some of you my old acquaintance I know you wish me no hurt but a great deale of good and I doe believe that upon the termes you speak of might have the Kings favour as much as ever Wherefore If you can answer me to one question I will pâ—rform all your desires What 's that my Lord said one and all of them It is this said the Bishop What will it gain a man to win the whole world and to lose his own soule Whereupon after some little talk to no purpose they all left him some of them wishing for their owne security that either they had him in the same danger that they were in or else that they were endued with the same constancy of minde that he was of Now the same God which refused him comfort in his Visitants sent him the consolation of a fellow Sufferer which was Sir Thomas Moore the fame of the world who was now sent to the same prison where he was and for the same cause whereat he seemed to conceive no small joy to whom as soon as opportunity would give leave he sent by his man his most loving and heartly commendations and received the like from him between whom to their comforts there passed sundry Letters for a while untill such time that there was notice taken thereof and one of their Letters interceptâ—d and carried to the Kâ—ngâ— Councel which being read although there was not in any part of 〈◊〉 least part of evil yet was it taken in â—vil part and a great charge was given unto their Keepers to restraine them from that libâ—rty The Bâ—shâ—ps man being clapt up â— close prisoner and threatned to be hanged for carrying Lâ—tters to Sir Thomas Moore asked the Keeper if there were another Act of Parliament come forth whereby a man should be hanged for serving his Master Which coming from a man that was so noted for simplicity set them into such â— laughter that after a little examination as how many Letters he had carried c. he was set at liberty with a strict charge given him that he should carry no more Letters After the King had tried all other waies he sent the Lord Chancelour Audely together with the Duke of Suffolk the Earle of Wiltshire Secretary Cromwell and divers others of the Councel to the Bâ—shop of Rochâ—ster to certifie him of the new Law that was lately made concerning the Kings Supremacy and the penalty thereof to them that should gainsay it or withstand it and to know in his Majâ—sty's name whether he would acknowledge it as the rest of the Lords both spirituall and temporall had done or not to which the Bâ—shop after some pause replied unto them My Lords you present bâ—fore me a two-edged sword for if I should answer you with a disacknowledgement of the Kings Supremacy that would be my death and if I should aâ—knowledge the same perhaps contrary to my owne conscience that would be assuredly unto me worse than death wherefore I make it my humble request unto you that you would beare with my silence for I shall not make any direct answer to it at all Whereupon the Commissioners were nothing satisfied but urged him more and more to answer one way or other directly telling him how displeasing such kinde of shiftings will appeare unto his Mâ—jâ—sty how much the King was formerly displeased with his correspondence with Sâ—r Thomas Moore wherefore said the Lord Câ—ancelour if you should now thus use him you would exasperate his grievous indignation against you more and more and give him just cause to think that ye deal more stubbornly with him than well becomes the duty of a good Subjâ—ct To which the Bishop replied That as concerning the Letters which had passed between him and Sir Thomas Moor he wishâ—d with all his heart they were now to be read which if they were said he tâ—ey would declare more innocence than hurt on our behalfe most of them being onely friendly salutations and encouragements to patience Indeed I was a little curious knowing the great learning and profound wâ—t that is in the man to know what answer he had made to the questions which were asked him concerning the Statute which answers he sent unto me as I had sent unto him mine And this is all the conspiracy that was between us upon that conscience which I suffer for and will suffer â— thousand deaths before ever it shall be called upon by me to justifie the least untruth And whereas you tell me that his Majesty will be much displeased with me for this doubtful kind of answer truly my Lords no man shall be more sorry for the Kings displeasure than he that tells you he is sâ—rry to displease the King but when the case so stands that in speaking I cannot please him except I displease Almighty God I hope his Mâ—jâ—sty will be well satisfied with my silence Then said Mr. Cromwell Wherein do you more than other men who have satisfiâ—d the Kings desires herein think you shâ—ll displâ—ase Almighty God Bâ—cause said the Bâ—shâ—op I know how my own conscience dictates to me but do not how anothers may inform him If your conscience be so setled said my Lord Chancelour I doubt not but you can give us some good reasons for it Indâ—eâ— my Lord said the Bâ—shop I think I am able to give your Lordships reasons that pâ—rhaps may seem sufficient why my conscience stands affected as it doth and could be well contented that you heare them could I declare my minde with safety and without offence unto his Majesty and his Laws After which not a word more was spoken for that time but calling for the Lieutenant they re-delivered him unto his custody giving the Lieutenant a strict charge that no further conference or messages should pass between him and Sir Thomas Moore or any other All which being related to the King upon their returne to Court the King swore they were all fooles and asked them if there werâ— not more waies to the wood than one they told his Majesty that they had tried all the waiâ—s that they could finde or think upon advising his Majo to send some of his own Coat unto him to perswade him further as thinking it more proper for them but the King swore Mother of God both Moore and he should take the Oath or he would know why they should not and they should make them do it or he would see better reasons why they could not wishing them to see his face no more untill it were done CHAP. XXI 1. The notable slights which the Councel used to procure the two Prisoners Fisher and Moore to take the Oath 2. The King sends the most grave and learnedst Bishops unto him 3. How the Bishops Man set upon his Master to perswade him after such time as the Bishops were gone and could not prâ—vaile with him 4. Bishop Fisher is created Cardinall by Paul the third Pope of Rome 5. The Cardinalls Hat was sent as far
him a fiery chariot to his journies end whirl'd by all the furious winds of rage and madness for upon the sending of the Cardinalls Hat to him from Rome which was intended to have been pâ—rformed with the greatest ceremony that ever any Hat was sent from thence taking no notice of the condition he was in whereby it was conceived that the King would reflect within himself and take some heed how he offended so great a body as had the Universe for its Dimension but it fell out otherwise for Harry the 8. for all the other Kings were called Henries with his dagger was resolv'd to go thoroughâ— stitch with what he had begun wherefore as soon as ever he had intelligence hereof he sent immediately to Callis to stop the favour of the Pope from coming any further into his Dominions untill his pleasure therein was further known which was done accordingly CHAP. XXII 1. The K. sends his Secretary to the Bp. to know of him that in case the Pope should send unto him a Cardinalls Hat whether he would accept of it or not 2. The Bishops answer thereunto 3. The King highly offended with his answer 4. A notable but most wicked policy to entrap the Bishop within Delinquency 5. A Commission to enquire and determine Treasons 6. Three Monks of the Charter-house executed IMmediately hereupon the King sent Mr Thomas Cromwell his Secretary to this good Father thus in prison to advertise him what was done and to heare what he would say thereto who being come into the Prisoners chamber after some other conference had passed between them concerning divers other businesses he said unto him My Lord of Rochester what would you say if the Pope should send you a Cardialls Hat would you accept of it whereat the Bishop of Rochâ—ster replyed Sir I know my self to be so far unworthy of any such dignity that I think of nothing lesse but if any such thing should happen assure your self I should improve that favour to the best advantage that I could in assisting the holy Catholique Church of Christ and in that respect I would receive it upon my knees Mr. Cromwell making a report of this answer afterwards to the King the King said with great indignation Yea Is he yet so lusty Well let the Pope send him a Hat when he will Mother of God he shall weare it on his shoulders then for I will leave him never a head to set it on And now was this impregnable piece of Constancy and strong so â— of Iâ—nocence surrounded on every side by the most watchfull eyes and diligent enquiry how a breach may be made into it by the battery of the new Law for prejudice to enter In order to which Machination it was resolved upon after that the blessed man had continued a prisoner within the Tower the space of a whole yeare and somewhat more that one Mr. Richard Rich then Solicitor generall and a man in great trust about the King should be sent unto the Bâ—shop as from the King upon some secret message to be imparted to him on his Majesties behalf which Message was to this effect viz. that he had a great secret to impart unto him from the King which was a case of Conscience for said he the truth is my Lord that though you are lookt upon as you now look upon your selfe as a man utterly forlorne yet I must tell you and not as from my self but as a thing uttered to you by the Kings expresse commands that there is no man within the Kings dominions that he looks upon as a more able man or a man upon whose honesty and upright dealings he will more rely than on your self and what you shall be pleased to say in that bâ—halfe wherefore he bids me tell you that you should speak your minde boldly and freely unto me as to himselfe concerning the businâ—sse of Supremacy protesting upon his royall word and the dignity of a King that if he should tell him plainly it were unlawfull he would never undertake it And one thing more said he he wished me to acquaint you with which is that you may see how farre his royall heart and pious inclination is from the exercise of any unjust or illegall jurisdiction thereby that if you will but acknowledge his Supremacy you your selfe shall be his Vicar generall over his whole Dominions to see that nothing shall be put in execution but what shall be agreeable both to the 〈◊〉 of God and good mens liking 〈◊〉 saith he the K. thinks