of London was keeping his hospitality it being Christmas at Fulham 15 So was Dr. Curle at Winchester-House and it was conceived unsafe though but cross the Thames to send unto him 16 So also was Dr. Warner of Rochester returned to entertain his neighbours in the Country 17 Dr. Bridgeman of Chester were not as yet come out of the Country 18 Dr. Roberts of Bangor 19 Dr. Manwaring Bishop of St. Davids sate not in the house as disabled long since by his censure in Parliament 26 Dr. Duppa Bishop of Salisbury was attending his charge Prince Charles 21 Dr. John Prideaux were not yet consecrated Bishops of Worcester 22 Dr. Winniffe Lincoln 23 Dr. Ralf Brounrigge Exeter 24 Dr. Henry King Chichester 25 Dr. John Westfield Bristoll 20 Carlile was void by the late death of Dr. Potter only confer'd by the King on Archbishop Ussher to hold it in Commendam Thus have we made up their numbers and must not forget that a secret item was given to some of the Bishops by some of their well-wishers to absent themselves in this licentious time of Christmas though they had not the happinesse to make use of the advice 16. The other twelve Bishops being not yet fully recovered from their former fear The form thereof grief and anger which are confest by all to be but bad counsellors in cases of importance drew up in hast and disturbance such a Protestation that posterity already hath had more years to discusse and examine then they had hours I had almost said minutes to contrive and compose and most of them implicitly relying on the conceived infallability of the Archbishop of York in point of common law all subscribed as followeth To the Kings most excellent Majesty and the Lords and Peers now assembled in Parliament WHereas the Petitioners are called up by severall and respective writs Decem. 27. and under great penalties to attend the Parliament and have a cleer and indubitable right to vote in Bills and other matters whatsoever debatable in Parliament by the ancient customes Lawes and Statutes of this Realm and ought to be protected by your Majesty quietly to attend and prosecute that great service They humbly remonstrate and protest before God your Majesty and the noble Lords and Peers now assembled in Parliament That as they have an indubitate right to sit and vote in the House of the Lords so are they if they may be protected from force and violence most ready and willing to perform their duties accordingly And that they doe abominate all actions or opinions tending to Popery and the maintenance thereof as also all propension and inclination to any malignant party or any other side or party whatsoever to the which their own reasons and conscience shall not move them to adhere But whereas they have been at severall times violently menaced affronted and assaulted by multitudes of people in their coming to perform their services in that Honourable House and lately chased away and put in danger of their lives and can finde no redresse or protection upon sundry complaints made to both Houses in these particulars They humbly protest before your Majesty and the Noble House of Peers that saving unto themselves all their rights and interest of sitting and voting in that House at other times they dare not sit or vote in the House of Peers untill your Majesty shall further secure them from all affronts indignities and dangers in the premises Lastly whereas their fears are not built upon phantasies and conceits but upon such grounds and objects as may well terrifie men of resolution and much constancy they doe in all humility and duty protest before your Majesty and Peers of that most Honourable House of Parliament against all Lawes Orders Votes Resolutions and Determinations as in themselves Null and of none effect which in their absence since the 27 th of this instant moneth of December 1641. have already passed as likewise against all such as shall hereafter passe in that most Honourable House during the time of this their forced and violent absence from the said most Honourable House not denying but if their absenting of themselves were wilfull and voluntary that most honourable House might proceed in all their premises their absence or this protestation notwithstanding And humbly beseeching your most excellent Majesty to command the Clark of that house of Peers to enter this their Petition and Protestation among his Records They will ever pray God to blesse c. John Eborac Jho Duresme Ro. Co. Lich. Jos Norw Jo. Asaph Guli Ba. and Wells Geo. Heref. Robt. Oxon. Ma. Ely Godfry Glouc. Jo. Peterburg Morice Landasf This instrument they delivered to Archbishop Williams who according to their desire his own counsell and promise at the next opportunity presented it to his Majesty 17. His Majesty would not meddle therewith in this dangerous juncture of time The Bishops impeached of High-Treason his great Councell then sitting but wholly remitted the matter to the Parliament The next morning a Privy-Counsellor brought this protestation into the house at the reading whereof the anti-episcopall party much triumphed that the Bishops had gratified them with such an advantage against themselves which their adversaries might wish but durst not hope for heretofore A conference is desired with the Commons in the painted Chamber and therein concluded that the Bishops should be impeached of high Treason for indeavouring to subvert the fundamentall laws of the land and the very being of Parliaments 18. Hereupon the next day the twelve subscribes were voted to be committed to the Tower And committed to the Tower 28 save that Bishop Morton of Durham and Hall of Norwich found some favour partly in respect of their old age and partly in regard of the great good they had done with their pens and preaching to the Church of God So that they alone were sent to the custody of the black rod. The rest being brought into the Tower had that honour granted them in the prison which was denied them in the Parliament to be esteemed equall with yea above temporall Lords as appeared by the fees demanded of them Though in fine Sir John Biron Lieutenant of the Tower 30 proved very courteous in removing the rigor thereof The Archbishop of Cant. by a civill message excused himself for not conversing with them because he was committed on a different account from them and probably they might mutually fare the worse for any intercourse And here we leave them prisoners for eighteen weeks together and proceed 19. Now was the Bill against the Bishops sitting in Parliament brought up into the house of Lords Viscount Newwark his two Speeches in the behalf of Bishops and the matter agitated with much eagernesse on both sides Amongst those who sided with them none appeared in print more zealous then the Lord Viscount Newwarke afterward Earle of Kingstone c. whose two speeches in Parliament although spoken some * The first
Now though the said Sir Reginald did modestly decline the Pope's Honour for want of Maintenance yet had he at that time no fewer then forty three Knights Fees held of his Castle of Dunstar I have nothing else to adde herein save that the ancient Armes of the Mohuns viz. a hand in a Maunch holding a Flower de luce in that Age more fashionable then a Rose in Heraldry seems to relate to this occasion which their Family afterward changed into a Sable Crosse in the Atchievements in the Holy land born at this day by the truely honourable the Lord Mohun Baron of Oakehampton as descended from this Family 28. This year died Robert Grouthead 38 Bishop of Lincoln 1254 born at Stodebrook in Suffolk The death of Bishop Grouthead Natalibus pudendis saith my c Bishop Godwin in Catalogue of Linc. Bish. Authour of Shamefull extraction intimating suspicion of Bastardy though the parents rather then the child have caused a blush thereat He got his Surname from the greatness of his head having large Stoage to receive and store of Braines to fill it bred for a time in Oxford then in France a great and generall Scholar Bale reckoning up no fewer then two hundred books of his making and a great opposer of the Popes oppression which now grew intolerable 29. For it appeared by inquisition made the last year The Popes fume against this good Bishop that the Ecclesiasticall Revenues of Italians in England whereof many were Boyes more Blockheads all Aliens amounted per annum unto threescore and ten thousand Marks whereas the Kings Income at the same time was hardly d Matthew Paris in Anno 1552. twenty thousand Bishop Grouthead offended thereat wrote Pope Innocent the fourth such a Iuniper Letter taxing him with extortion and other vitious practices that his Holiness brake out into this expression VVhat meaneth this doting old man surdus absurdus thus boldly to controll our actions By Peter and Paul did not our innate ingenuity restrain us I would confound him and make him a prodigie to the whole world Is not the King of England our Vassall yea our Slave to imprison and destroy what persons we please to appoint 30. The Pope being in this pelt quenched by a Spanish Cardinall Aegidius a Spanish Cardinall thus interposed his gravitie It is not expedient my Lord to use any harshness to this Bishop We must confesse the truths which he saith He is a holy man of a more Religious life then any of us yea Christendome hath not his equall a great Philosopher skilled in Latine and Greek a constant reader in the Schools Preacher in the Pulpit lover of Chastity and loather of Simony 31. Thus the Pope took wit in his anger Grouthead the peoples though not the Pope's Saint and Grouthead escaped for the present though Bale reporteth that he died excommunicate and deprived of his Bishoprick Popish e Iohn Burie Mat. Paris Mat. Westminster Mr. Fabian Authours confidently report a strange vision or rather a passion of Pope Innocent the fourth whom Grouthead appearing after his death so beat with many blows it seems he had a heavy hand as well as a great head that the Pope died thereof soon after No wonder therefore if his successours would not Canonize this Robert who notwithstanding was a Saint though not in the Popes yet in the peoples Calendar many miracles being ascribed unto him and particularly f Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops Discontents begin in England that a sweet oyl after his death issued out of his monument which if false in the litterall may be true in a mysticall meaning Solomon observing that a good name is as oyntment poured out 32. England began now to â—urfet of more then thirty yeares Peace and Plenty which produced no better effects then ingratitude to God and murmuring at their King Many active spirits whose minds were above their means offended that others beneath them as they thought in Merit were above them in Employment Anno Dom. 1254 cavilled at many errours in the Kings Government Anno Regis Henrici 3. 38 being State-Donatists maintaining the perfection of a Commonwealth might and ought to be attained A thing easie in the Theory impossible in the Practice to conform the actions of mens corrupted natures to the exact Ideas in mens Imaginations 33. Indeed they had too much matter whereon justly to ground their Discontents Grounded on too much occasion partly because the King distrusting his Natives imployed so many French Forrainers in places of power and profit partly because he had used such indirect courses to recruit his Treasuries especially by annihilating all Patents granted in his Minority though indeed he was never more in his Full-age then when in his Non-age as guided then by the best counsell and forcing his Subjects to take out new ones on what Terms his Officers pleased In a word an a Roger Wendover Authour then living complaineth that Iustice was committed to men unjust the Laws to such who themselves were Out-laws and the keeping of the Peace to injurious people delighting in Discords 34. After many contests betwixt the King and his Subjects which the Reader may learn from the Historians of the State four and twenty prime persons were chosen by Parliament to have the supreme inspection of the Land A Title without power onely lest to the King which soon after to make them the more cordiall passed a decoction and were reduced to three and they three in effect contracted to one Simon Mountfort Earle of Leicester the Kings Brother in Law The King himself standing by as a Cypher yet signifying as much as his ambitious Subjects did desire These to make sure work bound him with his solemn Oath to submit himself to their new-modelled Government 35. Here the Pope charitable to relieve all distressed Princes interposed his power The Pope freely gives his curtesies for money absolving the King from that Oath as unreasonable in it self and forced upon him His Holinesse was well paid for this great favour the King hereafter conniving at his Horse-Leeches Legates and Nuncioes sucking the bloud of his Subjects with intolerable Taxations Thus was it not altogether the Flexibility of King Henry but partly the Flexion of his Condition I mean the altering of his occasions which made him sometimes withstand and otherwhiles comply with the Popes extortion Thus alwayes the Popes Curtesies are very dear and the Storm it self is a better Shelter then the Bramble fleecing such Sheep as fly under the shade thereof 36. Mean time the King having neither Coyn nor Credit Sad case when the Royall Root is no better then a sucker having pawn'd his Iewels mortgag'd all his Land in France and sold much of it in England wanting where withall to subsist lived on Abbeys and Prioreys till his often coming and long staying there made what was welcome at the first quickly to become
safely rely Though a Second part of his Institut pag. 487. some have said that this was no Statute but made by the Prelates themselves yet that this is an Act of Parliament it is proved not onely by our books but also by an Act of Parliament 17. The King to his Judges Were it of concernment it were not difficult to name the Prime Judges of England at this time Viz. 1. In the Kings or Vpper-Bench either Ralph de Hengham or which is more probable one Wymborne was Judge 2. In the Common-Pleas Thomas de Weyland on that token that he was guilty of Bribery 3. In the Exchequer Adam de Stratton as faulty as the former But by the Judges named in this Writ for as this was an Act of Parliament so was there a Writ also founded thereon called Circumspectè agatis we understand some peculiar Commissioners dispatch'd and employed on this particular business 18. Concerning the Bishop of Norwich It is needless to tell the Reader that William Middeton was Bishop thereof at this time b Chronicon Osniense charactred to be Vir in Jure Civili Canonico peritissmus elegantissmus But Norwich is here put onely for example which equally extended to all the Bishops of the Realme 19. Si placitum tenuerint if they hold plea Placitum a Plea so called saith my c Linwood his Constit lib. 2. tit De Foro competenti Author per antiphrasin quia non places none being pleased to go to Law save Barreters who delight in brangling But what if it be called placitum because the Plaintife is pleased to submit his right in question to the pleasure of the Court to decide it 20. In Court Christian These words are left out in Linwood his Constitutions where all the rest is registred And where the recording thereof amongst the Provincial Canons of Canterbury gave the best countenance to their conjecture who degrade this Act of Parliament into a meer Church-Constitution It is called the Court Christian because therein the Laws of Christ do or should bear the decisive sway whilest the Statutes of Secular Princes regulate the proceedings in other Courts 21. Such things as be meerly spiritual This furnisheth us with a necessary distinction of all matters Into meerly and purely mixtly and partly spiritual Of the former we shall finde very few meerly spiritual For the Apostles sometimes conceived that the very distribution of Almes to the poor had something of worldly drossiness therein called by them d Acts 6. 2. serving of tables as if onely the preaching of the word were a spiritual employment Of the latter sort many things are mixtly spiritual For seeing man consists of two principles soul and body all his actions good or bad as to the minde-moiety or soul-part thereof must needs have at least a glance of spiritual reflection Here then the Quaere will be in matters mixtly spiritual whether the spirituality of them shall refine the rest so as to exalt the same into Church-cognisance or the corporality or earthliness of them depress them so as to subject them to civil consideration the decision hereof dependeth on the practice and custom of the Land as will appear hereafter 22. For deadly sin Distinguish we here betwixt a sin deadly to the soul drawing damnation without repentance and a deadly commonly called a capital crime deserving death by humane Laws The former onely is here intended the latter belonging wholly to the Common-Law Nor did the punishment of every mortal sin to use the language of that age belong to Church-men seeing if so as Linwood no less Learnedly then modestly confesseth Sic periret temporalis gladii jurisdictio Thereby the power of the temporal sword will wholly be taken away Long since had Doctors-Commons eaten up all the Inns of Court if all things reducible to deadly sins had pertained to the Court-Christian And therefore the Casuists themselves do qualifie and confine these words of indefinite extent to such crimes which de sui naturâ spectant ad Forum Ecclesiasticum 23. As first fornication Here saith Linwood thirteen cases are in specie recited though I dare not reckon them up fearing to make them lying so confusedly moe or less Fornication that is saith the Casuist Soluti cum soluta the uncleanness of a loose understand unmarried with a loose person 24. Adultery These two alone are specified because lying in a middle distance so the more conveniently to reach other sins of this kinde of higher or lower guilt 1. Higher as Incest 2. Lower Soliciting a womans chastity If any say that Adultery doth not belong to the Court-Christian because Christ himself would not punish an a John 8. 4. 11. adulteress taken in the act waving it as an improper imployment It is answered that our Saviour appearing in privacy and poverty and coming not to act but to suffer not to judg but be judged justly declined all judicial power But we see afterward how the Church of Corinth by S t Paul his command proceeded against the incestuous person and at this time Church-men cleanly carried the cognisance of such offences I say at this time it plainly appearing that in the Conquerors time Fornication and Adultery were punishable in the Kings Court and the Leets especially by the name of LETHERWITE and the fines of offenders assessed to the King though now it meerly belonged to the Church As for a Rape being Adultery or at leastwise fornication offered with violence the common-Common-Law hath justly reserved to it self the trial and punishment thereof 25. And such like Here is an interpretative et-caetera inserted in the body of a Parliament Act and a Writ grounded thereon causing some differences about the Dimensions thereof For if these words And such like relate onely to the last foregoing Fornication and Adultery in common construction most probable then they onely fetch in such offences which have some tincture of Carnal uncleanness But if they also refer to the mediate preceding words deadly sins behold a troop cometh beyond our power exactly to number them And here Forein Casuists bring in a bundle of mortal sins all grist for their own Mill as of Church-cognisance namely Sacriledg Usury Heresie Simony Perjury Fortune-telling consulting Astrologers Drunkenness c. But it matters not how long and large their bills be from beyond the Seas seeing our Common-Law brings their reckonings to a new account defalking a great part of that measure which they make to themselves in favour of Church-Jurisdiction 26. For that the Church is uncovered It belonged ever to the Priests to provide for the decent reparation of Gods-House Thus Jehoiada b 2 Chro. 24. was careful to amend the decayes of the Temple But though it pertained to Church-men to see the thing done yet several persons were to do it 1. The Steeple with the Body of the Church and all Chappels lying in common thereunto are to be repaired at the joyn cost of the Parish 2.
