words though afterward plainly understood To others he openly manifested the same Chap. 29. Relates How Herebert a Priest of great perfection and friend to Cuthbert led a solitary life to whom Cuthbert revealing his own death he fell downe at his feet requesting him to obtaine that he might passe to Heaven with him Cuthbert having made his prayer told him his request was granted The event confirmed the Prophesie for they died both upon one day Chap. 30. God being pleas'd to manifest in how great glory Cuthbert lived after his death whose godly life cxcelled in many Miracles inspired the Brethren a eleven years after to remove his bones Opening the Tombe they found the body all whole as if it were alive the 〈◊〉 joynts sinues pliable the garments also seemed fresh and resplendent They went to the Bishop who was then in a solitary place incompast with the sea For there was he wont alwayes to keep the time of Lent and forty dayes also before Christmas in devotion abstinence and tears They brought him part of the Clothes that were about the Holy body which he received as an acceptable present and kissing them with great affection rejoyceth to hear of such Miracles His successor of great vertue Eadbert was laid in Cuthberts grave in which place Miracles done in restoring the sick do witness the vertuous lives of them both Chap. 31. Relates How one was cured of a Palsie at Cuthberts Tombe The Clothes also wherewith the Holy body was clad either in his life or after his death did not want the gifts of healing the sick Chap. 32. Relates How another was cured at St. Cuthberts reliques of a great sore in his eie The Monks had taken some of Cuthburts haire of his head for reliques to shew and give And as soon as part thereof was applied to thesore the partie was healed The Fifth Book Chap. 1. Relate◠How Edilwald Cuthberts successor in a solitary life alaid by prayer a great tempest at Sea wherein some of his Brethren were in danger Gutfrid saith Bede a faithfull servant of Christ who was one of the Company and after Abbot of Lindesferne declared it to me When we had said Gutfrid talkt with him much to our comfort having askt blessing we hastned home Soon after a great tempest arose Edilwald falling on his knees prayed to God to deliver us and suddenly the storme ceast and we came safe to land As soon as we were ashore the Tempest and storme began again and lasted all that day to give us to understand that the calme was given us by God at the prayers of the Holy man After his decease he was buried in St. Peter the Apostles Church Chap. 2. John Famous for integrity and purity of life was made Bishop of Hagulstad of whom his familiar acquaintance were wont to report many strange Miracles wrought at severall times cheifly Berethun who is now Abbot a man most Reverend and faithfull in his relations of which I thought fit to record some There is a private abode neer a Church-yard of St. Michael the Arch-Angell hither this holy man was wont to retire himself to pray especially in time of Lent The time being now at hand he gave command to seek out some begger towards whom he might exercise his charity They brought him one who was dumbe One week of Lent being past he call'd the dumb begger to him and bidding him put out his tongue made the signe of the Crosse upon it and then bad him speak whereupon he spoke after the Bishop all that he suggested and so perfectly recovered his speech Note that this John is he who was called John of Beverlay whence Godwin saith Bede was much to blame if these things be not true For he knew him and took holy Orders of him and lived in his Diocess Chap. 3. Relates How the said Bishop coming to a Monastery in a Town call'd Vetade where Hereburge was Abbesse she told him that one of the Nuns of the Convent was very sick and lay pining and languishing away And she besought the Bishop to go in and blesse her which he did saying prayers over her and departing blest her As we were taking our leave saith Abbot Berecht the swelling went away and the Maide was delivered from danger Chap. 4. Relates How an Earle sent his sick Lady some of the water which the said Bishop had hollowed in the dedication of a Church willing her to drink of it and wash the greived part which done saith Abbot Berecht she rose so whole and sound that she served us at the table Chap. 5. Another time when the holy Bishop had dedicated a Church an Earle called Addi intreated him to come to his House where one of his family lay so desperatly sick that his Coffin was already prepared hoping that if he had but laid his hands upon him and blessed him he should be better The Bishop enters makes his prayer blesses him saying God send you whole son Then sitting down at Table the partie sent for a Cup of wine which the Bishop blessed and sent him As soon as he drank it he arose a sound man put on his apparel came to the Table saying that he desired to eat and drink with them he sat down eat drank and was as merry as any at the Table and lived many yeares after a sound man This Miracle the Abbot Berecht said he had from those who were present Chap. 6. Herebald A faithfull servant of Christ now Abbot of a monastery was heard to say as touching John the Bishops worth I have had experience in many others but especially in my self as whom he in a manner forced from death to life by his prayer and benediction for having been sore bruised with a fall I was healed by the Bishops intercession When for age the Bishop could not preach he consecrated his Chaplin Wilfrid Arch-Bishop of Yorke and himself retiring into a Monastery there ended his dayes Chap. 7. Cedwell King of the tumultuous after he had raigned two years for hope of an eternall kingdome forsook his owne and went to Rome He thought it a singular glory to be regenerated at the holy Apostles Tombes by the Sacrament of Baptisme hoping soon after to passe to eternall life which hapned as he desired He was baptised on Easter eve An. 689 and wearing yet the robes of Innocency fell fick and died Whom the Pope at his Baptisme nam'd Peter that he might beare the holy name of the Prince of the Apostles whose Tombe he came to see with great devotion many hundred miles Hun succeeded him who having been King seven and thirty years leaving his Kingdome went to the Tombes of the Apostles in Rome having an earnest desire to live a Pilgrime on Earth for a time neer those Holy places that so he might deserve the better to be
humble confession of their sins and repented they shall all come to Heaven at the day of Judgment Many quoth he shall come to Heaven before the day of judgement for the good Prayers Alms and Fasting of the living and especially by the holy Sacrifice of the Mass Onely they which are perfect in all their thoughts words and deeds are carried streight to Heaven The effect of this vision was the change of his life into strange Austerity When any one said unto him brother Dirthelm for that was his name It is a wonder you can endure so much cold He would answer I have seen more cold endured than this And when they said T is a wonder you can endure such austerity He answered I have seen more rigorous sufferings than this This Chapter intermingleth in this Relation how that hard by this mans Cell there lived a Monk called Genigids who was living at the very time that Bede did write this leading a solitary life in Ireland sustaining his aged body with brown bread and cold water who often entring into the foresaid Monks Cell heard him many times repeat this whole relation and from him I came to the knowledge of it saith Bede Chap. 14. There was a Lay-man in great favour with King Coenred but negligent concerning the state of his soul The King warn'd him often to confesse and forsake his former life whilest it was time But he slighting the Kings admonition said He would doe Pennance hereafter It chanced he fell sick the King coming to him exhorted him that now at least he would do Pennance nay quoth he I will not now confesse my sins but when I am recovered I will least my companions think I did it for fear of death The King after a while returning again this Courtier told him now it was too late and that he had seen all that ever he had committed written in two Books and that he should strait wayes die and be carried into Hell The first book said he shewed me by an Angel contained all the good works which ever I had done but the book was very little Then the wicked spirits brought before me a book of a mighty bigness in which I read all the sins I had committed in thought word and deed Then he related how he heard his Condemnation Thus in despair he died This I thought fit to relate as I receiv'd it from the reverend Bishop Pechtelm Chap. 15. I my self knew a Brother whom I would I had not known who being admonisht by his Brethern to amend his life brought unto desperation by a vision he had of his place in Hell said There is no time for me to amend my former life Thus he died without receiving the Sacrament None of all the Convent durst say Mass sing psalms