that whiles 〈◊〉 pâ—ople acknowledge any other Head besides himselâ—â— his Crowne â—its not safe nor rightly upon his owne Wherefore I pray my Lord since the King hath been so 〈◊〉 pleased to open his breast unto you in these particulars that you will answer the respect with an ingenuity that shall be 〈◊〉 to such high favour and that without any the least suspition of any â—raud or guile intended to your good Lordship either by him or me The poore Bishop thinking he had assurance enough in conscience when for Conscience-sake his opinion was required in such and such matters answered thus freely Worthy Sir As to those high Commendations which his MAIESTY by your own mouth is pleased to give me I think them higher than what deservedly can stoop so low to take into due consideration so meane worth as that which every one must look to finde that makes true search into me however according to the ability and faithfulnesse which is resident in this poore piece of earth I shall answer freely and without feare of any other intentions towards me than what is just and honourable As to the businesse of Supremacy I must needs tell his Majesty as I have often told him heretofore and would so tell him if I were to die this present hour that it is utterly unlawfull and therefore I would not wish his Majesty to take any such power or title upon him as he loves his own soule and the good of his posterity for it will be such a president as none will follow whiles all will wonder at it and will never leave this Land till it lies buâ—ied with the first power that first assumed it And to what purpose were it to make me his Vicar generall of his whole Dominions to see that nothing were done contrary to the Lawes of God when nothing is more contrary to Gods Law than that I should be so And as to his Majesty's conception of his Crown not sitting rightly upon his head whiles his people as so many half Subjects owne any other head besiâ—e himselfe I must tell you my Lord that such a kinde of headship is no more prejudiciall to the temporall Supremacy than judgement which is the top of the soule is inconvenient to the intellects for I must tell you my Lord there were never any greater stayes or supporters to any Crown than were your English Catholiques all along unto the Crown of England and that even
it was his secret place of Prayer This Coffer thus fenced about and in so private a place and close unto him every man beleived verily that some great Treasure had been stored up in that same Coffer wherefore because no indirect dealing might be used in defrauding the King in a matter of so great consâ—quence aâ— this was thought to be wherefore witnesses were solemnly called to be present so the Coffer was broken up before them and much paines was taken in â—breaking up thâ— Coffer but when it was open they found within it instead of gold and silver which they looked for a shirt of haire and two or three whips wherwith he used full often to punish himself as some of his Chaplaineâ— and Servants have often reported that were neere about him and curiously marked his doings and other treasure than that found they none at all But when report was made to him in his prison of the opening of that coffâ—r he was very sorry for it and said that if hast had not made him forget that and many things else â—â—ose things had not been to be found there at that time After this good Bâ—shop was recovered to some better strength by the help of his Physitians and that he was more able to be carried abroad he was on Thursday the 17. of Iune brought to the Kings Bench at Westminster from the Tower with a huge number of Holberts Bills and other weapons about him and the Ax of the Tower born before him with the edge from him as the manner is and because he was not yet so well recovered that he was able to walk by land all the way on foot he rode part of the way on horseback in a black cloth gown the rest he was carried by water for that he was not well able to ride thorough for weaknesse As soon as he was come to Westminster he was there presâ—nted at the Barre before the said Commissioners being all set ready in their places against his coming whose names were these Sir Thomas Audely Knight Lord Chancellor of England Charles Duke of Suffolk Hâ—nry Earle of Comberland Thomas Earle of Wiltshire Thomas Cromwell Secretary Sir Iohn Fitz. Iames Chief Iustice of England Sir Iohn Baldwin Chief Justice of the Common-pleas Sir William Pawlet Sir Richard Lyster Chief Baron of the Exchequer Sir Iohn Port Sir Iohn Spilman and Sir Walter late Justices of the Kings Bench and Sir Anthony Fitzherbert one of the Justices of the Common-pleas Being thus presented before these Commissiâ—ners he was commanded by the name of Iohn Fisher late of Rochester Clerk otherwise called Iohn Fisher Bishop of Rochester to hold up his hand which he did with a most cheerfull countenance and rare constancy then was his Indictment read which was very long and full of words but the effect of it was thus that he maliciously treacherously falsâ—ly had said these words The King our soveraigne Lord is not Supreme head in the earth of the Church of England and bâ—ing read to the end it was asked him whether he was guilty of this Treason or no whereunto he pleaded Not guilty Then was a Jury of twelve men being Free-holders of Middlesex called to try this Issue whose names were these Sir Hugh Vaughan Knight Sir Walter Langford Knight Thomas Burbage Iohn Nudygate William Browne Iohn Hewes Iasper Leak Iohn Palmer Richard Henry Young Henry Lodisman Iohn Elrington and George Heveningham Esquires These twelve men being sworne to trie whether the prisoner were guilty of this Treason or no at last came forth to gâ—ve evidence against him Mr Rich the secret and close Messenger that passed between the King and him as ye have read before who openly in the presence of the Judges and all the people there assembled deposed and swore that he heard the Prisoner say in plaine words within the Tower of London that he believed in his conscience and by his learning he assuredly knew that the King neither was nor by right could be Supreme head in earth of the Church of Engl. When this blessed Father heard the accusations of this most wretched false person contrary to his former oath promise he was not a little astonied thereat wherefore he said to him in this menner Mr. Râ—ch I cannot but mervaile to hear you come in and beare witnesse against me of these words knowing in what secret manner you came to me but suppose I so said unto you yet in that saying I commited no Treason for upon what occasion and for what cause it might be said your self doth know right well and therefore being now urged said he by this occasion to open somewhat of this matter I shall desire my Lords and others here to take a little patience in hearing what I shall say for my self This man meaning Mr. Rich came to me from the King as he said on a secret message with commendations from his Grace declaring at large what a good opinion his Majesty had of me and how sorry he was of my trouble with many more words than are here needfull to be recited because they tended so much to my praise as I was not onely ashamed to hear them but also knew right well that I could no way deserve them at last he broke with me of the matter of the Kings Supremacy lately granted unto him by Act of Parliament to the which he said although all the Bishops in the Realme have consented except your selfe alone and also the whole Court of Parliament both spirituall and temporall except a very few yet he told me that the King for better satisfaction of his owne conscience had sent him unto me in this sâ—cret manner to know my full opinion in the matter for the great affâ—â—nce he had in me more than any other he adâ—ed further that if I would herein frankly and freely advertise his Maj. my knowledge that upon certificate of my misliking he was very like to retract much of his former doings and make satisfaction for the same in case I should so advertise him when I had heard all his message and considered a little upon his words I put him in minde of the new Act of Parliament which standing in force as it doth against all them that shall diâ—â—ctly say or do any thing that is against it might thereby â—ndanger me very much in case I should utter unto him any thing that were offensive against the Law to that he told me that the King willed him to assure me on his honour and in the word of a King that whatever I should say unto him by this his secret messenger I should abide no danger no perill for it neither that any advntage should be taken against me for the same no although my words were never so directly against the Statutes seeing it was but a declaration of my minde secretly to him as to his owne person and for the messenger himselfe he gave me his faithfull promise that he would never utter
my words in this matter to any man living but to the King alone Now therefore my Lords quoth he seeing it pleased the Kings Majesty to send to me thus secretly under the prâ—tence of plaine and true meaning to know my poore advice and opinion in these his weighty and great affaires which I most gladly wâ—â— and ever will be willing to send him in methâ—nks it is very hard in justice to heare the mâ—ssengers Accusation and to allow the same as a sufficieâ—â— testimony against me in case f Treason â—o this the messenger made no direct answer but neither denying his words as false nor confessing them as true said that whatever he had said unto him on the Kâ—â—gs behalf he said no more than his Majâ—ty commanded and said he if I had said to you in such sorâ— as you have dâ—clared I would gladly know what discharge this is to you in Law against his Majesty for so directly speaking against the Statute whereat some of the Judges taking quick hold one after another said that this message or promise from the King to him neâ—ther could nor did by rigour of the Law discharge him but in 〈…〉 claring of his minde and conscience agaiâ—â—â— the Supremacy yea though it were at the Kings own commandment or request he committed Treason by the Statute and nothing can discharge him from death but the Kings pardon This good Father perceiving the small account made of his words and the favourable credit given to his accuser might then easily â—inde in which doore the wind blew wherefore directing his speeches to the Lords his Judges he said yet I pray you my Lords consider that by all equâ—ty justice worldly honesty and courteous dealing I cannot as the â—ase standeth be directly charged therewith as with Treason though I had spoken the words indeed the same being not spoken maliciously but in the way of advice and counsell when it was requested of me by the King himself and that favour the very words of the Statute do give me being made onely