaid Book reacheth not Bristoll because not properly in Somerset-shire but a County Incorporate by it self As for Whiting late Abbot of Glassenbury he was executed for a Traytour and so his Pensions paid No mention therein of the Prior of Mucchelnye whose place may be presumed void by his death or he otherwise preferred 10. We may observe great inequality in these Pensions Pensions go by favour not measured as the Jewes Manna by one and the same Homer but increased or diminished 1. According to the wealth of the house dissolved For where more profit accrued to the King by the suppressions their larger Pensions were allowed to the Prior or Monk thereof 2. According to the merits of the man 3. According to his age and impotency needing relief Lastly and chiefly according as the Parties were befriended by the King's Officers in the Augmentation-Court wherein as in all other Courts favour ever was is and will be in fashion 11. But of all Pensions Largest Pensions allotted the Hospitallers the largest in proportion and strongest in conveyance as passed not as the rest by Letters Patents but by Act of Parliament were those assigned to the late Lord Prior and those of the Order of the Knights Hospitalars These being men of high birth and honourable breeding The King no lesse politickly than civilly thought fit to enlarge their allowance a main motive which made them so quietly to surrender their strong and rich Hospitals as in the printed * An. 32 Hen. 8. cap. 24. Statute doth appear  li. s. d. To Sir William Weston Lord Prior 1000 00 00 To Sir Jo Rawson * He was Prior of Kilman in Ireland 666 13 04 Confreres Pensions  li. s. s. Clement West 200 00 00 Jo Sutton 200 00 00 Richard Poole 133 06 08 Jo Rawson 133 06 08 Gyles Russell 100 00 00 Geo Aylmer 100 00 00 Edw Belnigham 100 00 00 Thomas Pemberton 080 00 00 Edmund Huse 066 13 04 Ambrose Cave 066 13 04 Rich Brooke 066 13 04 Cuthbert Leighton 060 00 00 Thomas Copledike 050 00 00 Edw Brown 050 00 00 William Tirell 0â—0 00 00 To Anthony Rogers Oswald Massingberd c. ten pounds a piece yearly to be paid as all the former Pensions during their naturall lives In the same Statute it
Isabell Sackvile Lady Prioresse of Clarkenwell is an eminent instance of longevity in this kinde For 1. In the one and twentieth of King Henry the seventh she was a * To be seen in the pedegree of the Barl of Dorset Weaver fun Mon. pag. 429. Nun in Clarkenwell-Priory when a Legacy was bequeathed her as Niece by William Sackvile Esquire and must be then conceived fifteen years of age 2. She was the last Prioresse of Clarkenwell at the dissolution thereof 3. She died in the twelfth of Queen Elizabeth as appears by her Epitaph in Clarkenwell-Church and by Computation must be allowed Eighty years of age But farre older was that Monk or Nun I am * Attested by 〈◊〉 Pymme's Kinsman to Godfrey Bp. of Gloucester See his printed Paper assured of the Story not the Sex to whom Living in or neer Hampshire Mr. John Pymme then an Officer in the Exchequer paid the last payment of his Pension about the fift year of King James SECTION VI. DOMINO THOMAE TREVOR Juniori Equiti Aurato MVlti sunt praeproperi Haeredes qui nimiâ parentum vivacitate cruciantur Hi languidâ expectatione macrescunt postquam Rura Paterna spe vanâ devoraverant At Tu è contra Venerandi Patris tui Canitiem si fieri posset immortalem reddere conaris cum eam perpetuo Obsequio humilime colas quo efficacius Kardiacum ad Senectutem ejus elongandam nequit confici Non in Patris sed â—undi senescentis Annos inquiris cum Historiâ plurimum delecteris cujus ope si Praeterita cum Praesentibus conferantur conjectura de Futuris statui potest quo nomine hoc opus nostrum tibi non ingratum fore confido Deus â—e Lectissimâmque Conjugem beat prole patrizante non tam privato commodo quà m Bono Publico ne Respulica tantarum virtutum Haeredi destituatur Of the Erection Officers Vse Continuance and Abolishing of the Court of Augmentation DUring the scuffling for Abbey-land Augmentation Court when erected in the 27 year of King Henry the eighth the Court of Augmentation was set up by Act of Parliament to be a Court of Record and to have an authentick Great Seal besides a Privie Seal and several Officers appointed for management thereof with large fees allowed unto them I finde the same exemplified in a fair Vellum Manuscript which lately was Archbishop Parkers since the Lord Cokes whence I transcribed as followeth Sir Rich Sackvile Chancellor three hundred pounds yearly Fee forty pounds Diet and six shillings eight pence for every Seale Sir Jo Williams Treasurer three hundred and twenty pounds Fee Sir Will Cavendish Treasurer of the King's Chamber one hundred pounds Fee one hundred pound Dyet and ten pounds Boat-hire Sir Thomas Moyle Sir Walter Mildmay Generall Receivers to each two hundred pounds Fee and twenty pounds Diet. Rich Goodrich Attorney one hundred pounds Fee and twenty marks Diet. Jo Gosnall Solicitor eighty pound Fee Diet twenty marks Besides Masters and Surveyors of the woods Clerks Keepers of Records Ushers Messengers Assistants Carpenter and Mason to the Court Auditors Receivers Surveyors Woodwards for every County the totall summe of their Fees yearly amounting unto Seven thousand two hundred forty nine pounds ten shillings and three pence This Catalogue by the persons mentioned therein seems taken towards the end of Edward the sixt when the Court began to decline 2. It belonged unto this Court to order The imployment of the Offiâ—eâ—s in this Court survey and govern sell let set all Manours lands tenements rents services tythes pensions portions advowsons patronages and all hereditaments formerly belonging to Priories and since their dissolution to the Crown as in the printed Statute * An. 17 HeÌ„ 8. cap. 27. more largely doth appear All persons holding any Leases Pensions Corodies c. by former grants from the Covents came into the Court produced their Deeds and upon examination of the validity thereof had the same allowed unto them And although providence for themselves and affection to their kindred prompted many Fryers and Covents foreseeing their rottering condition to antedate Leases to their friends just at the dissolution yet were they so frighted with fear of discovery that very few frauds in that kinde were committed The Court was very tender in continuing any Leases upon that least legall consideration 3. But after some continuance of this Court Motives for the dissolution of this Court the King 's urgent occasions could not stay for the slow coming in of money from the yearly Revenues of Abbey-land insomuch that He was necessitated to sell out-right a great part of those Lands for the present advance of Treasure and thereby quickly was the Court of Augmentation diminished The King therefore took into consideration to dissolve it as superfluous wherein the Officers were many their Pensions great Crown profits thereby small and Causes therein depending few so that it was not worth the while to keep up a Mill to grinde that grist where the Toll would not quit cost It was therefore resolved to stop up this by stream that all causes therein should run in the antient channell of the former Courts of Westminster 4. Indeed in the 7 of King Edw. 6. Finally dissolved in the first year of Queen Mary a doubt did arise amongst the Learned in the Laws whether the Court of Augmentation the Commencement whereof was first had by authority of Parliament would legally be dissolved extinguished and repealed by the King's Letters Patents And the Officers thereof wonder not if they stickled for their own concernments did zealously engage on the Negative Wherefore it was enacted by Parliament That the King during His naturall life had present power by His Letters Patents to alter unite annex reduce or dissolve any of those new erected Courts by His own Letters Patents And the same Act was confirmed in the first year of Queen Mary when the short-lived Court of Augmentation was dissolved as which from the birth thereof 1535 to the extinguishing 1553 survived but eighteen years The Lands of Chanteries free Chappels and Colledges dissolved KIng Henry the eighth his expences like sandy ground Prodigality alwaies wanteth suddenly suckt up the large shower of Abbey lands and little signe or shew was seen thereof yea such the parching thirst of his pressing occasions that still they called aloud for more moysture for whose satisfaction the Parliament in the 38 year of His Reign put the Lands of all Colledges Chanteries and free Chappels in His Majesties full disposition 2. This King made three meals King Henry's three meals on Abbey-lands or if you will one meal of three courses on Abbey-lands besides what Cardinal Wolsey the King's Taster herein had eat before-hand when assuming smaller Houses to endow his two Colledges 1. When Religious Houses under two hundred pounds a yeare â— Anno 1535 were granted to Him by the Parliament 2. When all greater Monasteries â— 1538 3. When Colledges Chanteries and Free
Chappels 1545 The first of these were most in Number the second richest in Revenue the third in this respect better than both the former because they being spent and consumed these alone were left to supply His occasions 3. The Universities were more scared than hurt at the news of all Colledges put into the King's disposall The Universities fears They knew that Barbarisme it self had mischievous naturall Logick to make those Generall words reach farre especially if covetousnesse of some Officers might be permitted to stretch them whereupon they * Lord Herbert in H. 8 p. 537. made their humble and seasonable addresses to the King for His favour 4. None ever robbed the Muses who were well acquainted with them Happily turned into joy and thankfulnesse King Henry had too much Scholarship to wrong Scholars Either University was so farre from being impaired that both were improved by His bounty with Pensions for the places of their Publick Professors yea the fairest Colledge in either University in effect acknowledges Him for its Founder 5. Such Colledges as were Hives of Drones not of Bees What Chanters c. were industriously advancing Learning and Religion were now intended to be suppressed with free Chappels and Chanteries 1. Chanteries consisted of Salaries allowed to one or more Priests to say daily Masse for the Soules of their deceased Founders and their Friends These were Adjectives not able to stand of themselves and therefore united for their better support to some Parochial Collegiate or Cathedrall Church 2. Free Chappell 's though for the same use and service were of a more substantiall and firm constitution as independent of themselves 3. Colledges were of the same nature with the former but more considerable in bignesse building number of Priests and endowments But the ensuing death of King Henry the eighth for a time preserved the life of these Houses which were totally demolished by Act of Parliament in the first year of King Edward the sixt 6. One may observe Two Statutes on different considerations that the two Statutes made for the dissolving of these Houses were bestowed on different considerations Statute 37 Hen. 8. cap. 4. Statute 1 Edwardi 6. cap. 14. Chargeth Misdemeanors on the Priests and Governours of the aforesaid Chanteries that of their own Authority without the assent of their Patrons Donours or Founders they had let Leases for Lives or term of years of their said Lands and some had suffered Recoveries levied Fines and made Feoffments and other Conveyances Contrary to the will and purposes of their Founders to the great contempt of Authority Royall Wherefore in consideration of His Majesties great costs and charges in His present Warres with France and Scotland the Parliament put Him and His Successors for ever in the reall and actuall possesion of such Chanteries c. Mentioneth the Superstitious uses of these Houses considering that a great part of Errors of Christian Religion hath been brought into the mindes and estimation of men by reason of the Ignorance of their very true and perfect Salvation through the death of Christ and by devising and fancying vaine opinions of Purgatory and Masses satisfactory for the dead Wherefore that the said Lands might be altered for better uses viz Erecting Grammar-Schools augmentation of the Universities and provision for the Poor the Parliament bestowed them on the King by His Councell to dispose of the same accordingly 7. To begin with Chanteries Forty seven Chanteries in Saint Paul's Church London their exact number in all England is unknown But if Hercules may by a Mathematician be measured from his foot a probable conjecture may be made of them from those which we finde founded in the Cathedral Church of S. Paul's in London For on the nineteenth of April in the second year of King Edward the sixt a Certificate was returned by the Dean and Chapter of Paul's to His Highnesse Commissioners appointed for that purpose affirming That they had forty seven Chanteries within their Church We will onely instance in the odde seven enough to acquaint us with the nature of all the rest Chaunterie of Founded by For To pray for In S. Pauls Church Present Incumbents Revenue 1. John Beauchamp Knight Himself in his life-time One Chaplain The said Sir Io. and the souls of the Progenitors of the Earle of Warwick Next to the Founders Tomb. Sir Richard Strange  lib. s. d Sum. tot 12 08 08 Deduct 09 06 08 Remain 02 18 08 2. Sir John Poultney Knight Citizen of London His own last Will and Testament in 23 of Edward the third Three Priests His own and all Christian souls In a Chappell by him built on the North side of the Church 1. Sir Fulk Witney 2. Sir Iohn Richardson 3. Sir Iohn Blosse Sum. tot 47 09 04 Deduct 39 17 08 Remain 07 12 06 3. John Duke of Lanâ—aster Ralph Nevil E. of Westmerland Tho. E. of Worcester Executors to the Duke licensed by King Hen. 4. In the 13 of His Reign Two Chaplains King Henry the fourth then living and the soule of the aforesaid Duke of Lancaster In a Chappel by them built on the North of the Church 1. Sir Rich. Smith 2. Sir Roger Charlson Sum. tot 20 00 00 Deduct 16 06 08 Remain 03 13 04 4. Walter Sherington The Executors of his TestameÌ„t licensed by Ki. Henry the sixt in the 24 of his Reign Two Chaplains Englishmen and Graduates The good estate of King Henry the sixt the soul of Walter Sherington In a Chappel built for him at the North door of the Church Mr. Thomas Batemansonne Mr. Iohn Wylmy Sum. tot 20 00 00 Deduct 16 00 00 Remain 02 00 00 5. Thomas More somtime Dean of the Church His Executors Three Priests The soul of the said More and others In the Chappel of S. Anne Sir Richard Gates Sir Robert Garret Sir Morrice Griffith Sum. tot 67 00 06 Deduct 55 00 11 3 4 Remain 12 05 00 1 4 6. Walter Thorpe His Executors One Chaplain The soul of the said Thorpe At S John's Altar Sir Richard Nelson Sum. tot 11 16 00 Deduct 05 04 08 1 1 Remain 06 11 03 1 2 7. Richard Fitz Jams Bishop of London Henry Hill Citizen and Haberdasher in the 13 of Henry 8. One Chaplain Richard Fitz Iames Bishop of London At S. Pauls Altar Sir Iohn Hill Sum. tot 14 06 08 Deduct 14 06 08 Remain 00 00 00 Know Reader I am beholding for my exact intelligence herein to my worthy friend Mr. Thomas Hanson who not onely lent much light to my lamp out of choice Records some in his possession moe in his custody but also hath given much oyle thereunto in his bountifull encouraging of my endevours It seems the Chapter would not goe to the cost of true Arithmetick some of the summes being not rightly deducted whose mistakes I chose rather to follow than to vary any whit from the Originall 8. Observe in these Chanteries Chanteries when they began by
not unusefull to be inserted 1. Sir Robert Hales Lord Treasurer of England slain in the tumult of Tyler Anno 1380 in the fourth of K. Richard the second At which time 2. Next him Sir John Long-strother I say next proximus at longo qui proximus intervallo siding with the House of Lancaster he was taken prisoner in Teuxbury Battail Anno 1471 and by King Edward the fourth put to death in cold blood contrary to the promise of a Prince who had assured his life unto him 3. Sir Thomas Dockwray is the next not of all but in our discovery A person of much desert expending himself wholly for the credit and profit of his Priory as who re-edified the Church out of its ruine finishing it Anno 1504 as appeareth by the Inscription over the Gate-house yet remaining 4. Sir William Weston succeeds of whom before dissolved this List on the very day of the dissolution of this Priory 5. Sir Thomas Tresham was the first and last of Q. Mary's re-erection There goeth a tradition that Q. Elizabeth in consideration of his good service done to Her self in Her Sister Q. Mary whom he proclaimed and Their Titles being shut out of doors together both were let in again at once though to take place successively allowed him to be called Lord Prior during his life which was not long and the matter not much deriving no power or profit unto him Here I purposely omit Sir Richard Shelley which family I finde of remark for worship and antiquity at Michel-Grove in Sussex He bare a great enmity to Q. Elizabeth especially after She had flatly denied Philip King of Spain whither Shelley was fled to consent to his abiding there and to his quier receiving his rents out of England However the Spanish King imployed him in an Honorable Ambassy unto Maximilian King b Cambd. Eliz. Anno 1563. of the Romans weating the high title of Prior of the Order of St. c Idem in Anno 1560. p. 46. John ' s in England A Prior without a Posterior having none un-under him to obey his power nor after him to succeed in his place We behold him only as the wry-stroak given in by us out of courtesie when the game was up before 5. The Site of the Priory of S. Iohn's was lately the possession of William Earl of Exeter Cecil the present owner of this Priory whose Countess Eliz Druery was very forward to repair the ruin'd Quire thereof Doct. Ios Hall preached at the solemn Reconciling thereof on S. Stephen's day 1623 taking for his Text Hag. 2. 9. The glory of the latter house shall be greater than of the former saith the Lord of Hosts At this day though coarctated having the side-Iles excluded yet so that their upper part is admitted affording conveniencies for attention it is one of the best private Chappels in England discreetly embracing the mean of decency betwixt the extreams of slovenly profaneness and gaudy superstition and belongeth at this present to the truly noble Thomas as Earle of Elgin SECTION VII TO THOMAS DOCKWRAY of Bedford-shire Esquire I Finde Sir THOMAS DOCKWRAY one of the last Lord Priors of our English Hospitallers To say you are descended from him would fix a stain on your Extraction seeing none might marry who were of his Order But this I will say and justifie that you Both are descended from the same Ancestour as by authentick Records doth most plainly appear Besides some conformity may be seen in your commendable inclinations He was all for * * Stow Survey of London pag. 483. building of a fair Church according to the devotion of those dayes Your bountifull hand hath been a great sharer in advancing of this Church-History Now although his stately Structure of the strongest stone had the hard hap to be blown up almost as * * Stows Surv. of Lond. ut priùs soon as it was ended this of yours a frailer Fabrick as but of Paper-walls may be Gods blessing have the happinesse of a longer continuance Of English Nunneries beyond the Seas THus were all Monks Fryers Why no Pensions paid to outed Votaries by Qu. Eliz. and Nunnes totally routed by the coming in of Qu. Elizabeth I finde not that any Pensions were allowed to those Votaries who at this time were outed their Covents though large Annuities were assigned to such who were ejected their Monasteries Colledges or free Chanteries in the Reigns of King Henry the eighth and Edward the sixt whereof this may seem the reason because now caveat ingressor He or She might beware who entred an Abbey be it at their own perill seeing they formerly had so fair a warning though indeed some of them who had no friends to help them were left in no very good condition and died in much want and distresse 2. But now in the beginning of this Queens Reign Detained pensions paid to old Fryers and Nunnes a complaint did arise That Pensions were detained from many ejected out of Abbeys in her Father and Brother his Reigne who being poor old and impotent and repairing to the Queens Officers for their Pensions were instead of money paid with ill language and affronts Her Majesty possessed with the truth hereof took strict order both that their Arrears for the time past should be satisfied and their Aunuities for the time to come effectually discharged which much advanced her honour in pecuniary matters 3. Hence grew the Proverb crossed in the daies of her successours As sure as Exchequer pay Chequer pay the best of payments For all who in this Queens Reign had summes due unto them from the Treasurie had no other trouble than to tell them there and take them thence Thus it came to passe that by Her maintaining of the Exchequer the Exchequer maintained Her having money at most credit at all times on the reputation of so good a Pay-Mistresse insomuch that She was not onely able to lay down Her stake but also to vye ready silver with the King of Spaine when He notwithstanding both His Indies was fain to go on Bare board 4. As for Popish Religious persons flying out of England at the coming in of this Queen The onely stump of an old tree our pen shall follow them as fast as it can with convenient speed We begin with the Nunnes partly because the courtesie of England alloweth the first place to the feeblest Sex but chiefly because they seem still to continue an entire body and successively an immortall corporation being with the Carthusians the onely stump that remaineth of the huge tree which once overspread and shadowed our whole Nation 5. May the Reader be pleased to remember The progresse of Nunnes from Sion to Lisbone that King Henry the fifth founded one Abbey of Nunnes at Sion in Middlesex peopling it with Brigetine Nunnes and Fryers and another at Sheine in Surrey overagainst it so ordering it that all the day long alternately when the Devotions of the one
Abbey-Lands so dye other lands when in the hands of a riotous person Thus Lands as well as goods and chattels are moveables though not from their Center yet from their Owner Yea our draught lately presented doth prove that many Mitred Abbeys have survived the dangerous Climactericall of the third Generation 14. For mine own part Sir Hen. Spelman's Observations on Abbey-lands my tongue is so farre from bespeaking such lands with any ill successe that I wish to all lawfully possessed of them either by the bounty of their Prince their own or Ancestors fair purchase that peaceably and prosperously they may enjoy them Et nati natorum ut qui nascantur ab ipsis However it will not be amisse to insert the observation of a most worthy Antiquary in the County wherein he was born and best experienced who reporâ—eâ—h â—hat in Norfolke there were an hundred houses of Gentlemen before the Dissolution of Abbeys possessed of fair estates of whom so many as gained accession by Abbey-lands are at this time extinct or much empaired bemoaning his own familie under the latter notion as diminished by such an addition 15. Hear also what his son faith to the same purpose * Clement Spelman in his Preface to his Father's Book Denon temerandis Eccl fâ—is King Henry exchanged Abbey-lands His Son 's on the same and by this means like the dust flung up by Moses they presently disperse all the Kingdome over and at once become curses both upon the Families and Estates of the Owners they often vitiously spending on their private occasions what was piously intended for publick devotion insomuch that within twenty years next after the Dissolution moe of our Nobility and their children have been attainted and died under the sword of Iustice than did from the Conquest to the Dissolution being almost five hundred years so as if thou examine the List of the Barons in the Parliament of the 27 of Henry the eighth thou shalt finde very few of them whose Sons doe at this day inherit their Fathers titles and estates and of these few many to whom the King's favour hath restored what the rigorous Law of Attainder took both Dignity Lands and Posterity And doubtlesse the Commons have drunk deep in this cup of deadly wine but they being more numerous and lesse eminent are not so obvious to observation 16. As for the report of Reynerus * Apostolatus Benedict in Ang. fol. 227 228. A Papist his observation the Reader may believe the lesse thereof for his known ingagement to Rome thus expressing himself At the Dissolution Henry the eighth divided part of the Church-spoils among two hundred and sixty Gentlemen of families in one part of England and at the same time Thomas Duke of Norfolk rewards the service of twenty of his Gentlemen with the grant of forty pounds a year out of His own inheritance and while not sixty of the Kings Donees had sons owning their fathers estates every one of the Dukes hath a son of his own loines flourishing in his fathers inheritance and I could have set down their several names had conveniencie required it 17. But it is high time for me to put a period to this subject The Conclusion lest as the Abbeys were complained to grow so great that they engrossed the third part of the Land so my discourse of them infected with the same fault will be condemned by the Reader for the tedious prolixity thereof The rather because this old and trite subject is now grown out of fashion men in our Age having got a new object to fix their eyes and observation thereon taking notice how such Church-lands doe thrive which since hath been derived into the hands of new possessors The end of the Sixt Book THE Church-History OF BRITAIN THE SEVENTH BOOK CONTAINING THE REIGNE OF KING EDWARD THE SIXT To the Right Honourable LEICESTER DEVEREUX VISCOUNT HEREFORD Lord FERRARS of Chartley c. My lord GReat was the difference betwixt the breeding of Adonijah and Solomon though sons to the same father The former tasted not of Reproof much lesse of Correction it being never said unto him Why a 1 kings 1. 6. hast thou done so Solomon had his education on severer Principles He was his Parents Darling not their b Prov. 4. 3. Fondling It was after sounded in his ears What c Prov. 31. 2. my Son and what the Son of my womb Our English Gentry too often embrace the first course in breeding their Children whereby they become old-Men before they are wise-Men because their Fathers made them Gentlemen before they were Men making them too soon to know the great Means they are born to and too long to be ignorant of any good quality whereby to acquire a maintenance in case their Estates as all things are uncertain should faile or forsake them Hence it is they are as unable to endure any hardship as David to march in Sauls armour for he f I Sam. 17. 39. had never proved it utterly unacquainted therewith But your discreet Parents though kinde were not cockering unto you whom they sent very young into the Low-Countreys where in some sort you earned what you eat in no lesse honourable than dangerous employment This hath setled the sinewes of your Soule and compacted the ioynts thereof which in too many hang loose as rather tackt than knit together Since being returned into England partly by your Patrimony partly by your Matrimony an antient and fair Estate hath accrewed unto you Yet it hath not grown as S. Basil fancieth roses in Paradise before Adams fall without thorns and prickles Many molestations attended it through which you have waded in a good measure having had TRIALS indeed wherein on what side soever the Verdict went you gained Patience and Experience Indeed there is an experience the MISTRESSE of FOOLS which they learn by their losses and those caused by their own carelesness or wilfulness in managing their affairs But also there is one the MASTER-PIECE of VVISE-MEN to attain wherein they observe the events of all things after their utmost endevours have submitted the success to Divine Providence Yours is of the last and best kind whereby you are become a skilfull Master of Defence Knowing all the advantageous postures and guards in our Lawes not thereby to vex others but save your self from vexation Thus having born the Yoke in your youth you may the better afford ease and repose to your reduced age and having studied many Men in Armes more in Gowns you now may solace your self and entertain the time with perusing of Books amongst which I humbly request this may have the favour of your Honours eye to whom on a double motive it is Dedicated First because containing the Life of that PRINCE who for His Piety may be exemplary to all persons of quality Secondly because it was He who conferred the highest still remaining Honour on your Family advancing it formerly very
antient amongst the Barons to the degree and dignity of Viscounts wherein that it may long flourish in plenty and happinesse is the daily prayer of Your Honours most obliged Servant THOMAS FVLLER THE Church-History OF BRITAIN KING HENRY the eighth Jan. 28. though dying excommunicate in the Church of Rome The hopefull beginning of King Edward had notwithstanding His Obsequies solemnly performed at Paris in France 1546. 7. by the command of Francis the French a Godwin in Edvardo â—exto pag. 158. King presuming so much on His own power and the Pope's patience otherwise such courtesie to His friend might have cost Him a curse to Himself Then began King Edward His Son Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 1. to reign scarce ten years old Ann. Dom. full of as much worth as the model of His age could hold No pen passeth by Him without praising Him though none praising Him to His full deserts Yea Sanders himself having the stinch of his railing tongue over-sented with the fragrant ointment of this Prince's memory though jeering His for His want of age which was God's pleasure and not King Edward's fault and mocking Him for His Religion the others highest honour alloweth Him in other respects large commendations 2. No sooner was He come to the Crown Peace and prosperity to the Protestants in England but a peaceable dew refreshed Gods inheritance in England formerly patched with persecution and this good Angel struck off the fetters from many Peters in prison preserving those who were appointed to die Onely Thomas Dobbie Fellow of S. Johns in Cambridge committed to the Counter in Bread street and condemned for speaking against the Masse died of a natural death in respect of any publick punishment by Law inflicted on him but whether or no any private impression of violence hastened his end God alone knoweth His speedy death prevented the b Fox Acts Mon. Vol. 2. pag. 655. pardon which the Lord Protectour intended to send him Divine Providence so ordering it that he should touch not enter see not taste behold not reap benefit on earth of this Reformation Other Confessours which had fled beyond sea as John Hooper Miles c Senders de Schis Anglic. lib. 2. pag. 230. Coverdale c. returned with joy into their Countrey and all Protestants which formerly for fear had dissembled their religion now publickly professed the same Of these Archbishop Cranmer was the chiefest who though willingly he had done no ill and privately many good offices for the Protestants yet his cowardly compliance hitherto with Poperie against his conscience cannot not be excused Ann. Dom. 1546-47 serving the times present in his practice Ann Reg. Ed. 6 1. and waiting on a future alteration in his hopes and desires 3. Edward Semaure Commissionners sent into several Counties with Instructions to reform the King's Uncle lately made Lord Protectour Jan. 28. and Duke of Somerset ordered all in Church and State He by the King's power or if you please the King in his protection took speedy order for Reformation of Religion And being loth that the people of the Land should live so long in errour and ignorance till a Parliament should be solemnly summoned which for some Reasons of State could not so quickly be call'd in the mean time by His own Regall power and authority and the advise of His wise and honourable Counsell chose Commissioners and sent them with Instructions into severall parts of the Kingdome for the rooting out of superstition the substance whereof thirty six in number we have here presented The King's Injunctions 1. That all Ecclesiasticall persons observe the Lawes for the abolishing the pretended and usurped power of the Bishop of Rome and confirmation of the Kings authority and supremacie 2. That once a Quarter at least they sincerely declare the Word of God disswading their people from superstitious fancies of Pilgrimages praying to Images c. exhorting them to the works of faith mercy and charitie 3. That Images abused with Pilgrimages and offerings thereunto be forthwith taken down and destroyed and that no more wax-Candles or Tapers be burnt before any Image but onely two lights upon the high Altar before the Sacrament shall remain still to signifie that Christ is the very light of the world 4. That every Holy day when they have no Sermon the Pater noster Credo and Ten Commandements shall be plainly recited in the Pulpit to the Parishioners 5. That Parents and Masters bestow their Children and Servants either to learning or some honest occupation 6. That such who in Cases exprest in the Statute are absent from their Benefices leave learned and expert Curates 7. That within three Months after this Visitation the Bible of the larger volume in English and within twelve Months Erasmus his Paraphrase on the Gospel be provided and conveniently placed in the Church for people to read therein 8. That no Ecclesiasticall persons haunt Ale-houses or Taverns or any place of unlawfull gameing 9. That they examine such who come to confession to them in Lent whether they can recite their Creed Pater noster and ten Commandements in English before they receive the blessed Sacrament of the Altar or else they ought not to presume to come to Gods board 10. That none be admitted to preach except sufficiently licensed 11. That if they have heretofore extolled Pilgrimages Reliques worshipping of Images c. they now openly recant and reprove the same as a common errour groundlesse in Scripture 12. That they detect and present such who are Letters of the Word of God in English and Fautours of the Bishop of Rome his pretended power 13. That a Register-Book be carefully kept in every Parish for Weddings Christnings and Burialls 14. That all Ecclestasticall persons not resident upon their Benefices and able to dispend yearly twenty pounds and above shall in the presence of the Church-Wardens or some other honest men distribute the fourtieth part of their revenues amongst the poor of the Parish 15. That every Ecclesiasticall person shall give competent exhibition to so many Schollers in one of the Universities as he hath hundred pounds a year in Church promotions 16. That the fift part of their Benefices be bestowed on their Mansion-houses or Chancells till they be fully repaired 17. That he readeth these Injunctions once a Quarter 18. That none bound to pay Tithes detain them by colour of Duty omitted by their Curates and so redoub one wrong with another 19. That no person henceforth shall alter any Fasting-day that is commanded or manner of Common Prayer or Divine Service otherwise then specified in these Injunctions untill otherwise ordered by the Kings authority 20. That every Ecclesiasticall person under the degree of Batchelour of Divinity shall within three Months after this Visitation provide of his own the New Testament in Latine and English with Erasmus his Paraphrase thereon And that Bishops by themselves and their Officers shall examine
them how much they have profited in the study of holy Scripture 21. That in the time of High Masse be that sayeth or singeth a Psalm shall read the Epistle and Gospel in English and one Chapter in the New Testament at Mattens and another at Evensong and that when nine Lessons are to be read in the Church three of them shall be omitted with Responds And at Evensong the Responds with all the Memories 22. That to prevent in Sick persons the damnable vice of Despair They shall learn and have alwaies in readinesse such comfortable places and sentences of Scripture as doe set forth the mercy benefits and goodnesse of God Almighty towards all penitent and believing persons 23. To avoid all contention and strife which heretofore have risen amongst the Kings subjects by challenging of Places in Procession no Procession hereafter shall be used about the Church or Church-yard but immediately before high Masse the Letany shall be distinctly said or sung in English none departing the Church without just cause and all ringing of Bells save one utterly forborne 24. That the Holy-day at the first beginning Godly instituted and ordained be wholly given to God in hearing the Word of God read and taught in private and publick prayers in acknowledging their offences to God and amendment in reconciling themselves to their Neighbours receiving the Communion visiting the sick c. Onely it shall be lawfull for them in time of harvest to labour upon Holy and Festival-daies and save that thing which God hath sent and that scrupulosity to abstain from working upon those daies doth grievously offend God 25. That no Curate admit to the Communion such who are in ranchor and malice with their neighbours till such controversies be reconciled 26. That every Dean Arch-Deacon c. being a Priest preach by himself personally twice a year at least 27. That they instruct their people not obstinately to violate the Ceremonies of the Church by the King commanded to be observed and not as yet abrogated And on the other side that whosoever doth superstitiously abuse them doth the same to the great perill of his souls health 28. That they take away and destroy all Shrines covering of Shrines Tables Candlesticks Trindills or rolls of Wax Pictures Paintings and other Monuments of fained Miracles so that no memory of them remain in Walls or Windows exhorting their Parishioners to doe the like in their severall houses And that a comely Pulpit be provided in a convenient place 29. That a strong Chest be provided with a hole in the upper part thereof with three Keyes thereunto belonging be provided to receive the charity of people to the poor and the same at convenient times distributed unto them in the presence of the Parish 30. That Priests be not bound to go to visit Women lying in Child-bed except in times of dangerous sicknesse and not to fetch any Coarse except it be brought to the Church yard 31. That to avoid the detestable sin of Simonie the Seller shall lose his right of Patronage for that time and the Buyer to be deprived and made unable to receive Spirituall promotion 32. That because of the lack of Preachers Curats shall read Homilies which are or shall be set forth by the Kings Authority 33. Where as many indiscreet persons doe uncharitably contemn and abuse Priests having small learning his Majesty chargeth his Subjects that henceforth they be reverently used for their Office and Ministration sake 34. That all persons not understanding Latine shall pray on no other Primmer but what lately was set forth in English by K. Henry the eighth and that such who have knowledge in Latine use none other also and that all Craces before and after meat be said in English and no Grammer taught in Schools but what is set forth by Authority 35. That Chantery Priests teach youth to read and write 36. That when any Sermon or Homily shall be had the Prime and Houres shall be omitted ⧠The form of bidding the Common Prayers YOu shall pray for the whole Congregation of Christs Church and specially for this Church of England and Ireland wherein first I commend to your devout prayers the Kings most excellent Majesty Supreme Head immediately under God of the spirituality and temporalty of the same Church And for Queen Katharine Dowager and also for my Lady Mary and my Lady Elizabeth the Kings sisters Secondly You shall pray for my Lord Protectors grace with all the rest of the Kings Majesties Councell for all the Lords of this Realm and for the Clergie and the Commons of the same beseeching Almighty God to give every of them in his degree grace to use themselves in such wise as may be to Gods glory the Kings honour and the weal of this Realm Thirdly You shall pray for all them that be departed out of this world in the faith of Christ that they with us and we with them at the Day of Judgment may rest both body and soul with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the kingdome of heaven Observations on the Kings Injunctions Let us here admire Gods wisdome in our first Reformers The wisdome of our Reformers who proceeded so moderately in a matter of so great consequence To reform all at once had been the ready way to reform nothing at all New wine must be gently powred into old bottles lest the strenght of the liquor advantaged with the violence of the infusion break the vessel Iacob could not keep pace with Esau presumed fleet on foot as used to hunting whilest he had in his company the * Gen. 33. 13. tender children and flocks with young which if over driven one day would die And though no doubt he himself was foot-man enough to go along with his Brother yet he did lead on softly according as the cattle and children were able to endure Thus our wise Reformers reflected discreetly on the infirmities of people long nouzled in ignorance and superstition and incapable of a sudden and perfect alteration On this account in the third Injunction they reduced Candles formerly sans number in Churches to two Onely two lights left upon the high Altar before the Sacrament these being termed lights shews they werenot luminacaeca but burning Know also that at this time there was an universall dilapidation of Chancells and men had seen so many Abbey-Churches pluckt down that they even left Parish-Churches to fall down on themselves now to repair them all at once would have stopt the holes in the Chancells and made one in the states of the Ministers It was therefore in the sixteenth Injunction ordered That a fift part of their means should be imployed therein whereby the work was effectually done without any great dammage to the Repairers By Memories appointed to be omitted What meant by Memories Injunction 21. we understand the Obsequia for the dead which some say succeeded in the place of the Heathen Roman Parentalia The abolishing Processions is politickly
put on a civil account Good policie Injunction 23. to avoid contention about places Indeed peoples pride herein consisted in pretended humility which the Injunction at large termeth a fond Courtesie For in a mock-practise of the Apostles * Rom. 12. 12. precept in honour preferring one another they strained courtesie to goe last Where by the way I conceive that accounted the highest place which was next the Crosse bearer or next the Priest carrying the Host Quaere whether in the 24 Injunction labouring in time of Harvest on Holy-daies and Festivals relateth not onely to those of Ecclesiasticall constitution as dedicated to Saints or be inclusive of the Lords day also Mr. Calvin in his Letter to the Lord * pag. 187 188. Protector Mr. Calvin dissents disliketh the praying for the dead and this is one of those things which he termed tolerabiles ineptias Englished by some tolerable fooleries more mildly by others tolerable unfitnesses In requital whereof Bishop Williams was wont to say That Master Calvin had his tolerabiles morositates And thus moderately did our first Reformers begin Moderation 〈◊〉 farre as the subject they wrote on would give them leave for as carefull Mothers and Nurses on condition they can get their Children to part with knives are contented to let them play with raitles So they permitted ignorant people still to retain some of their fond and foolish Customes that they might remove from them the most dangerous and destructive Superstitions Come we now to give in a List of such principall Books which in the Reign of this King and His Father The Protestant Library as Preparatory to and Introductive of Reformation And to bring them high enough we will begin with HEN 7th Prayers printed by the Commandements of the moost hye and vertuous Princesse our lyege Lady Elizabeth by the grace of God Quene of England and of France and also of the right hye and moost noble Princesse Margarett mother to our Soveraign Lord the King c. without the year when printed HEN 8th The Institution of a Christian man contayneng the Exposition of the Commune Crede of the seaven Sacraments of the ten Commandements and of the Pater noster and the Ave Maria Justification and Purgatory London by Tho Barthelet 1537. A necessary Doctrine and Erudition for any Christen man set furthe by the Kynges Majestie of England c. London by Tho Barthelet 1543. HEN 8th Henry the eighth his Epistle to the Emperour Christen Princes and all true Christen men desiring peace and concord amonges them Against the power of the Pope and concerning a Generall Councell London by Tho Barthelet 1538. A Protestation made for the most mighty and most redoubted King of England c. and his hole Counsell and Clergie wherein is declared that neither His Highnesse nor His Prelates neyther any other Prince or Prelate is bound to come or send to the pretended Councell that Paul Bishop of Rome first by a Bull indicted at Mantua a Citie in Italy and now alate by an other Bull hath proroged to a place no man can telle where London by Tho Barthelet 1537. Articles devised by the Kinges Highnes Majestie to stablishe Christen quietnes and unitie amonge us and to avoyde contentious opinions which Articles be also approved by the consent and determination of the hole Clergie of this Realme Lond Tho Barthelet 1536. Injunctions to the Clergie 1536. M. Sc. Articles devised by the holle consent of the Kinges most honourable Counsayle His Graces licence opteyned thereto not only to exhorte but also to enfourme His loving Subjects of the trouth London Tho Barthelet 1533. Orarium seu libellus Precationum per Regiam Majestatem Clerum Latinè editus Ex officina Richard Graftoni 1545. Pia Catholica Christiani hominis institutio Londini apud Thomam Barthelet 1544. Reformatio Legum Ecclesiasticarū ex authoritate primum Regis Hen 8. inchoata deinde per Regem Edw 6. provecta c. Londini ex officina Jo Day 1571. EDW 6th Injunctions given by the most excellent Prince Edward the sixt by the grace of God King of England France and Ireland Defendor of the Fayth and in yearthe under Christ of the Church of England and of Ireland the Supreeme Hedde to all and singuler His loving Subjects aswell of the Clergie as of the Laietie By R. Grafton 1547. Articles to be enquired of in the Kynges Majesties visitation By Rich Grafton Cum privilegio Communion book translated into French for Jersey and Garnesey 1553. EDW 6th The Booke of Common-Prayer and Administration of Sacraments c. London 1549. 1552. The forme and manner of making and consecrating Bishops Priests and Deacons 1552 1549. The Copie of a Letter sent to all those Preachers which the Kings Majestie hath licensed to preach from the Lord Protectors Grace and others of the Kinges Majesties most Honourable Councell The 23 of May 1548. Catechismus brevis Christianae disciplinae summam continens omnibus ludimagistris authoritate Regiâ commendatus Londini 1553. Articuli de quibus in Synodo Londinensi 1552. ad tollenda◠opinionum dissensionem consensum verae religionis firmandum inter Episcopos alios eruditos atque pios viros-convenerat Regia similiter authoritate promulgati Londini The Primer or Booke of Prayers translated out of Hen the 8 ths Orarium London by Rich Grafton 1547. Certain Sermons viz the first part of the Church Homilies appointed by the Kinges Majestie to be read everie Sonday and Holy day c. 1549 1547. A Primer or Booke of private Prayer c. in the 7 yeare of Ed 6. Ex officina Wilhelmi Seres 1552. The order of the Communion with the Proclamation London by Rich Grafton 1548. Q. MARIE The Primer in Latin and English after the use of Sarum London 1555. Edm Bonners Catechisme 1555. with Homelies composed by H. Pendleton and Jo Harpesfield London 1555. These are the principall State-books which that Age produced not mentioning such as numberlesse which private persons set forth onely I cannot as yet recover the Lord Cromwell's Catechisme except it be concealed under another name amongst the Books aforementioned 4. Come we now to the Liturgie which in the Reign of K. Henry the eighth was said or sung all in Eatine save only the Creed Pater noster and ten Commandements put into English by the Kings command Anno 1536. Nine years after viz 1545 the Letanie was permitted in English and this was the farthest pace which the Reformation stept in the Reign of King Henry the eighth Ann. Dom. 1547. But under His son King Edward the sixt a new form of Divine worship was set forth in the vulgar Tongue which passed a threefold purgation The first Edition of the Liturgie or Common-Prayer The 2 d Edit of the Liturgy or Common-Prayer The 3 d Edit of the Liturgy or Common-Prayer In the first year of King Edward the sixt it was recommended to the care
the Church joyned with them in the Town house Rich Pepists feared their goods would be condemned as heretical even by the Rebels of their own Religion which made them persist in their loyalty to their Soveraign 8. John Russell Lord privie Seal was sent down with small Forces to suppresse the Commotion A person very proper for that service as of a stout spirit and richly landed in this County He stayed some time at Honyton in vain expecting promised supplies either because this Lord was lookt on as of the Protectors party whose Court-interest did much decline or because Norfolke Rebellion as nearer London engrossed all warlike provisions Thus was this Lord in deep distresse having nothing save his Commission strong about him and his few forces for fear and want of pay began daily to forsake him 9. And now following the advice of the Dorset-shire Gentry he was ready to return when three Princely Merchants for so may I term them both for great interest and loyal intentions viz Thomas Prestwood Thomas Bodly and John Periam so improved their credits with Bristoll Lime and Taunton that they furnished the Lord Russell with necessaries to march forward Animated herewith they advance and gave the Rebels such a blow at Fenington-bridge that they left three hundred of their bodies dead on the place 10. Soon after the Lord Gray of Wilton whose slownesse may be excused as busied by the way in suppressing Tumults in Buckingham and Oxford shire came with a company of Horsmen and 300 Italian Shot under Baptist Spinola their Leader to recruit the Lord Russell Here one would wonder to behold the native English fighting in the maintenance of the Masse opposed by Italians untill he considereth that these foraigners being Souldiers of Fortune consulted the Coine not the Cause of such as entertained them And now the Kings Army advanceth towards Exeter a word or two of which Cities sad condition 11. The Rebels had often attempted to fire the Gates of the City till at last the Citizens found the Paradox true that the onely way to keep their City shut was to set their Gates open making rampires more defensible behinde them As for the Enemies intent to undermine and blow up the Walls it was first discovered then defeated by John Newcombe a Tinner of Teingmouth Philip Comineus For taking advantage of the declivity of the City on that side he countermin'd the Rebels work and then deriv'd into it all the kennels and water-courses falling down with a great precipice and so drowned the vault intended with powder to blow up the Walls Besides at the same instant set an impetuous showre which added to the Deluge Thus in vain doth Hell seek to kindle that Fire when Heaven intendeth to poure water for the quenching thereof 12. Famine raged most extremely insomuch as they were fain to bake bran and meal moulded up in cloathes for otherwise it would not stick together Nor must the worthy resolution of a loyall Citizen be forgotten publickly professing That rather than he would surrender the City to the Rebels he would fight with one arm and feed on the other And now were they reduced to utmost extremity when the seasonable approach of Lord privie Seale put a period to their Miseries For at the winde-mill of S. Mary Clist after a bloody Battle wherein Sir William Francis was slain on the King's side the Rebels were routed and sorced to flie leaving a thousand of their corps dead on the place Miles Coverdail gave publick thanks to God for the victory in the view of Exeter and soon after was made the Bishop thereof 13. Then the Lord caused S. Mary Clist to be burnt to the ground though it was his own Town as knowing full well Traytours to their King would never make good Tenants to their Landlord And on Clist-heath a second fight was begun where the Rebels were finally overcome The Lord privie Seal marched into Exeter and was there as he well deserved welcomed with all possible expressions of joy Sir William Herbert with 1000 Welsh came too late to fight but soon enough to be an honourable Witnesse of the victory 14. This sixt of August Two solemne yearly festivals the day of their deliverance is an high festival in the Almanack of Exeter Good cheer and thereby I justly guesse their great gratitude being annually observed with a publick Sermon to perpetuate the memory of Gods mercy unto them Yet such Solemnities doe daily decay every new Generation being removed one degree farther from the deliverance The King conferred the Manour of Exetland formerly belonging to the City but wrested from it by the Earls of Devon-shire on their Corporation in reward of their loyalty and valour 15. Humphrey Arundle Winslade Bery and Coffi were executed and as this Commotion began it ended at Sampford-Courtney where their last remnant was defeated Six Popish Priests were hanged with Welsh the Vicar of St. Thomas though all this was but mercy to the cruelty of Sir Anthony Kingston Provost-Marshall in trussing up many mean offenders 1. It began about the 20 th of June at Attilborrough about the laying open of Commons The beginning of two Rebellions pretended lately inclosed to the prejudice of the Poor Much increased on the 6â— of July at Windham Play where there was a great confluence of idle people repairing from all parts of the County 2. Robert Ket Their Ring-leaders and number Tanner of Windham one of more wealth than common folk of his craft yet of more wit than wealth confidence than either was chosen their Captain He with two Assistants chosen out of every hundred kept his Kings Bench Chancery and all other Courts under a Tree termed the Oake of Reformation where he did justice be it wrong or right to all such as were summoned before him In short time they increased to be more than twenty thousand 3. Sir Edmond Windham Sheriffe of Northfolke The Sheriffs endevours succeed not commanded them in the King's name peaceably to depart But had not his Horsemanship been better than his Rhetorick himself had not departed the place Yea now the * Hooker alias Vowell in Hollingshed p. 1015 1017. Rebels began to play their pranks threatning to burn the House Idem p. 1029. and defacing the Dovecoat formerly a Chappel before it was turned of an House of Prayer into a Den of Thieves of Master Corbets of Sprowston and committing many outrages layed all Pastures rather waste than open where they came Yea now they march towards Norwich the chief place in the County 4. Norwich is like a great volume with a bad cover The description of Exeter and Norwich having at best but parchment walls about it Nor can it with much cost and time be effectually fortified because under the frowning brow of Moushold Hill hanging over it The River Yere so wanton that it knoweth not its own minde which way to goe such the involved flexures thereof within a
The Lady Mary 28. after long Communication was content to come to Lees Ann. Dom. 1549 to the Lord Chancellours and then to Hunsdon but She utterly denied to come to the q q She loved to deale with the King her Brother eminus by Letters but in no wise comminus by discourse Besides she hated coming to the Court suspecting some harsh usage to her Person and jealous of being put into Restraint Court or Oking at that time The Lord Chancellor fell sore sick Aug. 13. with 40 more of his r r Lees in Essex a County generally not very healthfull where Agues sit as close and sometimes last as long as a new suit house that the Lady Mary came not thither at this time There were Letters sent to every Bishop to pull downe the Altars Nov. 19. There were Letters sent for the taking of certain Å¿ Å¿ Of these Francis Mallet last * * Sceletos Cant. MS. Master of Michael House in Cambridge was the chief He having leave from the Councell to officiate Masse onely in the presence of the Lady Mary presumed on the same liberty in her absence Whereupon he was notwithstanding his Ladies refusall to surrender him fetcht from her by force and committed to prison Chaplains of the Lady Mary Dec. 15. Edw. sexâ—i 4. for saying Masse which She denied Whaley was examined for perswading divers Nobles of the Realm to make the Duke of Somerset t t Now where the seeds sown and the foundation laid of the Protectours overthrow which ensued not long after Proâ—ector at the next Parliament Febr. 6. stood to the Denial the Earle of Rutland affirmed it manifestly The Bishop of Winchester after a long triall was deposed his Bishoprick 17. It seems some legall formalities were pretended wanting in Gardiner his deprivation For in my memory a Suit was commenced to overthrow a long Lease made by Bishop Poinet Gardiner's successour in Winchester on this point that Gardiner still remained lawfull Bishop but nothing therein was effected 23. Come we now to the saddest difference that ever happened in the Church of England The conception of non-conformity if we consider either the time how long it continued the eminent persons therein ingaged or the dolefull effects thereby produced It was about matters of conformity Alas that men should have lesse wisdome than locusts which when sent on God's errand Did not * * Joel 2. 8. thrust one another whereas here such shoving and shouldring and hoising and heavings and justleing and thronging betwixt Clergie-men of the highest parts and places For now non-conformity in the daies of King Edward was conceived which afterward in the Reign of Queen Mary but beyond Sea at Frankford was born which in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth was nursed and weaned which under King James grew up a young youth or tall stripling but towards the end of King Charles His Reign shot up to the full strength and stature of a man able not onely to coap with but conquer the Herarchie its adversary 24. Two opposite parties now plainly discovered themselves The favourers and opposers thereof driving on different interests Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 4. under their respective Patrones Ann. Dom. 1550. Founders of Conformity 1. Such as remained here all the Reign of King Henry the eighth and weathered out the tempest of His tyrannie at open Sea partly by a politick compliance and partly by a cautious concealment of themselves 2. These in the daies of King Edward the sixt were possessed of the best preferments in the land 3. And retained many ceremonies practiced in the Romish Church conceiving them to be antient and decent in themselves 4. The authority of Cranmer and activity of Ridley headed this party the former being the highest the latter the hottest in defence of conformity Founders of Non-conformity 1. Such as fled hence beyond the Seas chiefly into Germany where living in States and Cities of popular Reformation they suck'd in both the aire and discipline of the place they lived in 2. These returning late into England were at a losse for meanes and maintenance onely supported with the reputation of being Confessors rendring their patience to the praise and their persons to the pity of all conscientious people 3. And renounced all ceremonies practiced by the Papists conceiving that such ought not onely to be clipt with the sheers but to be shaved with a raizor yea all the stumps thereof to be pluckt out 4. John Rogers Lecturer in S. Pauls and Vicar of S. Sepulchres with John Hooper afterwards Bishop of Glocester were Ring-leaders of this party This Iohn Hooper was bred in Oxford well skill'd in Latine Greek and Hebrew a little of the last would go farre in this Age and afterwards travelled over into Switzerland Yea he seemed to some to have brought Switzerland back with him in his harsh rough and unpleasant behaviour being grave into rigour and severe into surliness Yet to speak truth all Hoopers ill nature consisted in other mens little acquaintance with him Such as visited him once condemned him of over-austerity who repaired to him twice onely suspected him of the same who conversed with him constantly not onely acquitted him of all morosity but commended him for sweetness of manners which saith my Author Godwin in the Bishops of Glocester endeared him to the acquaintance of Bullinger This Hooper was preferred to be Bishop of Glocester by the special favour of his Patrone Iohn Earl of Warwick afterward Duke of Northumberland 25. The worst was Hooper refuseth to wear the Episcopal habit when Hooper came to be consecrated Bishop of Glocester he scrupled the wearing of certain Episcopall ornaments Rochet Chimere Square-cap c. producing a Letter from the Earl of Warwick omniprevalent then at Court in the declining of his Corrival the Duke of Somerset that he might be favourably dispensed with therein according to the tenour ensuing to Archbishop Cranmer AFter my most hearty commendations to your Grace these may be to desire the same that in such reasonable things wherein this beâ—rer my Lord Elect of Glocester craveth to be born withall at your hands you would vouch safe to shew him your Graces favour the rather at this my instance Which thing partly I have taken in hand by the Kings Majesties own motion The matter is weighed by His Highnesse none other but that your Grace may facilely condescend thereunto The principall cause is that you would not charge this said Bearer with an Oath burdenous to his conscience And so for lack of time I commit your Grace to the tuition of Almighty God Your Graces most assured loving friend July 23. John Warwick What this Oath was because not expressed is variously conjectured Parsons to render Hooper more odious will have it the Oath of Supremacy which in my opinion is improbable it being utterly unlikely that the King would dispense with any from taking Oath