say the least Prayer for his soul This stirred up many to do Pennance for their sins which effect God grant it may work in those who shall read this Chap. 16. About this time many of the Scots in Ireland as also of the Britans admitted of the manner of celebrating Easter taught by the Catholike Church For Adamon a vertuous Priest Abbot of the Monks and Religious in the Isle of Hue seeing the canonicall Rites and Ceremonies of England and admonisht by the learned not to live contrary to the Universal Church neither in Easter nor any other decrees chang'd his mind and preferr'd what he saw in the English before his own He wrot a â—ook of holy places as he had been inform'd by Arculfe Bishop who 〈◊〉 travelled to see them Some â—ede relates in the next Chapter Chap. 17. Relates Out of the foresaid book of holy â—laces how over the place where Christ was born there is built a Church of the blessed Virgin and how the in ward grot in which our Saviour was born is covered with precious marble Câ—nstantine built a Church where the Crosse of Christ was found by Helena A Church also was built in Golgotha where the rock is seen which bore Christs Crosse and his blessed body Now in that place there is a mighty Cross of silver with a brazen wheele over it full of Lamps An Altar is cut out where the Crosse stood where Sacrifice is wont to be offered for honourable men that die There is also a round Chappel of Christs Resurrection which hath three Altars In the middle of this Chappel is the Tombe of our Saviour where day and night twelve Lamps burn The top of the Chappel is guilt bearing a great golden Crosse upon it Part of Christs Gravestone standeth at the doore of the Sepulcher Altarwise the other part also makes another Altar Chap. 18. The same Author relates how in the place of our Saviours Ascension on the top of Mount Olive there standeth a great round Church The inner Chappel having an Altar towards the East could not be vaulted nor covered over by reason that it was the place by which Christs body passed to Heaven In the middle of which Church the last print of Christs feet are to be seen and although the earth be fetcht away daily by the Christians yet it remaineth and keepeth the print of his holy feet A great Lampe burneth there day and night In the West-side be eight windows and as many Lamps shining through the glasse to Jerusalem and their lights stir up the Hearts of all that behold them Upon Christs Ascension-day every year when Masse is done there cometh from Heaven a gale of winde which maketh all in the Church prostrate themselves Chap. 19. In the year of our Lord 705. Hedda Bishop of the West-Saxons dyed of whom the Reverend Prelate Pechthelm then a Monk was wont to tell us that in the place where be dyed many great Miracles and cures were done and that they used commonly to carry away dust from thence and mingle it with water for such to drink as were sick and that the sprinkling drinking thereof did cure many sick so that a great pit was made by the often carrying away the dust Chap. 20. Coenred King of the Mercians having Reigned most Nobly at last forsook his Kingdome and went to Rome where at the Tombe of the Apostles receiving the Tonsure he became a Monk continuing in Prayer Fasting and Almes untill his death There went with him Offa the Son of Sigher King of the East-Saxons a most gallant youth whose whole Kingdome much desired that he would sway the Scepter but he moved with like devotion forsooke Wife Lands Kindred and Countrey that he might receive a hundred fold in this world and life everlasting in the next coming to the Holy places at Rome he took the Tonsure and Habit of a Monk the same year Wilfrid that excellent and worthy Prelate dyed and was buried in St. Peters Church at Rippon in Yorkshire He being but fourteen years old he esteemed more
God In the mean while the wicked spirits flying about the Island foretold every where forced thereunto that St. German was returning in so much as Elafius one of the chief among them without report of any messenger hastned to meet the holy men at their arrival having with him his son who in the flower of his youth had lost the use of his leg which was so shrunk that he could not set his foot upon the ground The whole Country flockt thither to meet them where their blessing and divine Doctrine was bestow'd upon the people They found them as for their Faith as they had left them onely they found the fault to remain in some few those they sought after and finding them condemn'd them This done Elafius fell down at the feet of the Bishops offering them his son whose sad case needed no prayers to crave relief Forthwith St. German taking the young man to him felt his knee and with his blessed hand searcht through all the affected place and at his touch each part received health and the sinews return'd to their natural course so that in sight of them all he was restored to his Father The people were all astonished at the strangeness of the miracle and the Catholike Faith thereby confirm'd After this he preacht to the people to exterminate the said Heresie and all assenting the Authours were expell'd the Island and delivered unto the Priests to be carried thence that by this punishment the Countrey might be rid of them and their Heresies Hence it came to pass that in those places the Faith for a long time remain'd sound Not long after Germanus deceased at Ravenna his corps was convey'd to his own Church with an honourable train not without miracles wrought by the way In the 22. Chapter nothing but civil affairs Chap. 23. In the year of our Lord 582 the 10. of the Emperour Maurice Gregory a man most renown'd for deeds and learning was made Bishop of the Roman Apostolike see which he govern'd 13. years seven months and ten dayes The Year 150. after the coming of the English into Britany this Pope being mov'd by divine inspiration thereunto sent the servant of God Augustine with many other Monks fearing God to preach to the English Nation But being on the way and terrified with the apprehension of the journey they sent Augustine back to the Pope whom he had there appointed Bishop if they were receiv'd humbly entreating him that they might not proceed but he exhorted them by letters that putting their trust in God they would go on in their good purpose Gregory the servant of the servants of God c. Let not the hardship of the journy daunt you c. Assuring your selves that after your great labour eternal reward shall follow Be in all points obedient unto Augustine whom I have sent back unto you and appointed to be your Abbot knowing it shall much profit your souls what you do in obedience to him God defend you with his grace and grant me to see the fruit of your labours in Heaven as also that since I cannot work my self with you I may enjoy part of your reward for the good will I have to labor God keep you in health my dearly beloved children In the 24. Chapter nothing but a letter of the Popes recommending Augustine to the Bishop of Arles in his going for Britany Chap. 25. Augustine being thus encouraged by St. Gregory return'd to preach the word of God with the servants of Christ which were with him and arrived in Britany He and his company in number about forty landing in the Isle of Thanet in Kent sent word to King Ethelbert that they came from Rome and brought him very good news viz. that such as follow'd and obey'd their Doctrine should enjoy an everlasting kingdome in Heaven The King hearing this gave command they should abide there and have all things necessary afforded them untill they heard further from him Now the knowledge of Christian Religion was come before unto him he having maried a Christian Lady out of France call'd Bertha upon condition that it should be lawfull for her and the Bishop that came to assist her to keep their Faith and Religion A few dayes after the King came into the Island and seating himself without in the open ayre sent for Augustine and his companions He would not suffer them to come unto him in any house least if he or his were skilfull in Sorcery they might prevaile against him But they came to him not with weapons of the Devil but endowed with the strength of God carrying before them in lieu of a Banner a Crosse of silver and the Image of our Saviour painted in a Table and singing of Lytanies they pray'd both for themselves and those for whose sake they came And sitting down as the King commanded them they preacht unto him and his attendants the word of life The King replyed Your words and promises are fair yet because strange and unknown to me I cannot assent unto them leaving the Religion wherein both I and my people have been so long bred up but seeing you are come so far to impart unto us such knowledge as you hold to be good and true we will receive you and minister to you all such things as be necessary for to maintain you and we are consenting that you gain by your Preaching as many as you can to your Profession Then he allowed them a place in the City of Canterbury the head City of his Dominions providing them what was needfull and freely permitting them to Preach It is said as they drew nigh the City having the Cross and Image of our Saviour carried as the manner was they sung all in one tune this Prayer following We beseech thee O Lord for thy great mercy that thy fury and anger may be taken from this City and from thy holy house because we have sinn'd Allelujah CHAP. 26. Being entred they began to hold forth the very Apostolike order of living as in the Primitive Church serving God in continuall Prayer Watching and Fasting Preaching the Word of Life despising the allurements of this world as things none of theirs taking of them whom they instructed so much onely as might supply their wants living according as they taught and being ready to suffer death in the defence of the Truth they publisht Hence it came to passe that many believ'd and were baptiz'd marveling much at the simplicity of their innocent life and sweetness of heavenly Doctrine There was at the East end of the City a Church built in honour of St. Martin made whilest the Romans were in Britany in which the Queen a Christian used to pray Thither they went to Church and began there first to sing Service say Mass Pray Teach and Christen till the King being converted to the Faith they receiv'd ample license to Preach where they would and