his naval-victory nigh Sluce and land-conquest at Chresce Poictiers and elsewhere Yet his atchievements in France were more for the credit then commodity honour then profit of England For though the fair Provinces he Conquered therein seem'd fat enough to be stewed in their own liquor I mean rich enough to maintain themselves yet we finde them to have suck'd up much of our English sauce to have drain'd the money and men of this land to defend them This made King Edward to endeavour to his power to preserve his people from Popish extortions as knowing that his own taxes did burthen and the addition of those other would break the backs of his Subjects He was himself not unlearned and a great favourer of learned men Colledges springing by paires out of his marriage-bed namely Kings-Hall founded by himself in Cambridg and Queens-Colledg by Philippa his wife in Oxford He lived almost to the age and altogether to the infirmities of King David but had not with him a virgin Abishag a virgin-Concubine to heat him Anno Regis Ed. 3. 51. but which is worse in his decrepit age kept Alice Pierce a noted strumpet to his own disgrace and his peoples disprofit For she like a bad tenant which holding an expiring lease without impeachment of waste cares not what spoil he maketh thereon sensible of what ticklish termes she stood on snatch'd all she could rape and rend unto her self In a word the bad beginning of this King on the murder of his Father must be charged on his Mothers and Mortimers account The failings at his end may be partly excused by the infirmities of his age the rather because whilest he was himself he was like himself and whilest master of his own actions he appeared worthy of all commendations Ric. 2 1. Richard the second his Grand-childe by Edward the Black Prince succeeded him being about twelve years of age and lived under his Mothers and Uncle's tuition 13. A Parliament was called a Westminster Laity bandying against the Clergie in Parliament wherein old bandying betwixt the Laity and the Clergie The former moving a Ex Rotulis in Terre Londinensi primo Ricardi 2. That no officer of the Holy Church should take pecuniary sums more or less of the people for correction of sins but onely injoyn them spiritual penance which would be more pleasing to God and profitable to the soul of the offender The Clergie stickled hereat for by this craft they got their gain and no greater penance can be laid on them then the forbidding them to impose money-penance on others But here the King interpos'd That Prelates should proceed therein as formerly according to the laws of the Holy Church and not otherwise Yea many things passed in this Parliament in favour of the Clergie as that That all Prelates and Clerks shall from henceforth commence their suits against purveyers and buyers disturbing them though not by way of crime by actions of trespass and recover treble damages Also That any of the Kings Ministers arresting people of the Holy Church in doing Divine Service shall have imprisonment and thereof be ransomed at the Kings will and make gree to the parties so arrested 14. About this time Wicliffe was summoned personally to appear before Simon 2 Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 1378 and the rest of the Bishops Wicliff wonderfully preserved from prosecution in his Chappel at Lambeth He came accordingly and now all expected he should be devoured being brought into the Lions Den. When in comes a Gentle-man and Courtier one b Antiq. Bit. pag. 258. Fox p. 505. Lewis Clifford on the very day of examination commanding them not to proceed to any definitive sentence against the said Wicliffe Never before was the Bishops served with such a prohibition all agreed the messenger durst not be so stout with a Mandamus in his mouth but because back'd with the power of the Prince that imployed him The Bishops struck with a panick fear proceeded no farther the rather because the messenger so rudely rushed into the Chappel and the person of this John Wicliffe was so saved from heavie censure as was once the doctrine of his c Mark 11. 32. godly name-sake for they feared the people Onely the Arch-Bishop summoned a Synod at London himself preaching at the opening thereof We finde nothing of his Sermon but his Text was excellent Watch and pray Four constitutions he made therein d Linwoods provincials lib. 5. fol. 183. three whereof concerned Confession grown now much into discredit and disuse by Wicliffs doctrine and therefore conceived more needfull to press the strict observation thereof 15. In the Parliament Transactions in the Parliament of Glocester kept at Glocester this same year the Commons complained that many Clergy-men under the notion of Sylva caedua lop-wood took tythes even of timber it self Requesting that in such cases prohibitions might be granted to stop the proceedings of the Court-Christian It was moved also that Sylva caedua though formerly accounted wood above twentie years old might hereafter be declared that which was above the growth of e Ex Rot. in Terre Londin 2 Richardi 2. parte primâ numero 45. ten years and the same to be made free from tythes But this took no effect the King remitting things to their ancient course To cry quits with the Commons in their complaints the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury enveigh'd as bitterly of the Franchises infringed of the Abby-Church of Westminster wherein Robert de Hanley Esquire with a servant of that Church were both despightfully and horridly slain therein at the high Altar Anno Dom. 1378. even when the Priest was singing high Mass Anno Regis Ric. 2 2. and pathetically desired reparation for the same 16. Some of the Lords rejoyned on their parts Sanctuaries shrewdly shaken that such sanctuaries were abused by the Clergie to protect people from the payment of their due debts the aforesaid Hanlay being slain in a quarrel on that occasion And whereas upon the oathes and examination of certain Doctors in Divinity Canon and Civil Law it appeared that immunity in the Holy Church were onely to be given to such who upon crime were to lose life or limb the same was now extended to priviledg people in actions of account to the prejudice of the creditor They added moreover that neither God himself saving his perfection nor the Pope saving his Holiness nor any Lay-Prince could grant such priviledg to the Church and the Church which should be the favourer of vertue and justice a Ex Rot. Tur. Londin 2. Ric. 2 part 2 num 28. ought not to accept the same if granted The Bishops desired a day to give in their answer which was granted them but I finde not this harsh string touch'd again all this Parliament haply for fear but to make bad musick thereon Complaints were also made against the extortion of Bishops Clerks who when they should take
whthout knots tied thereon ready to disburse such summes as should be demanded Indeed the Clergie now contributed much money to the King having learned the Maxime commended in the Comedian b Terent Adelph Pecuniam in loco negligere maxumum interdum est lucrum And perceiving on what ticklish termes their state stood were forced to part with a great proportion thereof to secure the rest c Vide infrà in hist of Abbeys lib. 2. cap. 1. the Parliament now shrewdly pushing at their temporal possessions For although in the first year of King Henry the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland came from him to the Clergie with a complement that the King onely d Antiq. Brit. pag. 273. Harpsfield hist Ang. pag. 618. out of whom the following table of Synods is composed desired their prayers and none of their money Kingdoms have their honey-moon when new Princes are married unto them yet how much afterwards he received from them the ensuing draught of Synods summoned in his dayes doth present Place President Preacher Text. Money granted the King The other Acts thereof 1. Saint Pauls in London The Prior and Chapter of Canterbury in the Arch-Bishops absence William Bishop of Rochester Cor meum diligit Principes Israel Nothing at this time but the Clergies prayers required The King at the request of the Universities promised to take order with the Popes Provisions 1399 provensions 1. that so learned men might be advanc'd St Gregory his day made holy 2. Saint Pauls in London 2 Thomas Arundel 1400  A Tenth and half For a single Tenth was first profered him and he refused it Nothing else of moment passed save Sautres condamnation 3. Ibidem 4 Idem 1402.  At the instance of the Earl of Somerset of Lord Ross the Treasurer a Tenth was granted The Clergy renewed their Petition of Right to the King that they should not be proceeded aganist by temporal Judges nor forced to sell their goods for provision for the Kings Court No answer appears 4. Ibidem 6. Henry Bishop of Lincoln 1404 the Arch-Bishop being absent in an Embassie  A Tenth towards the Kings charges in suppressing the late Rebels Constituted that the obsequies of every English Bishop deceased should be celebrated in all the Cathedrals of the Kingdom 5. Ibidem 7. Thomas Arundel 1405  A Tenth when the Laity in Parlian t. gave nothing Nothing or consequence 6. Ibidem 8. Henry Beaufort Bish 1406 of Winchest the Arch-Bishop being absent Thomas Bishop of Carlile Magister adest vocat te A Tenth Nothing of moment 7. Ibidem 10. Thomas Arundel 1408 John Monke of S t Augustine in Canterbury Faciet unusquisque opussuum  This Synod was principally employed in suppressing of Schism and the following Synod in the same year to the same purpose 8. Saint Pauls in London Idem Anno Dom. 1408. John Botel general of the Franciscans Vos vocati estis in uno corpore   9. Ibidem Anno Regis Hen. 4 10 Henry Bishop of Winchester the Arch-Bishop being abroad in an Embassie John Langdon Monk of Canterbury Stellae dederunt lumen A Tenth and a Subsidy granted saith a Antiq. Brit. p. 274. Matthew Parker but b Harpsfield Ecc. Ang pag. 616. others say the Clergie accused themselves as drained dry with former payments Also the Popes Agent progging for money was denied it 1411. Little else save some endeavours against Wicliffs opinions 13. 10. Ibid. Thomas Arundel John God-mersham Monk of Canterbury Diligite lumen sapientiae omnes qui praeestus A Tenth 1412. The Clergie compained to the King of thier grievances but received no redress The Popes Rents sequestred into the Kings hands during the Schisme betwixt Gregory the 12 th and Benedict 14. We will not avouch these all the conventions of the Clergie in this Kings Reign who had many subordinate meetings in reference to their own occasions but these of most publick concernment Know this also that it was a great invitation not to say an inforcement to make them the more bountiful in their contributions to the King because their leaders were suspicious of a design now first set on foot in opposition to all Religious Houses as then termed to essay their overthrow Which project now as a Pioneer onely wrought beneath ground yet not so insensibly but that the Church-Statists got a discovery thereof and in prevention were very satisfying to the Kings Pecuniary desires Insomuch that it was in effect but ask and have such their compliance to all purposes and intents The rather because this King had appeared so zealous to arm the Bishops with terrible Laws against the poor naked Lollards as then they were nick-named 9. Now we pass from the Convocation to the Parliament Anno Regis Hen. quart 14. onely to meddle with Church-matters therein Anno Dom. 1412. desiring the Reader to dispense in the Margin with a new Chronology of this Kings Reigne A new Crhonologie assuring him that whatsoever is written is taken out of the Authentick Records of the Parliament in the Tower 10. It was moved in Parliament A severe motion against the Welch that no Welch-man Bishop or other be Justice Chamberlain Chancellor Treasurer Sheriff Constable of a Castle Receiver Escheator Coroner or chief Forester or other Officer whatsoever or * Ex rot Par. in tur Lond. in hoc anno Keeper of Records or Lieutenant in the said Offices in any part of Wales or of Councel to any English Lord not withstanding any Patent made to the contrary Cum clausula non obstante Licet Wallicus natus 11. It was answered that the King willeth it except the Bishops Moderated by the King and for them and others which he hath found good and loyal lieges towards him our said Lord the King will be advised by the advise of his Councel 12. Such as wonder why the Parliament was so incensed against the Welch The cause of his auger seeing Henry Prince of Wales was their own Country-man born at Monmouth may consider how now or very lately Owen Glendowre a Welch Robber advanced by the multitude of his followers into the reputation of a General had made much sepoil in Wales Now commendable was the King's charity who would not return a national mischief for a personal injury seing no man can cause the place of his Nativity though he may bemoan and hate the bad practises of his own Nation 13. The Kings courteous exception for the Welch Bishops The Quaternion of welch Bps. who and what at this time putteth us upon a necessay enquiry who and what they were placed in Sees at this time S t Davids Landaffe Bangor S t Asaph Guido de Dona. Thomas Peberell Richard Yong. John Trebaur Or of Anglesey A true Briton by birth witness'd by his Name He was at the present Lord
Oxonford I mean Wickliff by Name afterwards chewed the Cud and was sufficiently reconciled to the Roman faith as appears by his Recantation Living and Dying conformable to the holy Catholick Church 58. It is strange that this Popish Priest alone should light on his Recantation which I believe no other eyes before or since did behold Besides if as he saith Wickliff was sufficiently reconciled to the Roman Faith why was not Rome sufficiently reconciled to him using such crueltie unto him so many years after his death Cold incouragement for any to become Romist's Converts if notwithstanding their reconciliation the bodies must be burnt so many years after their death 59. But though Wickliff had no Tombe A Monk's charity to Wickliffe he had an Epitaph such as it was which a Monk afforded him and that it was no worse thank his want not of malice but invention not finding out worse expressions The k Walsing Ypodig Neust p. 3â—2 Divels Instrument Churches Enemie Peoples confusion Hereticks Idol Hypocrites Mirror Schisms Broacher hatreds sower Anno Dom. 1430. lyes forger flatteries sinke who at his death despaired like Cain Anno Regis Hen. 6. 8. and stricken by the horrible Judgements of God breathed forth his wicked Soul to the dark mansion of the black Divell Surely He with whose Name this Epitaph beginneth and endeth was with the maker clean thorow the contrivance thereof 59. Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester A conditional privy Council Cardinal Sancti Eusebij but commonly called Cardinal of England was by consent of Parliament made one of the Kings Council with this condition that he should make a * Ex Archivis tur London Protestation to absent himself from the Council when any matters were to be treated betwixt the King and Pope being jealous belike that his Papal would prevaile over his Royall interest The Cardinal took the Protestation and promised to perform it 60. The Clergy complained in Parliament to the King Priviledge of Convocation that their Servants which came with them to Convocations were often arrested to their great damage and they prayed that they might have the same Priviledge which the Peeres and Commons of the Kingdom have which are called to Parliament which was granted accordingly 61. Great at this time was the want of Grammar Schools and the abuse of them that were even in London it self Want of Grammar Schools complained of for they were no better then Monopolize it being penall for any to prevent the growth of Wicklivism to put their Children to private Teachers hence was it that some hundreds were compelled to go to the same School where to use the words of the Records the Masters waxen rich in money and learners poor in cunning Whereupon this grievance was complained on in Parliament by four eminent Ministers in London viz. M r. William Lichfield Parson of All-Hallow's the More Gilbert Parson of St. Andrews Holbern John Cote Parson of St. Peter's Cornhill John Neele Master of the House of St. Thomas Acre 's and Parson of Colchrich To these it was granted by the Advice of the Ordinary or Archbishop of Canterbury to erect five Schools Neele the last named having a double licence for two places in their respective Parishes which are fitly called the five vowels of London which Mute in a manner before began now to speak and pronounce the Latine Tongue Know that the house St. Thomas Acres was where Mercers Chappel standeth at this day About this time the Lady Eleanor Cobham Elianour Dutchess of Glocester commended by M r. Fox for a Confessor so called from the Lord Cobham her Father 1433 otherwise Elianour Plantagenet by her Husband was married unto Humphrey the Kings Uncle Duke of Glocester 11. She was it seems a great Savourer and Favourer of VVickliffe his Opinions and for such Mr. Fox hath ever a Good word in store Insomuch that he maketh this Lady a Confessor Sr. Roger Only alias Bolignbroke her Chaplain a Martyr assigning in his Kalender the eleventh and twelfth of February for the dayes of their commemoration But Alanus Copus namely Harpsfield under his name falls foul on Mr. Fox for making Sr. Roger a Martyr Made Traitor by A. C. who was a Traitor and Elianour this Dutchess a Confessor who by the consent of our Croniclers Robert Fabian Edward Hall c. was condemned after solemn penance and carrying a Taper barefoot at Pauls Crosse to perpetuall banishment for plotting with Only his Chaplain an abominable Necromancer and three others by witchcraft to destroy the King Anno Regis Hen. sixt 11. so to derive the Crown to her Husband Anno Dom. 1433. as the next heir in the Line of Lancaster But Cope-Harpsfield pincheth the Fox the hardest for making Margaret Jourdman the witch of Eye a Martyr who was justly burnt for her witchcraft Other small errors we omit where of he accuseth him In answer hereunto Mr. Fox makes a threefold return ingeniously confessing part of the charge Mr. Fox His ingenious confession flatly denying part and fairly excusing the rest He confesseth and take it in his own words that the former Edition of his Acts and Monuments was a First Volum pag. 920. HASTILY RASHED up at the present in such shortnesse of time fourteen moneths as I remember too small a term for so great a Task that it betraied him to many mistakes as when he calleth Sir Roger Only a Knight who was a Priest by his profession Adding moreover that had he thought no b Pag. 921. imperfections had passed his former Edition he would have taken in hand a second recognition thereof He flatly denyeth that his Martyr-making of Margaret Jourdman the Witch of Eye His flat deniall I here saith professe confesse and ascertain both you Cope-Harpsfield He meaneth and all English men both present and all posterity hereafter to come that Margaret Jourdman I never spake of never thought of never dreamed of nor did ever hear of before you named her in your Book your self So farre it is off that I either with my will or against my will made any Martyr of Her He excuseth the aforesaid Dutchess Elianour His ten Coniectures in behalf of the Dutchess alledging ten Conjectures as he calleth them in her vindication 1. Sir Roger Only took it upon his death that He and the Lady were innocent of those things for which they were condemned 2. It was usuall for the Clergie in that Age to load those who were of Wickliffe his perswasion such this Dutchess with no lesse false then feule aspersions 3. Sir Roger Only wrote two Books mentioned by c As in his 8th Cent. cap. 4. Bale the one of his own innocency the other Contra Vulgi Superstitiones It is not therefore probable he should be so silly a Necromancer who had professedly confuted Popular Superstitions 4. The Accusation of this Dutches beganne not untill after the Grudges betwixt the
They also complained With great earnestnesse that when such Merchants troubled in the Courts Christian addressed themselves for remedy to the Chancery and moved therein for a Prohibition which in such cases is to be granted unto them by vertue of a Statute made in the forty fift year of King Edward the third yet such a writ of Prohibition and attachment was against all law and right denyed them Wherefore they humbly desired the King to ordaine by authority of the present Parliament that such who shall find themselves grieved may hereafter have such writs of Prohibition and upon that Attachments aswell in the Chancery as in the Kings and Common-Bench at their choice * Ex Archivis in Tur. Londin undecimo Hen. sexti And that the said Writs of Prohibition and Attachment issuing out of the said Benches have the said force and effects as the Original writs of Prohibition and Attachment so issuing out of the Chancery of our Lord the King 70. To this it was returned Yet not fully redressed the King will be advised the civilest expression of a Denial However we may observe that for a full hundred years viz. from the middle of King Edward the third to and after this time no one Parliament passed wherein this Grievance was not complained on So that an Acorn might become an Oake and good Timber in the term wherein this molestation for the Tithes of wood under the pretence of Silva Cedua did continue But it seems it was well Ordered at last finding future Parliaments not complaining thereof 71. At this time William Linwood finished his industrious and usefull work of his Constitutions William Linwood his Constitutions set forth He was bred in Cambridge first Schollar of Gonvile then Fellow of Pembroke-Hall His younger years he spent in the studie of the Laws whereby he gained much wealth and more reputation Afterwards quitting his practice he betook himself to the Court and became Keeper of the Privie-Seale unto King Henry the fifth who employed him on a long and important Embassy into Spain and Portugal 72. Linwood being no less skilful in Civil than Canon Law First imployed Embassador into Portugal performed the place with such exemplarie industrie and judgement that had not the Kings suddain death prevented it he had been highly advanced in the Common-wealth Afterwards he reassumed his Officials place of Canterburie and then at spare houres collected and digested the Constitutions of the fourteen latter Archbishops of Canterbury from Stephen Langton to Henry Chicheley unto whom he dedicated the Work submitting the censure thereof to the Church 73. A worthy Work highly esteemed by forraign Lawyers not so particularly Provincial for England His work printed and prized beyond sea but that they are usefull for other Countries his Comment thereon being a Magazine of the Canon-Law It was printed at Paris 1505. but at the cost and charges of William Bretton an honest Merchant of London revised by the care of Wolfgangus Hippolius and prefaced unto by Jodocus Badius This Linwood was afterward made Bishop of Saint Davids whose works though now beheld by some as an Almanack out of date will be valued by the judicious whilst Learning and Civility have a being CENT XV. Anno Regis TO M r THOMAS RICH Anno Dom. Late of LONDON Esquire Great is the praise S. Paul * * Rom. 16. 23. gives to Gaius stiling him his host and of the whole Church Surely the Church then was very little or Gaius his house very large Now Hosts commonly are Corpulent persons but Gaius not so it being more then suspicious that he was afflicted with a faint body as may be collected from the words of ††3 John 2. S. John I wish that thou maist prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth You are Sir the Entertainer-general of good men many a poor Minister will never be wholly Sequestred whilest you are living whose Charity is like to the winde which cannot be seen but may be felt And God hath dealt with you more bountifully then with Gaius blessing you in all dimentions of Soul Body and Estate and my prayers shall never be wanting for the continuance and increase thereof 1. THis year began the smart and active Councel of Basil Hen. 6 12. to which our Ambassadours were to represent both their Soveraign 1434. and the English Nation English Ambassadors sent to Basil where they were received with honour and respect the reputation of King Henry his Holiness adding much to their credit Foraigners there being very inquisitive of them to be satisfied in the particulars of his devotion which by them was represented much to their Masters advantage But it is worth our pains to peruse the Commission they carried with them REx omnibus quos c. Anno Dom. 1434 salutem Anno Regis Hen. 6. 12. Sciatis quòd cum juxta decreta Constantiensis Concilii praesens Concilium Basileense actualiter celebretur sub sanctissimo Patre Domino Eugenio Papa quarto Nos eidem Concilio nedum ex parte ejusdem Concilii per suos Oratores nobis ex hac causa specialiter destinatos verum etiam Apostolicis Imperialibus ac aliorum quamplurimorum sanctae Matris Ecclesiae Patrum Principum saecularium literis creberrimè instigati ad Dei laudem sanctae Matris Ecclesiae prosperitatem optatam honorem praesertim ob fidei Catholicae exaltationem interesse cupientes variis diversis causis rationabiliter praepediti quo minus personaliter eidem interesse poterimus ut vellemus venerabiles Patres Robertum Londoniensem Philippum Lexovieasem Johannem Roffensem Johannem Bajocensem Bernardum Aquensem Episcopos ac carissimum consanguineum nostrum Edmundum Comitem Moritonii dilectos nobis Nicholaum Abbatem Glastoniensem Willielmum Abbatem Ecclesiae beatae Mariae Eborum Willielmum Priorem Norwincensem nec non dilectos fideles nostros Henricum Broumflete Militem Magistrum Thomam Broun utriusque Juris Doctorem Sarum Decanum Johannem Colluelle Militem Magistrum Petrum c c Or Maurison Mauricii Doctorem in Theologia Magistrum Nicholaum David Archidiaconum Constantiensem Licentiatum in utroque Jure nostros Ambassiatores Oratores veros indubitatos Procuratores Actores Factores Nuncios speciales constituimus facimus deputamus per praesentes dantes eis ipsorum majori parti potestatem mandatum tam generale quam speciale nomine nostro pro nobis in eodem Concilio interessendi tractandi communicandi concludendi tam de hiis quae fidei Orthodoxae fulcimentum Regumque ac principum pacisicationem concernere poterunt nec non de super pace perpetua guerrarúmve abstinentia inter Nos Carolum Adversarium nostrum de Francia ac etiam tractandi communicandi appunctuandi consentiendi insuper si opus fuerit dissentiendi hiis quae juxta deliberationem