against such as shall maliciously gainsay the Kings Supremacy and none other wherefore although by râ—gour of Law you may take occasion thus to condemn me yet I hope you cannot finde Law except you adde rigour to thâ—â— law to cast me downe which herein I hope I have not deserved To which it was answered by some of the Judges that the word mâ—lâ—ciously is but a supeâ—â—â—â—ous and void woâ—d for if a man speak against the Kings Supremacy by any manner of meanes tâ—aâ— spâ—akâ—ngâ—â— to be understood and taken in Law as 〈◊〉 My Lords said he if the Law be so understood then it is a hard exposition and as I take it contrary to the meaning of theâ— that made the Law But then lâ—t me demand this question whether a single testimony of one man may be admitted as sufficient to prove me guilty of treason for speaking these words or no and whether my answer Negatively may not be accepted against his Affirmative to my availe and benefit or no To that the Judges and Lawyers answered that being the Kings case it rested much in conscience and diâ—ecretion of the Jury and as they upon the evidence given before them shall finde it you are either to be acquitted or else by juâ—gement to be condemned The Jury having heard all this sâ—â—ple Evidence dâ—parted according to the order into a secret place there to agree upon the Verdict 〈◊〉 â—ore they wâ—nt from the place the case was so aggravated to them by my Lord 〈◊〉 making it so hainous and dangâ—rous a treason that they easily perceived what verdict they must returne others heap such danger upon their owne heads as none of them were willing to undergo some other of the Coâ—â—â—ssioners charged this most reverend man with obstinacy and sâ—â—gulaâ—ity alledging that he being but one man did presumptuously stand against that which was in the greâ—t Couâ—cell of Parliament agâ—â—d upon and finally was consented unto by al the Bâ—shâ—ps of this Realme saving himsâ—lfe alone But to that he answered that indeed he might well be accounted singular if he alone should stand in this matter as they said but having on his part the rest of the Bâ—shops in Chrâ—ttendorme far surmounting the number of the Bishops of Engl. he said they could not justly account him singular And having on his part all the Catholicks and Bishops of the world from Christ's Ascention till now joyned with the whole consent of Christs univerâ—all Church I must needs said he account mine own part farre the surer and as for Oâ—stinâ—cy which is likewise objeâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 me I have no way to cleare my self thereof but my owne solemne word and promise to the contrary if ye please to beliâ—ve it or 〈◊〉 if that will not serve I am 〈…〉 the same by my oath Thus in effect he answered their objâ—ctions though with many 〈◊〉 words both wisely and profoundâ—y uttered and that with a mervailous couragious and rare constancy insomuch as many of his hearers yea some of his Judges lamented so grievously that their inward sorrow in all sides was expressed by the outward â—eares in their eyes to perceive such a famous and reverâ—nd man in danger to be condemned to cruell death upon so weak â—vidence given by such an accuser contrary to all faith and promise of the King himself But all pity mercy â—nd righâ— being set aside ugour cruelty and malice took place for the twelve men being shorâ—ly returned from their consuâ—tation Verdict was given that he was 〈◊〉 of the â—reason which although they thus did upon the menacing threatning words of the Commissioners the Kings learned Councell yet was it no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—ore against their conscience as some oâ— them would after report to their dying daies onely for safety of their goods and livâ—s which they were weâ—l â—ssured to lose in case they had acquitted him After the Verdict thus given by the twelve mâ—n the Lord Chancellour commanding 〈◊〉 to be kept said unto the Prisoner in this â—ort My Lord of Rochâ—ster you have been here arraigned of high â—reason and putting your selfe to the triall of twelvâ—men you have pleaded not guilty an◠〈◊〉 notwithstanding have found you guilty in their 〈◊〉 wherefore if you have any more to say for your self you are now to be 〈…〉 Iudgement according to the 〈◊〉 and course of Law Then said this blessed Faâ—her againe Truly my Lord if that which I have before spoken be not sufficient I have no more to say but onely to desire Almighty God to forgive them that have thus condemned me for I think they know not what they have done Then my L Chancellour framing himselfe to a solemnity in countenance proclaimed sentence of death upon him in manner and forme following You shall be led to the place from whence you came and from thence shall be drawn through the city to the place of execution at Tyborne where your body shall be hanged by the neck
taken as undoubtedly true siâ—cere and perfect which Marriage carrying with it the soveraign imfortunity of all second Marriages being compleated the same Parliament enacted a Statuâ—e which declared the establishment of the Kings succession in the imperiall Crowne to be upon the issue which he was to have by the present Queene Anne ratifying whatsoever the foresaid Archbishop of Canterbury had decreed and disinheriting the issue which the King had by the foresaid Lady Katharine from all title to the foresaid Crowne and Government or that if any person of what state and condition soever shall by writing printing or any exteriour Act or Deed procure or doe any thing to the prejudice slander disturbance or deâ—ogation of the said Matrimony or the issue growing of the same every such person shall be deemed and adjudged as an high Traitour and suffer such punishment as in case of high Treason is provided and for the better keeping of this Act the Kings Majesty together with his Counsellours of their owne authority framed an Oâ—th upon the breaking up of this Parliament which was upon the 30. day of Maâ—ch and tendred it the same day to all the Lords both spirituall and temporall as likewise to all the Commons and was to be tendred to whom the Commissioners for the same purpose should call before them the words of which Oath were these viz. Ye shall swear to beare Faith Truth and all Obedience onely to the Kings Majesty and to his heires of his body and of his most dear and entirely beloved wife Queen Anne begotten and to be begotten and further to the heires of our Soveraigne Lord according to the limitation made in the Statute for surety of his succession in the Crown of this Realm mentioned and contained and not to any other within this Realme nor to any other forraign Authority or Potentate whatsoever and in case any Oath be made or hath been made by you to any person or persons that then ye doe repute the same as vaine and annihilate and that to your cunning wit and utmost endeavours ye shall observe keep maintain and defend the said Act of Succession all the whole effects and intents thereof and all other Acts and Statutes made in confirmation and for exâ—cution of the same or any thing therein contained and this ye shall do against all manner of persons of what estate dignity degree or condition soever they be and in no wise do or attempt nor to your power suffer to be done or attempted directly any thing or things privily or openly to the let hindrance danger or derogation thereof or if any part of the same by any manner of meanes or any manner of pretences So help you God and all his Saints and the holy Evangelist Which Oath all the Lords both spirituall and temporall took except the Bishop of Rochester who absolutely refused it So the Parliament was ended But The said Bishop had not been 4 daies quiet within his Palace of Rochester but a Letter came to him from the Archbishop of Canterbury together with other of the Commissioners willing him personally to appear before them in the said Archbishops house by a certain day expressed within the Letter all excuses set a part And CHAP. XIX 1. The Bishop of Rochester summoned to appear before the Archbishop of Canterbury 2. Sir Thomas Mâ—or and Dr. Wilson committed for refusing the Oath 3. The Bishop of Rochester sent to the Tower for the same cause 4. A Parliament is called wherein the Bishops imprisonment was voted lawfull 5. The Supremacy of the Church conferred upon the King c. by Act of Pâ—â—liament absolutely and wâ—â—â—out the foâ—mer clause 6. An Act 〈◊〉 Parliament making iâ— treason to deny the King to be supreme head of the Church NOw was the thing come to passe which was noâ—hing terrible to him because it was foreseen wherefore he first makes his Will and leaves severall Lâ—gacies to divers persons and uses as to Michael house in Cambridge where he received his Education to St. Iohns Colledge to the Poore to some of his 〈…〉 to all his Servants whom he leaves weeping behinde him whiles the rest followed him lamâ—nting his condition in his journey towards Lambeth Passing thorough the City of Rochester there were a multâ—tude of pâ—ople gathered together both citizens and countreymen to whom he gave his benediction riding by them all the while bâ—â—eheaded some crying that they should never see him again others denouncing woes unto them that were the ocâ—asions of his troubles others crying out against the wickednesse of the times and all of them lamenting and bewailing that whâ—ch was their miserie and his glory Thus he passed on his way till he came to Sutors hill twenty miles from Rochester on the top whereof he rested himself descending from his horse and causing to be brought before him such victuals as he had caused to be brought thither for that purpose he said he would now make use of his time and dine in the open aire while as he might after which dinner he chearfully took his horse and came to London the same night The day of his appearance being come he presented himselfe before the Archbishop of Canterbury at Lambeth the Lord Audely Chancelour of England Thomas Cromwell the Kings Secretary and the rest of the Commissioners authorised under the great Seale of England to call before them whom they pleased and to tender unto them the foresaid Oath then sitting at Lambeth where at the same tune the Bishop met with Sir Thomas Moore who welcomed and saluted the Bishop in these termes Well met my Lord I hope we shall meet in Heaven to which the Bishop replyed This should be the way Sir Thomas for it is a very strait gate we are in There had been Doctor Wilson sometime the Kings Confessor who together with Sir Thomas Moore had both of them refused the Oath a little before the Bâ—shops coming for which the Knight was committed for the present to the custody of the Abbot of Westminster as the Doctor had been formerly committed to the Tower of London at which time also the Clergie of London were warned to appeare about the same businesse who all of them took the Oath at the same time Then was it that the Bâ—shop of Râ—chester was called before the Archbâ—shop c. who putting the Bâ—shâ—p in remembrance of the Act which was made by the late Parliament whâ—ch had provided an Oâ—th to be administred to all persons within this Râ—alm concerning the establâ—shment of the Succession c. how all the Lords both spirituall and temporall had taken the said Oath onely himself excepted how grievoâ—sly his Majesty was offended with him therefore how he had gâ—ven strict charge to himself and the rest of the Commissioners to call him before them and to tender unto him the Oath once more presented unto him the Oath laying it before him and demanded of him what he would say thereto the good man pâ—rusing