1. c. 4. did not pretend any cause of division from Augustines Doctrine about Mass use of the Crosse and Images worship of Saints and Relicks or any other point wherein we and Protestants differ A demonstrative argument that none of these things brought in by Augustine were contrary to what was delivered to the Britans not a full hundred years after the Apostles time So that as long as Augustines Religion was kept in England the Apostles Religion was kept Chap. 3. Augustine ordain'd two Bishops Mellitus Justus Mellitus he sent to preach to the Province of the East Saxons whose chief City is London As soon as the Province by Mellitus preaching had receiv'd the word of Truth King Ethelbert built St. Pauls Church in London where Mellitus and his successors ever after were to hold their Bishops Seat Justus was ordain'd by him Bishop of Rochester in Kent where Ethelbert built St. Andrew the Apostles Church After this the dearly beloved Father in God Augustine dyed and his body was laid by the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Canterbury which after it was finisht was brought in and honourably buried in the North-part thereof where also were interred the bodies of all the Archbishops following as long as there was room This Church hath an Altar in it dedicated to the honour of St. Gregory Pope at which Altar every Saturday the Commemoration of these departed Bishops is celebrated by the Priest of the place Upon St. Augustines Tomb is written Here resteth Augustine the first Archbishop of Canterbury who being sent hither by blessed Gregory Bishop and by working of Miracles supported by God brought King Ethelbert and his People from Idolatry to the Faith of Christ He dyed the 26. of May CHAP. 4. Laurence succeeded him in the Bishoprick whom Augustine yet living ordain'd least after his death the State of the Church rude as yet and newly converted might have wavered and faln if it had lackt a Pastour and guide never so little Wherein he followed the example of the first Pastour of the Church the most blessed Prince of the Apostles Peter who having laid at Rome the foundation of Christs Church consecrated Clement his Coadjutor and Successor Laurence seeing the ground-work of his Church to enlarge which was well and throughly laid endeavoured to raise the same to a perfect height by frequent exhortations and continual example of pious works He earnestly laboured as a true Shepheard not onely for the modern Church of the English but also for the Church of the old Inhabitants of Britany and Scots in Ireland whose profession as soon as hâ— knew to be lesse Ecclesiastical and not well ordered in many points especially about Easter they not celebrating it in due time He wrote unto them beseeching them to receive and keep the society of Catholike observance with the Church of Christ spread over the whole world To our dearest brethren the Bishops and Abbots in Scotland Laurence Mellitus c. When the See Apostolike according to the usuall manner of sending to all parts of the world directed us hither to preach the word of God We c. About this time Mellitus Bishop of London went to Rome for advice of the Apostolike Pope Boniface and for necessary causes of the English Church This Pope call'd a Councel of Bishops to appoint some order concerning the life of Monks Mellitus sate among them to the end that what there was legally decreed he confirming might bring with him to the English Church as precepts and rules to be observed He brought also letters from the Pope to Laurence Archbishop to the Clergy and the King This Pope cleansed the Temple Pantheon converting it into a Church in honour of our Lady and the Martyrs Chap. 5. In the year 613. Ethelbert King of Kent after he had raigned six and fifty years entred into eternal blisse the one and twentieth year after he had receiv'd the Faith and was interr'd in St. Martins Porch within the Church of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul Edbald his son much harm'd the tender sprigs of the Church but Gods scourge was not wanting for both an unclean spirit and a frâ—nzie possest him Moreover the death of Sabereth King of the East Saxons and Nephew to Ethelbert much encreased the persecution of the Church who going hence to the everlasting kingdome left three sons who all fell to Idolatry These Princes seeing the Bishop in the Church after he had said Mass giving to the people the Sacrament said unto him Why doest thou not give us also of that white bread To whom he answered If you will be washt in that wholesome Font wherein your Father was you may also eat of this blessed bread but if you contemn the laver of life you may not tastâ— the bread of life Hereupon the King commanded Mellitus and all his company to depart the Realm so he and Justus went over into France Chap. 6. Laurence the Archbishop being now ready to forsake Britany and follow Mellitus and Justus commanded the night before he was to go that his bed should be laid in the Saints Peter and Paulâ— Church where after many prayers and tears powr'd out to God for the State of the Church the blessed Prince of the Apostles appearing in his sleep unto him scourged him a good while and with Apostolicall Authority asked him Why he meant to forsake the flock which he himself had committed unto him and to what Shepheard running now away he would leave the sheep of Christ beset with ravening Wolves By these stripes and the words of St. Peter Laurence the servant of God imboldned came and presented himself to the King and throwing open his garment shew'd him how pittifully he had been beaten When the King all amazed demanded who durst inflict such stripes upon a man of his dignity when he understood it was for his salvation and that by the Apostle of Christ he became afraid and abandoning the worship of Idols and his unlawfull wedlock embraced the Faith of Christ and was baptized promoting the good of the Church to the utmost of his power He call'd home Mellitus and Justus commanding them to return to their Churches and instruct their flock Thus the King with all his Subjects from that day that he was converted submitted himself to the Precepts of God He built a Church in honour of our Lady the blessed Mother of God within the Abbey of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles which Mellitus hollowed Chap. 7. Relates How the holy Archbishop Laurence departing hence to heaven his body was buried in the Abbey-Church of St. Peter the Apostle Mellitus of London succeeded in the See of Canterbury the third after Augustine who by birth was noble but nobler by his singular virtue It chanced that the City of Canterbury was set on fire and great part consum'd and the raging flames drew nigh