Lord Rich smiled not at his relation as sadly sensible of the mistake and delivery of the Letter to the Duke of Norfolke no great friend of his and an utter enemy to the Duke of Somerset 41. Wonder not if this Lord rose early up the next morning The Lord Rich resigneth his Chancellors place who may be presumed not to have slept all night He higheth to the Court and having gotten admittance into the Bed Chamber before the King was risen up fell down on his knees and desired that his old age might be eased of his burthensome Office pleading That there ought to be some preparatory interval in States men betwixt their Temporall businesse and their Death in order to which he desired to retire into Essex there to attend his own Devotions Nor would he rise from the ground till the King had granted his request And thus he saved himself from being stript by others by first putting off his own clothes who otherwise had lost his Chancellours place for revealing the secrets of the Councell Board Some daies after the Scale was solemnly fetcht from him and conferred on Doctor Goodrich Bishop of Elie. 42. The Impeachment of the Duke went on neverthelesse The Duke of Somâ—rseâ— impeached of Treason and two Nets were laid to catch him Dec. 1. that if one brake the other might hold He was indicted of Treason and Fellonie the former was onely to give the report the latter to discharge the bullet So great a Peer could not be accused of lesse than High Treason that the offence might appear proportionable to the Offender However he was acquitted of Treason whereat the people in Westminster-hall gave such a shout that though the same was intercepted and circumscribed by the house it is reported to be heard as farre f Stowes Annals p. 606. as Long-Acre 43. But this sound was seconded with a sad silence when he was condemned for Felony Sad silence by a new made Statute for plotting the death of a Privie Counsellour namely the Earle of Warwick Here a strange oversight was committed that he craved not the benefit of the Clergie which could not legally be denied him on the granting whereof the ensuing punishment had certainly been remitted and not long after he was beheaded on Tower-hill with no lesse praise for his piety and patience than pity and grief of the Beholders 44. Posterity is much unsatisfied in the justnesse of his suffering A Quae for posterâ—â—y and generally doe believe That he himselfe was the sheep who was here condemn'd for the slaughter A good Author tells us That he lost his life for a small crime and that upon a nice * 〈◊〉 Brit. in Somerâ—etsâ—ire point subtilly devised and packt by his enemies And yet that the good King Himselfe was possessed of his guilt may appeare by His ensuing Letter * Tâ—â—nscribed out of the Oâ—iginall written with His own hand to a dear Servant of His as followeth To Our well-beloved servant Barnaby Fitz-Patricke one of the Gentlemen of Our Chamber EDWARD LIttle hath been done since you went but the Duke of Somerset's arraignment for felonious Treason and the Musters of the new-erected Gendarmery The Duke the first of this Moneth was brought to VVestminster-hall where sate as Judge or High Steward my Lord Treasurer twenty six Lords of the Parliament went on his Triall Indictments were read which were severall some for Treason some for trayterous Felony The Lawyers read how Sir Thomas Palmer had confessed that the Duke once minded and made him privie to raise the North after to call the Duke of Northumberland the Marquesse of Northampton and the Earle of Pembroke to a Feast and so to have slain them And to doe this thing as it was to be thought had levied men a hundred at his house at London which was scanned to be Treason because unlawfull Assemblies for such purposes was Treason by an Act made the last Sessions Also how the Duke of Somerset minded to stay the Horses of the Gendarmery and to raise London Crane confessed also the murdering of the Lords in a Banquet Sir Miles Partridge also confessed the raising of London Hamman his man having a Watch at Greenwich of twenty weaponed men to resist if he had been arrested and this confessed both Patridge and Palmer He answered That when he levied men at his House he meant no such thing but onely to defend himself The rest very barely answered After debating the matter from nine of the clock till three the Lords went together and there weighing that the matter seemed only to touch their lives although afterward more inconvenience might have followed and that men might think they did it of malice acquitted him of High Treason and condemned him of Felony which he seemed to have confessed He hearing the Judgment fell down on his knees and thanked them for his open Triall After he asked pardon of the Duke of Northumberland the Marquesse c. whom he confessed he meant to destroy although before he swore vehemently to the contrary Thus fare you well ¶ From Westminster the 20 th of December 1551. Dec. 10. Anno Domini 1551. Hereby it plainly appeareth that the King was possessed with a perswasion of His Uncles guiltiness whether or no so in truth God knoweth and generally Men believe Him abused herein And it seemeth a wonder to me that six weeks from December the 1 to January the 22. interceding betwixt the Dukes condemnation and execution no means were made during that time to the King for his pardon But it is plain that his foes had stopped all accesse of his friends unto the King 45. The Duke of Somerset was religious himself The Dukes character a lover of all such as were so and a great Promoter of Reformation Valiant fortunate witnesse his victory in Musleborrough field when the Scots filled many carts with emptinesse and loaded them with what was lighter than vanity it self Popish Images and other Trinkets wherein they placed the confidence of their Conquest He was generally beloved of Martiall men yet no marvell if some did grumble against him seeing there is no Army save that of the Church Triumphant wherein the Souldiers at some time or other doe not complain against their Generall Nor is the wonder great if he sometimes trespassed in matters of State seeing the most conscientious Polititian will now and then borrow a point of Law not to say take it for their due even with an intent never to pay it He was better to perform than plot doe than design In a word his self-hurting innocence declined into guiltinesse whose soule was so farre from being open to causlesse suspitions that it was shut against just jealousies of danger 46. He built Somerset-house His great buildings where many like the workmanship better than either the foundation or materials thereof For the Houses of three Bishops Landaffe Coventry and Litchfield and Worcester
with the Church of St. Mary le Strand were pluckt down to make room for it The stones and timber were fetcht from the Hospitall of S. Johns This Somerset house is so tenacious of his name that it would not change a Dutchie for a Kingdome when solemnly proclaimed by King James Denmarke-house from the King of Denmarke's lodging therein and His Sister Queen Anne her repairing thereof Surely it argueth that this Duke was wel belov'd Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 6. because his name made such an indelible impression on this his house whereof he was not full five years peaceably possessed Ann. Dom. 1552. 47. We lately made mention of Barnaby Fitz-Patrick The Kings Instructions to Fitz-Patrick for his behaviour in France to whom the King directed His Letter as who was bred and brought up with Him from His infancy though somewhat the older He was Prince Edward's PROXIE for CORRECTION though we may presume seldome suffering in that kinde such the Princes generall innocence and ingenuity to learn His book Yet when such execution was done as Fitz-Patrick was beaten for the Prince the Prince was beaten in Fitz-Patrick so great an affection did He bare to His Servant Towards the end of His Reign He maintained him in the Court of France both to learn fashions there and send intelligence thence And it will not be amisse to insert the King's private Instructions unto him how he should behave himself in the French Court partly for the rarity partly for the certainty thereof having it transcribed out of the Originall of the King 's own hand as followeth 1. First he shall goe in the Lord Admirals Company and at the same Lords departing he shall have a Letter to the French King which the Lord Admirall shall deliver and present him to the French King and if it shall chance that the French King will give him any Pension entertainment or reward at his being there for the time he tarrieth there he shall receive it and thank His Majesty for it and shall serve when he shall be appointed Neverthelesse when he is out of the Court he shall be most conversant with Mr. Pickering * Afterwards Knighted and supposed suâ—â—er to Qâ—liz 2. And at his setting forth shall carry with him four Servants and if the wages amount to any great summe more than I give him that the French King giveth him to live there after that proportion advertising Me of the same 3. Also all this Winter he shall study the Tongue and see the manner of the Court and advertise Me of the occurrences he shall hear and if he be desirous to see any place Notable or Town he may goe thither asking leave of the King And shall behave himself honestly more following the company of Gentlemen than pressing into the company of the Ladies there and his chief pastime shall be Hunting and Riding 4. Also his Apparell he shall wear it so fine as shall be comely and not much superfluous And the next Sommer when either the King goeth or sendeth any man of name into the Warres to be His Lieutenant or to lead an Army he shall desire to goe thither and either himself or else shall will Mr. Pickering to declare to the French King how he thinketh not himself to have fully satisfied nor recompensed neither His Majesties good entertainment nor Mine expectation who had sent him over if he should return having so delicately and idlely almost spent the time without he did at this time of service be desirous to goe himself into the Warres by the which thing he might at this time doe His Majesty service and also learn to doe Me service hereafter yea and His Majesty to if the case so required And therefore seeing this Nobleman shall now goe that his request is to have leave to goe with him 5. Having said this to the French King he shall depart into the Warres waiting on this Nobleman that shall be sent and there he shall mark the divers fortifications of places and advantages that the enemy may take and the ordering and conduct of the Armies As also the fashion of the skirmishes battles and assaults and the plats of the chief Towns where any enterprises of weight have been done he shall cause to be set out in black and white or otherwise as he may and shall send them hither to Me with advertisement of such things as have passed 6. Furthermore he shall at all times when he taketh money advertise Me of it and I shall send him And so the next year being well spent upon further advertisement and taking leave of the French King he shall return 7. And if there arise or grow any doubt in any matter hereafter in the which be shall need advise he shall advertise by the Post and shall have Anser thereof This Barnaby Fitz-Patrick after his return out of France was created by the King Baron of upper Ossery in Ireland and died a most excellent Protestant as hereafter we shall shew in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth 48. On the 15 th of April Little Church-work in this Parliament the Parliament ended which had sate three Moneths at Westminster April 15. though therein nothing of Church-matters determined save a Penalty imposed on such who should strike or draw weapon in Church or Church-yard with the abolishing of the generall Holy daies of S. Mary Magdalen and S. Geroge yet so that it should be lawfull for the latter to be solemnly celebrated by the Knights of the Right honourable Order of the Garter The Orders of which Order were about this time reformed and purged from some antient superstitions An ill presage 49. Six k Bishop Godwins Annals in this year Dolphins were taken in the Thames three neer Quinborough and three above Greenwich where the Thames is scarce tainted with brackishnesse in so much that many grave men dispensed with their wisdome and beheld them with wonder as not seen before on our shores A fish much loving man and musick swifter than all other fishes and birds too yea than the Swallow it self if Pliny l Nat. Hist l. 9. cap. 8. say true though all their celerity besteaded them not here to escape the nets of the fisher-men Their coming up so farre was beheld by Mariners as a presage of fowl weather at Sea but by States-men as a prodigious omen of some tempestuous mutations in our Land And particularly they suspected the Kings death though for the present He was very pleasant and merry in His progresse about the Countrey Aug. 22. as by his ensuing Letter to His former favourite written in the next August doth appear EDWARD THE cause why we have not hitherto written unto you have partly been the lack of a convenient Messenger partly because we meant to have some thing worthy writing ere VVe would write any thing And therefore being now almost in the midst of Our journey which VVe have undertaken this Sommer VVe have thought
Reign wherein no Church-matter was medled with save that therein a Subsidie granted by the Clergy was confirmed Such moneys being the Legacie of course which all Parliaments fairly coming to a peaceable end bequeath to their Sovereign As for the Records of this Convocation they are but one degree above blanks scarce affording the names of the Clerks assembled therein Indeed they had no Commission from the King to meddle with Church-businesse and every Convocation in it self is born deaf and dumb so that it can neither hear complaints in Religion nor speak in the redresse thereof till first Ephata be thou opened be pronounced unto it by Commission from Royall Authority 9. Now The true reason thereof the true reason why the King would not intrust the diffusive body of the Convocation with a power to meddle with matters of Religion was a just jealousie which He had of the ill affection of the major part thereof Ann. Dom. 1553. who under the fair rinde of Protestant profession Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 7. had the rotten core of Romish superstition It was therefore conceived safer for the King to relie on the ability and fidelity of some select Confidents cordiall to the cause of Religion than to adventure the same to be discussed and decided by a suspitious Convocation 10. However Forty two Articles of Religion and the Kings Catechisme this barren Convocation is intituled the parent of those Articles of Religion fourty two in number which are printed with this Preface Articuls de quibus in Synodo Londinensi Anno Domini 1552. inter Episcopos alios eruditos viros convenerat With these was bound a Catechisme younger in age as bearing date of the next year but of the same extraction relating to this Convocation as authour thereof Indeed it was first compiled as appears by the Kings Patent prefix'd by a single Divine * ◠pio quodam crudito viro conscipto in the Kings Patent Consented and not consented to by the Convocation charactred pious and learned bu◠afterwards perused and allowed by the Bishops and other learned men understand it the Convocation and by Royall Authority commended to all Subjects commanded to all School Masters to teach it their Scholars 11. Yet very few in the Convocation ever saw it much lesse explicitly consented thereunto but these had formerly it seems passed over their power I should be thankfull to him who would produce the originall instrument thereof to the select Divines appointed by the King in which sense they may be said to have done it themselves by their Delegates to whom they had deputed their authority A case not so clear but that it occasioned a cavill at the next Convocation in the first of * See more thereof in the next year Queen Mary when the Papists therein assembled renounced the legality of any such former transactions Pretious King Edward the sixt now changed his Crown of Gold for one of Glory July 6. we will something enlarge our selves The death of K. Edward the sixt who was not cut out of His Mothers belly as is commonly reported to give posterity His true Character never meeting more virtues in so few years For His Birth there goeth a constant tradition that Caesar-like He was cut out of the belly of His Mother Jane Seymour though a great person of Honour deriving her Intelligence mediately from such as were present at Her Labour assured me of the contrary Indeed such as shall read the calm and serene style of that Letter which I have seen written though not by for that Queen and signed with Her own Signet after Her delivery cannot conjecture thence that any such violence was offered unto Her But see the Letter RIght trusty and welbeloved Queen Ianes Letter after Her Delivery to the Lords of the Councell We greet you well and forasmuch as by the inestimable goodnesse and grace of Almighty God We be delivered and brought in Childe-bed of a PRINCE conceived in most lawfull Matrimony between my Lord the Kings Majestie and Vs. Doubting not but that for the love and affection which you bear unto Vs and to the Common-wealth of this Realm thi◠knowledge shall be joyous and glad tidings unto you We have thought good to certifie you of this Iame To the intent ye might not onely render unto God condigne thanks and praise for so great a benefice but also continually pray for the long continuance and preservation of the same here in this life to the honour of God joy and pleasure of my Lord the KING and Vs and the universall weal quiet and tranquility of this whole Realm a a Extant in Sir Tho. Cottons Library sub Ner. cap. 10. ¶ Given under our Signet at my Lords Manour of Hampton-Court the 22 day of October And although this Letter was soon after seconded with b Extant ibid. another of a sadder subject here inserted subscribed by all the Kings Physitians yet neither doth that so much as insinuate any impression of violence on Her person as hastening Her death but seems rather to cast the cause thereof on some other distemper THese shall be to advise your Lordships of the Queens estate Yesterday afternoon She had a natural Lax A sadder Letter of Her Physitians unto them by reason whereof She began to lighten and as it appeared to amend and so continued till towards night All this night She hath been very sick and doth rather appare than amend Her Confessour hath been with Her Grace this morning and hath done that to his office appertaineth and even now is preparing to minister to Her Grace the Sacrament of Unction ¶ At Hampton-Court this Wednesday morning at eight a clock Your Lordships at Commandement Thomas Cutland Robert Karhold Edward Bayntam John Chambers Priest William Butts George Owen Impute we here this Extreme Unction administred to Her partly to the over-officiousness of some superstitious Priest partly to the good Ladies inability perchance insensible what was done unto her in such extremity otherwise we are confident that Her judgment when in strength and health disliked such practices being a zealous Protestant Which Unction did her as little good as the twelve Masses said for Her soul in the City of London at the Commandement of the Duke of Norfolk whether he did it to credit their Religion with the countenance of so great a Convert or did it out of the Nimiety of his own Love and Loyaltie to the Queen expressing it according to his own judgment without the consent if not against the will of the Queens nearest kindred 12. But leaving the Mother Prince Edw. towardlinesse in learning let us come to the Son who as he saith of himself in the Manuscript of His Life was for the first six years bred and brought up amongst the Women and then consigned to masculine Tuition under Doctor Richard Cox and Sir John Cheekè who taught Him Latine and John Belmain who
off my good Unkle Somerse ' s head And it is generally conceived that grief for his death caused K. Edwards Consumption who succeeded not to any Consumptive Inclination as hereditary from His Extraction from a Father but little past and a Mother just in the strength of Their Age. 16. However An uncertain report I finde in a * Image of both Churches page 423. Popish Writer that it was said That the Apothecary who poisoned him for the horrour of the offence and the disquietnesse of his conscience drowned himself And that the Landresse who washed His shirt lost the skin off her fingers But if his History be no better than his Divinity we that justly condemn the one can doe no lesse than suspect the other 17. We will conclude this Kings most Pious life with that His most devout Prayer on His Death-Bed The Prayer of K. Edward on his death-bed which God heard and graciously answered for the good of the Church of England d Fox Acts Mon. p. 13â—5 LOrd God deliver Me out of this miserable and wretched life and take Me among thy chosen Howbeit not my will but thy will be done Lord I commit my spirit to thee O Lord thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee yet for thy chosens sake send me life and health that I may truly serve thee Oh my Lord God blesse thy people and save thine inheritance Oh Lord God save thy chosen People of England Oh my Lord God defend this Realm from Papistry and maintain thy true Religion that I and my People may praise thy holy Name for Jesus Christs sake 17. One of the last Sermons King Edward heard Opposers of the Liturgie grow a strong was preached before Him by Hugh Latimer at what time their party began to spread and increase who opposed the Liturgie witnesse this passage in his Sermon * Latimers Semons printed Anno 1607. pag. 83. I have heard say when that the good Queen that is gone had ordained in her House daily Prayer both before Noon and after Noon the Admirall getteth him out of the way like a Mole digging in the earth He shall be Lots Wife to me as long as I live He was I heard say a Covetous man a covetous man indeed I would there were no more in England He was I heard say an Ambitious man I would there were no more in England He was I heard say a Seditious man a Contemner of Common-Prayer I would there were no more in England Well! he is gone I would he had left none behinde him A passage so informative to the Church History of that Age must not passe without some observation thereon The good Queen is gone this was Queen Katharine Par the Relict of King Henry the eighth who some two years since died in Child-bed The Admirall This was Thomas Lord Seymour her Husband Getteth himself out of the way Here is the question on what terms he absented himself whether on Popish or Non Conformist In proof whereof he is compared to Lots Wife which importeth a looking back and reflexion on former practise  Being termed herein Seditious and not Superstitious it intimates that a factious Principle made him distast the Common-Prayer A Contemner of the Common Prayer I wish there were no more This probably relates unto a potent Party disaffected to the Liturgie which now began to be very considerable in England but if the premisses be rightly collected much too blame in the judgment of godly Master Latimer 18. The dislikers of the Liturgie bare themselves high upon the judgment of Master Calvin in his Letter four year since to the Duke of Somerset Lord Protectour now no longer a privacie because publickly printed in his Epistles And yet Master Calvin is therein very positive for a set Forme Mr. Calvin's 3 Reasons for a set Form of Prayer whose words deserve our Translation and observation * Libro Epist pag. 69. Formulam precums rituum Ecclesiasticorum valde probo ut certa illa extet A quâ ne Pastoribus discedere in functione sua liceat 1. Ut consulatur quorundam simplicitati imperitiae 2. Ut certius constet omnium inter se Ecclesiarum consensus 3. Ut obviam ineatur desultoriae quorundam levitati qui novationes quasdam affectant Sic igitur statum esse Catechismum oportet statam Sacramentorum administrationem publicam item precum formulam I doe highly approve that there should be a certain Form of Prayer and Ecclesiasticall Rites From which it should not be lawfull for the Pastors themselves to discede 1. That provision may be made for some peoples ignorance and unskilfulnesse 2. That the consent of all Churches amongst themselves may the more plainly appear 3. That order may be taken against the desultorie levity of such who delight in innovations Thus there ought to be an established Catechisme an established Administration of Sacraments as also a publick Form of Prayer So that it seems not a Form but this Form of Prayer did displease and exceptions were taken at certain passages still in the Liturgie though lately reviewed by the Bishops and corrected 19. Whilst mutuall animosities were heightned betwixt the Opposers and Assertors of the Liturgie Wanton fâ—owardnesse jâ—stly punished Providence put a period for a time to that Controversie in England Such who formerly would not soon after durst not use the Common Prayer Masse and Popery being set up by Queen Mary in the room thereof Thus when Children fall out and fight about the candle the Parents comming in and taking it away leave them to decide the differences in the dark The end of the Reign of King EDWARD the sixt THE Church-History OF BRITAINE The Eighth BOOK CONTAINING THE PERSECUTIONS Under the Reign of QUEEN MARY SIC OMNI TEMPORE VERDO LONDON Printed in the Year M.DC.LV. Punishment for their going naked that what sometimes they affect of Fancy should alwayes be enjoyned them by Authority till the Cold converted them into more Civility In vain do they plead for their Practise the Precedent of the Prophet * Isaiah 20. 3. Isaiah going naked for three years Whose act was extraordinary and mystical having an immediate command from God for the same As well may they in Imitation of Hos ea 1. 2. Hosea take a known harlot to their wives which I beleeve they would not willingly do though they have made Harlots of other mens wives if all be true reported of them Their other Opinion is that THOU and THEE is the Omer of Respect to be measur'd out to every single person allowing the hiest no more the lowest no less be he to speak in their own * Pamphlet called the Language of truth pag. 2. Phrase either King Lord Judge or Officer We will take their words asunder as the wheels of a watch only scowre them and then put them together again King though none at this present in the
were some earnest determination against them and at length they were brought before the King Himself there being present all the whole Council And the King demanded of them why they had not made His Book according to His commandment and refused that to doe with sharp words and angry countenance and the said Sr. Edward opened unto His Highnesse the cause why they did it not and he and other had before declared and opened to the Councill that if the writings were made they were of no effect nor force but utterly void when the King should decease and the Statute of Succession not impaired nor hurted for these will not be taken away but by the same authority they were made and that was by Parliament To that said the King we minde to have a Parliament shortly not telling when which was the first time that the said Sr. Edward heard of any Parliament to be 〈◊〉 Whereunto he said if His pleasure were so all might be deferred to the Parliament and all dangers and perils saved Whereunto the King said he would have this done and after ratifie it by Parliament And after commanded them very sharply upon their allegiance to make it and there were divers of the Lords that stood behind the said Sr. Edward said and if they refused to do that they were traitours And the said Sr. Edward was in great fear as ever he was in all his life before seeing the King so earnest and sharpe and the said Duke so angry the day before who ruled the whole Councill as it pleased him and were all affraid of him the more is the pitty so that such cowardnesse and feare was there never seen amongst honourable men as it hath appeared The said Sr. Edward being an old weak man and without comfort began to consider with himself what was best to be done for the safeguard of his life which was like to chance in that fury and great anger presently And remembring that the making of the said writing was not presently treason by the Statute of Anno primo because this word Successour would take no place while the King was living and determined with himself not to meddle nor execute any thing concerning the same after the death of the King which he hath truly kept hereunto And also remembring that the Queens Highnesse that now is should come by Act of Succession as a purchaser by the law might not lawfully punish treason or contempt committed in the Kings life he said unto the King that he had served His most noble Father many yeers and also His Highnesse during His time Anno Dom. 1553 and loth he would be to disobey His commandment Anno Regin Mar. 1. for his own part he would obey it so that His Highnesse would grant to them His commandment license and commission under His great Seal for the doing making and executing of all things concerning the same and when the things were done that they might have a general pardon All which Commission and pardon was as much as the said Sr. Edward could invent to help this danger over and besides the things above remembred which Commission and pardon the King granted them saying it was but reason that they should have them both and the Commission is passed the Great Seal and the Pardon was signed and as far as he knew sealed All the said matters considered the said Sr. Edward said for his part he would obey the Kings commandment and so did M. Bromley say the same and the King said to Sr. John Baker what say you you said never a word today who as I take it agreed to the same Mr. Gosnold required a respite for he was not yet perswaded to do the thing required How the said Duke and the Earl of Shrewsburie handled him he can tell best himself And after upon the said Sr. Edwards motion the King gave him licence to be advised untill upon the morrow who of himself being in great fear was content to obey the Kings commandment and so the doers and makers of the said Book with sorrowfull hearts and with weeping eyes in great fear and dread devised the said Book according to such Articles as were signed with the Kings proper hand above and beneath and on every side And their said Commission with Articles so signed with the Kings hand and the Book drawn in paper were conveyed from the Court to the Lord Chancelors to be ingrossed in parchment and to passe the great Seal which was done accordingly And on the morrow next after the last Terme ended the said Sr. Edward and all the Judges were sent for he puts his hand to the Book in parchment sealed with the Great Seal and so did many others The said Book of Articles so signed remaineth with the Lord Chancellour Bishop of Eely but who conveyed the said Paper Book into the Chancery or who wrot them or who set their hands to the same Book the said Sr. Edward till he see them he cannot tell but he will not denie but he was privie to the making of them as he hath before said and that he came to the knowledge of the matter by the Articles unsigned and by the Articles signed with the Kings hand and both delivered unto him by the Kings own hands Who put the King in minde to make the said Articles or whowrote them or any of them or by whose procurement or counsell they were made or by what means he and others were called unto this matter he knoweth not but he thinks in his conscience the King never invented this matter of Himself out by some wonderfull false compasse he prayeth God the truth may be known as he doubts not it will be And further he and all his company as well before the King as before the Lords at all times said that their writings before they were made and after they were made were of no value force nor effect to any intent constitution or purpose after the Kings death and there is no remedy to help this but by Parliament And that after the said Thursday being the morrow after the Terme last past that he by any writing printing overt deed or act never did any thing sithence the same day in the Kings life ne sithence the death of the King for he determined with himself to be no executour of the said devise whatsoever should chance of it nor ever medled with the Councill in any thing nor came amongst them untill the Queens Grace that now is was proclaimed Queen in London nor never executed Commission Proclamation or other commandment from the Ladie Jane nor Her Councill but commanded my son to serve the Queens Grace that now is and to go to Sr. Thomas Tresham and Buckingham-shire-men that went to her Grace to defend Her which he so did to my no little cost The case thus stated these notes follow written with the same hand Now that it is to be considered the great fear the said Sr. Edward was
in as well by the Duke of Northumberland on the one day as by the King on the other day Also it is to be considered the Kings commandment upon their allegiance by His own mouth and the Articles signed with His Highnesse own hand and also His Commission license and commandment under His Great Seal to the said Sr. Edward and others for the making of the said Booke Also the Kings pardon signed with His Highnesse hand Also it is to be considered that the said Books were made in the Kings life seaven or eight dayes before His death and the Queens Highnesse being Successour by Act of Parliament to the Crown and having the same as a Purchaser may not lawfully by the Laws of the Realme punish the said offence done in the Kings time Also the said Sr. Edward hath humbly submitted himself to the Queen Highnesse and to the order of the Commissioners Which Commissioners have ordered the said Sr. Edward to pay to Her Highnesse a thousand pounds who hath already paid thereof five hundred pounds and the other five hundred pounds are to be paid at the Feast of All-Saints come Twelve-moneth And also to surrender his letters Patents of lands to the yeerly value of fifty pounds called Eltyngton which he had of the gift of King Edward the Sixth which was all the reward he had of the said King Edward for his service costs and expences Also it is to be considered that the said Sr. Edward is put from his office of the Chief Justice-ship of the Common-Pleas being of the yeerly value of six hundred marks which office the most noble King of famous memorie King Henry the Eighth gave him in consideration of his long service and also had six weeks imprisonment Also it is to be considered that the same Sr. Edward hath seaventeen children viz. eleven Daughters and six Sons whereof one of the said Sons had his legge striken off by the knee in Scotland at Muscleborough-field the Duke of Sommerset being there And his Son and Heire by his commandment served the Queens Highnesse with twenty men to the cost of the said Sr. Edward of one hundred pounds as the Gentlemen of Buckingham-shire can report SO far the late Judge with his own hand Wherein he affirmeth that he medled not with the Councell in any thing afterward as may appear by his not subscribing the letter of the Lords to Queen Mary enjoying shall I say or advising Her to desist from claiming the Crown whereto all the Privie * See them exant in Mr. Fox Act. Mon-Anno 1553. Councellours subscribed onely the hand of Sr. Edward Mountagu is wanting And seeing in the whole transaction of this matter the obedience rather then invention of Judge Mountagu was required not to devise but draw things up according to Articles tendred unto him I cannot believe his * Sr. John Heywood in his Edward 6 report report relating that the King used the advise of Justice Mountagu in drawing up the Letters Patents to furnish the same with reasons of Law as Secretary Cicil with arguments from Policie 3. Some will wonder that no mention herein of Sr. Roger Cholmley Sr. R. Chomley comes off with losse Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench and in dignity above Sr. Edward Mountagu at this time but Judge of the Common-Pleas that he was not employed to draw up the Book But it seems Judge Mountagu his judgement was more relied on who had been formerly Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench and deserted it Yet the said Sr. Roger Cholmley was imprisoned for bare subscribing this Will and as it seems lost his place for the same For Justice Bromley though equally guilty with the rest so far favour extends in matters of this nature was not onely pardoned but from an inferiour Judge * See Sr. H. Spelman Glossary in Justiciarius p. 417. Sr. Jam's Hales his honesty advanced to be successour to Sr. Roger Cholmly and made Judge of the Kings-Bench 4. Whereas Sr. Edward saith that all the Judges were sent for and that many put their hands to the Book it intimateth that all did not but that some refused the same it being eminently known to the everlasting honour of Sr. James Hales that no importunity could prevail with him to underwrite this will as against both law and conscience 5. Eight weeks and upwards passed between the proclaiming of Mary Queen Contest betwixt two Religions and the Parliament by her assembled during which time two religions were together set on foot Protestantisme and Poperie the former hoping to be continued the later labouring to be restored And as the Jews Children a Neh. 13. 24. after the captivity spake a middle language betwixt Hebrew and Ashdod so during the aforesaid interim the Churches and Chappels in England had mongrell celebration of their Divine services betwixt Reformation and Superstition For the Obsequies for King Edward were held by the Queen in the Tower August the seaventh Aug. 7. with the Dirige sung in Latin and on the morrow a masse of Requiem and on the same day his Corps were buried at Westminster with a sermon service and Communion in English No small iustling was there betwixt the zealous Promoters of these contrary Religions The Protestants had possession on their side and the Protection of the Laws lately made by King Edward and still standing in free and full force unrepealed Besides seeing by the fidelity of the Suffolk and Norfolke Protestant Gentry the Queen was much advantaged for the speedy recovering of her Right they conceived it but reason that as she by them had regained the Crown so they under her should enjoy their Consciences The Papists put their Ceremonies in Execution presuming on the Queen her private practice and publique countenance especially after she had imprisoned some Protestant and enlarged some Popish Bishops advancing Stephen Gardiner to be Lord Chancelour Many which were Newters before conceiving which side the Queen inclined would not expect but prevent her authority in Alteration So that Superstition generally got ground in the Kingdome Thus it is in the Evening Twi-light wherein light and darknesse at first may seem very equally matcht but the later within little time doth solely prevail 6. What impressions the Comming in of Queen Mary made on Cambridge Mr. Jewell pens the first Congratulatory letter to the Queen shall God willing be presented in our particular History thereof The sad and sudden alterations in Oxford thereby are now to be handled Ma. John Jewel was chosen to pen the first Gratulatorie Letter to the Queen in the Name of the Vniversity an office imposed on him by his enemies that either the refusall thereof should make him incurre danger from his foes or the performance expose him to the displeasure of his friends Yet he so warily penned the same in Generall termes that his Adversaries missed their marke Indeed all as yet were confident that the Queen would maintain the Protestant
captive by their cruelty except also they carry them about in publike triumph as here Bonner a Fox ibidem got S r. John Cheek unawares to sit in the place where godly Martyrs were condemned And although He then did nothing but sit still sigh and be silent yet shame for what He had done Sense of what others suffered and sorrow that his presence should be abused to countenance cruelty brought him quickly to a comfortable end of a miserable life Sept. 13. as carrying Gods pardon and all good mens pitty along with him 32. Since his Death History rectified in his parentage parts and posterity his Memory hath done some pennance I say not to satisfy the failings in his life being wronged in his Parnetage abused in his Parts and mistaken in his Posterity For the first a learned Pen Sr. John Hayward in the life of Edward the 6. pag. 8. but too free in dealing disgracefull characters on the subjects thereof stileth him a Man of mean Birth and generally he is made only the Son of his own Deserts Whereas M r. Peter Cheek S r. Johns Father living in Cambridge where S r. John was borne over against the Cross in the market-place and where by the advantage of his Nativity He fell from the wombe of his Mother into the lap of the Muses was descended of the family of the Cheeks of Moston in the Isle of Wight where their estate was about 300 li a yeer never increased nor diminished till sold outright some 20. yeers since out of which Richard Cheek in the raigne of King Richard the Second married a Daughter of the Lord Mountagu As for Duffield his Mother she was a discreet and grave Matrone as appeared by the good d The Mother of my aged and worthy friend Mr. Jackson of Histons was with many others present thereat counsel and christian charge She gave this her Son when comming to take his farewell of her and betake himself to Prince Edward his Tuition For his Parts the foresaid Author with the same breath termeth Him So far as appears by the books He wrote Pedantick enough that is too much to such as understand his Miosis But had He perused all his works and particularly His True Subject to the Rebel He would have bestowed a better character upon him Another Writer e One that set forth his life in Oxford Anno 1641. can finde no issue left of his body saving one Son bearing his Fathers name whereas he had three Sons by his wife as appears on her Monument in S t. Martins in the Fields 1. Henry the Eldest Secretary to the Councel in the North who one Francis Ratliffe Sister to the last Earle of Sussex of that family begat S r. Thomas Cheek of Pyrgo in Essex blessed with an happy issue John a valiant Gentle man and Edward both dying without any posterity But these things belong to Heraulds not Historians 33. The sufferings of Katherine Dutchess of Suffolk The Pilgrimage of the Dutchess of Suffolk Baroness Willowgby of Eresby late widow of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolke since wife to Richard Berty Esq must not be forgotten A Lady of a sharpe wit and sure hand to drive her wit home and make it pierce where She Pleased This made Bp. Gardiner to hate her much for her Jests on Him but more for her earnest towards God the Sincerity of Her Religion and thereupon she was forced with her Husband and infant-Daughter to fly beyond the Seas 34. It would tire our Pen to trace their Removals True and sad Errantry from their House the Barbican in London to Lions-Key thence to Leigh thence over Seas beeing twise driven back again into Brabant thence to Santon a City of Cleveland thence to Wesel one of the Hanse-Towns thence to Windhein in the Palatinate thence to Frankford thence by many intermediate Stages into Poland Every removall ministred them matter of new Difficulties to improve their Patience new Dangers to imploy their Prayers and new Deliverances to admire Gods providence Especially in their a See it at large in Fox tome 3. pag. 928. Passage from Santon to Wesel in a cold February and a great thaw after a long frost on foot in a dark night and rainy weather thorow wayes unknown without guide to direct or company to defend them leaving certain Foes behinde and having but suspected friends before them The end of their journy was worse then their journy it self finding first at Wesel no Inn to entertain them able to speak little high-Dutch for themselves and other willing to speak in comfort to them In a word it would trouble ones Head to invent more Troubles then they had all at once and it would break ones Heart to undergo but halfe so many seeing their real sufferings out Romanced the fictions of many Errant Adventures 35. No English Subject had like fâ—rrain relations with this Lady The vanity of Relations and yet they rather afflicted then befriended Her She had been wife to Him who had been Husband to a Queen of France yet durst not go into that country By the confession of Bp. Gardiner himself She and Queen Mary were the only English Ladies of Spanish extraction and alliance yet was it unsafe for Her to stay in any part of the Spanish Dominions The Emperour owed her as Executrix to her Husband Duke Charles great sums of mony yet durst she not demand payment lest the credetrix should be made away and so the debt satisfied 36. Yet an higher Emperour God the best detter even God himself seemed in some sort indebted unto Her He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord for her bounty at Home in the height of her Honour forrainers Protestants especially in distress 37. And now that good debtour Makes just payment God his providence made full payment thereof by inciting the King of Poland at the mediation of the Palatine of Vilna as He at the instance of John Baron Alasco who formerly in England had tasted of this Ladyes liberality to call this Dutchess with her Husband and family to a place in Poland of Safety Profit Credit and Command where they comfortably continued till the death of Queen Mary During these their Travels Peregrine Berty carrying his forrain nativity in his name was born unto them afterwards the valiant Lord Willowgby of Eresby To conclude let this virtuous Lady her example incourage all to be good to all Godly in distress seeing Hospes hodie crasâ— Hospes the Entertainers to day may want Entertainment to morrow 38. My Pen hath been a long Time an Exile from England Why the Parliament so silent in Church-matters and now is willing to return to its native soile Janu. 21. though finding little comfort to invite it thither and less to welcome it there Only I finde a Parliament called solely commendable on this account that it did no more mischief in Church matters Indeed
and Protestants wring their hands which our fathers found begun our selves see hightened and know not whether our children shall behold them pacified and appeased 4. But now a Parliament began at Westminster Alteration of Beligion enacted by the Parliament Wherein the Laws of King Henry the eighth against the See of Rome were renewed Jann 25. and those of King Edward the sixth in favour of the Protestants revived and the Laws by Queen Mary made against them repealed Uniformity of Prayer and Administration of Sacraments was enacted with a Restitution of first fruits Tenths c. to the Crown For all which we remit the Reader to the Statutes at large It was also enacted that whatsoever Jurisdictions Priviledges anâ— Spiritualls preeminences had been heretofore in Vse by any Ecclesiasticall Authority whatsoever to visit Ecclesiasticall men and Correct all manner of Errors Hereâ—es Schisms Abuses and Enormities should be for ever annexed to the Imperiall Crown of England if the Queen and her Successours might by their Letters patents substitute certain men to exercise that Authority howbeit with proviso that they should define nothing to be heresie but those things which were long before defined to be Heresies out of the Sacred Canonicall Scriptures or of the four Oecumenicall Councills or other Councills by the true and proper sence of the Holy Scriptures or should thereafter be so defined by authority of the Parliament with assent of the Clergy of England assembled in a Synod That all and every Ecclesiasticall Persons Magistrates Receivers of pensions out of the Exchequer such as were to receive degrees in the Vniversities Wards that were to sue their Liveries and to be invested in their Livings and such as were to be admitted into the number of the Queens servants c. should be tyed by oath to acknowledge the Queens Majesty to be the onely and supreme Governour of her Kingdoms the Title of Supreme head of the Church of England liked them not in all matters and causes as well spiritual as temporal all forrain Princes and Protestants being quite excluded from taking Cognizance of Causes within her Dominions 5. But the Papists found themselves much agrieved at this Ecclesiasticall Power Papists exceptions against the Queens Supremacy declared and confirmed to be in the Queen they complained that the simplicity of poore people was abused the Queen declining the Title Head and assuming the name Governour of the Church which though less offensive was more expressive So whil'st their ears were favoured in her waving the word their souls were deceived with the same sence under another Expression They cavilled how King a Sanders de Schismate Anglicano lib. 3. pag. 316. Henry the eighth was qualified for that Place and Power being a Lay-man King Edward double debarr'd for the present being a Lay-childe Queen Elizabeth totally excluded for the future being a Lay-woman b Hart against Rainolds pag. 673. They object also that the very c In Praefat. centur 7. writers of the Centuries though Protestants condemne such Headship of the Church in PRINCES and d Upon the 7. of Amos 3. The same how defended by Protestant Divines Calvin more particularly sharply taxeth Bishop Gardiner for allowing the same Priviledge to KING Henry the eighth 6. Yet nothing was granted the Queen or taken by her but what in due belonged unto her according as the most learned and moderate Divines have defended it For e Rainolds against Hart pag. 38. first they acknowledged that Christ alone is the Supreme Soveraign of the Church performing the Duty of an head unto it by giving it power of life feeling and moving and f Ephes 1. 22. him hath God appointed to be head of the Church and Col. 2. 19. by him all the body furnished and knit together by joynts and bands encreaseth with the encreasing of God This Headship cannot stand on any mortall shoulders it being as incommunicable to a Creature as a Creature is incapable to receive it There is also a peculiar Supremacy of Priests in Ecclesiasticall matters to preach the Word minister the Sacraments celebrate Prayers and practise the discipline of the Church which no Prince can invade without usurpation and the sin of Sacriledge for Incense it self did stink in the Nostrils of the God of heaven and h 2 Chr. 26. 19 provoked his Anger when offered by King Vzziah who had no calling thereunto Besides these there is that power which Hezekiah exercised in his Dominions Commanding the Levites and Priests to do their Duty and the People to serve the Lord. And to this power of the Prince it belongeth to restore Religion decayed reforme the Church Corrupted protect the same reformed This was that supremacy in Causes and over Persons as well Ecclesiasticall as Civil which was derived from God to the Queen annexed to the Crown disused in the dayes of her Sister whose blinde zeal surrendred it to the Pope not now first fixed in the Crown by this act of State but by the same declared to the Ignorant that knew it not cleared to the scrupulous that doubted of it and asserted from the Obstinate that denied it 7. As for Calvin How Dr. Rainolds answereth the exceptions to the contrary he reproveth not Reader it is D r. Rainolds whom thou readest the title of head as the Peotestants granted it but that sense thereof i against Hart pag. 673. which Popish Prelates gave namely Stephen Gardiner who did urge it so as if they had meant thereby that the King might do things in Religion according to his own will and not see them done according to Gods will namely that he might forbid the Clergie Marriage the laytie the Cup in the Lords Supper And the truth is that Stephen Gardiner was shamelessly hyperbolicall in fixing that in the King which formerly with as little Right the Pope had assumed Whether he did it out of mere flattery as full of adulation as superstition equally free in sprinkling Court and Church holy-water and as very a fawning Spaniel under King Henry the eighth as afterwards he proved a cruel Blood-hound under Queen Mary his Daughter Or because this Bishop being in his heart disaffected to the Truth Anno Dom. 1557. of set purpose betrayed it in defending it Anno Regin Eliza. 1. suting King Henries vast Body and Minde with as mighty yea monstrous a power in those his odious instances straining the Kings Authority too high on set purpose to break and to render it openly obnoxious to just exception The Centuriatoâ—s also well understood do allow and a Idem ibidem Confess the Magistrates Jurisdiction in Ecclesiasticall matters though on good reason they be enemies to this Usurpation of unlawfull power therein But I digresse and therein Transgresse seeing the large profecution hereof belongs to Divines 9. But Sanders taketh a particular exception against the Regular passing of this Act Sunders 〈…〉 Elizabeth shewing much Queen-Craft in
procuring the votes of the Nobility feeding the b 〈…〉 pag. 329. Earle of Arundell with fond hopes that she would marry him and promising the Duke of Norfolke a dispensation from his wife which he could not with such expedition obtain from the Pope and yet faith he when all was done it was carried in the house of Lords but by c Idem pag. 303. three voices Here not to mention how in the greatest Councells matters of most high concernment have been determined with as few as three clear decisive suffrages this suggestion of Sanders is a loud untruth for the Act having easily pass'd the house of Commons found none of the Temporall Nobility in the house of Lords to oppose it save only the d Camdens Elizabeth in this year pag 19. Earle of Shrewsbury And Anthony Brown Viscount Mountacute who had formerly been employed to reconcile the Kingdom of England to his Holiness As for the Bishops there were but fourteen and the Abbot of Westminster then alive of whom foure being absent whether Voluntarily or out of Sickness uncertain the rest could not make any considerable opposition If any other Artifice was used in cunning contriving the businesse the Protestants were not aforchand but just even with the Papists who had used the same subtilty in their own Cause in the first Parliament of Queen Mary 10. But now to remove into the Convocation The acts of this years Convocation which at this time was very small and silent For as it is observed in Nature When one Twinn is of an unusual Strength and bigness the other his partner borne with him is weak and dwingled away So here this Parliament being very active in matters of Religion the Convocation younger Brother thereunto was little imployed and less Regarded Only after a Mass of the Holy Ghost had been celebrated Edmond Bonner Bishop of London in the vacancie of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury President of the Convocation began with a speech to this effect That although it had been an ancient and laudable custome to begin such meetings of the Clergie with a Latine Sermon yet such now was not to be expected partly because the Arch-Bishop was Dead who was to designe the Preacher and partly because they had received a e Liber Synod Anno Dom. 1559. folio 15. mandate from the privy Councel that no such Sermons should be made in that Church till they were further informed by the Queeu and her Councel In the third Session on friday Nicholas Harpsfield Doctor of Law and Arch-Deacon of Canterbury was chosen f Ib. fol. 6. Referendary or Prolocutor for the Clergie a place of some Credit g fol. 8. but little pains to discharge seeing the only remarkable thing which passed in this Convocation was certain Articles of Religion Feb. 18. which they tendered to the * To the Bps. that they might present them to the Parli c. Parliament which here we both Transcribe and Translate requesting the Reader not to begrutch his pains to peruse them Considering they are the last in this kinde that ever were represented in England by a Legall Corporation in defence of the Popish Religion And though errour doth go out with a Stink yet it is a persume that it does go out We are so far from denying a grave to bury them that we will erect the * Copied by me out of the Original Monument over this ashes of these dead errours REVERENDI in Christo Patres ac Domini colendissimi Anno Dom. 1558 Quoniam fama publica referente ad nostram nuper notitiam pervenit multa Religionis Christianae Dogmata publice unanimi gentium Christianarum consensu hactenus recepta probata ac ab Apostolis ad nos usque concorditer per manus deducta prâ—esertim Articulos infra scriptos in dubium vocari Hinc est quod nos Cantuariensis Provinciae inferior secundarius Clerus in uno Deo sic disponente ac Serenissimae Dominae nostrae Reginae Decani Capituls Cant. mandato Brevi Parliamenti ac monitione Ecclesiastica solita declarata id exigente convenientes partium nostrarum esse existimavimus tunt nostrae tum eorum quorum cura nobis Committitur aeternae saluti omnibus quibus poterimus modis prospicere Quocirca majorum nostrorum exemplis Commoti qui in similia saepe tempora inciderunt fidem quam in Articulis infra Scriptis veram esse credimus ex animo profitemur ad dei Laudem honorem officiique aliarum nostrae curae commissarum exonerationem praentibus duximus publicè auferendam affirmantes sicut Deus nos in die Judicij Adjuvet asserentes Primò quod in Sacramento Altaris virtute Christi verbo suo à Sacerdote debitè prolato assistentis praesens est realiter sub speciebus panis vini naturale Corpus Christi Conceptum de Virgine Mariae Item naturalis ejus Sanguis Item quod post Consecrationem non remanet substantia panis vini neque alia ulla substantia nisi substantia Dei hominis Item quod in missa offertur verum Christi Corpus verus ejusdem sanguis sacrificium propitiatiorium pro vivis defunctis Item quod Petro Apostolo ejus legitimis successoribus in sede Apostclica tanquim Christi Vicariis data est suprema potestas pascendi regendi ecclesiam Christi militantem et fratres suos confirmandi Item quod Authoritas tractandi dissiniendi de ijs quae spectant ad fidem Anno Dom. 1457. Sacrantentum disciplinam ecclesiasticam hactenus semper spectavit spectare debet tantum ad Pastores Ecclesiae quos spiritus Sanctus in hoc in ecclesiam Dei Pasuit non ad Laicos Quam nostram assertionem affirmationem fidem Nos inferior Clerus praedictus considerationes praedictas Vestris Paternitatibus tenore presentium exhibemus humiliter supplicantes ut quia nobis non est copia hanc nostram sententiam intentionem aliter illis quos in hac parte interest notificandi Vos qui Patres estis ista superioribus Ordinibus significare velitis Qua in re Offictum charitatis ac Pietatis ut arbitramur praestabitis saluti gregis vestri ut par est Prospicietis vestras ipsi animas liberabisis REVEREND Fathers in Christ and our honourable Lords Whereas by the report of publique fame it hath come unto our knowledge that many Doctrines of the Christain Religion hitherto received and approved by the unanimous consent of Christian nations and with joynt agreement as by hands deduced from the Apostles unto us especially the Articles under-written are now called into question Hence it is that we the inferior and secondary Clergy of the Province of Canterbury assembled in one body God so disposing it and the Command of our Lady the Queens most excellent Majesty together with the mandate of the Dean and chapter of Canterbury the Parliament-Writ and