in the Sanctuary in Westminster and very pathetical he was in the perswading her to part with him haply on a point of conscience as fearing if denied some injury would be offered to the prejudice of the Church and therefore more willing himself to wooe him from her with eloquence then that others should wrest him thence with violence Yet he is generally conceived innocent here in as not as yet suspecting any fraud in the Duke of Glocester except any will say that it was a fault in him that so great a States-man was no wiser then to have been deceived by his dissimulation 3 But of the inferiour Clergie D r Shaw a popular preacher made himself infamous to all posterity Shaws shameless Sermon His Sermon at S t Pauls Cross had nothing but the text and that in the a Eccles 23. 25. Spuria vitulamina non agent radices alias Apocrypha good therein as consisting of two parts defaming of the dead and flattering of the living making King Edward far worse then he was and Duke Richard far better then ever he would be He made King Edward the fourth and the Duke of Clarence both to be bastards and Duke Richard onely right begotten so proclaiming Cicilie his Mother still surviving for a whore all being done by secret instructions from Duke Richard himself who hereby gave a worse wound to his Mothers credit then that which at his birth he caused to her body being as it is commonly reported cut out from her With Shaw we may couple another brawling cur of the same litter Pynkney the Provincial of the Augustinian Friâ—rs who in the same place used so loud adulation he lost his credit conscience and voice altogether These two were all and they too many of the Clergie whom I finde actively ingaging on his party whilest multitudes of the Lairy sided with him So that thorough the popularity of the Duke of Buckingham the Law-learning of Catesby the City-interest of Shaw then Lord Major of London and brother to the preacher the rugged rigor of Ratclifse and the assistance of other instruments in their several spheres the Queens kindred were killed Ric. 3 1. the Lord Hastings murdered King Edward and his Brother imprisoned and at last Richard Duke of Glocester elected King of England The sumptuous Coronation of King Richard 4. His Coronation was performed with more pomp then any of his Predecessours as if he intended with the glory thereof so to dazle vulgar eyes that they should not be able to see the shame of his usurpation Indeed some of our English Kings who by undoubted right succeeded to the Crown accounted their Coronation but a matter of course which did not make but manifest them to be Kings and so less curious in the pompous celebration thereof But this Usurper apprehended this ceremony more substantial and therefore was most punctual in the observation of it causing all the Nobility who held Lands in grand Soveraignty to do their service in state amongst whom Richard Dimock Esquire hereditary Champion by tenure with a safe piece of valour having so many to back him cast down his Gauntlet challenging any that durst oppose the title of King Richard and for ought I do know to the contrary he afterwards made his challenge good in Bosworth field And because sure binde sure finde he is said and his Queen to be Crowned again in York with great solemnity 5. Soon after followed the murder of King Edward King Edward and his brother stifled and his Brother Richard Duke of York It was high time they should set when another already was risen in the throne By a bloudy bloudless death they were stifled with pillows and then obscurely buried The uncertainty of their interment gave the advantage to Perkin Warbeck afterwards to counterfeit Richard Duke of York so like unto him in age carriage stature feature favour that he wanted nothing but success to make him who did but personate Duke Richard to pass current for the person of Duke Richard 6. After this bloudy act Anno Regis Ric. 3. 2. King Richard endeavoured to render himself popular Anno Dom. 1484 First by making good Laws in that sole Parliament kept in his Reign King Richard vainly endeavoureth to ingratiate himself by makeing good Laws Benevolence malevolence which formerly the subjects unwillingly willing had paid to their Soveraign power where it requests commands it not being so much thank-worthy to grant as dangerous to deny it he retrenched and reduced to be granted onely in Parliament He regulated Trading which the Lombards and other foraigners had much ingrossed to the detriment of the English Nation Now although all people carry much of their love and loyaltie in their purses yet all this would not ingratiate this Usurper with them the dullest nostrils resenting it done not for love of vertue but his own security And that affects none which all palpably discover to be affected 7. Next he endeavoured to work himself into their good will As also by building of Monasteries by erecting and endowing of Religious Houses so to plausiblelize himself especialy among the Clergy Thus he built one far North at Middleham and and a College in the Parish of a Stows Survey of London in Tower street Ward Alhallows-Barking hard by the Tower as if he intended by the vicinity thereof to expiate those many murders which he therein had committed Besides he for his time dis-Forested Whichwood in Camâ—dens Bâ—â—â—â—an Oxford shire pag 374. out of John Rouse Oxford-shire then far more extended then in our Age which his brother Edward had made Forest to the great grievance of the Country thereabouts Yet all would not do the people being more patient for an injury done by King Edward then thankful for the favour this Richard bestowed upon them He is said also to have given to Queens College in Cambridg c Stow in his Annals p. 470. five hundred marks of yearly rent though at this time I believe the College receives as little benefit by the Grant as Richard had right to grant it For it was not issued out of his own purse but given out of the lands of his enemy the unjustly proscribed Earl of Oxford who being restored by Henry the seventh made a resumption thereof 8. Duke Richard was low in stature Art hath done more for King Richard then ever nature did crook-backed with one shoulder higher then the other having a prominent gobber-tooth a war-like countenance which well enough became a souldier Yet a modern d e George Buck Esqu a claw-back to Crook-back Author in a Book by him lately set forth eveneth his shoulders smootheth his back planeth his teeth maketh him in all points a comly and beautiful person Nor stoppeth he here but proceeding from his naturals to his morals maketh him as vertuous as handsome which in some sense may be allowed to be true concealing most denying some defending others
but exacted them in the notion of a Rent and Tribute due to the Pope his Master 52. This is that Polidore Virgil Be-lawrelleth the Quire of Wells who was Dignitary of the Cathedral of Wells and as I take it Archdeacon of Taunton on the Quire whereof he bestowed Hangings flourished with the Lawrel Tree and as I remember wrote upon them SUNT POLIDORI MUNERA VIRGILII But would he had spared his benefaction to the Church of Wells on condition he had been no Malefactor to the Church of England yea to Religion and Learning in generall if it be true what commonly is reported 53. For he wrote a Latine History of Britain A Malefactour to Posterity for burning MS. from the Original of the Nation untill Anno Dom. 153. the yeare of King Henry the eighth out of many rare Manuscripts which he had collected together Now partly to raise the reputation of his own Writings that he might seem no lazie Transcriber partly to render himself out of the reach of confutation being suspected not over-faithfull in his Relation he is said to have burnt all those rare Authours which he could compasse into his possession Thus Tyrant-like he cut down those stairs whereby he ascended the Throne of his own knowledge If this be true the World may thank Polidore Virgil for his work de Inventione Rerum but have cause to chide not to say curse his Memory for his Act de Perditione Librorum 54. I have met with a paper of Verses Two-edged Verses which like a two-edged Sword cut on both sides plainly at Polidore Virgil but obscurely at a later Plagiary and in my opinion not unworthy to be inserted Leyland's supposed Ghost Am I deceiv'd or doth not Leyland's Ghost Complain of wrong sustained after death As Virgil's Polidore accus'd his host The Tracian King for cruell breach of Faith And Treasures gain'd by stopping of his breath Ah greedy Gardian t' enjoy his goods Didst plunge his Princely Ward into the floods Am I deceiv'd or doth not Leyland's spirit Complain with th' Ghosts of English Notaries Whom Polidorus Virgil robb'd of merit Bereft of Name and sacks of Histories While wetch he ravisht English Libraries Ah! wicked Book-thief whosoever did it Should One burn all to get one single Credit Am I deceiv'd or doth not Leyland's spirit Make heu cry for som Book-treasure stealth Rifling his works and razing Name Merit Whereby are smother'd a Prince-given wealth A Learned Writer's Travel Wits and Health All these he spent to doe his Countrey pleasure O save his name the world may know his treasure I am deceivd for Leylands ghost doth rest From plaints crys with souls of blessed men But Heaven and Humane Laws cannot digest That such rare fruits of a laborious Pen Came to be drown'd in such a thanklesse Den. Thus Heaven and all Humanity doth sue That Leyland dead may have his Titles due Who this second Plagiarie was complained of for plundering Leyland if the Reader cannot conjecture I will not tell such the honour I bear to his admirable performances though herein not to be excused 55. Papal power thus extinguished in England How Papal power in England was cantoned it is worth our enquiry where the same for the future was fixed which we finde not intirely setled in any One but according to justice and equity divided amongst many Sharers therein 56. And first God first had his share Give unto God the things which are Gods What the Pharisees said was true in the Doctrine though false in the Use thereof as applied to our Saviour whom they mistook for a meer man * Mark 7. Who can forgive sins but God alone This paramount power no lesse blasphemously than arrogantly usurped by the Pope claiming an absolute and authoritative pardoning of Sins was humbly and justly restored to the high God of Heaven 57. Restitution was made to the second Person in the Trinity Christ his due of that Universal jurisdiction over the whole Church as belonging to Christ alone 1 Pet. 2. 25. who is the Sheepherd and Bishop of our souls and a badge of Antichrist for the Pope proudly to assume the same 58. To the Holy Ghost was restored that Infallibility The holy Spirit his portion which to him doth properly pertain as being the Spirit of Truth which neither will deceive nor can be deceived John 15. 26. 16. 23. and which hath promised to lead his Church in generall into all Truth but never fixed any inerrability on any particular person or succession of single persons whatsoever 59. And now give unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's The King comes to claim His own right The King assumes his share what the Kings of Judah his Predecessours in Soveraignty had by the Word of God and Christian Emperours by the practise of the Primitive times did possesse In order whereunto the Parliament did notifie and declare that Ecclesiastical power to be in the King which the Pope had formerly unjustly invaded Yet so that they reserved to themselves besides other priviledges which we leave to the Learned in the Law the confirming power of all Canons Ecclesiastical so that the person or property of Refusers should not be subjected to temporal penalty without consent of Parliament 60. Of this power thus declar'd in the King part thereof He kept in Himselfe as to call and dissolve Convocations at His pleasure to grant or deny them Commission to debate of Religion to command Archbishops and Bishops to be chosen in vacant Sees to take order for the due Administration of the Word and Sacraments 61. The other part of power Ecclesiastical the King passed over to the Archbishop of Canterbury as His Substitute first to grant Faculties in cases not repugnant to the Law of God necessary for Honour and Security of the King formerly wont to be remedied in the See of Rome Secondly to determine Causes Ecclesiastical in his Court whence lay an Appeal to the Court of Delegates c. 62. The representative Clergie had power by the King's leave to make Canons and Constitutions whilst each Bishop in his respective Diocesse Priest in his Parish were freer than formerly in execution of their Office acquitted from Papal dependance 63. Lastly every English Lay-Man was restored to his Christian Birth right namely to his judgment of practical discretion in perusing the Scriptures in his own Language formerly swallowed up in the Ocean of the Pope's Infallibility Thus on the depluming of the Pope every bird had his own feather in the partage whereof what he had gotten by sacriledge was restored to God what by Usurpation was given back to the King Church and State what by Oppression was remitted to particular Christians SECTION III. Ann. Reg. TO Master HENRY BARNARD Ann. Dom. LATE OF LONDON Merchant THough lately you have removed your habitation into Shropshire My pen is resolved to follow after and finde you out Seeing the
Robert Barns Doctor of Divinity Thomas Abley Thomas Gerard Rich Fetherston William a Godwin in Henry the 8. pag. 131. Jerom Bachelours of Divinity This caused was by the difference of Religions in the King 's Privie Councel wherein the Popish party called for the execution of these b Fox in his Book of Martyrs 2 volume p. 529. Protestants whilest the Protestant Lords in the Councell out of policy to represse the others eagernesse or if that failed out of desire to revenge it cried as fast that the Laws might take effect on the Papists And whilest neither side was able to save those of their own opinions both had power to destroy those of their opposite party They were dragged on hurdles coupled two and two a Papist and a Protestant cattel of different kindes yoked to draw or rather to be drawn together insomuch as a c Sanders de schismate Angl. lib. 1. pag. 192. Romanist professeth that to the three Papists this their unequal matching was to them ipsâ morte gravlus intolerabilius more heavy and intolerable than death it self But the Protestants exprest no such distast hereat not angry out of principles of pride for the joyning of their bodies together but grieved out of the grounds of charity that their souls soon after should so farre be parted asunder A stranger standing by did wonder as well he might what Religion the King was of his sword cutting on both sides Protestants for Hereticks and Papists for Traytors of whom in the same moneth Laurence Cooke Prior of Doncaster and six others were sent the same way for the same offence 34. But to return to such Acts of the Parliament as concern the Church A Statute made for recovery of Tithes therein a Statute was made commanding every man d 32 Hen. 8. cap. 7. fully truly and effectually to divide set out yield or pay all and singular Tithes and Offerings according to the lawfull customes and usages of the Parishes and Places where such Tithes or Duties shall grow arise come or be due And remedy is given for Ecclesiastick persons before the Ordinary and for Lay-men that claimed appropriated Tithes by grant from the Crown in the Secular Courts by such actions as usually Lay-possessions had been subject to The occasion of which Statute is intimated in the Preamble thereof because in few years past many presumed more contemptuously and commonly than in times past had been seen or known to substract and withdraw their lawfull and accustomed Tithes Incouraged thereunto for that that divers Lay-persons having Tithes to them and their beires had no due remedy by order and course of the Ecclesiastical Laws to recover their right And no wonder seeing their Soveraign had set them so large and so late a president in destroying of Abbies if subjects thought that in their distance and proportion they might also be bold to detain the Rites of the Church especially because it seemed unreasonable that they should receive wages who did no work and that the hire of the labourers in the vineyard should be given to lazie lookers on This Statute in favour of Lay-impropriators was beneficiall to the Clergie to recover their prediall Tithes at Common-Law being equally advantaged by that which was not principally intended for them because of the concurrence of their interest in case of Tithes A e 32 Hen. 8. cap. 38. Statute also made That it was lawfull for all persons to contract marriage who are not prohibited by Gods law For although Gregory the great who had not lesse learning but more modesty than his successours did not flatly forbid the marriage of Cousin Germans as unlawfull but prudentially disswade it as unfitting yet after-Popes prohibited that and other degrees further off thereby to get money for Dispensations What a masse these amounted unto their own Auditors can onely compute seeing f 1 Kings 10. 22. Solomon himself sent ships but every third year to Ophir for gold whereas his Holinesse by granting such faculties from those Indies made annuall returns of infinite profit And this Law came very conveniently to comply with King Henry's occasions who had the first fruits thereof and presently after married Katharine Howard Cousin Germane to Anna Bollen his second Wife which by the canon-Canon-Law formerly was forbidden without a speciall Dispensation first obtained 35. But now to step out of the Parliament into the Convocation Acts of this yeares Convocation a place more proper for our employment there we shall finde Archbishop Cranmer landing in his Barge at Pauls-wharfe and thence proceeding on foot with the Cross carried before him into the Quire of Pauls where at the high Altar Bishop Bonner officiated if I speak properly a Masse of the Holy Ghost Doctor Richard Cox Archdeacon of Ely preached a Latine Sermon on this text Vos estis salterrae Richard Gwent Doctor of Law and Archdeacon of London was chosen Prolocutor Then intimation was given that the KING allowed them liberty to treat of matters in Religion to peruse the Canons de simonia vitanda with other Ecclesiasticall constitutions to continue the good ones and make new ones protemporis exigentiâ In the third Session on Friday severall Bishops * Transcribed with my owne hand out of the Records of Canterbury were assigned to peruse severall Books of the Translation of the New Testament in order as followeth 1 Archbishop Cranmer 1 Matthew 2 John g Longland Lincolne 2 Mark 3 Stephen h Gardiner Winchester 3 Luke 4 Thomas i Goodrick Elie 4 John 5 Nicholas k Heath Rochester 5 Acts of the Apostles 6 Richard l Sampson Chichester 6 Romans 7 John m Capon Sarum 7 ◠Corinthians 8 William n Barlow S. Davids 8 Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 9 John o Bell. Worcester 9 1 2 Thessalonians 10 Robert p Parsew S. Asaph 10 Timothy Titus Philemon 11 Robert q Holgate Landaffe 11 1 2 Peter 12 John r Skip Hereford 12 Hebrews 13 Thomas ſ Thyrlby Westminster 13 James 1 2 3 John Jude 14 John t Wakeman Glocester 14 Revelation 15 John u Chambers Peterborough 15 Why Edmond Bonner Bishop of London then and there present had no part in this perusall allotted him as I finde no reason rendred thereof so I will not interpose my own conjecture 39. In the sixth Session Words in the Testament which Gardiner desired might be preserved intire in the Translation Gardiner publickly read a Catalogue of Latine words of his own collection out of the Testament and desired that for their genuine and native meaning and for the majesty of the matter in them contained these words might be retained in their own nature as much as might bee or be very fitly Englished with the least alteration being in number and order here inserted Ecclesia Poenitentia Pontifex Ancilla Contritus * Acta Synod Cant. an 1541. pag. 48 49. Olacausta
Isabell Sackvile Lady Prioresse of Clarkenwell is an eminent instance of longevity in this kinde For 1. In the one and twentieth of King Henry the seventh she was a * To be seen in the pedegree of the Barl of Dorset Weaver fun Mon. pag. 429. Nun in Clarkenwell-Priory when a Legacy was bequeathed her as Niece by William Sackvile Esquire and must be then conceived fifteen years of age 2. She was the last Prioresse of Clarkenwell at the dissolution thereof 3. She died in the twelfth of Queen Elizabeth as appears by her Epitaph in Clarkenwell-Church and by Computation must be allowed Eighty years of age But farre older was that Monk or Nun I am * Attested by 〈◊〉 Pymme's Kinsman to Godfrey Bp. of Gloucester See his printed Paper assured of the Story not the Sex to whom Living in or neer Hampshire Mr. John Pymme then an Officer in the Exchequer paid the last payment of his Pension about the fift year of King James SECTION VI. DOMINO THOMAE TREVOR Juniori Equiti Aurato MVlti sunt praeproperi Haeredes qui nimiâ parentum vivacitate cruciantur Hi languidâ expectatione macrescunt postquam Rura Paterna spe vanâ devoraverant At Tu è contra Venerandi Patris tui Canitiem si fieri posset immortalem reddere conaris cum eam perpetuo Obsequio humilime colas quo efficacius Kardiacum ad Senectutem ejus elongandam nequit confici Non in Patris sed â—undi senescentis Annos inquiris cum Historiâ plurimum delecteris cujus ope si Praeterita cum Praesentibus conferantur conjectura de Futuris statui potest quo nomine hoc opus nostrum tibi non ingratum fore confido Deus â—e Lectissimâmque Conjugem beat prole patrizante non tam privato commodo quà m Bono Publico ne Respulica tantarum virtutum Haeredi destituatur Of the Erection Officers Vse Continuance and Abolishing of the Court of Augmentation DUring the scuffling for Abbey-land Augmentation Court when erected in the 27 year of King Henry the eighth the Court of Augmentation was set up by Act of Parliament to be a Court of Record and to have an authentick Great Seal besides a Privie Seal and several Officers appointed for management thereof with large fees allowed unto them I finde the same exemplified in a fair Vellum Manuscript which lately was Archbishop Parkers since the Lord Cokes whence I transcribed as followeth Sir Rich Sackvile Chancellor three hundred pounds yearly Fee forty pounds Diet and six shillings eight pence for every Seale Sir Jo Williams Treasurer three hundred and twenty pounds Fee Sir Will Cavendish Treasurer of the King's Chamber one hundred pounds Fee one hundred pound Dyet and ten pounds Boat-hire Sir Thomas Moyle Sir Walter Mildmay Generall Receivers to each two hundred pounds Fee and twenty pounds Diet. Rich Goodrich Attorney one hundred pounds Fee and twenty marks Diet. Jo Gosnall Solicitor eighty pound Fee Diet twenty marks Besides Masters and Surveyors of the woods Clerks Keepers of Records Ushers Messengers Assistants Carpenter and Mason to the Court Auditors Receivers Surveyors Woodwards for every County the totall summe of their Fees yearly amounting unto Seven thousand two hundred forty nine pounds ten shillings and three pence This Catalogue by the persons mentioned therein seems taken towards the end of Edward the sixt when the Court began to decline 2. It belonged unto this Court to order The imployment of the Offiâ—eâ—s in this Court survey and govern sell let set all Manours lands tenements rents services tythes pensions portions advowsons patronages and all hereditaments formerly belonging to Priories and since their dissolution to the Crown as in the printed Statute * An. 17 HeÌ„ 8. cap. 27. more largely doth appear All persons holding any Leases Pensions Corodies c. by former grants from the Covents came into the Court produced their Deeds and upon examination of the validity thereof had the same allowed unto them And although providence for themselves and affection to their kindred prompted many Fryers and Covents foreseeing their rottering condition to antedate Leases to their friends just at the dissolution yet were they so frighted with fear of discovery that very few frauds in that kinde were committed The Court was very tender in continuing any Leases upon that least legall consideration 3. But after some continuance of this Court Motives for the dissolution of this Court the King 's urgent occasions could not stay for the slow coming in of money from the yearly Revenues of Abbey-land insomuch that He was necessitated to sell out-right a great part of those Lands for the present advance of Treasure and thereby quickly was the Court of Augmentation diminished The King therefore took into consideration to dissolve it as superfluous wherein the Officers were many their Pensions great Crown profits thereby small and Causes therein depending few so that it was not worth the while to keep up a Mill to grinde that grist where the Toll would not quit cost It was therefore resolved to stop up this by stream that all causes therein should run in the antient channell of the former Courts of Westminster 4. Indeed in the 7 of King Edw. 6. Finally dissolved in the first year of Queen Mary a doubt did arise amongst the Learned in the Laws whether the Court of Augmentation the Commencement whereof was first had by authority of Parliament would legally be dissolved extinguished and repealed by the King's Letters Patents And the Officers thereof wonder not if they stickled for their own concernments did zealously engage on the Negative Wherefore it was enacted by Parliament That the King during His naturall life had present power by His Letters Patents to alter unite annex reduce or dissolve any of those new erected Courts by His own Letters Patents And the same Act was confirmed in the first year of Queen Mary when the short-lived Court of Augmentation was dissolved as which from the birth thereof 1535 to the extinguishing 1553 survived but eighteen years The Lands of Chanteries free Chappels and Colledges dissolved KIng Henry the eighth his expences like sandy ground Prodigality alwaies wanteth suddenly suckt up the large shower of Abbey lands and little signe or shew was seen thereof yea such the parching thirst of his pressing occasions that still they called aloud for more moysture for whose satisfaction the Parliament in the 38 year of His Reign put the Lands of all Colledges Chanteries and free Chappels in His Majesties full disposition 2. This King made three meals King Henry's three meals on Abbey-lands or if you will one meal of three courses on Abbey-lands besides what Cardinal Wolsey the King's Taster herein had eat before-hand when assuming smaller Houses to endow his two Colledges 1. When Religious Houses under two hundred pounds a yeare â— Anno 1535 were granted to Him by the Parliament 2. When all greater Monasteries â— 1538 3. When Colledges Chanteries and Free