to the house where Mellitus lay sick of the Gout but putting his confidence in God he commanded them to carry him out to meet the flames Now where it most raged was at the crowned martyrs The sick man being brought thither represt with his prayers those flames which no power of man could quench Having govern'd the Church five years he past to Heaven Chap. 8. Justus succeeded Mellitus in the Bishoprick who having receiv'd authority from Pope Bonifacius to ordain Bishops consecrated Romanus Bishop The Popes Letter to Justus To our dearest beloved brother Justus How piously and earnestly you have laboured for the Gospel of Christ the perfection and end of your actings fully declare c. We understand you have brought the King to the belief and instructed him in the undoubted Faith We have sent you a Pall which we give you leave to use onely in celebrating the holy mysteries granting you the ordaining of Bishops as occasion shall require that so the Gospel of Christ may by the preaching of many be dilated c. Having regard to the Authority received from the See Apostolike use this our reward towards the gaining of souls Chap. 9. About this time the King and People of Northumberland receiv'd the Faith by the preaching of Paulinus The occasion was this King Edwin desirous to marry Edilburge the King of Kents Daughter sent his Embassadours to effect it but they made answer that it was not lawfull for a Christian to be married to a Pagan least the Faith and Sacrament of the King of Heaven might become prophan'd Hereupon the King entred covenant to do nothing contrary to the Christian Faith this Virgin profest but gave way that she and all the Priests and servants with her should keep and observe after the Christian manner their Faith and Religion Paulinus Bishop came along with her to confirm her and her attendants whom that they might not be polluted by conversing with Pagans he daily strengthned by exhortations and administring the blessed Sacrament unto them labouring earnestly to keep them that came with him from falling and endeavouring by preaching to reconcile others In the same Chapter is mentioned how Paulinus obtain'd by his Prayers that the Queen was safely delivered and that the King might obtain a victory against the West Saxons Whereupon renouncing Idols he granted that Bishop Paulin should Christen his Daughter who born at Faster was Christned at Whitsontide with twelve others of the Kings Court yet for himself the King took longer time to deliberate Chap. 10. Relates How Edwin receiv'd letters from Bonifacins Bishop of the See Apostolike exhorting him to the Faith wherein are these words We have thought good to extend our Priestly care and duty in proposing unto you the rich magazin of our Christian belief c. We exhort you in all affection to abandon Idols and to detest the worship of them c. Knowing how great an offence they commit that worship them c. It behoves you to receive the signe of that Crosse by which mankinde was redeem'd I send you the blessing of St. Peter your Protector Prince of the Apostles Chap. 11. The holy and Apostolike Pope Bonifacius sent letters from Rome to Queen Edilburge wife to King Edwin To Queen Edilburge his dear daughter c. My heart rejoyceth for the benefit of the Lord unto you having vouchsaf'd to enkindle in you the right Religion c. We understand you shine forth in good works Wherefore as it becometh a Father we send unto you as our Daughter in Christ exhorting you not to delay calling upon your Husband till he also be conjoyned with you in the number of Christians And our Fatherly love requires that you declare unto us what the power of God shall work in his and his subjects conversion that so we may render due thanks to God and to St. Peter chiefest of the Apostles We send you the blessing of St. Peter your Protector and prince of the Apostles Chap. 12. The summe of this Chapter briefly is That by a vision from Heaven King Edwin is forced to receive the Faith for being put to flight by King Edilfrid after a world of shifts he findes entertainment with King Redwall who notwithstanding at the threats of Edelfrid resolved to deliver him up to his enemies Edwin having secret intelligence thereof and being greatly perplext in mind in the depth of the night saw an unknown man come to him telling him that he knew well the cause of his grief and that he would ease him of it and make him King and Conquerour of his Enemies and that in power he should surpasse all his Progenitours and all the Kings of the English Lastly He told him that he would give him more profitable Counsel for his souls health than any of his Predecessours ever had so that he would promise to hearken thereunto All which he joyfully promised Then this stranger laid his right hand upon Edwins head saying When these things shall happen remember this our discourse and perform your promise so he vanisht that Edwin perceived it was no man In the morning he understood that King Redwall had changed his minde of betraying him into a purpose of giving him an Army to restore him whereby he conquered King Edilfrid In this battel King Redwals son was slain and so besides the recovery of his own Kingdome he was made Heir apparent to King Redwall For all this he still remain'd slack to embrace our Faith though Paulin earnestly preacht the word of God unto him Yet he us'd to retire himself to think what Religion was best Once as he was in this retirement Paulin entring the Palace and as if he had known in spirit what vision the King in his banishment had received comming to him he laid his right hand upon his Head asking him Whether he remembred that signe or no The King trembling for fear would have faln down at Paulins feet but he lifting him up said You have escape the hands of your Enemies you have obtaind the height of soveraignty be now mindfull of the last thing you promised and defer it no longer Chap. 13. The King hearing these words answered he was bound to receive the Faith which Paulin Preacht But yet he desired to confer thereof with the Nobility and Peers of his Realm whereunto Paulin assenting the Assembly is call'd the abandoning of Idolatry resolv'd upon Coify Chief Priest of the false gods offers himself to be the first to demolish them so clad in Armour and mounted on the Kings horse he casts a spear at the Idol commanding the Idolatrous Altars to be fired which was performed Chap. 14. King Edwin with all the Nobility and most of the Commons received the Faith and were Baptiz'd on Easter-day An. 627 in Saint Peters Church at York which he had set up of wood whilest he was Catechiz'd Here the King assigned a Bishops
See for Paulin at whose request he built a large Cathedral enclosing that of Wood where he had been Baptiz'd Paulin henceforth preacht the word of God continually and they believ'd him and were Christ'ned And the fervour of Faith and desire of holy Baptism was so great that he was staid at Court 36. dayes busied in catechizing and instructing the people in the Faith of Christ In the Countrey of the Deiri he baptiz'd in the floud Swale for as yet there could not be built Oratories Fonts or Baptisteries Yet was there built a great Church in the planes called Downs which the Pagans that slew King Edwin burnt but the Altar escaped the fire being of stone and is kept in the Monastery of the reverend Abbot Trumvulse Chap. 15. King Edwins zeal and devotion was so great towards the Christian Faith that he perswaded Carpwell King of the East English to leave the vain superstition of Idols and with his whole Realm to embrace the true Faith and receive the Sacrament of Christs Church King Redwalls Carpwels Father was Christned before in Kent but he was quickly seduced again by his Wife He seem'd to serve both Christ and his false Gods for in one Temple he erected an Altar for the Sacrifice of Christ and another for his Idols Felix Bishop and a holy Preacher being sent by Honorius Archbishop to preach the Word of God to the East-English found plenty of fruit and encrease of Believers for he brought the whole Province unto the Faith Chap. 16. Relates How Paulin the Bishop preaching the word of God in the Province of Lindesi bulit a Church in the chief City where every year some miraculous Cures were wrought Chap. 17. Relates How Honorius Bonifacius his Successor was Bishop of Rome and sate in the See Apostolick who understanding that the King of Northumberland and all his Subjects were converted to the Faith by Paulinus his preaching sent him a Pall and Letters also to King Edwin exhorting him to go forward in the true Faith To the most Puissant and his most vertuous Son in our Lord Edwin King Honorius servant of the servants of God What are we better able to offer to God than by persisting in good works to worship and render him deserved praises We exhort you dearly beloved Son with Fatherly affection c. A little after he writeth Read St. Gregorie's your Apostles works and set his doctrine ever before your eyes that his prayers may advance your kingdome and people and represent you irreprehensible unto the Almighty We have provided those things which you wisht might be ordained for your Priests We have two Palls for the Primats Honorius and Paulinus commanding that when one of them is called out of this life the surviver substitute by this our Authority another in his place Chap. 18. About this time died Justus Archbishop and Honorius succeeding was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury by Pauline He was the Fifth after St. Augustine to whom Pope Honorius sent a Pall ordaining that when either the Bishop of Canterbury or Yorke died the surviver should have power to Consecrate another in the place of the deceased that so they should not need to travell and toile by Sea and Land to Rome as often as an Archbishop was to be ordained The Copy of the Popes letter to Honorius Labour in preaching the Gospel and follow the rule and steps of your Head and Master blessed Gregory c. As for the priviledges