half alive you shall be cut downe and throwne to the ground your bowels to he taken out of your body before you being alive your head to be smitten off and your body to be divided into four quarters and after your head and quarters to be set up where the King shall apoint And God have mercy upon your soule After the pronouncing of this cruell sertence the Lieutenant of the Tower with his band of men stood ready to receive and carry him back again to his prison Beâ—ore his departure he desired audience of the Commissioners for a few words which being granted he said thus in effect My Lords I am here condemned before you of high Treason for deniall of the Kings Supremacy over the Church of England but by what order of Iustice I lâ—ave to God who is the searchâ—r both of the Kings Majesty's conscience and yours Neverthelesse being found guilty as it is termed I am and must be consented with all that God shall send to whose will I wholly referre and submit my self And now to tell you more plainly my minde touching this matter of the Kings Supremacy I think indeed and alwaies have thought and do now lastly affirm that his Grace cannot justly claime any such Supremacy over the Church of God as he now taketh upon him neither hath it ever been seen or heard of that any temporall Prince before his daies hath presumed to that dignity wherefore if the King will now adventure himself in proceeding in this strange and unwonted case no doubt but he shall deeply incurre the griâ—vous displeasure of Almighty God to the great dammage of his owne soule and of many others and to the utter ruine of this Realme committed to his charge whereof will ensuâ— some sharp punishment at his hand wherefore I pray God his Grace may remember himself in time and hearken to good counsell for the preservaâ—ion of himselfe and his Realme and the quietnesse of all Christendome Which words being ended he was conveyed back againe to the Tower of London part on foot and part on horseback with a number of men bearing holberts and other weapons about him as was before at his coming to raignment And when he was come to the Towâ—r 〈◊〉 he turned him back to all his traâ—â—◠〈◊〉 had thus conducted him forward and 〈◊〉 and said unto them My Masterâ— I thank you all for the great labour and paines 〈…〉 with me this day I am not able to give you any thing in recompence for I have nothing left and therefore I pray you accept in good part my hearty thanks And this he 〈◊〉 with so luâ—ty a couragâ— so amiable a countenance and with so fresh and lively a colour as he seemed rather â—o have come from some great feast or banquet than from his arraignment shewing by all his gesture and outward countenance nothing else but joy and gladnesse Thus being after his condemnation the space of three or four daies in his prison he occupiâ—d himselfe in continuall pâ—ayer most fervently and although he looked daily for death yet could ye not have perceived him one whit dismayed thereat neither in word nor countenance but still continued his former trade of constancy and patience and that rather with a more joyfull cheere and free minde than ever he had done before which appeared well by this chance that I will tell you There hapned a false rumour to rise sodainely among the people that he should bâ— brought to his execution by a certain day whereupon his Cook that was wont to dresâ— his dinner and carry it daily unto him hearing among others of this Exâ—cution dressed him no dinner at all that day wherefore at the â—â—ook's next repaire unto him he demanded the cause why he bâ—ought him not his dinner as he was wont to doe Sir said the Cook it was commonly talked all the towne over that you should have died that day and therefore I thought it but in vaine to dresse any thing for you Well said he merrily unto him againe for all that report thou seest me yet alive and therefore whatsoever newes thou shalt heare of me hereafter let me no more lack my dinner but make it ready as thou art wont to do and if thou see me dead when thou comest then eat it thy selfe but I promise thee if I be alive I minde by Gods grace to eat never a bit the lesse Thus while this blessed Bâ—shop lay daily expecting the houre of hâ—s death the King who no lesse desired his death than himself looked for it caused at last a writ of Execution to be made and brought to Sir Edmond Walsingham Lieutenant of the Tower Buâ— where by his Judgement at Westminster he was condemned as ye have read before to Drawing Hanging and Quartering as Traitors alwaies use to be yet was he spared from that cruell execution wherefore order was taken that he should be led no further than Tower-Hill and there to have his Head struck off After the Lieutenant had received this bloody writ he called unto him certaine persons whose service and presence was to be used in that businesse commanding them to be ready against the next day in the morning and because that was very late in the night and the Prisoner asleep he was loath to disease him of his rest for that time and so in the morning before five of the clock he came to him in his chamber in the Bell tower finding him yet aslâ—ep in his bed and waked him shâ—wing him that he was come to him on a message from the King and after some circumstance used with perswasion that he should remember himself to be an old man and that for age he could not by course of Nature live long he told him at last that he was come to signifie unto him that the Kings pleasure was he should suffer death that forenoone Well quoth this blessed Father if this be your errand you bring me no great newes for I have long time looked for this message I most humbly thank his Majesty that it pleaseth him to rid me from all this worldly businesse and I thank you also for your tidings But I pray you Mr. Liâ—utenant said he when is mine houre that I must go hence your houre said the Lieutenant must be nine of the clock and what houre is it now said he it is now about five said the Lieutenant Well then said he let me by your patience sleep an houre or two for I have slept very little this night And yet to tell you the truth not for any feare of Death I thank God but by reason of my great infirmity and weaknesse The Kings further pleasure is said the Lieutenant that you should use as little speech as may be especially any thing touching his Majâ—sty whereby the people should have any cause to think of him or his proceedings otherwise than well For that said he you shall see me order my self as by Gods grace neither the King
to her service he might have been where he was twice together perpetuall dictator who afterwards mounted the high capitoll of Chancellourship of that University a dignity which is able to adorne the brightest Purple But now Vicechancellour-ship Mastership and all must be laid downe as at her feet who with her knees requites the courtesie whiles she kneels unto him as her Ghostly Father Remaining in which office he behaved himselfe so temperately and discreâ—tly that both the Countesse and her whole Family were altogether governed and directed by his high wisdome and discretion Having by these opportunities lodg'd much Divinity within his Mistris Soule and the Divine himselfe within her heart he makes it soon known unto the world what love it was wherewith he pâ—osecuted so faire an opportunity viz. to make his Mistresse a most glorious Queen in Heaven and himselfe acceptable in doing good improving all that opportunity not to the advantaging of himselfe in worldly honour but to the inclination of his Mistresse minde to workes of Mercy and finding in her owne naturall disposition a liberality and bountifulnesse to all sorts of people his worke was onely to advise her that that bounty should not ruâ—ne a course where it might be sure to lose its due reward but that it might bâ—stow it selfe in deeds of Almes as to the poor in redemption of Captives in marrying poor and distressed Virgins reparation of Bridges and High-wayes in many such deeds of Charity he implored her who easily was won thereto to imploy so large a Talent as God had given her that she might reap plentifully by sowing much Nor did he suffer her to rest thus satisfied with the distribution of such doles of bread and worldly food but at his perswasion also she erected two noble and goodly Colledges in Cambridge to the glory of God and benefie of his Church The one whereof she dedicated to Christ our Saviour and called it Christs Colledge largely endowing the same with store of maintenance for all manner of Learning whatsoever this Colledge she in her life time beheld built and finished of Stone and Brick as it now standeth The other she dedicated to Saint Iohn the Evangelist endowing it with like proportion of maintenance to the same intent and purpose but she lived not to see this Colledge finished but it was compleated after her death by this good Man at his owne cost and charges as hereafter shall bee declared Also upon his motion she ordained a Divinity Lecture in Cambridge and another in Oxford to be openly read in the Schools for the benefit of such as should be Preachers to the intent that the darke and hard places of Scripture might be opened and expounded in maintenance whereof she gave good store of Land to be disposed as stipends to the Readers and that for ever What good cannot such a Man doe who held such keyes within his hand such a Lady at his feet CHAP. II. 1. His preferment to the Bishoprick of Rochester 2. His contentednesse with that small Diocesse 3. His promotion to the high Chancellorship of Cambridge 4. His care and vigilance in that office 5. His opposing of Martin Luther 6. His excommunicating of Peter de Valence and his tender-heartednesse therein 7. His election to the Master-ship of Queens Colledge THese proceedings of his together with many other performances of deeds of Charity procured from others whereof not any one was ever performed whereunto according to his ability he did not set his helping hand together with his daily Preaching to the people with most carefull diligence gained