point of Reliefe and Punishment hath beene the chiefe support of Our Parliaments Honour and of the peoples love and assistance to Parliaments It is one of the principall clauses in * Magna Charta wch Our Ancestors and your Honours have so much contended for and we all have lately Covenanted to maintaine viz. We shall deny NOR DEFERRE TO NO MAN IVSTICE OR RIGHT Let it therfore be put in present reall execution that so none may have cause to take up this mournfull complaint of Solomon I returned and considered all the Oppressions that are done under the Sun and beheld the teares of such as were Oppressed and they had no Comforter Wherefore I praised he dead that are already dead more than the living that are yet alive c. And this through Gods blessing will bee the speediest way to put a period to our Wars Distractions Grievances and gaine Your Honours highest Reputation Grace Favour with God and all good men Now the good God strengthen both Your hearts and hands to execute speedy * Iustice and Iudgement for all that are oppressed that the man of the earth may no more oppresse and Crowne all your publike Councells Enterprises with such happie successe as may occasion all succeeding Generations to blesse God for You as the best-deserving Parliament ever yet Assembled which is the Cordiall Prayer of Your Honours most devoted SERVANT William Prynne A BREVIATE Of the LIFE of WJLLJAM LAVD Archbishop of CANTERBVRIE Extracted out of his owne DIARIE BEfore any entrance made into the relation of the Impeachment or Triall of the Archbishop of Canterburie it will bee neither impertinent nor unnecessary to present the World with a Summary of his life extracted for the most part out of his owne Diary written with his own hand and found in his Pocket upon search of his Chamber in the Tower May 31. 1643. Some passages whereof objected against him at his Triall are here totally omitted and reserved for their proper place to avoyd Repetitions HEE was borne at Redding in Barkshire Octob. 7. 1573. of poore and obscure Patents in a Cottage just over against the Cage which Cage since his comming to the Arch-bishopricke of Canterbury upon complaint of Master Elveston that it was a dishonour the Cage should be suffered to stand so neare the House where so great a Royall Favourite and Prelate had his birth was removed to some other place and the Cottage pulled downe and new built by the Bishop In his Infancie he was like to perish of a disease as he writes but that God reserved him to be a future scourge yea plague to this Church and STATE and for another kinde of Death July 1589. Hee came a poore Scholler to Oxford June 1590. hee was chosen a Scholler of Saint John Baptists Colledge June 1593. hee was admitted a Fellow thereof June 1594. hee proceeded Batcheler of Arts and July 1589. Master of Arts June 4. 1600. He was made Deacon and Aprill 5. 1601. he was made a Priest by Doctor Young Bishop of Rochester Anno 1602. He read a Divinitie Lecture in Saint Johns Colledge maintained by Mistris May May 4. 1603. He was chosen Proctor of the Universitie and on September third next ensuing hee became Chaplaine to the Earle of Devonshire which after proved his great happinesse and gave him hopes of greater preferments as himselfe records July 1604. He proceeded Batchelour in Divinitie His supposition when he answered in the Divinitie Schooles for this degree concerning the efficacie of Baptisme was taken verbatim out of Bellarmine and he then maintained there could bee no true Church without Diocesan Bishops for which Doctor Holland then Doctor of the Chaire openly reprehended him in the Schooles for a seditious person who would un-Church the reformed Protestant Churches beyond the Seas and sow division betweene us and them who were brethren by this novell popish position Decem. 26. 1605. He being the Earle of Devonshires Chaplaine married this Earle to the Lady Rich another mans Wife at Wansteed in Essex which day he puts into the Catalogue of dayes of speciall observance to him both in his Diary and the Manuscript booke of his private devotions October 26. 1606. Docter Ayry of Queenes Colledge questioned him for a Sermon then preached by him at Saint Maries as conteining sundry scandalous and popish passages in it Novem. 16. 1607. He was invested into the Vicarage of Stanford in Northamptonshire Anno 1608. He proceeded Doctor in Divinitie and that yeare August 5. he was made Chaplaine to Doctor Neale then Bishop of Rochester Septem. 17. 1609. he preached his first Sermon to King James at Theobalds October 28. 1609. he was inducted into West-Tilburie in Essex for which he exchanged his Advowson of North-Kilworth in Leicestershire to be neare his Lord of Rochester Dr. Neale who on May 25. 1610. gave him the Rectory of Cuckston in Kent October 2. 1610. He resigned his fellowship in Saint Johns Colledge in Oxford and the same moneth fell sicke of a kentish Ague caught at his new benefice which held him two moneths whereupon he left Cuckston and Novem. 