of your Churches we have not delay'd to grant you such things as We thought fit And now We in the place of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles grant unto you Authority c. Here followeth the grant specified in the beginning of this Chapter Dated An. 633. Chap. 19. Pope Honorius sent letters to the Scots whom he understood to erre in the observation of Easter exhorting them that they would not esteem their small number wiser than the Churches of Christ either antient or newly converted in celebrating any other Easter than after the common account and according to the Uniform Decrees of all the Bishops of the world assembled in Councel Chap. 20. Relates How King Edwin was slain his Army defeated his Kingdomes over-run by Penda the Idolater and Carduëlla so that there was no safety but in flight Then Bishop Paulin return'd to Kent bringing with him a fair golden Cross and Chalice consecrated to the use of the Altar which are to be seen in the Cathedral of Canterbury There he govern'd the See of Rochester and left his Pall which he had receiv'd from the Pope of Rome James the Deacon left by Paulin at York set up a School for Church Musick according to the fashion of Rome and Diocess of Canterbury The Third Book Chap. 1. RElates how the Kings Osrich and Eandfrid fell to Idolatry whereupon they deserved not to be accounted to our Kings but their years are numbred to holy King Oswald next following Chap. 2. The place is shew'd untill this day and had in great veneration where Oswald who slew Carduëlla before the battell set up the signe of the holy Cross beseeching God humbly on his knees to succour them in their distress Having with his own hands set up the Crosse he said to the Army Let us all kneâ—l down and pray the Almighty to help us In the place where he made his prayer many miraculous Cures are known to be done in token of his Faith Untill this day many doe usually cut chips from the wood of that holy Cross which casting into water and giving the sick thereof both men and beasts to drink or sprinkling them therewith they are restored to health The place is called Heavenfield signifying that in that place a heavenly memorial should be set up and heavenly miracles be wrought even till our daies The Religious of Hagulsden Church for a long time have us'd to come every year upon the Eve and Day that King Oswald was slain to keep Dirges for his soul and in the morning after Psalms solemnly to offer for him the Sacrifice of the holy Oblation By continuance of this custome the place is become more holy and is now honored by all for the Church dedicated in the same place We shal relate one of many miracles wrought at this Crosse One of the Religious of Hagulsden by name Bothelmus who liveth yet when by chance going on the Ice by a fall broke his Arm in so much that he could not lift it to his mouth prayed one of the brethren to bring him a piece of that blessed wood saying that by Gods grace he might finde help thereby He did so giving the party some of the Moss wherewith the wood was covered which putting into his bosome in the night he found himself soon after whole and sound Chap. 3. Relates how Aidan the Bishop being sent from the Scots to King Oswald the King himself became
resorting to that place where King Oswald shed his bloud were there cured Chap. 11. Among other miracles I cannot omit to relate what hapned when King Oswalds bones were translated to the Church where they now are When towards Evening the Charriot was come wherein the bones were they of the Monastery of Beandaman were unwilling to receive them for although they had known him for a blessed man yet by reason he was a Forreigner born and had subdued them by Conquest they hated his memory So it fell out that the Reliques remain'd abroad all night yet was there a great Pavilion extended over the Chariot where the Reliques were But a Miracle from heaven declared with how great reverence those Bones were to be receiv'd of all faithfull people for all night long a pillar of light stood reaching from the Chariot wherein they were unto Heaven clearly beheld almost in all places of the Province which made the Brethren of the Monastery now earnestly desire that those holy Reliques might be laid up in their House They were therefore enclos'd in a shrine and placed with honour in the Church The water wherewith his bones were washt being poured out in a corner of the Vestry from that day forward the earth which receiv'd it had a speciall virtue in driving Devils out of possest bodies An Abbesse who is yet alive desir'd some of the Earth to be given her upon which this water was poured out and with it returned home It hapned that a stranger came to her Monastery who was wont to be vext with an unclean Spirit and at night began to foame gnash his teeth and rage no body being able to hold him The Abbess repaires to that quarter where the Men lodg'd and calling the Priest went with him to the Patient Where the Priest began to say the exorcisme That not sufficing the Abbess commanded her Maid to go bring her the little cabbinet wherein that Earth we spoke of was reserv'd As soon as the Maid was come with it from the Nunns quarter into the Court of that House where the possess'd Person was he grew silent and began to rest and as it were sleep and soon after rising up he said I feel my self whole They asked him how this came to pass And he answered As soon as this Virgin with the Cabinet which she brought approch't the Court of the House all the wicked Spirits that molested me departed Then the Abbess gave him of that dust and the Priest saying some Prayers he past over the night most quietly and was perfectly freed Chap. 12. In the same Monastry a little Boy had been long sick of an ague and was expecting his fit when one of the Brethern comming in said My Son I le tell thee how thou mayest be cured rise and go sit thee down at the Tombe of Oswald and be sure thou stirrest not thence till the howre be over in which thy fit useth to leave thee then I will come and bring thee forth The Boy did so and his Ague durst not presume to seize upon him at the Tombe of the Saint That this hapned thus a Brother who came from thence told me adding how at that very hower the youth was living in that Monastery who was thus cured by Miracle It is not to be wondred that the Prayers of that King now in Heaven may obtain much of God who having a Temporall Kingdome accustomed himself to continuall Prayer even died praying for as he was slain he prayed to God for the Soules of his Souldiers whereupon arose that old Proverbe God have mercy on their souls quoth Oswald when he dyed himself Chap. 13. The Reverend Bishop Acca used to tell how he heard Willebrord that holy Bishop of Frizeland report what had been done abroad by the wonderous Reliques of this Vertuous King A certain Scholler careless in his life being at the point of death with great remorse of his sins made a purpose if he recovered to amend saying If God of his mercy grant me to escape death I resolve to mend my life yet I know I have deserv'd no truce except by the help of such as have faithfully served God he of his mercy will pardon mee We have heard there hath been a King of wonderfull holiness called Oswald the Excellency of whose Faith and Vertue even after his death was well known by working frequent Miracles I beseech you speaking to the standers by if you have any of his Reliques bring me them It may be God will have mercy on me through his Merits to whom I made answer saith Willebrord I have of the tree whereupon his head was stuck after he was slain and if thou wilt beleeve assuredly God by the Merits of so worthy a Person may grant thee longer life Who answering he did believe I blest saith Willebrord some water casting into it a shiver of the said Oake giving it the sick man to drink and forthwith he recovered and reform'd his life and living long after declar'd to all men the favour of our Maker and the glory of his servant Chap. 14. Relates how Oswin was slain by Osway where afterward in satisfaction for the sin there was a Monastery built wherein daily Prayers were offered up to God for Redemption of both the Kings souls the Murderer and murdered It Relates also the admirable Vertue of King Oswin how Aidan the Bishop foretold his death and twelve days after died himself Chap. 15. Relates How God by many Miracles declared to the world how worthy a Man Aidan the Bishop was and how Vtta a Priest being sent into Kent to fetch Eansled King Edwins Daughter the Bishop at his setting forth blessing him gave him hallowed oile saying I know that at your taking ship you will have a Tempest But remember to cast into the sea this oile that I give you All which hapning as Aidan had foretold the Priest takeing the oile cast of it into the sea and immediately there ensued a Calme This I had saith Bede from the faithfull relation of Cinimond Priest of our Church who said he had it from Vtta himself to whom this hapned Chap. 16. Relates How by the Prayers of Aidan Bishop the fire which the Enemy had defigned to burne a Towne besieg'd returned upon themselves making them quit the siege Chap. 17. Relates How the Vertuous Bishop Aidan departed this life the 17th year of his Bishoprick Not long after a Church being dedicated to the honour of the most blessed Prince of the Apostles his bones were translated thither and placced on the right side of the Altar with much honor as he deserved When King Penda set fire on the Church that Post onely whereunto this holy Bishop leaned at his death could by no force of fire be consum'd The Miracle being known and spread abroad the Church was again built but the like hapned the second time