shall be requisite In pursuance of these their Instructions the Kings Commissioners in their respective Counties recovered much and discovered more of Church-wealth and Ornaments For some were utterly imbeziled by persons not responsible and there the King must lose his right More were concealed by parties not detectable so cunningly they carried their stealths seeing every one who had nimmed a Church-Bell did not ring it out for all to hear the sound thereof Many potent persons well known to have such goods shufled it out with their greatnesse mutually connived at therein by their equalls fellow-offenders in the same kinde However the Commissioners regained more than they expected confidering the distance of time and the cold scent they followed so many years after the Dissolution This Plate and other Church-Utensils were sold and advanced much money to the Exchequer An * Sir John Hayward Authour telleth us That amongst many which they found they left but one silver Chalice to every Church too narrow a proportion to populous Parishes where they might have left two at the least seeing for expedition sake at great Sacraments the Minister at once delivereth the wine to two Communicants But they conceived one Cup enough for a small Parish and that greater and richer were easily able to purchase more to themselves 2. All this Income rather stayed the stomack Durham Bishoprick dissolved than satisfied the hunger of the Kings Exchequer For the allaying whereof the Parliament now sitting conferred on the Crown the Bishoprick of Durham This may be called the English Herbipolis or Wirtz-burge it being true of both Dunelmia sola judicat Ense Stola The Bishop whereof was a Palatine or Secular Prince and his Seal in form resembleth Royalty in the Roundnesse thereof and is not Oval the badge of plain Episcopacy Rich and entire the revenues of this See such as alone would make a considerable addition to the Crown remote the scituation thereof out of Southern sight and therefore if dissolved the sooner out of mens mindes Besides Cuthbert Tunstall the present Bishop of Durham was in durance and deprived for his obstinacy so that so stubborn a Bishop gave * yet the Duke of Northumberland either was or was to be possessour thereof the State the fairer quarrell with so rich a Bishoprick now annexed to the Kings revenue 3. Well it was for this See Afterwards restored by Qu. Mary though dissolved that the lands thereof were not dispersed by sale unto severall persons but preserved whole and entire as to the main in the Crown Had such a dissipation of the parts thereof been made no lesse than a State miracle had been requisite for the recollection thereof Whereas now within two years after Queen Mary restored Tunstall to this Bishoprick and this Bishoprick to it self re-setling all the lands on the same 4. By this time A wood rather a wildernesse of the Popes Canons such Learned men as were employed by the King to reform the Ecclesiastical Laws had brought their work to some competent perfection Let me enlarge my self on this subject of concernment for the Readers satisfaction When the Pope had ingrossed to his Courts the cognizance of all causes which either looked glanced or pointed in the least degree at what was reduceable to Religion he multiplied Laws to magnifie himself Whose principal designe therein was not to make others good but himself great not so much to direct and defend the good to restrain and punish the bad as to ensnare and entangle both For such the number of their Clementines 〈◊〉 Intrd. Extravagants Provincialls Synodalls Glosses Sentences Chapters Summaries Rescripts Breviaries long and short Cases c. that none could carry themselves so cautiously but would be rendred obnoxious and caught within the compasse of offending Though the best was for money they might buy the Popes pardon and thereby their own innocence 5. Hereupon Two and thirty Regulatours of the Canon-Law when the Popes power was banished out of England his Canon-Law with the numerous Books and branches thereof lost its authority in the Kings Dominions Yet because some gold must be presumed amongst so much drosse grain amongst so much chaffe it was thought fit that so much of the Canon Law should remain as was found conformable to the Word of God and Laws of the Land And therefore King Henry the eighth was impowred by Act of Parliament to elect two and thirty able persons to reform the Ecclesiastical Laws though in His Reign very little to good purpose was performed therein 6. But the designe was more effectually followed in the daies of King Edward the sixth Contracted to eight by King Edward the 6. reducing the number of two and thirty to eight thus mentioned in His Letters Patents dated at Westminster the last year Novemb 11. Bishops Thomas Cranmer of Canterbury Thomas Goodrich of Elie. Divines Peter Martyr Richard Cox Civilians and Canonists Dr. William May. Dr. Rowland Taylor of Hadley Common Lawyers John Lucas Rich Goodrick Esquires It was not onely convenient but necessary that Common Lawyers should share in making these Church Constitutions because the same were to be built not onely sure in themselves but also symmetricall to the Municipall Lawes of the Land These Eight had power by the Kings Patents to call in to their assistance what persons they pleased and are said to have used the pens of Sir John Cheeke and Walter Haddon Dr. in Law to turn their Lawes into Latine 7. However Laws no Laws not stamped with Royall Authority these had onely a preparing no concluding power so that when they had ended their work two things were wanting to make these Ecclesiastical Canons thus by them composed have the validity of Laws First an exact review of them by others to amend the mistakes therein As where * Titulo de Divinis Officiâ—s cap. 6. they call the Common Prayer Book then used in England proprium perfectum omnis divini cultus judicem magistrum a title truly belonging onely to the Scripture Secondly a Royall ratification thereunto which this King prevented by death nor any of His Successours ever stamped upon it Indeed I finde in an * Iohn 〈◊〉 at the end of his Preface to his Book intituled Reformation no enemy to Her Majesty Author whom I am half-ashamed to alledge that Doctor Haddon Anno 12 or 13 Elizabeth delivered in Parliament a Latine Book concerning Church-Discipline written in the daies of King Edward the sixt by Mr. Cranmer Sir John Cheek c. which could be no other than this lately mentioned Which Book was committed by the House unto the said Mr. Haddon Mr. George Bromley Mr. Norton c. to be translated I conceive into English again and never after can I recover any mention thereof save that some thirteen years since * Anno 1640. A silent Convocation it was printed in London 8. A Parliament was called in the last of this Kings
c. illegally inflicting any other punishments Such Commissioners proceeding against Offender by Attachment Fine or Imprisonment are contrary to the express words of Carta Magna providing that no free man shall be taken or imprisoned or be disseised of his free hold and liberty and but by the lawful judgement of his Peers or of the Law of the Land Their whole Commission is void in Law because it beareth date in July but was not signed till November next after contrary to the Statute which enjoyneth that Letters patents should be dated the day of their delivery into Chancery or else they shall be void For the High Commission The words in the Statute run thus they shall have full power and authority by vertue of this Act and of the Letters patents under your Highness your Heirs and successors to Exercise Vse execute all the promises according to the Tenor and effect of the said Letters patents any matter or cause to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding Now their Letters patents inable them to Attach Fine or Imprison c. in doing whereof they are sufficiently impowered by the Commission When Carta Magna was made Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction though it was de jure it was not de facto in the King Whereby it plainly appears that those words related not to the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction but only to Crimes belonging to the Common Law But since the Parliament hath declared Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in the Queen the Ecclesiastical persons might impose such penalties even to the Condemning of Hereticks though never tri'd by a Jury It appeareth by the Preamble of that Statute that the words cannot be stretched to Letters patents of that nature but belong only to such to private persons wherein Grantees are unjustly expelled out of their right by colour of Letters patents bearing an elder date But the most general exception against the High Commission was this that proceeding ex officio mero by way of enquiry against such whom they pleased to suspect they tendered unto them an Oath which was conceived unjust that in Cases Criminal a party should be forced to discover what might be penal to himself The Lawfulness of which Oath was learnedly canvassed with Arguments on both sides Against the Oath ex Officio The Common Laws have ever rejected and impugned it never put in Ure by any civil Magistrate in the Land but as it is corruptly crept in amongst other abuses by the sinister practises and pretences of the Romish Prelates and Clergimen And where loss of Life Liberty or good Name may ensue the Common Law hath forbidden such Oath It is contrary to the Fundamental Law of Liberty Nemo tenetur seipsum prodere It appeareth by the Lord Dyer's Book that one Hynde called before the Commissioners Ecclesiastical for Vsury refused to swear whereupon he was committed But upon an Information in the Common pleas he had a Corpus cum causa to remove him so as it seemeth the Judges were then of Opinion that the Commissioners could not give him such an Oath Though such proceedings ex officio were practised by the Popish Prelates against the Saints and Servants of God Yet it was never used by Protestants in their Ecclesiastical Censures The Justice of the Land detesteth that the Judge should himself be an Accuser For by Law no man may be Accuser and Witness Inditer and Jurer therefore much less Judg Accuser which notwithstanding he is that tendereth the Oath ex Officio Even the Heathen Romans were so Christian that by antient custome no Vestal Virgin or * Gellius lib. 10 câ—p 15. Flamen of Jupiter was restrained to swear whereof * Plutarch problems 43. Plutarch rendreth three Reasons First because an Oath is a kinde of torture to a free man Secondly it is absurd in smaller matters not to credit their words who in higher matters touching God are believed Thirdly an Oath in case they were forsworne draweth a curse on them a detestable Omination towards the Priests of God And why may not as much be allowed to the true Ministers of the Gospel The Scripture which ought to be the Rule of our Actions affords neither precepts nor precedent of such proceedings where Witnesses were produced and the Accusers brought face to face William Tindal a worthy Martyr in his * Pag. 208. Comment on the fifth of Matthew saith plainly that a Judge ought not to compel a man to swear against himself No Protestant Church beyond the Seas hath made use of such tyrannical proceedings For the Oath ex Officio It is true To give this Oath to the Defendent in Causes of Life and Death is contrary to the Justice of the Land But where Life or Limbe is not concerned it is usually tendered in Chancery Court of Requests Councel of Marches and Councel in the North yea in other Courts of Record at Westminster where the Judges time out of minde by Corporal Oath did examine any person whom in discretion they suspected to have dealt lewdly about any Writ Returne entrie of Rule pleading or any such like Matter not being Capital It is granted But with all Proditus per deruntiationem Famam c. tenetur seipsum offendere Some faults are simply secret no way bruited or published abroad in which cases the person guilty is not bound to make Confession thereof though urged on his Oath to any Officer Civil or Ecclesiastical But if once discovery be made by Presentment Denunciation Fame c. according to Law then is not the fault meerly secret but revealed in some sort to the Magistrate or abroad who for avoiding Scandal to Christian Religion and Reformation of the Party may thus inquire of the Offence to see it redressed and punished There is no such report in the Lord Dyer all that is extant is only this Marginal Note upon Skroggs his case in Michaelmas Terme 18. of Elizabeth Simile M. 18. fol. per Hynde qui noluit jurare coram justiciariis Ecclesiasticis super Articulos pro usura Which seems added by some unskilful person it being improbable so learned a Judge would have termed the Commissioners Justiciarios Ecclesiasticos Besides this cause of Hynde can no where else be found Certain Commissioners whereof some Bishops some privie Councellers some Civilians and some Judges and Common Lawyers in the Reign of K. Edward the sixth charged BP Bonner with a corporal Oath * For Act Mon. sol 1512. ex Officio to answer to questions ministred unto him and for resusal he was pronounced * For Acts Mon. sol 1516. contumacious The like Oath in matter criminal and Penal was tendered to * For Acts Mon. sol 1536. Stephen Gardener at appeareth by the sentence of his deprivation of the Bishoprick of Winchester The Laws Civil and Ecclesiastical hold not the Judge proceeding of office to be an Accuser but that whereupon the Enquiry is grounded to represent the Accusation By the granting of this peculiar priviledge to these
that point that he any way went about to abridge her Royall Authority 5. Secondly And filly taxing of his train he taxeth him for his extraordinary traine of above sixty men-servants though not so extravagant a number if his person and place be considered who were all trained up to martiall affaires and mustred almost every week his stable being well furnished with store of great Horses But was it a fault in those martiall dayes when the invasion of a Forraign Foe was daily suspected to fit his Family for their own and the Kingdomes defence Did not * Gen. 14. 14. Abraham that heavenly Prophet and holy Patriarch arme his Trained Servants in his owne house in his victorious expedition against the King of Sodome Yea if Church-men of an Anti-prelaticall spirit had not since tampered more dangerously with training of Servants though none of their owne both Learning and Religion had perchance looked at this day with a more cheerefull countenance 6. Whereas it intimates Whitgifts care of and love to Scholars that this Arch-bishop had been better imployed in training up Scholars for the Pulpit than Souldiers for the Field know that as the Latter was performed the former was not quitted by him Witnesse many worthy preachers bred under him in Trinity Colledge and more elsewhere relieved by him Yea his Bounty was too large to be confined within the narrow Seas Beza Drusius and other forraigne Protestant Divines tasting freely thereof Nor was his Liberality onely a Cisterne for the present age but a running River from a fresh Fountaine to water Posterity in that Schoole of Croydon which he hath beautifully built and bountifully endowed More might be said in the vindication of this worthy Prelate from his reproachfull penne But I purposely forbeare the rather because it is possible that the learned Gentleman since upon a serious review of his own Work and experimentall Observation of the passages of this Age may be more offended with his owne writing herein than others take just exception thereat 7. Arch-bishop Whitgift was buried at Croydon His buriall and Successour 1604. Mar. 27. March 27. The Earle of Worcester and Lord Zouch his Pupills attending his Herse and Bishop Babington his Pupill also made his Funerall Sermon chusing for his Text 2 Chron. 24. 15 16. and paralleling the Arch-bishops life with gracious Jehoida Ann. Reg. Jac. 2 Ann. Dom. 1604. Richard Bancroft Bishop of London brought up in Jesus Colledge succeeded him in the Arch-bishoprick whose actions in our ensuing History will sufficiently deliver his character without our description thereof 8. Come we now to the Parliament assembled A beneficiall Statute for the Church amongst the many Acts which passed therein none more beneficiall for the Church than that which made the King himselfe and his Successors incapable of any Church-land to be conveyed unto them otherwise than for three lives or twenty one years Indeed a Statute had formerly been made the thirteenth of Queen Eliz. which to prevent finall Alicnation of Church-land did disable all subjects from accepting them But in that Statute a Liberty was left unto the * Because it was noâ— forbidden in the Statute in expresse words Crown to receive the same It was thought fit to allow to the Crown this favourable exception as to the Patron generall of the whole English Church and it was but reason for the Soveraign who originally gave all the Loafe to the Church on occasion to resume a good Shiver thereof 9. But he who shuts ninety nine gates of Thebes A conâ—rivance by the Crowne to wrong the Church and leaveth one open shuts none in effect Covetousnesse shall I say an apt Scholar to learne or an able Master to teach or both quickly found out a way to invade the Lands of the Church and evade the Penalty of the Law which thus was contrived Some Potent Courtier first covertly contracts with a Bishop some whereof though spirituall in Title were too temporall in Truth as more minding their Private Profit than the Publique good of the Church to passe over such a proportion of Land to the Crowne This done the said Courtier begs the Land of the Queen even before her Highnesse had tasted thereof or the lipps of her Exchecquer ever touched the same and so an Estate thereof is setled on him and his Heires for ever And thus Covetousnesse came to her desired end though forced to go a longer journey and fain to fetch a farther compasse about 10. For instance Two eminent instances of former Alienation of Bishopprick-Lands Doctor Coldwell Doctor of Physique and Bishop of Sarisbury gave his Sea a very strong Purge when he consented to the Alienation of Shiâ—bourn Manour from his Bishoprick Indeed the good old man was shot between Wind and Water and his consent was assaulted in a dangerous joincture of time to give any deniall For after he was elected Bishop of Sarisbury and after all his Church-preferments were disposed of to other persons yet before his election was confirmed past a possibility of a legall reversing thereof Sir W. Rawleigh is importunate with him to passe Sherborne to the Crowne and effected it though indeed a good round rent was reserved to the Bishoprick Presently Sir Walter beggeth the same of the Queen and obtained it Much after the same manner Sir Killegrew got the Mannour of Crediton a bough almost as big as all the rest of the Body for the Church of Exeter by the consent of Doctor Babington the Bishop thereof 11. To prevent future wrong to the Church in that kinde Severall censuâ—es on this new Statute it was now enacted That the Crowne it selfe henceforward should be incapable of any such Church-land to be conveyed unto it Yet some were so bold as to conceive this Law void in the very making of it and that all the obligation thereof consisted not in the strength of the Law but onely in the Kings and his Successors voluntary obedience thereunto Accounting it injurious for any Prince in Parliament to tye his Successors who neither can nor will be concluded thereby farther than it stands with their owne convenience However it was to stand in force till the same power should be pleased to rescind it But others beheld this Law not with a Politick but Religious Eye conceiving the King of Heaven and the King of England the Parties concerned therein and accounting it Sacriledge for any to alienate what is given to God in his Church 12. Thus was the King graciously pleased to binde himself for the liberty of the Church K. JAMES a great Churchlover He knew full well all Courtiers and especially his owne Countrey-mens importunity in asking and perhaps was privy to his owne impotency in denying and therefore by this Statute he eased himselfe of many troublesome Suitors For hereafter no wise man would beg of the King what was not in his power to grant and what if granted could
Toleration But that motion was crusht by the Bishops opposing it and chiefly by Bishop Dounhams sermon in Dublin on this Text Luke 1. 74. That we being delivered from the hands of our Enemies might serve him without fear 57. Many a man Hopes to spring in England sunk in his Estate in England hath happily recovered it by removing into Ireland whereas by a contrary motion this project bankrupt in Ireland presumed to make it self up in England Where the Papists promised to maintain a proportion of Ships on the aforesaid condition of free exercise of their Religion Anno Regis Car. 1. Anno Dom. Some were desirous the King should accept their tender who might lawfully take what they were so forward to give seeing no injury is done to them who are willing 58. It was urged on the other side But is rejected that where such willingness to be injured proceeds from the Principle of an erroneous conscience there their simplicity ought to be informed not abused Grant Papists so weak as to buy Protestants should be more honest than to sell such base wares unto them Such Ships must needs spring many leaks rig'd victualed and manned withil-gotten money gained by the sale of Souls And here all the objections were revived which in the reign of King James were improved against such a Toleration 59. Here Sir John Savil interposed Sir John Savil his motion that if the King were pleased but to call on the Recusants to pay thirds legally due to the Crown it would prove a way more effectual and less offensive to raise a mass of Money it being but just who were so rich and free to purchase new Priviledges should first pay their old Penalties This motion was listned unto and Sir John with some others appointed for that purpose in the Counties beyond Trent scarce a third of England in ground but almost the half thereof for the growth of Recusants therein But whether the Returns seasonably furnished the Kings occasions is to me unknown 60. It is suspicious that all such Projects to quench the thirst of the Kings necessities proved no better then sucking-bottles 4 1628 A Parliament cal'd which proves full of troubles soon emptied but cold the liquor they afforded Nothing so naturall as the milk of the breast I mean Subsidies granted by Parliament which the King at this time assembled But alas to follow the Metaphor both the breasts the two Houses were so sore with several grievances that all money came from them with much pain and difficulty the rather because they complained of Doctrines destructive to their propriety lately preached at Court 61. For towards the end of this Session of Parliament Dr. Manwaring was severely censured for two Sermons he had preached and printed about the power of the Kings Prerogative Mr. Pimm's Speech against Dr. Manwaring Such is the precipice of this matter wherein each casual slip of my Pen may prove a deadly fall that I had rather the Reader should take all from Mr. Pimm's mouth than from my hand who thus uttered himself Master a Transcribed out of his Manuscript Speech Speaker June 9 I am to deliver from the Sub-Committee a Charge against Mr. Manwaring a Preacher and Doctor of Divinity but a man so criminous that he hath turned his titles into accusations for the better they are the worse is he that hath dishonoured them Here is a great Charge that lies upon him it is great in it self and great because it hath many great Charges in it Serpens qui Serpentem devorat fit Draco his Charge having digested many Charges into it is become a Monster of Charges The main and great one is this A plot and policie to alter and subvert the frame and fabrick of this State and Commonwealth This is the great one and it hath others in it that gains it more greatness For to this end he labours to infuse into the conscience of his Majesty the perswasion of a power not bounding it self with Laws which King James of famous memorie calls in his Speech in Parliament 1619 Tyrannie yea Tyrannie accompanied with Perjurie 2. Secondly He endeavours to perswade the consciences of the Subjects that they are bound to obey illegal commands yea he damns them for not obeying them 3. Thirdly He robs the Subjects of the propertie of their goods 4. Fourthly He brands them that will not lose this propertie with most scandalous and odious titles to make them hatefull both to Prince and People so to set a division between the Head and Members Anno Dom. 1628 Anno Regis Caroli 4 and between the Members themselves 5. Fifthly To the same end not much unlike to Faux and his fellows he seeks to blow up Parliaments and Parliamentarie Power These five being duly viewed will appear to be so many Charges and withall they make up the main and great Charge A mischievous Plot to alter and subvert the frame and Government of this State and Commonwealth And now that you may be sure that Mr. Manwaring though he leave us no propriety in our Goods yet he hath an absolute propriety in his Charge Audite ipsam belluam heare Mr. Manwaring by his own words making up his own Charge Here he produced the Book particularly insisting on pag. 19. 29. and 30. in the first Sermon pag. 35. 46. and 48 in the second Sermon All which passages he heightned with much eloquence and acrimonie thus concluding his Speech I have shewed you an evill Tree that bringeth forth evill Fruit and now it rests with you to determine whether the following sentence shall follow Cut it down and cast it into the fire 62. Four daies after the Parliament proceeded to his censure The severe censure on the Doctor June 13 consisting of eight particulars it being ordered by the House of Lords against him as followeth 1. To be imprisoned during the pleasure of the House 2. To be fined a thousand pounds 3. To make his submission at the Bar in this House and in the House of Commons at the Bar there in verbis conceptis by a Committee of this House 4. To be suspended from his Ministerial function three yeers and in the mean time a sufficient preaching man to be provided out of the profits of his living and this to be left to be performed by the Ecclesiastical Court 5. To be disabled for ever hereafter from preaching at Court 6. To be for ever disabled of having any Ecclesiastical Dignity in the Church of England 7. To be uncapable of any secular Office or preferment 8. That his Books are worthy to be burned and his Majesty to be moved that it may be so in London and both the Universities But much of this censure was remitted in consideration of the performance of his humble submission at both the Bars in Parliament 63. Where he appeared on the three and twentieth of June following His humble submission