1610. was inducted into Norton by Proxy In the midst of this sicknesse the suite about the Presidentship of Saint Johns began in which there was great Towsing Christmas 1610. The Lord Chancellour Elsmeer complained against him to King James being incited thereunto by Docter Abbot then Archbishop of Canterburie as he writes who alwayes opposed him as foreseeing he would prove a dangerous fire-brand both in Church and State and a bitter Enemy to the Protestant Religion being then commonly reputed in Oxford a man cordially addicted to Poperie and a Papist in heart keeping companny with those who were most Popishly affected May 10. 1611. Hee was chosen President of Saint Johns Colledge by one casting voyce after much canvasing which election was questioned and heard for three houres space before King James at Tichburne August 29. being the day of beheading Saint John Baptist Novem. 3. Hee was sworne the Kings Chaplaine April 18. 1614. Doctor Neale Bishop of Lincolne gave him the Prebend of Bugden and after that the Arch-Deaconrie of Huntington Decemb. 1. 1615. Nov. 1616. King James gave him the Deanerie of Glocester and in March following he set forward with the King into Scotland and returned a little before him August 2. 1617. hee was inducted into Ibstocke in Leicestershire in his returne from Scotland Iune 1618. He set up a great Organ in Saint Johns Chappell and April 2d 1619 He fell suddainly dead for a time at Wickham in his returne from London to Oxford Ian. 22. 1620. He was installed Prebend of Westminster having had the advouson of it ten yeares before June 3. 1622. He writes thus in his Diarie The Kings Gracious speech unto mee concerning my long service He was pleased to say Hee had given me nothing but Glocester which
The exceptions which the Archbishop of Canterburie exhibited against the Sermon of Doctor Sibtharpe were first brought to mee and those things which follow April 29. Sunday I was made a Privie Councellour to the most illustrious King Charles I pray God to turne it to his honour and to the good of this Kingdome and Church This day he was by His Majesties speciall command sworne of His Privie Councell sate at the Board and signed Letters as His Teste under the Seale of the Councell Table and Sir William Beechers hand attests found in his studdie among other writings which makes his ill advise to the King more criminall May 13. Whitsunday I preached before the King c. June 7.8 I attended King Charles from London to Southwicke by Portsmouth Iu. 11. His Majestie dined a bord the Triumph where I attended him June 17. The Bishoppricke or London was granted me at Southwicke Iune 24. I was commanded to goe all the progresse Iune 27. the Duke of Buckingham set forwards towards the Isle of Ree Iuly 4. The King lost a Jewell in hunting of 1000l value That day the Message was sent by the King for the sequestring of the archbish. of Canterburie Iuly 7. I Dreamed that I had lost two teeth The Duke of Buckingham took the Isle of Ree Iuly 26. I attended the King and Queen at Wellingburrough Iuly 29. The first news came from my Lord Duke of his successe Aug. 12. The second newes came from my Lord Duke to Winchester Aug. 26. The third newes came to my Lord Duke to Aldershot Septe Newes cames from my Lord Duke to Theobalds and after that to Hampton Court I went to my Lord of Rochester to consider about the archbish. of Canterburie and returned to Hampton Court The Kings speech to me in the withdrawing Chamber That if any did c. I before any thing should sinke c. Octo. The Commission to the Bishops of London Durham Rochester Oxford and my selfe then Bath and Wells to execute Archiepiscopall jurisdiction during the sequestration of my Lord G. of Cant which Commission being of his own procurement in malice and envie against Archbishop Abbot shal here be inserted for his casuall homicide of his Keeper in shooting at a Bucke CHARLES By the Grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the FAITH c. TO the Right Reverend Father in God George Bish. of London And to the right Reverend Father in God Our trustie and well beloved Councellour Rich. Lord Bishop of Durham And to the Right Reverend Fathers in God Iohn Lord Bishop of Rochester and Iohn Lord Bishop of Oxford To the Right Reverend Father in God Our right trustie and well beloved Councellour William Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells Greeting WHereas George now Archbishop of Canterburie in the right of his Archbishopricke hath severall and distinct Archipiscopall Episcopall and other Spirituall and Ecclesiasticall powers and jurisdictions to be exercised in the Government and Discipline of the Church within the Province of Canterburie and in the administration of Justice in causes Ecclesiasticall within that Province which are partly executed by himselfe in his owne person and partly and more generally by severall persons nominated and authorized by him being learned in the Ecclesiasticall Lawes of this Realm in those severall places whereunto they are deputed and appointed by the said Archbishop which severall places