him so much love and reverence from all sorts of people especially from the Bishops and all the Clergy in generall that that most worthy and grave Prelate Bishop Fox Bishop of Winchester a man in no small authority and estimation with King Henry the 7. of whose Councell he was never left so commending of him to the King upon all occasions as he saw his time convenient for his virtuous life and perfect sanctity untill such time as by the death of William Barous Bishop of London Richard Fitz Iames Bishop of Rochester being translated unto that See the Bâ—shoprick of Rochester became void he found his opportunity to present this Doctor Fisher as a fit and worthy Pastor for that Cure nor was it otherwise possible but that so great a glory about the Moon should borrow though but by reflection some small lustre from the Sun whereupon the King directed his Letters to the Chapiter of the Church of Rochester to the intent they should elect the nominate within his letter for their Bishop whereunto without any the least contradiction or negative voice they all most willingly assented which act of theirs was shortly afterwards confirmed by the See Apostolick by Iulius the second Pope at that time in the Month of October in the year of our redemption 1504. and of his age 45. This sodainâ— and unexpected promotion of this holy Man in regard he never had been formerly advanced to any other dignity of the Church caused some to suspect and deem it as a thing that was purchased either by his Mistresse purse or favour from the King her Sonne which when it was told unto the King his Majesty replyed Indeed the modesty of the Man together with my Mothers silence spake in his behalfe Solemnly protesting that his Mother never so much as opened her mouth for him in that particular And openly affirming that the pure Devotion perfect Sanctity and great Learning which he had observed and often heard to be in the Man were the onely advocates that pleaded for him the truth whereof may be gathered out of the very Statutes of S. Iohn's Colledge in Cambridge where he took occasion to praise much to the honour of the King at whose hands so frankly and so freely he received this Donation The like mention he makes of the Kings bounty and liberality towards him in his Epistle Dedicatory to Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester before the book which he wrote against Oâ—colampadius where he makes mention of the King as his chiefest and best friend and patron So farre was this good man from making any meanes by friends to be a â—ishop that all the friends he had could scarce perswade him to accept the Office after that it was granted to him Which modesty of his was very much confirmed by the sequell of his deeds for at one time after another being offered the two great Bishopricks of Lincolne and Ely he refused both and from the hands of Hen. 8. but we may behold him in the foresaid Epistle Dedicatory not only satisfying but enjoying himselfe with his little shock where his words have this beginning Habeant alâ—â— proventus pinguiores c. Others have larger Paâ—tures but I have lesser charge of Soules so that when I shall be called to an account for both I shall be the better able to give an account of either Not making so high and heavenly an office a
began to tell him in plain termes that the Marriage between him and his wife in regard she had been his Brothers was not lawfull and that it was a thing which was much spoken of as well in forraign Nations as in his own Realm and that therefore he was bound in conscience to tell him of it to the intent he might consider of it and inquire further The King looking a long time very earnestly upon the Cardinall as if he had been greatly dismayed at last answered him in these mild termeâ— Why my Lord you know this Marriage was sufficiently discussed at the beginning by sundry grave and learned men and was at last by them concluded to be good lawfull which was afterwards confirmed and dispensed with by the Pope himself and therefore good Father take hâ—ed what you say in this great and weighty matter whereupon they thus parted for that time from one another Having once broke the Ice he thus intends to passe thorough the Ford he sends for one Dr. Iohn Longland Bishop of Lincoln Confessor to the King a very timerous man and one that was afraid to say or doe any thing that might displease the Cardinall and therefore was there placed as a man wholy for his purpose him the Cardinall conjures that when the King should deal with him concerning a Scruple of conscience about the marriage of his wife Queen Katharine that by any means he should further the same as much as in him lay and make it a great matter of Conscience to co-habit with her being not his lawfull wife Longland as he supposed having given him his lesson within two or three daies the Cardinall addresseth himselfe to the King and after that he had discussed a while with him concerning the invalidity of the Marriage he adviseth him by all means to resolve on nothing rashly but to advise with his ghostly Father which when he had done his ghostly Father was not altogether the man which the Card took him to be for when the King advised with him concerning the businesse he put it off from himself and advised his Majesty to consult with some other that were the most learned Bishops whereupon the Cardinall had a gâ—me to play for that which he thought to have got by slight of hand for now the King was pleased to send for the most able Bishops and Divines that he could think upon amongst all which there was not any one in all his kingdome of whom he had a more reverend estimation both for honestly and learning than he had of Doctor Fisher Bishop of Rochester wherefore he was one of the nominates within the list of summons to a meeting at the Cardinall's house in Westminster where after much debatement of the businesse and that the Bishop of Roshester had fully answered and refelled all the Arguments and Reasons which were there made and given concerning the validity of the Mâ—rriage to the satisfaction of most of the Bishops he concluded that there was no cause at all of any question to be made seeing the marriage between the King and the Queen was good and lawfull from the beginning and that therefore it was necessary to remove that scruple from the Kings breast as soone as possible and so the Conference was ended While the Clergy were all thus dancing about a scruple in a lofty room led by the Cardinall they were not aware of the loose fire which was brought into the powder room which was under them ready and at last blew them all up for just in this nick of time the King was deeply falne in love with a faire young Gentlewoman of the Court then waiting upon the Queen called Mrs. A. Bullein secretly a Lutheran and the first that ever opened her mouth to advise the K. to al eration in Religion Daughter to Sir Thomas Bullein Knight who afterward for his daughters sake was promoted to many high honours and dignities This Mrs. Anno had formerly been brought up in the Court of France under the Lady Mary the French Queen Sister to King Henry and sometimes wife of Lewis the 12. King of France wherd she had learnt much courtly fashion and behaviour then strange and dainty in the English Court whereby she farre surpassed all other Ladâ—es her companions which so inslamed the Kings minde having conceived within himself a possibility of riddance from his old wife and probability of having issue Male by this that inwardly he was resolved to have her nolens volens whereupon for the present he shewed her great favour and expressed unto her many signs of the love which she was yet ignorant of so that now he was resolved upon a hand gallop in this businesse Insomuch that when the Cardinall inscious of his design made his addresse uâ—to him to give him account of the Conference which was between the Bishops and had told the King how that all did and was likely to stick in the Lord of Rochesten as the onely Remora to that proceeding supposing that if the King could take him off all the rest would follow his judgement the King by this time desiring nothing more than that the Divorce should take effect speedily fell into consultaâ—ion with the Cardinall how the Bishop might be won to his now design the Cardinall advised his Majesty to send for the Biâ—â—shop and to work him to him by faire means and gentle usage whereupon the King did as he was advised for the Bishop being sent for and come into the Kings presence the King treated him with exceeding courtesie and liberality of good language and at last took him with him into the long gallery and there walking awhile with him after that he had bestowed many words of praise and commendation upon him for his great Learning and Vertue at length in the presence of the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk and some Bishops that were there he unâ—olded his minde unto him concerning the businesse that was in hand telling him how sore his Conscience was tormented and how for that cause he had secretly consulted with his ghostly Father and divers other men by whom he was not yet satisfied therefore he said upon special confidence which he had in his great learning he had now made choicâ— of him to use his advise above all others requiring him to declare his opinion therein freely whereby he might be sufficiently instructed in his conscience and remaine no longer in suspence The Bishop hearing all this â—ell suddenlâ— upon his knees and in that posture would have delivered his minde unto him but the King immediately lifted him up with his own â—ands and blamed him for so doing where upon he spake as followeth I beseech your Grace to be of good cheer not to disquiet your self one whit concerning this matter nor to be dismayed or troubled at this businesse for there is no heed to be taken of these men who account themselves so wife and do arrogate to themselves more knowledge and learning in