be in the Commission of the Peace nor Judges in Temporall Courts 3. Nor sit in the Star-Chamber nor be Privy-Counsellors The two last branches of this Bill passed by generall consent not above two dissenting But the first branch was voted in the Negative wherein all the Bishops gave their own voices for themselves Yet had their suffrages been secluded and the question only put to the lay-Lords it had been carried for the Bishops by sixteen decisive June 8 76. After some dayes debate the Lords who were against the Bishops protested that the former manner of voting the Bill by branches was unparlamentary and illegall Wherefore they moved the House that they should be so joyned together as either to take the Bill in wholly or cast it all out Whereupon the whole Bill was utterly cast out by many voices had not the Bishops as again they did given their suffrages in the same 77. Master Maynard made a Speech in the Committee of Lords against the Canons At last wholly cast out made by rhe Bishops in the last Convocation therein with much learning indeavouring to prove 1. That in the Saxons times as Malmesbury Hoveden Sir Henry Spelman c. doe witnesse Lawes and constitutions Ecclesiasticall had the confirmation of Peers and sometimes of the People Mr. Maynards Speech against the Canons to which great Councells our Parliaments doe succeed 2. That it appears out of the aforesaid Authors and others that there was some checking about the disuse of the generall making of such Church Lawes 3. That for Kings to make Canons without consent of Parliament cannot stand because built on a bad foundation viz. on the Popes making Canons by his sole Power so that the groundwork not being good the superstructure sinketh therewith 4. He examined the Statute 25 of Henry 8 avouching that that clause The Clergy shall not make Canons without the Kings leave implyeth not that by his leave alone they may make them Lastly he endeavoured to prove that these Canons were against the Kings Prerogative the Rights Liberties and Properties of the Subject insisting herein on severall particulars 1. The first Canon puts a penalty on such as disobey them 2. One of them determineth the Kings Power and the Subjects right 3. It sheweth that the Ordinance of Kings is by the Law of Nature and then they should be in all places and all alike 4. One of the Canons saith that the King may not be resisted 5. Another makes a Holy Day whereas that the Parliament saith there shall be such and no more This his Speech lost neither life nor lustre being reported to the Lords by the Bishop of Lincoln a back friend to the Canons because made during his absence and durance in the Tower 78. One in the House of Commons heightned the offence of the Clergy herein Severall judgments of the Clergyes offence into Treason which their more moderate adversaries abated into a Premunire Many much insisted on the Clarks of the Convocation for presuming being but private men after the dissolution of the Parliament to grant subsidies A Bill read against the High-Commission and so without Law to give away the estates of their fellow-subjects 78. A Bill was read to repeal that Statute of 1 Eliz. whereby the High-Commission Court is erected This Bill afterwards forbad any Archbishop Bishop c. deriving power from the King to Assesse or inflict any pain penalty amercement imprisonment or corporall punishment for any ecclesiasticall offence or transgression Forbidding them likewise to administer the Oath Ex officio or give Oath to Church-Wardens Sides-men or any others whereby their own or others offences should be discovered DIGNISSIMO DOM. THOMAE FISHER BARONETTO CUM Insignia tua Gentilitia intueor Anno Regis Carol 16 Anno Dom. 1640 non sum adeò Heraldicae Artis ignarus quin probè sciam quid sibi velit Manus illa Scutello inserta Te scilicet Baronettum designat cùm omnes in illum Ordinem cooptati ex Institutione sua ad * * Seldenus in titulis Honoris Vltoniam Hiberniae Provinciam forti dextrâ defendendam teneantur At sensum praeter hunc vulgarem alium latiorem quoad meipsum laetiorem Manui illi expansae quae in tuo Clypeo spectabilis subesse video Index est summae tuae Munificentiae quo nomine me tibi divinctissimum profiteor 1. OMitting matters of greater consequence The High-Commission Court put down know that the Bill against the High-Commission June 24 was the third time read in the House of Lords and passed it which some dayes after was confirmed by his Majesty Thus the edge of the Spiritual Sword as to discipline was taken away For although I read of a Proviso made in the House of Lords that the generall words in this Bill should extend only to the High-Commission Court and not reach other Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction yet that Proviso being but writen and the Statute printed all coercive power of Church Consistories were taken away Mr. Pim triumphed at this successe crying out Digitus Det it is the finger of God Anno Dom. 1641 that the Bishops should so supinely suffer themselves to be surprised in their power Anno Regis Caroli 16 Some disaffected to Episcopy observed a Justice that seeing many simple souls were in the high Commission Court by captious interrogatories circumvented into a self-accusation an unsuspected clause in this Statute should abolish all their lawfull authority 2. The Bishop of Lincoln brought up a Bill to regulate Bishops and their jurisdiction The Bill for Regulation of Bishops consisting of severall particulars July 2 1. That every Bishop being in his Diocesse not sick should preach once every Lords day or pay five pounds to the poor to be levyed by the next Justice of Peace and distresse made by the Constable 2. That no Bishop shall be Justice of Peace save the Dean of Westminster in Westminster and St. Martines 3. That every Bishop should have twelve assistants besides the Dean and Chapter four chosen by the King four by the Lords and four by the Commons for jurisdiction and ordination 4. That in all vacancies they should present to the King three of the ablest Divines in the Diocesse out of which his Majesty might choose one to be Bishop 5. Deans and Prebends to be resident at the Cathedralls but sixty dayes 6. That Sermons be preached therein twice every Lords day once every Holy day and a Lecture on Wednesday with a salary of 100. Marks 7. All Archbishops Bishops Collegiate Churches c. to give a fourth part of their fines and improved rents to buy out Impropriations 8. All double beneficed men to pay a moiety of their benefice to their Curates 9. No appeal to the Court of Arches or Audience 10. Canons and Ecclesiasticall capitulations to be drawn up and fitted to the Lawes of the Land by sixteen learned men chosen six by the King
Sr that the least wrong may redound to You by my indiscretion in the writing hereof desiring You only to Patronize what is acceptable therein and what shall appear otherwise is left on my account to answer for the same YOu may know Anno Regis Carol. 21. that amongst the most Remarkables effected by the Assembly of Divines Anno Dom. 1645. the compiling of the Directory was one The Directory drawn up by the Assembly which although composed in the former yeare yet because not as yet meeting with universal Obedience it will be seasonable enough now to enter on the consideration thereof The Parliament intending to abolish the Liturgie and loath to leave the Land altogether at a loss or deformity in publick service imployed the Assembly in drawing up a model of Divine Worship Herein no direct forme of Prayer Verbis conceptis was prescribed no outward or bodily worship enjoyned nor people required in the Responsals more than in Amen to bear a part in the Service but all was left to the discretion of the Minister not enjoyned what but directed to what purpose he ought to order his devotions in publick-prayer and administring Sacraments 2. The dissenting Brethren commonly call'd Independents were hardly perswaded to consent to a Directory Even libera custodia To which the dissenting Brethren at last assent though it be the best of Restraints is but a restraint and they suspected such a Directory would if inforced be an infringing of the Christian-liberty Anno Dom. 1645. Anno Regis Carol 21. However they consented at last the rather because a Preface was prefixed before it which did much moderate the matter and mitigate the rigorous imposition thereof 3. In this preface A discreet and charitable Preface respectful terms are no less discreetly than charitably afforded to the first compilers of the Liturgie allowing them wise and pious in redressing many things which were vain erroneous superstitious and idolatrous affirming also that many Godly and Learned men of that age rejoyced much in the Liturgie at that time set forth But adding withall that they would rejoyce more had it been their happiness to behold this present reformation they themselves were perswaded that these first Reformers were they now alive would joyn with them in this work at advanting the Directory 4. The Assemblie-work of the Directorie thus ended The Directorie inforced by ordinance of Parliament the Lords and Commons began therewith prefixing an Ordinance thereunto made much up of forms of repeal laying down the motives inclining them to think the abolishing of the Common-Prayer and establishement of this Directory necessary for this Nation First the consideration of the many inconveniences risen by that book in this Kingdom Secondly their Covenant-Resolution to reform Religion according to Gods word and the best reformed Churches Thirdly their consulting with the learned pâ—â—us and reverend Divines for that purpose 5. The Benefit of Printing the Directorie was bestowed on M r Rowborrough and M r Byfield Scribes to the Assembly who are said to have sold the same for some hundreds of pounds Surely the Stationer who bought it A good price if well paid did not with the dishonest * Pro. 20. 14. Chap-man first decry the worth thereof and then hoast of his penniworth If since he hath proved a loser thereby I am confident that they who sold it him carried such a Chancery in their bosoms as to make him fair satisfaction 6. Now because it was hard to turn people out of their old track and put them from a beaten path such was call it constuncy or obstinacy love or doting of the generality of the Nation on the Common-Prayer the Parliament found it fit yea necessary to back their former Ordinance with a second dated twenty third of August 1645. And entitled an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for the more effectual putting in execution the Directorie c. Wherein directions were not only given for the dispersing and publishing of the Directory in all Parishes Chappelries and Donatives but also for the calling in and suppressing of all books of Common-Prayer A Second Ordinance to back the former and several forfeitures and penalties to be levied and imposed upon conviction before justices of Assize or of Oyer and terminer c. 7. But in opposition hereunto the King at Oxford set forth a Proclamation bearing date the thirteenth of November 1645. enjoyning the use of Common-Prayer according to the Law notwithstanding the pretended ordinances for the new Directory Thus as the waves The Kings Proclamation contrary to the Parliaments Ordinance commanded one way by the Tide and countermanded another with the wind know not which to obey so people stood amused betwixt these two forms of service line upon line * Isa 28. 10. precept upon precept being the easiest way to edifie whilst line against line precept against precept did much disturb and distract 8. The King and Parliament being thus at difference Arguments pro and con to Directory no wonder if the pens of the Chaplains followed their Patrons and engaged violently pro and con in the controversy I presume it will be lawful and safe for me to give in a breviat of the Arguments on both sides reserving my private opinion to my self as not worthy the readers taking notice thereof for as it hath been permitted in the height and heat of our Civil man for Trumpeters and Messengers to have fair and free passage on both sides pleading the Priviledge of the publick faith provided they do not interest themselves like parties and as spies forfeit the protection so subjecting themselves justly to the severest punishment So. Historians in like manner in all ages have been permitted to transmit to posterity an unpartial account of actions preserving themselves Neuters in their indifferent relations Against the Liturgie 1. Sad experience hath made it manifest that the Liturgie used in England notwithstanding the religious intentions of the compilers thereof hath prove an offence to many godly people 2. Offence thereby hath also been given to the reformed Churches abroad 3. M r Calvin himself disliked the Liturgie in his letter to the Lord Protector charitably calling many thing therein tolerabiles ineptias 4. The Liturgie is no better then confining of the Spirit tying it to such and such words which is to be left alone to its own liberty use praying and have praying the extemporary gift is improved by the practice thereof 5. It being a compliant with the Papists in a great part of their Service doth not a little confirm them in their Superstition and Idolatry 6. It is found by experience that the Liturgie hath been a great means to make an idle and an unedifying Ministry For the Liturgie 1. Such offence if any was taken not given and they must be irreligious mistakes which stand in opposition to such religious intentions 2. No forrain Church ever in print expressed
Switzerland where a Congregation of English Exiles in the Reign of Q. Marry b. 8. p. 26. ¶ 41. ALCUINUS or Albinus an eminent Scholar and opposer of Image-worship Cent. 8. ¶ 40. ALFRED the Saxon Monarch his admirable act Cent. 9. ¶ 25. c. foundeth an University at Oxford ¶ 29. c. a soleman Councill kept by him ¶ 42. with the Canons made therein ibidem his death ¶ 44. ALIEN Priors b. 6. p. 33. ¶ 1. 2. of two natures ¶ 3. shaken by other Kings ¶ 4. but dissolved by King Henry 5. ¶ 5. William ALLEN Cardinal his death and character b. 9. p. 229. ¶ 12. William AMESE his bitter Sermon against Cards and Dice Hist of Cam. p. 159. ¶ 41. 42. leaveth Christs Colledge for his non-Conformity ¶ 43. AMPHIBALUS so named first by I. Munmoth Cent. 4. ¶ 6. Martyred at Redbourn in Hartfortshirt ¶ 7. the fancies about his stake confuted ibidem ANABAPTISTS their beginning in Engalnd l. 5. 249. ¶ 11. discovered in London b. 9. p. 104. ¶ 12. eleven condemned and two burnt ¶ 13. Lancâ—â—â— ANDREWS his death and character b. 11. 9. 46 47 48 49. Q. ANNA King of the East-Saxons happy in his children Cent. 7. ¶ 82. Q. ANNE Wite to King Iames her signal letter to the own of Rippon b. 10. ¶ 15. ANSELEME Arch-bishop of Cant. b 3. p. 11. ¶ 30. refuseth to lend King Rufus a 1000. pounds ¶ 32. Variance betwixt him and King Rufus p. 12. ¶ 36. c. holdeth a Synod at Weftminster p. 16. ¶ 3. the constitutions thereof p. 16 17 18 19. sent to Rome p. 20. ¶ 5. forbids Priests marriage ¶ 7. but dyeth re infecta p. 23. ¶ 18. Io. ARGENTINE challengeth all Cambridge to dispute much him Hist of Cam. p. 64. ¶ 28 c. ARIMINUM British Bishops present at the Councell kept therein Cent. 4. ¶ 20. And why they refused ot receive a Salary from the Emperour ibidem ARLES British Bishops present at the Councell kept therein Cent. 4. ¶ 20. ARISTOBULUS fabulously made by Grecian writers a Bishop of Britain Cent. 1. ¶ 8. ARMES in noble Families still extant relating to the Atchievements of their Ancestours in the holy Land b. 3. p. 40 41 42 43. ARRIANISME infpected England as appears by Gildas his complaint Cent. 4. ¶ 21. King ARTHUR a real worthy of Britain though his actions be much discredited with Monkish fictions Cent. 6. ¶ 2. The SIX ARTICLES contrived by Bishop Gardiner b. 5. p. 203 ¶ 17. to the great trouble of poore Protestants ¶ 18. The 30. ARTICLES composed b. 9. p. 72. ¶ 51. why drawn up in generall terms ¶ 52. by those who had been Confessours 53. confirmed by Statute 55. imposed onely on the Clergy ¶ 56. The 20 th ARTICLE concerning the Authority of the Church questioned b. 9. p. 73. inserted in some omitted in other Editions p. 74. ¶ 85. defended by Bishop Laud against Mr. Burton ¶ 59. ARTICLES of Lambeth see Lambeth Thomas ARUNDEL when Arch-bishop of York a cruel persecutour b. 4. p. 151. ¶ 42. when Archbishop of Cant active in deposing King Rich the second p. 153. ¶ 54. visiteth the Vniversity of Cambridge and all the Colledges therein Hist of Cam. p. 59. 60 c. Affronted at Oxford b. 4. p. 164. ¶ 125. but by the Kings help too hard for the Students p. 165. ¶ his wofull death p. 166. ¶ 30. St. ASAPH his pious Expression Cent. 6. ¶ 13. Iohn ASCHWELL challengeth all Camb. Hist of Camb. P. 104. ¶ 44. his bad successe ¶ 45. c. Anne ASCOUGH b. 5. p. 242. ¶ 44. Plea for leaving her Husband ¶ 45. first wracked then burnt 46. her prose and poetry 47. Mr. ASHLE his difference at Frankford with Mr. Home book 8. p. 32 33. ¶ 11. The sad consequences occasioned thereby ¶ 12. 13. ASSEMBLEY of Divines their first meeting b. 11. ¶ 1. consisteth of four English quarters p. 198. ¶ 2. besides the Scotish Commissioners p. 199. ¶ 3. the reasons of the Royalists why they would not joyne with them b. 11. p. 199. ¶ 5. first petition for a fast p. 200. ¶ 8. troubled with Mr. Selden b. 11. p. 213. ¶ 54. and with the Erastians ¶ 55. c. sâ—rewdly checkt for excceding their bounds p. 214. ¶ 58. their Monuments p. 215. ¶ 66. rather sinketh then endeth ¶ 67. King ATHELSTAN his principle Laws enacted at Greatlea Cent. ¶ 9. 10. ATHELWOLPHUS Monarch of the Saxons maketh equivalently a Parliament act for the paying of Tithes Cent. 9. ¶ 8. Objections against the validity thereof answered ¶ 9 10. et sequentibus Granteth Peter-Pence to the Pope ¶ 15. St. AUDRE her chastity Cent. 7. ¶ 108. twice a Wife still a Maid ¶ 109. c. her moraculius monumont confuted ¶ 111. c. St. AUGUSTINE the worthy Father Bishop of Hippo said to be born on the same day with Pelagius the Heretick Cent. 5. ¶ 2. AURELIUS AMBROSIUS erectech a monument in Memory of his Conquest over the Britans Cent. 5. ¶ 25. Causelesly slandered by an Italian writer ¶ 28. AUGUSTINE the MONK sent by P. Gregory to Convert England b. 2. Cent. 6. ¶ 2. by him shrinking for fear is encourageo ¶ 3. mocked by women in his passage ¶ 4. landeth in England ¶ 5. why chusing rather to be Arch-bishop of Cant. then London C. 7. ¶ 1. summons a Synod under his AKE ¶ 2. his proud carriage therein towards the British Clergy ¶ 3. c. his prophesy ¶ 8. arraigned as guilty of murdering the Monks of Bagnor ¶ 10. c. acquitted by the moderation of Mr. Fox ¶ 14. baptiseth ten thousand in one day ¶ 19. his ridiculous miracle ¶ 22. death and Epitaph ¶ 24. without the date of the year ¶ 25 a farewell to him with his character ¶ 26. AUGUSTINEAN Monks b. 6. p. 268. ¶ 67. Colchester their chief seat ibidem AUGMENTATION court the erection use cause name abolishing thereof b. 6. p. 348 349. AUGUSTINEAN Friers b. 6. p. 273. ¶ 1. The same in Oxford turned into Wadham Coll. b. 10. p. 68. ¶ 30. learned writers of their Order bred in Cambridge Hist of Camb. p. 30. B. Gervase BABINGTON Bishop of Worcester his death and praise b. 10. p. 56. ¶ 32 33. Roger BACON a great School-man and Matheamtician falsty accused for a Conjurer C. 14. p. 96. ¶ 17. many of that name confounded into one ¶ 18. John BACONTHOR p a little man and great Scholar p. 97. ¶ 20. BAILIOL COLL. founded by J. Bailiol b. 3. p. 67. and 68. Philip BAKER Provost of Kings an honest Papist Hist of Cam. p. 142. ¶ 4. John BALE Bishop of Ossory his death character and excusable passion b. 9. p. 67. ¶ 37 38 39. Bishop BANCROFT causlesly condemned for keeping Popish Priests in his house b. 10. ¶ 1. his behaviour in Hampton-Court Conference p. 9. et sequentibus violently prosecuteth Mr. Fuller unto his death in Prison p. 55 56. ¶ 29. 30. his death 34. vindicated
the third are commonly without any date Grace in like manner will arise so early in your heart advantaged by your Godly Birth and Breeding that you shall not remember the beginning thereof However to make sure work it will be safest to examine your self when arrived at Age what eminent accessions and additions of Grace you can remember with the Place and Time when the same were effectually wrought in your Soul and what bosome-sin you have conquered Especially take notice of your solemn Reconciling to God after Repentance for some sin committed David no doubt in some sort may be said to be born good God being his hope when in the * Psal 22. 10. Womb when on the Breasts of his Mother * Psal 71. 5. Trusting in him and * Psal 71. 17. Taught by him from his Youth Now though probably he could not remember his first and general Conversion he could recount his Reconversion after his foul Offences of Adulterie and Murder as by his Penitential Psalm doth plainly appear Otherwise such who boast themselves Converted before Memorie by the priviledg of their pious Infancy if they can recover no Memorials of their Repentance after relaps and produce no time nor tokens thereof are so far from being good from their Cradle it is rather suspicious they will be bad to their Coffin if not labouring for a better spiritual estate And now my Lord let me recommend to your Childhood the Reading of the HOLY SCRIPTURES as the * 2 Tim. 3. 15. Apostle termeth them holy in the fountain flowing from the holy Spirit inditing them holy in the Conduit pipe derived through * 2 Peter 1. 21. holy men penning them holy in the Liquor teaching and directing to Holiness holy in the Cisterne working Sanctity in such as worthily receive them and making them wise unto Salvation Now next to the Study of the Scriptures History best becometh a Gentleman Church-History a Christian the British History an Englishman all which qualifications meeting eminently in your Honour give me some comfortable assurance that these my weak endeavours will not be unwelcome unto you by perusing whereof some profit may probably accrew to your self and more honour will certainly redown to The meanest and unworthiest of your Lordships Servants THOMAS FULLER THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITAINE Anno Regis Gul. Conq 1. CENT XI Anno Dom. 1067. 1. WIlliam Duke of Normandy being thus arrived Octo. 14. soon conquered Harold with an army of Normans The drunken English conquered by the Normans and foundeth Battle-Abbey as far beneath the English in Number as above them in temperance For the English being revelling before had in the morning their brains arrested for the arrearages of the indigested fumes of the former night and were no better then drunk a Mane adhuc ebrii contra hostes incunctanter procedunt when they came to fight But these things belong to the Historians of the State to relate whilest it is proper to us to observe that King William to testifie his gratitude to God for the victory founded in that place Battel-Abby endowing it with revenues and large immunities The b Combdens Brit. in Sussex Abbot whereof being a Baron of Parliament carried a pardon in his presence who casually coming to the place of Execution had power to save any Malefactor The Abbey-Church was a place of safety for any Fellon or Murtherer though such Popish sanctuaries themselves if accused as unlawful can finde no refuge in Scripture precepts or presidents for their justification seeing the very Horns of the Altar by divine command did push away those wilful offenders which fled unto them and impunity being the greatest motive to impiety made their Covent the Center of sinners Here the Monks flourished in all affluence William Crowned by the Arch-Bishop of York whilest many of the English Clergie flie into Scotland as the Old world in the dayes of Noah they ate they drank they bought they fold would I might add they married wives and were given in marriage for want whereof they did worse till in the dayes of King Henry the eight they were all drowned in the general Deluge of the Dissolution 2. Now it was proper to the place of Stigand Arch-Bishop of Canterbury to perform the Solemnities of King Williams Coronation but he declined that imployment pretending Williams unlawful title Anno Regis Gul. Conq and loath to pour the sacred oyl on his Head whose Hands had shed so much innocent bloud The other accounting himself to have a better title to the Crown by conquest then the Arch-Bishop had to his Miter by Simony disdained his service and accepted the Crown from the hands of Aldred Arch-Bishop of York who first required an Oath of him to defend the Church minister justice and amongst other things to use English-men as favourably as Normans Notwithstanding which Oath he made the Normans his Darlings and the English his Drudges insomuch as many English Bishops and Abbots unable to comport themselves with his harshness and conceiving it more credit and safety to go then to be driven away fearing by degrees they should all be quarrelled out of their places unwillingly willing quitted their preserments and fled into Scotland Here King Malcolme Canmore who had married Margaret Niece to Edward the Confessor freely received them He himself had formerly lived fourteen years in England and now of a grateful Guest became a bountiful Host and courteously harboured these Exiles And as at this time England began to turn France imitating the language Garbe and manners thereof so Scotland began now to turn England the Families transplanted thither transporting the English customes fashions and Civilities along with them 3. About this time Doomes-day-book was made Dooms-day book made containing an exact survey of all the houses and land in the Kingdom 1068 unpartially done with rigorous severity Octo. 2. They omitted Nec lucum nec lacum c Ingulphi Historia fol. 516. nec locum so accurate they were in the very fractions of the land and therefore it may seem a miracle that the Monks of Crowland should finde a courtesie peculiar to themselves belike out of veneration to their Covent that their lands were rated nec ad spatium nec ad d idem ibid. praecium neither so much in quantity nor so high in value as indeed they were worth This book of the General Survey of England though now begun did take up some years e Florentius Wigorniensis Higdâ—n make it finished Anno 1078. before it was compleated 4. King William called a Synod of his Bishops at Winchester 1070 wherein he was personally present 4. with two Cardinals sent thither from Rome Here Stigand Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was deposed for several uncanonical exorbitances and Lanfrank a lordly Lombard substituted in his room Sugand deposed in a couned at Winchester Stigand liv'd some years after in a Prison and