as we are informed they severally hold by severall grants for their severall lives as namely Sir Henry Marten Knight hath and holdeth by the grants of the said Archbishop the Offices and Places of the Deane of the Arches and Judge or Master of the Prerogative Court for the naturall life of the said Sir Henry Marten Sir Charles Caesar Knight hath and holdeth by grants of the said Archbishop the Places or Offices of Judge of the Audience and master of the Faculties for the terme of the naturall life of the said Sir Charles Caesar Sir Thomas Ridly Knight hath and holdeth by the grant of the said Archbishop the Place or Office of Vicar Generall to the said Archbishop And Nathaniell Brent Doctor of the Lawes hath and holdeth by the grant of the said Archbishop the Office or Place of Commissary to the said Archbishop as of his proper and peculiar Dioces of Canterburie And likewise the severall Registers of the Arches Prerogative Audience Faculties and of the Vicar Generall and Commissary And of Canterburie hold their places by Grants from the said Archbishop respectively whereas the said Archbishop in some or all of these severall places and jurisdictions doth or may sometimes assume unto his personall and proper judicature order or direction some particular Causes Actions or Cases at his pleasure And for as much as the said Archbishop cannot at this present in his owne person attend these services which are otherwise proper for his cognizance and jurisdiction and which as Archbishop of Canterburie he might and ought in his owne person to have performed and executed in causes and matters Ecclesiasticall in the proper function of Archbishop of that Province WEE therfore of our Regall power and of our Princely care and providence that nothing should bee defective in the Order Discipline Government or right of the Church have thought sit by the service of some other learned and Reverend Bishops to be named by us to supply those things which the said Archbishop ought or might in the cases aforesaid to have done but for this present cannot performe the same KNOW yee therefore that Wee reposing especiall trust and confidence in your approved Wisdomes Learning and Integritie have nominated authorized and appointed and doe by these presents nominate authorize and appoint you the said George Lord Bishop of London Richard Lord Bishop of Durham John Lord Bishop of Rochester John Lord Bishop of Oxford and William Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells or any foure three or two of you to doe execute and performe all and every those Acts matters and things any way touching or concerning the power jurisdiction or authoritie of the Archbishop of Canterburie in Causes or matters Ecclesiasticall as amply fully and effectually to all intents and purposes as the said Archbishop himselfe might have done And we doe hereby command you and every of you to attend performe and execute this Our Royall pleasure in and touching the Premises untill we shall declare our will and pleasure to the contrary And we do further hereby will and command the said Archbishop of Canterburie quietly and without interruption to permit and suffer you the said George Bishop of London Richard Bishop of Durham John Bishop of Rochester John Bishop of Oxford and William Bishop of Bath and Wells any foure three or two of you to execute and perform this our Commission according to our Royall pleasure hereby signified And wee doe further will and command all and every other person persons whom it may any way concerne in their severall places or Offices
things Hee added many things concerning the Duke of Buckingham c. This speech of his was penned for him by this pragmaticall Bishop the Originall Coppie whereof was given in evidence against him under his owne hand In the Convocation held that day many things were agitated concerning the Sermon which Gabriell Goodman Bishop of Gloster preached before the King the fifth Sunday of Lent preceding Aprill 5. In the morning the King sent that the Bishops of Norwich Litchfield and Saint Davids should appeare before him I and the Bishop of Litchfield appeared the Bishop of Norwich was gone into the Countrie We received the Kings command about c. and returned Aprill 12. At nine a Clocke in the morning the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishop of Winchester and I Bishop of Saint Davids met together being commanded by the King to consult about the Sermon which the Bishop of Glocester Doctor Goodman preached before the Kings Majestie on the fifth Sunday in Lent We consulted and gave answer to the King that some things were spoken lesse warily nothing falsly Neither was any thing innovated by him in the Church of England That it would be best he should preach againe at such time as he should chuse and should shew how and in what things he was ill taken and misunderstood by the Auditors That night after nine a clocke I related to the King what I received in command the fifth of Aprill and other things thereunto belonging The King spake many things