Divinity than had all the learned Fathers of the Church and the Divines of Spaine and England together with the See Apostolick that were in youâ— Fathers time by whose authority this Marriage was approved confirmed and dispensâ—â— with as good and lawfull Truly Sir mâ— Soveraign Lord you rather ought to make 〈◊〉 a matter of conscience than to make any such scruple in so clear and weighty a matter bâ— bringing it in question than to have any the least scruple in your conscience and thereâ—fore my advise is that your Majesty with all speed lay aside those thoughts and for any perill that may happen to your soule thereby let the guilt rest on mine And this is all that can be said by the loyallest of Subjects and whether I have said well herein or other wise I shall not refuse to answer any man in you behalf whether it be privately or publickly and I doubt not but there are as many worthy and learned men within your â—Kingdome which are of my opinion as on the contrary if they might be permitted to speak with freedome who hold it a very pâ—rilous and unseemly thing that any such thing as â— Divorce should be spoken of to which side I rather advise your Majesty to incline than to the other whereat the King replied not onâ— word for whiles there was so faire a beauty in his eye his eares must needs be stopped with the blackest wool So he departed suddenly and never looked favourably upon the Bishop from that time forward CHAP. VII 1 The Cardinal brought into a peck of troubles by reason of this Soruple 2. The King declares himself for Anne of Bullein and declines the Queens company 3. The Cardinalls sâ—cret complotting to break off the match with Anne Bullein THe King resolving to go thorough stitch with his work makes it a publique businesse And now the Cardinals hic labor was become hoc opus for the same thing which was hitherto but secretly handled among the Bishops was now made the common subject of discourse to the whole Kingdome And a convention hereupon was had not onely of the Bishops but of all the noted and famous Divines of both the Universities Cathedrals and Religious houses within the Realme at the Cardinals house at Weâ—minster where the said businesse was debated argued and consulted many daies together but the subject was too knotty for such tooles to work upon and the knot too hard for their untying wherefore they dissolved of themselves without dissolution and now the Cardinals hoc opus began to be impossible and voluntas regis to 〈◊〉 so high as if to that nothing were impossible for now the King begins to puff and blow and to sweare MOTHER of God he will have â—â—r declaring it openly to all the world whereupon from more and more he becomes altogether to decline his Katharine's company and to delight himself wholy in the Courtships of his new Mistress In the mean time the Cardinall Wolsey walks the round within his owne Chamber and with his bitten nailes teares ouâ— these words by piece-meales from his mouth WE WILL HAVE NONE OF THIS ANNE BULLEIN for we mâ—st conceive him wonderfully perplexed having otherwise designed au allianco for his Mâ—ster with the French King by this Divorce if he could have had his will so to have revenged himself upon the Emperour and we cannot imagine the distressed Queen to be otherwise than implacably as well as necessitously bent to employ all her engines to work together with his ruine her owne preservation O the just and secret workings of the Almighty who often buries us in the 〈◊〉 pits which we dig for others Yet most wonderfull it is to consider what countermines he had laid if it had been possiâ—le to have blown up the Kings resolution in his new choice able to have level'd any fortification of a minde that had been but compos'd either of Honour Wisdome Honesty or Shame not of what was altogether wilfullnesse For first hearing a common fame of the incontinency of this Ann of Bullien he sends forth spies in every corner to learne out who had or who could hear of any that had bin familiar with her At last intelligence was brought him that for a certeine Sir Thomas Wiat had carnall knowledge of her whereupon providing himself with sufficient instâ—uction he sends for Sir Thomas Wiat and tells him how thus and thus it appeares that he had bin oftentimes familiar with the Lady Anne Bullein and that for ceâ—teine the King was at this time resolv'd to marry her assoone as ever the sentence of divorce should be pronounced and therefore out of the great love which he ever bare unto him and care which he had of his welfare he thought good to acquaint him with what danger he was in whereby he might avoid it by acquainting the King with what was truth lest afterwards such a thing should come to the Kings eare and then it would not be all the land nor all the life he had in England that could give his Majesty satisfaction for concelment of a businesse of so high concernment The Knight replied Sir I thank you for the great love and sound advice which hath been alwaies exercised in my affairs But reverend Sir if the King be so in love with her as you say he is and the world takes notice of him to be I think I cannot be in greater danger than in acquainting the King with such a business If you cannot prove it sâ—id the Cardinall you say well it is a hard matter to prove that said the Knâ— it is a harder matter to answer the concealment said the Cardinall of a thing that is so much divulged as this is and besides in this case you can hardly suffer but you must finde many friends in the other you will suffer pitilesse and will will finde no man to speak in your behalf in this you will be but ingenuous in the other pâ—ccant wherefore I advise you of two evils to choose the least Sir Thomas Wiat by these perswasions was resolved to confesse all upto the King which he plainly did and with great feare told him that she was no fit wife for him if he wâ—re free the King commanded him to speak no more upon his life â—nor to acquaint any else with what he had told him so blinde is fate Nor would the Cardinall attempt to batter so strong a Tower with one Piece but he procured a Reserve of Engines which he thought could not faile for he had notice given him how that for certain the said Anne Bullein was really contracted to the Lord Henry Percy Son and Heire to the Earl of Northumberland then a servant waiting upon the Cardinall whom he immediately caused to appear before him and by his owâ— confession finding the report to be true and selemnly performed he sent for the Countesse of Wilt shire mother to the said Anne Bullein and hearing what she could say to the
rising though as different as the two Poles between themselves both against him the one discovering the other aggravating his offences yet though sometime he had a better friend for he proved such a constant enemy to the last that he became a Martyr for the former and such a bâ—tter adversary sometimes to the first as he became afterwards the second 's footstoole to her Throne yet neither of them gave him thanks which rendred his venome guilty of the nature of the Spiders thus to be intangled within his own web Cardinall Campeâ—â—â—s perceiving the King disposed to discontentment takes his leave of his Majeâ—â—y and suddenly departs the Realme after that he had made his abode here in this kingdome neere upon the space of one yeare who was no sooner gone but a sodaine rumour 〈◊〉 how that he had carried with him vast â—ummes of money of the other Cardinalls â—ut of the Realme for at that time Cardinall Wolsey waâ— suspected to 〈◊〉 the Land by â—eason of the Kings displeasure insomuch that 〈…〉 after and overtaken at Callis where when they had searched 〈…〉 they scarce found so much money about him as would serve to defray his ordinary charges to Rome This the Cardinall Campeius took heavily and thereat was mâ—rvailously discontented which search for treasâ—â—e was but a colour for the thing which the King aimed at was the instrument which contained the sentence of Divorce which Campeius had shewed unto the King in case he had seen cause to put the same in exâ—cution which if the King had sound out it is supposed he would have made good play therewith but he was deceiveâ— of his purpose Howsoever in the 22. yeare of the Kings reigne a Parliament was summoned to begin at London the 3. day of November and in the year of our Lord 1529. and accordingly Writs were directed to all the Counties c. but withall private Letters were sent to the most potent men directing them whom they should choose which Letters there were few or none durst disobey so that there was a Parliament filled to the Kings hearts desire And The regulations of all abuses of the Clergy were referred to the house of Commons where sâ—vere complaints against the whole Clergy as well as against particular Clergie-men were daily presented whereof some the house of Lord◠〈◊〉 into consideration and some they 〈◊〉 whâ—ch when the Bishop of Rochester perceived he spake as followeth My Lords here are certaine Bills exhibited against the Clâ—â—gy wherein there are complaints made against the 〈◊〉 idâ—â—nesse rapâ—ciry and cruelty of Bishops Abbots Priests and their Officialls But my Lords Are all vitious all idle all ravenous and â—ruell Priests or Bishops And for such as are such are there not laws provided alreaâ—y against such Is there any abuse that we doâ— not seek to rectifiâ— or can there be such a 〈◊〉 as that there shall be no 〈…〉 their owne and 〈◊〉 where they have no aâ—â—hority to correcâ— If wâ— be not 〈◊〉 in our Lawes let each man suffer for his dâ—linquency or if we have not power did 〈◊〉 with your assistance and we shall 〈…〉 much the Good as the Goods of the Church that is lookâ—d after Truly my Lords how this may sound in your 〈◊〉 I cannot tell but to me it appeares no otherwise than as if our holy Mother the Church were to become a bondmaid and new brought into servility and 〈◊〉 and by little little to be quite banished out of those dwelling places which the piety and liberality oâ— our forefathers as most 〈◊〉 Benefactoâ—s have conferred upon â—er otherwise to what tendeth these 〈◊〉 and curious Petitions of the Commons To no other intent or purpose but to bring the Clergie into contempt with the Laity that they may sâ—ize their Patrimony But my Lords beware of your selves and your 〈…〉 now on fire teach us to beware our own disasters whereâ—ore my Lords I will tell you plainly what I think that except ye resist manfully by your authoritâ—â—â— this violent heap of mischiefs offered by the Commons you shall see all obedience first drawn fâ—om the Cleâ—gie and secondly from your selves 〈◊〉 if you 〈◊〉 into the true causes of all these mischiefs which reign among them you shall finde that they all arise through want of Faith This Speech pâ—eased and displeased divers of the house of Peeres 〈…〉 were severally inclined or adicted to â—orward or 〈◊〉 the Kâ—ngs designâ—s among the which none 〈…〉 thereto but onely the 〈…〉 Bâ—t when the Commons heard of this Speech they conceived so great displeasure against the Bishop that they forthwith sent their Speaker Mr. Audeley to complaine on him to the King and to let his Highnesse understand how grievously they thou â—hâ— themselves injured therâ—by so as to be so highly charged for lack of Faith as if they had been Infidells or Hereticks c. The King therefore to satisfie the Commons sent for my Lord of Rochester to come before him being come the King demanded of him why he spake in such sort the Bishop answered that being in counsel he spake his minde in defence of the Church whom he saw daily injured and oppressed by the common people whose office it was not to judge of her manners much lesse to reform them and