convenient time And of their doings in this behalf to certifie Her Majesties privie-Councell or the Councell in the Sarr-Chamber at Westminster that order may be taken herein Given at Windsor the 19 th of September the second year of Her Majesties raign Her Princely care took this desired effect that it stopped the main stream of Sacriledge herein though some by-rivolets thereof ran still in private Churches in defiance of all orders provided to the contrary 37. May the Reader take notice The death and character of Bp. Bale that henceforward God willing we will set down at the end of every year the deaths of such eminent Divines who deceased therein though we finde no funeralls of any prime Protestant in the two first yeers of the Queens raigne Her coming to the Crown inspirited the weakest and oldest with vigorousnesse and vivacity for a time and Divine Providence preserved them from blasting who were but newly replanted in their places Only we conjecture that John Bale Bishop of Ossorie died about this time we finding no future mention of his activity which if alive could not conceal it self Pity it is we cannot give the exact date of his death who was so accurate in noting the deeeases of others For this John Bale was he who besides many other books enlarged Leland and continued the Lives of the English Writers Borne at Covy near Dunwich in Suffolke bred in Cambridge afterwards a Carmelite in Norwich and ignorantly zealous in their superstitions He was first converted to the knowledge of the Gospel as himself a De Scriptor Britan Centur 8. confesseth by the care of that worthy Lord Thomas Lord Wentworth of Nettlested in Suffolke Whereupon to use his own expression he was transported from his barren mount Carmel to the fair and fruitfull vale of the Gospel 38. Presently comes persecution The persecutions which in his life he suffered For his preaching of the Gospell he is drag'd from the Pulpit to the Consistory before Lee Arch-Bishop of Yorke and for the same cause was afterwards convented before Stokesley Bishop of London but the Lord Cromwell much affected with the facetiousness of such Comedies as he had presented unto him rescued him from their paws by his power After eight yeers exile in Germany he was recalled by King Edward and made Bishop of Ossâ—rie in Ireland where he remained but a short time For after the Kings death he hardly escaped with his own life some of his servants being slain cast by tempest into Cornewall taken by pirates dearly redeemed with much difficulty he recovered London with more danger got over into Germany Whence returning in the first of Queen Elizabeth about this time he ended his life leaving a Scholars Inventory moe books many of his own making than mony behinde him 39. His friends say Bales passion endeavoured to be excused that Bale his pen doth zealously confute such as are strangers to him conceive it doth bitterly enveigh and his foes say it doth damnably raile on Papists and their opinions though something may be pleaded for his passion Old age and ill usage will make any man angry When young he had seen their superstition when old he felt their oppression Give losers therefore leave to speak and speakers to be cholerick in such cases The best is Bale railes not more on Patists then Pits employed on the same subject on Protestant Writers and even set me against the other whilest the discreet reader of both paring off the extravagances of passion on each side The Pope tampereth to reconcile the Queen to the Church of Rome may benefit himself in quietness from their loud and clamorous invectives 40. Pius the fourth 1560. being newly setled in the Papal chaire 3. May. 5. thought to do something no less honourable than profitable to his See in reducing Queen Elizabeth a wandring sheep worth a whole flock to the Church of Rome In order whereunto he not only was deaf to the importunity of the Count of Feria pressing him for a private grudge to excommunicate Her but also addressed Vincent Parpalia Abbot of S t. Saviours with courteous letters unto her The tenour whereof ensueth To our most dear Daughter in Christ Elizabeth Queen of England DEar daughter in Christ health and Apostolical benediction How greatly we desire our Pastoral charge requiring it to procure the salvation of your soule and to provide likewise for your honour and the establishment of your Kingdom withall God the searcher of all hearts knoweth and you may understand by what we have given in charge to this our beloved son Vincentius Parpalia Abbot of S t. Saviours a man well known to you and well approved by us Wherefore we do again and again exhort and admonish your Highnesse most dear daughter that rejecting evil Councellours which love not you but themselves and serve their own lusts Anno Dom. 1562. you would take the fear of God into Counsel with you Anno Regin Eliza. 4. and acknowledging the time of your visitation shew your selves obeâ—ient to our fatherly perswasions and wholsome Counsells and promise to your self from us all things that may make not only to the salvation of your soul but also whatsoever you shall desire from us for the establishing confirming of your Princely dignity according to the authority place and office committed unto us by God And if so be as we desire and hope you shall return into the bosome of the Church we shall be ready to receive you with the same love honour and rejoycing that the Father in the Gospel did his Son returning to him although our joy is like to be the greater in that he was joyfull for the salvation of one Son but you drawing along with you all the people of England shall hear us and the whole company of our brethren who are shortly God willing to be assembled in a generall Councell for the taking away of heresies and so for the salvation of your self and your whold nation fill the Vniversal Church with rejoycing and gladnesse Yea you shall make glad heaven it self with such a memorable fact and atchieve admirable renown to your name much more glorious than the Crown you wear But concerning this matter the same Vincentius shall deal with you more largely and shall declare our fatherly affection toward you and we intreate your Majesty to receive him lovingly to hear him diligently and to give the same credit to his speeches which you would to our self Given at Rome at S. Peters c. the fifth day of May 1560. in our first yeer What private proposals Parpalia made to her Majesty on condition she would be reconciled to Rome is unknown Some conceive the Pope might promise more then He meant to perform but would He perform more than He did promise nothing herein had been effected A Bargain can never be driven where a Buyer can on no terms be procured Her Majesty was resolute and unmoveable
With M r. Fox And Dr. Lawrence Humfrey I joyne his Dear Friend Laurence Humfrey whom I should never have suspected for inclinations to nonconformity such his intimacy with Doctor Jewell and other Bishops had I not read in my Author that * Cambden Elizabetha in Anno 1589. De Adiaphoris non juxta cum Ecclesia Anglicana senserit He was Regius Professor of Divinity in Oxford where his Answers and determinations were observed quick clear and solid but his Replies and objections weak and slender which his Auditors imputed to no lack of learning wherewith he was well stored but to his unwillingness to furnish his Popish Adversaries with strong arguments to maintain their Erroneous opinions But such his quiet carriage that notwithstanding his nonsubscribing he kept his Professors place and Deanry of Winchester as long as he lived 70. Pass we now to the fierce not to say furious sticklers against Church-Discipline Anthony Gilby a fierce Nonconformist and begin with Anthony Gilby born in Lincolne-shire bred in Christs Colledge in Cambridge How fierce he was against the Ceremonies take it from his own a pag. 150. pen. They are known liveries of AntiChrist accursed leaven of the Blasphemous Popish Priesthood cursedpatches of Popery and Idolatry they are worse then lousie for they are sibbe to the sarke of Hercules that made him tear his own bowels asunder 71. William Whittingham succeeds Anno Regin Eliza. 8. Anno Dom. 1566. And William Whittingham bred in Allsouls Colledge in Oxford afterwards Exile in Germany where he made a preface to M r. a Bale Cent. nona pag. 731. Goodman his Booke approving the Divinity therein and returning into England was made Deane of Durham 72. Christopher Goodman is the third And Christopher Goodman and well it were if it might be truly said of him what of Probus the Emperor that he was Vir sui nominis Sure it is that living beyond the seas in the dayes of Queen Mary he wrote a Booke stuffed with much dangerous Doctrine Wherein he maintained that S r. Thomas Wyat was no Traitor b pag 203 20â— 207. that his cause was Gods that none but Traitors could accuse him of Treason and that the Councellours and others who would be accounted Nobles and took not his part were in very deed Traitors to God Note that these three were active in the separation from Frankford vide supra 9. Book p. 9. his People and their Country These three for David Whitehead I have no minde to mention with them were certainly the Antesignani of the fierce Nonconformists Yet finde I none of them solemnly silenced either because perchance dead before this yeer wherein the vigorous urging of Subscription or because finding some favour in respect of their suffering of banishment for the â—rotestant Religion Only I meet with Thomas Samson Dean of Christs Church in Oxford qui propter Puritanismum c Godwin his catalogue in the Bishop of Oxford exauthoratus displaced this yeer out of his Deanry notwithstanding the said Samson stands very high in Bale his Catalogue of the English Exiles in the Reign of Queen Mary 73. Queen Elizabeth came to Oxford Aug. 31. The Queens entertainment at Oxford honourably attended with the Earle of Leicester Lord Chancelour of the Vniversity The Marquâ—sse of Northhampton The Lord Burleigh The Spanish Ambassadour c. Here she was entertained with the most stately welcom which the Muses could make Edmond Campian then Proctour Oratorie being his Master-piece well performed his part only over flattering Leicester enough to make a modest mans head ake with the too sweet flowers of his Rhetorick save that the Earle was as willing to hear his own praise as the other to utter it Her Highness was lodged in Christs-Church where many Comedies were acted before Her one whereof Palemon and Arce had a Tragicall end three men being slain d Sâ—ow his Chron. p. 660. by the fall of a wall and press of people Many Acts were kept before her in Philosophie and one most eminent in Divinity wherein Bishop Jewell this yeer in his absence created Honorarie Doctour was Moderatour It lasted in summer time till candles were lighted delight devouring all weariness in the Auditours when the Queen importuned by the Lords The Spanish Ambassadour to whom she profferred it modestly declining the imployment concluded all with this her Latine Oration Qui male agit Her Highness speech to the University This speech was taken by D. Laurence Humfrey and by him printed in the life of B. Jewell pag. 244. odit luâ—em ego quidem quia nihil aliud nisi male agere possum idcirco odilucem odi id est conspectum vestrum Atque sanè me magna tenet dubitatio dam singula considero quae hic aguntur laudemne an vituperem taceamne an eloquar Sieloquar patefaciam vobis quam sim literarum rudis taccre autem nolo ne defectus videatur esse contemptus Et quia tempus breve est quod habeo ad dicendum idciâ—co omnia in pauca conferam orationem meam in duas partes dividam in laudem vituperationem Laus autem ad vos pertinet Ex quo enim primum Oxoniam veni multa vidi multa audivi probavi omnia Erant enim prudenter facta eleganter dicta At ea quibus in prologis vos ipsi excusastis neque pro pare ut Regina possum neque ut Christiana debeo Caeterum quia in exordio semper adhibuistis cautionem mihi sane illa disputatio non displicuit Nunc venio ad alterampartem nempe vituperationem Atque haec pars mihi propria est Sane fateor Parentes meos diligentissimè curasse ut in bonis literis rectè instituerer quidem in multarum linguarum varietate diu versata sui quarum aliquam mihi cognitionem assumo Anno Regin Eliza. 7. quod etsi verè tamen verecundè dico Habui quidem multos Doctos Paedigogos qui ut me eruditum redderent diligenter elaborarunt Sed Paedagâ—gi mei posuerunt operam in agro sterili infaecundo ita fructus percipâ—re vix poterant aut dignitate mea aut illâ—rum laboribus aut vestra expectatione dignos Quamobrem etsi omnes vos me abundè laudastis ego tamen quae mihi conscia sum quam sim nulla laude digna facile agnosco sed finem imponam orationi meae Barbarismis plenae si prius optavero votum unum addidero Votum meum hoc erit ut me vivente sitis Florentissimi me mortua Beatissimi Thus having stayed seven dayes Sept. 6. she took her leave of the Vniversity M r. Williams the Maior riding in scarlet before her Majesty to Magdalen Bridge But the Doctours attending her in their formalities as far as Shot-over SECTION IIII. To WILLIAM HONYEWOOD Esq Some Conceive that to be pressed to death the punishment on Recusants to submit to
profit thereof Nove. 14. Mond He was the first Protestant English Bishop that died in the dayes of Q. Elizabeth 15. Thomas Piercy Earle of Northumberland and Charles Nevill Earle of Westmerland brake out into open Rebellion against the Queen 1569 The Rebellion of the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland Lords of right noble extraction and large revenue whose titles met with their estates in the Northern Parts and indeed the height of their honour was more then the depths of their judge ment These intended to restore the Romish Religion set free the Queen of Scots pretending much zeal for the liberty of the people and honour of the nation complaining of Queen Elizabeth her neglect of the ancient Nobility and advancing mean persons to the places of highest trust and command though indeed could she have made her Noblemen wise as she did her Wisemen Noble these Earls had never undertaken this Rebellion Numerous their Tenants in the North and their obligations the higher for the low rent they paid though now alass poor souls they paid a heavy sine losing their lives in the cause of their Landlords 16. Their first valour was to fight against the English Bible 16. 〈◊〉 Anno Regin 12. Dece 10. More superstiâ—ous thâ—n valiant and Service-Booke in Durham tearing them in pieces And as yet unable to go to the cost of saying Masse for want of Vestiments they began with the cheapest piece of Popery Holy Water their Wells plentifully affording water and Plumtree the Priest quickly conferring consâ—eration Afterwards better provided they set up Mass in most places where they came b Sâ—ws Cron. 663. Richard Norton an ancient and aged Gentleman carrying the Cross before them and others bearing in their Banners the five wounds of Christ or a Chalice according to their different devices No great matter was atchieved by them save the taking of Baâ—â—ards Castle in the Bishoprick which indeed took it self in effect the Defenders thereof being destitute of Victuals and Provisions 17. But hearing how the Garrisons of Carlile and Barwick were manned against them on their backs Routed â—y the Queen her forces and the Earle of Sussex advancing out of the South with an Army to oppose them their spirits quickly sunk and being better armed then disciplined wanting expert Commanders how easily is a rout routed they fled Northwards and mouldered away without standing a battell 18. An Italian Authour writing the life of Pope Pius Quintus giveth us this brief account of this expedition An Italian Authour reckoning without his Hoast They did not overrun the Kingdom as they ought to have done and followed after Elizabeth for which they could not have wanted followers enough but they stood still and not being able to maintain themselves long in the field for want of mony they finally withdrew themselves into Scotland without any thing doing So easie it is for this Authors fancy which scaleth the highest Walls without Ladders gaineth the straightest passes without blows crosses the deepest Rivers without Bridge Ford or Ferry to overrun England though otherwise this handfull of men never exceeding six hundred horse and four thousand foot were unlikely to run through other shiers who could not stand a blow in their own Country 19. Northumberland fled into Scotland Northumberland with many more of thâ— Rebels executed lurked there a time Anno Dom. 1569. was betrayed to Earle Murrey Anno Regin Eliza. 12. sent back into England and beheaded at Yorke Westmerland made his escape into Flanders the wisest work that ever he did where he long lived very poore on a small and ill paâ—ed Pension Many were executed by S r. George Bowes Knight Marshall every market Town being then made a shire Town for his Assises betwixt New-Castle and Witherby a Sâ—ow his Chronicle p. 663. about sixty miles in length and forty in breadth much terrifying those parts with his severity Insomuch that when next year Leonard Dacres put together the ends of the quenched brands of this Rebellion with intent to rekinâ—le them they would not take fire but by the vigilancy and valour of the L. Hansdon his designe was seasonably defeated 20. John Story D. of Law The execution of Dr. Story a cruel persecutor in the dayes of Q. Mary being said for his share to have martyred two or three hundred fled afterwards over into Brabant and because great with Duke de Alva like cup like 〈◊〉 he made him searcher at Antwerp for English goods Where if he could detect either Bible * Fox Acts Mon. p. 2152. or Hereticall Books as they termed them in any ship it either cost their persons imprisonment or goods confiscation But now being trained into the ship of Mr. Parker an Englishman the Master hoised sail time and tide winde and water consenting to that designe and over was this Tyrant and Traitor brought into England where refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy and professing himself subject to the King of Spain he was executed at Tyburne Where being cut down halfe dead after his * Fox Acts Mâ—n ut prius privie members were cut off he rushed on the Executioner and gave him a blow on the eare to the wonder saith my Author of all the standers by and I who was not there wonder more that it was not recounted amongst the Romish miracles 21. The old store of Papists in England began now very much to diminish The original of the English Colledges beyond the seas and decay insomuch that the Romanists perceiv'd they could not spend at this rate out of the main stock but it would quickly make them Bankerupt Prisons consumed many Age moe of their Priests and they had no place in England whence to recruit themselves The largest cisterne with long drawing will grow dry if wanting a fountain to feed the daily decay thereof Hereupon they resolved to erect Colledges beyond the seas for English youth to have their education therein A project now begun and so effectually prosecuted that within the compasse of fifty years nine Colledges were by them founded and furnished with Students and they with maintenance as by the following Catalogue may appear as they stood at the last yeer of King James Since no doubt they have been enlarged in greatnesse increased in number enriched in revenues as such who shall succeed us in continuing this Story may report to posterity May they at my request if having the conveniencies of leisure and instructions be pleased to perfect this my Catalogue and replenish the vacuities thereof with their more exact observations And let no Papists laugh at our light mistakes Protestants not pretending to such exact intelligence of their Colledges as they have of ours Indeed they have too criticall instructions of all our English societies by their agents living amongst us and it is a bad signe when suspicious persons are over-preying to know the windows doors all the passages and
dear brother the Lord Jesus every day more and more bless thee and all that earnestly desire his glory Geneva October 1582. Thine Beza often using another mans hand because of the shaking of my own We must not let so eminent a letter pass without some observations upon it See we here the secret sympathy betwixt England and Geneva about discipline Geneva helping England with her prayers England aiding Geneva with her purse 20. By the Colledge of Bishops here mentioned by Beza Geneva's suit was coldly resented we understand them assembled in the last Convocation Wonder not that Geneva's wants found no more pitty from the Episcopal party seeing all those Bishops were dead who formerly exiles in the Marian dayes had found favour and relief in Geneva and now a new generation arose having as little affection as obligation to that government But however it fared with Geneva at this time sure I am that some years a Vide pag. 1602. parag after preferring her petition to the Prelacie though frequent begging makes slender alms that Common-wealth tasted largely of their liberality 21. Whereas mention is made Why the rigorous pressing of subscription was now remitted of the heat of some abated this relateth to the matter of subscription now not pressed so earnestly as at the first institution thereof This remissnesse may be imputed partly to the nature of all laws for though knives if of good metall grow sharper because their edge thinner by using yet laws commonly are keenest at the first and are blunted in process of time in their execution partly it is to be ascribed to Arch-Bisshop Grindals age and impotency who in his greatest strength did but weakly urge conformity partly to the Earle of Leicester his interposing himself Patron General to non-subscribers being perswaded as they say by Roger Lord North to undertake their protection SECTION V. To DANIEL HARVEY Esq High Sheriff of Surrey I am sufficiently sensible of the great distance and disproportion betwixt my meanesse and your worth as at all other times so now especially whilst you are a prime Officer in publick employment Despairing therefore that my pen can produce any thing meet for your entertainment I have endeavoured in this Section to accommodate you with Company fittest for your Converse being all no meaner then Statesmen and most of them Privie Councellours in their severall Letters about the grand businesse of Conformity God in due time bless you and your Honorable Consort with such issue as may be a Comfort to you and a Credit to all your relations 1. VEry strongly Leicester though at the Councel table Politickly complying with the rest of the Lords A forme of Discipline considered of by the Brethren in a solemn Synod with the severall Decrees thereof and concurring alwayes with their results when sitting in Conjunction with them when alone engaged his Affections in favour of the Non-conformists and improved his power at this time very great with the Queen to obtain great liberty for them Hence it was that many Bishops Active in pressing subscription in their Diocess when repairing to Court were checkt and snibt by this great favourite to their no small grief and discouragement Heartned hereat the Brethren who hitherto had no particular platforme of discipline amongst themselves as universally owned and practised by their party began in a solemne Councell held by them but whether at Cambridge or London uncertain To conclude on a certain forme as followeth in these their decrees faithfully translated out of their own latine Copie The Title thereof videlicet These be the things that do seem may will stand with the peace of the Church The Decrees LEt no man though he be an Vniversity man offer himself to the Ministery nor let any man take upon him an uncertain and vague Ministery a a Under Mr. 〈◊〉 hand 〈◊〉 of the â—spand 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 Bancrofi his dangerous positions pag. 46. though it be offered unto him But such as be called to the Ministery by some certain Church let them impart it unto that Classis or conference where of themselves are or else to some greater Church-assembly and if such shall be found fit by them then let them be commended by there letters unto the Bishop that they may be ordained Ministers by him Those ceremonies in the Book of Common-Prayer which being taken from Popery are in controversie doseem that they ought to be omitted and given over if it may be done without danger of being put from the Ministery But if there be any imminent danger to be deprived then this matter must be communicated with the Classis in which that Church is that by the judgement thereof it may be determined what ought to be done If subscription to the Articles of Religion and to the Book of Common-Prayer shall be again urged it is thought that the Book of Articles may be subscribed unto according to the statute thirteenth Elizabeth that is unto such of them only as contain the sum of Christian faith and doctrine of the Sacraments But for many weighty causes neither the rest of the Articles in that Book nor the Book of Common-prayer may be allowed no though a man should be deprived of his Ministery for it It seemeth that Church-wardens and Collectors for the poor might thus be turned into Elders and into Deacons when they are to be chosen Let the Church have warning fifteen dayes before of the time of Election and of the Ordinance of the Realm but especially of Christs Ordinance touching appointing of Watchmen and overseers in his Church who are to fore-see that none offence of scandall do arise in the Church and if any shall happen that by them it may be duly abolished And touching Deacons of both sorts Videlicet men and women the Church shall be monished what is required by the Apostle and that they are not to chuse men of Custome and of Course or for their riches but for their faith zeal and integrity and that the Church is to pray in the mean time to be so directed that they make choice of them that be meet Let the names of such as are so chosen be published the next Lords day and after that their duties to the Church and the Churches towards them shall be declared then let them be received into the Ministery to which they are chosen with the generall prayers of the whole Church The Brethâ—en are to be requested to ordain a distribution of all Churches according to these rules in that behalf that are set down in the Synodical Discipline touching Classicall Provinciall Comitiall or of Commencements and assemblies for the whole kingdome The Classes are to be required to keep acts of memorable matters which they shall see delivered to the Comitiall assembly that from thence they may be brought by the Provinciall assembly Also they are to deal earnestly with Patrones to present fit men whensoever any Church is fallen void in that Classis The Comitial
follow thereof such success as may be to your liking that then you would be content to permit him to repair hither to London to be further dealt with as I shall take order for upon his coming for which purpose I have written a letter to the Sheriff if your Lordship shall like thereof And so I bid your Lordship right heartily farewell From the Court at Westminster this 21. of April 1581. Your Lordships very loving friend W. B. Brown being thus brought up to London by the advice of his friends was wrought to some tolerable compliance and being discharged by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was by the Lord Treasurer sent home to his father Anthony Brown at Tolethorp in Rutland Esquire One I assure you of ancient and right worshipfull extraction having my self seen a charter granted by King Henry the eighth the 16 th of July in the 18 th of his reign and confirmed by act of Parliament to Francis Brown father to the aforesaid Anthony giving him leave to put on his cap in the presence of the King or his heirs or any Lord Spirituall or Temporall in the land and not to put it off but for his own ease and pleasure But let us see and the Lord Treasurers letter in the behalf of Brown to his father AFter my very hearty commendations understanding that your son Robert Brown had been sent for up by my Lord Bishop of Canterbury to answer to such matters as he was to be charged withall conteined in a Book made by him and published in print as it was thought by his means I thought good considering he was your Son and of my blood to send unto my Lord of Canterbury in his behalf that he might finde what reasonable favour he could shew him before whom I perceive he hath answered in some good sort and although I think he will not deny the making of the Book yet by no means will he confess to be acquainted with the publishing or printing of it He hath besides yielded unto his Lordship such further contentment as he is contented the rather at my motion to discharge him and therefore for that he purposeth to repair to you I have thought good to accompany him with these my letters and to pray you for this cause or any his former dealings not to withdraw from him your fatherly love and affection not doubting but with time he will be fully recovered and withdrawn from the Reliques of some fond opinions of his which will be the better done if he be dealt withall in some kinde and temperate manner And so I bid you very heartily farewell From my house neer the Savoy this eighth of October 1585. Your loving friend and Cousin William Burghley But it seems Browns errours were so inlaid in him no conference with Divines could convince him to the contrary whose incorrigibleness made his own father weary of his company Men may wish God only can work children to be good The old gentleman would own him for his Son no longer then his Son owned the Church of England for his Mother desiring to rid his hands of him as by the insuing letter will appear AFter my very hearty Commendations I perceive by your letters that you have little or no hopes of your sons conformity as you had when you received him into your house and therefore you seem desirous that you might have liberty to remove him further off from you as either to Stamford or some other place which I know no cause but you may very well and lawfully do where I wish he might better be perswaded to conforme himself for his own good and yours and his friends comfort And so I very heartily bid you farewell From the Court this seventeeth of February 1585. Your very loving friend and cousin William Burghley Thus to make our Story of the troublesom man the more entire we have trespassed on the two following years yet without discomposing our Chronologie on the Margin 3. With his assistant Richard Harrisen Brown his opinions a petty Pedagogue they inveighed against Bishops Ecclesiasticall Courts Ceremonies Ordination of Ministers and what not fancying here on earth a platform of a perfect Church without any faults understand it thus save those that are made by themselves therein The Reader if desirous to know their opinions is referred to the large and learned Treatises written against them particularly to the pains of D r. Fulke proving that the Brownists so named from this Brown their ringleader were in effect the same with the ancient Donatists only newly reviv'd Thus there is a circulation as in fashion of clothes so of opinions the same after some years return Brownisme being no more than Donatisme vamped with some new additions The Queen and Her Councell seriously set themselves first by gentleness to reduce and that not succeeding by severity to suppress the increase of this faction Brown himself used to boast that he had been committed to thirty two prisons and in some of them be could not see his hand at noon day Yet for all this he came off at last both with saving his life and keeping his living and that none of the meanest Achurch in Northampton-shire untill the day of his death 4. One may justly wonder Extraordinary favour indulged unto him when many meaner Accessaries in this schism were arraigned condemned executed how this Brown the Principal made so fair an escape yea enjoyed such preferment I will never believe that he ever formally recanted his opinions either by word or writing as to the main of what he maintained More probable it is that the promise of his genéral compliance with the Church of England so far forth as not to make future disturbance therein met with the Arch-Bishops courteous acceptance thereof both which effectually improved by the countenance of Thomas Cecil Earl of Exeter Brown's near kinsman and patron procured this extraordinary favour to be indulged unto him His Parsonage he freely possess'd allowing a sufficient salary for one to discharge the cure and though against them in his judgement was contented and perchance pleased to take the tithes of his own parish 5. For my own part whose nativity Providence placed within a mile of this Brown his pastorall charge The authors observation on him I have when a youth often beheld him He was of an imperious nature offended if what he affirm'd but in common discourse were not instantly received as an oracle He was then so far from the Sabbatarian strictness to which some preciser Brownists did afterwards pretend that both in judgement and practise he seemed rather libertine therein In a word he had in my time a wife with whom for many years he never lived parted from her on some distaste and a Church wherein he never preached though he received the profits thereof 6. As for his death in the prison in Northampton The occasion of his late death many years after in the reign of King Charles
Anno 1630. it nothing related to those opinons he did or his followers do maintain For as I am credibly informed being by the Constable of the Parish who chanced also to be his God-son somewhat roughly and rudely required the payment of a rate he happ'ned in passion to strike him The Constable not taking it patiently as a castigation from a God-father but in anger as an affront to his office complained to S r. Rowland S r. John a neighbouring Justice of the peace and Brown is brought before him The Knight of himself was prone rather to pity and pardon than punish his passion but Browns behaviour was so stubborn that he appeared obstinately ambitious of a prison as desirous after long absence to renew his familiarity with his ancient acquaintance His Mittimus is made and a cart with a feather-bed provided to carry him he himself being so infirme above eighty to goe too unweldie to ride and no friend so favourable as to purchase for him a more comly conveyance To Northampton jayle he is sent where soon after he sickned died and was buried in a neighbouring Church-yard and it is no hurt to wish that his bad opinions had been interred with him 7. The Tenents of Brownists daily increasing June 4. 6. July 6. their books were prohibited by the Queens authority Two Brownists executed Notwithstanding which prohibition some presumed to disperse the same and paid dearly for their contempt therein For Elias a Stow Chronicle pag. 697. Thacker was hanged on the fourth and John Coping on the sixth of June at the same place St. Edmonds Burie and for the same offence the scattering such schismatical pamphlets 8. John Whitgift succeeding in the Arch-Bishoprick Sept. 24. found it much surcharged in the valuation Whitgift succeedeth him and empaired in the revenues through the negligence of his predecessour who would pay willingly what they asked of him and take contentedly what any tendered to him First therefore Whitgift b Sr. George Paul in his life pag. 28. procured an order out of the Exchequer for the abatement of an hundred pound for him and his successours in the payment of his first-fruits Afterwards he encountred no meaner man than that great Courtier Souldier and Privie-Councellour S r. James Crosts or rather he legally contested with the Queen in him and recovered from both long c Idem p. 29. Beachwood in Kent containing above a thousand acres of land detained from his predecessour under colour of a lease from Her Majesty 9. This d Camdens Eliz. in hoc Anno. year Nicholas Sanders more truly Slanders Death of Sanders had in Ireland a wofull end of his wretched life He was borne in Sâ—rrey bred first in Winchester then in New Colledge in Oxford where he was Kings-Professor of Canon-Law but afterwards banishing himself fled to Rome there made Priest and D r. of Divinity He accompanied Cardinal Hosius to the Councel of Trent and there is said by disputing and declaiming to have gained himself great reputation At last he was sent over Popes Nuncio into Ireland conceived then a desperate employment and therefore many Catholicks regreted thereat Yea some were overheard to say but it is e De scriptor Anglican aetate 16. pag. 773. Pitzaeus Sander's own sisters son who reports it Why does his Holiness send our Sanders into Ireland We value him more then all Ireland is worth There amongst the bogs and mountains was he starved to death justly famished for want of food who formerly had surfited on improbable lies by him first forged on the nativity of Queen Elizabeth 10. We must not forget Lewes burnt at Norwich how this year one John Lewes was burnt at Norwich for denying the Godhead of Christ and holding other detestable heresies He called himself f Stows Chron. pag. 697. Abdeit let him tell you what he meant thereby alluding therein to the promise of a new g Rev. 2. 17. name which no man knoweth but him that receiveth it having in it a little mock-Hebrew to make himself the more remarkable 11. Now 27. 1584. so great was the malice of the Jesuits against Her Majesty Popish libels that at this time they set forth many slanderous libels stirring up Her Subjects and Servants to do the same to Her as Judith did to h Camdens Eliz. in hoc Anno. Holofernes One of their principal pamphlets was intitled A Treatise of Schism The suspicion of making it fell on Gregory Martin one probable enough for such a prank as being Divinity Professor in Rhemes did not his Epitaph there i Pitzaeus Descript Anglic pag. 782. ensure me he was dead and buried two years before Though it is possible his posthume work might be born abroad after the death of the author thereof But whoever made it William Carter the Stationer paid dearly for publishing it being executed at Tiburn And in the next moneth five Seminaries John Fen George Haddock John Munden John Nutter and Thomas Hemmerford were hanged bowelled and quartered for treason at Tiburn and many others about the same time Anno Dom. 1584. Anno Regin Eliza. 27. executed in other places 12. Yet The Queen Her eminent mercy even in the midst of this necessarie severity Her Majesty was most mercifull unto many Popish malefactors whose lives stood forfeited to the Laws in the rigour thereof For no fewer then seventy Priests some of them actually condemned to die all legally deserving death were by one act of Grace pardoned and sent over beyond sea Amongst these were 1. Gaspar Heywood son to that eminent Epigrammatist the first a Camdens Eliz. 1584. Jesuite that ever set foot in England 2. James Bosgrave 3. John Hart a learned man zealous to dispute not dangerous to practice for his religion 4. Edward Rishton ungrateful wretch who afterwards railed in print on the Queen who gave him his life Her Majesties mercy herein was the more remarkable because done at a time when treasons against her person by Arden Summerfield Throgmorton c. did follow or rather tread one on another If hereafter the edge of justice fall sharper on Jesuits let them thank their own trechery which whetted it against themselves 13. This year two conferences or disputations were kept Two fruitless Conferences the last at Lambeth about the Discipline and Ceremonies of the Church 1. Whitgift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Sandys of York and Cooper of Winchester for the same 2. Unconforming Ministers whose names I cannot certainly attain against it 3. The Lords of Her Majesties Privie Councell and some other persons of Honour Auditors thereof This Conference effected nothing on the disputants as to the altering of their opinions little on the Auditors but as much on all as any judicious person ever expected What Eliah said passionately b 1 King 19. 4. I am no better then my Fathers may be soberly said of this conference It was no happier then
M r. Cartwright whom I conjecture the President mentioned in the last assembly began to make by the mediation of the Earl of Leicester who now designed him master of his new-built hospital in Warwick compliance with Whitgift though the wary Arch-Bishop not over-fond of his friendship kept him at distance as these two Letters here inserted will sufficiently informe us My good Lord I Most heartily thank you Taken out of the manuscript of Bp. Whitgifts Letters belonging to Sir Peter Manwood and since in my possession for your favourable and courteous usage of M r. Cartwright who hath so exceeding kindly taken it also as I assure your Grace he cannot speak enough of it I trust it shall do a great deal of good and he protesteth and professeth to me to take no other course but to the drawing of all men to the unity of the Church and that your Grace hath so deals with him as no man shall so command him and dispose of him as you shall and doth mean to let his opinion publickly be known even in the Pulpit if your Grace so permit him what he himself will and would all others should do for obedience to the Lawes established and if any little scruple be it is not great and easie to be reformed by your Grace whom I do most heartily intreat to continue your favour and countenance towards him with such accesse sometimes as your leasure may permit For I perceive he doth much desire and crave it I am to thank your Grace also very heartily for Mr. Fenne albeit I understand he is something more opinionate then I wish him But I trust he will also yield to all reasons And I mean to deal with the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield to make some triall of him for surely he is an honest man Thus my good Lord praying to God to bless his Church and to make his servants constant July 14. and faithfull I bid your Grace farewell At the Court this 14 th July Your Graces very assured friend R. Leicester My singular good Lord MAster Cartwright shall be welcome to me at all times and using himself quietly as becometh him and as I hope he will he shall finde me willing to do him any good But to grant unto him as yet my Licence to preach without longer triall I cannot especially seeing he protesteth himself to be of the same minde he was at the writing of his Book for the matter thereof though not for the manner My self also I thank God not altered in any point by me set down to the contrary and knowing many things to be very dangerous wherefore notwithstanding I am content and ready to be at peace with him so long as he liveth peaceably yet doth my conscience and duty forbid me to give unto him any further publick approbation untill I be better perswaded of his Conformity And so being bold to use my accustomed plainness with your Lordship 17. I commit you to the tuition of Almighty God this 17 th of July 1585. John Cantuar. 30. Seminaries and Priests to the number of thirty two Sept. 15. Anno. Regin 28. Dece 8. Seminaries enlarged and transported late prisoners in the Tower Marshalsy Kings-Bench and other places were pardoned enlarged and transported over into Normandie though occasionally they were forced to land at Bulloigne 31. The Earl of Leicester who hitherto had done but little good in England went now over to do less in the Low-Countries commanding a great Army and Name with the illustrious Title of Generall of the Auxiliaries of the Queen of England he was not so much pleased with his place there but that some of his Back-friends were as much delighted with his roome here Mean time the Ministers lost the best stake in their hedge in his Absence their Patron Paramount For though by Letters he might solicit their Cause yet the greatest strength is not so extensive but to have the vertue thereof abated at such a distance And afterwards it fared worse with the Ministers when Whitgift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Feb. 2. 1585-86 was sworne of the Privy Councell an honour which his Predecessour Grindall never obtained yea never desired by the Procurement as it is believed of the Lord Burghley 32. Now for the present The Liturgâ— supported by its opposers I will trouble the Reader no longer with these brawls about discipline only one story must not be omitted Though it be fathered â—ather on publick report then fixed on any particular Author in those dayes avowing the same Some complained against the Liturgy to the Lord Burleigh of whom he demanded whether they desired the taking away thereof They answered No. But only the amendment of whâ—â— was offensive therein He required them to make a better such as they would have sâ—tled in the stead thereof Whereupon The first Classis framed a new one Somewhat according to the form of Genevah The second Classis disliking it altered it in six a 〈…〉 164â— hundred particulars The third quarrelled at these alterations and resolved on a new Modell The fourth Classis dissented from the former Thus because they could not agree amongst themselves That wise States-man put them off for the present untill they should present him a pattern with a perfect consent 33. Three Protestant Bishops this year exchanged this life for another Accusations not to be bebelieved in full latitude The first was Richard Curteys somtimes fellow of S t. Johns in Cambridge Bishop of Chichester The second Nicholas Robinson Bishop of Bangâ—r and John Scory Bishop of Hereford Of the two former we have not enough to furnish out their Character Of the later too much if all be true which I finde charged upon him Sure I am he began very well being an Exile and Confessour in the dayes of Queen Mary but is accused afterwards to be so guilty of Oppressions Extortions and Symonies that a Bill was put up against him in the Starr-Chamber conteyning matter enough not only to disgrace but degrade him if prosecuted But he bought out his innocence with his money Here know that our b Sr. John Harâ—â—gton iâ— his Character of Bp. p. 131. Author though a person of witt and worship deriveth his intelligence from a French writer disaffected in religion and therefore not to be believed in full latitude When calling him Scoria or Drosse in allusion to his name but as all is not Gold that Glisters all is not Drosss reputed so by our Popish Adversaries 34. The same year also John Fecknam late Abbot of Westminster ended his life The death of John Fecknam whereon we must enlarge our selves if not for His for History sake Seeing he was a land-mark therein His personall experience being a Chronicle who like the Axiltree stood firme and fixed in his own judgement whilst the times like the Wheels turn'd backwards and forwards round about him He was born in Worcestershire in the Forrest of
make out to the Kingdome of England However much mischief was done hereby many Papists paying their good wishes where they were not due and defrauding the Queen their true creditòr of the allegiance belonging unto her 43. Now did the Queen summon a Parliament Anno Regin Eliza. 30. Anno Dom. 1587. wherein her Majesty appeared not in person An Act without precedent But passed over the presidentship of that her great Councel unto John Whitgift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury William Cecill Lord treasurer and to the Earle of Darby A thing done without precedent when the King at home and in health But the pleasure of so powerful a Princess might create a leading case in things of this nature 44. Wonder not if the Nonconformists were very quiet in this Parliament Good reason why the Nonconformists were quiet Beholding the Arch-Bishop their great adversary in so great power and place However their activity in the next will make their party amends for their stilness in this Session 45. This year ended the doleful life of a distressed Lady The death of Mary Queen of Scotland Mary Queen of Scots whose Triall and Death belongeth to the State Historian She was aged fourty six years passing the last twenty in Imprisonment One of a sharp Wit undaunted Spirit comely person beautiful Face Majestick presence one Reason why Queen Elizabeth declined what the other so much desired a personal conference with Her as unwilling to be either out-shone or even-shone in her own Hemispheare For her morals the belief of moderate men embraceth as middle Courts betwixt Buchanan aspersing and Causinus his Hyperbolical Commending her because zealous in his own Religion 46. She was an excellent Poet Her Poetry both Latine and English of the former I have read a distick made and written by her own hand on a Pane of Glass at Buxton well Buxtona quae calidae celebraris nomine Lymphae * So it is in the Glass I had in my hand though it be celebrabere in Cand. Brit. in Derby-shire Forte mihi posthac non adeunda Vale. Buxton who dost with waters warme excell By me perchance never more seen Farewell And at Fotheringhay-Castle I have read written by Her in a window with a pointed Diamond From the Top of all my Trust Mishap hath lai'd me in the dust But her Adversaries conceive had she not been laid there the happiness of England had been prostrated in the same place She was buried in the Quire of Peterborough and Doctor Wickham Bishop of Lincolne preached her funeral sermon causelessly carped at by the Martin Mar-Prelate as too favourable concerning her final condition though he uttered nothing inconsistent with Charity and Christian discretion 47. Some twenty years after Her Body removed to Westminster King James caused her Corps to be solemnly removed from Peterborough to Westminster where in the south-side of the Chappel of King Henry the seventh he erected a stately monument to her memory and thereon this Epitaph wherein such cannot but commend the Piety of her Son who will not believe all the praises of his Mother D. O. M. MAriae Stuartae Scotorum Reginae Franciae Dotariae Jacobi V. Scotorum Regis Filiae Haeredis unicae Henrici VII Ang. Regis ex Margareta majori Natu Filia Jacobi IIII Regi Scotorum matrimonio copulata proneptis Edwardi IIII. Angliae Regis ex Elizabetha Filiarum natu maxima abneptis Francisci II. Gallorum Regis conjugis Coronae Angliae dum vixit certae indubitatae haeredis Jacobi magnae Brittanniae monarchae potentissimi matris Stirpe verè Regiâ antiquissima prognata erat Anno Dom. 1587. maximis Totius Europae Principibus Agnatione Cognatione conjuncta Anno Regin Eliza. 30. exquisitissimis Animi corporis dotibus ornamentis cumulatissima Verum ut sunt variae rerum humanarum vices postquam annos plus minus viginti in custodia detenta fortiter strenuè sed frustrà cum malevolorum obtreclationibus timidorum suspitionibus inimicorum capitalium insidijs conflictata esset tandem inaudito infesto Regibus exemplo securi percutitur Et contempto mundo devicta morte lassato Carnifice Christo Servatori animae salutem Jacobi Filio spem Regni posteritatis universis caedis infaustae spectatoribus exemplum patientiae commendans piè intrepidè Câ—rvicem Regiam securi maledictae subjecit vitae caducae sortem cum coelestis Regni perennitate commutavit Besides this there is a long inscription in verses one distich whereof I remember because it is the same in effect with what was made of Maud the Empress On Maud Magna Ortu majorque Viro sed maxima Partu Hic jacet Henrici Filia sponsa Parens On Queen Mary Magna Viro major Natu sed maxima Partu Conditor hic Regis Filia sponsa Parens So that it is no disgrace for a Queen to weare part of an Epitaph at the second hand with some little alteration 48. About this time it was A designe propounded that some Privie Councellors endeavoured to perswade Queen Elizabeth to raise and foment a difference betwixt the Pope and King of Spain and to assist the former not as Pope but temporal Prince by her shipping to regain Naples detained from him by the Spanish King They alledged the designe advantagious to work a diversion of Spanish forces and prevent an invasion of her own Land 49. But her Majesty would not listen to the motion to entertain Compliance in any capacity And blasted by the Queen on any Conditions with the Pope as dishonourable in her self distastful to the Protestant Princes nor would she touch Pitch in jest for fear of being defiled in earnest but crushed the designe in the birth thereof 50. A first onset was now made by the Nonconformists against the Hierarchie Conformity to the height though the more they opposed it the more the Queen did Countenance their persons and preserve their power In so much that she would not in Lent feed on any fish as forbidden by the Canons of the Church until she had first attained a solemn * Camdens Eliz. Manuscript shortly likely to be Printed Licence from the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and every year of her life renew'd the same 51. The power of the high Commission began now to extend far and penalties to fall heavie on offenders Whereupon the favourers of the Nonconformists much opposed it in their printed books some questioning the Court as not warranted by Law others taxing their proceedings as exceeding their Commission but hear their Arguments on both sides Against the High Commission It is pretended founded on the Statute primo Elizabethae wherein the Parliament impowered the Queen by her Letters patents to appoint Commissioners to punish Offendors in Ecclesiastical Causes But no mention therein of Temporall penalties and therefore the Commissioners are to confine themselves to Church Censures by Excommunicating
9. S r Francis Shane a mere Irish man but good Protestant was a principal Benefactor and kept this infant-foundation from being strangled in the birth thereof 10. Robert D'eureaux Earl of Essex Lord Lievetenant of Ireland and second Chancellour of this University bestowed at the intreaty of the Students of this Colledge a Cannoneers pay and the pay of certain dead places of Souldiers to the value wellnigh of foure hundred pounds a year for the Scholars maintenance which continued for some years 11. King James that great Patrone of learning to compleat all confirmed the revenues of this Colledge in perpetuum endowing it with a great proportion of good land in the Province of Vlster Thus thorough many hands this good work at last was finished the first stone whereof was laid May 13. 1591. and in the year 1593. Schollars were first admitted and the first of them James Vsher since Arch-Bishop of Armagh that mirrour of learning and religion never to be named by me without thanks to him and to God for him Nor must it be forgotten that what Josephus a Antiq. Jud. lib. 15. cap. 20. reports of the Temple built by Herod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 during the time of the building of the Temple it rained not in the day time but in the night that the showrs might not hinder the work I say what by him is reported hath been avouched to me by witnesses above exception that the same happ'ned here from the founding to the finishing of this Colledge the officious Heavens always smiling by day though often weeping by night till the work was completed 46. The whole Species of the University of Dublin The addition of two emissarie Hostells was for many years preserved in the Individuum of this one Colledge But since this instrument hath made better musick when what was but a monochord before hath got two other smaller strings unto it the addition of New-Colledge and Kildare-Hall What remaineth but that I wish that all those worthy Divines bred therein may have their a Deut. 32. 2. Doctrine drop as the rain and their speech distill as the dew as the small rain upon the tender herb and as the showers upon the grass 47. Let none censure this for a digression from our Church-History of England Dublin a Colonie of Cambridge His discourse that is resident on the Son doth not wholy wander from the Father seeing none will deny but that proles is pars parentis the childe is part of the parent Dublin University was a Colonia deducta from Cambridge and particularly from Trinity Colledg therein one motive perchance to the name of it as may appear by the ensuing Catalogue of the Provosts thereof 1. Adam Loftus Fellow of Trinity Colledge first Provost 2. Walter Travers Fellow of the same Colledge second Provost 3. Henry Alva Fellow of S t Johns Colledge in Cambridge third Provost 4. S r William Temple who wrote a learned Comment on Ramus Fellow of Kings Colledge fourth Provost 5. Joseph Mede Fellow of Christ-Colledge in Cambridge chosen Provost but refused to accept it 6. 7. William Chapel Fellow of the same Colledge seventh Provost Know also that this University did so Cantabrize that she imitated her in the successive choice of her Chancellours the daughter dutifully approving and following the judgement of her mother therein 48. This year was fatall to no eminent Protestant Divine The death of Arthur Faunt and I finde but one of the Romish perswasion dying therein Arthur shall I say or Laurence Faunt born of worshipfull parentage at Folston in Leicester-shire bred in Merton-Colledge in Oxford whence he fled with M r Pots his Tutor to Lovain and never more returned into England From Lovain he removed to Paris thence to Minchen an University in Bavaria where William the Duke exhibited unto him thence to Rome where he was admitted a Jesuite Hence Pope Gregory the thirteenth sent him to be governor of the Jesuits Colledge at Posna in Poland newly erected by Sigismund King thereof Yea so great was the fame of this Faunt that if his own letters may be beleeved three Princes courted him at once to come to them He altered his Christian name of Arthur because as his b Burton in Description of Leicester-shire pag. 10. kinsman tells us no Kalender-Saint was ever of that name and assumed the name of Laurence dying this year at Vilna in Lituania leaving books of his own making much prized by those of his own profession 49. Now began the heat The contest betwixt Hooker and Travers of the sad contest betwixt M r Richard Hooker Master and M r Walter Travers Lecturer of the Temple We will be the larger in the relating thereof because we behold their actions not as the deeds of private persons but the publick Champions of their Party Now as an Army is but a Champion diffused so a Champion may be said to be an Army contracted The Prelaticall Party wrought to the height in and for Hooker nor was the Presbyterian power less active in assisting M r Travers both sides being glad they had gotten two such eminent Leaders with whom they might engage with such credit to their cause 50. Hooker was born in Devon-shire Hooker his Character bred in Oxford Fellow of Corpus Christi Colledge one of a solid judgement and great reading Yea such the depth of his learning that his Pen was a better Bucket than his Tongue to draw it out A great defender both by preaching and writing of the Discipline of the Church of England yet never got nor cared to get any eminent dignity therein conscience not covetousness engaging him in the controversie Spotless was his conversation and though some dirt was cast none could stick on his reputation M r Travers was brought up in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and because much of Church matter depends upon him I give the Reader the larger account of his carriage 51. Travers meeting with some discontents in the Colledge after the death of D r Beomond in whose time he was elected fellow took occasion to travail beyond Seas Travers takes his â—â—ders beyond Seas and comming to Geneva contracted familiarity with M r Beza and other forraign divines with whom he by letters continued correspondency till the day of his death Then returned he and commenced Batchelor of Divinity in Cambridge and after that went beyond sea again and at Antwerp was ordained minister by the Presbytery there whose Testimoniall I have here faithfully transcribed out of the Originall QVam multis de causis sit aequum consultum unumquemque eorum qui ad verbi Dei ministerum asciscuntur vocationis suae testimonium habere Asserimus coacta Antuerpiae ad 8. Maij 1578. duodecim Ministrorum verbi cum totidem fere senioribus Synodo praest ntissimum pretate eruditione virum ac fratrem reverendum Doctorem Gualterum Traverseum omnium qui aderant suffragiis ardentissimisque votis
Colledge in Oxford living and dying a single man of whom largely before His innocency survived to triumph over those aspersions which the malice of others advantaged by his own dove-like simplicity had cast upon him I am informed S r Edwin Sands hath erected a monument over him in his Parish-Church in Kent where he lieth interred 41. An over-politick act disliked I cannot omit what I finde in this year in M r Camden his * Which shortly will be set forth in a new edition manuscript-life of Queen Elizabeth A report was cast out by our polititians in the midst of Harvest of the danger of a present forrain invasion done out of designe to prevent the Popularity of the Earl of Essex and to try the peoples inclinations Instantly all were put into a posture of defence mowers reapers all harvest folke left their work to be imployed in musters This afterwards appeared but a Court-project whereat the country took much distast so ill it is to jest with edged tools especially with Sythes and Sickles My Author addeth that people affirmed that such May-games had been fitter in the spring when sports were used amongst the Romans to Flora and not in the Autumn when people were seriously imployed to fetch in the fruits of the earth But by his leave these Expressions flow from Criticks and fly far above the capacities of Country-men 42. This Century Concluded the lives of two eminent Roman Catholicks John Sanderson born in Lancashire 43. 1600. The death of I. Sanderson and T. Case bred in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge where he set forth an excellent Logick called Sandersons Logick fourty years ancienter then that which his worthy name-sake of Oxford of a different judgement in religion hath since printed on the same subject From Cambridge he fled to Cambray in Artois where he lived with good comfort and died with great credit with those of his own perswasion The other Thomas Case of S t Johns in Oxford D r of Physick it seems always a Romanist in his heart but never expressing the same till his mortal sickness seized upon him The end of the sixteenth Century THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN THE TENTH BOOK Containing the Reigne of KING JAMES TO THE HONOURABLE ROBERT Lord BRUCE SOLE SON TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THOMAS EARLE of ELGIN HAving by Gods assistance drawn down my History to the death of Queen Elizabeth some disswade me from continuing it any further Because that as Saint Peter out of warinesse alias cowardlinesse followed Christ who was the Truth * Mat. 26. 58. afarre off so they lay this down for a Maxime That the Story of Modern Times must not be written by any alive A Position in my poor opinion both disgracefull to Historians and prejudiciall to Posterity Disgracefull to Historians as if they would make themselves like unto the beasts of the Forrest as charactered by David Psal 10â— 20 22. Who move in the Darknesse till the Sun ariseth and they get them away loving to write of things done at distance where Obscurity may protect their Mistakes from Discovery but putting up their pens as soon as the day dawns of Modern Times and they within the reach of reputation Prejudiciall to Posterity seeing intentions in this nature long delayed are at last defeated * Plutarch in his Morals The Young man moved by his Mother to Marry returned That as yet it was too soon and some yeares after pleaded That now it was too late So some say Truth is not ripe enough to be written in the Age we live in which proveth rotten too much for the next Generation faithfully to report when the Impreses of memorable matters are almost worn out the Histories then written having more of the Authors hand than footsteps of truth therein Sure I am the most informative Histories to Posterity and such as are most highly prized by the judicious are such as were written by the Eye-witnesses thereof As Thucidides the reporter of the Peloponesian Warre However one may observe such as write the Story of their owne Times like the two Messengers which carried tydings to David Of these Ahimaaz sent the rather by permission than injunction onely told David what he knew would please him acquainting him with his Victory But being demanded of his Sons death he made a Tale of a * 2 Sam. 18. 29. Tumult no better than an officious Lye for himself the issue whereof was to him unknown Cushi the other Messenger having his carriage lesse of cunning and more of conscience informing the King of his Sons death but folding it up in a faire expression * 2 Sam. 18. 32. The Enemies of my Lord the King and all that rise against thee to doe thee hurt be as that young man is Ahimaaz is imitated by such Historians who leave that unwritten which they suspect will be unwelcome These following the rule Summa Lex salus Authoris when they meet with any necessary but dangerous Truth passe it over with a Blank flourished up with some ingenious evasion Such Writers succeed to plain Cushi in their Relations who give a true account of actions and to avoid all exasperating terms which may make a bad matter worse in relating it use the most lenitive language in expressing distastfull matter adventuring with their own danger to procure the information of others Truly one is concerned in conscience to transmit to the next Age some short intimations of these Times out of feare that Records are not so carefully kept in these so many and sudden Changes as they were in former Ages I know Machiavel was wont to say That he who undertakes to Write a History must be of no Religion if so he himselfe was the best qualified of any in his Age to be a good Historian But I believe his meaning was much better than his words intending therein That a Writer of Histories must not discover his inclination in Religion to the prejudice of Truth Levi-like who said to his Father and Mother I have not seen them owning no acquaintance of any Relations This I have endeavoured to my utmost in this Book knowing as that Oyle is adjudged the best that hath no tast at all so that Historian is preferred who hath the least Tangue of partial Reflections However some Candour of course is due to such Historians wherein the Courtesie not so great in giving as the Injury in detaining it which run the Chiding of these present Times in hope that after-Ages may excuse them And I am confident that these my Labours shall finde the same favour which may be in meer men should be in all Gentlemen must be in true Christians the rather because this Booke appeareth Patronized by a Dedication to Your Honour I have selected your Lordship for a Patron to this part of my History wherein the Reign of King JAMES is contained under VVhose peaceable Government your Grandfather was His Privie Counsellour and Master of