most graciously concerning the restoring of Impropriations when as I should have first determined of the maner Aprill 14. the Duke of Buckingham fell into a Feaver Aprill 19. the Petition of Iohn Digby Earle of Bristoll against the D. of Buckingham was read in the upper House of Parliament It was sharpe and such as threatned destruction to one of the parties Aprill 20. King Charles referred the cognisance of the whole businesse and likewise of the Petition of the Earle of Bristoll to the Parliament house Aprill 21. the Duke of Buckingham sent for me to come to him Then I heard what Sir John Cooke principall Secretary to the King had suggested against me to the L. Treasurer of England and he to the Duke Domine miserere servi tui Aprill 22. Sunday the King sent that all the Bishops should attend him at 4. of the Clocke in the after noone we were foureteene of us present He reprehended us that we were silent in the causes of the Church in this time of Parliament and did not make knowne to him what might be profitable or unprofitable to the Church for that he was ready to promote the cause of the Church After this he Commanded that in the causes of Bristoll and Buckingham our Consciences being the guide we should follow only proofes not rumours Aprill 30. I preached at Whit-Hall before the King May 1. The Earle of Bristoll was accused of high Treason in Parliament by the Kings Atturney Sir Robert Heath The said Earle then and there exhibited 12. Articles against the Duke of Buckingham and accused him of the same crime and exhibited other Articles against Baron Conway Secretary The Earle of Bristoll was committed to Iames Maxwell Keeper of the blacke Rod May 8. at two of the Clock in the afternoon the lower House impeached the Duke of Buckingham to the upper House saying 13. accusations to his charge The Bishop though then a Member of the upper House and a Judge of this cause was yet such a sworne Vassall to the Duke that he penned his speech which he made to the Lords in the upper House against the Commons impeachment and corrected and amended his Answer to his Impeachment as his feed Advocate in sundry particulers given against him in evidence under his owne hand And likewise penned the Kings speech to the House of Peeres touching the Duke and the Commitment of the Earle of Arundell as appeares by the Originall draught under his hand concerning which speech he thus writes in his Diary May 11. King Charles came to the Parliament House He spake to the Nobles in few words concerning the preservation of the honour of Noble men against the vile and detestable calumnies of those of the Lower House who accused the Duke c. There were eight who discharged their allotted parts in that businesse The Prologue Sir Dudley Diggs and Epilogue Sir Iohn Eliot This day they were both by the Kings Command committed to the Tower and both of them enlarged within few dayes May 25. Because the E. of Arundell then under restraint was not sent back to the House nor the Cause of his commitment revealed there grew suspition that the Priviledges were infringed and it was concluded amongst the Peeres to adjourne the House till the next day On which day May 26. they adjourned the House till the second of Iune resolving that they would do nothing till the Earl were restored or at least a cause of his commitment declared c. May 25. this day wherein these tumults were first moved was Pope Vrbans day at this time Vrban the 8. sits Pope Iune 15. after many agitations private malice against the D. of Buckingham prevailed and suffocated all publike businesses nothing is done but the Parliament dissolved Iune 20. King Charles nominated me to be Bishop of Bath and Wells and likewise enjoyned me to preach at the solemne Fast before him which I did at White-Hall Iuly the 5. Iuly 26. The King signed my Congedeslier to the Deane and Chapter of Wells to elect me Bishop of Bath and Wells Iuly 27. Doctor Field Bishop of Landaffe brought me certaine Letters from the most illustrous Duke of Buckingham the Letters were open and written partly in Carecters the Duke sent them to me that I should consult one called Swadling about them who could read the Characters August 4. I and Swadling went to the Duke he read the Letters which were certaine malicious things which the Duke contemned August 16. I was elected Bishop of Bath and Wells it was Wednesday and the letter D. August 25. Two Robin-red-breasts flew together through the dore into my Study as pursuing one the other that suddaine motion made me startle I let them out as they had entered I was then preparing a Sermon on Eph. 4.30 September 14. in the evening the Duke of Buckingham said that I should reduce certaine instructions into forme partly politicall partly Ecclesiasticall in the cause of the King of Denmarke a little before afflicted by Duke Tilly to be sent through all Parishes Most breife heades are delivered to me he would have them ready by Saturday following September 16. I prepared and brought them by the prefixed houre I read them he brought me to the King There being commanded I read them once againe both of them approve them September 17 Sunday they were proposed and read for I left the papers with the Duke before the Kings Majesties honourable Councell and thanks be to God they