yet the King permitted him to appoint or prohibit nothing but what was according to His own will and pleasure and what the King had b Idem ibid. ordained before 9. Lastly Barons not to be excommunicated without the Kings command King William suffered no Bishop to excommunicate any of his Barons or Officers for adultery incest or any such hainous crime except by the Kings Command first made acquainted with the same Here the word Baron is not to be taken in that restrictive sense to which the modern acception hath confined it onely for such of the higher Nobility which have place and Votes in Parliament but c J. Selden Sptcilegium ed Eadmeium pag 168. generally for such who by Tenure en cheef or in Capite as they term it held land immediately of the King And an English d Robert of Glocester Poet counted the Virgil of his age and the Ennius in ours expresseth as much in his Rythmes which we here set down with all the rust thereof without rubbing it off remembring how one e Camdens Elizabeth Anno 1584. John Throkmorton a Justicer of Cheshire in Queen Elizabeth's dayes for not exhibiting a judicial Concord with all the defects of the same but supplying or filling up what was worn out of the Authentical Original was fined for being over officious and therefore take them with their faults and all as followeth The berthe was that noe man that of the King huld ought In Chief or in eni Servise to Manling were throught Bote the wardenis of holy Chirch that brought him thereto The King lede or his Bailifes wat he had misdoe And loked verst were thei to amendment it bring And bote by wolde by their lebe doe the Manling And a grave f Radulphus de diceto sub Anno 11â—3 Author gives a good reason why the King must be inform'd before any of his Barons be excommunicated lest otherwise saith he the King not being certified thereof should out of ignorance unawares communicate with persons excommunicated when such Officers of His should come to kiss His hand be called to his Councel or come to perform any personal attendance about Him Hitherto we have seen how careful the Conqueror was in preserving His own right in Church-matters We will conclude all with the Syllogisme which the g L. Cooks Reports fift part de Jure Regis Ecclesiastico fol. 10. Oracle of the Common-Law frameth in this manner It is agreed that no man onely can make any appropriation of any Church having cure of souls being a thing Eccelesiastical and to be made to some person Ecclesiastical but he that hath Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction But William the first of himself without any other as King of England made appropriation of Churches with cure to Ecclesiastical persons as by many instances may appear Therefore it followeth that He had Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction And so much concerning King William's policy in doing justice to His own power Proceed we now to His bounty confirming old and conferring new favors upon the Church and Clergie 10. First whereas before his time the Sheriff and Bishop joyntly kept their Courts together especially at the two solemn times Bishops jurisdictions first severed from the Sheriffs about Easter and Michaelmas King William in favour of the Clergie assigned the Bishops an a See this cleared by Mr Selden in his notes on Ead. merus pag. 167. entire jurisdiction by themselves wherein they should have cognizance of all causes relating to Religion I say relating to Religion a latitude of a cheverel extension adequate almost to the minde of him that will stretch it out and few Ecclesiastical Judges would lofe what might be got by measuring Now formerly whilest the power of Sheriff and Bishop went hand in hand together in the same Court neither could much outstrip other but but since they were severed the Spiritual power far outwent its old mate improving his own by impairing the Secular Courts and henceforward the Canon-law took the firmer footing in England Date we from hence the squint-eies of the Clergie whose sight single before was hereafter divided with double looks betwixt two objects at once the Pope and the King to put him first whom they eyed most acting hereafter more by forrain then domestick interest 11. A learned pen makes a just complaint The contest betwixt Commen and Canon Law how onely to be reconciled that b Lord Bacen in his advancement of Learning pag. 463. Aphorisme 96. Courts which should distribute peace do themselves practice duels whilest it is counted the part of a resolute Judge to enlarge the priviledge of his Court A grievance most visible in contest betwixt the Common and the Canon Law which as if they were stars of so different an Horizon that the elevation of the one necessitated the depression of the other lie at catch and wait advantages one against another So that whilest both might continue in a convenient and healthful habitude if such envious corrivalitie were deposed now alternately those Courts swell to a tympany or waste to a consumption as their Judges finde themselves more or less strength'ned with power or befriended with favour A mischief not to be remedied till either that mutual consent or a predominant power to both impartially state their jurisdictions rightly seting down the land-marks thereof and binding their proceedings not to exceed their bounds which would both advance learning and expedite the execution of Justice 12. To return to King William King William his Charter to the Clergie As He conferred power on so he confirmed profit to the Clergie Witness his c See it at large in Mr. Selden of tythes cap. 8. pag. 225. Charter granting them thorowout England tythes of calves colts lambs milk butter cheese woods meadows mills c. Which Charter is concluded 't is the strong hem keeps all the cloth from reveling out Qui decimam detinuerit per justitiam Episcopi Regis si necesse fuerit ad redditionem d Others read it adigatur Let him be compelled â—rguatar Who shall detain his tythes by the power of the Bishop and King if need be let him be argued into the payment thereof And Kings arguments we know are unanswerable as aâ— authoritate carrying power and pehalties with them This Charter might seem to give the tenth loaf of all the bread in the land into the hands of the English Clergie But the municipal laws which were afterwards made did so chip and pare this loaf with their Modus decimandi that in many places Vicaridges especially a small shiver of bread fals to the share of the Minister not enough for his necessary maintenance 13. And here Two contrary characters of King William to make a short but needful digression I finde in eminent Writers two contrary characters of King William Some make him an arrand Tyrant ruling onely by the Magna Charta of his own will oppressing all English without cause
them a punishment far lighter then the offence did deserve Indeed it is most meet in matters meerly Ecclesiastical touching the Word and Sacraments Clergy-men be onely answerable for their faults to their spiritual superiors as most proper and best able to discern and censure the same And in cases criminal it is unfit that Ministers should be summoned before each proud pettish petulant pragmatical secular under-officer However in such causes to be wholly exempted from civil power is a priviledge which with reason cannot be desired of them nor with justice indulged unto them Sure I am Abiathar though High-Priest was convented before and deposed by Solomon for his practising of treason And S t Paul saith Rom. 13. 1. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers 60. To retrench these enormities of the Clergy 1164. the King called a Parliament at Clarendon 10. near Sarisbury and not in Normandy He incurs the Kings displeasure as Mr Fox will have it intending with the consent of his great Councel to confirm some severe Laws of his Grand-father King Henry the first To these Laws See them at large in Mat. Paris sixteen in number Becket with the rest of the Bishops consented and subscribed them But afterwards recanting his own act Anno Regis Hen. 2 10. renounced the same Anno Dom. 1164 Let not therefore the crime of inconstancy be laid too heavily to the charge of Arch-Bishop Cranmer first subscribing then revoking popish articles presented unto him seeing this his name-sake Thomas and predecessor Becket without any stain to his Saintship retracted his own act upon pretence of better information But so highly was Becket offended with himself for his subscription that in revenge for some moneths he suspended himself from all Divine Service his pride and laziness both before and after suspended him from ever preaching and would not be present thereat Hereafter let none hope for more favour from this Arch-Bishop then their fact may deserve seeing he cannot rationally be expected to be courteous to others who was so severe unto himself The best was in this his suspension the knot was not tied so hard as to hurt him who in case of necessity as he had bound so he could loose himself though for the more state of the matter Pope Alexander * Fox his Mon. see the letter at large pag. 269. himself was pleased solemnly to assoil him from his suspension Mean time Becket both in his suspension and absolution most highly offended King Henry who every day the more was alienated from and incensed against him 61. During Beckets abode about Clarendon The vanity of Beckets path he is reported every morning to have walk'd from his lodging some miles to the Kings Palace Where the ground say they called Beckets path at this day presenteth it self to the eyes of the beholders but most quick-sighted if looking through Popish spectacles with the grass and grain growing thereon in a different hew and colour from the rest A thing having in it more of report then truth yet more of truth then wonder the discolourations of such veins of earth being common in grounds elsewhere which never had the happiness of Becket his feet to go upon them 62. But oh He flieth beyond Sea without the Kings consent If Becket's feet had left but the like impression in all the wayes he went how easie had it been for all mens eyes and particularly for our pen to have track'd him in all his travels Who not long after without the consent of the King took Ship sail'd into Flanders thence travelled into the Southern parts of France thence to Pontiniack thence to Senes abiding seven years in banishment But though he served an apprentiship in exile he learned little humility thereby onely altering his name for his more safety from Becket to Derman but retaining all his old nature remitting nothing of his rigid resolutions 63. Now to avoid idleness How employed in his banishment Becket in his banishment variously employed himself First in making and widening breaches between Henry his native Soveraign 11. and Lewis the French King 1165. Secondly in writing many voluminous a See them exemplified at large in Stapleton De Tribus Thomis letters of expostulation to Princes and Prelates Thirdly in letting flie his heavy excommunications against the English Clergie namely against Roger Arch-Bishop of York Gilbert Foliot Bishop of London a learneder man them himself Joceline Bishop of Sarisbury and others His chief quarrel with them was their adherence to the King and particularly because the Arch-Bishop presumed to Crown Henry the King's Son made joynt-King in the life of his Father a priviledge which Becket claimed as proper to himself alone Fourthly in receiving comfort from and returning it to Pope Alexander at Beneventum in Italy 13. Sameness of affliction bred sympathy of affection betwixt them 1167. both being banished the Pope by Frederick Barbarossa the Emperour for his pride and insolency as our Becket smarted for the same fault from King Henry Here also Becket solemnly resigned his Arch-Bishoprick to the Pope as troubled in conscience that he had formerly took it as illegally from the King and the Pope again restored it to him whereby all scruples in his minde were fully satisfied 64. But afterwards by mediation of friends Is reconciled to the King Becket's reconciliation was wrought and leave given him to return into England However the King still retained his temporals in his hand Anno Dom 1167. on weighty considerations Anno Regis Hen. 2. 13. Namely to show their distinct nature from the spirituals of the Arch-Bishoprick to which alone the Pope could restore him Lay-lands being separable from the same as the favour of secular Princes and Becket's bowed knee must own the Kings bountiful hand before he could receive them Besides it would be a caution for his good behaviour 65. Caelum non animum Returns as obstinate as he went over Travellers change climates 1170. not conditions 16. Witness our Becket stubborn he went over stubborn he staied stubborn he return'd Amongst many things which the King desired and he denied he refused to restore the Excommunicated Bishops pretending he had no power indeed he had no will and that they were Excommunicate by his Holiness Yea he instead of recalling his old added new Excommunications and that thunder which long before rumbled in his threatnings now gave the crack upon all those that detained his temporal revenues a Parte posteriâ—â—i Henrici secundi pag. 521. Roger Hoveden reports that upon Christmas-day the better day the better deed he Excommunicated Robert de Broc because the day before he had cut off one of his horses tailes Yea he continued and encreased his insolence against the King and all his subjects 66. Here the King let fall some discontented words Is slain by four Knights in his own Church which
Witness my self at Westminster c. Date we from this day the achme or vertical height of Abbeys which henceforward began to stand still at last to decline Formerly it was Endow Monasteries who would hereafter who could having first obtained licence from the King Yet this Law did not ruine but regulate not destroy but direct well grounded liberality that bounty to some might not be injury to others Here I leave it to Lawyers by profession to shew how many years after viz. the eighteenth of of Edward the third Prelates Impeached before the Kings Justices for purchasing land in Mortmain shall be dismissed without further trouble upon their producing a charter of licence and process thereupon made by an Inquest ad quod damnum or in case that cannot be shewed by making a convenient Fine for the same who the active Prelats of this age 14. The late mention of the Prelates advise in passing a Law so maleficial unto them giveth me just occasion to name some the principal persons of the Clergie present thereat namely 1. John Peckam Arch-Bishop of Canterbury a stout man He afterwards excommunicated the Prince of Wales because he went a long journey to perswade him to peace with England but could not prevaile 2. William Wickwane Anno Regis Ed. 1. 11. Arch-Bishop of York Anno Dom. 1283. accounted a great Scholar Author of a Book called Memoriale and esteemed a petty-saint in that Age. 3. Anthony Beake soon after Bishop of Durham the richest and proudest alwayes good manners to except Cardinal Wolsey of that place Patriarch titular of Jerusalem and Prince of the Isle of Man Yet in my minde Gilbert Sellinger his contemporary and Bishop of Chichester had a far better Title as commonly called the Father of Orphans and Comforter of the widdows These with many more Bishops consented though some of them resorbentes suam bilem as inwardly angry to the passing or confirming of the Statute of Mortmain To make them some amends the King not long after favourably stated what causes should be of spiritual cognizance 15. For a Parliament was called at Westminster 13. eminent on this account 1285. that it laid down the limits The Spiritual and Temporal Courts bounded by Parliament and fixed the boundaries betwixt the Spiritual and Temporal Jurisdictions Hitherto shall you come and no farther though before and since both powers have endeavoured to enlarge their own and contract their Rivals authority We will present first the Latin out of the Records and then the English out of our printed Statutes and make some necessary observations on both REX talibus Judicibus Salutem Circumspectè agatis de negotiis tangentibus Episcopum Norwicensem ejus Clerum non puniend eos si placitum tenuerint in Curia Christianitatis de bis quae merè sunt spiritualia viz. de correctionibus quas Prelati faciunt pro mortali peccato viz. pro fornicatione adulterio hujusmodi pro quibus aliquando infligitur paena corporalis aliquando pecuniaria maximè si convictus fuerit de hujusmodi liber homo Item Si Praelatus puniat pro cemeterio non clauso Ecclesia discooperta vel non decenter ornata in quibus casibus alia poena non potest inffigi quam pecuniaria Item Si Rector petat versus parochianos oblationes decimas debitas vel consuetas vel si Rector agat contra Rectorem de decimis majoribus vel minoribus dummodo non petatur quarta pars valoris Ecclesiae Item Si Rector petat mortuà rium in partibus ubi mortuarium dari consuevit Item Si Praelatus alicujus Ecclesiae vel advocatus petat à Rectore pensionem si debitam omnes hujusmodi petitiones sunt faciend in foro Ecclesiastico De violenta manuum injectione in Clericum in causa diffamationis concessum fuit aliàs quod placitum inde teneatur in Curia Christianitatis cum non petatur pecunia sed agatur ad correctionem peccati similiter pro fidei laesione In omnibus praedictis casibus habet judex Ecclesiasticus cognoscere regia prohibitione non obstante THe KING to his Judges sendeth Greeting Use your self circumspectly in al matters concerning the Bishop of Norwich his Clergie not punishing them if they hold plea in Court Christian of such things as be meerly spiritual that is to wit of penance enjoyned for deadly sin as fornication adultery and such like for the which many times corporal penance or pecuniary is enjoyned specially if a free man be convict of such things Also if Prelates do punish for leaving Church-yards unclosed or for that the Church is uncovered or not conveniently decked in which cases none other penance can be enjoyned but pecuniary Item If a Parson demand of his parishioners oblations and tythes due and accustomed or if any person plead against another for tythes more or less so that the fourth part of the value of the Benefice be not demanded Item If a Parson demand mortuaries in places where a mortuarie hath used to have been given Item If a Prelate of a Church or if a Patron demand a pension due to themselves all such demands are to be made in a Spiritual Court And for laying violent hands on a Priest and in cause of defamation Anno Dom. 1285 it hath been granted already Anno Regis Ed. 1. 13. that it shall be tried in a Spiritual Court when money is not demanded but a thing done for punishment of sin and likewise for breaking an oath In all cases afore rehearsed the Spiritual Judg shall have power to take knowledge notwithstanding the Kings prohibition Something must be premised about the validity of this writing learned men much differing therein Some make it 1. Onely a constitutiou made by the Prelates themselves much too blame if they cut not large pieces being their own Carvers 2. A meer Writ issued out from the King to his Judges 3. A solemn Act of Parliament compleat in all the requisites thereof Hear what * Mr Nath. Bacon in his Hist Dis of the Government of England lib. 1. pag. 233. a Bacon but neither S r Nicolas nor S r Francis the two Oracles of Law writes in this case A writing somewhat like a Grant of Liberties which before times were in controversie and this Grant if it may be so called hath by continuance VSURPED the name of a Statute but in its own nature is no other then a Writ directed to the Judges Presently after he saith It is therefore no Grant nor Release but as it were a Covenant that the Clergie should hold peaceable possession of what they had upon this ground And in the next page more plainly For my part therefore I shall not apprehend it of a higher nature then the Kings Writ which in those dayes WENT FORTH AT RANDOM 16. Come we now to the calme judgment of S r Edward Cook Judg Cokes decision on whose decision we may
Jurisdictions RICHADO SEYMERE Necessario meo INter Amicum meum Necessarium hoc pono discriminis quod ille ad bene esse Hic ad meum esse quodammodo requiratur Quo nomine Tu mihi es salutandus qui sine te planè mancus mihi videor Tuâ enim artifici dextrâ usus sum per totum hoc opus in scutis Gentilitiis depingendis Macte vir Ingenue ac Natales tuos Generosos satis novo splendore illustriores reddito 1. COlledges Anno Regis Ed. secun 9 yet Anno Dom. 1316. were few and Students now many in Oxford Exeter Colledg founded by Bishop Stapleton whereupon Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter founded and endowed one therein by the name of Stapletons Inn since called Exeter Colledge This Bishop was one of high Birth and large Bounty being said to have expended a years revenews of his this rich Bishoprick in the Solemnity of his instalement He also founded Hart-Hall in Oxford But oh the difference betwixt the Elder and Younger Brother though Sons to the same Father the one carrying away the whole Inheritanoe whilst the other sometimes hath little more than himself left unto Him as here this Hall is altogether unindowed 2. This worthy Bishop had an unworthy and untimely death some ten years after Who afterwards was barbarously murdered For being Lord Treasurer and left by the King in his absence to govern the then mutinous citty of London the Citizens not without incouragement from the Queen furiously fell upon him and in Cheapside most barbarously butchered him and then as hoping to bury their murder with his body hudled him obscurely into a hole But afterward to make his Ghost some reparation and stop the clamour of the Clergy the Queen ordered the removing and interring of his Body and his Brothers a valiant Knight slain on the same account in the Cathedral of Excter One would wonder this Bishop was not made a Martyr and Sainted in that Age save that his suffering was of civill concernment and not relating to Religion 3. This House hath since found two eminent Benefactors Sir William Petre his bounty first Sir William Petre born of honest Parentage in Exeter principal Secretary to four successive King and Queens One who in ticlish and turning times did good to himself got a great estate injurious to none that I ever heard or read of but courteâ—us to many and eminently to this Colledge wherein he bestowed much building and augmented it with eight Fellowships 4. The other George Hackwel Doctor of Divinity Dr Hackwel built this Chappel late Rector thereof who though married and having children must it not be a quick and large fountain which besides filling a Pond had such an over flowing stream bestowed more than one thousand pounds in building a beautiful Chappel This is He who wrote the Learned and Religious Apologie for Divine Providence proving that the World doth not decay Many begin the reading thereof with much prejudice but few end it without full satisfaction converted to the Authors Opinion by his unanswerable Arguments 5. This Colledge consisteth chiefly of Cornish and Devonshire men Western men here most proper the Gentry of which latter Queen Elizabeth used to say were Courtiers by their birth And as these Western men do bear away the Bell for might and sleight in wrastling so the Schollars here have alwayes acquitted themselves with credit in Palaestra literarie The Rectors of this House anciently were annual therefore here omitted fixed but of latter years to continue the term of their lives Rectors 1 John Neale 2 Tho. Glaster 3 Tho. Holland 4 John Prideaux 5 George Hackwel 6 Conant Bishops John Prideaux Bishop of worcecester Tho. Winniff Bishop of Lincoln Benefactors Edmund Stafford Bishop of Exeter Mr. John Piriam Alderman of Exeter Sir John Ackland Knight expending besides other Benefactions 800. pound in building the Hall * I am informed that Dr. Prideaux in a Dedication to one of his Sermons hath reckoned all the Worthy Writers of this house but as yet I have not seen it Learned Driters Judge DODDERIDGE George Hackwell John Prideaux Sir Simon Baskervil Dr. Veluain Nath. Carpenter Norrington George Kendal So that lately therein were maintained one Rector twenty three Fellowes a Bible-Clerk two Pensioners Servants Commoners and other Students to the number of two hundred 6. Clergy-men began now to complain The Kings courteous answer to the Prelates complaints that the Lay-Judges entrenched on their Priviledges and therefore they presented a Petition to the King in his Parliament at Lincolne requesting the redresse of sixteen grievances To most of them the King returned a satisfactory answer and so qualified his denyals to the rest that they could not but content any reasonable disposition 7. These Concessions of the King were digested into Laws Made a Printed Statute under the title of Articuli Cleri and are printed at large in the Statutes known by the title of Articuli Cleri Whereon Sir Edward Coke in the second part of his Institutes hath made no lesse learned then large Commentary So that though the Law of circumspectè agatis had stated this difference Yet it seems this Statute as Circumspectivus agatis was conceived very requisite 8. Moreover these Statutes did not so clearly decide the difference betwixt the Spiritual and Temporal Jurisdictions Yet the controversie between the two Jurisdictions still continued but that many contests happened afterwards betwixt them no longer ago then in the fift of King James when the Doctors of the Commons under Richard Bancroft Arch-Bishop of Canterbury their General opposed the Judges about the indeterminable controversies of Prohibitions Adde hereunto that the Clergy claimed to themselves the most favourable interpretation of all Statutes in their own behalf whilst the Temporal Judges in the not sitting of Parliaments challenged that priviledge to themselves 9. The most lasting Monument of the memory of wofull King Edward the second 17 was the building of Orial Colledge in Oxford 1324 Indeed some make Him Orial Colledg built by King Ed. the 2. and others Adam Brown his Almoner Founder thereof and both perchance truly the King allowing his Almoner issuing money for the building and endowing thereof Others will have it that his Almoner perswaded him on consciencious Principles to this good work pertinently all eadging and pressing this instance to prove that the Kings nature not bad in it self but too yielding to the impressions of others Now whereas the other Alms of this King were perishing as relieving only poor for the present these as more lasting have done good to many Generations 10. I meet with no satisfactory reason of the name which some will have to contain something of Easternes therein Quere about the name thereof So scituated comparatively to some more ancient Foundation Others deduce it from Criolium an eminent room in * M. Paris in vitis 23. Ab. 5 Albani p.