be admitted into the Ministerie but able and sufficient men and those to Preach diligently and especially upon the Lords day That such as be already entred and cannot Preach may either be removed and some charitable course taken with them for their reliese or else to be forced according to the value of their Livings to maintain Preachers That Non-Residencie be not permitted That King Edward's Statute for the lawfulnesse of Ministers Marriage be revived That Ministers be not urged to subscribe but according to the Law to the Articles of Religion and the Kings Supremacie onely III. For Church-Livings and Maintenance That Bishops leave their Commendams some holding Prebends some Parsonages some Vicarages with their Bishopricks That double beneficed men be not suffered to hold some two some three Benefices with Cure and some two three or foure Dignities besides That Impropriations annexed to Bishopricks and Colledges be demised onely to the Preachers Incumbents for the old rent That the Impropriations of Lay-mens Fees may be charged with a sixt or seventh part of the worth to the maintenance of the Preaching Minister IV. For Church-Discipline That the Discipline and Excommunication may be administred according to Christs owne Institution Or at the least that enormities may be redressed As namely That Excommunication come not forth under the name of Lay persons Ann. Reg. Jac. 2 Chancellors Officials c. That men be not excommunicated for trifles and twelve-peny matters That none be excommunicated without consent of his Pastour That the Officers be not suffered to extort unreasonable Fees That none having Jurisdiction or Registers places put out the same to Farme That divers Popish Canons as for restraint of Marriage at certaine times be reversed That the longsomnesse of Suits in Ecclesiasticall Courts which hang sometime two three foure five six or seven yeers may be restrained That the Oath Ex Officio whereby men are forced to accuse themselves be more sparingly used That Licenses for Marriage without Banes asked be more cautiously granted These with such other abuses yet remaining and practised in the Church of England we are able to shew not to be agreeable to the Scriptures if it shall please your Highnesse farther to heare us or more at large by Writing to be informed or by Conference among the Learned to be resolved And yet we doubt not but that without any farther processe your Majesty of whose Christian judgement we have received so good a taste already is able of Your selfe to judge of the equity of this cause God we trust hath appointed your Highnesse our Physician to heale these diseases And we say with Mordecai to Hester who knoweth whether you are come to the Kingdome for such a time Thus Your Majesty shall doe that which we are perswaded shall be acceptable to God honourable to your Majesty in all succeeding ages profitable to his Church which shall be thereby encreased comfortable to your Ministers which shall be no more suspended silenced disgraced imprisoned for mens traditions and prejudiciall to none but to those that seek their owne quiet credit and profit in the world Thus with all dutifull submission referring our selves to your Majesties pleasure for your gracious answer as God shall direct you we most humbly recommend Your Highnesse to the Divine Majesty whom we beseech for Christ his sake to dispose Your Royall heart to doe herein what shall be to his glory the good of his Church and your endlesse comfort Your Majesties most humble Subjects the Ministers of the Gospel that desire not a disorderly innovation but a due and godly Reformation 25. This calme The issue of this Petition and stil but deep Petition being as is aforesaid presented to the King it was given out that his Majesty lent it a favourable eare that some great ones about him gave it a consenting entertainment that some potent strangers I understand of the Scottish nation had undertaken the conduct and managing thereof Whether indeed it was so God knows or whether these things were made to make the people the Van pretending a victory that the Rere might follow the more comfortably Sure it is this Petition ran the Gantlop throughout all the Prelaticall party every one giving it a lash some with their Pens moe with their Tongues and the dumb Ministers as they terme them found their speech most vocall against it The Universities and justly found themselves much agrieved that the Petitioners should proportion a seaventh part onely out of an impropriation in a Lay-mans fee whilst those belonging to Colleges and Cathedralls should be demised to the Vicars at the old rent without fine without improvement Whereas Scholars being children of the Prophets counted themselves most proper for Church-revenues and this motion if effected would cut off more than the nipples of the breasts of both Universities in point of maintenance 26. Cambridge therefore began Universities justly netled thereat and passed a Grace in their Congregation that whosoever in their University should by Word or Writing oppose the received Doctrine and Discipline of England or any part thereof should â—ipso facto be suspended from their former excluded from all future degrees Oxford followed recompencing the slownesse of her pace with the firmenesse of her footing making a strong and sharp confutation of the Petition But indeed King James made the most reall refutation thereof not resenting it whatsoever is pretended according to the desires and hopes not to say the reports of such who presented it And after his Majesty had discountenanced it some hot-spurs of the opposite party began to maintaine many copies thereof being scattered into vulgar hands that now the property thereof was altered from a Petition into a Libel And such papers desamatory of the present Government punishable by the Statute Prime Elizabethae Under favour Other Millenary Petitions I conceive this Petition by us lately exemplified the proper Millenary Petition Otherwise I observe that Millenary Petition is vox aequivoca and attributed to all Petitions with numerous and indefinite subscriptions which were started this year concerning Church-Reformation Many there were of this kinde moving for more or lesse alteration as the promoters of them stood affected For all mens desires will then be of the same size when their bodies shall be of the same stature Of these one most remarkable required a subscription in manner as followeth We whose names are under written doe agree to make our humble Petition to the Kings Majesty that the present state of the Church may be farther reformed in all things needfull according to the rule of Gods holy Word and agreeable to the example of other reformed Churches which have restored both the Doctrine and Discipline as it was delivered by our Saviour Christ and his holy Apostles Two things are remarkable therein First that this was no present Petition but a preparative thereunto which in due time might have proved one if meeting with proportionable encouragement Secondly that it
that point that he any way went about to abridge her Royall Authority 5. Secondly And filly taxing of his train he taxeth him for his extraordinary traine of above sixty men-servants though not so extravagant a number if his person and place be considered who were all trained up to martiall affaires and mustred almost every week his stable being well furnished with store of great Horses But was it a fault in those martiall dayes when the invasion of a Forraign Foe was daily suspected to fit his Family for their own and the Kingdomes defence Did not * Gen. 14. 14. Abraham that heavenly Prophet and holy Patriarch arme his Trained Servants in his owne house in his victorious expedition against the King of Sodome Yea if Church-men of an Anti-prelaticall spirit had not since tampered more dangerously with training of Servants though none of their owne both Learning and Religion had perchance looked at this day with a more cheerefull countenance 6. Whereas it intimates Whitgifts care of and love to Scholars that this Arch-bishop had been better imployed in training up Scholars for the Pulpit than Souldiers for the Field know that as the Latter was performed the former was not quitted by him Witnesse many worthy preachers bred under him in Trinity Colledge and more elsewhere relieved by him Yea his Bounty was too large to be confined within the narrow Seas Beza Drusius and other forraigne Protestant Divines tasting freely thereof Nor was his Liberality onely a Cisterne for the present age but a running River from a fresh Fountaine to water Posterity in that Schoole of Croydon which he hath beautifully built and bountifully endowed More might be said in the vindication of this worthy Prelate from his reproachfull penne But I purposely forbeare the rather because it is possible that the learned Gentleman since upon a serious review of his own Work and experimentall Observation of the passages of this Age may be more offended with his owne writing herein than others take just exception thereat 7. Arch-bishop Whitgift was buried at Croydon His buriall and Successour 1604. Mar. 27. March 27. The Earle of Worcester and Lord Zouch his Pupills attending his Herse and Bishop Babington his Pupill also made his Funerall Sermon chusing for his Text 2 Chron. 24. 15 16. and paralleling the Arch-bishops life with gracious Jehoida Ann. Reg. Jac. 2 Ann. Dom. 1604. Richard Bancroft Bishop of London brought up in Jesus Colledge succeeded him in the Arch-bishoprick whose actions in our ensuing History will sufficiently deliver his character without our description thereof 8. Come we now to the Parliament assembled A beneficiall Statute for the Church amongst the many Acts which passed therein none more beneficiall for the Church than that which made the King himselfe and his Successors incapable of any Church-land to be conveyed unto them otherwise than for three lives or twenty one years Indeed a Statute had formerly been made the thirteenth of Queen Eliz. which to prevent finall Alicnation of Church-land did disable all subjects from accepting them But in that Statute a Liberty was left unto the * Because it was noâ— forbidden in the Statute in expresse words Crown to receive the same It was thought fit to allow to the Crown this favourable exception as to the Patron generall of the whole English Church and it was but reason for the Soveraign who originally gave all the Loafe to the Church on occasion to resume a good Shiver thereof 9. But he who shuts ninety nine gates of Thebes A conâ—rivance by the Crowne to wrong the Church and leaveth one open shuts none in effect Covetousnesse shall I say an apt Scholar to learne or an able Master to teach or both quickly found out a way to invade the Lands of the Church and evade the Penalty of the Law which thus was contrived Some Potent Courtier first covertly contracts with a Bishop some whereof though spirituall in Title were too temporall in Truth as more minding their Private Profit than the Publique good of the Church to passe over such a proportion of Land to the Crowne This done the said Courtier begs the Land of the Queen even before her Highnesse had tasted thereof or the lipps of her Exchecquer ever touched the same and so an Estate thereof is setled on him and his Heires for ever And thus Covetousnesse came to her desired end though forced to go a longer journey and fain to fetch a farther compasse about 10. For instance Two eminent instances of former Alienation of Bishopprick-Lands Doctor Coldwell Doctor of Physique and Bishop of Sarisbury gave his Sea a very strong Purge when he consented to the Alienation of Shiâ—bourn Manour from his Bishoprick Indeed the good old man was shot between Wind and Water and his consent was assaulted in a dangerous joincture of time to give any deniall For after he was elected Bishop of Sarisbury and after all his Church-preferments were disposed of to other persons yet before his election was confirmed past a possibility of a legall reversing thereof Sir W. Rawleigh is importunate with him to passe Sherborne to the Crowne and effected it though indeed a good round rent was reserved to the Bishoprick Presently Sir Walter beggeth the same of the Queen and obtained it Much after the same manner Sir Killegrew got the Mannour of Crediton a bough almost as big as all the rest of the Body for the Church of Exeter by the consent of Doctor Babington the Bishop thereof 11. To prevent future wrong to the Church in that kinde Severall censuâ—es on this new Statute it was now enacted That the Crowne it selfe henceforward should be incapable of any such Church-land to be conveyed unto it Yet some were so bold as to conceive this Law void in the very making of it and that all the obligation thereof consisted not in the strength of the Law but onely in the Kings and his Successors voluntary obedience thereunto Accounting it injurious for any Prince in Parliament to tye his Successors who neither can nor will be concluded thereby farther than it stands with their owne convenience However it was to stand in force till the same power should be pleased to rescind it But others beheld this Law not with a Politick but Religious Eye conceiving the King of Heaven and the King of England the Parties concerned therein and accounting it Sacriledge for any to alienate what is given to God in his Church 12. Thus was the King graciously pleased to binde himself for the liberty of the Church K. JAMES a great Churchlover He knew full well all Courtiers and especially his owne Countrey-mens importunity in asking and perhaps was privy to his owne impotency in denying and therefore by this Statute he eased himselfe of many troublesome Suitors For hereafter no wise man would beg of the King what was not in his power to grant and what if granted could
not legally be conveyed to any Petitioner Ann. Dom. 1604 Ann Reg. Jac. 2 Thus his Majesty manifested his good will and affection to Religion and although this Law could not finally preserve Church-lands to make them immortall yet it prolonged their lives for many yeares together 12. Passe we now into the Convocation The Acts of this Convocation why as 〈…〉 recovered to see what was done there But here the History thereof as I may say is shot betwixt the joynts of the Armor in the intervall after Whitgift's death and before Bancroft's removall to Canterbury so that I can finde the Originall thereof neither in the Office of the Vicar-generall nor in the Registry of London not can I recover it as yet from the Office of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury where most probably it is to be had the Jurisdiction belonging to them in the Vacancy 13. Take this as the result thereof Many Canon made therein Bishop Bancroft sitting President A Book of Canons was compiled not onely being the summe of the Queens Articles Orders of her Commissioners Advertisements Canons of 1571. and 1597. which were in use before but also many more were added the whole number amounting unto 141. Some wise and moderate men supposed so many Lawes were too heavy a burden to be long borne and that it had been enough for the Episcopall party to have triumphed not insulted over their adversaries in so numerous impositions However an Explanation was made in one of the Canons of the use of the Crosse in Baptisme to prevent Scandall and learned Thuanus in his History taketh an especiall notice thereof 14. Motion being made in this Convocation Bishop Rudd why opposing the oath against Simony about framing an Oath against Simony to be taken by all presented to Churchpreferment Bishop Rudde of St. Davids as conscientious as any of his order and free from that fault opposed it chiefly because he thought it unequall that the Patron should not be forced as well as the Clerk to take that Oath Whereupon it was demanded of him whether he would have the King to take that Oath when he presented a Bishop or Dean and hereat the Bishop sate downe in silence 15. About this time the Corporation of Rippon in York-shire The Petition of the Town of Rippon to Queen Anne presented their Petition to Queen Anne on this occasion They had a faire Collegiate Church stately for the structure thereof formerly erected by the Nobility and Gentry of the Vicenage the meanes whereof at the dissolution of Abbies were seized on by the King so that small maintenance was left to the Minister of that populous Parish Now although Edwin Sands Arch-bishop of York with the Earle of Huntinton Lord Burgley and Sheaffield successively Presidents of the North had recommended their Petition to Qu. Elizabeth they obtained nothing but faire unperformed Promises whereupon now the Ripponeers humbly addressed themselves to Queen Anne and hear her answer unto them ANNA R. ANNE by the grace of God Qu. of England Scotland France and Ireland c. To all to whom these presents shall come greeting Whereas there hath been lately exhibited and recommended unto us a frame and plat-forme of a Colledge Generall to be planted and established at Rippon in the County of Yorke for the manifold benefit of both the Borders of England and Scotland Upon the due perusing of the plot aforesaid hereunto annexed and upon signification given of the good liking and approbation of the chief points contained therein by sundry grave learned and religious parties and some other of honourable Place and Estate We have thought good for the ample and perpetuall advancement of Learning and Religion in both the borders of our aforesaid Realmes to condescend to yeild our favour and best furtherance thereunto And for the better encouraging of other honourable and worthy Personages to joyn with us in yeilding their bounty and benevolence thereunto We have and do signifie and assure and by the word of a sacred Princesse and Queen do expresly promise to procure with all convenient speed to and for the yearely better maintenance of the said Colledge All and every of the Requests specified and craved to that end in a small Schedule hereunto annexed In confirmation whereof we have signed these Presents by our hand and name above mentioned and have caused our privy Signet to be set unto the same July 4. Dated at our Honour at Greenwich July 4. An. Dom. 1604. and of our Reigne c. After the sealing thus subscribed Gulielmus Toulerius Secretarius de mandate serenissimae Annae Reginae Angliae Scotiae Franciae Hiberniae 16. Such need never fear successe King James his bountifull grant who have so potent a person to solicite their suite King James being forward of himselfe to advance Learning and Religion and knowing Christs precept Let your Light shine before Men knew also that Rippon was an advantagious place for the fixing thereof As which by its commodious position in the North there would reflect lustre almost equally into England and Scotland Whereupon he founded a Dean and Chapter of seven Prebends allowing them two hundred forty seven pounds a yeare out of his own Crowne-land for their maintenance 17. I am informed These Lands since twice sold that lately the Lands of this Church are by mistake twice sold to severall Purchasers viz. Once under the notion of Dean and Chapters Lands and againe under the property of Kings Lands I hope the Chapâ—men when all is right stated betwixt them will agree amongst themselves on their bargaine Mean time Rippon Church may the better comport with poverty because onely remitted to its former condition 18. The Family of Love or Lust rather at this time The Petition of the Family of Love to King James presented a tedious Petition to King James so that it is questionable whether His Majesty ever graced it with his perusall wherein they endeavoured to cleare themselves from some misrepresentations and by fawning expression to insinuate themselves into his Majesty's good opinion Which here we present To the King 's most excellent MAJESTY JAMES the first by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. MOst gracious and Sveraigne Lord whereas there is published in a Book written by your Highnesse as an instruction to your most noble * * In his Basilicon Doron Sonne whom Almighty God blesse with much Honour Happinesse and Long life of a People that are of a vile Sect among the Anabaptists called the Family of Love who doe hold and maintaine many proud uncharitable unchristian and most absurd Opinions unto whom your Highnesse doth also give the name of Puritans assuming in the said Book that divers of them as Brown Penry and others doe accord with them in their foule Errours heady and phantasticall Opinions which are there set downe at large by Your Majesty
fraudulent force of the person of the Duke Catesbie undertook the other difficulty under a pretended Hunting-match advantaged thereunto by the vicinitie of Ashbie to the Lord Harrington's where the Princesse had Her education to train Her into their command All rubs thus removed their way was made as smooth as glasse and as slippery too as by the sequele may appeare 27. But first be it remembred The odium must be cast on the Puritan that though these plotters intended at last with honour to own the action when successe had made all things secure yet they purposed when the blow was first given and whilest the act was certain but the successe thereof doubtfull to father the fact on the Puritans They thought their backs were broad enough to bear both the sin and shame and that this saddle for the present would finely fit their backs whose discontent as these plotters would pretend unable otherwise to atchieve their desired alteration in Church-Government had by this damnable treason effected the same By transferring the fact on the then most innocent Puritans they hoped not onely to decline the odium of so hellish a designe but also by the strangenesse of the act and unsuspectednesse of the actors to amuze all men and beget an universall distrust that every man would grow jealous of himself And whilest such amazement tied Ann. Reg. Jac. 5 Ann. Dom. 1604. in a manner all mens hands behinde them these plotters promised themselves the working out their own ends part by their home-strength and the rest by calling in the assistance of forraign Princes 28. They fall a working in the Vault Will-worship a painfull labour Dark the place in the depth of the earth dark the time in the dead of the night dark the designe all the actors therein concealed by oath from others and thereby combined amongst them selves Oh! how easie is any work when high merit is conceived the wages thereof In piercing thorough the wall c Speed's Chro in King James nine foot thick they erroniously conceived that they thereby hewed forth their own way to heaven But they digged more with their silver in an hour than with their iron in many daies namely when discovering a Cellar hard by they hired the same and these Pioneers saved much of their pains by the advantage thereof And now all things were carried so secretly no possibility of any detection seeing the actors themselves had solemnly sworn that they would not and all others might as safely swear they could not make any discovery thereof 29. But God gives them warning to desist but they will take none so it fell out that the sitting of the Parliament was put off from time to time namely from the seventh of February whereon it was first appointed to meet it was adjourned till the fifth of October and afterward from the fifth of October put off till the fifth of November and accordingly their working in the vault which attended the motion of the Parliament had severall distinct intermissions and resumptions thereof As if Divine Providence had given warning to these Traytors by the slow proceeding and oft adjourning of the Parliament mean time seriously to consider what they went about and seasonably to desist from so damnable a designe as suspitious at last it would be ruined which so long had been retarded But no taking off their d Exod. 14. 25. wheels will stay those chariots from drowning which God hath decreed shall be swallowed in the Red sea 30. Behold The latitude of their designe here is fire and wood but where is the Lamb for the burnt offering Alas a whole flock of lambs were not farre off all appointed to the slaughter The King Prince Henry Peers Bishops Judges Knights and Burgesses all designed to destruction Let me smite him said Abishat of Saul e 1 Sam. 26. 8. even at once and I will not smite him the second time So here a blow so sound secret and sudden was intended it would not need iteration once and ever the first act would finish all in an instant But thanks be to God nothing was blown up but the Treason or brought to execution but the Traytors 31. Indeed The apish behaviour of Keies some few daies before the fatall stroke should bee given Master Keyes being at Tichmersh in Northampton-shire at the house of Master Gilbert Pickering his Brother-in-law but of a different Religion as a true Protestant suddenly whipped out his sword and in metriment made many offers therewith at the heads necks and sides of many Gentlemen and Gentlewomen then in his company This then was taken as a meer frolick and for the present passed accordingly but afterwards when the Treason was discovered such as remembred his gestures thought thereby he did act what he intended to doe if the plot had took effect hack and hew kill and slay all eminent persons The mysticall Letter of a different Religion from themselves 32. Curse f Eccles 10. 20. not the King no not in thy thought for a bird of the aire shall carry the voice As here such a discovery was made with a Pen fetched from the feather of a foul a Letter was written to the Lord Mounteagle in manner following My Lord OUt of the love I bear to some of your friends I have a care of your preservation Therefore I would advise you as you tender your life to devise some excuse to shift off your attendance at this Parliament For God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of this Time And think not slightly of this advertisement but retire your self into your Countrey where you may expect the event in safety For though there be no appearance of any stirre yet I say they shall receive a terrible Blow this Parliament and yet they shall not see who hurts them This counsell is not to be contemned Ann. Dom 1605. Ann. Reg. Jac. 4 because it may doe you good and can doe you no harm for the danger in past so soon as you have burnt the Letter And I hope God will give you the grace to make good use of it To whose holy protection I commend you A strange Letter from a strange hand by a strange Messenger without date to it name at it and I had almost said sense in it A Letter which even when it was opened was still sealed such the affected obscurity therein 33. The Lord Mounteagle as loyalty advised him The first search proves ineffectuall communicates the Letter to the Earl of Salisbury he to the KING His Majesty on the second perusall expounded the mysticall Blow meant therein must be by Gun-powder and gives order for searching the Rooms under the Parliament House under pretence to look for lost Hangings which were conveyed away The first search about evening discovered nothing but Percy 's Cellar full of Wood and Johnson his man under that name was Faux disguised attending therein However
quickly be perused and yet then no such effigiation was therein discovered which some nineteen weeks after became visible about the nineteenth of September following Surely had this pregnant straw gone out its full time of fourty weeks it would have been delivered of a perfect picture indeed whereas now miscarrying before that time wonder not if all things were not so complete therein 54. For the face therein was not so exact Not perfectly done as which might justly intitle heaven to the workmanship thereof Say not it was done in too small a scantling to be accurate for Deus est maximus in minimis Gods exquisitenesse appears the most in q Exod. 8. 18. modells Whereas when Witnesses were examined about this mock-miracle before the Archbishop of Canterbury Francis Bowen deposed that he believed that a good Artisan might have drawn one more curiously and Hugh Griffith himself attested that it was no more like Garnet than to any other man who had a beard and that it was so small none could affirm it to resemble him adding moreover that there was no glory or streaming raies about it which some did impudently report 55. However Garnet's beâ—tification occasioned by this mock-miracle this inspirited straw was afterward copied out and at Rome printed in pomp with many superstitious copartments about it as a coronet a crosse and nails more than ever were in the originall Yea this miracle how silly and simple soever gave the ground-work to Garnet's beatification by the Pope some moneths after Indeed Garnet complained before his death That he could not expect that the Church should own him for a Martyr and signified the same in his Letter to his dear Mistresse Anne but for her sirname call her Garnet or Vaux as you please because nothing of religion and onely practices against the State were laid to his charge It seemed good therefore to his Holinesse not to canonize Garnet for a solemn Saint much lesse for a Martyr but onely to beatificate him which if I mistake not in their heavenly heraldrie is by Papists accounted the least and lowest degree of celestiall dignity and yet a step above the Commonaltie or ordinary sort of such good men as are saved This he did to qualifie the infamie of Garnet's death and that the perfume of this new title might out-sent the stench of his treason But we leave this Garnet loth longer to disturb his blessednesse in his own place and proceed to such Church-matters as were transacted in this present Parliament 56. Evil manners prove often though against their will the parents of good laws Acts against Papists in Parliament but principally the Oath of Obedience as here it came to passe The Parliament begun and holden at Westminster the fifth of November and there continued till the 27 of May following enacted many things for the discovering and repressing of Popish Recusants extant at large in the printed Statutes Whereof none was more effectuall than that Oath of Obedience which every Catholick was commanded to take the form whereof is here inserted The rather because this Oath may be termed like two of Isaac's r Gen. 26. 20. 21. wells Esek and Sitnah Contention and Hatred the subject of a tough controversie versie betwixt us and Rome about the legall urging and taking thereof Protestants no lesse learnedly asserting than Papists did zealously oppose the same The form of which Oath is as followeth I A. B. doe truly and sincerely acknowledge professe testifie and declare in my conscience before God and the world That our Soveraigne Lord King James is lawfull and rightfull King of this Realm and of all other His Majesties Dominions and Countreys and that the Pope neither of himself nor by any authority of the Church or See of Rome or by any other means with any other hath any power or authority to depose the King or to dispose any of His Majesties Kingdomes or Dominions or to authorize any forraign Prince to invade or annoy Him or His Countâ—â— or to discharge any of His subjects of their allegiance and obedience to His Majestie or to give licence or leave to any of them to bear armes raise tumult or to offer any violence or hurt to His Majesties Royall Person State or Government or to any of His Majesties subjects within His Majesties Dominions Also I doe swear from my heart that notwithstanding any declaration or sentence of Excommunication or deprivation made or granted or to be made or granted by the Pope or his Successours or by any authority derived or pretended to be derived from him or his See against the said King His Heires or Successours or any absolution of the said subjects from their obedience I will bear faith and true allegiance to His Majestie His Heires and Successours and Him and Them will defend to the uttermost of my power against all conspiracies and attempts whatsoever which shall be made against His or Their Persons Their Crown and Dignity by reason or colour of any such sentence or declaration or otherwise and will doe my best endeavour to disclose and make known unto His Majestie His Heires and Successours all treasons and traiterous conspiracies which I shall know or hear of to be against Him or any of Them And I doe farther swear That I doe from my heart abhorre detest and abjure as impious and hereticall this damnable doctrine and position That Princes which be excommunicated or deprived by the Pope may be deposed or murthered by Their subjects or any other whatsoever And I do believe and in conscience am resolved that neither the Pope nor any person whatsoever hath power to absolve me of this Oath or any part thereof which I acknowledge by good and full authority to be lawfully ministred unto me and doe renounce all Pardons and Dâ—spensations to the contrary And all these things I doe plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear according to these express words by me spoken and according to the plain and common sense and understanding of the same words without any equivocation or mentall evasion or secret reservation whatsoever And I doe make this recognition and acknowledgment heartily willingly and truly upon the true faith of a Christian So help me God This Oath was devised to discriminate the pernicious from the peaceable Papists Sure binde sure finde And the makers of this were necessitated to be larger therein because it is hard to strangle equivocation which if unable by might to break will endeavour by slight to slip the halter 57. No sooner did the newes thereof arrive at the ears of his Holiness The Pope his two Breve's against this Oath but presently he dispatcheth his Å¿ See K. James his Works pag. 250. Breve into England prohibiting all Catholicks to take this Oath so destructive to their own souls and the See of Rome exhorting them patiently to suffer persecution and manfully to endure martyrdome And because report was raised that the Pope wrote this
words which cannot without some circumlocution so briefly and fitly be expressed in the text 7. Such quotations of places to be marginally set down as shall serve for the fit reference of one Scripture to another 8. Every particular man of each company to take the same Chapter or Chapters and having translated or amended them severally by himself where he thinks good all to meet together conferre what they have done and agree for their part what shall stand 9. As any one company hath dispatched any one Book in this manner they shall send it to the rest to be considered of seriously and juditiously for His Majestie is very carefull in this point 10. If any company upon the review of the Book so sent shall doubt or differ upon any places to send them word thereof note the places and therewithall send their reasons to which if they consent not the difference to be compounded at the General Meeting which is to be of the chief persons of each company at the end of the work 11. When any place of speciall obscurity is doubted of Letters to be directed by Authority to send to any learned in the Land for his judgment in such a place 12. Letters to be sent from every Bishop to the rest of his Clergie admonishing them of this Translation in hand and to move and charge as many as being skilfull in the Tongues have taken pains in that kinde to send his particular observations to the Company either at Westminster Cambridge or Oxford 13. The directours in each Company to be the Deans of Westminster and Chester for that place and the Kings Professours in the Hebrew and Greek in each Universitie 14. These Translations to be used when they agree better with the Text than the Bishops-Bible viz Tindals Matthews Coverdals Whitchurch Geneva Besides the said directions before mentioned three or four of the most antient and grave Divines in either of the Universities not employed in translating to be assigned by the Vice-Chancellour upon conference with the rest of the Heads to be Overseers of the Translations as well Hebrew as Greek for the better observation of the fourth Rule above-specified 2. The untimely death of Mr. Edward Lively Mr. Lively his death much weight of the work lying on his skill in the Oriental Tongues happening about this time happy that servant whom his Master when he cometh findeth so doing not a little retarded their proceedings However the rest vigorously though slowly proceeded in this hard heavie and holy task nothing offended with the censures of impatient people condemning their delaies though indeed but due deliberation for lazinesse Our pen for the present taketh its leave of them not doubting but within two years to give a good account of them or rather that they will give a good account of themselves In the translating of the Bible one of the eminent persons employed therein The death of Dr. Reynolds was translated into a better life viz 3. Doctor John Reynolds May 21 Kings Professour in Oxford born in Devon shire with Bishop Iewell and Mr. Hooker and all three bred in Corpus-Christi Colledge in Oxford No one County in England bare three such men * He was Bachâ—lor of Arts before Bishop Jewels death contemporarie at large in what Colledge soever they were bred no Colledge in England bred such three men in what County soever they were born 4. This Iohn Reynolds at the first was a zealous Papist A strange encounter whilst William his Brother was as earnest a Protestant and afterwards Providence so ordered it that by their mutuall disputation Iohn Reynolds turned an eminent Protestant and William an inverterate Papist in which perswasion he died This gave the occasion to an excellent Copie of Verses Ann. Dom. 1607 Ann. Reg. Jac. 5 concluding with this Distich Quod genus hoc pugnae est ubi victus gaudet uterque Et simul alteruter se superâsse dolet What war is this when conquered both are glad And either to have conquered other sad Daniel saith Chap. 12. ver 4. Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased But here indeed was a strange transcursion and remarkable the effects thereof 5. His memory was little lesse than miraculous he himself being the truest Table to the multitude of voluminous Books he had read over His admirable parts and piety whereby he could readily turn to all materiall passages in every leaf page volume paragraph not to descend lower to lines and letters As his Memory was a faithfull Index so his Reason was a solid Judex of what he read his Humility set a lustre on all admirable that the whole should be so low whose severall parts were so high communicative of which he knew to any that desired information herein like a tree Joaden with fruit bowing down its branches to all that desired to ease it of the burden thereof deserving this Epitaph Incertum est utrum Doctior an Melior 6. His disaffection to the discipline established in England was not so great Most conformable in his practice to the Church of England as some Bishops did suspect or as more Non conformists did believe No doubt he desired the abolishing of some Ceremonies for the ease of the conscience of others to which in his own practice he did willingly submit constantly wearing Hood and Surplice and kneeling at the Sacrament On his death-bed he earnestly desired absolution Dr. Crackenthorp in his Defence of the English against Spalato according to the form of the Church of England and received it from Doctor Holland whose hand he * affectionately kissed in expression of the joy he received thereby Doctor Featly made his funerall Oration in the Colledge Sir Isaac Wake in the University 7. About this time Mr. John Molle Mr. Molle his birth and breeding Governour to the Lord Ross in his travails began his unhappy journey beyond the Seas This Mr. Molle was born in or neer South-Molton in Devon His youth was most spent in France where both by sea and land he gained much dangerous experience Once the ship he sailed in sprung a-leak wherein he and all his company had perished if an Hollander bound for Garnesay passing very neer had not speedily taken them in which done their ship sunk immediately Being Treasurer for Sir Thomas Shirley of the Englâ—sh Army in Britanie he was in the defeat of Cambray wounded taken prisoner and ransomed Providence designing him neither to be swallowed by the surges nor slain by the sword but in due time to remain a Land-mark of Christian patience to all posterity At last he was appointed by Thomas Earl of Exeter who formerly had made him Examiner in the Councell of the North to be Governour in Travail to his Grand-childe the Lord Ross undertaking the charge with much reluctancie as a presage of ill successe and with a profession and a resolution not to passe the Alpes 8.
shine on Earth as long as the Sun that faithful Witness endureth in Heaven Being more confident that my desire herein will take effect considering the Honourable Governous of this Hospital are Persons so Good they will not abuse it themselves and so Great they will not suffer it to be abuâ—ed by others 22. England at this time enjoying abundance of Peace Nov. 6. The death and prayâ— of Pr. HENRY Plenty and Prosperity in full speed of her Happiness was checkt on a soddain with the sad News of the death of Prince HENRY in the rage of a malitious extraordinary burning-Feaver He was generally lamented of the whole Land both Universities publishing their Verses in print and give me leave to remember four made by Giles Fletcher of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge on this PRINCES plain Grave because wanting an Inscription and it will be Honour enough to me if I can make thereof a Translation Si sapis attonitus sacro decede Sepulchro Nec cineri quae sunt nomina quaere novo Prudens celavit Sculptor nam quisque rescivit Protinus in lachrymas solvitur moritur If wise amaz'd depart this holy Grave Nor these New-ashes ask what Names they have The Graver in concealing them was wise For who so knows strait melts in tears and dies Give me leave to adde one g Made by Mr. George Herbert more untranslatable for its Elegancy and Expressivenesse Vlteriora timens cum morte paciscitur Orbis And thus we take our leave of the Memory of so Worthy a PRINCE never heard by any alive to swear an Oath for which Archbishop Abbot commended Him in his Funerall Sermon the PRINCE being wont to say That He knew no Game or Value to be won or lost that could be worth an Oath 23. One generation goeth and another generation cometh Feb. 14. The Marriage of the Palatine but the earth remaineth for ever the Stage stands the Actors alter Prince HENRY's Funerals are followed with the Prince PALATINE's Nuptials solemnized with great State in hopes of happiness to both Persons though sad in the event thereof and occasioning great revolutions in Christendome 24. Expect not of me an account of the Divorce of the Lady Fra Howard from the Earl of Essex 11. 1613. Essex his Divorce discussed and of her re-marriage to Robert Carre Earl of Somerset which Divorce divided the Bishops of the Land in their judgments Against it George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury John King Bishop of London Alledging the common same of Incontinency betwixt Her and the Earl of Somerset For it Thomas Bilson Bishop of Winchester Lancelot Andrews Bishop of Elie. Rich Neale BP of Coventry and Litchfield These proceeded secundùm allegata probata of the Earls inability quoad hanc and the Ladies untainted Virginity 25. Onely I will insert one passage A memorable Speech of Bishop King Bishop Overall discoursing with Bishop King about the Divorce the later expressed himself to this effect I should never have been so earnest against the Divorce Ann. Dom. 1613. Ann. Reg. Jac. 11 save that because perswaded in my conscience of falshood in some of the depositions of the Witnesses on the Ladies behalf This sure I am from her second Marriage is extracted as chaste and virtuous * Anne Countess of Bedford a Lady as any of the English Nation 29. Nicholas Wadham Wadham-Colledge sounded Esquire of Merryfield in the County of Somerset did by his last Will bequeath Four hundred pounds per annum and Six thousand pounds in money to the building of a Colledge in Oxford leaving the care and trust of the whole to Dorothy his Wife One of no lesse learned and liberall than Noble extraction A Sister to John Lord Peters and Daughter to Sir William Peters Secretary to four Kings and a worthy Benefactour to All-Souls Colledge In her life-time she added almost double to what her Husband bequeathed whereby at this day it is become one of the most Uniform buildings in England as no additionall result at severall times of sundry fancies and Founders but the entire product all at once of the same Architect 30. This year the same was finished Where formerly a Monastery of Augustineâ—s built in a place where formerly stood a Monastery of the Augustine Friers who were so eminent for their abilities in disputing that the University did by a particular Statute impose it as an Exercise upon all those that were to proceed Masters of Art that they should first be disputed upon by the Augustine Fryers which old Statute is still in force produced at this day for an Equivalent exercise yet styled Answering Augustines The Colledge hath from its beginning still retained something of its old Genius having been continually eminent for some that were acute Philosophers and good Disputants Wardens Bishops Benefactors Learned Writers Doctor Wright admitted 1613. Dr. Flemming admitted 1613. Dr. Smith 1616. Dr. Escott 1635. Dr. Pitt 1644. Dr. Joh. Wilkins 1648. Robert Wright Bishop of Bristoll then Coventrie and Lichfield Philip Bisse Doctor of Divinity Canon of Wells and Arch-deacon of Taunton gave 1849 Books for their Librarie valued at 1200 pounds Humphrey Sydenham a very eloquent Preacher So that very lately r viz. An. 1634. there were in this Colledge one Warden fifteen Fellows fifteen Scholars two Chaplains two Clerks besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation with many other Students the whole number 120. As for Dr. John Wilkins the present Warden thereof my worthily respected friend he hath courteously furnished me with my best intelligence from that University 31. A Parliament was called A Parliament suddenly called soon dissolved wherein many things were transacted nothing concluded In this Parlament Dr. Harsenet Bishop of Chichester gave offence in a Sermon preacht at Court pressing the word Reddite Caesari quae sunt Caesaris as if all that was leavied by Subsidies or paid by Custome to the Crown was but a redditum of what was the Kings before Likewise Doctor Neale Bishop of Rochester uttered words in the House of the Lords interpreted to the disparagement of some reputed Zealous Patriot in the House of Commons both these Bishops were questioned upon it and to save them from the storm this was the occasion chiefly as was supposed of the abrupt breaking up of the Parliament 32. Anthony Rudde The death of Bishop Rudde Bishop of S. Davids ended his life He was born in Yorkshire bred in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge where he became Fellow A most excellent Preacher whose Sermons were very acceptable to Qu. ELIZABETH Hereon dependeth a memorable Story which because but defectively delivered by Sir John Harrington I request the Readers Patience and require his Belief to this large and true Relation thereof 33. Bishop Rudde preaching in his course before Queen ELIZABETH at White-hall Ann. Reg. Jac. 12 Ann. Dom. 1614. A remarkable 〈◊〉 Her Majesty was highly affected with his Sermon in so
Though his death much affected his friends in Oxford The death of Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury Mar. 2. yet farre greater the grief of that University for the decease of Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury who died this year One of the honours not onely of that See but of the Church of England born at Guilford in Surrey of religious Parents as persevering in the Truth though g Abel Redivivus pag. 540. persecuted for the same in the Reign of Queen MARY Whose two younger Brothers George and Maurice the one came to be Archbishop of Canterbury the other was Lord Mayor of London and the first Knight of King CHARLES his dubbing This good Bishop his deserts without any other Friend or Spokesman preferred him to all his Promotions For Upon his Oration made on Queen ELIZABETH her Inauguration he was chosen Scholar and afterwards Fellow and Master of Baliol-Colledge Upon a Sermon preached At Worcester he was made Lecturer of that City At Paul's Crosse Master John Stanhoppe preferr'd him to the rich Benefice of Bingham in Nottingham-shire Before King JAMES he was nominated Successour to Doctor Holland in the Kings-Professour his place in Oxford Upon the same of his incomparable Lectures de potestate Regiâ and other labours he was made Bishop of Salisbury In conferring which Place the KING conquered all opposition which some envious persons raised against him witnesse His MAJESTIES pleasant speech Abbot I have had much to doe to makeâ— thee a Bishop but I know no reason for it unless it were because thou hast written a Booke against a Popish Preâ—â—â—e meaning William Bishop entituled by the Pope the Nominall Bishop of the Aâ—reall Diocesse of Calcedon which enraged the Courâ— Papists against him to obstruct his preferment The hour-glass of his life saith my h Dr. Fealty in the Life 〈◊〉 Bp. Abbor p. 549. Authour ran out the sooner for having the sand or gravel thereof stopt so great his grief of the stone though even whilst his body was on the rack his soule found ease in the assurance of salvation 54. About this time The Imp. stuâ—e of the Boy of Bilâ—on a Boy dwelling at Bilson in Stafford-shire William Perry by name not full fifteen years in age but above forty in cunning was practised on by some Jesuits repairing to the house of Mr. Gifford in that County to dissemble himself Possessed This was done on designe that the Priests might have the credit to cast out that Devil which never was in so to grace their Religion with the reputation of a Miracle 55. But now the best of the jest or rather the worst of the earnest Found ouâ— by Bishop Moâ—cton was the Boy having gotten a habit of counterfeiting leading a lazie life thereby to his own ease and Parents profit to whom he was more worth than the best Plough-land in the shire would not be undeviled by all their Exorcisms so that the Priests raised up a spirit which they could not allay At last by the industry of Dr. Moreton Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield the jugling was laid open to the world by the Boyes own confession and repentance who being bound an Apprentice at the Bishops cost verified the Proverb That an untoward Boy may make a good Man 56. Indeed all this KING's Reign was scattered over with Cheaters in this kinde Cheaters of several kindes Some Papists some Sectaries some neither as who dissembled such possession either out of malice to be revenged on those whom they accused of Witchcraft or covetousnesse to enrich themselves seeing such who out of charity or curiosity repaired unto them were bountifull in their relief But take a few of many Papists No Papists i See Bp. Harsnet his Book on this subject pag. 81. Sarah Williams lying past all sense in a Trance had a Devil say the Roma nists slipt up into her leg k John Gâ—â—'s Foot out of the snare pag. 53. Grace Sourebuts of Salmisbury in the County of Lancaster was perswaded by Southworth a Priest to dissemble possession to gain himself credit by Exorcising her l Idem pag. 54. Mary and Amie two Maids of Westminster pretended themselves in raptures from the Virgin Mary and Michael the Arch-Angel m Idem p. 55. Edward Hance a Popish Priest born at Lutterworth in Leicester-shire gave it out that he was possessed of the Blessed Trinity Rich Haydok Fellow of New-Colledge in Oxford preached in his dreams Latine Sermons against the Hierarchie He afterwards recanted lived in good esteem to a great age in Salisbury practising Physick being also an excellent Poet Limner and Ingraver Anne Gunter a Maid of Windsor gave it out she was possessed of a Devil was transported with strange Extaticall Phrensies A Maid at Standon in Hartfordshire which personated a Demoniack so lively that many judicious persons were deceived by her See we this Catalogue consists most of the weaker sex either because Satan would plant his Battery where easiest to make a Breach or because he found such most advantaged for dissembling and his Cloven-foot best concealed under Long coats Indeed some Feminine weaknesses made them more strong to delude the ruines of the Disease of the Mother being the best Foundation to build such Impostourie thereon 57. K. James remembring what Solomon n Prov. 25. 2. King James his dexterity in detecting them Ann. Dom. 1618. Ann. Regis Jac. 16 saith It is the honour of a King to search out a matter was no lesse dexterous than desirous to make discovery of these Deceits Various were His waies in detecting them awing some into confession with His presence perswading others by promise of pardon and fair usage He ordered it so that a Proper Courtier made love to one of these be witched Maids and quickly Cupid his Arrows drave out the pretended Darts of the Devil Another there was the Tides of whose Possession did so Ebbe and Flow that punctually they observed one hour till the KING came to visit her The Maid loath to be so unmannerly as to make His MAJESTY attend her time antedated her Fits many houres and instantly ran through the whole Zodiack of tricks which she used to play A third strangely-affected when the first verse of S. John's Gospel was read unto her in our Translation was tame and quiet whilst the same was pronounced in Greek her English Devil belike understanding no other language The frequency of such forged Possessions wrought such an alteration upon the judgement of King JAMES that he receding from what he had written in his Demonologie grew first diffident of and then flatly to deny the workings of Witches and Devils as but Falshoods and Delusions 58. K. James having last year in His progress passed through Lancashire The Kings Declaration for liberty on the Lords day May 24. took notice That by the preciseness of some Magistrates and Ministers in severall places of this Kingdome in hindring people from
and nice-conscienced Elects scrupled to be consecrated by him He gave during his own life Twenty pounds a year to the Man's Widow which was not long a Widow as quickly re-maried He kept a Monethly-Fast on a Tuesday as the day whereon this casualty befell in a word this Keeper's death was the Archbishop's mortification 18. A project against the Clergy to get money At this time the KING's Exchequer grew very low though Lionel Cransield Lord Treasurer and Earl of Middlesex neglected no means for the improving thereof In order whereunto Reader let this Story passe into thy belief on my credit knowing my selfe sufficiently assured thereof a Projector such necessary evils then much countenanced informed His MAJESTY of a way whereby speedily to advance much Treasure And how for sooth was it Even that a new Valuation should be made of all Spiritual preferments which now in the King's Books passed at Under-tates to bring them up to or near the full value thereof This would promote both the casual fines as I may term them of First-fruits and the Annual rent of Tenths to the great advantage of the Crown The KING sent to the Lord Treasurer demanding his judgment thereof 19. Declined by the Lord Treasurer The Treasurer returned His MAJESTY an Answer to this effect so near as I can remember from the mouth of a Noble person then present Sir You have ever been beheld as a great Lover and Advancer of Learned men and You know Clergy-mens education is chargeable to them or their friends Long it is before they get any preferment which at last generally is but small in proportion to their pains and expences Let it not be said that You gained by grinding them other waies lesse obnoxious to just censure will be found out to furnish your occasions The KING commended Cranfield as doing it only for triall adding moreover I should have accounted thee a very knave if encouraging Me herein and so the project was blasted for the present as it was when it budded again propounded by some unworthy instrument in the Reign of King CHARLES 20. Who is truly excused I know some will suspect the Treasurer more likely to start than crush so gainful a design as who by all waies means sought to encrease the royal Revenue I know also that some accuse him as if making his Master's wings to molt thereby the better to feather his own nest Indeed he raised a fair estate and surely he will never be a good Steward for his Master who is a bad one for himself Yet on due and true enquiry it will appear that though an High power did afterwards prosecute him yet his innocence in the main preserved him to transmit a good estate to his posterity So that much of truth must be allowed in his * Frequent in his House at Copâ—hall Motto PERDIDIT FIDES he was lost at Court for his fidelity to K. JAMES in sparing His Treasure and not answering the expensivenesse of a great Favourite 21. The L. Bacon outed â—or Bâ—ibery A Parliament was call'd Jan. 20. wherein Francis Bacon L d Chancellor was outed his Office for Bribery the frequent receiving thereof by him or his was plainly proved Yet for all his taking just and unjust he was exceedingly poor and much indebted Wherefore when motion was made in the House of Commons of Fining him some thousand of pounds Sir Fr. S. a noble Member standing up desired that for two Reasons his Fine might be mitigated into fourty shillings First because that would be payed whereas a greater summe would onely make a noise and never be payed Secondly the shame would be the greater when such his prodigality that he who had been so large a taker in his Office was reduced to such penury that forty shillings should be conceived a sufficient Fine for his Estate But it was fine enough for him to lose his Office remitted to a mean and private condition 22. None can character him to the life An 〈…〉 his character save himself He was in parts more than a Man who in any Liberal profession might be whatsoever he would himself A great Honourer of antient Authors yet a great Deviser and Practiser of new waies in Learning Privy Counsellor as to King JAMES so to Nature it self diving into many of her abstruse Mysteries New conclusions he would dig out with mattocks of gold silver not caring what his experience cost him expending on the Trials of Nature all and more than he got by the Trials at the Barre Posterity being the better for his though he the worse for his own dear experiments He and his Servants had all in common the Men never wanting what their Master had and thus what came flowing in unto him was sent flying away from him who in giving of rewards knew no bounds but the bottome of his own purse Wherefore when King JAMES heard that he had given Ten pounds to an under-keeper by whom He had sent him a Buck the KING said merrily I and He shall both die Beggars which was condemnable Prodigality in a Subject He lived many years after and in his Books will ever survive in the reading whereof modest Men commend him in what they doe condemn themselves in what they doe not understand as believing the fault in their own eyes and not in the object 23. Bishop Williams made Lord Keeper All stood expecting who should be Bacon's Successour in the Chancery Sure he must be some man of great and high abilities otherwise it would seem a valley next a mountain to maintain a convenient and comely level in that eminent Place of Judicature Now whilst in common discourse some made this Judge others that Sergeant Lord Chancellor King JAMES made Dr. Williams lately and still Dean of Westminster soon after Bishop of Lincolne Though the KING was the principal July 10. the Duke of Buckingham was more than the instrumental advancer of him to the title of Lord Keeper in effect the same in Place and Power with the Lord Chancellor 24. Some causlesly offended The KING's choice produced not so much dislike as general wonder Yet some cavilled at Doctor Williams his Age as if it were preposterous for one to be able for that Office before antient and as if one old enough for a Bishop were too young for a Chancellor Others questioned his abilities for the Place Could any expect to reap Law where it was never sown who can apply the remedy whilst he is ignorant in the malady Being never bred to know the true grounds and reasons of the Common Law how could he mitigate the rigour thereof in difficult cases He would be prone to mistake the severity of the Common Law for cruelty and then unequal equity and unconscionable conscience must be expected from him Besides the Place was proper not for the plain but guarded Gown and the Common Lawyers prescribed for six * Yet Sir Ch.