were approved by all September 18. My election to the Bishopricke of Bath and Wells was confirmed September 19 I went my selfe to the King at Theobalds who there presently restored me to the temporalities from the time of my Predecessors death What things happened betweene me and the Lord Baron Conway the Kings principall Secretary whiles we returned together September 21. Lancelot Andrewes Bishop of Winchester and Deane of the Kings Chapell died about foure a clocke in the morning September 30. The Duke of Buckingham certified me that the King had determined that I should succeed the Bishop of Winchester then dead in the office of Deane of the Kings Chappell October 2. The same Duke told me what the King of that day further determined concerning me if A. B. C. c. that is if the Archbishop of Canterburie died to wit that he should succeed him October 2 I went to the Court which was at Hampton there I gave the King thanks for the Deanery of the Chapell he granted to me whence I returned to London October 6. I tooke the Oath appointed for the Deane of the Chapell to take in the Chapple before the right Honourable Philip Earle of Mountgomery Lord Chamberlaine Stephen Boutin Subdeacon ministring the Oath November 14. or there about having taken an occasion both from the abrupt beginning and also ending of publique prayers on the 5th of November I requested of my Gratious King Charles that he wold be present at the Liturgy as wel as at the Sermon every Lords day and that at whatsoever time of Prayers he came the Preist who ministred should proceed to the end of Prayers The most religious King not only assented but likewise gave me thanks This was not done before from the beginning of King Iames Raigne till this day Now thankes be to God it takes place December 21. I dreamed of the buriall of I know not whom and that I stood by the dust and I awaked sorrowfull December 25. Christmas day I made my first Sermon as Deane of the Chapell at White-Hall Ianuary 6. I dreamed in the night that my Mother dead long before stood by my bed side and drawing the Curtaines a little looked chearefully upon me I was glad to see her looke so merrily After that shee shewed me an old man dead long before whom I knew and loved whiles he lived He seemed to have laine on the ground merry enough but with a wrinckled face his name was Grove whilest I prepared to salute him I awaked Ianuary 8. I went to visit the Duke of Buckingham he rejoyced and gave into my hands Papers concerning the Invocation of Saints which his mother gave him I know not what Priest gave them to her Ianuary 13. The Bishop of Lincolne desired reconciliation with the Duke of Buckingham c. Ian. 14. Towards the morning I dreamed that the Bishop of Lincolne I know not with whom came with Iron chaines but returning freed from them he leaped upon a horse departed neither could I overtake him Ianuary 16. I dreamed that the King went out of a standing and that when he was hungry I led him away at unawares into the house of Francis Windebancke my friend Whiles he prepared to eate I whiles others were absent held the City to him after the accustomed manner I brought beare but it pleased him not I brought some again but in a silver Cup The most Gratious King said Thou knowest I alwayes drink out of a Glasse I went againe and awaked Ianu. 17. I shewed reasons to the King why the Papers of the deceased Bishop of Winchester concerning Bishops That they are Iure Divino were to bee printed contrary to that which the Bishop of Lincolne miserably and to the great detriment of the Church signified to the King as the King Himselfe had told me formerly Febr. 7. I dreamed in the night that I was sicke of the Scurvey and that all my Teeth were suddainly loose especially one in my lower jaw-bone which I could hardly keep in with my finger untill I might get help c. Febr. 20. Iohn Fenton began the cure of a certaine Itch c. Febr 22. I tooke a journey towards New-Market where the King then was March 8. I came to London The night following I Dreamed I had been Reconciled to the Church of Rome This distracted me and I wondred much whence it hapned being troubled at the scandall and this my fall which would weaken many excellent and learned men in the Church of England Thus troubled in my dreame I said with my selfe that I would presently goe and making confession aske pardon of the Church of England As I was going to doe it a certaine Priest met me and would hinder me but being moved with indignation I went on my way and when I had wearied my selfe with wayward Cogitations I awaked I felt such impressions that I could scarce believe I had dreamed March 12. I went with the King to Theobalds March 17. about midnight I buried Charles Viscount Buckingham eldest and the only sonne of George Duke of Buckingham being a yeare and neare 4. months old March 27. 