therefore he said he thought himself in conscience bound to defend her in all that lay within his power neverthelesse the King wished him to use his words more temperately and that was all which gave the Commons littlâ— satisfaction CHAP. XIV 1. The demand of all the small Abbies within the Land for the Kings use 2. The Bishop of Rochester opposeth the demand in the Convocation house 3. The mindes of the Clergie before ready to condescend to the propositionâ— altered thereupon 4. The Bishop of 〈◊〉 escaped very narrowly from being poysoned at his dinner 5. How he escaped another danger from the shot of a cannon 6. His departure from the place to Rochester IMmediately hereupon the foresaid demand for all the small Abbeys and Monasteries within the Land of the value of two hundred pound land and under to be given to the King was revived and the pretence for such demands of the Clergie was in recompence of the great charges and expences which the King was 〈◊〉 concerning the Divorce which he was put upon by the false and double dealing of the Cardinall and his Clergie and therefore it was said to be all the reason in the world that the Clergie should satisfie the King againe for the great expences he had been at and this was urged with such â—imporâ—unity as if the businesse had been called upon by sound of Drummes and Tâ—umpets In conclusion they all agreed that certâ—ine of the Kings Counsell should make demands hereof to the Coâ—vocation of the Clâ—rgy which was performed with such a terrible shew of the Kings displeasure 〈◊〉 them if they yâ—ilded not to his 〈◊〉 that divers of the Convocation seaâ—â—ing the Kiâ—gs indignâ—tion and
such keyes into his hands Secondly the Supreme Government of the Church consists in feeding Christs Sheep and Lambs according unto that when our Saviour performed that promise unto Peter of making him his universall Sheepherd by such unlimited jurisdiction feed my Lambs and not onely so but feed those that are the feeders of those lambes feed my sheep Now my Lords can any of us say unto the King Pasce oves God hath given unto his Church some to be Apostles some Evangelists some Pastors some Doctors that thâ—y might edifie the body of Christ so that you must make the King one of these before you can set him one over these and when you have made him one of these supreme Heads of the Church he must be such a Head as may be answerable to all the Members of Christs body and it is not the few Ministers of an Island that must constitute a Head over the Vniverse or at least by such example we must allow as many heads over the Church as there are soveraigne Powers within Christs Dominion and then what will become of the Supremacie every Member must have a heaâ— attendite vobis was not said to Kings but Bishops Secondly let us consider the inconveniences that will arise upon this Grant we cannot grant this unto the King but we must renounce our unity with the See of Rome and if there were no further matter in it than a renouncing of Clement the seventh Pope thereof then the matter were not so great but in this we do forsake the first four generall Counsells which none ever forsook we renounce all Canonicall and Ecclesiastical Laws of the Church of Câ—rist we renounce all other Christian Princes we renounce the Vnity of the Christian World and so leap out of Peters ship to be dâ—owned in the wave of all Heresies Sects Schismes and Divisions For The first and generall Counsell of Nice acknowledged Silvâ—ster the Bishop of Rome his authority to be over them by sending their Decrees to be ratified by him The Couâ—sel of Constantinople did acknowledge Pope 〈◊〉 to be their chief by admitting him to give sentence against the Heretiques Mâ—cidonius Sâ—bellinus and Eâ—nomius The Counsell of Ephesus acknowledged Pope Celestin to be their cheif Iudge by admitting his condemnatiâ—n upon the Heretique Neâ—torius The Counsell of Chalcedon acknowledged Pope Leo to be their chief Head and all generall Counsells of the World ever acknowledged the Pope of Rome onely to be the Supreme Head of the Church and now shall we acknowledge another Head or one Head to be in England and another in Rome Thirdly We deny all Canonicall and Ecclesiasticall Lawes which wholy doe depend upon the authority of the Apostolicâ—ll See of Rome Furthly We renounce the judgement of all other Christian Princes whether they be Protestants or Catholiques Iâ—wes or Gentiles for by this argument Herod must have been head of the Church of the Iewes Nero must have been head of the Church of Christ the Emperour must be head of the Protestant Countreys in Germany and the Church of Christ must have had never a head till about 300. yeares after Christ. Fifthly The Kings Majesty is not susâ—â—ptible of this Donation Ozias for medling with the Priests office was resisted by Azâ—rias thrust out of the Temple and told that it belonged not to his oâ—â—ice now if the Priest spake truth in this then is not the King to meddle in this businesse if he spoke amisse why did God plaguâ— the King with leprosie for this and not the Priest King David when the Ark of God was in bringing home did he place himself in the head of the Priests Order did he so much as touch the Ark or exâ—cute any the least properly belonging to the 〈…〉 or did he not rather go beâ—ore and abase himselfe amongst the people and sâ—y that he would become yet more vile so that God might be glorified All gooâ— christiâ—n Empâ—rours have evermore refused 〈◊〉 authority for at the first Generall counsel of Nice certaine Bills were privily brought unto Constantine to be ordered by his authority but he caused them to be burnt saying Dominus 〈◊〉 constituit c. God hath ordained you Priestâ— and hath given you power to be Iudges over us and therefore by right in these things we are to be juâ—ged by you but you are not to be judged by me Valentine the good Emperour was required by the Bishops to be but present with them to reform the heresie of the Arians but he answered Forasmuch as I am one of the Mâ—mbers of 〈◊〉 Lay-people it is not lawfull for me to define such controversâ—â—s but let the Priâ—sts to whom not to separate our selves from such a one If we answer thâ—t the Church of Rome is not of God but a Malignant Church then it will â—ollow that we the inhabitants of this land have not as yet received the true faith of Christ seeing we have not recâ—ived any other Gospel any other Doâ—trine any other Sacraments than what we have received from her as most evidently appears by all the Eâ—clâ—siastical Histories wherefore if she be a malignant Church we have been deceived all this while and if to renounce the common Father of Christendome all the Gâ—nerall Counsels â—specially the first four which none renounce all the Câ—untrâ—ys of Christendome whether they be 〈…〉 Countreys or Protestant be to forsake the Vnity of the Christian world then is the granting of the Supremacy of the Châ—â—ch unto the King a renouncing of the Vnity 〈◊〉 of the Sâ—amlesse coat of Christ in 〈◊〉 a dividâ—ng of the Mystical body of Châ—â—st 〈◊〉 Spouse limb 〈…〉 and tayle to tayle lik◠〈…〉 to set the field of Christs holy Church all on 〈◊〉 and this is it which we are about wherefore let it be said unto you in time an not too late LOOK YOV TO THAT This Spâ—ech so wrought with the whole Convocâ—â—â—on that all 〈◊〉 were laid aside and such an aâ—mour of resolution generally put upon the whole body there assembled that come what come would all was rejâ—cted and the Kings purpose for that time clearly frustrated But the King desiâ—ted not notwithstanding all this but sent his Orators to the Convocation-house to put them in mind of the dangers they were in and to acquaint them with the Kâ—ngs heavy displeasure against them for denying him so reasonable a demand both which particulars they aggravated and set forth to the highâ—st advantage but it was answered that they were sensible enough of that which they had said and for the Kings displeasure they were very sorrowfull because they could not help it wherefore if they must they said suffer they must be contented The King having in vain thus attempted the fury of the wind in bereaving these Travellers of this upper Garmâ—nt of the Church he now makes triall what the policy of the Sun will do Wherefore The King sent for divers of the chief leading men of the Convocation as well Bishops as
others to come unto him at his Palace of Westminster at whose first entrance into his presence he shines upon them such a gracious look as if all the raâ—â—s of Majesty had beene bestowed upon them by that aspect and courts them with the sofâ—â—st mild and gentlest words as that pâ—ssibly he could use protesting unto them upon the word of a Kâ—ng that if they would acknowledge and 〈◊〉 him for supâ—â—me head of the Chuâ—ch of England he would never by vertue of that Gâ—ant â—ssume unto himself any more powâ—r juâ—isdict on or â—uthority over them than all other thâ—Kings of England his 〈◊〉 had formeâ—â—y assumed neiâ—her wouâ—d he tâ—ke upon him to pâ—omulgâ— or 〈◊〉 any new spiritual Law or exâ—rcise any 〈◊〉 Jurisdiction or intermâ—ddle himself among them in altering changing ordâ—ring or judging in any spâ—ritual businesse whatsoever wherefore said he I having made you thâ—s frank promise I expâ—ct that you should deale with mâ— accordingâ—y and so he dismissed them to consiâ—er of this businesse amongst themsâ—lvâ— and to gâ—ve his Orators an accouâ—t thereof in the house the next morning CHAP. XVI 1. The Bishops consult what course to take 2. The Bishop of Rochâ—ster proposeth untâ— them a Parable Whereupon they all break off in confusion 3. The Kings Oâ—ators repaire unto the Coâ—â—ocation to know the Clergies finâ— determâ—nation in the businâ—sse 4. The Bishop of Râ—chester's Spâ—ech unto the Kings Orators 5. The Orators Reply unto the Bishops Speech 6. The Headship of the Church graâ—teâ— unto the King upoâ— conditions the conditions rejected at last accepted of THe Bishops c. as soon as they were departed the Kings presence retired themselves to a place of privacy to consider with themselves what were best to be done and what account and advice they should give unto the rest of the Clergie Some of them were apt enough to think the businesse now pretty faire seeing that the King had promised fairly but because my Lord of Rochester was the onely man that most stickled in this businesse they all asked his opinion herein in the first place who soon answered them with this parable Thus stands the case my Maâ—ters the Heart upon a timâ— sâ—id unto the Members of the Body lâ—t me also be your Head and I will promise you that I will neither see nor heare nor smell nor speak but I will close and shuâ— mine eyes and eares and mouth and nostrills and will excecute no other offices than a meere heart should do whereupon all hopes of reconciliation