Thirdly because in fine it proved nothing though kept on foot so long till K. James by endeavouring to gain a Daughter-in Law had in effect lost His own Daughter Her Husband and Children being reduced to great extremities 7. Truly K. James never affected his Son in Law 's acceptance of the Bobemian Crown A Crown not joyed in nor promised Himself any good successe thence though great the hope of the German Protestants therein Indeed some of them were too credulous of a blinde Prophesie commonly currant amongst them POST TER VIGINTI CESSABIT GLORIA QUINTI Expecting the ending of the Austrian Family sixty years being now expired since the death of Charles the fift but discreet persons slighted such vanities and the Quinti had like to have proved the extirpation of Frederick fift of that name Palatine of Rhyne had not God almost miraculously lately countermanded it 8. Yea K. Iames accused by some K. James privately foretold to some principal persons that this matter would prove the ruine of his Daughter There want not some who say That he went about to virefie his own Prediction by not sending seasonable succours for their assistance who had He turned His Embassies into Armies might probably have prevented much Protestant misery 9. Others excuse K. James Defended by others partly from the just hopes He had to accommodate all interests in a peaceable way partly from the difficulty of conveying effectual forces into so farre distant a Countrey 10. Mean time both the Palatinates were lost Both the Palatinates lost the Upper seized on by the Emperour the Neather but higher in value by the King of Spaine the City of Heidelberg taken and plunder'd and the inestimable Library of Books therein carried over the Alpes on Mules backs to Rome Each Mule laded with that learned burthen had a silver-plate on his forehead wherein was engraven FERO BIBLIOTHECAM PRINCIPIS PALATINI Now those Books are placed in the Popes Vatican entituling Protestants to visit the place who one day may have as good successe as now they have just right to recover them 11. As for the Palatinate Land of Promise Now Land of Performance Satyricall tongues commonly called it the Land of Promise so frequently and so solemnly was the restitution thereof promised to King James fed only with delayes which amounted to mannerly denials Since it hath pleased God to turn this Land of Promise into a * The nether Palatinate Land of Performance the present Palatine being peaceably possessed thereof 12. Prince Charles Prince Charles goes to Spain with the Duke of Buckingham lately went privately through France where He saw the Lady whom afterwards He married into Spain It is questionable whether then more blamed K. James for sending him or afterwards blessed God for his safe return Sumptuous his entertainment in the Spanish Court where it was not the Kings fault but Kingdomes defect that any thing was wanting He quickly discovered the coursness of fine-pretending wares at distance are easily confuted neer hand that the Spanish State had no minde or meaning of a Match as who demanded such unreasonable Liberty in education of the Royall Off-spring in case any were born betwixt them and other Priviledges for English Papists that the King neither could nor would in honour or conscience consent thereunto However Prince Charles whose person was in their power took his fair farewell with courteous compliance 12. Though He entred Spain like a private person His return * Sept. 12. He departed it like Himself and the Son of his Father * The Reader is requested to pardon our short setting back of time a stately Fleet attending Him home Foul weather forced them to put in at the Isse of Syllie the parings of England South-west of Cornwall where in two daies they fed on more and better flesh than they found in Spain for many moneths Octob. 5. 6. Soon after He arrived at Portesmouth and the next day came to London to the great rejoicing of all sorts of people signified by their bonefires ringing of bells with other externall expressions of joy 13. King James now despaired of any restitution The Palatinate beheld desperate especially since the Duke of Bavaria was invested in the upper Palatinate and so His Son-in-Laws Land cantoned betwixt a Duke a King and an Emperour Whose joynt consent being requisite to the restoring thereof One would be sure to dissent from the seeming-consenting of other two Whereupon King James not onely broke off all treaty with Spaine but also called the great Councill of his Kingdome together 14. Indeed An happy Parliament the Malecontents in England used to say That the King took Physick and called Parliaments both alike using both for meer need and not caring for either how little time they lasted But now there hapned as sweet a compliance betwixt the King and his Subjects as ever happen'd in mans memory the King not asking more than what was granted Both Houses in the Name of the whole Kingdome promising their assistance with their lives and fortunes for the recovery of the Palatinate A smart Petition was presented against the Papists and order promised for the education of their Children in true Religion 15. As for the Convocation contemporary with this Parliament The Convocation large Subsidies were granted by the Clergie otherwise no great matter of moment passed therein I am informed Doctor Joseph Hall preached the Latine Sermon and Doctor Donne was the Prolocutor 16. This is that Doctor Donne Doctor Donne Prolocutor born in London but extracted from Wales by his Mother-side great-great Grandchilde to Sir Thomas More whom he much resembled in his endowments a great Traveller first Secretary to the Lord Egerton and after by the perswasion of K. James and encouragement of Bishop Morton entred into Orders made Doctor of Divinity of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and Dean of S. Pauls whose Life is no lesse truly than elegantly written by my worthily respected friend Mr. Isaac Walton whence the Reader may store himself with further information 17. A Book was translated out of the French Copie A Book falsly fathered on I. Casaubon by Abraham Darcye intituled The Originall of Idolatry pretended made by Dr. Isaac Casaubon dead ten years before dedicated to Prince Charles but presented to King James and all the Lords of the Councill A Book printed in French before the said Isaac Casaubon was born whose name was fraudulently inserted in the Title-page of the foregoing Copie 18. Merick Casaubon his Son then Student of Christs-Church The falshood detected by Letter informed King James of the wrong done to his Father by making him the Authour of such a Book contrary to his Genius and constant profession being full of impertinent allegations out of obscure and late Authors whom his Father never thought worthy the reading much lesse the using their Authority His Majestie was much incensed hereaâ— and Doctor
Mountaine Bishop of London had much adoe to make his Chaplains peace for licensing thereof the Printer and Translator being for some time kept in Prison 19. Yet after all this Yet still conâ—hued and after Merick Casaubon had written a Latine Vindication to give satisfaction to all Ann. Regis Ja. 22. Ann. Dom. 1624. the same Translation since is printed in Amsterdam with a Justificatory Preface of the former Edition So impudent are some falsly to father Books on worthy Authors to make them more vendible for their own profit though it discredit the memory of others 20. The businesse of the Palatinate being now debated by Martiallists None of the work counsel the Kings Councill of Warre disswading from regaining it in kinde advised Him rather to recover it in value where he could with the best conveniency out of the Spanish Dominions For the Palatinate was not worth the rewinning which grant recover'd by the English could not recover it self for many years such the havock and waste made therein Secondly it was hard to be gotten such the distance thereof and harder to be kept so ill-neighboured it was on all sides So that the King if so pleased might with as much honour and more ease carve out his own reparations nearer home 21. During these Agitations King Iames falleth sick K. James fell sick at Theobalds of a tertian Ague commonly called in Spring for a King rather Physicall than dangerous But soon after his Ague was heighten'd into a Fever four mischiefs meeting therein 22. First A confluence of four mischiefs the malignity of the Malady in it self hard to be cured Secondly an aged Person of sixty years current Thirdly a plethorick Body full of ill humours Fourthly the Kings aversness to Physick and impatience under it Yet the last was quickly removed above expectation The King contrary to His custome being very orderable in all His sicknesse Such sudden alterations some apprehend a certain prognostick of death as if when mens mindes acquire new qualities they begin to habit and cloath themselves for a new world 23. The Countesse of Buckingham contracted much suspition to her selfe A plaster applied to His wrists and her Son for applying a plaster to the Kings wrists without the consent of His Physicians And yet it plainly appeared that Dr. John Remington of Dunmoe in Essex made the same plaster one honest able and successful in his practice who had cured many Patients by the same a piece whereof applied to the King one eat down into His belly without the least hurt or disturbance of nature However after the applying thereof the King grew worse 24. The Physicians refused to administer physick unto Him till the plasters were taken off And Julip without the advice of His Physicians which being done accordingly His fift sixt and seventh fits were easier as Dr. Chambers said On the Monday after the plasters were laid on again without the advice of the Physicians and His Majestie grew worse and worse so that Mr. Hayes the Kings Chirurgeon was called out of his bed to take off the plasters Mr. Baker the Dukes servant made the King a Julip which the Duke brought to the King with his own hand of which the King drank twice but refused the third time After His death a Bill was brought to the Physicians to sign that the ingredients of the Julip and Plasters were safe but most refused it because they knew not whether the ingredients mentioned in the Bill were the same in the Julip and Plasters This is the naked truth delivered by oath from the Physicians to a select Committee two years after when the Parliament voted the Dukes act a transcendent presumption though most thought it done without any ill intention 25. Four daies before His death Catechized on His death-bed in His Faith and Charity He desired to receive the Sacrament and being demanded whether He was prepared in point of faith and charity for so great mysteries 〈◊〉 24. He said He was and gave humble thanks to God for the same Being desired to declare His faith and what He thought of those Books He had written in that kinde He repeated the Articles of the Creed one by one and said He believed them all as they were received and expounded by that part of the Catholick Church which was established here in England And said with a kinde of sprightfulnesse and vivacity that whatever He had written of this Faith in his life he was now ready to seal with his death Being questioned in point of charity He answered presently that He forgave all men that offended Him and desired to be forgiven by all Christians whom He in any wise had offended 26. Then after absolution read and pronounced His death He received the Sacrament and some hours after He professed to the standers by that they could not imagine what ease and comfort he found in himself since the receiving hereof And so quiedy resigned His soul to God having reigned twenty two years and three daies 27. He was of a peaceable disposition Of a peaceable nature Indeed when he first entred England at Barwick He himself gave fire to and shot off a * Stowes Chro. p. 819. piece of Ordnance and that with good judgment This was the onely military act personally performed by Him So that He may have seemed in that Cannon to have discharged Warre cut of England 28. Coming to Yorke Made Nobility lesse respected by the commonnesse thereof He was somewhat amazed with the equipage of the Northern Lords repairing unto Him especially with the Earl of Cumberland's admiring there should be in England so many Kings for less He could not conjecture them such the multitude and gallantry of their attendance But following the counsel of His English Secretary there present He soon found a way to abate the formidable greatness of the English Nobility by conferring Honour upon many persons whereby Nobility was spread so broad that it became very thin which much lessened the antient esteem thereof 29. He was very eloquent in speech His eloquence whose Latine had no fault but that it was too good for a King whom carelessness not curiosity becomes in that kinde His Scotch tone he rather affected than declin'd and though His speaking spoil'd His speech in some English ears yet the masculine worth of his set Orations commanded reverence if not admiration in all judicious hearers But in common speaking as in His hunting he stood not on the cleanest but nearest way He would never go about to make any expressions 30. His wit was passing-sharp and piercing And piercing wit equally pleased in making and taking a smart jest His Majestie so much stooping to His mirth that He never refused that coine which he paid to other folk This made Him please Himself so much in the company of Count Gondomer and some will say the King was contented for reasons best known
the King himself was pleased to interpose in his behalf July 7 Thursday 9. Saturday signifying to the House That those things which were then spoken and determined concerning Mountague without his Privitie did not please Him who by his Court-friends being imployed in the Kings Service his Majesty signifiyed to the Parliament that he thought his Chaplains whereof M r. Montague was one might have as much protection as the Servant of an ordinary Burgess neverthelesse his bond of two thousand pounds wherewith he was tailed continued uncancelled and was called on the next Parliament 11. The Plague increasing in London The Parliament removed to Oxford and brake up in discontent the Parliament was removed to Oxford But alas no avoiding Gods hand The infection followed or rather met the Houses there whereof worthy D r. Challenor died much lamented yet were the Members of Parliament not so carefull to save their own persons from the Plague as to secure the Land from a worse and more spreading contagion the daily growth of Poperie In prevention whereof they presented a Petition to his Majesty containing sixteen particulars all which were most graciously answered by his Majesty to their full satisfaction Thus this meeting began hopefully and cheerfully proceeded turbulently and suspiciously brake off suddenly and sorrowfully the reason whereof is to be fetch'd from our Civil Historians 12. The Convocation kept here Dr. James his motion in the Convocation is scarce worth the mentioning seeing little the appearance thereat nothing the performance therein Dean Bowles the Prolocurour absented himself for fear of infection D r. Thomas Good officiating in his place and their meeting was kept in the Chappell of Merton-Colledge Here D r. James that great Book-man made a motion that all Manuscript-Fathers in the Libraries of the Universities and elswhere in England might be perused and that such places in them as had been corrupted in Popish editions much superstition being generated from such corruptions might faithfully be printed according to those ancient Copies Indeed though England at the dissolving of Abbies lost moe Manuscripts than any Countrey of Christendome of her dimensions ever had yet still enough were left her if well improved to evidence the truth herein to all posteritie This designe might have been much beneficiall to the Protestant cause if prosecuted with as great endeavour as it was propounded with good intention but alas this motion was ended when it was ended expiring in the place with the words of the mover thereof 13. The King according to his late answer in the Parliament at Ox. The insolence of Papists seasonably restrained Nov. 11. issued out a Commission to the Judges to see the Law against Recusants put in execution This was read in all the Courts of Judicature at Reading where Michaelmas Terme was kept and a letter directed to the Arch-bishop of Cant. to take speciall care for the discovery of Jesuits Seminary Priests c. within his Province A necessary severity seing Papists presuming on Protection by reason of the late Match were grown very insolent And a Popish Lord when the King was at Chappell was heard to prate on purpose lowder in a Gallery adjoyning then the Chaplain prayed whereat the King was so moved that he sent him this message Either come and doe as we doe or I will make you prate further off 14. In this Severall Writers against Mr. Mountague and the next yeer many Books from persons of severall abilities and professions were writen against M r. Mountague By 1. D r. Sutcliffe Dean of Exeter One who was miles emeritus age giving him a Supersedeas save that his zeale would imploy it self and some conceived that his choler became his old age 2. M r. Henry Burton who then began to be well as afterwards wards too well known to the World 3. M r. Francus Rowse a Lay-man by profession 4. M r. Yates a Minister of Norfolk formerly a Fellow of Emmanuel in Cambridge he intitles his Book Ibus ad Caesarem 5. D r. Carleton Bishop of Chichester 6. Anthonie Wootton Divinitie-Professour in Gresham-Colledge In this Armie of Writers the strength is conceived to consist in the rere and that the last wrote the solidest confutations Of these six Dean Sutcliffe is said to have chode heartily M r. Rowse meant honestly M r. Burton wrote plainly Bishop Carleton very piously M r. Yates learnedly and M r. Wootton most solidly 15. I remember not at this time any of Master Mountague's partie engaged in print in his behalf Mr. Mountague left to deâ—end himself Whether because they conceived this their Champion sufficient of himselfe to encounter all opposers or because they apprehended it unsafe though of the same judgment to justifie a Book which was grown so generally offensive Insomuch as his Majesty himself sensible of his Subjects great distaste thereat sounded by the Duke of Buckingham to that purpose was resolved to leave Mr. Mountague to stand or fall Jan. 19. 1611-16 according to the justice of his cause The Duke imparted as much to Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids who conceived it of such ominous concernment that he entred the same in his Diarie viz. I seem to see a cloud arising and threatning the Church of England God for his mercie dissipate it 16. The day of the Kings Coronation drawing neer A maim on the embleme of Peace his Majesty sent to survey and peruse the Regalia or Royal Ornaments which then were to be used It happened that the left wing of the Dove on the Scepter was quite broken off by what casualty God himself knows The King sent for Mr. Acton then his Goldsmith commanding him that the very same should be set on again The Goldsmith replied that it was impossible to be done so fairly but that some mark would remain thereof To whom the King in some passion returned l His Son succeeding his Father in that place and then present attested to me the truth hereof If you will not doe it another shall Hereupon Mr. Acton carried it home and got another Dove of Gold to be artificially set on whereat when brought back his Majesty was well contented as making no discovery thereof 17. The Bishop of Lincolne A Dilemma well waved Lord-Keeper was now dayly descendant in the Kings favour who so highly distasted him that he would not have him as Dean of Westminster to perform any part of His Coronation yet so was it a favour or a triall that it was left to his free choice to prefer any Prebendary of the Church to officiate in his place The Bishop met with a Dilemma herein To recommend Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids and Prebendary of Westminster for that performance was to grace one of his greatest enemies to passe him by and prefer a private Prebendary for that purpose before a Bishop would seem unhandsome and be interpreted a neglect of his own Order To avoid all exceptions
many Earles and Barons as could conveniently stand about the Thrane With their solemne oath did lay their hands on the Crowne on his Majesties head protesting to spend their bloods to maintain it to him and his lawfull Heirs The Bishops severally kneeled down but took no oath as the Barons did the King kissing every one of them 28. Then the King took a Scrowle of parchment out of his bosom and gave it to the Lord Keeper Williams A Pardon generall granted who reâ—d it to the Commons four severall times East West North and South The effect whereof was that his Majesty did offer a pardon to all his Subjects-who would take it under his Broad-Seale 29. From the Throne The Communion concludes the solemnity his Majesty was conducted to the Communion Table where the Lord Archbishop kneeling on the North side read prayers in the Quire and sung the Nicene Creed The Bishop of Landaff and Nâ—â—ich read the Epistle and Gospell with whom the Bishops of Durham and St. Davids in rich Copes kneeled with his Majesty and received the Communion the bread from the Archbishop the wine from the Bishop of St. Davids his Majesty receiving last of all whilest Gloria in excelsis was sung by the Quire Anno Dom. 1625-26 Anno Regis Caroli 1 and some prayers read by the Archbishop concluded the solemnity 30. The King after he had disrobed himself in King Edwards Chappell The return to White-Hall came forth in a short Robe of red Velvet girt unto him lined with Ermins and a Crown of his own on his head set with very pretious stones and thus the Train going to the Barges on the water side returned to White Hall in the same order wherein they came about three a clocke in the afternoon 31. I have insisted the longer on this Subject moved thereunto by this consideration Our prolixity herein excused that if it be the last Solemnitie performed on an English King in this kinde Posteritie will conceive my paines well bestowed because on the last But if hereafter Divine providence shall assign England another King though the transactions herein be not wholly precedentiall something of State may be chosen out gratefull for imitation 32. And here if a Blister was not A soul mouth railer it deserved to be on the fingers of that scandalous Pamphleteer who hath written that King Charles was not Crowned like other Kings Whereas all essentills of his Coronation were performed with as much ceremonie as ever before and all Robes of State used according to ancient prescription But if he indulged his own fancie for the colour of his clothes a White Sute c. Persons meaner than Princes have in greater matters assumed as much libery to themselves 33. Indeed one Solemnitie no part of Why the King rode not through the Citie but preface to the Coronation was declined on good consideration For whereas the Kings of England used to ride from the Tower through the City to Westminster King Charles went thither by water out of double providence to save health and wealth thereby For though the infectious Aire in the City of London had lately been corrected with a sharp Winter yet was it not so amended but that a just suspicion of danger did remain Besides such a procession would have cost him threescore thousand Pounds to be disbursed on Scarler for his Train A summe which if then demanded of his Exchequer would scarce receive a satisfactory answer thereunto and surely some who since condemne him for want of state in omitting this Royall Pageant would have condemned him more for prodigality had he made use thereof 34. As for any other alterations in Prayers or Ceremonies A memorable alteration in a Pageant though heavily charged on Bishop Laud are since conceived by unpartiall people done by a Committee wherein though the Bishop accused as most active others did equally consent Indeed a passage not in fashion since the Reign of King Henry the sixt was used in a prayer at this time Obtineat gratiam huic populo sicut Aaron in Tabernaculo Elizeus in Fluvio Zacharias in Templo sit Petrus in Clave Paulus in Dogmate Let him obtain favor for this people like Aaron in the Tabernacle Elisha in the Waters Zacharias in the Temple give him Peters Key of dicipline Pauls Doctrine This I may call a Protestant passage though anciently used in Popish times as fixing more spirituall power in the King than the Pope will willingly allow jealous that any should finger Peters Keyes save himself 35. A few dayes after a Parliament began A Conference at York House Feb 6 11. wherein M r. Mountague was much troubled about his Book but made a fhift by his powerfull Friends to save himself During the sitting whereof at the instance and procurement of Robert Rich Earle of Warwick a conference was Kept in York house before the Duke of Buckingam and other Lords betwixt Dr. Buckridge Bishop of Rochester and Dr. White Dean of Carlile on the one side and Dr. Morton Bishop of Coventry and Dr. Preston on the other about Arminian points and chiefly the possibilitie of one elected to fall from grace The passages of which conference arâ— variously reported For it is not in tongue combats Anno Regin Carol. 1 Anno Dom. 1626-2â— as in other battails where the victorie cannot be disguised as discovering it self in keeping the field number of the slain Captives and Colours taken Whilest here no such visible effects appearing the persons present were left to their libertie to judge of the Conquest as each one stood affected However William Earle of Pembrooke was heard to say that none returned Arminians thence save such who repaired thither with the same opinions 36. Soon after a second conference was entertained Feb. 17. A second on the same Subject in the same place on the same points before the same Persons betwixt Dr. White Dean of Carlile and Mr. Mountague on the on side and Dr. Morton Bishop of Lichfield and Dr. Preston on the other Dr. Preston carried it clear at the first by dividing his adversaries who quickly perceiving their error pieced themselves together in a joynt opposition against him The passages also of this conference are as differently related as the former Some makeing it a a Thus the writer of Dr. Prestons Life concludes the conquest on his side clear conquest on one some on the other side and a third sort a drawn battail betwixt both Thus the success of these meetings answered neither the commendable intentions nor hopefull expectations of such who procured them Now whil'st other dare say Universally of such conferences what David saith of mankinde that of them b Psalme 14. 3. there is none that doth good no not one we dare onely intimate that what Statesmen observe of Interviews betwixt Princes so these conferences betwixt Divines rather increase the differences than abate them 37.
resolution that he would not have this high point medled withall or debated either the one way or the other because it was too high for the peoples understanding and other points which concern Reformation and newness of life were more needfull and profitable I promised obedience herein and so kissing his Majesties hand departed I thought fit to acquaint you with the whole cariage of this business because I am afraid many false reports will be made of it and contrary one to another as men stand contrarily affected I shewed no letter or instructions neither have any but these geneâ—all instructions which King James gave us at our going to Dort which make little or nothing to this business I sought amongst my papers but could not finde them on the suddain and I suppose you have them already As for my Sermon the brief heads were these Text Rom 6. 23. Eternall life is the gift of god through Jesus Christ our Lord. As in the former part I had spoken of the threefold miserie of the wicked so here I expounded the threefold happiness of the godly to be considered 1. Happy in the Lord whom the serve God or Christ Jesus 2. Happy in the reward of their service Eternall life 3. Happy in the manner of their reward 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or gratnitum donurn in Christo The two former points were not excepted against In the third and last I considered eternall life in three divers instances in the eternall destination thereunto which we call Election Anno Regis Caroli Anno Dom. in our Conversion Regeneration or Justification which I termed the Embryo of Eternall life John 4. 14. And last of all in our Coronation when full possession of eternall fiâ—e is given us In all these I shewed it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the free gift of God through Christ not procured or premented by any speciall Acts depending upon the free will of Men. The last point wherein I opposed the Popish Doctrin of Merit wà s not disliked The second wherein I shewed the effectuall Vocation or Regeneration whereby we have Eternall life inchoated and begun in us is a free gift was not expresly taxed Only the first was it which bred the offence not in regard of the Doctrin it self but because as my Lords grace said the King had prohibited the debating thereof And thus having let you understand the carriage of this businesse I commit you to the protection or the Almighty 17. This yeer Thomas Dove Bishop of Peterborough ended his life The death of Bishop Dove He was bred in Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge chosen Tanquam therein which it seems is a Fellow in all things save the name thereof Afterwards Chaplain to Q. Elizâ—beth who made him Dean of Norwich being much affected with his Preaching as wont to say that The * Godwin in the Bishops of Peterborough and Sir john Havington in his continuation Holy Ghost was again come down in the Dove He was a constant Housekeeper and Reliever of the Poor so that such who in his life time condemned him for Covetousnesse have since justly praised his Hospitality Now though Doves are generally said to want gall yet the Non-conformists in his Diocesse will complain of his severity in asserting Ecclesiasticall Discipline when he silenced five of them in one morning on the same token that King James is said to say it might have served for five yeers He was an aged man being the only Queen Elizabeths Bishop of that Province which died in the Reign of King Charles living in a poor Bishoprick and leaving a plentifull estate to shew that it is not the moisture of the Place but the long lying of the stone which gathereth the great mosse therein In a word had he been more carefull in conferring of Orders too commonly bestowed by him few of his Order had exceeded him for the unblamablenesse of his behaviour 18. Now began great discontents to grow up in the University of Oxford on this occasion 7 1631 Troubles begin in Oxford Many conceived that Innovations defended by others for Renovations and now only reduced as used in the Primitive times were multiplied in Divine service Offended whereat they in their Sermons brake our into what was interpreted bitter invectives Yea their very Texts gave some offence one preaching on Numbers 14. 4. Let us make us a Captain and let us return into Egypt Another on 1 Kings 13. 2. And he cried against the Altar in the word of the Lord and said O Altar Altar c. In prosecution whereof they had not only tart reflexion on some eminent Persons in the Church but also were apprehended to violate the Kings Declaration for the sopiting of all Arminian controversies 19. Dr. An apreale from the Vice-chancellor to the Procters Smith Warden of Wadham convented the principal persons viz. Mr. Thorn of Bailiol Col. and Mr. Ford of Magdalen Hall as offenders against the Kings instructions and ordered them to bring in the Copies of their Sermons They suspecting partiality in the Vice-Chancellor appealed from him to the Procters two men of eminent integrity and ability Mr. Atherton Bruch and Mr. John Doughty who received their appeal presuming the same justifiable by the Statutes of the University But it seems the Procters were better Scholars than Lawyers except any will say both Law and Learning must submit when Power is pleased to interpose 20. Archbishop Laud did not like these retrograde appeals Severely punished but sensible that his own strength moved rather ascendendo than descendendo procured the cause to be heard before the King at Woodstock where it was so ordered that 1 The Preachers complained of were expelled the University 2 The Procters were deprived of their places for accepting their appeal Anno Dom. 1631 Anno Regis Caroli 7 3 Dr. Prideaux and Dr. Wilkinson were shrewdly checkt for engaging in their behalf The former of these two Doctors ingenuously confessing to the King Nemo mortalium omnibus horis saepit wrought more on his Majesties affections than if he had harangued it with a long oration in his own defence 21. The expulsion of these Preachers expelled not And il resâ—nted but increased the differences in Oxford which burnt the more for blaZing the lesse many complaining that the Sword of Justice did not cut indifferently on both sides but that it was more Penal for some to touch than others to break the Kings declaration 22. This yeare ended the dayes of Mr. Arthur Hildersham The death of Mr. Haldershâ—â— born at Stechworth in the County bred in Christ-Colledge in the University of Cambridge whose education was an experimentall Comment on the words of David * Psalm 27. 10 When my father and mother forsake me then the Lord taketh me up My Father Thomas Hildersham a Gentleman of an ancient Family And Mother Anne Poole daughter to Sir Jeffery neece to Cardinall Poole grandchild to
eies are waking let such who all the foregoing week had their Cheeks moistned with sweat and hands hardened with labor let such have some recreation on the Lordsday indulged unto them whilst persons of quality who may be said to keep Sabbath all the week long I mean who rest from hard labor are concerned in conscience to observe the Lords-day with the greater abstinence from recreations Anno Dom. 34. Pass we now from the pen Troubles begâ—n in Somerset-shire to the practicall part of the Sabbatarian difference Somerset-shire was the stage whereon the first and fiercest Scene thereof was acted Here Wakes much different I dare say from the watching prescribed by our Saviour were kept on thâ— Lords day with Church-Ales Bid-Ales and Clerks-Ales If the Reader know not the criticall meaning and difference of these words I list not to be the interpreter and his ignorance herein neither is any disgrace nor can be any damage unto him The Gentry of that County perceiving such revells the cause of many and occasion of moe misdemeanors many acts of wantonness bearing their dates from such meetings importuned Sr. Thomas Richardson Lord Chief Justice and Baron Denham then Judges riding the Western circuit in the Lent-vacation to make a severe Order for the suppressing of all Ales and Revells on the Lords-day 35. In complyance with their desire March 19 Judg Richardsons order against Lords-day Revells the aforesaid Judges made an order on the 19. day of March founded on former precedents signed by Judge Popeham Lord Chief Justice in the latter end of Queen Elizabeth her Reign therein suppressing such Revells in regard of the infinite number of inconveniences daily arising by means thereof injoyning the Constables to deliver a copie thereof to the Minister of every Parish who on the first Sunday in February and likewise the two first Sundays before Easter was to publish the same every yeare 36. The Archbishop of Canterbury beheld this as an usurpation on Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction Which he would not revoke and complained of the Judges to his Majesty procuring a Commission to Bishop Pierce and other Divines to enquire into the manner of publishing this Order and the Chief Justice his cariage in this business Notwithstanding all which the next Assise Judge Richardson gave another strict charge against these Revels required an account of the publication and execution of the aforesaid Order punishing some persons for the breach thereof After whose return to London the Archbishop sent for him and commanded him to revoke his former Order as he would answer the contrary at his peril telling him it was his Majesties pleasure he should reverse it The Judge alledged it done at the request of the Justices of the Peace in the County with the generall consent of the whole Bench on the view of ancient precedents in that kinde 1634 However the next Assise he revoked his Order with this limitation as much as in him lay At what time also the Justices of the Peace in Somerset shire who in birth brains spirit and estate were inferiour to no County in England drew up an humble petition to his Majesty for the suppressing of the aforesaid unlawfull assemblies concurring with the Lord Chief Justice therein sending it up by the hand of the Custos Rotulorum to deliver it to the Earle of Pembroke Lord Lieutenant of their County to present it to his Majesty 37. Just in this juncture of time a Declaration for sports The Kings Declaration set forth the fifteenth of King James was revived and enlarged For his Majesty being troubled with petitions on both sides thought good to follow his Fathers royal example upon the like occasion in Lancashire and we refer the Reader to what we have writen * See the 15. of K. James before for arguments pro and con about the lawfulnesse of publique reading thereof 38. It was charged at his triall The Archbishop excuseth himself on the Archbishop of Canterbury that he had caused the reviving and enlarging of this Declaration strong presumptions being urged for the proof thereof He denied it yet professing his judgment for recreations on that day alledging the practice of the Church of Geneva allowing shooting in long Bowes c. thereon Adding also that though indulging liberty to others in his own person he strictly observed that day Anno Dom. 1634 Anno Regis Caroli 10 A self-praise or rather self-purging because spoken on his life which seem'd uttered without pride and with truth and was not cleerly confuted Indeed they are the best carvers of libertie on that day who cut most for others and leave least for themselves 39. However No injunction to the Ministers there was no express in this Declaration that the Minister of the Parish should be pressed to the publishing Many counted it no Ministers work and more proper for the place of the Constable or Tithing-man to perform it Must they who were if not worst able most unfitting hold the Candle to lighten and let in licentiousnesse But because the Judges had enjoyned the Ministers to read their order in the Church the Kings Declaration was inforced by the Bishops to be published by them in the same place 40. As for such whose consciences reluctated to publish the Declaration Yet some silenced for refusall to read the book various were their evasions Some left it to their Curats to read Nor was this the plucking out of a thorn from their own to put it in another Mans conscience seeing their Curats were perswaded of the lawfulnesse thereof Others read it indeed themselves but presently after read the fourth Commandement And was this fair play setting God and their King as they conceived at odds that so they themselves might escape in the fray Others point-blanck refused the reading thereof for which some of them were suspended ab officio beneficio some deprived and moe molested in the High Commission it being questionable whether their sufferings procured more pity to them or more hatred to the causers thereof 41. All Bishops urged not the reading of the Book with rigour alike Moderation of some Bishopâ— therein nor punished the refusall with equall severity I hear the loudest longest and thickest complaints come from the Diocess of Norwich and of Bath and Wells I knew a Bishop in the West to whom I stood related in kindred and service who being pressed by some to return the names of such as refused to read the Book to the Archbishop of Canterbury utterly denied and his words to me were these I will never turn an accuser of my Brethren there be enough in the World to take that office As for the Archbishop of Canterbury much was his moderation in his own Diocess silencing but three in whom also a concurrence of other non-conformities through the whole extent thereof But oh The necessity of the generall day of Judgment wherein all Mens actions shall be expounded
according to their intentions which here are interpretable according to other Mens inclinations The Archbishops adversaries imputed this not to his charity but policy Fox-like preying farthest from his own den and instigating other Bishops to doe more than he would appear in himself As for his own Visitation-Articles some complained they were but narrow as they were made and broad as they were measured his under-officers improving and enforcing the same by their enquiries beyond the letter thereof 42. Many complain that Mans badness took occasion to be worse Licentiousness increaseth under the protection of these sports permitted unto them For although liberty on the Lords-day may be so limited in the notions of learned men as to make it lawfull it is difficult if not impossible so to confine it in the actions of lewd people but that their liberty will degenerate into licentiousness 43 Many moderate Men are of opinion Conceived by some a concurring cause of our civil Warrs that this abuse of the Lords day was a principall procurer of Gods anger since poured out on this land in a long and bloody civil war Such observe that our fights of chief concernment were often fought on the Lords-day as pointing at the punishing of the profanation thereof Indeed amongst so many battells which in ten yeers time have rent the bowels of England some on necessity would fall on that day seeing we have be-rubrick'd each day in the week almost in the yeer with English blood and therefore to pick a solemne providence out of a common-casualty savours more of curiosity than conscience Yeâ— seeing Edge-hill-fight which first brake the peace and made an irreconcileable breach betwixt the two parties was fought on that day and some battells since of greatest consequence there may be more in the observation than what many are willing to acknowledge But whatsoever it is which hence may be collected sure I am those are the best Christians who least censure others and most reform themselves 44. But here it is much to be lamented A sad alteration that such who at the time of the Sabbatarian controversie were the strictest observers of the Lords-day are now reeled by their violence into another extreme to be the greatest neglecters yea contemners thereof These Transcendents accounting themselves mounted above the Predicament of common piety averr they need not keep any because they keep all days Lords-dayes in their elevated holinesse But alas Christian duties said to be ever done will prove never done if not sometimes solemnly done These are the most dangerous Levellers equalling all times places and persons making a generall confusion to be Gospell-perfection Whereas to speak plainly we in England are rebus sic stantibus concerned now more strictly to observe the Lords-day than ever before Holy-daies are not and Holy-eves are not and Wednesday and Friday-Letanies are not and Lords-day eves are not and now some out of errour and others out of profaneness goe about to take away the Lords-day also all these things make against Gods solemn and publique service Oh let not his publique worship now contracted to fewer chanells have also a shallower stream But enough of this subject wherein if I have exceeded the bounds of an Historian by being to large therein such will pardon me who know if pleasing to remember that Divinity is my proper profession 45. At this time miserable the maintenance of the Irish Clergy Irish impropriations restored where Scandalous means made Scandalous Ministers And yet a Popish Priest would grow fat in that Parish where a Protestant would be famished as have not their lively-hood on the oblations of those of their own Religion But now such Impropriations as were in the Crown by the King were restored to the Church to a great diminution of the Royall-Revenew though his Majesty never was sensible of any loss to himself if thereby gain might redound to God in his Ministers Bishop Laud was a worthy Instrument in moving the King to so pious a work and yet this his procuring the restoring of Irish did not satisfy such discontented at his obstructing the buying in of English Impropriations thus those conceived to have done hurt at home will hardly make reparations with other good deeds at distance 46. A Convocation concurrent with a Parliament was called and kept at Dublin in Ireland The 39 Articles received in Ireland wherein the 39. Articles of the Church of England were received in Ireland for all to subscribe unto It was adjudged fit seeing that Kingdome complies with England in the Civill government it should also conform thereto in matters of Religion Mean time the Irish Articles concluded formerly in a Synode 1616. wherein Arminianisne was condemned in terminis terminantibus and the observation of the Lords day resolved jure Divine were utterly excluded 47. A Cardinals-Cap once and again offered by the Pope Bishop Laud refuseth a Cardinalls-Cap to Bishop Laud was as often refused by him The fashion thereof could not fit his Head who had studied and written so much against the Romish Religion He who formerly had foiled the Fisher himself in a publick disputation would not now be taken with so filly a bait but accquainted the King therewith timuit Roman vel donaferentem refusing to receive anything from Rome till she was better reformed 48. Doctor William Juxon Bishop of London March 6 1635 Bishop Juxon made Lord Treasurer was by Bishop Lauds procurement made Lord Treasurer of England entring on that Office with many and great disadvantages Anno Dom. 1635 Anno Regis Caroli 10 First because no Clergy-man had executed the same since William Grey Bishop of Ely almost two hundred yeare agoe in the raign of King Edward the fourth Secondly because the Treasury was very poor and if in private houses bare walls make giddy Hous-wives in Princes Palaces empty Coffers make unsteady Statesmen Thirdly because a very Potent I cannot say Competitor the Bishop himself being never a Petitor for the Place but desirer of this Office was frustrated in his almost assured expectation of the same to himself 49. However so discreet his carriage in that place His comendable carriage it procured a generall love unto him and politick malice despairing to bite resolved not to bark at him He had a perfect command of his passion an happiness not granted to all Clergy-men in that age though privy-Counsellors slow not of speech as a defect but to speak out of discretion because when speaking he plentifully payed the principall and interest of his Auditors expectation No hands having so much money passing thorough them had their fingers less soiled there with It is probable his frugality would have cured the consumption of the Kings Exchequer had not the unexpected Scotch commotion put it into a desperate relapse In this particular he was happy above others of his order that whereas they may be said in some sort to have left their Bishopricks
he confined not his character so to the Latian Bishops beyond the Alpes but that our English Praelates counted themselves touched therein Hereupon he was accused in the High-Commission committed to the Gate-house where he wrote a second Book taxing the injustice of the proceedings of the High-Commission for which he was indited in the Star-Chamber 59. Mr. Henry Burton Minister rather took a snap then made a meal in any University Mr. Burton his character was first Schoolmaster to the Sonnes of the Lord Cary afterwards Earl of Monmouth whose Lady was Governesse to King Charles when Prince And this opportunity say some more then his own deserts preferred him to the service of Pr. Ch. being designed as I have heard to wait on him in Spain but afterwards when part of his goods were shipped for the voyage excluded the attendance Whether because his parts and learning were conceived not such as to credit our English Church in Forain-Countries or because his Principles were accounted uncomplying with that imployment 60. The crudity of this affront lay long on his minde The cause of his discontent hot stomachs contrary to corporall concoction being in this kinde the slowest of digestion After the venting of many mediate discontents on the last fifth of November he took for his Text Pro. 24. 21. My Sonne fear thou the Lord and the King and meddle not with them that are given to change This Sermon was afterwards printed charging the Prelats for introducing of severall innovations into Divine worship for which as a Libell he was indited in the Star-Chamber 61. But the fault-generall Their fault-generall which at this day was charged on these three Prisoners at the Barr in the Star-Chamber was this That they had not put in their effectuall answer into that Court wherein they were accused though sufficient notice and competent time was allowed them for the performance thereof The Lord-Keeper Coventry minded them that for such neglect they had a Precedent wherein the Court after six daies had taken a cause pro confesso whereas the favour of six weeks was allowed unto them and now leave given them to render reason why the Court should not proceed to present censure 62. Hereat Mr. Prinne first moved that they would be pleased to accept a cross Bill which he there tendered against the Prelates Mr. Brinne his Plea rejected This the Lord-Keeper refused to accept of at the present as not being the business of the day Then he moved that the Prelates might be dismissed the Court It being agreeable neither to nature reason nor justice that those who were their Adversaries should be their Judges This also was rejected by the Lord-Keeper because by the same proportion had he libelled against the Temporall Lords Judges and Privy Counsellors in the place by this Plea none should passe censure upon them because all were made Parties 63. Mr. Prinne proceeded to shew he had done his endeavour to prepare his answer And his answer refused being hindred first by his close imprisonment denyed pen ink and paper and by the imprisonment also of his Servant who was to sollicit his business That the Councell assigned him came very late and though twice payed for their pains deferred the drawing up of his answer and durst not set their hands unto it Mr. Hole one of his Councell being present confessed that he found his answer would be very long and of such a nature as he durst not subscribe it fearing to give their Lordships distaste 64. Dr. Bastwick being spoken to So is Dr. Bastwicks to speak for himself why he brought not in his answer before laid the blame on the cowardise of his Councell that durst not sign it for fear of the Prelates He there tendred his answer on oath with his own hand which would not be accepted He spake much of his own Abilities that he had been a Souldier able to lead an Army of men into the Field and now was a Physitian able to cure Kings Princes and Emperors and therefore how unworthy it was to curtaâ—lize his EARES generally given out by the Bishops Servants as a punishment intended unto him He minded them of the mutability of all earthly things and chiefly of the changes in the Court where he * The Bishop of Lincoln lately the chief Judge therein was the next day to have his own cause censured wishing them seriously to consider that some who now sate there on the Bench might stand Prisoners at the Barre another day and need the favour which now they denyed 65. Mr. Burton being asked what he could alledge Mr. Purtons cast ouâ— for imperfect why the Court should not take his Fault pro confesso pleaded that he had put in his answer drawn up with great pains and cost signed by his Councell and received into the Court. The Lord-Keeper rejoyned that the Judges had cast his answers out as imperfect Judge Finch affirming that they did him a good turn in making it imperfect being otherwise as libelloâ—s as his Book and deserving a censure alone 66. Here the Prisoners desiring to speak were commanded silence The severe censure and the premises notwithstanding the Court proceeded to censure namely that they should lose their EARES in the Palace Yard at Westminster fining them also five thousand pound a man to his Majesty perpetuall imprisonment in three remote places The Lord Finch added to Mr. Prinnes censure that he should be branded in each Cheek with S. L. for Slanderous Libeller to which the whole Court agreed The Archbishop of Canterbury made a long speech since printed to excuse himself from the introducing of any Innovations in the Church concluding it that he left the Prisoners to Gods mercie and the Kings justice 67. It will be lawfull and safe to report the discourse of severall persons hereon Esteemed too low by some This censure fell out scarce adaquate to any judgement as conceiving it either too low or too high for their offence High Conformists counted it too low and that it had been better if the Pillorie had been changed into a Gallowes They esteemed it improvident but by their leaves more of Machiavill than of Christ in such Counsell to kindle revenge and not to quench life in such turbulent Spirits The only way with them had been to rid them out of the way 68. Most moderate men thought the censure too sharp Too high by most too base and ignominious for Gentlemen of their ingenuous vocation Besides though it be easie in the notion June 27 it is hard in the action to fix shame on the Professors and sever it from the Professions of Divinity Law and hysick As for the former though Burton was first * By Sir John Lamb in the high Commission in St. Pauls degraded yet such who maintain an indelible character of Priesthood hold that Degradation cannot delete what Ordination hath impressed and granâ— the censure pronounced ad
be in the Commission of the Peace nor Judges in Temporall Courts 3. Nor sit in the Star-Chamber nor be Privy-Counsellors The two last branches of this Bill passed by generall consent not above two dissenting But the first branch was voted in the Negative wherein all the Bishops gave their own voices for themselves Yet had their suffrages been secluded and the question only put to the lay-Lords it had been carried for the Bishops by sixteen decisive June 8 76. After some dayes debate the Lords who were against the Bishops protested that the former manner of voting the Bill by branches was unparlamentary and illegall Wherefore they moved the House that they should be so joyned together as either to take the Bill in wholly or cast it all out Whereupon the whole Bill was utterly cast out by many voices had not the Bishops as again they did given their suffrages in the same 77. Master Maynard made a Speech in the Committee of Lords against the Canons At last wholly cast out made by rhe Bishops in the last Convocation therein with much learning indeavouring to prove 1. That in the Saxons times as Malmesbury Hoveden Sir Henry Spelman c. doe witnesse Lawes and constitutions Ecclesiasticall had the confirmation of Peers and sometimes of the People Mr. Maynards Speech against the Canons to which great Councells our Parliaments doe succeed 2. That it appears out of the aforesaid Authors and others that there was some checking about the disuse of the generall making of such Church Lawes 3. That for Kings to make Canons without consent of Parliament cannot stand because built on a bad foundation viz. on the Popes making Canons by his sole Power so that the groundwork not being good the superstructure sinketh therewith 4. He examined the Statute 25 of Henry 8 avouching that that clause The Clergy shall not make Canons without the Kings leave implyeth not that by his leave alone they may make them Lastly he endeavoured to prove that these Canons were against the Kings Prerogative the Rights Liberties and Properties of the Subject insisting herein on severall particulars 1. The first Canon puts a penalty on such as disobey them 2. One of them determineth the Kings Power and the Subjects right 3. It sheweth that the Ordinance of Kings is by the Law of Nature and then they should be in all places and all alike 4. One of the Canons saith that the King may not be resisted 5. Another makes a Holy Day whereas that the Parliament saith there shall be such and no more This his Speech lost neither life nor lustre being reported to the Lords by the Bishop of Lincoln a back friend to the Canons because made during his absence and durance in the Tower 78. One in the House of Commons heightned the offence of the Clergy herein Severall judgments of the Clergyes offence into Treason which their more moderate adversaries abated into a Premunire Many much insisted on the Clarks of the Convocation for presuming being but private men after the dissolution of the Parliament to grant subsidies A Bill read against the High-Commission and so without Law to give away the estates of their fellow-subjects 78. A Bill was read to repeal that Statute of 1 Eliz. whereby the High-Commission Court is erected This Bill afterwards forbad any Archbishop Bishop c. deriving power from the King to Assesse or inflict any pain penalty amercement imprisonment or corporall punishment for any ecclesiasticall offence or transgression Forbidding them likewise to administer the Oath Ex officio or give Oath to Church-Wardens Sides-men or any others whereby their own or others offences should be discovered DIGNISSIMO DOM. THOMAE FISHER BARONETTO CUM Insignia tua Gentilitia intueor Anno Regis Carol 16 Anno Dom. 1640 non sum adeò Heraldicae Artis ignarus quin probè sciam quid sibi velit Manus illa Scutello inserta Te scilicet Baronettum designat cùm omnes in illum Ordinem cooptati ex Institutione sua ad * * Seldenus in titulis Honoris Vltoniam Hiberniae Provinciam forti dextrâ defendendam teneantur At sensum praeter hunc vulgarem alium latiorem quoad meipsum laetiorem Manui illi expansae quae in tuo Clypeo spectabilis subesse video Index est summae tuae Munificentiae quo nomine me tibi divinctissimum profiteor 1. OMitting matters of greater consequence The High-Commission Court put down know that the Bill against the High-Commission June 24 was the third time read in the House of Lords and passed it which some dayes after was confirmed by his Majesty Thus the edge of the Spiritual Sword as to discipline was taken away For although I read of a Proviso made in the House of Lords that the generall words in this Bill should extend only to the High-Commission Court and not reach other Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction yet that Proviso being but writen and the Statute printed all coercive power of Church Consistories were taken away Mr. Pim triumphed at this successe crying out Digitus Det it is the finger of God Anno Dom. 1641 that the Bishops should so supinely suffer themselves to be surprised in their power Anno Regis Caroli 16 Some disaffected to Episcopy observed a Justice that seeing many simple souls were in the high Commission Court by captious interrogatories circumvented into a self-accusation an unsuspected clause in this Statute should abolish all their lawfull authority 2. The Bishop of Lincoln brought up a Bill to regulate Bishops and their jurisdiction The Bill for Regulation of Bishops consisting of severall particulars July 2 1. That every Bishop being in his Diocesse not sick should preach once every Lords day or pay five pounds to the poor to be levyed by the next Justice of Peace and distresse made by the Constable 2. That no Bishop shall be Justice of Peace save the Dean of Westminster in Westminster and St. Martines 3. That every Bishop should have twelve assistants besides the Dean and Chapter four chosen by the King four by the Lords and four by the Commons for jurisdiction and ordination 4. That in all vacancies they should present to the King three of the ablest Divines in the Diocesse out of which his Majesty might choose one to be Bishop 5. Deans and Prebends to be resident at the Cathedralls but sixty dayes 6. That Sermons be preached therein twice every Lords day once every Holy day and a Lecture on Wednesday with a salary of 100. Marks 7. All Archbishops Bishops Collegiate Churches c. to give a fourth part of their fines and improved rents to buy out Impropriations 8. All double beneficed men to pay a moiety of their benefice to their Curates 9. No appeal to the Court of Arches or Audience 10. Canons and Ecclesiasticall capitulations to be drawn up and fitted to the Lawes of the Land by sixteen learned men chosen six by the King