Whereupon at the reedifying of the Church the third time in memory of the Miracle the Post was laid as a thrashold for people to kneel on and make their prayers to God And t is well known that divers in that place have been cured of diseases and by the water where in Chipps cut from the Post have been dipt many have had their health restored them Chap. 18. Relates How King Sigibert was so enflam'd with the love of God that leaving his Realm he entred into a Monastery where being shaven he addicted himself to a heavenly warfare Chap. 19. Relates How Furseus encouraged by a Vision built the Monastery the King had given him planting therein Regular discipline Also how from his childehood he gave himself to the reading of holy Scripture and Monasticall observance building another Monastery wherein he might wholy attend to watching and praying where being sick he was rapt in spirit and saw the blessed company of Heaven and great conflicts he had with the wicked spirits who prevaild not the holy Angels guarding and defending him Moreover in a number of straÌ„g visions he saw the evill spirits tormenting men in fire and they did fling one of them at him whom the Angel flung back which neverthelesse did so burne Furseus that when he was restored again to his body the tokens of the scorching remain'd visible to all in his shoulder and cheek all the dayes of his life after His body being removed to the High Altar was found uncorrupt And the year following the same hapned being to be translated to the east side of the Altar In which place it is well known that his Merits have been much renown'd by many Miracles wrought by the Power of God Chap. 20. Tells the death of Honorius Archbishop of Canterbury and how Deus-dedit succeeded Chap. 21. Relates How the Middle-English with Penda their King Son to Penda the â—erfecutor and his Nobles were converted by Finan first a Monke and after Bishop of Lindesferne Chap. 22. Relates How the East-Saxons after their apostacie were converted Sigibert their King having one in his Court that lived in unlawfull wedlock and being excommunicated and all that kept him company by the Bishop the King neglecting this sentence for the evill example and because he would not refrain from going to the house of that wicked man was told by him that in that house he should die And the event proved true for he was there slain by Penda King of the Mercians Yet it is to be presumed that the cause of his death which was for observing Christs command did not onely wipe away this fault but encrease his his merit Swidhelm succeeded Sigibert who was baptised by Cedde Edilwald King of the East-English being his Godfather Chap. 23. Edilwald Son to King Oswald perceiving Cedde to be a wise and vertuous man granted him a plat of ground for the building a Monastery where he and his people might pray and hear the word of God For he believed he should be much furthered by the prayers of those that served God there Cedde's brother preached and ministred the Sacraments to him and all his Court The holy Bishop chose out a place for a Monastery and desiring by prayer and fasting to cleanse it remaind there all the forty daies of Lent fasting and praying All these dayes excepting Sundayes he fasted untill Evening for he said the custome of them from whom he learnt Monasticall life was that in erecting of any new Monastery the place should be first consecrated to God by fasting and prayer He ordain'd in the Monastery of Lesting the same Rules and constitutions of Religion which the Monks of the Holy Island had As he visited the Monastery in the time of the Plague he dyed thereof A Church being after built in honour of our Lady his body was taken up and placed on the right side of the Altar A while after thirty Bretheren of the Monastry of the East Saxons came to the place where he died desiring either to live by the body of their Father or if it so pleas'd God to die there Who being received by the Brethren in time of the Plague were all taken out of this life except one youth who as t is wel known was sav'd by the prayers 〈◊〉 this holy Father For afterwards we understood that he had not bin christned whence it was beleeved that he was without doubt preserved by the intercession of the Father whose Corps he so piously visited Chap. 24. Relates How vertuous King Oswin of Northumberland called for the help of God against Penda who threatned to destroy little and great in his Kingdome He tried to appease him by gifts that not succeeding he said Since this Infidel regardeth not my Presents let us offer presents to our Lord who will receive them so he vowed that if he vanquisht him his daughter should be consecrated to God in perpetuall Virginity and that twelve Farms with Lands should be converted to the founding of Monasteries Thus with a very smal Army he offered him battle though the Enemy was reported to have thirty times as many men The victory being by Gods help miraculously obtained Oswin instantly performed his Vow giving his daughter Elfled not yet a year old to be brought up and consecrated to perpetual virginity as also the twelve Possessions towards the founding of Monasteries where instead of worldly Tillage Religious Monks by continuall devotion might labour to purchase eternal rest for him and his Countrey She entred first the Monastery of Horstherland now Hartsey to be brought up under Hilda Abbesse in Religion and perpetual Virginity But afterwards she built a Monastery call'd Stranshalt in which she was first a Scholler but after a Teacher of Monasticall life untill at the age of threescore she past to the blessed marriage of her Heavenly Spouse being buried in the Church of St. Peter the Apostle Eanfled required of Osway who kill'd Oswin in part of satisfaction to erect a Monastery call'd Ingelith whereof Trumher was Abbot to the intent that there might be daily prayer made for the salvation both of him that was slain and him that slew him Chap. 25. About this time arose a great Controversie touching the observation of Easter By this variance it hapned often that in one year two Easters were kept the King ending his Fast and solemnizing the Feast of Easter the Queen with her company continuing in fasting kept Palm-sunday yet this diversity as long as Aidan liv'd was by al tolerated for though in observing Easter he followed the custom of those with whom he was brought up yet he believed as all others did and kept unity with all Alfred the Kings son being instructed by the learned Wilfrid preferr'd his judgment before all the traditions of the Scots This Wilfrid for better instruction had travell'd to Rome and lived long with
Delphinus Archbishop of Lions under whom he shaved his crown according to the custome of the Clergy Alfred gave him a Monastery in a place which is called Humpud one for learning virtue worthy thereof A Synod is call'd in the Monastery of Strensalt for the deciding of this question Wilfrid commanded by the King and Bishop spake thus in answer to the Scots and to Colman their chief Bishop The Easter by us observed we have seen so observed at Rome where the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul liv'd preacht suffered and are buried This manner we have seen in all Italy and France This we know to be observed in Afrike Asia Aegypt and Greece and throughout all Nations and tongues of the world where the Church of Christ taketh place except these few and others of like obstinacy the Picts Britans with whom these men do fondly contend against the whole world God forbid said Wilfrid that we should charge St. John For he in his observation kept the decrees of Moses law literally according as the whole Church followed yet in many things after the Jewish manner For the Apostles were not able upon the sudden to blot out all customes and rites of the law instituted by God himself This they were forced to bear for a time least the Jews that lived among the Gentiles might be offended Upon this consideration St. Paul did circumcise Timothy Now the light of the Gospel shining through the world it is not lawfull for any Christian to be circumcised Peter preaching his Gospel at Rome remembring that our Lord rose the first day after the Sabath understood the observation of Easter in such sort that he lookt for the rising of the Moon at Evening in the 14th day of her Age in the first