1627. I had this ensuing dreame There were certaine Legacies given to Dame Dorathy Wright Widow of George Wright Knight my familiar acquaintance The Legacies were 430l and more given by a certain Kinsman named Farnham to the Widow and her Children At the instance of the widow when as the Executor denied or delayed to pay the Legacies I obtained Letters from the most illustrious Duke of Buckingham in favour of the Widow for the Duke was Mr. of the Horse and the said George Wright was one of the Kings servants under him when I had now the Letters in my hand and was about to give them to the Widdow to send into Ireland where the Executor lived this night George Wright appeared to me in a dreame dead at least two yeares before hee seemed to me very handsome and merry enough I told him what I had then done for his Wife and Children He considering with himselfe a little answered that the Executor had satisfied him those legacies whiles he was living and presently looking into some papers in his Study adjoyning he added again that it was so And moreover he whispered me in the eare That I was the cause why the Bishop of Lincolne should not bee againe admitted into favour and into the Court Aprill 4. When King Charles absolved Doctor Dun about some slips in a Sermon preached before him on Sunday Aprill 1. That which he then most Gratiously said to me I writ in my heart in indeleble Characters with greatest giving of thanks to God and the King April 7. Whiles I went to the Court to wait on the King at Supper going out of my Coach my foot stumbling I fell head-long I never fell a more grievous fall but through Gods mercie I escaped with the contusion of my hip and that but lightly April 24.
a mind I hope this letter may be pardoned You have now a short Historicall View of the Arch-bishops life written for the most part with his owne hand in which you may observe 1. How many Benefices Bishopricks and other Ecclesiasticall Preferments he passed through in his dayes at most of which he was never Resident nor did any good to Soule or body 2. By what meanes he procured most of his preferments to wit by unlawfull Actions as by marying the Lady Rich to the Earle of Devon by his base flatterie of and obsequiousnesse to the Duke of Buckingham by incensing his Majesty against Parliament invading the Subjects Properties Liberties c. as will more fully appeare in the Relation of his tryall 3. What a superstitious observer and diligent Register he was of his owne idle dreames and how ominous some of them have proved 4. How great a Creature Instrument assistant Advocate he hath beene to the Duke of Buckingham who first brought him into favour at Court What a friend to Strafford and malicious Enemy to the Bishop of Lincolne 5. What extraordinary transcendent favour and power he obtained with the King whom he oft miscouncelled to the publique prejudice and what ill instruments and creatures of his owne he placed about his Majesty as Windebanck and others to effect his owne designes 6. What a great favorite and Instrument he was to the Queene and Popish faction and how grand an Enemy a Persecuter of the zealous Protestant partie under the name of Puritans 7. What a bitter Enemy he hath beene to Parliaments and their proceedings and how odious he became both to Parliaments and people for his Tyranny Oppressions Popish Ceremonies Innovations in Religion and unjust proceedings 8. What an Arch-Incendiary he hath shewed himselfe betweene his Majesty and his people both in England and Scotland 9. What a busie body he hath beene in all kinds of secular affaires incomparible with his spirituall function 10. How sedulous he hath shewed himselfe to exalt the Power Pompe Authority of Bishops and the Clergie to advance them above exempt them from all secular powers jurisdictions and to ingrosse the greatest temporall Offices into their hands that so they might Lord it over all men 11. That he hath beene exceedingly devoted to and promoted Popish Ceremonies and greatly favoured advanced men Popishly affected as Windebancke Mountague Manwaring and others 12. That he tooke speciall notice of sundry * Dreames Presages and Omens of his owne downfall to which for a Close to this Breviate of his life some other memorable ominous presages yet unmentioned shall be added The first is his pulling downe of the Parish Church of Saint Gregories to repaire Pauls and sending the Parishioners to Christ-Church which being related by Captain Hungerford to Master Prynne during his close imprisonment in Iersey he thereupon presently replyed that this seemed to him a most certaine presage that the Arch-Bishop the Sea of Canterbury Popery should have a speedy fall in England for Pope Gregory to whose memory this Demolished Church was dedicated was the * first founder of the Archbishopricke and Sea of Canterbury from whom it derived both its being and precedency and Austine the Munke sent over by him the first Archbishop of this Sea who introduced the first dreggs of Popery