five by the Lords and five by the Commons This Bill was but once read in the House and no great matter made thereof the Antiâ—piscopall party conceived it needlesse to shave their beards whose heads they intended to cut off designing an utter extirpation of Bishops 3. By the way the mention of a moiety to the Curats A crying sinne of the English Clergy minds me of a crying sin of the English Clergy conceived by the most conscientious amongst them a great incentive of Divine anger against them namely the miserable and scandalous Stipends afforded to their Curats Which made Lay-men follow their pattern in Vicaridges unindowed seeing such who knew most what belong to the work allowed the least wages to the Ministry Hence is it that God since hath changed his hand making many who were poor Curats rich Rectors and many wealthy Incumbents to become poor Curats It will not be amisse to wish thankfulnesse without pride to the one and patience without dejection to the other 4. A Bill was sent up by the Commons against Matthew Wren Bishop of Ely July 20 containing twenty five Articles A Bill against Bishop Wren charging him for being Popishly affected a suppressor of Preaching and introducer of Arbitrary Power to the hazard of the estates and lives of many They desired he might be sequestred from the Kings Person and Service 5. To return to the Bishops The Bishops impeached for making of Canons the Commons perceiving that they were so tenacious of their votes in Parliament resolved vigorously to prosecute the impeachment against them for making of Canons expecting the Bishops should willingly quit their votes as Barons to be acquitted of their premunire whereby they forfeited all their Personall estates yet the sound of so great a charge did not so afright them but that they persisted legally to defend their innocence 6. The Bishops that were impeached for making Canons Aug. 16. craved time till Michaelmas Term to make their answer Have time and câ—uncell allowed them This was vehemently opposed by some Lords and two questions were put 1. Whether the Bishops should sit still in the House though without voting to which themselves consented whilst the circumstance of time for their answer was in debate 2. What time they should have for their answer The first of these was carried for them by one present voice and four Proxies and for the second time was allowed them till the tenth of November And although the adverse Lords pleaded that in offences criminall for matters of fact no councell should be allowed them but to answer yea or no yet on the Lord Keepers affirming it ordinary and just to allow councell in such cases it was permitted unto them 7. Bishop Warner of Rochester is chosen by joynt consent The impeachment of the Bishops waved and why to solicite the cause sparing neither care nor cost therein Of the Councell he retained two only appeared Serjeant Jermin who declined to plead for them except the Bishops would first procure him a Warrant from the House of Commons which they refused to doe and Mr. Chuite who being demanded of the Lords whether he would plead for the Bishops Yea said he so long as I have a tongue to plead with Soon after he drew up a Demurrer in their behalf that their offence in making Canons could not amount to a Premunire This being shown to the Bishop of Lincoln he protested that he never saw a stronger demurrer all the dayes of his life and the notice hereof to the Lords was probably the cause that they waved any further prosecution of the charge which henceforward sunk in silence 8. Passe we now from the outworks of Episcopacy I mean the Deans and Chapters this fiercely stormed but as yet not taken to the Bishops themselves The Bishops accused for mean birth who began to shake seeing their interest and respects in the House of Lords did daily decay and decline Yea about this time came forth the Lord Brook his book against Bishops accusing them in respect of their parentage to be de faece populi of the dregs of the people and in respect of their studies no way fit for government or to be Barons in Parliament 9. Whereupon the Bishops taking this accusation to heart Vindicated their paâ—entage meet together and in their own necessary defence thought fit to vindicate their extractions some publickly some in private discourse Dr. Williams began then Archbishop of York Canterbury being in the Tower was accused in the Star-Chamber for purchasing the two ancientest Houses and inheritances in North-Wales which are Penrhyne and Quowilocke in regard he was descended from them So that he might as truely accuse all the ancient Nobility of Britain as tax him for meanly descended Dr. Juxon Bishop of London did or might plead that his parents lived in good fashion and gave him large allowance first in the University then in Grays-Inn where he lived as fashionably as other Gentlemen so that the Lord Brooks might question the parentage of any Inns-of-Court-Gentlemen as well as his Bishop Morton of Durham averred that his father had been Lord Major of York and born all the Offices of that City with credit and honour so that the Lord Brook might as justly quarrell the descent of any Citizens Sons in England Bishop Curle of Winchester his father was for many yeers Auditor in the Court of Wards Anno Dom. 1641 Anno Regis Carol. 16 to Queen Elizabeth and King James and the aforesaid Lord may as well condemn all the sonnes of Officers to be meanly born as accuse him Bishop Cook of Hereford his Fathers family had continued in Darbyshire in the same house and in the same means four hundred yeers at least often Sheriffs of that County and matched to all the best houses therein So that the Lord Brook might as well have charged all the ancient Gentry of that shire for mean parentage as accuse him Bishop Owen of Asaph that there was not a Gentleman in the two Counties of Carnarvan and Anglesey of three hundred pounds a yeer but was his Kinsman or allieman in the fourth degree which he thinks will sufficiently justify his parentage Bishop Goodman of Glocester that though his very name seemed to point out his descent from Yeomantry yet though the youngest sonne of the youngest brother he had more left unto him than the Lord Brook his father had to maintain him and all his family That his grandfather by his father side purchased the whole estate of Sir Thomas Exmew Lord Maior London 1517. and that by his mothers side he was descended of the best parentage of the City of London The rest of the Bishops might sufficiently vindicate their parentage as most the Sonnes of Ministers or Lay-Gentlemen whose extractions ran not so low as to any such feculencie charged upon them 10. But moe symptomes of their dying power in Parliament daily discovered themselves The
concessions so that such yeelding unto them would not satisfie their hunger but quicken their Appetites to demand the more hereafter 30. The importunity of others pressed upon him Febr. that to prune off their Baronies But is importuned thereunto was the way to preserve their Bishopricks that his Majesty lately obnoxious to the Parliament for demanding the five Members would now make plenary satisfaction and give such assurance of his affections for the future that all things would answer his desired expectation This was set home unto him by some not the farthest relations insomuch that at last he signed the Bill as he was in St. Augustines in Canterbury passing with the Queen towards Dover then undertaking her voyage into the Low-Countries 31. Many expected Keep in thy calling and more desired that the Kings condescension herein should put a period unto all differences 18 1642 But their expectations were frustrate and not long after the King apprehending himself in danger by tumults deserted Whitehall went into the North erected his Standard at Nottingham Edge-Hill-field was fought and much English blood on both sides shed in severall battles But I seasonably remember that the Church is my Castle viz. that the writing thereof is my House and Home wherein I may stand on my own defence against all who assault me It was good counsell King Joash gave to King Amaziah * 2. Kings 14. 10. Tarry at home The practise whereof shall I hope secure me from many mischiefs 32. About this time the word Malignant Malignant first coyned was first born as to the Common use in England the deduction thereof being disputable whether from malus ignis bad fire or malum lignum bad fewell but this is sure betwixt both Anno Dom. 1642 Anno Regis Caroli 18 the name made a combustion all over England It was fixed as a note of disgrace on those of the Kings party and because one had as good be dumb as not speak with the Volge possibly in that sense it may occur in our ensuing Historie However the Royalists plead for themselves that Malignity a * Rom. 1. 29. Scripture word properly denoteth activity in doing evill whereas they being ever since on the suffring side in their Persons Credits and Estates conceive the name improperly applied unto them Which plea the Parliamentary-party smile at in stead of answering taking notice of the affections of the Royalists how Malignant they would have appeared if successe had befriended them 33. Contemporary with Malignant And the word Plunder was the word Plunder which some make of Latine originall from planum dare to levell or plane all to nothing Others make it of Duch extraction as if it were to plume or pluck the feathers of a Bird to the bare skin Sure I am we first heard thereof in the Swedish wars and if the name and thing be sent back from whence it came few English eyes would weep thereat 34. By this time ten of the eleven Bishops The Bishops in the Tower released formerly subscribing their protestation to the Parliament were after some moneths durance upon good bale given released two of them finding great favour in their fees from the Lieutenant of the Tower in respect of their great charge and small estate These now at liberty severally disposed themselves some went home to their own Diocesse as the Bishops of Norwich Oxford c. Some continued in London as the Bishop of Durham not so rich in Age as in all commendable Episcopall qualities Some withdrew themselves into the Kings quarters as Archbishop Williams c. Only Bishop Wren was still detained in the Tower where his long imprisonment being never brought in to a publick answer hath converted many of his adversaries into a more charitable opinion of him 35. The Bishops Votes in Parliament A query worth enquiring being dead and departed neither to be helpt with flatterie nor hurt with malice one word of enquiry in what notion they formerly voted in Parliament Whether as a distinct third Estate of the Clergy or Whether as so many single Barons in their temporall capacity This was formerly received for a trueth countenanced with some passages in the old Statutes reckoning the Lords spirituall and Lords temporall and the Commons to be the three Estates the King as Paramount of all not comprehended therein This is maintained by those who account the King the Lords and Commons the three Estates amongst which Lords the Bishops though spirituall persons appeared as so many temporall Barons Whose absence is no whit prejudiciall to the Acts past in Parliament Some of the Aged Bishops had their Tongues so used to the language of a third Estate that more then once they ran on that reputed Rock in their Speeches for which they were publickly shent and enjoyned an acknowledgement of their mistake 36. The Convocation now not sitting Divines consulted with in Parliament 1643 19 and matters of Religion many being brought under the Cognizance of the Parliament their Wisdomes adjudged it not only convenient but necessary that some prime Clergy-man might be consulted with In order whereunto they resolved to select some out of all Counties whom they conceived best qualified for their designe herein and the first of July was the day appointed for their meeting SECTION IX To Mr Giles Vandepit Clegat Peter Matthewes of London Merchants A Threefold Cable is not easily broken and a Triplicate of Friends may be presumed effectual to protect my endeavours Of whom two are of Dutch the third in the midst of English Extraction not falling there by casual confusion but placed by designed Conjunction Me thinks it is a good sight to behold the Dutch embracing the English and this Dedication may pass for the Emblem of the late Agreement which God long continue if for the mutual good of both Nations 1. WHen on this day the Assembly of Divines Anno Regis Caroli 19. Anno Dom. 1643. The first meeting of the Assembly to consult about matters of Religion met at Westminster in the Chappel of King Henry the Seventh Then the constitution of this Assembly July 1. Satur. as first elected and designed was to consist of about one hundred and twenty persons chosen by the Parliament without respect of Diocesses in relation to Shires two or more of a County They thought it not safe to entrust the Clergie with their own choice of whose generall corruption they constantly complained and therefore adjudged it unfit that the Distempered Patients should be or choose their own Physicians 2. These Elects were of foure severall natures The foure English quarters of the Assembly as the quarters of the same body easily distinguishable by these conditions or opinions First men of Episcopal perswasion as the Right Reverend James Vsher Arch-Bishop of Armagh Doctor Browmrig Bishop of Exeter Doctor Westfield Bishop of Bristol D r Daniel Featly D r Richard
Holdsworth c. Secondly such who in their judgements favoured the Presbyterian Discipline or in proces of time were brought over to embrace it amongst whom to mention those who seemed to be pillars as on whose abilities the weight of the work most lay we take special notice of D r Hoyle Divinity Professor in Ireland Cambridge D r Thomas Gouge of Black-Fryars D r Smith of Barkeway M r Oliver Boules M r Thomas Gataker M r Henry Scudder M r Anthony Tuckeners M r Steven Marshall M r John Arrowsmith M r Herbert Palmer M r Thomas Throughgood M r Thomas Hill M r Nathanael Hodges M r Gibbons M r Timothy Young M r Richard Vincs M r Thomas Coleman M r Matthew Newcomen M r Jeremiah Whitaker c. Oxford D r William Twisse D r Cornelius Burgess D r. Stanton M r White of Dorchester M r Harris of Hanwell M r Edward Reynolds M r Charles Herl M r Corbet of Merton Colledge M r Conant M r Francis Cheinell M r Obadiah Sedgewick M r Cartar Senior M r Cartar Junior M r Joseph Caryll M r Strickland c. I hope an et caetera so distastfull elsewhere may be permitted in the close of our Catalogue and am confident that the rest here omitted as unknown unto me will take no exception The like assurance I have that none will cavil if not reckoned up in their just Seniority both because they know I was none of the Register that entred their Admissions in the Vniversities and because it may savour something of a Prelatical spirit to be offended about praecedencie Thirdly some zealous Ministers who formerly disliking conformity to avoid the censures of Episcopal Consistories removed themselves beyond the Seas chiefly to Holland where some had plentifull all comfortable subsistence whence they returned home at the beginning of this Parliament These afterwards proved Dissenting Brethren to some transactions in the Assembly as Tho Goodwin Sidrach Symson Philip Nye c. Fourthly some members of the house of Lords and Commons were mingled amongst them and voted joyntly in their consultations as the Earl of Pembroke the Lord Say The most learned Antiquary M r John Selden M r Francis Rouse M r Bulstrode Whitlock c. Thus was this Assemblie as first chosen and intended a Qwint-Essence of four Parties Some conceive so motly a meeting promised no good results whilst others grounded their hopes on what was the motive of the former to despair The Miscellaneous nature of the Assembly For what speedier way to make peace in a Distracted Church then to take in all Interests to consult together It had been little better then a Spiritual Monopolie only to employ those of one Party whilest if all mens Arguments Objections Complaints Desires be indifferently admitted an Expedient may be the sooner found out for their just and general satisfaction 3. So much for the English party of this Assembly The Scots Commissioners joyned in the Assembly For know that Commissioners from Scotland were joyned with them some of the Nobility as the Earl of Lothian The Lord Lauderdale The Lord Warristone Others of the Clergie as M r Alexander Henderson M r. Galasphie c. So that as Livy calleth the general meeting of Aetolia Pan-Aetolâ—um this Assembly endeavoured to put on the face of Pan-Britanicum that the walls of the Palace wherein they met might in some sort be like the waves of the Sea with the compass whereof they lived as surrounding one Island and two Nations 4. D r Twisse preached the first Sermon at the meeting of the Assembly Dr Twisse the Prolocutor his sermon though the Schools not the Pulpit was his proper Element witness his Controversal writings and in his sermon he exhorted them faithfully to discharge their high calling to the glory of God and the honour of his Church He much bemoaned that one thing was wanting namely the Royall assent to give comfort and encouragement to them Yet he hoped that by the efficacie of their fervent prayers it might in due time be obtained and that a happy union might be procured betwixt him and the Parliament Sermon ended the Ordinance was read by which was declared the cause ground and intent of their Convention namely to consult with the Parliament for the setling of Religion and Church-government Then the list of their names was called over who were appointed to be present there and a mark but no penalty set on such who appeared not at the time prefixed 5. The appearance of the persons elected answered not expectation The Royalists reasons of their non-appearance seeing of an hundred and twenty but sixty nine were present and those in Coats and Cloaks of several forms and fashions so that D r Westfield and some few others seemed the only Non-conformists amongst them for their conformity whose gowns and Canonical habits differed from all the rest For of the first sort of Royalists Episcopal in their judgements very few appeared and scarce any continued any time in the House save D r Daniel Featly of whom hereafter alledging privately severall reasons for their absence or Departure 1. First they had no call from the King having read how anciently the breath of Christian Emperours gave the first being to Councels Yea some on my knowledge had from his Majesty a flat command to the contrary 2. They were not chosen by the Clergy and so could not appear as Representatives but in their personal capacities 3. This meeting seemed set up to pluck down the Convocation now neither sitting nor legally dissolved which solemnly was summoned for Ecclesiastical affairs 4. If appearing there they should be beheld by the rest what Joseph charged on his Brethren as spies come thither to see the nakedness of the Assembly 5. Being few they should easily be out-voted by the Opposite Party and so only worn as Countenances to credit their proceedings However I have heard many of both Parties desire that those Defenders of the Hierarchy had afforded their presence as hoping that their learning and abilities their temper and moderation might have conduced much to mitigate some violence and extremity in their proceedings But God in his all ordering providence saw it unfitting and whether or no any good had been effected by them if present seeing as yet no law to order mens conjectures is left to the liberty of every mans opinion 6. Soon after The Assembly consituted the Assembly was compleatly constituted with all the Essentials thereunto D r Twisse Prolocutor M r Roborough and Adoniram Byfield their Scribes and Notaries And now their good success next to the Parliaments was publickly prayed for by the Preachers in the City and books dedicated unto them under the title of the most * Mr Stalmarsh his Book against Tho. Fuller Sacred Assembly which because they did not disavow by others they were interpreted to approve four shillings a day sallary was allowed them much too little as some thought for men of their merit
others grumbling at it as too much for what by them was performed And now what place more proper for the building of Sion as they propounded it then the Chamber of Jerusalem the fairest in the Deans Lodgings where King Henry the fourth died and where these Divines did daily meet together 7. Be it here remembred The superadded Divines that some besides those Episcopally affected chosen to be at this Assembly notwithstanding absented themselves pretending age indisposition c. as it is easie for able unwillingness to finde out excuses and make them probable Fit it was therefore so many evacuities should be filled up to mount the Meeting to a competent number and Assemblies as well as Armies when grown thin must be recruited Hence it was that at severall times the Lords and Commons added more Members unto them by the name of the Super-added Divines Some of these though equall to the former in power were conceived to fall short in parts as chosen rather by the affections of others then for their own abilities the Original members of the Assembly not overpleased thereat such addition making the former rather more then more considerable 8. One of the first publick Acts The Assemblies first petition for a fast which I finde by them performed was the humble presenting of a Petition to both Houses for the appointing of a solemn fast to be generally observed And no wonder if their request met with fair acceptance and full performance seeing the Assemblies Petition was the Parliaments intention and this solemn suite of the Divines did not create new but quicken the old resolutions in both Houses presently a Fast is appointed July 21. Frid. and accordingly kept on the following Friday M r Boules and M r Newcomen whose sermons are since printed preaching on the same and all the rest of the particulars promised to be taken into speedy consideration 9. It was now projected to finde out some Band or Tie The Covenent entreth England for the streighter Vnion of the English and Scotish amongst themselves and both to the Parliament In order whereunto the Covenant was now presented This Covenant was of Scottish extraction born beyond Tweed but now brought to be bred on the South-side thereof 10. The House of Commons in Parliament The Covenant first taken and the Assembly of Divines solemnly took the Covenant at S t. Margarets in Westminster 11. It was ordered by the Commons in Parliament that this Covenant be forthwith printed and published Commanded to be printed 12. Divers Lords Taken by Gentlemen Knights Gentlemen Collonels Officers Souldiers and others Sept. 27. Wed. 29. Frid. then residing in the City of London met at S t Margarets in Westminster and there took the said Covenant M r Coleman preaching a Sermon before them concerning the piety and legality thereof 13. It was commanded by the authority of both Houses Enjoyned all in London that the said Covenant on the Sabbath day ensuing Frid. Octo. 1. Sund. should be taken in all Churches and Chappels of London within the lines of Communication and thoroughout the Kingdom in convenient time appointed thereunto according to the Tenour following A Solemn league and Covenant for Reformation and defence of Religion the honour and happiness of the King and the peace and safety of the three Kingdomes of England Scotland and Ireland WE Noblemen Barons Knights Gentlemen Citizens Burgesses Ministers of the Gospel and Commons of all sorts in the Kingdom of England Scotland and Ireland by the providence of God living under one King and being of one Reformed Religion having before our eyes the glory of God and the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ the honour and happiness of the Kings Majesty and his posterity and the true publick liberty safety and peace of the Kingdom wherein every ones private condition is included And calling to minde the Treacherous and Bloody Plots Conspiracies attempts and Practises of the enemies of God against the true Religion and the professors thereof in all places especially in these three Kingdoms ever since the Reformation of Religion and how much their rage power and presumption are of late and at this time encreased and exercised whereof the deplorable estate of the Church and Kingdom of Ireland the distressed estate of the Church and Kingdom of England the dangerous estate of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland are present and publick Testimonies We have now at last after other means of Supplications Remonstrances Protestations and sufferings for the preservation of our selves and our Religion from utter ruine and destruction according to the commendable practises of these Kingdoms in former times and the example of Gods people in other nations after mature deliberation resolved and determined to enter into a mutual solemn League and Covenant wherein we all subscribe and each one of us for himself with our hands lifted up to the most High God do swear That we shall sincerely really and constantly through the grace of God endeavour in our several places and callings the preservation of the reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government against our common enemies the Reformation of Religion in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government according to the word of God and the example of the best reformed Churches and shall endeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three Kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in Religion Confession of Faith form of Church-Government directory for Worship and Catechizing That we and our posterity after us may as Brethren live in faith and love and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us That we shall in like manner without respect of persons endeavour the extirpation of Popery Prelacie that is Church-government by Arch-Bishops Bishops their Chancellours and Commissaries Deans Deans and Chapters Arch-Deacons and all other Ecclesiastical Officers depending on that Hierarchie Superstition Heresie Schism Prophaneness and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound Doctrine and the power of godliness lest we partake in other mens sins and thereby be in danger to receive of their plagues and that the Lord may be one and his name one in the three Kingdomes We shall with the same sincerity reality and constancy in our several Vocations endeavour with our estates and lives mutually to preserve the Rights and priviledges of the Parliaments and the due liberties of the kingdomes and to preserve and defend the Kings Majesty his person and authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and liberties of the Kingdoms that the world may bear witness with our consciences of our loyalty and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish his Majesties just power and greatness We shall also with all faithfulness endeavour the discovery of all such as have been or shall be Incendiaries Malignants or evill instruments
unto him D r Williams waving and slighting all mony requested foure Books being the collections of the Lord his industry learning and experience concerning 1. The Prerogative Royall 2. Priviledges of Parliaments 3. The proceedings in Chancery 4. The power of the Starr-Chamber These were no sooner asked then granted and the Doctor afterwards copied out these foure Books into his own brains Books which were the foure elements of our English State and he made an absolute Master of all the materials that is of all the passages therein seeing nothing superfluous was therein recorded 16. By the Duke of Buckingham whom he had married to the daughter of the Earle of Rutland he presented these Books to King James The means of his speedy and great preferment Then did His Majesty first take notice of his extraordinary abilities soon after preferring him by the Dukes mediation to the Deanry of Westminster Bishop of Lincolne and Keepers place of the Great Seal till he lost the last in the first of King Charls as hath formerly been related 17. I dare confidently avouch what I knowingly speak The original breach betwixt the Duke and Lord Keeper that the following passage was the motus primò primus of the breach betwixt him and the Duke There was one D r Theodore Price a Welsh man highly beloved both by Bishop Williams and BP Land so that therein the rule did not hold Those that agree in one third agree among themselves these two Prelates mutually mortal enemies meeting in the love of this Doctor Now the Archbishoprick of Armagh in Ireland falling vacant Bishop Williams moved the Duke for D r Price his country man to whom the Duke answered that King James had by promise fore-disposed the place on the Bishop of Meath D r James Vsher one whose deserts were sufficiently known Not satisfied herewith Bishop Williams by his own interest endeavoured to bring D r Price into the place The Duke understanding that he who formerly professed a subordination to at the least a concurrence with his desires should now offer to contest with him resolved that seeing the Lord-Keeper would not own himself to stand by his love the world should see he should fall by his anger and this ministred the first occasion to his ruine And when once the Alarum was sounded of the Dukes displeasure no Courtier so deaf and drowsie but did take the same And all things concurred to his disadvantage This is that D r Theodore Price afterwards died a professed Catholick reconciled to the Church of Rome 18. Yet after his resigning the Seal Not contented with his own wish faire preferment was left unto him could he have consined his large heart thereunto I meet with a passage in a * Cabala or Scrinia Sacra part 1 p. 59. letter from this Lord-Keeper to the Duke wherein he professeth calling God to witness that the Lord-Keeper troubled with many miseries wherewith suddain greatness is accompanied envied the fortunes of one D r Williams late Dean of Westminster Be this a truth or a complement what he formerly envied now he enjoyed returned to a plentifull privacie not only of the Deanry of Westminster but Bishoprick of Lincoln which he held with the same But alass when our desires are forced on us by our foes they do not delight but afflict The same step is not the same step when we take it aseendendo in hopes to higher preferment and when we light upon it descendendo or are remitted unto it as falling from higher advancement The Bishop is impatient for being less than he had been and there wanted not those secret enemies to improve his discontents to his disgrace almost destruction as fining in the Star-Chamber and long imprisoning in the Tower 19. Now came that Parliament so much wished for Enlarged out of the Tower and made Arch-Bishop of York that many feared it would never begin 1640. and afterwards oh the mutability of desires or change of things desired the same feared it would never have an end Then is Bishop Williams sent for out of the Tower brought to Parliament advanced to the Arch-Bishoprick of York and is the Antesignanus of the Episcopal party to defend it in the House of Lords as best armed with his power and experience against a volly of affronts and oppositions 20. Once when His Majesty saw him earnest in the defence of Episcopacy then opposed by Parliament His pleasant answer to the King My Lord saith the King I commend you that you are no whit daunted with all disasters but are zealous in defending your Order Please it your Majesty returned the Arch-Bishop I am a true Welshman and they are observed never to run away till their Generall do first forsake them No fear of my flinching whilest your Highness doth countenance our cause But soon after he was imprisoned about the Bishops Protestation to the Parliament and with great difficulty obtained his liberty as was afore observed 21. Retiring himself into North-Wales where his birth Retires into North-Wales and sinks by degrees into disfavour estate alliance but chiefly hospitality did make him popular he had a great but endeavoured a greater influence on those parts It gave some distast that in all consultations he would have his advise pass for an oracle not to be contested with much less controled by any But vast the difference betwixt his Orders in Chancery armed with power to enforce obedience and his counsell here which many Military men as in their own element took the boldness to contradict Buff-coats often rubb'd and grated against this Prelats silk Cassock which because of the softer matter was the sooner fretted therewith Indeed he endeavoured as much as might be to preserve his country from taxes an acceptable and ingratiating designe with the people but sometimes inconsistent with the Kings present and pressing necessities All his words and deeds are represented at Oxford where his Court-interest did daily decline to his disadvantage and some jealousies are raised of his cordialness to the Royal Cause 22. At last some great Affronts were put upon him increased with his tender resenting of them Incensed with great affronts being himself as I have been informed put out of Commission and another placed in his room A disgrace so much the more insupportable to his high Spirit because he conceived himself much meriting of his Majesty by his loyalty industry ability and expence in his Cause who hitherto had spared neither care nor cost in advancing the same even to the impairing of his own estate 23. But now he entereth on a designe Takes a Commission from the Parliament which had I line and plummet I want skill to manage them in measuring the depth thereof He sueth to the Parliament for favour and obtained it whose General in a manner he becomes in laying siege to the Town and Castle of Abercon-way till he had reduced it to their service and much of the Town to
but therewith the others were unsatisfied jealousie is quick of grouth as not the same which His Majesty delivered unto him When presently the souldier whose rudeness the bad cause of a good effect had formerly over-inspected it in the Kings hand attested this the very same paper and prevented farther suspicions which might have terminated to the Bishops trouble 42. On the Wednesday sennight after Feb. 7. wednesday His Corpse embalmed His Corpse carried to Windsor and coffined in lead was delivered to the care of two of His servants to be buried at Windsor The one Anthony Mildmay who formerly had been His Sewer as I take it the other John Joyner bred first in His Majesties Kitchin afterwards a Parliament-Captain since by them deputed when the Scots surrendred His person Cook to His Majesty This night they brought the Corpse to Windsor and digged a grave for it in S. George his Chappel on the South side of the Communion-Table 43. But next day the Duke of Richmond 8. Thursday the Marquess of Hertford The Lords follow after it the Earles of South-Hampton and Lindsey others though sent to declining the service so far was their feare above their gratitude to their dead Master came to Windsor and brought with them two Votes passed that morning in Parliament Wherein the ordering of the Kings buriall for the form and manner thereof was wholy committed to the Duke of Richmond provided that the expence thereof exceeded not five hundred pounds Coming into the Castle they shewed their Commission to the Governor Colonel Wichcot desiring to interr the Corpse according to the Common-Prayer-Book of the Church of England The rather because the Parliaments total remitting the manner of the Buriall to the Dukes discretion implied a permission thereof This the governor refused alledging it was improbable that the Parliament would permit the use of what so solemnly they had abolished and therein destroy their own Act. 44. The Lords returned The Governors resolution that there was a difference betwixt destroying their own act and dispensing with it or suspending the exercise thereof That no power so bindeth up its own hands as to disable it self in some cases to recede from the rigour of their own acts if they should see just occasion All would not prevaile the Governour persisting in the negative and the Lords betook themselves to their sad employment 45. They resolved not to interre the Corpse in the grave which was provided for it The Lords with much searching finde a vault but in a Vault if the Chappel afforded any Then fall they a searching and in vain seek for one in King Henry the eighth His Chappel where the tombe intended for Him by Cardinal Wolsey lately stood because all there was solid earth Besides this place at the present used for a Magazine was unsuiting with a solemn sepulture Then with their feet they tried the Quire to see if a sound would confess any hollowness therein and at last directed by one of the aged poore Knights did light on a Vault in the middle thereof 46. It was altogether darke as made in the middest of the Quire and an ordinary man could not stand therein without stooping The description thereof as not past five foot high In the midst thereof lay a large leaden coffin with the feet towards the East and a far less on the left side thereof On the other side was room neither to spare nor to want for any other coffin of a moderate proportion 47. That one of the Order was buried there One of the Order buried therein plainly appeared by perfect pieces of purple-velvet their proper habit remaining therein Though some pieces of the same velvet were fox-tawnie and some cole-black all eye of purple being put out therein though all originally of the same cloath varying the colour as it met with more or less moisture as it lay in the ground 48. Now a concurrence of presumptions concluded this great Coffin to contain the Corpse of King Henry the eighth Presumed to be K. Henry the eight though there was neither Armes not any inscription to evidence the same 1. The place exactly corresponds to the designation of His burial See it in the end of K. Henry His Reign mentioned in His last Will and Testament 2. The small Coffin in all probability was His Queens Jane Semaurs by whom in His Will He desired to be buried and the room on the other side seems reserved for His surviving Wife Queen Katherine Parr 3. It was never remembred nor recorded that any Subject of that Order was interred in the body of that Quire but in by-Chappels 4. An herse stood over this vault in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth which because cumbering the passage was removed in the reign of King James I know a tradition is whispered from mouth to mouth that King Henry His body was taken up and burned in the reign of Queen Mary and could name the Knight Her Privie-Councellor and then dwelling not far off muttered to be employed in this inhumane action This prevailed so far on the Lord Herberts belief that he closeth his History of King Henry the eighth with these suspicious words To conclude I wish I could leave Him in His grave But there is no certainty hereof and more probable that here He quietly was reposed The lead-coffin being very thin was at this time casually broken and some yellow stuff altogether sentless like powder of gold taken out of it conceived some exsicative gumms wherewith He was embalmed which the Duke caused to be put in again and the Coffin closed up 49. The Vault thus prepared The leaden inscription on His Coffin a scarse of lead was provided some two foot long and five inches broad therein to make an inscription The Letters the Duke himself did delineate and then a workman call'd to cut them out with a Chesil It bare some debate whether the letters should be made in those concavities to be cut out or in the solid lead betwixt them The latter was concluded on because such vacuities are subject to be soon filled up with dust and render the inscription less legible which was KING CHARLES 1648. The Plummer souldred it to the Coffin about the brest of the Corpse within the same 50. All things thus in readiness The Corpse deposited the Corpse was brought to the vault Febr. 9. Friday being borne by the souldiers of the Garrison Over it a black velvet herse-cloth the foure labels whereof the foure Lords did support The Bishop of London stood weeping by to tender that his service which might not be accepted Then was It deposited in silence and sorrow in the vacant place in the vault the herse-cloth being cast in after it about three of the clock in the afternoone and the Lords that night though late returned to London FINIS THE HISTORY OF THE University of Cambridge SINCE THE CONQUEST Printed in the year of
intentionis propositum dignis in Domino laudibus commendantes ejusque supplicationibus inclinati Apostolica authoritate statuimus ut in praedicto loco Cantabrigiae sit de caetero studium generale Volentes autoritate praedicta etiam decernentes quòd Collegiam Magistorum Scholorium ejusdem studii Universitas sit censenda omnibus juribus gaudeat quibus gaudere potest debet Universit as quaecunque legitimè ordinata Caeterum omnia privilegia indulta praedicto studio rationabiliter à Pontificiâ—us Regibus praedict is concessa autoritate praedicta confirmamus Nulli igitur omnino liceat hanâ— paginam nostri statuti voluntatis constitutionis confirmationis infringere vel ausu temerario contraire si quis autem hoc attemptare praesumserit indignationem omnipotentis Dei beatoruÌ„ Petri Pauli Apostolorum noverit se incursurum Dat. Avinionae 5 idus Julii Pontificatus nostri anno 2. This year 12 according to the computation of Helvicus 1319 falls out to be the year of out Lord 1317 and the eleventh of the reign of King Edward the second though to gratifie the Oxford Antiquary we havehere followed his account in our marginal Chronologie 37. Now let none conceive Cambridge long since the mother of many children now but new born A necessary caution herself an University from the date of this Papal Instrument A mistake of many alledging for the defence of their Error that otherwise it were ridiculous for our King to request and the Pope to confer on Cambridge what she had already adding moreover that the phrase de caetero for the time to come implyeth that de praeterito for the time past Cambridge was no University But let such know that in this Bull Cambridge is confessed a place for Students time out of mind or to use the Popes Latin ab olim where olim a word of indefinite extent is not made the measure of the antiquity of Cambridge but which is more is onely the terminus à quo whence her duration in her learned capacity is dated This Bull also relateth to ancient priviledges of Popes and Princes bestowed upon her which herein are roborated and confirmed 37. Know also that Studium and Universitas are Synonymaes Studium and Universitas the same in effect though the latter the more fashionable word in this age Nor is it any news for Popes officiously to court Kings for their own ends with cheap curtesies by granting what in effect was given before and varnishing over their Predecessors old Acts with new specious expressions We have plainly proved out of plentifull Records in the Tower Cambridge called an University in the Kings Charters more than seventy years before and so no doubt before the Conquest though that her title in the troublesome times of war had been disturbed and interrupted As therefore the seniority of Scholars who have long discontinued is justly reckoned not from their return to the Colledge but from their first admission therein so the University-ship of Cambridge is to be accounted from her original constitution not this her late confirmation 38. Nor are we much moved with what is alledged in this point out of Robert Remington A facile mistake and take the words as g Ant. Acad. Oxford Apol. lib. 1. pag. 110. Twyn the Oxford Antiquary doth managethem the most for his own advantage Regnante Edwardo primo secundo diceret de Studio Grant-bridge facta est Universitas sicat est Oxonium per curiam Romanam In the reign of Edward the first he should have said Edward the second Cambridge was made an University even as Oxford by the Court of Rome See we here Remington mistakes even by his confession who citeth him in his own behalf Now he who faults in one thing may even fail in another He that mistook Edward the first for Edward the second may by as easie an errour mistake FACTA for REFECTA the Institution for the Restitution of Cambridge Roger de Northburge 1321 Chancellor He obtained Licence from the King 13 that the University might purchase Advouzances h Manuscript M. W. of Spiritual livings to the value of fourty pounds per annum Indeed King Edward was courteous to Cambridge wherein he maintained thirty two Scholars on his own cost intending to build Kings Hall which his Son and Successor did perform 39. Hervens falsly in some copies Henricus de Stanton Michael-house founded by Herveus Stanton Clerk 1324 Canon of Yorke and Wells 17 Rector of East-Deiram and North-Creik in Northfolk Chancellor of the Exchequer to King Edward the second flourished now in great wealth and esteem Let none envy him his pluralities who so well imployed the profits thereof and this year founded a Colledge following the example of Hugh de Balsham but dedicating it to St. Michael the chief of Angels as the other had consecrated his to St. Peter the prime of Apostles Masters Benefactors Bishops Learned Writers Livings in Coll. gift 1 Roger Burton B. D. 2 Mr. Robs alià s Roob 3 Mr. Thomas Kenningham 4 Mr. John Rympham 5 Mr. Richard Langley 6 Mr. William Gotham 7 Mr. William Colvill 8 Mr. Henry Cranby 9 Mr. John Otteringham 10 Mr. William Ascough 11 Edward Story 12 John Yotten 13 John Foothead 14 Tho. Slackhous 15 Nichol. Willian 16 Francis Mallet Chaplain to Queen Mary 1 Alexand. Walsham Knight Heiâ— to Hervey the Founder 2 Walter de Waney 3 John Ilvey Knight a grand Benefactor 4 William Gotham 5 John Turke 6 Henry Craby 1 William Ayscough Bishop of Sarisbury 2 Edward Story Bishop of Chichester 3 John Fisher i See more hereof in our history anno 1630. Bishop of Rotchester John Fisher 1 Barington Vic. in Ely Diocess valued 7 l. 14 s. 4 d. 2 Gronshurge in the Diocess of Norwich valued 3 Orwel Rect. in Ely Dioc. 19 l. 7 s. 7 d. 10 b. At this day Michael-house is included in Trinity Colledge so called not onely because dedicated to God One in three Persons but also because made by King Henry the eighth One of three Colledges whereof God willing largely hereafter Richard Badew Chancellor 40. He bought two Tenements in Miln street of Neile Thornton a Physitian Anno Regis Edw. 1. 19 and on that ground built a small Colledge Anno Dom. 1326 by the name of University Hall University Hal built by R. Badew placing a Principall therein under whom Scholars lived on their own * Scots Tables say at the charges of the University expences This Richard Badew was of a Knightly Family born at great Badew nigh Chelmesford in Essex imployed all his estate to the advancement of learning Sixteen years did Students continue in University Hall on their own changes but a casual fire reduced their House to ashes Here by way whosoever shall consider in both Universities the ill contrivance of many chimnies hollowness of hearths shallowness of tunnels carelesness of coals and
make the said Marquess Earl of Cambridge before John Earl of Hanault was graced with the Title All agree that both were Earls thereof and the transposition of them is no whit materiall to our History of the University 53. Mary de Saint Paul daughter to Guido Castillion Earle of Saint Paul in France 18 third wife to Audomare de Valentia Earle of Pembroke 1343 maide wife Mary de S P. founds Pembrook Hall and widow all in a day her husband being unhappily stain at a tilting at her nuptials sequestred herself on that sad accident from all worldly delights bequeathed her soul to God and her estate to pious uses amongst which this a principall that she founded in Cambridge the Colledge of Mary de Valentia commonly called Pembroke Hall She survived the death of her husband forty two yeares and died full of dayes and good deeds A hall afterwards much augmented by the benefaction of others Masters Benefactors Bishops Learned Writers Coll. Livings 1. Tho. de Bingham 2 Robert de Thorp 3 Rich de Morris 4 John Tinmew 5 John Sudbury 6 John Langton 7 Hugh Dainlet 8 Laurence Booth 9 Tho. Rotheram 10 George Fitzbugh 11 Roger Leyburne 12 Rich. Fox 13 Robert Shirton 14 Rob. Swinburne 15 George Folburie 16 Nich. Ridley 17 John Young 18 Edmond Grindall 19 Matth. Hutton 20 John Whitgift 21 John Young 22 Wil. Fulk 23 Lanc. Andrews 24 Sam. Harsenet 25 Nich. Felton 26 Jerom Beale 27 Benjamin Laney 28 Rich. Vines 29 Sidrach Simson 1 Henry the sixth 2 Edward Story 3 Gerhard Shipwith 4 Nicholas 5 Dr. Atkinson 6 William Hussy Knight 7 Charles Booth 8 Roger Strange Knight 9 Dr. Wats 10 Wil. Marshall 11 Will. Smart 12 Alice 13 Jane Cox Widow 14 John Langton 15 Laur. Booth 16 Thomas Scot alià s Rotheram 17 Rich. Fox 18 Dr. Shorton 19 Edmond Grindall 20 John Whitgift 21 Will. Fulk 22 Lancelot Andrews 1 Will. Bottlesham Rot. 2 Will. Linwoode S. Da. 3 John Langton St. Da. 4 Laur. * Charles Booth Bishop of Hereford ought to be inserted in this Catalogue bred in Benefactor to this Hall Booth York 5 Tho Rotheram York 6 Edward Story Cich 7 Tho. Langton Wint. 8 Rich. Foxe Wint. 9 Will. Smith Linc. 10 Rog. Layburne Car. 11 Nich. Ridley Lon. 12 John Christopherson Chichester 13 Edmond Grindall Cant. 14 John Young Rot. 15 Matth. Hutton York 16 John Whitgift Cant. 17 Tho. Dove Peterb 18 Joh. Bridges Oxford 19 Lancelot Andrews Winton 20 Sam. Harsenet York 21 Theophilus Field St. Dav. 22 Nich. Felton Ely 23 Matth. Wren Ely 14 Rog. Dod 25 Randolph Barlow Bishops in Ireland 1 Wil. Linwoode famous for his writing the Provincial constitutions of Canterbury 2 John Somerset Dr. of Physick to King Henry the sixth 3 John * See more of him hereafter viz an 1525. Thix stille whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 carried it in â—y Schools 4 John Rogers the first 5 Nicholas Ridley the most learned 6 John Bradford the hardiest Martyr under Queen Mary 7 Will. Fulke who so learnedly confuted the Rhemish Testament Not to repeat these many worthy Bishops besides many other Writers since unknown unto me 8 Edmund Spencer prime of English Poets Tilney Vic. in Norv Dioc. valued at 30 l. Soham Vic. in Norv Dioc. valued 32 l. 16 s. Overton R. in Linc. Dioc. valued Saxthorp Vic. in Norv Dioc. valued 4 l. 13 s. 4 d. Rawreth R. in Lond. Dioc. valued 20 l. 13 s. 4 d. Waresley Vic. in Linc. Dioc Wherein there is at this present a Master nineteen Fellows one Tanquam thirty three Scholars of the house besides officers and servants of the foundation with other Students the whole number being 100. 54. The aforesaid Mary de Valentia founded also Denny Abbey nigh Cambridge And Denny Abbey richly endowed and filled it with Nuns whom she removed from Water-Beach She enjoyed also her Fellows of Pembrook Hall to visit those Nuns and give them ghostly counsel on just occasion who may be presumed having not only a fair invitation but full injunction that they were not wanting both in their courteous and conscientious addresses unto them 54. Amongst the ancient plate of this Hall Two remarkeable peeces of Plate two peeces are most remarkable Anno Dom. 1343 one silver and gilt Anno Regis Edw. 3. 18 of the Foundresses produced on Festivals who being of French extraction was much devoted to their tutelar Saint witness this inscription as I remember it Saint Dionyse is my deer Wherefore be merry and make good cheer The other very like the former weighing 67 ounces the gift of Thomas Langton Bishop of Winton with this insculption Thomas Langton Winton Episcopus Aulae Pembrochianae olim socius dedit hanctassiam coopertam eidem Aulae 1497. Qui alienaret Anathema sit 55. King Henry the sixth was so great a favorer of this House An invidious Elogie of this Hall that it was termed his adopted Daughter Kings Coll. onely being accounted his naturall sonne and great were his benefactions bestowed thereon But above all we take notice of that passage in his Charter granting repeated in another of King Edwards confirming lands to this House Notabile insigne quà m pretiosum Collegium quod inter omniae loca Universitatis prout certitudinaliter informamur mirabiliter splendit sempter resplenduit Now although it is frequent for inferiors to flatter their superiors it is seldome seen that Subjects are praised by their Soveraigns without due cause as this doth appear true to such who seriously peruse our foregoing Catalogue And though the commendation in the Kings Charter be confined to Cambridge yet may it be extended to any Colledge in Christendom of the same proportion for Students therein I say as the * 2 Cor. 8. 14. Apostle in another kinde that there may be an equality let Prembroke Hall be compared with any foundation in Europe not exceeding it in bigness time and number of Members and it will acquit it self not conquered in all learned and liberal capacities 56. Amongst the Masters of this Hall Rob. Thorp Lord Chancellor Robert de Thorp the second in number was in the thirtieth year of King * Spelman Glos pag. 417. Edward the third Lord chief Justice of the Common-Pleas which place he held thirteen years till 1371 when he was made Lord Chancellor of England His Executors anno 1375 gave fourty marks apiece to every Colledge in Cambridge then eight in number out of his own estate who in his life time began the publique-Schools as we shall shew hereafter 57. Amidst the Benefactors A Greek and gratefull Scholar Thomas Watts Doctor of Divinity and Archdeacon of Middlesex gave certain Farmes in Ashwell and Sauston for the maintenance of 7 Scholars by the name of Greek-Scholars Lancelot Andrews was one of his foundation Who at this day is neither indebted to this House in general to which he gave besides plate three hundred folio-books c. one thousand