moneth at the rising whereof at Evening if the morrow after were Sunday he began in that very Evening to observe the Feast of Easter as all we do to this day but if Sunday were not the next morrow after the 14day of the Change of the Moon but the 16 17 or any other untill the 21. he tarried for the Sunday and that Saturday before he began the holy solemnity of Easter And it was by the Nicene Councel not newly decreed but confirmed that this is the true observation of Easter and so of all Christians to be celebrated As for your Father and his followers I doe not think it was much prejudiciall against them as long as they had yet receiv'd no instruction to the contrary but I rather suppose seeing they willingly followed such commands as they knew they would also have conform'd themselves to the Catholike judgment if they had been so informed But you your companions if hearing the decrees of the See Apostolike or rather of the Universall Church and that also confirmed in holy Writ follow not the same you offend and sin undoubtedly For though your Fathers were holy men could these few prejudice the whole Church of Christ spread through the World and if your Father Columban were holy and mighty in miracles yet may he not be preferr'd before the most blessed Prince of the Apostles to whom our Lord said Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church and Hell gates shall not prevaile against her And to thee I will give the Keys of the kingdome of Heaven The King hearing this said Agree ye both in this that these words were principally spoken unto Peter and that unto him the Keys of the Kingdome of Heaven were given When both answered yes the King concluded saying I tell you I will not gainsay such a Porter as this is but as far as I know and am able I will endeavour in all points to obey his Ordinances least perhaps when I come to the doores of Heaven I finde none to open them to me having his displeasure who is so clearly proved to bear the Keys thereof Thus they all embraced the more perfect observance Chap. 26. Colman the Scottish Bishop seeing his Doctrine disproved departed for Scotland taking with him such as refused to accept of the Catholike observation of Easter and of the carrying of a round shaven Crown Cedda embraced the Catholike Tradition and Tuda was made Bishop of the Northern men wearing after the manner of that Countrey a shaven Crown and observing Easter after the Catholike manner In holy Island Eata a reverend Father once Abbot of Mailrose was made Abbot over the Monks Colman departing took with him some of the bones of Bishop Aidan part also he left in the Church where he was Bishop laying them up in the Vestry The same Chapter further Relates of the Monks of this Monastery how greatly they abstain'd from all pleasure if they took any money of rich men they presently gave it to the poore and the eminent and wealthy never came but to pray and hear the Word of God and those that came contented themselves with the religious mens simple fare looking for nothing above the ordinary The Rulers of the Church sought not to pamper the body but to save the soul whence it came to passe that even the Habit of Religious men was had in great Veneration so that when any of the Clergy or Religious came forth he was joyfully received of all as the Servant of God And if any were going a journey the people ran to them and with great reverence desired to have their blessing either by hand or mouth And when they made any Exhortation as they past by every man gladly hearkened unto them Upon Sundaies ordinarily the people went to Church or Cloisters not to eat and drink but to hear the Word of God and if any Priest came abroad into the Villages the Inhabitants would flock about him desiring of him some lesson or instruction The Clergy in those dayes seldome went abroad but to Preach to Christen to visite the sick or for the cure of Souls Neither would they in those daies take territories or possessiosn towards building of Monasteries but through earnest sute and almost forc't thereto Note here upon the departure of Colman that the Scots converted by Palladius An. 422. as was said B. 1. C. 13. did not disagree in Faith from those sent by St. Gregory and later Popes into England in any one of those points in which the Protestants now differ from the Roman Faith They disagreed not about the Mass about Prayer for the dead Prayer to Saints about the reall Presence or any such point All the disagreement was about the time of keeping Easter and the manner of Tonsure Whence it is evident that Rome in the points now in Controversie taught the very same this year 664 which it had taught the Scots by Palladius An. 423. And what it taught then it taught the Britans An. 156. as I noted above B. 2. C. 2. see that place see also the Preface Number 1. Chap. 27. Relates how divers English
humility she had been tried in sickness by the sweet hand of God for the space of nine years to the end that the spot of sin by ignorance or negligence contracted might be purged by the fire of tribulation This woman towards break of day saw plainly as it were a Corps brighter than the Sun carried up in a winding sheet from the Dormitory where the Sister lay and diligently observing what it was that drew up the glorious body she saw as it were certain cords brighter than gold which drew it so high till it vanisht away By this she understood that some of them should shortly die whose soul should be lifted up to heaven by good works as by golden cords which hapned so for not long after the Mother of the Covent was delivered out of the prison of this flesh whose life was such that no man can doubt but that the entrance to heaven lay open to her There was in the Monastery a holy Nun noble by birth noble for the love she had of the world to come who for many years was so bereft of all use of her limbs that she was wholy unable to move her self This Nun when she knew that the body of the reverend Abbess was brought to the Church to be buried desired she might be carried thither and laid down in the posture of one praying Which done she spake to the Abbess as if she had been alive desiring her to obtain of God that she might be loosed from her torments The Petition was soon granted for twelve dayes after she received everlasting reward in lieu of those temporal afflictions Thorithgid the handmaid of Christ lived three years after the Abbesse worn out with sicknesse The time of her departing being come she was speechlesse three dayes and nights but having her speech restored in a Vision and being demanded of them that were about her to whom she spake To my most dear Mother Edilburge quoth she By these words they understood that the holy Abbesse came to bring her word that the time of her departure was at hand for soon after she died Chap. 10. Hildehid a devoute handmaid of God succeeded Abbesse who many years governed the Monastery very carefully in regular discipline and order She caused the bones of Edilburge the holy servant of Christ to be taken up and removed to the Church of the blessed Mother of God in which place how often the brightnes of heavenly light appeared how often fragrant odours of mervelous sweetness were felt with other Miracles appeareth in that book whence we have taken these things By no means I think fit to over-passe one miracle which hapned there An Earls wife had a darkness suddenly came over her eyes which in the end made her stark blinde It came into her mind that if she were but brought to the Monastery of the Virgin-Nuns and there prayed at the Reliques of the Saints she might be cured Being led by her maid to the Monastery as she pray'd there her Petition was heard For rising from her prayers she received her sight so that it seemed she had lost the light of this world only to this end that she might shew by her recovery what how great the light is that Christs Saints have in Heaven what their power virtue is Chap. 11. At that time Sebby a most devout and holy man raign'd over the East-Saxons He was much addicted to the exercise of Religion and Virtue to Prayer and Charity esteeming a solitary and Monastical life above the riches and honour of a Kingdome Which life he would long before leaving his Kingdome have embraced but that his wife would not consent After thirty years being molested with a very great infirmity he counsell'd his wife that now at least they should betake themselves to God which she assenting to He by the Bishop of London Waldhers hand and blessing receiv'd the Habit of Religion He bestow'd much money on the poor reserving nothing for himself chusing rather to remain poor in spirit for the Kingdome of Heaven When he perceived death at hand he sent for the Bishop desiring that at his passing out of this world he and two of his Chaplines onely should be present Then falling asleep he was comforted by a Vision which shewing him his end took from him all fear He saw as is reported three men coming to him clad in bright garments and one of them sitting by his