into our British Church seing therefore the Arch-Bishop was now growne so unthankfull as to demolish Saint Gregory his owne founder from whom Doctor * Pocklington in his late printed bookes derived his Lineall succession that himselfe and his Sea of Canterbury could not stand long after since the building must needs fall to ground when the foundation is rased and the sending of the people from Pope Gregories Church to Christs Church was a good Omen that the Popes Church and party in England should be deminished demolished and Christs Church replenished reedified all which we now visibly behold in a great measure fulfilled The 2. is That when the Archbishop kept his Metropoliticall visitation Anno. 1635. c. he concluded it at Barkin Church next to the Tower of London gate which Master Prynne then a Prisoner in the Tower observing told the Lieutenant of the Tower and others that the Archbishop had now visited all places within the province of Canterbury as well those exempt as not exempt except only the Tower which was reserved for his last visitation and that he doubted not but he should see him a Prisoner in the Tower ere long and himselfe a freeman which accordingly came to passe The Archbishop sitting at Church in the Tower Chappell in the same seat where Master Prynne usually sate dureing his imprisonment The 3. is this which is most remarkable being a miraculous Omen from Heaven it selfe of his owne and his Seas downfall by his meanes * The Prebends of Canterbury Anno 1639. hearing of the pacification with the Scottes and being falsely informed that they had condescended to entertaine Bishops did for joy of these glad-tidings in the hight of their Prelaticall glory set up foure great Iron Vanes upon the 4. Pinnacles of their highest Cathedrall Tower called Bell-harry Steple on which the Coat-Armes of the King Prince Church and Arch-bishop of Canterbury were severally guilded But on Innocents day following very early in the morning being the 27th of December in the midest of their Christmas Iovialities and Cathedrall Gamballs the Vane which had the Archbishops Armes in it had a tumbling cast from the Toppe of the Steeple being strucke downe by a stroke from Heaven in a fearefull tempest The Archbishops Armes in the fall pulled downe the toppe of the Pinnacle which upheld them and being carried partly against the wind a good distance from the Steeple on which they stood fell upon the roofe of the Cloyster in the concave and lower part whereof the Armes of the Archbishopricke of Canterbury were Carved in Stone which Armes in the Cloyster were dashed and broken in peeces by the Armes that fell from the Steeple The Armes of the present Archbishop of Canterbury breaking downe the Armes of the Archbishopricke and Sea of Canterbury The fall was so violent that it brake through the Leads plankes Tymber Stone-Arch of the Cloyster and made an impression in the pavement of the Cloyster as if it had beene done with a Canon shot which is partly to be seene at this very day though repaired being very neere the place where that proud Arch-prelate of Canterbury Thomas Becket was cast downe headlong in that Cathedrall for his Treason and Rebellion The Cathedralists hereupon tooke downe the other three Vanes and repaired the Cloyster withall speed and secrecy that so lesse notice might be taken of this remarkable ruine Neither was this sad Omen singular but seconded with others both at Lambeth and Croyden the selfe-same night as appeares by this passage in the Archbishops Diary under his owne hand December 27. 1639. Friday being Saint Iohns day at night betweene 12. and 2. of the Clocke
downe Wednesday Febr. 13. The Feoffees that pretended to buy in impropriations were dissolved in the Chequer Chamber They were the maine instruments for the Puritan faction to undoe the Church The Criminall part reserved Febr. 18. Thursday Master Chancellour of London Doctor Ducke brought me word how miserably I was slandered by some seperatists I pray God give me patience and forgive them March 6. Ashwensday I preached at White-Hall Aprill 13. 1633. The great meeting at the Counsell Table c. when the Earle of Holland made his submission to the King May 13. Munday I set out of London to attend King Charles into Scotland May 24. The King was to enter into Yorke in State June 6. I came to Barwicke that night I dreamed that K. B. sent to mee in Westminster Church that hee was now as desirous to see me as I him and that hee was then entring into the Church I went with hope but met another in the middle of the Church who seemed to know the businesse and laughed but K. B. was not there June 8. Whitsun Eve I received Letters from K. B. unalterable c. By this if I returne I shall see how true or false my Dreame is c. Saturday June 15. I was sworne Councellor of Scotland June 18. Tuesday after Trinitie Sunday K. Charles Crowned at Holy-rood Church in Edenborough I never saw more expressions of joy then were after it c. June 19. Wednesday I received second Letters from K. B. no changling c. within three