fareth the worse for the Towns over-fond Embracing thereof so surrounding it on all sides that it wanteth those Walks other Colledges do enjoy 29. This House was afterwards honoured with Students of the highest Extraction Two noble Students amongst whom of chiefest Remark Humphrey and Edward Sons to Iohn de la Poole Duke of Suffolk whose elder Brother having undone himself and his Family these betook themselves to their Books preferring to claim Learning as their own Right rather then to be called Lords by the Courtesie of others However though both in Orders they attained to considerable Church-preferment Edward onely getting the Arch-deaconry of Richmond not for want of Worth but probably because overlooked by the jealous eie of King Henry the seventh So impossible it was any Plant should grow great under such a malignant Influence 30. We must not forget how William Fishwick Fishwick's Hostle given to this Hall Esq Bedle of the University bestowed his Dwelling-house on this Hall turned afterwards into an Hostle and beautified with fair Buildings not intire in it self but retaining to Gonvil-Hall This Fishwick's Hostle though worse then a Cambridge was better then any Oxford-Hall as partly endowed by the Bounty of William Revell Rectour of Tichwell in Norfolk who in his own Benefice built severall Chambers and Lodgings whither the Fishwickians might retire either for Pleasure in Summer or Safety in Sicknesse Above fourscore Commoners have lived at once in this Hostle Anno Dom. 1348 repairing for Prayers to Gonvil-Chappell Anno Regis Edvardi 3. 23 and ifdying interred therein Since it is assumed into Trinity-Colledge 31. As for Gonvil-Hall Papal Indulgences it flourished by the Bounty of severall Benefactours yea it found some Popes much befriending it As Sixtus the fourth who notwithstanding the Decree of Benedict the eleventh injoyning all Benedictine Monks to study in Vniversity-Hall dispensed with those of Norwich to reside in Gonvil-Hall Also Alexander the sixth gave them leave yearly to send two to preach in any part of England without Controll 32. Masters Benefactours Bishops Learned Writers Livings in Col. gift Iohn Colton VVilliam Rougham Richard Pulham VVilliam Somersham Iohn Rickingpale Thomas Atwood Thomas Bolken Edmond Sheriffe Henry Costesey Iohn Barly Edmond Stubbs William Buckenham Iohn Skippe Iohn Sturmin Thomas Bacon Iohn Cajus Lady Mary Pakenham Anne Scroop Elizabeth Cleere D r. Balie Stephen Smith Rich. VVillison Thomas Atkins Peter Hewit VVilliam Gale Thomas Willows VVilliam Sigo D r. Knight Iohn VVhitacre 1 Iohn Colton Archbishop of Armagh 2 Iohn Rickingpale Bishop of Chichester 3 William Linwood Bishop of S t. Davids 4 Nicolas Shaxton Bishop of Sarum 5 VVilliam Repps Bishop of Norwich 6 Iohn Skippe Bishop of Hereford William Linwood Iohn Cajus vide infra in Cajus Colledge How this Hall came afterward to be improved into a Colledge shall God willing in due time and place be related Richard de Herling 26 Chancellour 1351 William Tynkel 27 Chancellour 1352 Thomas de Sutton 34 Chancellour 1359 Richard de Wetherset 35 aliàs Cambridge 1360 Chancellour He was by way of Eminencie called Richard of Cambridge and had many Contests with the Monks He was well skilled in School-Divinity a Racemation of which Studies was now in Cambridge but not comparable to the Vintage thereof in Oxford 33. Edmond de Langley fifth Son to King Edward the third was by his Father created Earle of Cambridge And now that Title which formerly had travelled beyond the Seas residing for a time with Germane Princes came home and quietly reposed it self in the British Bloud-Royall wherein it continued untill the death of the last Duke of Hamilton Michael de Haynton 36 Chancellour 1361 Michael de Causton 37 Chancellour 1362 34. An Anti-Chancellour was chosen against him by an active Faction in the University A Contest about chusing of Chancellour one Iohn de Donewick wanting nothing for that place save a legal Election However his Party presented him to I. Barnet Bishop of Ely who confirmed him Chancellour Whereupon M r. Iohn Ufford and M r. William Rawby in the name of the University appealed to the Officiall of the Court of Canterbury The Officiall sent Iohn Tinmouth Will. Teofle and Tho. Ely Masters of Arts to the Bishop of Ely inhibiting to intermeddle any more about Donewick Anno Dom. 1362 because chosen against Statute Anno Regis Edv. 3. 37. Thus was this Donewick cast out of the House for the present for coming in by the Window who some years after entred in by the Door of an undoubted Election and excellently discharged his Office therein William de Gotham 1366 Chancellour 41 Thomas de Stukely 1369 Chancellour 44 35. This year a tough Controversie happened betwixt the Dominicans Discords betwixt Dominicans and Carmelites Plaintiffs and the Carmelites Defendants reducible to three principal Heads 1. Which of the two Orders had the best name The Dominicans urging it more Honour to be called from a Man then a Mountain an holy Saint then an high Heap of Earth The others rejoyned that the Mountain of Carmel was more then a Mountain as sanctified by Elijah chief of their Order so conversant thereon 2. Which was most ancient Wherein the Dominicans pleaded seven years Seniority And though this may seem but a small matter yet a Race is as fairly won by an Horses-Head as by a Furlong distance before 3. Who had most and strongest Papal Priviledges Which being a matter of Fact depended on the producing and proving their severall Instruments Mean time the Quarrels of Friers bred the Quiet of Students the Gremials in the University formerly troubled with Friers contesting with them had now Leave and Leisure peaceably to follow their Studies Iohn de Donewick 1371 Chancellour 46 36. Iohn Stokes a Dominican The Dominican chargeth born at Sudbury in Suffolk but studying in Cambridge as Champion of his Order fell foul on the Carmelites chiefly for calling themselves The Brothers of the Blessed Virgin and then by consequence all know whose Uncles they pretend themselves He put them to prove their Pedigree by Scripture how the Kinred came in In brief Bale saith he left red Notes in the white Coates of the Carmelites he so belaboured them with his lashing Language 37. But Iohn Hornbey a Carmelite born at Boston in Lincolnshire undertook him The Carmelite receiveth the charge and conquereth called by Bale Cornutus by others Hornet-bee so stinging his Stile He proved the Brothership of his Order to the Virgin Mary by Visions allowed true by the infallible Popes so that no good Christian durst deny it and prevailed with the Chancellour of Cambridge in a publick Writing to signifie the Superiority of their Order in this doughty Difference wherein not an Hair of any important truth was concerned Adam Lakingheth 1373 Chancellour 48 38. About this time GEFFREY CHAUCER studied in Cambridge Chaucer
validiora veriora etiā ac certiora esse ac genuinū ac sincerū Scripturae sensum referre visa sunt quae negant Romano Pontifici talem potestatem à Deo in Scriptura datam esse Illis igitur persuasi in unam Opinionem convenientes ad Quaestionem praedictam ita respondendum decrevimus in his scriptis nomine totius Universitatis respondemus ac pro Conclusione verissima asserimus Quod Romanus Pontifex non habet à Deo concessam sibi majorem Authoritatem aut Jurisdictionem in hoc Regno Angliae quam quivis alius Episcopus externus Atque in fidem testimonium hujusmodi nostrae Responsionis affirmationis his Literis Sigillum nostrum commune curavimus apponi Dat. Cantabrigiae ex Domo nostra Regentium secundo die mensis Maij Anno ab orbe per Christum redempto M.DXXXIV Thus was the Popes powerfully abrogated out of England Henceforward the Man of sin Anno Dom. 1533-34 in this Land Anno Regis Henrici 8. 26 fell asleep never more we hope to awake though once he opened his eyes for a short time in Queen Maries dayes and soon shut them again 51. Indeed Sanders himself confesseth The course of the Scholars studies altered for the better that about this time there were many in Cambridge cordially opposing the Popish Proceedings but he telleth us they were none ex Doctissimis of the most Learned therein but had the meanest of those he decryeth been but of his opinion how had they started up most Pious and Learned both in an Instant Indeed the Old Learning began to be left in the Vniversity and a better succeeded in the Room thereof Hitherto Cambridge had given suck but with one Breast teaching Arts onely without Languages Her Scholars Latine was but bad though as good as in any other place Greek little Hebrew none at all their Studies moving in a Circle I mean not as it ought in a Cyclopedie of Sciences but of some trite SchoolQuaestions over and over again But now the Students began to make Sallyes into the Learned Languages which the industry of the next Age did compleatly conquer Herein a Bale descrip Brit Ceniur octava p. 659. Rob. Wakefield a great restorer of the Hebrew tongue must not be forgot who for his better accomplishment travelled most parts of Christendome and became Hebrew-Professour after Reuchlin or Capnio in the University of Tubing But we shall hear more of him some yeares hence after his return 52. Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester was beheaded on Tower-hill The Lord Cromwell chosen Chancellour in the place of Bishop Fisher continuing Chancellour of the Vniversity to his last hour Iune 22 as chosen into that place during his Life not during his outward Happinesse Being long a Prisoner he could not protect the University as unable to enlarge himself Yet Cambridge honoured him for what he had done and continued him in his Office Had this been imitated in after-Ages Cambridge had not been charged with the Suspition of Ingratitude for deserting some of the Patrons as soon as Greatnesse deserted them as chusing not their Persons but Prosperity for her Chancellour The Lord Cromwell was elected Chancellour in the room of Fisher 53. I find not any particular favour conferred The great good he did the University or Benefaction bestowed by him on the University But this great Good he did that his Greatnesse kept others form doing Cambridge any Harm Many hungry Courtiers had hopes to catch fish and fish it would be whatever came to their Nets on this turning of the Tide the Alteration of Religion How easie was it for Covetousnesse in those ticklish times to quarrell the Colledge-Lands into Superstition Sacriledge stood ready to knock at their Gates and alas it was past their Porters power to forbid it entrance had not the Lord Cromwell vigorously assisted the University on all Occasions I0 Craiford Vice-Chan Rich. Ainsworth Proct. 1534-35 27. VVilliam Hasill Major Guil. Sanders Doct Theol. 2 Mag. Art 17 Bac. Theol 9. Bac. Art 30 54. Hitherto none were chosen Vice-Chancellours of the University Craisord his Character save such who before their Election were actuall Doctours Craiford was the first who innovated herein being Vice-Chancellour before a Doctour ut gradus quaestum exofficio faceret saith my b Cajus de Ant Cantab. Ac. lib. 1. pag. 156. Authour not bringing a Doctourship as a qualification to be Vice-Chancellour but taking it as a gratification conferred on him for being so c Assert Ant. Ox. An. 1566 pag. 27. Oxford Antiquary accounts him one of the Ornaments of Cambridge who at first was bred in Oxford We deny not but that Craiford very young might have his Education there but took all his Degrees in Cambridge though farre enough from being any great Ornament there of For first he was expelled out of a Cajus ut prius p. 12. 1. Queens Colledge for no good we may be sure yet afterward by favour offriends got to be Proctour Anno 1522. and at last Vice-Chancellour of the University But he was saith one b Idem ibidem Gladiator melior quam Procancellarius a better Fencer then Vice-Chancellour Anno Regis Henrici 8. 27 Anno Dom. 1534-35 who in a fury cut off the hand from one Pindar and cast out a fellow out of the Regent-house catching him up on his shoulders by main force and I could wish the occasion thereof had been expressed Surely he was a man of Metal being Vice-Chancellour two yeares together which I may call the Criticall yeares of Cambridge on the Alteration of the Popes power therein and perchance too much decryed by some on the same account being chosen of purpose with his rough spirit to bustle through much Opposition The first generall Visitation of Cambridge Jure Regio 55. This year Thomas Legh Doctour of Law Dr. Legh Chancellour Cromwell his surrogate his injunctions to the University Deputy to the Lord Cromwell Vicar-generall to King Henry the eighth visited the Vniversity of Cambridge We must believe him one of desert being sole and single by himself selected for such an employment and may be assured that Cromwell never sent a Slug on his Errands I find one D r. Lee petitioned against in the Articles and demands of Robert Aske and his rebellious Crew of Northern Commons and charged with extortion in Visitation of Religious-houses and am confident he was the same person though some difference betwixt Legh and Lee in the Spelling thereof For besides that the vulgar are never Criticks in Writing no wonder if they did mis-spell him whom they did mis-call loading him with opprobrious Language Yet no better evidence of ones Honesty then to be railed at by a rabble of Rebells But see this D r. Legh his Injunctions to the University IN Dei nomine Amen Anno Domini millesimo quingentes tricesimo quinto Octob. 22 Mensis vero Octobris die
aut rescripta quaecunque pro nobis vel aliis ab Episcopo Romano vel ejus Curia non impetrabimus vel ut talia à quovis impetrentur non consulemus si talia pro nobis insciis aut ignorantibus generaliter vel specialiter impetrabuntur vel alias quomodo libet concedentur eis renunciabimus non consentiemus nec utemur eisdem ullo modo at eas vestrae Majestati aut Successoribus vestris tradi curabimus Exemptioni vero qua Romano Episcopo vel summo quem vocant Pontifici aut ipsi quocunque nomine appelletur ejusve Romanae Ecclesiae mediate vel immediate subjecti sumus fuimus ipsiusque concessionibus privilegiis largitionibus indultis quibuscunque expresse in his scriptis renunciamus soli vestrae Majestati vestrisque Successoribus nos subditos subjectos profitemur ac nos subjiciemus nos solummodo subditos fore spondemus Nec eidem Romano Pontifici vel ejus Nunciis Oratoribus Collectoribus aut Legatis ullam procurationem pensionem portionem censum aut quamcunque aliam pecuniarum summan quocunque nomine appelletur per nos aut interpositam personam vel personas solvemus aut solvi faciemus statutumque de successione vestra Regia in Parliamento vestro editum ac omnia ac singula in eodem contenta juxta formam effectum ejusdem fideliter observabimus Praeterea in vim pacti profitemur spondemus ac in verbo Sacerdotali sub fidelitate vestrae Majestati debita nostra coram Deo conscientia promittimus quod contra hanc nostram praedictam professionem sponsionem nulla dispensatione nulla exceptione nulla appellatione aut provocatione nullove juris vel factiremedio nos tuebimur Et si quam protestationem in praejudicium hujus nostrae professionis sponsionis fecimus cam in praesens in omne tempus futurum revocamus eidem renunciamus per praesentes Literas quibus propriis manibus nomina nostra subscripsimus eas nostri communis Sigilli apprehensione Notarii publici infrascripti signo subscriptione committi curavimus Dat. act in Domo nostra capitulari 25 o. diemensis Octobris Anno ab Incarnatione Christi 1535 o. regni vestri florentissimi 27 o. praesentibus tunc ibid. Iohanne Acres Art Mag. Roberto Warmington Bacc. in legibus testibus ad praemissa accitis legatis Willimus Buckenham Rogerus Overy Iohannes Styrmin Laurentius Maptit Andrevv Devv Iohannes Cajus Willimus Barker ET ego Iohannes Rheseus Notarius pub dicti illustrissimi Domini Regis Regestor principalis quia Professioni Sponsioni Juramento Praestationi ac caeteris praemissis omnibus duÌ„ sic ut praemittitur sub anno mense die loco praedictis agerentur fierent una cum praenominatis testibus personaliter interfui eaque sic fieri interponi vidi audivi ac mox ut gesta sunt in notam excepi ideo hoc praesens publicum Instrumentum inde confeci in hanc publicam authenticam formam redegi signoque meo Tabellionali ac nomine cognomine meis solitis consuetis signavi meque hic subscripsi in sidem testimonium omnium singulorum praemissorum rogatus legitime requisitus Their Protestation taken in verbo Sacerdotii relates to the major part not to all the Fellows of Gonvil under-writing their names For I shall not be easily perswaded that Iohn Cajus penultimus subscriptor in this Instrument being a Physician by his Profession was ever in Holy Orders 58. In obedience to Doctour Legh his Injunctions University Records delivered to the Lord Cromwell the whole University before Candlemas-day next ensuing surrendred to the King all their Charters Donations Statutes Popes-Bulls and Papisticall Muniments with an exact Rental of their lands and Inventory of their goods The Vice-Chancellour and senior Proctour went up to London and delivered them to Secretary Cromwell Chancellour of the Vniversity And now they are deposited in a safe hand seeing the same person as Master of the Rolls was intrusted with the keeping of the Records of the Kingdome 59. Hereafter expect no moe Doctours of Canon-Law in Cambridge Formerly No moe Doctours of Canon-Law almost every year some were graduated in that Faculty and these preâ—â—â— these of Civil-Law as the Pope makes himself to be above the Emperour But now Gratian fared no better in Cambridge then his brother Peter Lombard For as the King had pronounced his Sentence of Condemnation against the publick reading of the Master of the Sentences so the Decretals were banished after them King Henry stung with the dilatorie pleas of the Canonists at Rome in point of his Marriage did in revenge destroy their whole Hive throughout his own Vniversities 60. However Which is annexed to Civil afterwards Scholars applyed themselves to the reformed Canon-Law viz. so much thereof as afterwards was received as conformable to the Kings Prerogative and the municipal Law of the Land These many studied to enable themselves for Chancellours Officialls c. in severall Dioceses yet so that Canon-Law did never after stand by itself as subsisting a distinct Faculty wherein any commenced but was annexed to Civil-Law and the Degree denominated from the later And although Civilians kept Canon-Law in Commendam with their own Profession yet both twisted together are scarce strong enough especially in our sad dayes to draw unto them a liberall Livelihood SECTION VII EDVARDO PALMER de WALTHAM Armigero VIR ATTICISSIME FRatres meos Verbi Ministros saepius audivi solicitos ne mentes suae sensim torpescerent eo quod Rusticanis Viculis damnati sibi solum sit consortium cum crassis Minervis quibus inter crudum coctum nihil interest At mea longe dispar conditio cui Deo gratias emunctioris nasi Parochiani contigerunt èquibus Tu limato tuo judicio me inter praedicandum hebescentem instar coticulae aliquoties exacuisti Fateor sane praesentiam tuam mihi suggestum ascensuro non semel metum incussisse ne forsan te audiente aliquid minus pensiculatum excideret Sed animum erexit opportuna recordatio comitatis tuae qua lapsibus currentis tam linguae quam calami facile veniam es daturus Digneris quaeso lectione tua hanc historiolam vel eo nomine quod Collegium Trinitatis unumtribus conflatum Trin-Vni Deo dicatum exhibeat Collegium amplissimum non tam Rege Fundatore quam doctissimis suis Alumnis superbiens inter quos ob summam Graecarum Literarum peritiam Te Palmam ferre meritissime agnoscit THis year the young frie of Fellows of S t. Iohns in Cambridge combined yea conspired against their old Master Doctor Metcalfe A Combination against Doct. Metcalfe a man much meriting of his House It being hard to say whether S t. Iohns oweth more to the Lady Margaret or D r. Metcalfe she by her Bountie founded it he by his
Providence kept it from being a See more of him in our History of Cambridge confounded Anno 1508. many a pound he gave moe he got of his Friends for this Colledge Indeed he was none of the greatest Rabbins but he made many good Scholars under him Thus the dull and blunt Whet-stone may be said vertually to be all Edge because setting a sharpnesse on other instruments Metcalfe Anno Dom 1534-35 with Themistocles Anno Regis Henrici 8. 27 could not fiddle but he know how to make a little Colledge a great one by his two and twenty years prudent government thereof 2. I find not a particular of the Faults Great deserts soon forgotten which the Fellows laid to Metcalf's charge It may be the greatest matter was because he was old they young he froward they factious Indeed he was over-frozen in his Northern Rigour and could not be thaw'd to ungive any thing of the rigidnesse of his Discipline Besides I suspect him too stubborn in his Romish Mumsâ—mus which gave his Adversaries advantage against him who would not be quiet till they had cast him out of his Mastership Did not all the Bricks of the Colledge that day double their Dye of rednesse to blush at the Ingratitudes of those that lived therein 3. Wonder not if Metcalfe survived but few months after his removall Guilt haunted with Iustice Old trees if transplanted are so farre from bearing of fruit that they bear not themselves long but wither away However let not his Enemies boast it being observed that none thrived ever after who had a hand in Metcalf's Ejection but lived meanly and died a Cajus hist Cant. Ac. lib. 1. p. 76. miserably This makes me confident that neither Master Cheek nor Master Askam then Fellow of the Colledge had any hand against him both of them being well known afterwards to come to good grace in the Common-wealth Fran. 1535-36 Mallet 29 Vice-Chan Hen Ioliffe Ro. Stokes Proctours Simon Trew Major Doct. Theol. 7 Bac. Theol. 16 Mag. Art 26 Bac. Leg. 13 Art 18 4. Now had the Records of Cambridge slept well-nigh a whole year in the Custodie of the Lord Cromwell Cambridge records re-delivered unto them not that there was the least intention finally to detain them but to suspend them for a time to wean the University from their former Fondnesse to the Pope that for the future they might feed with a better Appetite on the Kings Favours It was now therefore thought fit to restore them again without the losse of a Shoo-latcher to the University Whereupon Rob. Stokes the Iunior Proctour and Iohn Meare the Esq Bedel went up to London where the aforesaid Records were delivered unto them After their return to Cambridge Tho Argal and Anthony Hussey were deputed by the Regent-house to receive such Records as concerned the University 5. Yet I question Quaere whether the Popes Bulls were in species restored whether any of the Popes Bulles were restored to the University or no I mean those Bulles of a later date conferred on Cambridge since the Massacre general of their Records in the mad Maioralty of Edward b See our hist of Camb. Anno. 1381. Lyster If any such were returned they might be Monuments looked on for Rarities but no longer Muniments of the University as too infirm to fence and fortifie the same the Popes power being totally abrogated However though not in specie they were vertually restored the Vniversity exchanging not loosing her right herein onely bottoming her Priviledges not on Papal but Regal Power c Cajus hist Cant. Ac. l. 1. pag. 105. Etsi inclytissimus Rex ea auferrijusserit ne Pontificum deinceps obtenderetur Authoritas corum tamen beneficium Academâ—ae salvam integrumque esse voluit Georg. Anno Regis Henrici 8. 30 Day Anno Dom. 1536-37 Vice-Chanc Rich. Standish Tho. Cobbe Proct. Rad. Berkerdike Major Doct. Theol. 3 Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 5 Mag. Art 19 Bac. Leg. 5 Medic. 2 Art 19 Wil. Buckmaster 31 Vice-Cha 1537-38 Galf. Gylpin Hen. Sanâ—â—rson Proctours Robert Smith Major Doct. Theol. 2 Ju. Civ 2 Bac. Theol. 7 Mag. Art 27 Bac. Leg. 7 Art 35 Wil. 32 Buckmaster 1538-39 Vice-Chan Oliv. Ainsworth Alban Longdale Proct. Christ Franck Major Doct. Theol. 3 Ju. Civ 1 Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 4 Mag. Art 20 Bac. Leg. 3 Medic. 3 Art 42 Gram. 1 6. STEPHEN GARDINER was chosen Chancellour of the Vniversity Gardiner made Chancellour He was at the same time Master of Trinity Hall which he was pleased to hold for many years together with the Bishoprick of Winchester Francis Mallet Iohn Edmunds Vice-Chan 33 Tho. 1539-40 Pulley Ed. Humphrey Proct. Iohn Chapman Major Doct. Theol. 1 Iu. Civ 1 Medic 1 Bac. Theol. 5 Mag. Art 32 Bac. Leg. 6 Art 30 Rich. 34 Standish 1540 41 Vice-Chan Henry Bissel Thomas VVest Proctours William Gil Major Doct. Ju. Civ 1 Medic. 2 Bac. Theol. 4 Mag. Art 19 Bac. Leg. 9 Medic. 2 Art 49 7. A contest began now betwixt the Introducers of the New the Defenders of the Old Pronunciation of Greek Contention about pronouncing of Greek The former endeavoured to give each Letter Vowel and Diphthong it 's full Sound whilst Doctor Cajus and others of the old stampe cried out against this project and the promoters thereof taxing it for Novelty and them for want of Wit and Experience He affirmed Greek it self to be barbarous thus clownishly uttered and that neither France Germany nor Italy owned any such pronunciation 8. Iohn Cheek The champions for the new mode Thomas Smith both afterwards Knighted and privy Councelours maintained that this was no Innovation but the ancient utterance of the Greeks which gave every letter it 's due and native Sound Otherwise by the fine speaking of his opposers Vowels were confounded with Diphthongs no difference being made betwixt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nor mattereth it if Forrainers dissent seeing hereby we English-men shall understand one another 8. Here Bishop Gardiner Chancellour of the Vniversity interposed his power An inartificiall argument affirming Cheeks pronounciation pretending to be ancient to be antiquated Anno Dom. 154 0 1 He imposed a penalty on all such who used this new pronounciation Anno Regis Henrice 8. 34 which notwithstanding since hath prevailed and whereby we English-men speak Greek and are able to understand one another which no body else can Iohn Edmunds 154 1 2 Vice-Chanc 35 Simon Brigs Edwin Sandys Proct. Rob. Chapman Major Doct. Leg. 2 Medic. 2 Bac. Theol. 9 Mag. Art 17 Bac. Leg. 5 Art 33 Thomas Lord Audley of VValden The L. Audley builds Mandlin Colledge Chancellour of England by licence obtained from King Henry the eighth changed Buckingham into Magdalen vulgarily Maudlin Colledge because as a Sceleton Cant. MS. some will have it his Sirname is therein
Peter Coll. Wil. Chaderton D. D. Fellow of Christs Col. Will. Whitacre D. D. Master of S t. Iohn ' s Coll. Iohn Overhall D. D. Master of S t. Katharin ' s Hall Iohn Richardson D. D. Fellow of Emanuel Master of Trinity Samuel Collins D. D. Provost of Kings Col. Iohn Arrowsmith D. D. Master of S t. Iohn ' s and after of Trinity a Sir Thomas Smith Alkam lib. 2. Ep. ad Bran disbaeam Walter Haddon D. L. Fellow of Kings Master of Trinity Hall Thomas Bing D. L. Fellow of S t. Peters Coll. Master of Clare Hall Thomas Legg D. L. Fellow of Iesus Trinity Coll. Master of Gonvil Cajus Col. Iohn Cowell D. L. Fellow of Kings Col. Master of Trinity Hall Thomas Morysonne D. L. Fellow of Kings Coll. George Porter D. L. Fellow of Queens Col. Thomas Goad D. L. Fellow of Kings Coll. Kings Physick Professours Kings Hebrew Professours Kings Greek Professours Iohn Blyth Doctor of Physick Fellow of Kings Coll. Iohn Hatcher Doctor of Physick Fellow of Kings Thomas Larkin Doctor of Physick of S t. Peters Coll. William Ward Doctor of Physick Fellow of Kings Coll. William Burton Doctor of Physick Fellow of Kings Coll. Iohn Gostlin Doctor of Physick Master of Gonvil and Cajus Coll. Iohn Collins Doctor of Physick Fellow of S t. John ' s Coll. Ralph Winterton Doct. of Physick Fellow of Kings Coll. Francis Glisson Doctor of Physick Fellow of Gonvil and Cajus Coll. Mr. Robert Wakefield Fellow Antony Rodolphus Cevallerius Mr. Bignon a Frenchman of Corpus Christi Coll. Edward Liveley Fellow of Trinity Coll. Robert Spalding D. D. Fellow of S t. John ' s Coll. Jeffery King D. D. Fellow of Kings Coll. Andrew Bing D. D. Fellow of S t. Peter Coll. Robert Metcalfe D. D. Fellow of S t. Iohn ' s Coll. Ralph Cudworth Felof Emanuel Col. Erasmus Roterodamus Richard Crooke Fellow of Kings Coll. Sir Thomas Smith Knight Fellow of Queens Coll. S r. Iohn Cheek Knight Tutour to King Edward the sixth of S t. Iohn ' s Coll. Nicolas Carr Fellow of Pembroke Hall after of Trinity Coll. Bartholomew Doddington Fellow of Trinity Coll. Francis Wilkinson Fellow of Trinity Coll. Andrew Downes Fellow of S t. Iohn ' s Coll. Robert Creiton Fellow of Trinity Coll. Iames Duport Fellow of Trinity Coll. Ralph Widdrington Fellow of Christ ' s Col. 23. These Catalogues though the best not to say onely extant are very imperfect One instance I will give William Zoone here omitted was Regius a Pitieus de Scripto Angl. pag. 766. Professour of Law in the Reign of Queen Mary But I dare not altar what so long hath been received Iohn Madew 1 Vice-Chanc 154 6 7 Tho. Burman Tho. Carlyle Proctours Iohn Fann Major Doct. Bac. Theol. 1 Medic. 1 Theol. 7 Mag. Art 15 Bac. Art 29 24. Great was the alteration which followed in Cambridge The Lord Protectour made Chancellour upon King Edward his coming to the Crown Steven Gardiner Chancellour of the University was put out of his office and into the Tower Edward Seymor Lord Protectour and Duke of Somerset was chosen in his room 25. The Townsmen of Cambridge began now to hope their time come The Insolencies of the Townsmen to cast off the yoke as they counted it of the University as if on the alteration of Religion the ancient priviledges of Scholars should be abolished under the notion of superstition Ungratefully therefore they began their pranks I say ungratfully Anno Dom. 154 6 7 For Anno Regis Edvardi 6 38 although particular Scholars might owe money to particular Townsmen yet the whole Town owes it 's well being to the University Amongst their many insolencies two were most remarkable First One a Compare Mr. Askams letter to the Bishop of Winchester with his to the Lord Wriothesly Maxwell by profession once a Iayle-keeper then a Beare-ward promoted at last Purveyor to provide cariages for the Kings fish which commonly came from Cambridge seised on an ambling Nag of the Master of Peter-House which the old and infirme Doctour kept for his health meerly that his man might thereon ride after the Kings cariages This Horse I may say had a long-reach The injury seeming small and personall concerned the whole University both in present and posterity Secondly when the Proctours at Sturbridge-Faire had according to their Office and ancient custome fetched out many dissolute persons out of vicious places at unseasonable hours the Major refused to give them the keys of the Toll-booth or Town-prison to secure such offenders therein yea when they had carried such malefactours to the Castle within an hour or two comes the Majors Son sets open the Iayle and le ts loose those lewd persons to the great injurie of the University and encouragement of all viciousnesse 26. It was now high time for Doctor Madew Askham his letters procure friends to the University the Vice-Chancellour and Master Roger Askham the University Oratour to bestir themselves The later belettered all the Lords of the Privy Councill and amongst the rest Sir Thomas VVriothesly the Lord Chancellour of England whom saith he the Vniversity partly commandeth us once a member partly requesteth as now a Patrone thereof with some Gentlemen of the Kings Bed-Camber and by then procured the confirmation of the University priviledges in the following Parliament However these oppidane animosities in some degree continued all this Kings Reign Matthew Parker 154 7 8 Vice-Chan 2 Edmond Grindall Edward Gascoyne Proct. Iohn Rust Major Doct. Theol. 2 lu Civ 1 Bac. Theol. 14 Mag. Art 26. Bac. Leg. 1 Art 30 The Lord Protectour by letters which I have seen sollicited Stephen Gardiner who still kept his Mastership of Trinity Hall to resigne his place and the whole Hall into the Kings disposall 27. That so of that A profer of the Protectours to Unite Clare and Trinity Hall and it's Neigbour Clare Hall whose Master Doctor Madew may be presumed compliable with the Protectours pleasure one Eminent and Entire Colledge might be advanced on the Kings cost in Imitation of Trinity Colledge 〈…〉 the late Royall Result of three smaller Foundations 1 Wherein the Civil and Canon-Law the skill whereof his Grace found necessary for the present welbeing of the Kingdome should be countenanced and encouraged 28. Most politick Gardiner not without cause suspecting some design Blasted by Bishop Gardiner or Casaulty might surprize the Intervall betwixt the dissolution of the old and erection of this new Foundation civilly declined his consent to the Motion He informed his grace that the way to advance the Study of the Laws was by promoting the present Professours of that Faculty now so generally discouraged and not by founding a new Colledge for the future students thereof seeing Trinity Hall could alone breed moe Civillians then all England did prefer according to their deserts 29. Thus was the design blasted and never more mentioned But Gardiner for
or change often avouched by noe other Authour then this Doctors Vnconstancy However let us not be over cruel to his memory for not suffering for his own who was so kind and carefull to keep other from suffering for their conscience Andrew Pern 1559 6◠Vice-Chan Barth Dodington George Fuller Proct. Tho. Ventris 2 Major Doct. Leg. 3 Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 6 Mag. Art 25 Bac. Art 60 Henry Harvy Vice-Chanc Anthony Gilblington Iohn Cowell Proct. Roger Slegg 156 ◠◠Maj. 3 Doct. Leg. 1 Bac. Theol. 9 Mag. Art 31 Bac. Leg. 1 Mus 2 Art 53 Philip Baker 156 1 2 Vice-Chan VVilliam Master Georg Blithe Proct. Tho. Kymbold 4 Major Doct. Theol. 1 Leg. 2 Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 8 Mag. Art 20 Bac. Leg. 3 Art 51 Francis Newton 156 2 3 Vice-Chan Andrew Oxenbridg Iohn Igulden Proct. Hen. Serle 5 Major Doct. Theol. 3 Leg. 1 Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 4 Mag. Art 44 Bac. Leg. 7 Art 80 Edward Hauford 156 1 4 Vice-Cha Richard Curtesse Henry Woorley Proct. Rob. Cano 6 Major Doct. Theol. 12 Medic. 2 Bac. Theol. 4 Mag. Art 39 Bac. Leg. 2 Art 71 Robert Beaumont 156 4 5 Vice-Chanc Tho. Bing Barth Clark Proct. William Munsey 7 Maj. Doct. Theol. 1 Bac. Theol. 7 Mag. Art 27 Bac. Art 85 Now began a great difference in Trinity Colledge betwixt Doctor Beaumont Master thereof and some in that Society which hath its Influence at this day on the Church of England whereof hereafter SECT VII TO FRANCIS ASH OF LONDON Ann. Dom. 156 3 4. Esquire Ann. Reg. Eliz. 6. IT is the life of a Gift to be done in the life of the Giver farre better than funeral Legacies which like Benjamin are born by the losse of a Parent For it is not so kindly charity for men to give what they can keep no longer besides such donations are most subject to abuses Silver in the living Is Gold in the giving Gold in the dying Is but Silver a flying Gold and Silver in the dead Turn too often into Lead But you have made your own hands Executors and eyes Overseers so bountifull to a flourishing foundation in Cambridge that you are above the standard of a Benefactour Longer may you live for the glory of God and good of his servants QUeen Elizabeth Aug. 5. partly to ease Her self Queen Elizabeth comes to Cambridge with some recreation partly to honour and encourage Learning and Religion came to Cambridge where she remained five whole daies in the Lodgings of the Provost of Kings Colledge She was entertained with Comedies Tragedies Orations whereof one most eloquent made by William Masters the Publique Oratour disputations and other Academical Exercises She severally visited every House And at Her departure She took Her leave of Cambridge with this following Oration ET si foeminilis iste meus Pudor subditi fidelissimi Academia charissima in tanta doctorum turba illaboratum hunc Sermonem Orationem me narrare apud vos impediat Her Oration to the University tamen Nobilium meorum intercessus Ann. Dom. 1563-64 erga Academiam benevolentia me aliqua proferre invitat Ann. Regi Eliz. 6. Duobus ad hanc rem stimulis moveor Aug. 10. Primus est bonarum literarum Propagatio Alter est vestra omnium expectatio Quod ad propagationem spectat unum illud apud Demosthenem memini Superiorum verba apud inferiores Librorum locum habent Principum dicta legum Authoritatem apud subditos retinent Hoc igitur vos omnes in memoria tenere velim quod semita nulla praestantior est sive ad bona fortunae acquirenda sive ad Principum gratiam conciliandam quam graviter ut coepistis studiis vestris exhibeatis operam quod ut faciatis vos omnes oro obsecróque De secundo stimulo vestra nimirum expectatione hoc unum dico me nihil libenter praetermissuram esse quod vestrae de me animae benevolae concipiunt cogitationes Jam ad Academiam venio Tempore ante meridiano vidi ego aedificia vestra sumptuosa à meis majoribus clarissimis Principibus literarum causa extructa inter videndum dolor Artus meos occupavit atque ea mentis suspiria quae Alexandrum quondam tenuisse feruntur qui cum legisset multa à Principibus monumenta conversus ad familiarem seu potius ad Consiliarium multum doluit se nihil tale fecisse Haec tamen vulgaris sententia me aliquantum recreavit quae etsi non auferre tamen minuere potest dolorem Quae quidem sententia haec est Romam non uno aedificatam fuisse die tamen non est ita senilis mea aetas nec tam diu fui ex quo regnare coepi quin ante redditionem debiti naturae si non nimis cito Atropos lineam vitae meae amputaverit aliquod opus faciam quamdiu vita hos regit artus nunquam à proposito deflectam Et si contingat quam citò futurum sit nescio me mori opportere priusquam hoc ipsum quod polliceor complere possim aliquod tamen egregium opus post mortem relinquam quo memoria mea in posterum celebris fiat alios excitem exemplo meo vos omnes alacriores faciam ad studia vestra Sed jam videtis quantum inter sit inter doctrinam Lectam disciplinam animo non retentam Quorum alterius sunt complures satis sufficientes testes alterius autem vos omnes nimis quidem inconsideratè testes hoc tempore effeci quae meo barbaro Orationis genere tam diu doctas vestras aures detinuerim DIXI At that time the Degree of Master of Art Noble-men made Masters of Art was conceived to take a Degree and it self commenced in honour when the following Peers and Noble Persons were in the Regent House created Masters of Art a Caius Hist Cant. Acad. Pag 88. Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolke Edward Veere Earl of Oxford Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwicke Edward Manners Earl of Rutland Thomas Ratclyf Earl of Sussex Robert Dudley Earl of Leicestre Edw Clinton high Adm. of England William Howard Lord Chamberlain Henry Carew Lord Hunsden Sir William Cecil Secretary Sir Francis Knolls Vice-chamb Tho Heneage John Ashley Richard Bartue William Cooke Edmond Cooke Esquires Thus Acts being ended Degrees conferred University Officers well rewarded and all persons pleased Her Majesty went on in Her Progresse and the Schollers returned to their Studies 2. And yet we finde one great Scholler much discontented if my * Sir Geo. Paul in the Life of Archbishop Whitigist p. 7 Author may be believed namely The first cause of Mr. Cartwrights discontentment Mr. Thomas Cartwright He and Thomas Preston then Fellow of Kings Colledge afterwards Master of Trinity Hall were appointed two of the four Disputants in the Philosophy Act before the Queen Cartwright had dealt most with the
Thomas Miriall John Williams Proct. 10. Thomas Smart Major Clemens Corbet Vicecan 1612-13 Richard Tompson Stephen Paget Henry Bird Proct. 11. Edward Cropley Major Samuel Harsenett Vicecan 1613-14 Arthur Iohnson Richard Anguish Proct. 12. Iohn Wicksted Major Owen Gwin Vicecan 1614-15 Tho Kitchin Iohn Dod Proct. Thomas French Major 13. Iohn Hill Vicecan Ann. Reg. Jac. 15. Andrew Pern Thomas Smith Proct. Robert Lukin Major 44. Edward Sympson a very good scholar Fellow of Trinity Coll Mr. Sympson his Sermon and Recantation preached a Sermon before King Iames at Royston taking for his Text Iohn 3. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh Hence he endevoured to prove that the commission of any great sin doth extinguish grace and Gods Spirit for the time in the man He added also that S. Paul in the 7 th Chapter to the Romans spake not of himself as an Apostle and Regenerate but sub statu Legis Hereat His Majesty took and publickly expressed great distaste because Arminius had lately been blamed for extracting the like exposition out of the works of Faustus Socinus Whereupon He sent to the two Professours in Cambridge for their judgment herein who proved and subscribed the place ad Romanos 7 mo to be understood of a Regenerate man according to S. Augustine his later opinion in his Retractations and the Preacher was injoyned a publick Recantation before the King which accordingly was performed Nor doth such a Palinodie sound any thing to his disgrace having S. Augustine himself for his precedent modestly retracting what formerly he had erroneously written therein John Richardson Vicecan 16. John Browne George Ramsey Proct. 1617-18 Henry King Major Will Branthwait John Goslin Vicecan 17. Iohn Smithson Alex 1618-19 Read Proct. Sir Edw Hinde Knight Major 45. The neighbouring Gentry of Cambridge The first and last Knight Major of Cambridge being very pleasant at a merry-meeting resolved in a frolick to be made Free-men and so successively to take their turns in being Major thereof The Towns men promised themselves great matters hereby betwixt whom and the University some petty animosities at present when persons of such state and quality should Head their Corporation Sir Edward Hinde of Madingley Knight lead the dance and kept His Majestie in Cambridge expecting others in order to follow him who considering the expensivenesse of the place with some others no lesse politick than thrifty considerations receded from the resolution and let the good Knight alone to possesse that honour by himself Towns-men as formerly succeeded him therein SECT VIII Anno Dom. THOMAE PLAYER Armigero Anno Regis Jacob. Camerarii LONDINENSIS primogenito TAndem aliquando DEO Duce post varios anfractus vias in vias ad Historiae finem perventum est Nec diffiteor me non fessum modò sed lassum cùm mihi ita deficiant vires ut nunc cùm pes sit figendus vix possim me continere ne pronus corruam Opus mihi igitur jam concludenti PATRONO non forti minùs qui possit quà m miti qui velit me nutantem sustentare vel fortè labascentem erigere Hîc Tu mihi Occurris exoptatissimus qui tam mentis quà m corporis dotibus es spectabilis Spero igitur Finem Opus meum certus scio Nomen Tuum finem Operis Coronaturum HEre we have omitted to confesse and amend a fault Henry Howard Chancellour of Cambridge is pardonable how after the decease of Robert Cecil Earle of Salisbury one no lesse willing than able on all occasions to befriend the University dying Anno 1612. Henry Howard Earl of Northhampton was chosen Chancellour of Cambridge He was Son to Henry Earle of Surrey beheaded 1546. for a meer State-nicety and succeeded as to his name to his excellent parts and industry being bred in Kings Colledge where he attained to a great degree of eminency for learning 2. He told his intimate * Mr. George Penny Secretary who related it to me that his Nativity at his Fathers desire was calculated by a skilfull Italian Astrologer Sometimes it hiâ—s who told him That this his infant-son should tast of much trouble in the midst of his life even to the want of a Meals meat but his old age should make amends for all with a plentifull estate which came to passe accordingly For his Father dying in his Infancy no plentifull provision was made for him and when his eldest Brother Thomas Duke of Northfolke was executed his condition was much impaired insomuch that once being in London not overstockt with money when his Noble Nephews the Earle of Arundle and the Lord Thomas Howard were out of the City and loath to pin himself on any Table univited he was sain to dinâ— with the chaire of Duke Humphrey Anno Dom. 1616-17 but other not to say better company viz Anno Regis Jacob. 15. reading of Books in a Stationers shop in Pauls Church-yard But K JAMES coming to the Crown and beholding the Howards as His Mothers Martyrs revived them with His favours and this Lord attained under Him to great wealth honour and command 3. However this Lord gave little credit to His Learned Book and placed lesse confidence in such Predictions as appeared by a Learned Worke he hath written of that subject He died Anno 1614. and his Nephew Thomas Howard Earle of Suffolke succeeded him in the Chancellours place of the University John Richardson Vicecan 1617-18 John Smithson Alexander Read Proct. 16. John Durant Major 4. On the 29 of January died Mr. William Butler The death of Dr. Butler the Aesculapius of our Age as by the Inscription on his Marble Tombe in the Chancel of St. Maries will appear Nil proh marmor agis Butlerum dum tegis illum Si splendore tuo nomen habere putas Ille tibi monumentum iudigner is ab illo Butleri vivis munere marmor iners Sic homines vivus sic mirâ mortuus arte Phoebo chare Senex vivere saxa facis But the Prose is higher than the Verse and might have served for Joseph of Arimathea to have inscribed on the Monument of our Saviour whereof this is a part Abi Viator ad tuos reversus dic te vidisse Locum in quo salus jacet He gave to Clare Hall whereof he was Fellow a Chalice with a cover of beaten-gold weighing and worth three hundred pounds besides other Plate and Books to the value of five hundred pounds Will 1618-19 Branthwait John Goslin Vicecan 17. Henry Goch Tho Horseman Proct. Richard Foxton Major 5. The Title of the Earledome of Cambridge which as we have formerly observed The Marquesse of Hamilton made Earle of Cambridge was onely conferred on Forreigne Princes or those of the English blood-Royall had now lyen dormant since the death of Richard Plantagenet Duke of Yorke and eighth Earle of Cambridge It was now
the Kings pleasure in imitation of His Ancestors reserving that Honour for some Prime person to conferre the same on his near Kinsman James Marquis Hamilton who dying some six years after left his Title to James his Son the last Earle during the extent of our History Robert Scot Vicecan 1619-20 Will 18. Roberts Robert Mason Proct. Richard Foxton Major 6. Master John Preston Mr Preston prosecuted by the Commissary and how escaping Fellow of Queens suspected for inclination to Non-conformity intended to preach in the Afternoon S. Maryes Sermon being ended in Botolphs-Church But Doctor Newcomb Commissary to the Chancelour of Elie Anno Dom. 1619-20 offended with the pressing of the people Anno Regis Jacob. 18. enjoyned that Service should be said without Sermon In opposition whereunto a Sermon was made without Service where large complaints to Lancelot Andrews Bishop of Elie and in fine to the King himself Hereupon Mr. Preston was enjoyned to make what his fees called a Recantation his friends a Declaration Sermon therein so warily expressing his allowance of the Liturgie and set formes of Prayer that he neither displeased his own party nor gave his enemies any great advantage Samuel Ward Vicecan 1620-21 Gabriel More Phil 19. Powlet Proct. Richard Foxton Major 7 William Lord Mainard The Ld. Mainaâ—d foundeth a Logick Professour first of Wicloe in Ireland then of Estaines in England brought up when a young Scholar in S. Johns Colledge where Dr. Playfere thus versed it on his name Inter menses Maius inter aromata nardus Founded a Place for a Logick Professour assigning him a salarie of Forty pounds per annum and one Mr. Thornton Fellow of the same Colledge made first Professour of that faculty Leonard Maw Vicecan 1621-22 Thomas Scamp Tho 20. Parkinson Charles Mordant Proct. Edward Potto Major 8. An exact survey was taken of the number of Students in the University The Scholars number whose totall summe amounted unto Two * Tables of John Scot. thousand nine hundred ninety and eight Hierome Beale Vicecan 1622-23 Thomas Adam Nathanael Flick Proct. 21. Thomas Atkinson Major Thomas Paske Vicecan 1623-24 John Smith Amias Ridding Proct. 22. Thomas Purchas Major 9. The Town-Lecture at Trinity-Church being void two appeared Competitours for the same namely Doctor John Preston now Master of Emmanuel Preacher at Lincolns-Inne and Chaplain to Prince Charles generally desired by the Towns men Contributours to the Lecture Paul Micklethwait Fellow of Sidney-Colledge an eminent Preacher favoured by the Diocesan Bishop of Elie and all the Heads of Houses to have the place The contest grew high and hard A tough câ—nvase for Trinity-Lecture in somuch as the Court was ingaged therein Many admired that Doctor Preston would stickle so much for so small a matter as an annuall stipend of Eighty pounds issuing out of moe than thrice eighty purses But his partie pleaded his zeale not to get gold by but to doe good in the place where such the confluence of Scholars to the Church that he might generare Patres beget begerrers which made him to wave the Bishoprick of Glocester now void and offered unto him in comparison of this Lecture 10. At Doctor Preston his importunity Dr. Preston caues it clear the Duke of Buckingham interposing his power Anno Dom. 1623 24. secured it unto him Anno Regis Jacob. 22. Thus was he at the same time Preacher to two places though neither had Cure of Soules legally annexed Lincolns-Inne and Trinity-Church in Cambridge As Elisha cured the waters of Iericho by going forth to the spring head and casting in salt there so was it the designe of this Doctour for the better propagation of his principles to infuse them into these two Fountains the one of Law the other of Divinity And some conceive that those Doctrines by him then delivered have since had their Use and Application Iohn Mansell Vicecan 1624-25 William Boswell Thomas Bowles Proct. Thomas Purchas Major 11. King Iames came to Cambridge King James's last coming to Cambridge lodged in Trinity-Colledge was entertained with a Philosophy-Act and other Academical performances Here in an extraordinary Commencement many but ordinary persons were graduated Doctours in Divinity and other Faculties 12. Andrew Downs The death of Mr. Andrew Dewnes Fellow of S. Iohns Anno Regis Car. 1. 1. one composed of Greek and industry dyeth whose pains are so inlaid with Sir Henry Savil his Edition of Chrysostome that both will be preserved together Five were Candidates for the Greek-Professours place void by his death viz Edward Palmer Esquire Fellow of Trinity-Colledge Abraham Whelocke Fellow of Clare Hall Robert Creighton of Trinity Ralph Winterton of Kings and Iames White Master of Arts of Sidney-Colledge How much was there now of Athens in Cambridge when besides many modestly concealing themselves five able Competitours appeared for the place 13. All these read solemn Lectures in the Schools on a subject appointed them by the Electours Mr. Chreighton chosen his successour viz the first Verses of the three and twentieth Book of Homers Iliads chiefly insisting on 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. But the Place was conferred on Mr. Robert Chreighton who during Mr. Downes his aged infirmities had as Hercules relieved weary Atlas supplied the same possessed by the former full forty years Iohn Goslin Henry Smith Vicecan Iohn Norton Robert Ward Proct. 1625-26 Robert Lukin Major 2. 14. Thomas Howard Earle of Suffolke The Duke of Buckingham elected Chancellour Chancellour of the University departed this life an hearty old Gentleman who was a good friend to Cambridge and would have proved a better if occasion had been offered It argued the Universities affection to his Memory that a grand party therein unsought unsent unsued to gave their suffrages for his second Son Thomas Earle of Bark shire though the Duke of Buckingham by very few voices carried the place of the Chancellour This Duke gave the Beadles their old silver Staves and bestowed better and bigger on the University with the Kings and his own Arms insculped thereon Henry Smith Vicecan 1626-27 Samuel Hixton Thomas Wake Proct. 3. Martin Peirse Major Thomas Bambrigg Vicecan Anno Dom. 1627-28 Thomas Love Edward Lloyd Proct. Iohn Shirwood Major Anno. Regis Car. 1. 4. 15. Henry Earle of Holland The Earle of Holland made Chancellour The Lâ— Bâ—ooke founded an History-Professour recommended by His Majesty to the University is chosen Chancellour thereof in the Place of the Duke of Buckingham deceased 16. Sir Fulk Grevil Lord Brooke bred long since in Trinity Colledge founded a Place for an History-Professour in the University of Cambridge allowing him an annual Stipend of an Hundred pound Isaac Dorislavs Doctour of the Civil Law an Hollander was first placed therein Say not this implyed want of worthy men in Cambridge for that faculty it being
but finde him a Mecaenas and grand favourer of Learned men For when the School of b Ascham Câ—â—nend Epist fol. 210. Idem fol. 208. Sedbury in the North belonging to S t Johns in Cambridg was run to ruine the Lands thereof being sold and embezeled S r Anthony procured the reparation of the Schoole and restitution of their means firmly setling them to prevent future alienation Hear what character c M r Ascham gives of him Religio Doctrina Respublica omnes curas tuas sic occupant ut extra has tres res nullum tempus consumas Religion Learning Common-wealth so employ all thy cares that besides these three things you spend no other time Let then the enemies if any of his memory abate of this character to what proportion they please pretending it but the Orators Rhetorical Hyperbole the very remainder thereof which their malice must leave will be sufficient to speak S r Anthony a worthy and meriting Gentleman I finde an excellent Epitaph made on him by one the Learned'st of Noblemen His Epitaph made by the Lord Howard and Noblest of Learned men in his age viz. Henry Howard Earl of Surrey and eldest son to the Duke of Norfolk worthy the Reader his perusal Vpon the Death of Sir Anthony a Weavers Funeral Monuments p. 852. Denny Death and the King did as it were contend Which of them two bare Denny greatest love The King to shew his love 'gan far extend Did him advance his betters far above Neer place much wealth great honour eke him gave To make it known what power Princes have But when Death came with his triumphant gift From worldly cark he quit his wearied ghost Free from the corps and straight to Heaven it lift Now deem that can who did for Denny most The King gave wealth but fading and unsure Death brought him bliss that ever shall endure Know Reader that this Lord made this Epitaph by a Poetical Prolepsis otherwise at the reading thereof who would not conceive that the Author surviv'd the subject of his Poem Whereas indeed this Lord died beheaded 1546. in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth whom S r Anthony out-lived being one of the Executors of his Will Nor was it the worst piece of service he performed to his Master when all other Courtiers declining the employment he truly acquainted him with his dying-condition to dispose of his soul for another world S r Anthony died about the second of Edward the sixth His issue by Dame Joan his wife Dame Joan his Wife surviving him Daughter she was to S r Philip Champernoon of Modbury in Devon-shire a Lady of great beauty and parts a favourer of the Reformed Religion when the times were most dangerous She sent eight shillings by her man in a Violet coat to Anne b Fox Acts Monuments fol. 1239. Aschough when imprisoned in the Counter a small sum yet a great gift so hazardous it was to help any in her condition This Lady Joan bought the Reversion in Fee of Waltham from King Edward the Sixth paying three thousand and hundred pounds for the same purchasing therewith large priviledges in Waltham-Forest as by the Letters Patents doth appear She bare two Sons to S r Anthony Henry Denny Esquire of whom hereafter the second S r Edward who by Gods blessing Queen Elizabeths bounty and his own valour atchieved a fair estate in the County of Kerry in Ireland which at this day is if any thing in that woful war-wasted Countrey can be enjoyed by his great Grandchild Arthur Denny Esq of Tralleigh The condition of Waltham Church from the Dissolution of the Abby untill the Death of King HENRY the Eighth HAving the perusal of the Church-Wardens accounts wherein their Ancient expences and receits are exactly taken fairly written and carefully kept I shall select thence some memorable Items to acquaint us with the general devotion of those dayes Know then there were six Ordinary Obits which the Church-wardens did annually discharge viz. For Thomas Smith and Joan his wife on the sixteenth of January Thomas Friend Joan and Joan his wives on the sixteenth of February Robert Peest and Joan his wife on the tenth of April Thomas Towers and Katharine his wife the six and twentieth of April John Breges and Agnes his wife the one and thirtieth of May. Thomas Turner and Christian his wife the twentieth day of December The charge of an Obit was two shillings and two pence and if any be curious to have the particulars thereof it was thus expended To the Parish-Priest four pence to our Ladies-Priest three pence to the Charnel-Priest three pence to the two Clerks four pence to the Children these I conceive Choristers three pence to the Sexton two pence to the Bell-man two pence for two Tapers two pence for Oblation two pence Oh the reasonable rates at Waltham two shillings two pence for an Obit the price whereof in Saint Pauls in London was fourty shillings For forsooth the higher the Church the holier the service the dearer the price though he had given too much that had given but thanks for such vanities To defray the expences of these Obits the parties prayed for or their Executors left Lands Houses or Stock to the Church-Wardens Thomas Smith bequeathed a Tenement in the Corn-Market and others gave Lands in Vpshire called Pater-noster-Hills others ground elswhere besides a stock of eighteen Cows which the Wardens let out yearly to farm for eighteen shillings making up their yearly accounts at the Feast of Michael the Arch-Angel out of which we have excerpted the following remarkable particulars Anno 1542. the 34 th of HENRY the 8 th Imprimis For watching the Sepulchre a groat This constantly returnes in every yearly account though what meant thereby I know not I could suspect some Ceremony on Easter-eve in imitation of the Souldiers watching Christs grave but am loath to charge that Age with more superstition then it was clearly guilty of Item Paid to the Ringers at the coming of the Kings Grace six pence Yet Waltham Bells told no tales every time King Henry came hither having a small house in Rome-land to which he is said oft privately to retire for his pleasure Item Paid unto two men of Law for their counsel about the Church-leases six shillings eight pence Item Paid the Attorney for his Fee twenty pence Item Paid for Ringing at the Prince his coming a penny Anno 1543. the 35 th of HENRY the 8 th Imprimis Received of the Executors of S r Robert Fuller given by the said S r Robert to the Church ten pounds How is this man degraded from the Right Honourable the Lord Abbot of Waltham the last in that place to become a poor S r Robert the title of the meanest Priest in that age Yet such his charity in his poverty that besides this legacy he bequeathed to the Church a Chalice a The Church-wardens account Anno 1556. silver and gilt which they