upon that trust and wâ—yes of satisâ—action was soon nipp'd in the bud and they all broke off in confusion with â—â—d hearts The next day the Orators came to the house of Convocation to know the Clergies resoâ—ution in the businesse repeating unto the whole hous the words which the day before his Maj. had spoken unto some of them and that over over and moreover saying unto them that if they should now oppose themselves against his Maj. this businesse it must needs declare a grâ—at mistrâ—stâ—ulnesse which they had in the Kings words sâ—eing he had made unto them so solemne and high an oath which words of theirs pressed so home and followed so close with all the specious arguments and fairest promises that could be imagined stâ—ggered indeed some but silâ—nced all excepting him who is the subject of this History who after that he had earnestly required of the Lords to take good heed what they did and to consider the manifold michiefs and inconveniencies that would â—nâ—ue unto the whole Church of Christ if they should condescend to any such request applying himself unto the Kings Orators he spake thus unto them It is true the King was graciously pleased to protest thus and thus What if the King should alter his minde where is our remedy What if the King will execute the Supremacy must we sue unto the Head to forbeare being Head Againe this dignity is invested in him his Successors will expect the same and the Parliament will questionlesse anneâ— that dignity to the Crowne What if a Woman should succeed to the Crowne must she be Head of the Church What if an Infant should succeed can he be Head This were not only said he to make the Church no Church but the Scripture no Scripture and at last Iesus to be no Christ. To the which sayings the Orators replyed that the King had no such meaning as he doubted repeating againe his royall Protestation and further said that though the Supremacy were granted unto his Mâ—jâ—sty simply and absolutely according to his demand yet it must needs be understood or so takâ—n that he can hâ—ve no farther power or authority thereby than quantum per legem Dei licet and then if a temporall Prince can have no such authority by Gods Lawes as his Lorâ—ship hath declared what needeth the forecasting of so many doubts The Bâ—shop of Rochester perceiving the whole house to be much affâ—cted with their manner of pleading and fearing that they might desert him in the end through â—ear and dread of the Kings displeasure takes hold upon their last words and thus speakes unto his Majestiâ—s Orators Gâ—ntlemen you think that herein we stand too stâ—ff upon our owne legs but it is not so but onâ—ly in the defence of our owne and your Mother the holy Catholique Church in whose bosome you are as well as we and the milk of whose Breasts it is your pâ—rts to suck as well as ours and within whose blâ—ssâ—d Commuâ—ion there is but one Salvation which is common uâ—to all wherefore Gentlemen let it be your care that our tendernesse in this point be not misconstrued to the King and now as to this demand that his Mâ—jesty and you all may plainly see that we shall to please his Majâ—sty do the uâ—termost of whaâ— lieâ— within ouâ— pâ—wer in that 〈◊〉 let all that which his Majesty hath protested and so solemnly taken his oâ—th upon be â—â—cordâ—d and the words quantum per lâ—gâ—m 〈◊〉 be inâ—erted in the Grant which is no otherwâ—â—â— than what the King and you your selves have faithfully promised and protested and for my part it shall be granted Whereupon the Orâ—tors went away as well 〈◊〉 and made a report of all that had happened in the Convocation house unto the King whereat the King was highly offended and said unto them Mother of God you have 〈◊〉 pâ—etty prank I thought to have made fooles of theâ—â— and now you have so ordered the businesse that they are likely to make a foole of me as they have done of you already got unto them again and let me have the businesse pâ—ssed without any quâ—ntum's or tantum'â— I will have no quantum's nor no tantum ' s in the businesse but lâ—t it be done Whereupon immeâ—iâ—tâ—ly they returned to the Convocation house calling and crying ouâ— upon them with open and coâ—tinuall clamour to have the Grant pass absolutely and to credit the Kings honour who had made unto
mans ruine and for a most vilâ— and abominable Incest committed with her owne brother condemn'd and accused to be worthy of death by her owne fathâ—r together with divers others of her own kindred and the Nobility then sitting in judgement who not long before were her Idolaters and she their Idoll whereupon she was executed at Tower hill her head being stricken off of whose losse the King himself took such sorrow that the very next day after she was dead he mourned for her in a Wedding garment Next to the Queen we will call to minde M. Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury who of his own power without any other warrant or authority pronounced the sentence of Divorce between the King and Queene being calculated to the height of that Meridian and afterwards called this holy man before him and cast him into prison for refusing the two new Oaths the one of the Kings new Marriage the other of the new Supremacy from whence he was never delivered till death rid him of all worldly 〈◊〉 This Archbishop lived till he was condemned for a traitour because he spred certain seditious Libels amongst the people and assisted the Duke of Nortâ—umberland in his Rebellion in the behalf of the Lady Iane against his lawfull Soveraigne But forasmuch as this was done in Quâ—en Mary her daies and the Clergie had somewhat else to say to him they burned him as a Heretique As for Mr. Rich the Kings Soliciter and the Dequoy to this good man who gave such strange and injurious testimony against him at his arrâ—ignment he lived to be deposed from all his high places and preferments and fell into deep disgrace not onely with the King his Master but with those who afterwards sate at the stern in the young Kings time insomuch that affiction brought him to understand and the knowledge of himself to true repentance so that it is to be believed that he escaped without any further punishment than the clipping of his wings whilest he was alive and the singing of his qody when he was dead for his dead body being laid into a coffiâ— seared imbalmed câ—rtain candles that were set upon the hearse through the watchers negligence or absence fell downe and took hold first on the cloaths and then upon the coffin till at length came unto the seâ—rcloaths that before any man could come unto the rescue the fire was preâ—â—y onward in his way to have deceived the worms Lastly we shall conclude with Mr. Cromwell a shrewd enemy to this good man and a great Agent in this businesse a man in whose behalf the Archbâ—shop of Canterbury thus writ in his behalf in his Letter to the King after his troubles had beginning viz. A man that was so advanced by your Majesty whose surety was onely by your Majesty who loved your Majesty no lesse than God who studied alwaies to set forward whatsoever was your Majâ—sties will and pleasure who cared for no mans displeasure to serve your Maiesties who was such a servant in my judgement in wisdome diligencâ— faithfulnesse and experience as no Prince in this Realm ever had the like who was so vigilant to preserve your Maiesty from all treasons that few could be so secretly conceived but he detected the same in the beginning such a man that if the noble Princes of memory King John Henry the second Richard the second had had such a Councellour about them I suppose they should never have been so treacherously abandoned and overthrowne as those good Princes were Who shall your Grace trust hereafter if you mistrust him Alas I bewaile and lameâ—t your Grace's chance herein I wot not whom your Grace may trust c. And for this fidelity ability and good service advanced successively to the dâ—gnities of the Master of the Rolls Biron Lord Privy Seale Knight of the Gâ—rter Earle of Essex Lord high Chamberlaine of England and higher than all this Vâ—car generall of the Church of ENGLAND by vertue of which Office he took place above them who were Metropolitanes of all England and yet notwâ—thstanding he was arrested at the Councell â—â—ble of high Treason by the Duke of Norfolke when he least suspected any such desigâ—e committed to the Tower brought â—hence unto the Hill and without being permitted to plead for himselfe there beheaded without any more adoe But the strangest thing of all is that he that was the Kingâ— Vicegerent in spirituall causes should be accused for an Heretique and that made one of the causes of his death and that that was such a great enemy to the Catholiquâ—s kicking downe all the Religious houses of the Lâ—nd and grinded the Religious together with the rubbâ—sh under his feet should at his death openly professâ— that he would die in the Catholick faith Thus we see Gods justice in the dâ—struction of the Churches enemies who knowes but that he may help her to such friends though not such as may restore her her own Jewells yet such as may heale her of her Wounds And who knowes but that it may be affâ—cted by the same name sithencâ— the Almighty hath communicated so great a secret unto mortalls as that there should be such a salve made known to them whereby the same weapon that made the Wound shouâ—d work the Cure Oliva Vera is not so hard to be construed Olivâ—rus as that it may not be believed that a Prophet rather than a Herâ—uld gave the Common Fâ—ther of Christendomâ— the now Pope of Rome Innocent the tenth such Ensignes of his Nobility viz. â— dove holding an Olive branch in her mouth since it falls short in nothing of being both a Prophesie and fulfilled but onely his Highnesse running into her armes whose Emblem of innocence beares him already in her mouth FINIS Stat. King Rich. 2. â— Bils in his true difference between Christian Antichriâ—â—ian Rebellion part 3. pag. 243. 244. Hol. in his second volume of the last edition pâ— 309. b. line 66. Holins ib. pag. 310. line 2. Ibid. p. 30. a. line 11. Ibid. pag. 310. a. l. 11. Ibid. pag. 310. a. l. 14. Ibid. pag. 311. a. l. 2. Ibid. pag. 311. a. l. 9. Annotations upon the Râ—â—m 〈◊〉 cap. 13. 2. An. in 1 Pet. cap. 2. 13. Bell. li. de â—aicâ—s c. 10. 11. of Dr. Keilison in his Survey printed 1603. p. 480. Tract 3. sect 5. written by I. Brerâ—ly An. 1608. Exo. 22 28 Act. 23. 5. Eccl. 10. 20 Rom. 13. 2. Rom. 13. 5. Hol. vol 3. An. Eliz. 26. p. 1358 Ib. p. 1360. b. line 26. Ib l. 26. Ib. l. 35. Ib. l. 40. Ib. l. 53. 54. c. Holiâ—s ubi supra p. 1170. 2. l. 35. 36. Goodwin in his Catalogue of Bishops Hol. ubi supra p. 1170. l. 15 As the Suffolk people Sâ—ow in his Annals p. â— 1046. Sâ—ow An printed 1592. p. 1039. and 1045. Stow. An. p. 1046. Stow. An. p. 1047. Stow. ubi supra pag. 1039. p. 1058.