100. Kings nursing Fathers to this house Monaesteries and I cannot but smile at such who will have O Royal as a Pathetical admiration of Princely Magnificence 11. However I do not deny but that the Kings of England have been very indulgent to this Foundation For besides King Edward the second the Founder thereof his Son King Edward gave unto them the Hospital of Saint Bartholmews nigh Oxford with Lands to maintain eight poor people subject to the government of the Provost and Fellows of this Colledge Besides King James being informed of some Legal defects in this Foundation granted them a new Corporation Cavill-proof against all exceptions 12. This Colledge being much decayed Lately rebuilded most decently Anthony Blencow late Provost bequeathed twelve hundred pounds to the new building of a Front thereof Which being done lest it should be a disgrace to the rest of the Fabrick the whole Colledge is rebuilt in a most decent manner Provosts Anno Dom. 1324. Adam Brown Anno Regis Ed. secun 16 William de Leverton William de Hankesworth William Daventre William Colyntre John Middleton John Possell William Corff Thomas Lintlewarden Henry Kayle Nicholas Barry John Carpenter Walter Lyhart John Hales Henry Sampson Thomas Hawkins John Taylower Thomas Cornish Edmund Mylforde James Morc Thomas Ware Henry Myn. William Haynes John Smith Roger Marbeck John Belly Anthony Blencowe Dr. Lewes Dr. Tolson Dr. Sanders Benefactors John Franke gave four Fellowships John Carpenter Bishop of Worcester gave one Fellowship William Smith Bishop of Lincolne gave one Felship Richard Dudley D. D. gave two Fellowships two Exhibitions Bishops John Carpenter Bishop of Worcester Learned Writers William Allen Cardinal * Before or after of Christ-church S r Walter Rawleigh William Prin. So that lately were maintained therein one Provost eighteen Fellows one Bible-Clerk twelve Exibitioners with Commoners and Colledge Officers amounted to one hundred and sixty 13. Let us cast our eye on the Common-wealth only War between the Queen and King as it is the Ring wherein the Diamond of the Church is contained and that now full of Cracks caused by the severall state-factions The two Spencers ruled all things till the Queen and her Son who politiquely had got leave to go beyond the Seas returned into England with a Navy and Army landing in Suffolk She denounceth open war against her Husband unlessse he would presently conform to her desires 14. The King proclaimed that a thousand pound should be given to Him that brought the head of Roger Mortimer Counter-proclamations and counterrumours The Queen proclaimed such who had the better purse may give the greater price that whosoever brought the head of the young Spencer it seems his Father was not so considerable should have two thousand pounds The Queens party gave out that the King of France had sent over a vast Army for her assistance Anno Regis Ed. secun 18 and the Kings side Anti-rumoured who could raise reports easier then Armies that the Pope had excommunicated all such who sides against him Anno Dom 1326 now though both reports were false they made true impressions of hope in such hearts as beleeved them 15. Three wayes were presented to King Edward The King unable to fight Fight Flight and Concealment the first he was unable to doe having no effectuall Forces only able for a time to defend the Castle of Bristol till many of his Complices were taken therein a Tower therein given out to be undermined being indeed undermonied with bribes to the defenders thereof Here the elder Spencer was taken and executed 16. Flight was no lesse unsafe then dishonourable And flee For his Kingdome being an Island the Sea would quickly put a period thereunto Indeed there was some thoughts of his Flight into Ireland which was no better then out of a dirty way into a very Bogg besides great the difficulty to recover the Sea and greater to passe over it all Ports and passages were so way-layed 17. Concealment was at the last resolved on After a short concealment is taken not as the best but only way of his security for a time he lay hid amongst the Welsh not able to help but willing to pitty him as a Native of their Countrey concealed in the Abby of Neath till men are sent down with money no such ligh as the shine of silver wherewith to discover a person enquired for and soon after he was betrayed into their hands The younger Spencer taken with him is hung on a Gallows fiftie foot high and the promised two thousand pounds were duly payed and equally parted betwixt severall persons imployed in his apprehension 18. Many Persons of quality were sent down from the Parliament then sitting King Edward resigneth his Crown to King Edward to Kenelworth Castle to move alias to command him to resign the Crown which at last he sadly surrendred Sir William Trussel a Lawyer of great abused abilities being rather to make then finde a precedent in this kinde improved his witts in the formalities thereof Soon after Prince Eward his Son is Crowned King whose Father is now no more then plain Edward of Caernarvon though his mother whose title was Relative to and a Derivative from her Husband the dethroned King was now more Queen Isabel then ever before Thus the degradation of a Knight as some have informed me extendeth not to his Wife who by the courtesie of England if once is ever a Lady 19. Edward late King He is rejected by his own wife with many Letters Solicited to be admitted into the Queens company All in vain she found embraces at a lesse distance dearer unto her preferring the society of a Lord who in effect had deposed a King before a King who had deposed himself She made many excuses of sickness and indisposition to enjoy him So easily can that Sex make plausible pretences that they cannot what they will not do 20. Roger Mortimer And cruelly murthered whose lust and revenge was equally unsatiable could not be quiet whilst King Edward was alive he feared King Edward was might play an after game of affection in his Subjects in order therefore to his death he is removed from Kenelworth where the Earl of Leicester his Keeper was suspected too sympathising with his sorrow unto Berkley Castle where he was barbarously butchered being struck into the Postern of his body with a hot spit as it is generally reported 21. Nothing now remaineth in this Kings reign A brace of loyal Subjects save to take notice how the Clergy understand such who were Active for Newters shall passe for none stand affected in this great State-difference I find not enough to call a number of the Bishops cordial to the King For besides Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter of whom before only John Stratford Bishop of Winchester heartily adhered unto him and yet this Stratford was imployed on a message from the Parliament to the King at
that the Clergy ingrossed all Secular Offices and thereupon presented the insuing Petition to the King according to this effect insisting only in the substance thereof 42. And because that in this present Parliament it was declared to our Lord the King 45 by all the Earls 1370 Barons Ex Rot. Parl. in Turr. Lond. in 45. Ed. tertii and Commons of England that the Government of the Kingdom hath been performed for a long time by the men of Holy Church which are not * Justifiables in the French Originals 〈◊〉 whether whether not able to do justice or not to be justified in their imployment as improper for it justifiable in all cases whereby great mischiefs and damages have happened in times past and more may happen in time to come in disheriting of the Crown and great prejudice of the Kingdom for divers causes that a man may declare that it will please our said Lord the King Anno Dom. 1370 that the Laymen of the said Kingdom which are sufficient and able of estate Anno Regis Ed. tertii 45. may be chosen for this and that no other person be hereafter made Chancelour Treasurer Clerk of the Privy Seale Barons of the Exchequer Chamberlains of the Exchequer Controler and all other great Officers and Governours of the said Kingdom and that this thing be now in such manner established in form aforesaid that by no way it may be defeated or any thing done to the contrary in any time to come Saving alwaies to our Lord the King the Election and removing of such Officers but that alwaies they be Lay-men such as is abovesaid 43. To this Petition the King returned The Answer in effect a denial that he would ordain upon this point as it shall best seem to him by the advice of his good Councel He therefore who considereth the present power of the Clergy at the Councel-Table will not wonder if all things remained in their former Condition till the Nobility began more openly to favour John Wickliff his Opinions which the next Book God willing shall relate 44. We will close this with a Catalogue of the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury Simon Mepham Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Contemporary with King Edward the third and begin with Simon Mepham made Arch-Bishop in the first year of his reign so that the Crown and the Mitre may seem in some sort to have started together only here was the odds the King was a young yea scarce a man whereas the Arch-Bishop was well stricken in years Hence their difference in holding out the King surviving to see him buried and six more whereof four Simons inclusively heart-broken as they say with grief For when John Grandison Bishop of Exeter making much noise with his Name but more with his Activity refused to be visited by him the Pope siding with the Bishop Mepham so resented it that it cost him his life 45. John Stratford was the second John Sratford his successor Consecrated first Bishop of Winchester on the Lords day whereon it was solemnly sung many are the afflictions of the Righteous whereof he was very apprehensive then and more afterwards when his own experience had proved a Comment thereon Yet this might comfort him whilst living and make others honour his memory that a good Conscience without any great crime generally caused his molestation For under King Edward the second he suffered for being too loyall a Subject siding with the King against the Queen and her Son and under King Edward the third he was molested for being too faithfull a Patriot namely in pittying his poor Countreymens taxations for which he was accused for correspondency with the French and complying with the Pope Pope and King of France then blowing in one Trumpet whereat King Edward was highly incensed 46. However Stratford did but say what thousands thought His last his best dayes viz. that a peace with France was for the profit of England especially as proffered upon such honourable conditions This the Arch-Bishop was zealous for upon a threefold accompt First of Pietie to save the effusion of more Christian blood Secondly of Policie suspecting successe that the tide might turn and what was suddenly gotten might be as suddenly lost Thirdly on Charity sympathizing with the sad condition of his fellow Subjects groaning under the burthen of Taxes to maintain an unnecessary war For England sent over her wealth into France to pay their victorious Souldiers and received back again honour in exchange whereby our Nation became exceeding proud and exceeding poor However the end as well as the beginning of the Psalm was verified of this Arch-Bishop the Lord delivereth them out of all dying in great honour and good esteem with the King a strong argument of his former innocence 47. The third was Tho. Bradwardine Tho. Bradwardine the third Arch-bishop whose election was little lesse then miraculous For Commonly the King refused whom the Monks chose the Pope rejected whom the Monks and King did elect whereas all interests met in the choise of Bradwardine Yea which was more the Pope as yet not knowing that the Monks and the King had pre-elected him of his own accord as by supernaturall instinct appointed Bradwardine for that place who little thought thereon Thus Omne tulit punctum and no wonder seeing he mingled his profitable Doctrines with a sweet and amiable conversation Camden in Eliz. indeed he was skilled in School Learning which one properly calleth Spinosa Theologia and though some will say can figgs grow on thorns yet his thorny Divinity produced much sweet devotion 48. He was Confessor to king Edward the third whose miraculous victories in France The best Arch-Bishop of that See some impute more to this mans devout prayers Then either to the Policy or Prowess of the English Nation He died before he was inthronized few moneths after his consecration though now advanced on a more Glorious and durable Throne in Heaven where he hath received the Crown from God who here defended the * He wrote de Causae Dei Cause of God I behold him as the most pious man who from Anselm not to say Augustine to Cranmer sat on that Seat And a better St. Thomas though not sainted by the Pope then one of his predecessors commonly so called 49. Simon Islip was the fourth Simon Islip next Arch-Bishop a parcimonious but no avaricious man thrifty whilst living therefore clandestinely Inthronized and when dead secretly interred without any solemnity Yet his frugality may be excused if not commended herein because he reserved his estate for good uses founding Canterbury Colledge in Oxford Excipe Merton Colledge Thus generally Bishops founders of many Colledges therein denominated them either from that Saint to whom they were dedicated or from their See as Exeter Canterbury Durham Lincoln putting thereby a civil obligation on their Successors to be as Visitors so Benefactors thereunto This Canterbury Colledge is now
but b Ibid num 46. eight pence for the probate of a Will they now exacted greater summes then ever before to which as to other abuses some general reformation was promised 17. In the next Parliament called at Westminster Aliens debarred from holding benefices one of the greatest grievances of the Land was redressed 1379 namely 3. foreiners holding of Ecclesiastical benefices For at this time the Church of England might say with Israel * Lam. 5. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers our houses to aliens Many Italians who knew no more English then the difference between a teston and a a shilling a golden noble and an angel in receiving their rents had the fattest livings in England by the Pope collated upon them Yea many great c See the Catalogue of their names and numbers in Mr Fox pag. 562. Cardinals resident at Rome those hinges of the Church must be greased with English revenues were possessed of the best Prebends and Parsonages in the Land whence many mischiefs did ensue First they never preached in their Parishes Of such shepheards it could not properly be said that he d John 10. 12. leaveth the sheep and fleeth who though taking the title of shepheard upon them never saw their flock nor set foot on English ground Secondly no hospitality was kept for relief of the poor except they could fill their bellies on the hard names of their Pastours which they could not pronounce Lord Cardinal of Agrifolio Lord Cardinal d S t Angelo Lord Cardinal Veverino c. Yea the Italians genrally farmed out their places to Proctors their own Country-men who instead of filling the bellies grinded the faces of poor people So that what betwixt the Italian hospitality which none could ever see and the Latin Service which none could understand the poor English were ill fed and worse taught Thirdly the wealth of the Land leak'd out into forein Countries to the much impoverishing of the Common-wealth It was high time therefore for the King and Parliament to take notice thereof who now enacted that no aliens should hereafter hold any such preferments nor any send over unto them the revenues of such Benefices As in the Printed Statutes more largely doth appear 18. Whiles at this time Clergy and Laity cast durt each in others faces The Rebellion of Wat Tyler and Jack Straw and neither washed their own to punish both burst forth the dangerous rebellion of Wat Tiler and Jack Straw with thousands of their cursed company These all were pure Levellers inflamed by the abused eloquence of one John Ball an excommunicated Priest who maintaining that no Gentry was Jure Divino and all equal by nature When Adam delv'd and Eve span Who was then the Gentleman endeavoured the abolishing of all civil Anno Regis Ric. 2 4. and spiritual degrees Anno Dom. 1380 and distinctions Yea they desired to level mens parts as well as their purses and that none should be either wealthier or wiser then his fellows projected the general destruction of all that wore a pen-and-ink-horn about them or could write or read To effect this design they pretended the peoples liberty and the Princes honour and finding it difficult to destroy the King but by the King they advanced the name to pluck down the thing signified thereby crying up that all was for King Richard They seemed also to be much for Reformation which cloak they wore to warme themselves therewith when naked and first setting-up but afterwards cast it off in the heat of their success as not onely useless but burdensome unto them 19. The rabble divided into three compapanies As the Philistines a 1 Sam. 13. 17. came out in three companies to destroy all the swords and Smiths in Israel so this rabble of Rebells making it self tripartite endeavoured the rooting out of all pen-knives and all appearance of learning One in Kent under the aforesaid Wat and John the second in Suffolk the third under John Littstarre a Dier in Norfolke The former of these is described in the Latin verses of John Gower Prince of Poets in his time of whom we will bestow the following translation Watte vocat cui Thome venit neque Symme retardat Betteque Gibbe simul Hykke venire jubent Colle furit quem Gibbe juvat nocumenta parantes Cum quibus ad damnum Wille coire vovet Grigge rapit dum Dawe strepit comes est quibus Hobbe Lorkin in medio non minor esse putat Hudde ferit quos Judde terit dum Tebbe juvatur Jakke domosque viros vellit ense necat Tom comes thereat when call'd by Wat and Simm as forward we finde Bet calls as quick to Gibb and to Hykk that neither would tarry behinde Gibb a good whelp of that litter doth help mad Coll more mischief to do And Will he doth vow the time is come now he 'l joyn with their company too Davie complains whiles Grigg gets the gaines and Hobb with them doth partake Lorkin aloud in the midst of the croud conceiveth as deep is his stake Hudde doth spoil whom Judde doth foile and Tebb lends his helping hand But Jack the mad patch men and houses doth snatch and kills all at his command Oh the methodical description of a confusion How doth Wat lead the front and Jack bring up the rere For confusion it self would be instantly confounded if some seeming superiority were not owned amongst them All men without sir-names Tiler was but the addition of his trade and Straw a mock-name assumed by himself though Jack Straw would have been John of Gold had this treason took effect so obscure they were and inconsiderable And as they had no sir-names they deserved no Christian-names for their heathenish cruelties though to get them a name they endeavoured to build this their Babel of a general confusion 20. Many The barbarous outrages by them committed and heinous were the outrages by them committed especially after they had possessed themselves of London All shops and cellers were broken open and they now rusled in silk formerly ratling in leather now soked themselves in wine who were acquainted but with water before The Savoy in the Strand being the Palace of John Duke of Lancaster was plundered so was the Hospital of S t John's and S r Robert Hales Lord Prior therein and Treasurer of England slain But as their spight was the keenest at so the spoil the greatest on the Law well knowing that while the banks thereof stood fully in force the deluge of their intended Anarchy could not freely overflow They ransack'd the Temple not onely destroying many present Pleas written between party and party as if it would accord Plaintife and Defendant to send them both joyntly to the fire but also abolished many ancient Records to the loss of Learning and irrecoverable prejudice of posterity The Church fared as ill as the Temple and Simon Sudbury Arch-Bishop of Canterbury after many
our leave of this Bishop whosoever considers the vast buildings and rich endowments made by this Prelate besides his expence in repairing the Cathedral at Winchester will conclude such atcheivements unpossible for a Subject until he reflect on his vast Offices of preferments being Bishop of Winchester Rector of S t Martins Le Grand holding twelve Prebends in Comendam with it Anno Dom. 1392. Lord Privy-Seal Chancellor and Treasurer of England besides other places of meaner consequence Anno Regis Ric. 2. 16. Wardens Rich. Toneworth Nich. Wickam Tho. Cranely Rich. Malsorde Jo. Bouke Will. Escot Nich. Osylbury Tho. Chaundler Walt. Hill Will. Porter Jo. Reade Jo. Younge Jo. London Hen. Cole Ral. Skinner Tho. White Mart. Culpepper George Rives Arth. Lake Pink. Stringer Marshal Benefactors M r Rawlins S r Rich. Read K t. D r Newman D r Reeve Ward D r Martin Rob. Bell. D r Smith Bishops Will. Warham Arch-Bish of Cant. Will. Wainffet Bish of Winchester Jo. White Bish of Winchester Tho. Bilson Bish of Winchester Will. Knight Bish of Bath Wells James Turbervil Bish of Exeter Rob. Sherbourne Bish of Chichester Arth. Lake Bish of Bath and Wells Learned Writers Tho. Harding Tho. Nele Nich. Sanders Nich. Harpsfield Will. Reynolds * He was brother to Doct John Reynolds the great protestant Tho. Hide Jo. Marshall Tho. Stapleton Jo. Fenne Rich. White * He wrote a History of England Jo. Pits All violent maintainers of the Popish Religion S r HEN. WOOTTON D r Tooker Dean of Lichfield D r James Cook Arch-Dec of Winch. S r. Tho. Rives besides other elegant works for his VICARS PLEA S r James Hassee S r Hen. Martin D r Merideth Dean of Wells ARTHUR LAKE Bish of Bath and Wells William Twisse John White One may defie the suspicion of flattery if adding D r Harris the reverend Warden of Winchester D r Rich. Zouch not beholden to his Noble extraction for his Repute founded on his own worth and Books reprinted beyond the Seas D r Merick late Judg of the Prerogative but it is better to leave the characters of their worth to the thankfullness of the next Age to describe 32. Lately the Popes usurpation was grown so great Good Laws in due season in intrenching on the Crown that there was an absolute necessity seasonably to retrench his usurpation For albeit the Kings of England were as absolute in their demeans their Prelacy and Clergie as learned their Nobility as valiant and prudent their Commons as free and wealthy Anno Dom. 1393. as any in Christendom Yet had not some Laws of Provision now been made England had long since been turned part of S t Peters Patrimony in demeans Yea the Scepter wrested out of their Kings hands her Prelates made the Popes Chaplains and Clerks Nobility his servants and vassals Commons his slaves and villaines had not some seasonable Statutes of Manumission been enacted 33. For now came the Parliament wherein the Statute was enacted The Maul-Popes Statute of premunire which mauled the Papal power in England Some former laws had pared the Popes nailes to the quick but this cut off his fingers in effect so that hereafter his hands could not grasp and hold such vast summes of money as before This is called the Statute of PREMUNIRE and let not the Reader grudg the reading therof which gave such a blow to the Church of Rome that it never rcovered it self in this Land but dayly decayed till its finall destruction VVHereas the Commons of the Realm in this present Parliament have sued to our redoubted Lord the King grievously complaining that whereas the said our Lord the King and all his liege people ought of right and of old time were wont to sue in the Kings Court to recover their Presentments to Churches prebends and other benefices of holy Church to the which they had right to present the Conisance of Plea of which Presentment belongeth onely to the Kings Court of the old right of his Crown used and approved in the time of all his Progenitors Kings of England And when judgment shall be given in the same Court upon such a Plea and Presentment the Arch-Bishops Bishops and other Spiritual persons which have Institution of such Benefices within their jurisdictions be bound and have made Execution of such Judgments by the Kings commandements of all the time aforesaid without interruption for another Lay person cannot make such execution and also be bound of right to make execution of many other of the Kings commandements of which right the Crown of England hath been peaceably seised as well in the time of our said Lord the King that now is as in the time of all his Progenitors till this day But now of late divers Processes be made by the Bishop of Rome and censures of Excommunication upon certain Bishops of England because they have made execution of such commandements to the open disherison of the said Crown and destruction of our said Lord the King his Law and all his Realm if remedie be not provided And also it is said and a common clamor is made that the said Bishop of Rome hath ordained and purposed to translate some Prelates of the same Realm some out of the Realm and some from one Bishoprick into another within the same Realme without the Kings assent and knowledg and without the assent of the Prelates which so shall be translated which Prelates be much profitable and necessary to our said Lord the King and to all his Realme By which translations if they should be suffered the Statutes of the Realm should be defeated and made void and his said liege Sages of his Councel without his assent and against his will carried away and gotten out of his Realm and the substance and treasure of the Realm shall be carried away and so the Realm destitute as well of Councel as of substance to the final destruction of the same Realm And so the Crown of England which hath been so free at all times that it hath been in no earthly subjection but immediately subject to God in all things touching the realitie of the same Crown and to none other should be submitted to the Pope the Laws Statutes of the Realm by him defeated avoided at his will in the perpetual destruction of the Soveraigntie of the King our Lord his Crown his Regalitie of all his Realm which God defend And moreover the Commons aforesaid say that the things so attempted be clearly against the Kings Crown and Regality used and approved of the time of all his Progenitors Wherefore they and all the liege Commons of the same Realm will stand with our said Lord the King and his said Crown and his Regalitie in the cases aforesaid and in all other cases attempted against him his Crown and his Regalitie in all points to live and to die And moreover they pray the King and him require by way of justice that he would