houres after other Letters from K. B. believe all that I say c. June 29. Friday Letters from K. B. no D. true if not to my contentment c. June 30. I preached to His Majestie in the Chappell in Holy-rood House at Edenborough July 1. Munday I went over Forth to Brunt Iland July 2. Tuesday to Saint Andrewes July 3. Wednesday over Taye to Dundee July 4. Thursday to Faukland July 7. Sunday to S. Johnston July 8. Munday to Dumblaine Stirling my dangerous cruel Journey crossing part of the Hilands by Coach which was a wonder there July 9. Tuesd to Lithcoe and so to Edenborough July 10. Wednesday His Majesties dangerous passage from Brunt Iland to Edenborough July 11. Thursday I began my Journie from Edenburgh towards London July 13. Friday that night at Anderweeke I dreamed that L. L. * the Bishop of Lincolne came and offered to sit above me at the Councell Table and that L. H. came in and placed him there July 20. Saturday the King came from Scotland to Greenwich having come Post from Barwicke in foure dayes Friday July 26. I came to my House at Fulham from Scotland July 28. Sunday K. B. and I met all the strange discourses mistaken I went away much troubled but all setled againe well Aug. 3. Saturday following Sunday Aug. 4. news came to Court of the Lord Archbishop of Canterburies death and the King-resolved presently to give it me which he did Aug. 6. Aug. 4. That very morning at Greenwich there came one to me seriously and that avowed abilitie to performe it and offered mee to bee a Cardinall I went presently to the King and acquainted him both with the thing and person Aug. 7. Wednesday Absolute settlement betweene me and K B. after I had made knowne my case at large God blesse me in it Aug. 14. Wednesday A report brought me that I was poysoned Aug. 17. Saturday I had a serious offer made me againe to be a Cardinall I was then from Court but so soone as I came thither which was Wednesday Aug. 21. I acquainted His Majestie with it But my answer againe was that some what dwelt within mee which would not suffer that till Rome were other then it is Aug. 25. Sunday My Election to the Archbishopprick was returned to the King then being at Wood-stocke Sep. 19. I was translated to the Archbishopricke of Canterburie the Lord make me able c. The day before when I first went to Lambeth my Coach-Horses and men sunke to the bottome of the Thames in the Ferry-Boate which was over laden but I praise God for it I lost neither man nor Horse Novem. 13. Wednesday Richard Boyer who had formerly named himselfe Lodowick was brought into the Starre-Chamber for most grossely misusing me and accusing me of no lesse then Treason c. He had broke prison for Felony when he did this His censure is upon record And God forgive him About the beginning of this moneth the Lady Davis prophesie against me that I should very few dayes out-live the Fift of Novem. And a little after that one Greene came into the Court at Saint Jamses with a great sword by his side swearing the King should doe him Justice against me or he would take another course with me All the wrong I ever did this man was that being a poore Printer I procured him of the Company of the Stationers five pounds a yeare during his life God preserve mee and forgive him Hee was committed to New-Gate Sunday Novem. 24. in the afternoone I Christned King CHARLES His second sonne James Duke of YORKE at Saint Jamses Decem. 10. 29. twice or thrice in the interim I advertised His Majestie of the false-hood and practise that was against me by L. T. c. This brake out then March 30. 1634. Palme Sunday I preached to the King at White-Hall May 13. I received the seales of my being chosen Chanceller of the Vniversity of Dublin in Ireland to which office I was chosen September 14. 1633. There were now somewhat before great factions in Court and I doubt many private ends followed to the prejudice of publicke service Good Lord preserve me Iune 11. Wednesday Master Pryn sent me a letter about his censure in the Starre Chamber for his Histriomastix and what I said at that Censure in which he hath many wayes hath no wayes mistaken me and spoken untruth of me Iune 16. I shewed this letter to the King and by his Command * sent it to Master Atturney Noye June 17. Master Atturney sent for Mr. Pryn to his Chamber shewed him the letter asked him whether it were his hand Mr. Pryn said he could not tell unles he might read it the letter being given into his hand * he tare it into small peeces threw it out at window fearing it seemes an Ore tenus For this Iune 18. Mr. * Atturney brought him into the Star-Chamber where all this appeared I there forgave him Iuly 26. I received word from Oxford that the Statutes were accepted and published according to my letters in the Convocation house that weeke August 9. Saturday Master William Noy his Majesties Attorney Generall died at Brainford circa horam noctis decimam And Sunday morning August 10. his servant brought me word of it to Croyden before I was out of my bed * I have lost a deare freind of him and the Church the