Elizabeth Countesse of Clare Hist of Camb. p. 37. ¶ 41. The Masters Benefactours Bishops c. thereof ibidem anciently called Soler Hall p. 38. ¶ 44. ruinous and lately re-edified ¶ 45. Four hundred pounds worth of timber reported taken from it in these troublesome times which the Authour of this Book will not believe ibid. CLAUDIA mentioned by St. Paul 2. Tim. 4. 21. probably a British Convert C. 1. ¶ 9. notwithstanding Parsons his Cavils to the contrary ¶ 10. CLUNIACK Monks being reformed Benedictines b. 6. p. 266. ¶ 2. Elianor COBHAM Dutchess of Glocester accused for a Sorceress by some made a Confessour by M. Fox b. 4. p. 171 c. COIFY a Pagan Priest his remarkable speech C. 7. ¶ 41. COLCHESTER claimeth Constantine to be born therein C. 4. ¶ 18. Augustinean Monks had there their prime residence b. 6. p. 268. ¶ 6. COLLEDGES not in the Universities but for superstitious uses given to the King b. 6. p. 350. ¶ 3 4 5. John COLLET Dean of St. Pauls b. 5. p. 167. ¶ 13. foundeth Pauls School ¶ 14. making the Mercers overseers thereof ¶ 15. out of provident prescience ¶ 16. Tho. COMBER Master of Trinity Colledge in Camb. highly commended by Morâ—nus History of Camb. p. 123. ¶ 20. High COMMISSION arguments for and against it b. 9. p. 18â— CONSTANTINE the first Christian Emperour proved a Britan by birth C. 4. ¶ 15. the objections to the contrary answered ¶ 16. richly endoweth the Church ¶ 19. CONSTANTIUS CHLORUS the Roman Emperour and though no Christian a favourer of them C. 4. ¶ 12. buried at York and not in Wales as Florilegus will have it ¶ 13. CONVENTICLE the true meaning thereof b. 9. p. 102. ¶ 4. CONVENTS some generall conformities used in them all b. 6. p. 287 c. CONVOCATIONS three severall sorts of them b. 5. p. 190 191. they complain of erroncous opinious p. 209 210 c. CORPUS CHRIST COL in Camb. See Bennet Colledge CORPUS CHRISTI COLL. in Oxford founded by Bishop Fox b. 5. p. 166. ¶ 11. called the Colledge of three Languages ibid. the worthies thereof ibid. Masse quickly set up therein in the first of Q. Mary b. S. p. 8. ¶ 10 11. Dr. John COSEN charged with superstition his due praise b. 11. p. 173. ¶ 34 c. The Scotish COVENANT the form thereof b. 11. p. 201. ¶ 13 c. exceptions to the Preface and six Articles therein 203 204 205 206. never taken by the Authour of this Book p. 206. ¶ 30. Will. COURTNEY Bishop of London his contests about Wickliffe with the Duke of Lancaster b. 4. ¶ 135. ¶ 19. Arch-bishop of Canterbury p. 142. ¶ 24. COURTS SPIRITUALL began in the Reign of King William the first when severed from the Sherifs Courts b. 3. ¶ 10. Their contesting with the Common Law how to be reconciled ¶ 11. Richard COX Dean of Christs Church accused t is hoped unjustly for cancelling Manuscripts in Oxford Library b. 7. p. 302. ¶ 19 20. flies to Frankford in the Reign of Queen Mary b. 8. p. 30. ¶ 3. where he headeth a strong party in defence of the English Liturgie p. 31 32. made Bishop of Ely b. 9. p. 63. his death and Epitaph p. 111. ¶ 34. Thomas CRANMER employed by King Henry to the Pope b. 5. p. 179. ¶ 9. to prove the unlawfulnesse of the Kings marriage ¶ 18. thence sent into Germany ¶ 22. made Arch-bishop of Canterbury against his will ¶ 27. defended against the cavils of Papists and Mr. Prin ¶ 28 c. his death b. 8. p. 203. ¶ 32. CREKELADE or GREEKLADE an ancient place where Greek was professed C. 9. ¶ 29. CROWLAND Monks massacred by the Danes C. 9. ¶ 19. Thomas CROMWELL first known to the World for defending his Mr. Card. Woisey b. 5. p. 177 ¶ 1. as the Kings Vicar in Spiritualibus presidenteth it in the Convocation p. 206. ¶ 21. falls into the Kings displeasure p. 231. ¶ 20. deservedly envred ¶ 21. his admirable parts ¶ 22. with the History of his death c. ¶ 23 c. Chancelour of Cambridge Hist. of Cambridge p. 108. ¶ 53. Richard CROMWEL alias Williams Knighted for his valour at a solemn tiâ—ting b. 6. p. 370. ¶ 11. giveth a Diamond Ring in his Crest on an honourable occasion ¶ 12. CUTHBERT Arch-bishop of Canterbury by the Kings leave first brings Bodyes to be buried in the Church b. 2. p. 103. ¶ 27. D. DANES their first arrivall in England B. 2. p. 103. ¶ 29. why their country formerly so fruitfull is lately sobarren of people ¶ 30 31 32. the sad Prognosticks of their coming hither ¶ 33. make an invasion into Lincolnshire C. 9. ¶ 18. massacre the Monks of Crowland C. 9. ¶ 19. and burn the Monastery of Medeshamsted ¶ 20 21. why their fury fell more on Convents then Castles C. 10. ¶ 48. after sixty years absence re-invade England ibidem A dear peace bought with them ¶ 50. to no purpose ¶ 52. their Royall line in England suddenly and strangely extinct C. 11. ¶ 10. no hostile appearance of them in England ¶ 13. Thomas L. DARCY beheaded B. 6. p. 313. ¶ 5. his Extraction vndicated from the causelesse Aspersion of King Henry the eighth page 324 325. John DAVENANT sent by King James to the Synod of Dort B. 10. p. 77. ¶ 63. made Bishop of Salisbury B. 10. p. 91. ¶ 35. questioned for his Sermon at Court B. 11. p. 138. ¶ 14 15. relates all the passages thereof in a Letter to Dr. Ward ¶ 16. his opinion about the suspension of Bishop Goodman p. 170. ¶ 23. his death p. 176. ¶ 53. St. DAVID a great advancer of Monastick life C. 6. ¶ 4. one of his paramount Miracles ¶ 5. St. DAVIDS or Menevia in Wales once an Arch-bishoprick B. 3. p. 24. ¶ 25. contesteth with Canterbury ibidem but is overpowered ¶ 26. DEANES and CHAPTERS defended in the House of Commons by an excellent speech of Doctour Hackets B. 11. p. 177 178 179. Edward DEERING his death and praise B. 9. p. 109. ¶ 22. Sr. Auth. DENNIE his extraction issue death and Epitaph Hist of Walt. p. 12 13. DERVVIANUS sent by Eleutherius Bishop of Rome to King Lucius to instruct him in Christianity C. 2. ¶ 8. DEVONSHIRE commotion begun out of superstition heightned with cruelty supprest by Gods blessing on the valour of the Lord Russell B. 7. p. 393 394 c. The DIRECTORY compiled by the Assembly of Divines B. 11. p. 221. ¶ 1. commanded by the Parliament ¶ 6. forbidden by the King to be generally used ¶ 7. it and the Liturgy comparted together p. 223. 224. DISSENTING BRETHREN B. 11. ¶ 35 why departing the Land ¶ 36. kindly entertained in Holland ¶ 37. their chief ground-works ¶ 39. 40. manner of Church-service ¶ 41. Schism betwixt them ¶ 42 c. Sr. Th. DOCKWRAY Lord Prior of St. Joanes B. 6. p. 359. ¶ 4. and p. 361. in the dedication John DOD his birth and
PURGATORY not held in the Popish notion before the Conquest b. 2. p. how maintained in the Mungrell Religion under King Henry the eighth b. 5. p. 223. a merry Vision thereof b. 4. p. 107. PURITANS when the word first began in that odious sense b. 9. ¶ 67. vide Non-conformists The Arch-bishop of Spalato the first who abused the word to signifie the Defenders of matters Doctrinall Conformable Puritans by whom complained of b. 11. p. 144. ¶ 31. Q. QUEENS COLL. in Oxford founded by R. Eglesfield b. 3. p. 114 115. QUEENS COLL. in Cambridge founded by Q. Margaret History of Cambridge p. 80. ¶ 31. finished by Q. Elizabeth wife to King Edward the fourth ¶ 33. The Masters Benefactours Bishops ibidem R. READING a pleasant story between the Abbot thereof and King Henry the eighth b. 6. p. 299. ¶ 12 13. RECUSANTS for Papists when the name in England first began 809. p. 98. ¶ 29. Our REFORMATION under King Henry the eighth cleared from the aspersion of Schisme b. 5. p. 194 and 195. William REGINALD or Reinolds a zealous Papist his death and character b. 9. p. 224. ¶ 12. John REINOLDS against Conformity in Hampton-Court conference b. 10. p. 7 8 9 c. his death p. 47. ¶ 3. admirable parts and piety p 48. ¶ 5. desireth absolution at his death ¶ 6. RELICTS their abominable superstition and Forgery b. 6. p. 331. ¶ 10 11 c. RENT-CORN by statute reserved to Colledges History of Cambridge p. 144. ¶ 6. procured by Sr. Tho. Smith ¶ 7. to the great profit of both Universities ¶ 8. R. Lord RICH his servants sad mistake b. 7. p. 408. ¶ 40. which cost his master the losse of his Chancellours place ¶ 41. King RICHARD the first endeavoureth to expâ—are his undutifulnesse by superstition b 3. p. 40. ¶ 8. dearly ransomed p. 44. ¶ 28 29. made better by affliction p. 45. ¶ 30. his death burial and Epitaph ¶ 32 c. King RICHARD the second b. 4. p. 137. ¶ 12. his loose life p. 152. ¶ 51. conspired against by Duke Henry ¶ 52. forced to depose himself or be deposed p. 153. ¶ 53. his death ibid. King RICHARD the third his pompous double Coronation b. 4. p. 196. ¶ 4. barbarously murthered his brothers Sons ¶ 5. endeavoureth in vain to be Popular p. 197. ¶ 6 and 7. unjustly commended by a Modern Writer ¶ 8. beaten and killed in the Battel of Bosworth p. 194. ¶ 14. RIPPON Collegiat Church endowed by King James b. 10. p. 29. ¶ 16. their Land since twice sold ¶ 17. John ROGERS prime Patron of Non-conformity b. 7. p. 402. martyred b. 8. p. 23. ¶ 32. Thomas ROGERS writeth on the Articles of the Church of England b. 9. p. 172. ¶ 22. first opposeth the opinion of the Sabbatarians bitterly enough p. 228. ¶ 22. ROME COLLEDGE for English fugitives b. 9. p. 86. The ROODE what is was and why placed betwixt the Church and Chancell History of Walt. p. 16. in the first item S. The SABBATH the strict keeping thereof revived by Doctour Bound b. 9. p. 227. ¶ 20. learned men divided therein p. 228. ¶ 21 c. liberty given thereon by King James his Proclamation in Lancashire b. 10. p. 74. ¶ 58 59. reasons pro and con whether the same might lawfully be read p. 74. ¶ 56. ministeâ—s more frighted then hurt therein p. 76. ¶ 62. no reading of it enforced on them ibidem controversie revived in the Reign of King Charles b. 11. p. 144. ¶ 13 c. SAINTS Numerous and noble amongst the Saxons C. 8. ¶ 6. ridicliously assigned by Papists to the Curing of sundry diseases and patronage of sundry professions b. 6. p. 33. ¶ 13. SAMPSON an ancient British Bishop madef fine Titulo C. 6. ¶ 9. Thomas SAMPSON Dean of Christ-Church in Oxford the first that I find outed his place for Puritanisme b. 9. p. 77. ¶ 72. Edwin SANDYS Bishop of Worcester b. 9. p. 63. ¶ 31. Arch-bishop of York his death p. 197. ¶ 35. his Sermon before the Duke of Northumberland at Cambridge Hist of Camb. p. 131. ¶ 40. his ill usage for the same ¶ 43. SARDIS some representation of the British at the Generall Councill kept therein C. 4. ¶ 20. SARUM secundum usum thereof its originall and occasion b. 3. ¶ 23. William SAWTREE b. 4. p. 156. Articles against him ibidem degraded p. 157. ¶ 5. and the first man burnt for his Religion p. 158. SAXONS the first mention of them in Brit. C. 5. ¶ 9. unadvisedly invited over by King Vortiger ¶ 16. erect seven Kingdomes in Britain ¶ 17. The rabble of their Idols C. 6. ¶ 6. willfully accessorie to their own 〈◊〉 by the Danes C. 9. ¶ 17. SCHISME unjustly charged on the English Church in their Reformation and returned on Rome b. 5. p. 194 and 195 SCHOOL-MEN nine eminent all of England most of Merton Colledge C. 14. p. 94 95. their needlesse difficulties p. 98. ¶ 24. barbarous Latine ¶ 25. divisions in judgement ¶ 26. why their Learning lesse used in after ages ¶ 28. SCOTLAND challenged by the Pope as his peculiar C. 14. ¶ 1. stoutly denied by the English ¶ 2. SCOTCH Liturgie the whole story thereof b. 11. p. 160. ¶ 95 c. John SCOTUS Erigena his birth-place C. 9. ¶ 32 33 34. miserably murthered by his Scholars ¶ 35. unmartyred by Baronius ¶ 36. causlesly confounded with Duns Scotus ¶ 37. John DUNSSCOTUS why so called C. 14. p. 96. ¶ 19. his birth claimed by three Kingdomes ibidem SEATER a Saxon Idol his shape and Office b. 2. C. 6. ¶ 6. SECULAR Priests their contesting with Monks C. 8. p. 133 134. John SELDEN setteth forth his Book against Tithes b. 10. p. 70. ¶ 39 40. puzleth the Assembly of Divines with his queries b. 11. p. 213. ¶ 54. Richard SENHOUSE preacheth King Charles his Coronation and his own funerall b. 11. ¶ 18. Edward SEIMOUR Duke of Somerset Lord Protectour b. 7. p. 372. ¶ 3. his tripartite accusation p. 407. ¶ 36. imprisoned yet restored p. 408. ¶ 38. afterwards impeached of Treason ¶ 42. and executed p. 409. ¶ 43. unjustly saith a good Authour ¶ 44. though King Edward was possessed of his guiltiness as appeareth by his letter ibidem his character and commendation p. 410. ¶ 45. SIDNEY SUSSEX Colledge founded Hist of Camb. p. 153. ¶ 23 c. SIGEBERT King of the East-Angles his Religion and Learning C. 7. ¶ 45. reputed founder of the University of Camb. ¶ 46. the Cavils to the contrary answered ¶ 49 c. SIGEBERT the pious King of the East-Saxons C. 7. ¶ 81. SIMON ZELOTES made by Dorotheus to preach in Britain C. 1. ¶ 8. SIVIL COLLEDGE in Spain for English fugitives b. 9. p. 88. Mr. SMART termed proto-Martyr of England b. 11 p. 173. ¶ 35 c. Sr. Tho. SMITH Benefactour generall to all Scholards Hist of Camb. p. 81. ¶ 37 38. and also p. 144. ¶ 6 7 8. Henry SMITH commonly called
the Masters Bishops Benefactours c. thereof ibidem States-men Divines Criticks p. 123. ¶ 20. James TURBERVILL Bishop of Exeter no active persecuter b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 2. findeth fair usage after his deprivation b. 9. ¶ 19. TURNAMENTS their ill effects History of Camb. p. 11. ¶ 39. forbidden within five mile of Camb. ¶ 40 c. Wat TYLER his rebellion b. 4. p. 138. ¶ 18 c. parallelled with Judas of Galilee p. 140. ¶ 21. the Wicklivites defended from having any hand in causing his Rebellion p. 141. ¶ 23. see Jack Straw William TYNDAL his story at large b. 5. p. 224 225. TUYSC a Saxon Idol his shape and office b. 2. C. 6. ¶ 6. William TWISSE prolocutor in the Assembly b. 11. p. 199. ¶ 4. his death p. 213. ¶ 53. V. VALLADOLIT COLL. in Spain for English fugitives b. 9. p. 87. Richard VAUGHAN Bishop of London his death b. 10. p. 49. ¶ 11. Master UDAL King James his letter for him b. 9. p. 203. ¶ 30. arraigned and condemned p. 221. ¶ 1. Richard VINES his argument at Vxbridge treaty to prove the sufficiency of ordination by Presbyters b. 11. p. 215. ¶ 65. Polydore VIRGIL Collector of Peter-Pence in England b. 5. p. 198. ¶ 51. Benefactour to the Church of Wells malefactour to the Church of England ¶ 52 53. Eight forrain UNIVERSITIES conclude it unlawfull to marry a Brothers Wife b. 5. p. 183. ¶ 19. UNIVERSITY COLL. in Oxon founded by King Alfred C. 9. ¶ 30. the maintenance paid out of the Kings Exchequer ¶ 38. exhibitions allowed to the Scholars thereof why detained by William the Conqueror b. 3. ¶ 16. re-founded and endowed p. UNIVERSITY Hall in Cambridge founded by Richard Badew Hist of Cam. p. 37. ¶ 40. burnt down ibidem see Clate Hall Conradus VORSTIUS his dangerous opinions b. 10. p. 60. opposed by King James p. 61. in his letter to the States ¶ 3 c. K. VORTIGER his incefluous match condemned by Germanus C. 5. ¶ 13. calleth in the Saxons ¶ 16. burning in lust is burnt to Ashes ¶ 27. URSULA her fabulous Martyrdome at Colen with â—1000 Virgins attending her confuted C. 5. ¶ 21. USURPERS how far they are to be abeyed in the case of King Stephen b. 3. p. 25 26 27. UXBRIDGE treaty the fruitlesse fruits thereof b. 11. p. 214. ¶ 61. Conference about Church-matters therein ¶ 63. c. W. WADHAM COLLEDGE in Oxford founded by Nicholas Wadham b. 10. p. 68. ¶ 29 30. Peter of WAKEFIELD prophesied against K. John b. 3. p. 50. ¶ 12. hanged p. 52. ¶ 16. whether justly or unjustly disputed ibidem WALTHAM ABBEY why so named Hist. of Walt. p. 5. ¶ 2. the scituation thereof ¶ 3. excused for its bad aire p. 6. ¶ 1. the Town first founded by one Tovy ¶ 2. but Abby by Earle Harold ¶ 4. refounded by King Henry the second p. 7. Nicholas abbot of WALTHAM most eminent Hist of Wal. p. 20. toward the end John de WALTHAM keeper of the privy seale to K. Richard the second Hist of Wal. p. 30. near the end Roger de WALTHAM a great Scholar Hist of Wal. p. 20. at the bottome William WARHAM Arch-bishop of Canterbury his death and character b. 5. p. 184 ¶ 26. John WARNER Bishop of Rochester chosen to sollicite the Bpsâ— cause when charged with a premunire b. 11. p. 183. ¶ 7. pleadeth stoutly for their votes in Parliament p. 194. ¶ 25. William WATSON a Secular Priest his notorious railing against the Jesuites b. 10. ¶ 5 6. his Treason against K. James ¶ 14. and silly plea at his Execution ¶ 17. WEASEL the English Exiles under Q. Mary why quickly removing thence b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 41. WELCH two grand mistakes therein b. 11. p. 170. ¶ 21. committed to Welch Bps. to amend 〈◊〉 ibidem WESTMINSTER pretends to a Massacre of primitive Monks therein Cent. 4. ¶ 9. a Church therein built by Edward the Confessor said to be consecrated by St. Peter himself C. 11. ¶ 22. five alterations in St. Peters therein within 30. yeares b. 9. p. 70. ¶ 43. Herbert WESTPHALING Bishop of Hereford seldome seen to laugh b. 10. ¶ 10. WEST-SAXONS their Kingdome when begun how bounded C. 5. ¶ 17. William WHITACRE Master of St. Johns in Camb. kindly resens are proofe from one of the felâ—â—es Hist of Camb. p. 97. ¶ 18. his sicknesse and death p. 151. ¶ 18. his sad solemn funerall ¶ 19. John WHITE swalloweth 〈◊〉 to get the Bishoprick of Winchester b. 8. S. 3. ¶ 42. preacheth a 〈◊〉 yet flattering Sermon at the Funeralls of Q. Mary ¶ 52. stirred against Q. Eliz. b. 9. ¶ 17. Sr. THO. WHITE Lord Major of London founder St. Ionâ—s Colledge in Ox b. â— S. 3. ¶ 44. Iohn WHITGIFT Dr. of D. after much clushing with Mr. Cartwright Hist. of Camb. p. 140. expelleth him ibid. 〈…〉 Cant. 〈…〉 Lords in defence of Conformity b. 9. p. 145. c. his death b. 10. p. 25. ¶ 2. just defence against the exceptions of 〈…〉 c. William WHITTINGHAM head of 〈…〉 non-conformists at Frankford b. 8. 〈…〉 ¶ 7. 〈◊〉 whom he deparâ—eth to Geneva ¶ 10. a fierce Non-conformist though Dean of Dâ—rham in the beginning of Q. Eliz. b. 9. ¶ 71. John WICKLIFF his parent age learning and opinions b. 4. p. 130. ¶ 3. c. marvelously spread and why p. 142. ¶ 25. his quiet death ¶ 26. Richard WIGHTWICK an eminent Benefactor to Pembrook Colledge in Oxford b. 11. ¶ 41. Edward WIGHTMAN burnt for a Heretick b. 10. p. 64. ¶ 13. WILFRIDE a Champion for the Romish Easter C. 7. ¶ 90. his prevailing argument ¶ 91. envyed by Theodoius Arch-bishop ¶ 97. converteth the South-Saxons ¶ 98 c. per secuted by King Alfride C. 8. ¶ 1. appealeth to Rome ¶ 2. dyeth ¶ 3. WILLIAM the first conquereth King Harold in fight C. 11. ¶ 40. rebateth his conquering sword with composition ¶ 41. calleth a Synod of his Bishops at Winchester b. 3. ¶ 4. is civill to the Pope ¶ 5. yet so as he is true to his own interest ¶ 6. refuseth to do fealty to Pope Gregory the seventh ¶ 7 8. suffers none of his Barons to be excommunicated without his consent ¶ 9. divides the jurisdiction of the Bishops from the Sheriffs ¶ 10 11. quits the Crown by Conquest but kept it by composition ¶ 13. his death and buriall ¶ 25. WILLIAM Rufus crowned b. 11. p. 10. ¶ 27. his covetnousness ¶ 28 29. contests with Anselme p. 11. ¶ 3. John WILLIAMS Bishop of Lincoln made Lord keeper b. 10. p. 89. ¶ 24 25 c. preacheth King James his funerall Sermon b. 11. ¶ 3. exceptions thereat ¶ 4. excluded attendance at the Coronation ¶ 17. looseth the Keepers place ¶ 37 c. is sued in the Star-Chamber from p. 153 to 158. severely censured there ibidem fined the second time in the same Court p. 165 166. vindicateth his extraction p. 183. ¶ 9. the first and most active
name is written with a Local Tinesis D'Acres 2. Joan Daughter to Edward the first King of England is called D'Acres because Born there 3. They gave their Armes Gules three Scollops-shels Argent Which Scollop-shels I mean the nethermost of them because most concave and capacious smooth within and artificially plated without was of times Cup and Dish to the Pilgrims in Palestine and thereupon their Armes often charged therewith Since suddenly all is vanished when I found c Camd. Brit. in Cumberland pag. 776. Dacor a Rivolet in Cumberland so ancient that it is mentioned by Bede himself long before the Holy War was once dreamed of which gave the name to Dacres Castle as that their prime seat to that Family 18. Before we go further Cressant and Stat why the Device of K. Richard the first in his voyage to the Holy Land be it here observed that when King Richard the first went into Palestine he took up for his Device in his Ensign a Cressant and a Star but on what account men variously conjecture Some conceive it done in affront to the Sultan Saladine the Turk giving the Half Moon for his Armies But this seems unlikely both because a Cressant is not the posture of the Turkish Moon and because this was a preposterous method with a valiant man at his bare setting forth who would rather first win before wear the Armes of his Enemies Others make a modest yea Religious meaning thereof interpreting himself and his souldiers by the Cressant and Star expecting to be inlightened from above by the beams of succeâ—s from the Sun of Divine Providence Indeed it would trouble a wise man but that a wise man will not be troubled therewith to give a reason of King Richards fancy it being almost as easie for him to foretel ours as for us infallibly to interpret his design herein However we may observe many of the principal persons which attended the King in this War had their Shields be-Cressanted and be-Starred in relation to this the Royal Device 19. Thus Michael Minshul of Minshul in Cheshire The Armes of the ancient Family of Minshull serving King Richard in this war had not onely the Cressant and Star given him for his Armes but since also that Family hath born for their Crest two Lions paws holding a Cressant And I have seen a Patent d Viz. July 4. 1642. lately granted by the Lord Marshal to a Knight e Sir Richard Minshull of Burton in Bucks deriving himself from a younger branch of that Family assigning him for distinction to change his Crest into the Sultan kneeling and holding a Cressant 20. And thus the Noble Family of Saint-John whereof the Earl of Bullingbrock As also of the noble S. Johns and Sackvile c. give for their Paternal Coat Argent two Stars Or on a Chief Gules These Stars first give us a dim light to discover their Service in the Holy Land who since are beholding for perfecter information to one now scarce counted a Rimer formerly admitted for a Poet acquainting us with this and another Noble Family adventuring in the Holy War namely the Sackviles still flourishing in the Right Honourable the Earl of Dorcet a Robert of Glocester King Richard wyth gud entent To yat cite of b Jafes that is Joppa in Palestine Jafes went On morn he sent aftur Sir Robart Sakebile Sir William Wateruile Sir Hubart and Sir Robart of Turnham Sir Bertram Brandes and John de S t John Yet the Armes or Crest of the Sackviles give us not the least intimation of the Holy War And indeed no rational man can expect an universal conformity in so much variety of fancies that all the Armes of the adventurers thither should speake the same Language or make some sign of their service therein 21. I finde c Haekluit in his first volume of voyages S r Frederick Tilney Knighted at Acres in the Holy Land 3. in the third year of King Richard the first 1192. he was a man Magnaestaturae potens corpore The worshipful Family of the Tilnes Sixteen Knights in a direct line of that name succeeded in that Inheritance Whose heir general was married to the Duke of Norfolk whilest a male branch if not which I fear very lately extinct flourished since at Shelleigh in Suffolke 22. When I look upon the ancient Armes of the Noble Family of the Villiers The most honourable Ancestors of the Villiers wherein there is Pilgrim on Pilgrim I mean five Scallops O R on the Cross of S t george I presently concluded one of that Family attended King Richard in the Holy Land But on better enquiry I finde that this Family at their first coming into England bare Sable three Cinquefoyles Argent and that S r Nicholas de Villiers Knight changed this d Burton in his description of Leicester-shire Coat in the Reign not of Richard but Edward the first whom he valiantly followed in his Wars in the Holy Land and elsewhere 23. I will conclude with the Noble Family of Berkely The Armes of the Berkeleys then which none of England now eminently existing was more redoubted in the Holy war All know their disent from Harding Son to the King of Denmark whose Armes are said to be Gules Three Danish Axes O R or as others suppose with more probability I conceive onely a plain Cheveron though some three hundred years since they have filled their Coat with Ten Crosses Patte OR in remembrance of the Atchievements of their Ancestors in that service For I finde that Harding of England Landed at e Chronicon Jerusalem lib. 9. cap. 11. Joppa July the third in the second year of King Baldwin with a Band of stout Souldiers where he relieved the Christians besieged therein 24. But I have been too tedious More Church-men abroad then Church-business at home intending onely a short Essay and to be let me call it an honest Decoy by entering on this subject to draw others into the compleating thereof during the whole extent of the Holy war The best is for the present we have had good leisure these Martial times affording but little Ecclesiastical matter For at this present much of the English Church was in Palestine where Baldwin Arch-Bishop of Canterbury ended his life before the Siege of Acres and where Hubert Walter Bishop of Sarisbury was a most active Commander besides many moe of the eminent Clergies ingaged in that service Yet many did wish that one Clergy-man more had been there to keep him from doing mischief at home namely William Longcamp Bishop of Elie who plaied Rex in the Kings absence so intolerable a Tyrant was he by abusing the Royal Authority committed unto him And it is a wonder that he being indeed a Norman born but holding so many and great offices in this land should not be able to speak one word of good f Goodwin in his catalogue of
the Pope to absolve people from Usury Symonie Theft Manslaughter Fornication Adultery and all crimes whatsoever saving Smiting of the Clergie and conspiring against the Pope and some few cases reserved alone to his Holiness This Gigies gat for himself the rich Bishoprick of Worcester yea we observe that in that See a Team of Four b Godwin in his Catalogue of the Bishops of Nor. p. 5â—0 Italians followed each other 1. John Giglis 2. Silvester Giglis 3. Julius Medices afterwards Clement the 7 th 4. Hieronymis de Negutiis Thus as weeds in a garden once got in hardly got out as sowing themselvess so these Italians having planted themselve in that rich place were never gotten out pleading as it were prescription of almost fourty years possession till the power of the Pope was partly banished England and then Hugh Latimer was placed in the Bishoprick 22. Arch-Bishop Morton 10. as one much meriting from the Pope 1494 was not noely honoured with a Cardinals Hat Rochester Bridg repaired by Pardons of the title of S t Anastatius but also privileged from his Holiness to visit all places formely exempt from Archiepiscopal jurisdiction Impowring him also to dispense his Pardons where he saw just cause Hereupon Rochester Bridge being broken down Morton to appear a Pontifex indeed bestowed remission from c Antiquit. Brit. p. 298. Purgatory for all sins whatsoever committed within the compass fourty dayes to such as should Bountifully contribute to the building thereof 23. The King had more then a moneths minde keeping seven years in that humour to procure the Pope to Canonize King Henry the sixth for a Saint The King desired King Henry then the sixth to be Sainted For English Saint-Kings so frequent before the Conquest were grown great dainties since that time France lately had her King Saint Lewis and why should not England receive the like favour being no less beneficial to the Church of Rome Nor could the unhappiness of our King Henry because Deposed from his Throne be any just bar to his Saintship seeing generally Gods best servants are most subject to the sharpest afflictions His Canonizing would add much Lustre of the Line of Lancaster which made his Kinsman and mediate successor King Henry the seventh so desirous thereof Besides well might he be made a Saint who had been a Prophet For when the Wars between Lancaster and York first began Henry the sixth beholding this Henry the seventh then but a Boy playing in the Court said to the standers by See this youth one day will quietly enjoy what we at this time so much fight about This made the king with much importunity to tender this his request unto the Pope A request the more reasonable because it was well nigh fourty years since the death of the Henry so that onely the skeletons of his virtues remained in mens memories the flesh and corruption as one may say of his faults being quite consumed and forgotten 24. Pope Alexander the sixth The requisiteâ— to a Canonization instead of granting his request acquainted him with the requisites belonging to the making of a Saint First that to confer that honour the greatest on earth was onely in the power of the Pope the proper judg of mens merits therein Secondly that Saints were not to be multiplied but on just motions Anno Dom. 1494 lest commonness should cause their contempt Anno Regis Hen. 7 10. Thirdly that his life must be exemplarily holy by the testimony of credible witnesses Fourthly that such must attest the truth of reall Miracles wrought by him after death Fifthly that very great was the cost thereof because all Chaunters Choristers * The Latin is Parafrenarii Bell-ringers not the least clapper in the steeple wagging except money was tied to the end of the rope with all the officers of the Church of Saint Peter together with the Commissaries and Notaries of the Court with all the officers of the Popes Bed-chamber to the very Lock-smiths ought to have their several fees of such cononization Adding that the total summe would amount to fifteen hundred Duckets a Antiq. Brit. pag. 229. of Gold Tantae Molis erat Romanum condere Sanctum Concluding with that which made the charges though not infinite indefinite that the costs were to be multiplied secundum Canonizati Potentiam according to the power or dignity of the person to be Canonized And certain it was the Court of Rome would not behold this Henry the sixth in the notion he died in as a poor prisoner but as he lived a King so long as he had this Henry his Kinsman to pay for the same 25. Most of these requisites met in King Henry sixth in a competent measure These applied to King Hen. 6. First the holiness of his life was confessed by all save that some sullen persons suggested that his simplicity was above his Sanctity and his life pious not so much out of hatred as ignorance of badness As for Miracles there was no want of them if credible persons might be believed two of whose Miracles it will not be amiss to recite 25. Thomas Fuller A brace of Miracles wrought by King Hen. 6. a very honest b Harpâ—field Hist Ecclesiastica saeculo decimo quinto pag. 646. man living at Hammersmith near London had a hard hap accidentally to light into the company of one who had stolen and driven away Cattle with whom though wholly innocent he was taken arraigned condemned and executed When on the Gallows blessed King Henry loving justice when alive and willing to preserve innocence after death appeared unto him so ordering the matter that the halter did not strangle him For having hung an whole hour and taken down to be buried he was found alive for which favour he repaired to the Tomb of King Henry at Chertsey as he was bound to do no less and there presented his humble and hearty thanks unto him for his deliverance The very same accident mutatis mutandis of place and persons with some addition about the apparition of the Virgin Mary hapned to Richard Boyes dwelling withing a mile of Bath the story so like all may believe them equally true 26. All the premisses required to a Saint appearing in some moderate proportion in Henry the sixth especially if charitably interpreted Saints themselves needs some favour to be afforded them it was the general expectation that he should be suddenly Canonized But Pope Alexander the sixth delayed and in effect denied King Henry's desire herein yea Julius his next successor of continuance not to mention the short liv'd Pius the third continued as sturdy in his denial 27. Men variously conjecture why the Pope in effect should deny to Canonize King Henry the sixth a witty Reasons why King Hen. 6. was not Sainted but tart reason is rendred by a Noble c The Lord Bacon pen because the Pope would put a difference betwixt a Saint and an
Apocrypha was read in Churches viz. about sixty Chapters for the first lesson from the 28. of September till the 24. of November Canonicall Scripture is alone appointed to be read in the Scotch Liturgy one day alone excepted viz. All Saints day when Wisdome the 3 and Ecclesiasticus the 14 are ordered for Morning and Evening Praier on the same token there wanted not such who said that those two Chapters were left there to keep possession that all the rest might in due time be reintroduced Secondly The word Priest therein declined The word Priest often used in the English Liturgy gave offence to many in so much that c Cartwright in his Admonition 3. cap. 1. division one writeth To call us Priests as touching our office is either to call back again the old Priesthood of the Law which is to deny Christ to be come or else to keep a memory of the Popish Priesthood of abomination still amongst us besides we never read in the New-Testament that the word Priest as touching office is used in the good part Whereupon to prevent exception it was mollified into Presbyter in the Scotch Rubrick 97. The names of sundry Saints omitted in the English Scotch Saints inserted into the Kalender are inserted into the Scotch Kalender but only in black letters on their severall daies according to the form following January February March 11 David King 13 Mungo Bishop in Latin Kentigernus 18 Colman 11 Constantine the 3. King 17 Patrick 20 Cutbert April May. June 1 Gilbert Bishop 20 Serfe Bishop  9 Columba July August September 6 Palladius  18 Ninian Bishop 25 Adaman Bishop October November December  16 Margaret Queen 27 Ode Virgin 4 Droftane Some of these were Kings all of them Natives of that Countrey Scotch and Irish in former ages being effectually the same and which in probability might render them to the favor of their countrey-men some of them as Coleman c. zealous opposites to the Church of Rome in the celebration of Easter 98. But these Scotch Saints were so farr from making the English Laturgy acceptable Alterations of Addition in the Scotch Liturgie that the English Liturgy rather made the Saints odious unto them Such the Distasting alterations in the Book reduceable to 1. Additions 2. Omissions 3. Variations 4. and Transpositions To instance in the most materiall of the first kinde 1. In the Baptisme these words are inserted d Fol. 106. pag. 2. Sanctifie this fountain of water thou which art the Sanctifier of all things Which words are enjoyned to be spoken by the Minister so often as the water in the Fount is changed which must be at least twice a moneth 2. In the Praier after the Doxologie and before the Communion this Passage expunged by the English Reformers out of our Liturgy is out of the Ordinary of Sarum inserted in the Scotch Praier Book And of thy almighty c fol. 102. pagina 1. goodnesse vouchsafe so to blesse and sanctify with thy word and holy word these thy gifts and Creatures of Bread and Wine that they may be unto us the body and blood of thy most dearly beloved Sonne from which words saith the Scotch Author all f Bayly in his Canterburians Self-conviction pag. Papists use to draw the truth of the Transubstantiation 3. He that Celebrateth is injoyned to cover that which remaineth of the consecrated Eleents with a faire linen Cloth or Corporall g fol. 103. pag. 2. a word unknown to vulgar Eares of either Nations in other sense then to signify an under-officer in a foot Company and complained of to be purposely placed here to wrap up therein all Romish superstition of Christs Carnall Corporall presence in the Sacrament 4. In the Praier for the State of Christs Church Militant these words are added And h folio 98. pagina 1. we also blesse thy holy name for all those thy servants who having finished their course in faith doe now rest from their labours And we yeeld unto thee most high praise and hearty thanks for the wonderfull grace and vertue declared in all thy Saints who have been the choice vessells of thy grace and the lights of the world in their severall generations most humbly beseeching thee that we may have grace to follow the example of their stedfastnesse in thy faith and obedience to thy holy commandements that at the day of the generall Resurrection we and all they which are of the mysticall body of thy Sonne may be set on his right hand and hear that his most joyfull voice Come yee blessed c. 99. Amongst the Omissions none more complained of than the deleting these words The most materiall omission in the delivery of the bread at the Sacrament Take i fol. 103. pag. 2. and eat this in remembrance that Christ dyed for thee and feed on him in thine heart by faith with thanksgiving A passage destructive to Transubstantiation as diverting Communicants from Carnall Munducation and directing their Soules to a spirituall repast on their Saviour All which in the Scotch Liturgy is cut off with an Amen from the Receiver The Variations and Transpositions are of lesse moment as where the money gathered at the offer ory distributable by the English Liturgy to the poor alone hath a moyety thereof assigned the Minister therewith to buy him books of holy Divinity and some praiers are transposed from their place and ordered elsewhere whereat some doe take no small exception Other smaller differences if worth the while will quickly appear to the curious perusers of both Liturgies 100. Pass we now from the constitution of the book The discontented condition of the Scorch Nation when the Liturgy was first brought unto them to the condition of the Scotch Nation in this unhappy juncture of time when it was imposed upon him For it found them in a discontented posture and high Royalists will maintain that murmuring and muting against Princes differ only in degree nor in kinde occasioned on severall accounts 1. Some years since the King had passed an Act of revocation of Crown Lands aliened in the minority of his Ancesters whereby much land of the Nobility became obnoxious to forfeiture k The Kings declaration at large pag. 6. And though all was forgiven again by the Kings clemency and nothing acted hereby to the prejudice of any yet it vexed some to hold that as remitted by the Kings bounty wherein they conceived themselves to be before unquestionably estated 2. Whereas many formerly in Scotland were rather Subjects than Tenants rather Vassalls than Subjects Such the Land-lords Princely not to say Tyranniolly power over them the King had lately freed many from such dangerous dependence Especially in point of payment of Tythes to the Lords of the Erection equivalent to our English lay Impropriators but allowing the Land lords a valuable consideration according to the purchases l Idem pag. 9. of that Countrey whereby the
King got the smiles of those who were most in number but the frowns of such who were greatest in power 3. Many were offended that at the Kings Coronation some six yeares agoe and a Parliament following thereon an act of ratification was passed concerning the Church her liberties and priviledges which some complained of was done without Plurality of Suffrages 4. Some Persons of honor desiring higher Titles m 〈…〉 were offended that they were denyed unto them whilst his Majesty conferred them on others There want not those also who confidently suggest it to Posterity that Pensions constantly payed out of the English Exchequer in the Reign of King James to some principall pastors in the Scottish Church were since detained So also the bounty of boons was now restrained in the Reign of King Charles which could not fall so freely as in the dayes of his father the Cloud being almost drained adding moreover that the want of watering of Scotland with such showers made them to chap into such Clefts and Chinks of Parties and Faâ—ions disaffected to the Kings proceedings 101. To increase these distempers some complain how justly The Book bears the blame of all their own Countrey-men best know of the pride and pragmaticainess of the Scotch Bishops who being but Probationers on their good behaviour as but reintroduced by King James offended the ancient Nobility with their medleing in State matters And I finde two principally accused on this account Doctor Forbes Bishop of the new Bishoprick of Edenburg and Doctor Welderburne Bishop of Dumblane Thus was the Scotch Nation full of discontents when this Book being brought unto them bare the blame of their breaking forth into more dangerous designs as when the Cup is brim full before the last though least superadded drop is charged alone to be the cause of all the running over 102. Besides the Church of Scotland claimed not only to be Independent The Scotch Church standeth on the termes of its own independency free as any Church in Christendome a Sister not Daughter of England but also had so high an opinion of its own puritie that it participated more of Moses his platform in the Mount than other Protestant Churches being a reformed reformation So that the practice thereof might be directory to others and she fit to give not take write not receive copies from any Neighbouring Church destring that all others were like unto them save only in their afflictions 103. So much for the complained of burden of the book Arch-Bishop Land accused as principall Composer of the Book as also for the sore back of that Nation gauled with the aforesaid grievances when this Liturgy was sent unto them and now we must not forget the hatred they bare to the hand which they accused for laying it upon them Generally they excused the King in their writings as innocent therein but charged Archbishop Laud as the principall and Doctor n Bayly ut pri pag. 102. Cosins for the instrumentall compiler thereof which may appear by what we read in a Writer o Idem pag 95. 96. of that Nation afterwards imployed into England about the advancing of the Covenant betwixt both Nations and other Church affaires This unhappy Book was his Gracet invention if he should deny it his own deeds would convince him The manifold letters which in this Pestiferous affaire have passed betwixt him and our Prelates are yet extant Anno Dom. 1637 If we might be heard Anno Regis Caroli 13 we would spread out sundry of them before the Convocation-House of England making it clear as the light that in all this designe his hand had ever been the prime stickler so that upon his back mainly nill he will he would be laid the charge of all the fruits good or evill which from that Tree are like to fall on the Kings Countries Surely if any such evidence was extant we shall hear of it hereafter at his arraignment produced and urged by the Scotch-Commissioners 10. But leaving the Roots to lye under the Earth The tumult at Edenborough at the first reading the book let us look on the Branches spreading themselves above ground July 23. Sunday and passing from the secret Author of this Book behold the evident effects thereof No sooner had the Dean of Edenborough began to read the Book in the Church of St. Gyles in the presence of the Privy-Councell both the Archbishops divers Bishops and Magistrates of the City but presently such a Tumult was raised that through clapping of hands cursing and crying one could neither hear nor be heard The Bishop of Edenborough indeavoured in vain to appease the Tumult whom a Stool aimed to be thrown at him had killed p The Kings laâ—ge declaration pag. 23. if not diverted by one present so that the same Book had occasioned his Death and prescribed the form of his buriall and this Hubbub was hardly suppressed by the Lord Provost and Bayliffs of Edenborough 105. This first Tumult was caused by such More considerable persons engaged in the cause whom I finde called the Skum of the City considerable for nothing but their number But few dayes after the cream of the Nation some of the highest and best quality therein ingaged in the same cause crying out God defend all those who will defend Gods cause and God confound q The Kings large declaration pag. 37. the Service-Book and all the maintainers of it 106. The Lords of the Councell interposed their power Octob. 17. and to appease all parties issued out a Proclamation to remove the Session much like to our Term in London to Lithgou The occasion of the Scotch covenant This abated their anger as fire is quenched with Oile seeing the best part of the Edenburgers livelyhood depends on the Session kept in their City yea so highly were the People enraged against Bishops as the procurers of all these Troubles that the Bishop of Galloway passing peaceably along the street towards the Councellâ—House was way-layed r Kings large declaration pag. 35. in his coming thither if by divine Providence and by Frances Stewart Sonne to the late Earl of Bothwell he had not with much adoe been got within the dores of the Councell-House Indeed there is no fence but flight nor counsell but concealement to secure any single parâ—y against an offended multitude 107. These troublesome beginnings afterwards did occasion the solemn League and Covenant The Authors excuse why not proceeding in this subject whereby the greatest part of the Nation united themselves to defend their Priviledges and which laid the foundation of a long and wofull War in both Kingdomes And here I crave the Readers pardon to break off and leave the prosecution of this sad subject to Pens more able to undertake it For first I know none will pity me if I needlesly prick my fingers with meddling with a Thistle which belongs not unto me Secondly I
large Demesnes and larger Royalty and Command Should I therefore present it to any other save your self it would be held as a STRAY indeed wandring out of the right Way it should go in and so without any thanks to me would fall to your Lordship as due unto you by the Custome of your Manor Your Honours most obliged Servant and Chaplain THE HISTORY OF Waltham-Abby PRovidence by the hand of my worthy friends having planted me for the present at Waltham-Abby I conceive that in our general work of Abbies I owe some particular description to that place of my abode Hoping my endeavours herein may prove exemplary to others who dwell in the sight of remarkable Monasteries to do the like and rescue the observables of their habitations from the teeth of time and oblivion Waltham is so called from the Saxon Ham Waltham Why so named Which is a Town whence the Diminutive Hamlet and Weald or Wealt that is Woody whence the Weald of Kent it being Anciently over-grown with tress and timber Thus Kiriaâ—h-jearim or the City of the woods in Palestine Dendros an Island in Peloponnesus Sylviacum an Ancient City in Belgia got their names from the like woody scituation Some will have it called Waltham quasi Wealthie-Ham I wish they could make their words good in respect of the persons living therein though in regard of the soyl it self indeed in is rich and plentiful The Town is seated on the East side of the River Ley The situation thereof which not onely parteth Hertford-shire from Essex but also seven times parteth from its self whose septemfluous stream in coming to the Town is crossed again with so many bridges On the one side the Town it self hath large and fruitful Medows whose intrinsick value is much raised by the vicinity of London the grass whereof when first gotten an head is so sweet and lushious to Cattle that they diet them at the first entring therein to half an hour a day lest otherwise they over-eat themselves which some Kine yearlie do and quickly die for it notwithstanding all their Keepers care to the contrary On the other side a spacious Forest spreads it self where fourteen years since one might have seen whole Herds of Red and Fallow Deer But these late licentious years have been such a Nimrod such an Hunter that all at this present are destroyed though I could wish this were the worst effect which our woful Wars have produced The aire of the Town is condemned by many Excused from bad air for over-moist and Aguish Anno Dom. caused by the depressed scituation thereof Anno Regis In confutation of which censure we produce the many aged persons in our Town above threescore and ten since my coming hither above threescore and ten years of age so that it seemes we are sufficiently healthful if sufficiently thankful for the same Sure I am what is wanting in good air in the Town is supplied in the Parish wherein as many pleasant hils and prospects are as any place in England doth afford Tovy First Founded by Tovy a man of great wealth and authority as being the Kings Staller that is Standard-Bearer first Founded this Town for the great delight which he took in the game the place having plenty of Deer He planted onely threescore and six in-dwellers therein Athelstan Falls back to the Crown his son proved a Prodigal and quickly spent all his Fathers goods and great estate so that by some transactions the place returned to the Crown Edward the Confessour Bestowed on Earl Harold bestowed Waltham 1060. with the Lands thereabouts Edw. Confessor 18. on Harold his Brother-in-law who presently built and endowed therein a Monastery where of nothing at this day is extant save the West end or body of the Church A structure of Gothish-building The model of the modern Church rather large then neate firm then fair Very dark the design of those dayes to raise devotion save that it was helped again with artificial lights and is observed by Artists to stand the most exactly East and West of any in England The great pillars thereof are wreathed with indentings which vacuities if formerly filled up with Brasse as some confidently report added much to the beauty of the building But it matters not so much their taking away the Brasse from the Pillars had they but left the Lead on the Roof which is but meanly Tiled at this day In a word the best commendation of the Church is that on Lords-dayes generally it is filled with a great and attentive Congregation To the South-side of the Church is joyned a Chappel Mortality triumphant formerly our Ladies now a School-house and under it an arched Charnel-house the fairest that ever I saw Here a pious fancy could make a feast to its self on those dry bones with the meditation of mortality where it is hard yea impossible to discern the Sculls of a rich from a poor wise from a simple noble from a mean person Thus all counters are alike when put up together in the box or bag though in casting of account of far different valuation King Harold Dedicated the Monastery to the honour of an Holy Cross A Dean and Canons founded at Waltham found far West-ward and brought hither as they write by miracle whence the Town hath the addition of Waltham-Holy-Cross but the Church we finde in after ages also Dedicated to S t Laurence His foundation was for a Dean and eleven Secular Black Canons Let none challenge the words of impropriety seeing a Dean in Latin Decanus hath his name from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ten over which number he is properly to be preposed For nothing more common then to wean words from their infant and original sense and by custome to extend them to a larger signification as Dean afterwards plainly denoted a superiour over others whether fewer then ten as the six Prebendaries of Rochester or moe as the three and thirty of Salisbury The Dean and eleven Canons were plentifully provided for each Canon having a Manor and the Dean six for his maintenance For in the Charter of Confirmation made by King Edward the Confessor Seventeen Manors confirm'd to them by the Confessor besides North-land in Waltham now called 1062 as I take it 20. North-field wherewith the Monastery was first endowed these following Lordshops with all their appurtenances are reckoned up 1. Passefield 2. Walde 3. Upminster 4. Walthfare 5. Suppedene 6. Alwertowne 7. Wodeford 8. Lambehide 9. Nesingan 10. Brickindon 11. Melnhoo 12. Alichsea 13. Wormeley 14. Nichelswells 15. Hitchche 16. Lukendon 17. West-Wealtham All these the King granted unto them cum Sacha Socha Tol and Team Anno Regis Harol 1. c. free from all gelts and payments Anno Dom. 1066 in a most full and ample Manner Witness himself Edith his Queen Stigand Archiepiscopus Dorobornensis Count Harold and many other Bishops and Lords
subscribing the same Chaâ—â—er Afterward Harold usurpeth the Crown Will. Conq. 1. but enjoyed it not a â—ull year 1067 kill'd in Battle-fight Harold Crowned killed buried at 〈◊〉 thaâ— by King William the Conqueror Where either of their swords if victorious might have done the deed though otherwise both their titles twisted together could not make half a good claim to the Crown Githa Mother of Harold and two religious men of this Abby Osegod and Ailâ—iâ— with their prayers and tears hardly prevailed with the Conquerour at first denying him burial whose ambition had caused the death of so many to have Harolds Corps with his two Brethren Girth and Leofwin losing their lives in the same battle to be entombed in Waltham Church of his foundation He was buried where now the Earl of Carlile his leaden Fountain in his Garden then probably the end of the Quire or rather some Eastern Câ—appel beyond it His Tomb of plain but rich gray Marble with what seemeth a Cross-Floree but much descanted on with art upon the same supported with Pillarets one Pedestal whereof I have in my house As for his reported Epitaph I purposely omit it not so much because barbarous scarce any better in that Age but because not attested to my apprehension with sufficient Authority A Picture of King Harold in glass was lately to be seen in the North-window of the Church Deforming Reformers till ten years since some barbarous hand beat it down under the notion of Superstition Surely had such ignorant persons been imployed in the dayes of Hezekiah to purge the Temple from the former Idolatry under the pretence thereof they would have rended off the Lilie-work from the Pillars and the Lions Oxen and Cherubims from the Bases of Brass However there is still a place called Harolds-Park in our Parish by him so denominated Let not therefore the village of Harold on the North side of Oâ—se neer Bedford properly Harewood or Harelswood on vulgar groundless tradition contest with Waltham for this Kings interment The Re-foundation of WALTHAM-ABBY by HENRY the Second ONe will easily believe Waltham Canons in a sad condition that at the death of King Harold Waltham-Abby Founded by him was in a swoon and the Canons therein much disheartned However they had one help which was this that Edward the Confessour was the confirmer of their Foundation whose memory was not onely fresh and fair in all mens mindes bearing a veneration to his supposed sanctity but also King William the Conquerour had the best of his bad titles by bequest of the Crown from this Confessour So that in some sense Waltham-Abby might humbly crave kindred of King William both deriving their best being from one and the same person The industry of Rob. Fuller last Abbot of Waltham Know Reader that what ever hereafter I alledg touching the Lands and Liberties of Waltham if not otherwise attesed by some Author in the margin is by me faithfully transcribed out of Waltham Leidger-Book now in the possession of the Right Honourable JAMES Earl of Carlile This Book was collected by Robert Fuller the last Abbot of Waltham who though he could not keep his Abby from dissolution did preserve the Antiquities thereof from oblivion The Book as appears by many inscriptions in the initial Text-letters was made by himself having as happy an hand in fair and fast writing as some of his Sir-name since have been defective therein Not long after the Conquest Queen Maud gives Waltham Monks a Mill. Waltham-Abby found good Benefactors Anno Dom. 1102 and considerable additions to their maintenance Anno Regis Hen. 1 3. For Maud the first Queen to King Henry the first bestowed on them the Mill at Waltham which she had by exchange for Trinity-Church in London which I take to be part of the Trinity-Priory now called the Dukes-place Adelisia Queen Adelisia the Tythes second wife to King Henry the first 1130 being possessed of Waltham as part of her Revenue 31. gave all the Tythes thereof as well of her Demesnes as all Tenants therein to the Canons of Waltham Mean time how poorly was the Priest of the place provided for Yea a glutton Monastery in former ages makes an hungrie Ministrie in our dayes An Abby and a Parsonage unimpropriate in the same place are as inconsistent together as good woods and an Iron Mill. Had not Waltham Church lately met with a Noble Founder the Minister thereof must have kept moe fasting-dayes then ever were put in the Roman Calender King Stephen King Steven his bounty though he came a wrong way to the Crown 1135 yet did all right to the Monastery of Waltham as who generally sought the good will of the Clergie to strengthen himself and confirmed all their Lands Steph. 1 profits and priviledges unto them King Henry the second utterly dissolved the foundation of Dean and eleven Canons at Waltham King Henry dissolves the Dean and Canons at Waltham The debauchedness of their lives is rendred in his Charter as the occasion thereof 1156 Cum in ea Canonici Clericique minùs religiosè aequaliter vixissent Hen. 2 2. ita quòd inâ—amia conversationis illorum multos scandalisasset Whether these were really or onely reputed vitious God knows seeing all those must be guilty whom power is pleased to pronounce so Sure it is King Henry outed this Dean and Canons and placed an Abbot and Regular Augustinians in their room encreasing their number to twenty four And because to use the Kings own words it was fit that Christ his Spouse should have a new dowry he not onely confirmed to this Monastery the primitive patrimony mentioned in the Confessors Charter cum peciis terrae with many pieces of land and tenements which their Benefactors since bestowed upon them but also conferred the rich Manors of Sewardstone and Eppings on this Monastery The whole Charter of King Henry is too long to transcribe Augustinians substituted in their room but some passages therein must not be omitted First the King had the consent of Pope Alexander for the suppression of these Canons the rather moved thereunto quia praedictis Canonicis sufficienter provisum fuit because the aâ—oresaid expelled Canons had sufficient provision made for them For grant them never so scandalous this was to add scandal to scandal to thrust them out of house and home without any means or maintenance Secondly this Charter Presents us with the ancient liberties of Waltham-Church that Semper suit Regalis Capella ex primitiva sui sundatione nulli Archiepiscopo vel Episcopo sed taâ—â—ùm Ecclesiae Romanae Regiae dispositioni subjecta And though since Reformation the Church hath been subjected to the Arch-Bishops jurisdiction as succeeding to the Royal power and sometimes with grumbling and reluctancy to the Episcopal power yet it never as yet owned an Arch-Deacon or appeared at his Visitation The metioning of the consent of Pope