bed-side told him his soul in great light and salvation should depart without pain and that he should die the third day after All which came to pass T is further related how the body being longer than the stone Coffin by a hand-breadth the said Coffin by a miracle wrought in the presence of a multitude of people was so enlarged that at the head they could put a pillow and at the feet was space longer by foure fingers breadth than the Corps Chap. 12. Ceadwal having been King of the West Saxons two years for the love of Heaven left his Kingdome and went to Rome where he ended his dayes Two Bishops are appointed in Wilfrids place over Northumberland both taken out of the Cloysters of Monks Chap. 13. Wilfrid the Bishop forc't to leave his Diocess through the displeasure of the King yet could not be kept from preaching the Gospel for he ministred to the South Saxons the Faith and Baptism King Edilwach was Christned not long before King Wulpher being his Godfather at the Font He Christned also the principal Lords of the Countrey the Queen with the rest soon after following The whole Province had never before heard of God nor of the Faith yet was there in the Countrey one Dicull a Monk who lived in the Monastery of Bosanhun with five or six brethren serving God in an humble and pure life but the people would not follow them nor hear them In the end Wilfrid by preaching the Gospel to them not onely delivered them from eternal damnation but also from temporal death For in three years before his coming it had not raign'd one drop in all those quarters whereby a very sore famine ensued which pitifully wasted them But on the very self same day that the people received their Baptisme and Faith there fell a most plentifull shower wherewith the Earth flourisht againe and brought in a most fruitfull year The King gave Wilfrid and his companions a place called Scoleycen There he founded an Abbey which he bound to monasticall discipline placing Monks there whose successors hold it to this day Chap. 14. At the same time in this Monastery were shewed divers gifts of Heavenly grace When first this Province received the name of Christ a sore Plague raign'd in many places of England which coming in to this Monastery which the vertuous Priest Eappa governed where many daily dyed it seemed good to the Brethren to appoint a fast
received of the Saints in heaven Which practise in those dayes many English both of Nobles and Commons Spirituall and temporall Men and Women were wont to performe with exceeding emulation Chap. 8. Relates How Theodore Arch-Bishop of Canterbury departed this life very aged and how the number of years he lived were signified unto him by revelation He was buried in St. Peters Church A man worthy of perpetuall remembrance for his singular vertues of whom with his companions it may be said That their names shall live in glory from generation to generation Then the Church of England received such comfort and encrease in spirituall matters that it never received the like before nor after Chap. 9. Berechwald succeedeth Theodore in Canterbury who was Abbot of Rashwulfe now called Reculver in Kent a man well knowing in the holy Scripture skilfull in Ecclesiasticall and Monasticall orders and discipline He consecrated Toby Bishop of Rochester one expert in the Latine and Greek Tongue Chap. 10. Relates How Egbert a Reverend Priest and servant of God to obtaine Heaven led a Pilgrims life in Ireland He took upon him the office of an Apostle desirous to preach the word of God to the German provinces which had not yet received it or if this could not be to travell to Rome to see and worship the Tombes of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs But by revelation from Heaven neither of these was effected For Boisell once Abbot of Mailrose appearing after Mattins to a Religious Man bad him go tell Egbert that he must not perform that Journey but that it was Gods will that he should go and instruct Columbe's Monastery This Columbe was the first Preacher of the Faith to the Picts and the first Founder of a Monastery in the Isle of Hu which was had in great estimation Egbert neglecting for awhile to go to the Monastery as he was commanded of God Boisell appeared again to that Religious man telling him that he should say to Egbert that whether he would or no he should go to Columb's Monastery Which so fell out For by tempest he was drive thither yet one of his companions Wigbert by name excelling in contempt of the world and profound knowledge for he had led an Anacorrites life in great perfection many years arrived in Frizland but without successe So he returned to his former solitary life Chap. 11. Egbert By Revelation from God not being suffered to preach in Germany he sent other holy and vertuous men of whom that notable and excellent man Willibrord Priest was chief They converted Frizeland from Idolatry to the Faith of Christ two other English Priests who had voluntarily liv'd in banishment in Ireland for hope of eternal life whose names were Henwald came into Saxony to win souls to Christ The barbarous observing them to be of another Religion for they sung Hymns Psalms and devoute Prayers and daily offered the sacrifice of the holy Host having with them holy Vessels a little Table hollowed instead of an Altar suspecting they came to withdraw their Land from worshipping their gods murthered them and to witness their Martyrdome there appeared Miracles from Heaven For their bodies being cast into the river of Rhene were carried almost forty mile against the main stream to their companions and a great bright beam of light reaching up to heaven shin'd every night over the place where their bodies were One of them appeared in the night to a companion of his nam'd Tilmon who of a Souldier was become a Monk telling him that he should find their bodies where he should see a light shine from heaven which happened accordingly The day of their Martyrdome or Invention is in those places celebrated with due veneration King Pipin with great glory entombed them at Collen T is reported that in the place in which they were killed a Spring bubbled up which to this day affordeth plenty of water Chap. 12. Willebrord with these Holy men his companions having license of the Prince to preach in Frizland went first to Rome where Sergius sate in the See Apostolike that by his approbation and benediction he might settle to the Apostolike office of preaching to the Heathens hoping withall to receive of him some Reliques of Christs holy Apostles and Martyrs that when casting out Idols he erected Churches he might have in readiness some holy Saints Reliques to bring in their place and to dedicate them in their honour whose Reliques he had received All things succeeding to his desire Swibert is chosen their Bishop and consecrated in England by Wilfred and returning converteth a great number At last building a Monastery in an Isle of the Rhene leading there a very austere and continent life he died His successors possesse the same to this day Pepin sent that vertuous and worthy Prelate Wilbrord to Rome by consent of all that he might be made Archbishop of Frizland upon Saint Cicilyes day Anno 690. and in her Church he was consecrated and named Clement by the Pope and sent to his Bishopriâ—k of Vtreckt in Holland He erected many Churches and Monasteries through the Countrey This Willebrord otherwise Clement liveth yet a Reverend Father Chap. 13. At the same time was wrought in Britany a Miracle worthy of perpetuall rememberance and not unlike to the ancient Miracles of times past A certaine man in Northumberland dead for a time rose againe to life and told many things worthy the relating of which we touch some few I am saith he truly risen again from the death but henceforth my conversation must be far unlike my former life Rising up he went to Church and continued there in prayer untill day Then he divided all his goods into three parts one he gave to his wife another to his children the third he gave in almes to the poor Then he entred into the Monastery of Maitrose and being shaven he made his abode in a secret habitation assigned him by the Abbot where he lived untill his dying day in such austerity of body that though his tongue had said nothing yet his life spake that he had seen many terrible things He related what he hath seen in this manner The Countenance apparel of my guide was ful of light we came to one great broad valley of infinite length all full of terrible fire there was also another valley intolerable with hail and snow Both places were full of souls tossed as with a whirlewind out of one into the other I began to think that this was Hell but my guide said Think not so Then having mentioned all the rest of the visions he relates how his guide told him That this valley so full of horrible flames and so bitterly cold was the place where their souls remain to be tried who deferring the Confession of their sins and amendment had recourse to Pennance at the point of death yet because they made