worse did he finde it witness Leland thus praising him Praedicat Algerum meritò Florentia Dantem Italia numeros tota Petrarche tuos Anglia Chaucerum veneratur nostra Poëtam Cui veneres debet patria lingua suas Of Alger Dants Florence doth justly boast Of Petrarch brags all the Italian coast England doth Poet Chaucer reverence To whom our language ows its eloquence Indeed Verslegan a learned a In his restitution of de caied intelligence p. 203. Antiquary condemns him for spoiling the purity of the English tongue by the mixture of so many French and Latin words But he who mingles wine with water though he destroies the nature of water improves the quality thereof 49. I finde this Chaucer fined in the Temple two shillings A great enemy to Friers for striking a Franciscan Frier in Fleet-street and it seems his hands ever after itched to be revenged and have his penniworths out of them so tickling Religious-Orders with his tales and yet so pinching them with his truths that Friers in reading his books know not how to dispose their faces betwixt crying and laughing He lies buried in the South-Isle of S t Peters Westminster and since hath got the company of Spencer and Drayton a pair-royal of Poets enough almost to make passengers feet to move metrically who go over the place where so much Poetical dust is interred 50. Since the Abjuration last exemplified A short quiet in the Church we meet in this Kings Reign no more persecution from the Bishops We impute this not to their pity but other imployment now busie in making their applications to the new King on the change of government King Richard being now deposed 51. He was one of a goodly person The character of King Rich the second of a nature neither good nor bad but according to his company which commonly were of the more vicious His infancy was educated under several Lord Protectours successively under whom his intellectuals thrived as babes battle with many nurses commonly the worse for the change At last he grew up to full age and empty minde judicious onely in pleasure giving himself over to all licentiousness 52. As King Richard was too weak to govern Conspired against by Hen. the fourth so Henry Duke of Lancaster his Cousin-germane was too wilful to be governed Taking advantage therefore of the Kings absence in Ireland he combined with other of the discontented Nobility and draws up Articles against him some true some false some both as wherein truth brought the matter and malice made the measure Many misdemeanors mo misfortunes are laid to his charge Murdering the Nobility advancing of worthless Minions sale of justice oppression of all people with unconscionable taxations For such Princes as carry a forke in one hand Anno Regis Hen. 4 1. must bear a rake in the other and must covetously scrape to maintain what they causlesly scatter 53. Loosness brings men into streights at last And resigneth the Crown as King Richard may be an instance thereof Returning into England he is reduced to this doleful Dilemma either voluntarily by resigning to depose himself or violently by detrusion to be deposed by others His misery and his enemies ambition admit of no expedient Yea in all this Act his little judgment stood onely a looker-on whilest his fear did what was to be done directed by the force of others In hopes of life he solemnly resigneth the Crown but all in vain For cruel thieves seldom rob but they also kill and King Henry his Successour could not meet with a soft pillow so long as the other wore a warm head Whereupon not long after King Richard was barbarously murdered at Pomfret-Castle But of these transactions the Reader may satisfie himself at large out of our civil Historians 54. Onely we will add The baseness of the disloyal Clergy that the Clergy were the first that led this dance of disloyaltie Thomas Arundel now Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in the room of William Courtney deceased made a Sermon on Samuels words Vir dominabitur populo He shewed himself a Satyrist in the former a Parasite in the later part of his Sermon a Traitor in both He aggravated the childish weakness of King Richard his inability to govern magnifying the parts and perfections of Henry Duke of Lancaster But by the Arch-Bishops leave grant Richard either deservedly deposed or naturally dead without issue the right to the Crown lay not in this Henry but in Edmond Mortimer Earl of March descended by his mother Philippa from Lionel Duke of Clarence elder son to Edward the third This the Arch-Bishop did willingly conceal Thus in all State-alterations be they never so bad the Pulpit will be of the same wood with the Councel-board And thus ambitious Clergy-men abuse the silver trumpets of the Sanctuary who reversing them and putting the wrong end into their mouthes make what was appointed to sound Religon to signifie Rebellion 55. But whilest all other Churches in England rung congratulatory peales to King Henry his Happiness The couragious conscience of the Bishop of Carlile one jarring bell almost marr'd the melody of all the rest even Thomas Merks Bishop of Carlile For when the Lords in Parliament not content to Depose King Richard were devising more mischief against him up steps the aforesaid Bishop formerly Chaplain to the King and expresseth himself as followeth There is no man present worthy to pass his sentence on so a Bishop Gedwin in the Bishops of Carlile great a King as to whom they have obeyed as their lawful Prince full two and twenty years This is the part of Traitors Cut-throats and Thieves None is so wicked none so vile who though he be charged with a manifest crime we should think to condemn before we heard him And you do ye account it equal to pass sentence on a King anointed and Crowned giving him no leave to defend himself How unjust is this But let us consider the matter it self I say nay openly affirm that Henry Duke of Lancaster whom you are pleased to call your King hath most unjustly spoiled Richard as well his Soveraign as ours of his Kingdom More would he have spoken when the Lord Marshal enjoyned him silence for speaking too much Truth in so dangerous a time Since it seems some Historians have made up what more he would have said spinning these his Heads into a very large Oration though tedious to none save those of the Lancastrian faction 56. Here Innocency the lest Armour if ever did the Proverb take effect Truth may be blam'd but cannot be sham'd for although the rest of the Bishops being guilty themselves condemned him as discovering more Covent-devotion who originally was a Monk of Westminster then Court-discretion in dissenting from his Brethren Yet generally he was beheld as Loyalties a Confessor Anno Dom. 1400. speaking what became his calling Anno Regis Ric. 2 2. in discharge of his
conscience Yea for the present such the reverence to his integrity no punishment was imposed upon him 57. Merks was conceived in the judgment of most moderate men Activity will he tampering abundantly to have satisfied his conscience with his speech in Parliament But how hard is it to stop an active soul in its full speed He thought himself bound not onely to speak but do yea and suffer too if called thereunto for his Soveraign This moved him to engage with Henry Hot-spur and other discontented Lords against King Henry on whose defeat this Bishop was taken prisoner and judicially arraigned for high Treason 58. This is one of the clearest distinguishing characters A Bishop not triable by his Peers betwixt the Temporal and Spiritual Lords that the former are to be tried per pares by their Peers being Barons of the Realm the later are by Law and custome allowed a Trial onely by a Jury of able and substantial persons Such a Mr Selden in a late small Treatise of Parliaments men found Bishop Merks guilty of Treason for which he was condemned and sent prisoner to S t Albans 59. The King would gladly have had a fair riddance of this Bishop A seasonable expedient whom he could not with credit keep here nor send hence As to deprive him of life it was dangerous in those dayes when some Sacredness was believed inherent in Episcopal persons Here his Holiness helpt the King with an handsom expedient to salve all matters by removing Merks to be Bishop of b Godwin in his Bishops Samos in Grecia I finde three Grecian Islands of the same name and a critick c Carolus Stephanus in dictionario poetico complaineth they are often confounded The best is it is not much material of which of them Merks was made Bishop having onely a Title to sterve in state without a penny profit thereby But before his translation was compleated he was translated into another world The End of the Fourteenth CENTURY SECT II. Anno Regis TO Sir GERRARD NAPIER OF Dorcet-shire Anno Dom. BARONET I Have read that a Statute was made to retrench the number of great mens keeping their Reteiners in the Reign of King Hen. 7 th and that politickly done in those nutinous times to prevent Commotions lest some popular person should raise a little Army under the covert of his great Attendance A Law improved to Rigor though certainly as all other penal Statutes intended but to terrour insomuch that the Earl of Oxford more meriting of King Hen. 7 th then any other subject was even * Lord Verulum in his Life p. 211. delivered to the Kings Atturney and as report saith Fined fifteen thousand Marks for exceeding the proportion legally allowed I confess we live in as dangerous dayes and affording as great jealousies as those But I have cause to be right glad as deeply concerned therein that though a Statute hath forbidden many to depend on one none hath prohibited one to depend on many Patrons But any Author of a Book may multiply them Sance-number as driving on no hurtful design but onely the protection of his own endeavours On this account I tender these my Labours unto you knowing the very Name of NAPIER acceptable to all Scholars ever since the Learned Laird of Marchistowne no stranger to your bloud as I am informed by his Log-arithmes contracted the pains and so by consequence prolonged the time and life of all imployed in Numeration 1. KIng Henry being conscious that he had got and did keep the Crown by a bad Title Hen 4 10. counted it his wisest way 1408. to comply with the Clergie King Henry bloudy against â—oor Christians yt 〈◊〉 his Regal power against the Popes encroachments whose present power was not onely useful but needful for him To gain their favour he lately enacted bloudy Laws for the extirpation of poor Christians under the false notion of Hereticks a Statute 2 of Hen. 4. c. 15. condemning them to be burnt A torment unheard of in such cases till that time and yet it appeareth that the Pope in this Age was not possest of so full power in England whatsoever the Catholicks pretend but that this politick Prince kept the reins though loose in his own hand For in this b 1 Henry 4 th fol. 19. time it was resolved that the Popes Collector though he had the Popes Bull for that purpose had no jurisdiction within this Realm and that the Arch-Bishops and Bishops of England Anno Dom. 1408. were the Spiritual Judges in the Kings behalf Anno Regis Hen. 4. 10. As it was also a Statute 2 Hen. 4. cap. 3. enacted if any person of Religion obtained of the Bishop of Rome to be exempt from obedience regular or ordinary he was in a premunire Yea this very Statute which gave power to a Bishop in his Diocess to condemn an Heretick plainly proveth that the King by consent of Parliament directed the proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Court in cases of Heresie so that the Pope even in matters of Spiritual cognizance had no power over the lives of English subjects 2. The first on whom this cruel Law was hanselled William Sautre the protomertyr of English protestants was William Sautre formerly parish Priest of S t Margaret in the town of Lin but since of S t Osith in the City of London This was he whose Faith fought the first Duell with Fire it self and overcame it Abel was the first Marry of men S t Stephen the first of Christian men S t Alban the first of British Christians and this Sautre the first of English Protestants as by Prolepsis I may terme them Scriveners use with gaudy flourishes to deck and garnish the initial characters of Copies which superfluous pains may be spared by us in adorning this leading letter in the pattern of patience seeing it is conspicuous enough in its self died red with its own bloud Some charge this Sautre with fear and fickleness because formerly he had abjured those Articles for which afterwards he died before the Bishop of Norwich But let those who severely censure him for once denying the truth and do know who it was that denied his Master thrice take heed they do not as bad a deed more then four times themselves May Sautre's final Constancy be as surely practised by men as his former Cowardliness no doubt is pardoned by God Eight Errours were laid to his charge in order as followeth 1. Imprimis He saith that he will not worship the Cross on which Christ suffered but onely Christ that suffered upon the Cross 2. Item That he would sooner worship a temporal King then the aforesaid wooden Cross 3. Item That he would rather worship the bodies of the Saints then the very Cross of Christ on which he hung if it were before him 4. Item That he would rather worship a man truly contrite then the Cross
of Christ 5. Item That he is bound rather to worship a man that is predestinate then an Angel of God 6. Item That if any man would visit the Monuments of Peter and Paul or go on Pilgrimage to the Tomb of S t Thomas or any whither else for the obtaining of any temporal benefit he is not bound to keep his vow but may distribute the expences of his vow upon the almes of the poor 7. Item That every Priest and Deacon is more bound to preach the word of God then to say the Canonical houres 8. Item That after the pronouncing of the Sacramental words of the body of Christ the bread remaineth of the same nature that it was before neither doth it cease to be bread 3. These were the opinions Thomas Arundel Arch-Bishop of Canterbury solemnly pronounceth Sautre an heretick convicted wherewith Sautre is charged in their own Registers which if read with that favour which not charity but justice allows of course to humane frailty will be found not so hainous as to deserve Fire and Fagot seeing his expressions are rather indiscreet then his positions damnable But Thomas Arundel Arch-Bishop of Canterbury before whom Sautre was convented in the Convocation at S t Pauls in London principally pinched him with the last about Transubstantiation in the Sacrament Thus their cruelty made Gods Table a Snare to his servants when their other Nets broke this held what they pretended a Sacrifice for the living and dead proved indeed the cause of the sacrificing of many innocents and cavils about the corporal presence was the most compendious way to dispatch them for the denial whereof the aforesaid Arch-Bishop solemnly pronounced Sautre an Heretick convicted 4. Here happened a passage in Sautre Sautres indiscreet denying of himself which I must not omit which either I do not understand or cannot approve in him For being demanded whether or no he had formerly abjured these opinions he denied the same whereas his formal abjuration of them the last year before the Bishop of Norwich was produced in presence an action utterly inconsistent with Christian sincerity to deny his own deed except any will say that he was not bound to accuse himself and to confess in that Court what he had done elsewhere to his own prejudice Thus offenders which formerly have confessed their fact in their private examinations before a Justice of Peace yet plead not Guilty when they are brought before the Assizes accounting themselves innocent in that Court till by the verdict of the Jury they are proved otherwise However I am rather inclined to suspect my ignorance then condemn his innocence conceiving there is more on his side then appeareth in his behalf 5. The Reader Sautre by a second sentence is adjudged to be degraded and deposed I presume will pardon our largeness which we will recompence with brevity in the rest in relating the proceedings against this first Martyr who being as I may say the eldest and the Heir in our History may justly challenge a double portion thereof Yea the Arch-Bishop who in his condemnation did not follow but make a president therein was very punctual and ceremonious in his proceedings that he might set the fairer copie for the direction of posterity and that the formality of his exemplary justice might for the terrour of others take the deeper impression in all that did see it or should hear thereof And now his former abjuration plainly appearing Arundel by a second sentence adjudged him refallen into Heresie and incorrigible and therefore to be degraded and deposed 6. For lest Priest-hood should suffer in the person of Sautre The order of his degradation and all the Clergie present out of a religious sympathie were tender of the honour of their own profession he was there solemnly degraded in order as followeth From the order of 1. Priest 2. Deacon 3. Sub-Deacon 4. Acolyte 5. Exorcist 6. Reader 7. Sexton By taking from him 1. The Patin Chalice and plucking the Chasule from his back 2. The New Testament and the Stole 3. The Alb and the Maniple 4. The Candlestick Taper Urceolum 5. The Book of Conjurations 6. The Book of Church-Legends 7. The Key of the Church door and Surphee How many steps are required to climb up to the top of Popish Priest-hood but as when a building is taken down one would little think so much timber and stone had concurred thereunto until he sees the several parcels thereof lie in ruinous heaps so it is almost incredible how many trinkets must be had to compleat a Priest but that here we behold them solemnly taken asunder in Sautres degradation And now he no longer Priest but plain Lay-man with the tonsure on his crown rased away was delivered to the Secular power with this complement worth the nothing Beseeching the Secular Court that they would receive favourably the said William unto them thus recommitted Anno Dom. 1408. But who can excuse their double-dealing herein from deep hypocrisie Anno Regis Hen. 4 10. seeing the Bishops at the same time for all their fair language ceased not to call upon the King to bring him to speedy execution 7. Hereupon the King in Parliament issued our his Warrant to the Major and Sheriffs of London The Kings warrant for the burning of Sautre that the said William being in their custody should be brought forth into some publick or open place within the liberty of the City and there really to be a Fox Martyr pag. 477. out of whom the effect of this story is taken burned to the great horrour of his offence and manifest example of other Christians which was performed accordingly Thus died this worthy man and though we be as far from adoring his Reliques as such adoration is from true Religion yet we cannot but be sensible of the value of such a Saint Nor can we mention his memory without paying an honourable respect thereunto His death strook a terrour into those of his party who hereafter were glad to enjoy their conscience in private without publick professing the same So that now the ship of Christ toss'd with the tempest of persecution had all her sailes took down yea her mast cut close to the deck and without making any visible shew was fain to lie poor and private till this storm was over-pass'd the Arch-Bishop Arundel being most furious and cruel in detecting and suppressing all suspected of piety 8. Synods of the Clergie were never so frequent before or since A surfeit of Synods in Arch Bishop Arundels time as in his time when scarce a year escapted without a Synod called or continued therein Most of these were but Ecclesiastical meetings for secular money Hereupon a covetous ignorant Priest guilty of no Greek made this derivation of the word Synodus far fatch'd in it self but coming close to him from Crumena sine nodo because at such assemblies the purse ought ever to be open
a Godwin Catal of Bps. in S. Davids Treasurer of England In whom the King much confided though T. Walsingham be pleased to dash his Memory that he was the cause of much mischief His Sir-Name speaks him English by extraction and he was of no remarkable activity He might be English or Welch by his Name but I believe the latter A man of merit sent by the King into Germany to give satisfaction of King Henries proceedings Second of that Christian and Sirname Bishop of that See a Welchman no doubt he was sent saith T. Walsangham to Spain to give account of the Kings proceedings Very loyal at the present but after his return home he sided with Owen Glendowre But though the English at this time were so severe against the Welch King Henry the seventh born in the bowels of Wales at Pembroke and assisted in the gaining of the Crown by the valour of his Country-men some years after plucked down this partition-wall of difference betwixt them admitting the Welch to English Honours and Offices as good reason equality of merits should be rewarded with equality of advancement 14. Sir John Tiptoff made afterwards Earl of Worcester put up a Petition to the Parliament The Petition of the Lords and Commons to the King against Lollards touching Lollards which wrought so on the Lords that they joined a Petition to the King Anno Regis Hen. 4 14. according to the Tenour following To our most redoubted and gracious Soveraign the King YOur humble * * Contracted by my self exactly keeping the words out of the Original Son HENRY PRINCE OF WALES and the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in this present Parliament humbly shew That the Church of England hath been and now is endowed with temporal possessions by the gifts and grants as well of your Royal Progenitours as by the Ancesters of the said Lords Temporal to maintain Divine Service keep Hospitality c. to the Honour of God and the souls health of your Progenitors and the said Lords Temporal Yet now of late some at the instigation of the Enemy against the foresaid Church and Prelates have as well in publick Sermons as in Conventicles and secret places called Schools stirred and moved the people of your Kingdom to take away the said temporal Possessions from the said Prelates with which they are as rightly endowed as it hath been or might be best advised or imagined by the Laws and Customes of your Kingdom and of which they are as surely possessed as the Lords Temporal are of their inheritances Wherefore in case that this evil purpose be not resisted by your Royal Majestie it is very likely that in process of time they will also excite the people of your Kingdom for to take away from the said Lords Temporal their possessions and heritages so to make them common to the open commotion of your people There be also others who publish and cause to be published evilly and falsly among the people of your Kingdom that Richard late King of England who is gone to God and on whose soul God thorow his Grace have mercy is still alive And some have writ and published divers false pretended prophecies to the people disturbing them who would to their power live peaceably Serve God and faithfully submit and obey you their Liege Lord. Wherefore may it please your Royal Majestie in maintenance of the honour of God conservation of the Laws of the holy Church as also in the preservation of the estate of You your Children Anno Regis Hen. quart 14. and the Lords aforesaid and for the quiet of all your Kingdom to ordain by a Stature in the present Parliament by the assent of the Lords aforesaid and the Commons of your Kingdom that in case any man or woman of what estate or condition they be preach publish or maintain hold use or exercise any Schools if any Sect or Doctrine hereafter against the Catholick faith either preach publish maintain or write a schedule whereby the people may be moved to take away the Temporal Possessions of the aforesaid Prelates or preach and publish that Richard late King who is dead should still be in full life or that the Fool in Scotland is that King Richard who is dead or that publish or write any pretended Prophesies to the commotion of your people That they and every of them be taken and put in Prison without being delivered in Bail or otherwise except by good and sufficient mainprise to be taken before the Chancellour of England c. 15. See we here the Policy of the Clergie The Prince made a party against Wicklivites who had gained Prince Henry set as a Transcendent by himself in the Petition to their side entring his Youth against the poor Wicklivites and this Earnest engaged him to the greater Antipathy against them when possest of the Crown 16. Observe also the Subtilty of the Clergie in this medley Petition Complication or Royal and Prelatical interest interweaving their own interest with the Kings and endeavouring to possess him that all the Adversaries to their Superstitions were Enemies also and Traytors to his Majesty 17. Now as Conventicles were the Name of disgrace cast on Wicklivists their Schools Schools was the terme of Credit owned by the Wicklivists for the place of their meeting Whether because f Acts 19. 9. the School of Tyrannus wherein S t Paul disputed was conceived by them Senior in Scripture to any material Church Or that their teaching therein was not in intire discourses but admitted as in the Schools of interlocutory opposition on occasion 18. By Lollards all know the Wicklivites are meant Lollards why so called so called from h Trithemius in Chron. Anno 1315. Walter Lollardus one or their Teachers in Germany and not as the i Of S. Aug. Cont. M. S. Anno 1406. Monk alluded quasi lolia in ar â Domini flourishing many years before Wickliffe and much consenting with him in judgment As for the word Lollard retained in our Statutes since the Reformation it seems now as a generical name to signifie such who in their opinions oppose the setled Religion of the Land in which sense the modern Sheriffs are bound by their Oath to suppress them 19. The Parenthesis concerning King Richard Who is gone to God and on whose Soul God through his Grace have Mercy is according to the Doctrine of that Age. For they held all in Purgatory gone to God A charitable parenthesis because assured in due time of their happiness yet so that the suffrages of the Living were profitable for them Nor feared they to offend King Henry by their charitable presumption of the final happy estate of King Richard his professed Enemy knowing he cared not where King Richard was so be it not living and sitting on the English Throne 20. As for the report of King Richards being still alive King Richard why believed alive it is strange any
Vniversitas praedicta solvant teneantur folvere ipsi Domino nostro Regi Henrico haeredibus suis mille Libras legalis Monetae Angliae Concordat cum Originali GULIELMUS RYLEY Afterwards the King confirmed the same with the consent of the Lords and Commons in Parliament as in the Tower Rouls doth plainly appear 27. See we here the grand difference The effect of the Statute of Praemunire betwixt the Popes power in England before and after the Statute of Praemunire Before it his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was authentical and his Bulls received next to Canonical Scripture Since that Statute hath broken off their best Seals wherein they crosse the Royall Power and in all things else they enter into England mannerly with good King by your leave Sir or else they were no better then so much waste Parchment 28. This doth acquaint us with a perfect Character of King Henry the fourth Farwell to K. Henry the fourth who though curteous was not servial to the Pope And * Fourth book of his Instit of the Jurisd of Courts page 228. S r Edward Cook accounteth this his Oxford action though unwilling to transcribe the Instrument for the tediousness thereof a noble act of Kingly power in that Age and so we take our farwell of King Henry the fourth not observed as all English Kings before and after him to have erected and endowed any one intire house of Religion as first or sole Founder thereof though a great Benefactor to the Abby of Leicester and Colledg of Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire his Picture is not so well known by his Head as his Hood which he weareth upon it in an antick fashion peculiar to himself 29. At the Commons Petition to the King in Parliament Chaumberdakyns banished England that all Irish begging-Priests Hen. 5 1413 called * Rotuli in Turre in hoc anno The death of T. Arundel Chaumberdakyns should avoid the Realm before Michaelmas next 1. they were ordered to depart by the time aforesaid upon pain of loss of goods and imprisonment during the Kings pleasure 30. I had almost forgotten that just a moneth before the death of King Henry the Fourth Thomas Arundel Arch-Bishops of Canterbury expired famished to death not for want of food but a throat to swallow it such the swelling therein that he could neither speak nor eat for some dayes I may safely report what others observe how he who by his cruel Canons forbad the food to the soul and had pronounced sentence of condemnation on so many innocents was now both starv'd and strick dumb together Henry Chichely succeeded him in the place whose mean birth interrupted the Chain of Noble Arch-Bishop his two predecessors and successors being Earls sons by their extraction 31. The Prelates and Abbots especially The Clergie jealous of King Henries activity began now to have the activesoul of King Henry in suspition For working heads are not so willing to follow old wayes Hen. 5 1414. 2. as well-pleased to find out new ones Such a medling soul must ne sent out of harms-way If that the Clergie found not this King some work abroad he would make them new work at home Had his humor happend to side with the Lollards Anno Regis Hen. 2 8. Henry the fifth would have saved King Henry the Eight much pains in demolishing of Monasteries Anno Dom. 1414. 32. Hereupon the Clergie cunningly gave vent to his Activity Divert it on a war in France by divertting it on a long warre upon the French where his Victories are loundly sounded forth by our State Historians A warre of more credit then profit to England in this Kings Reigne draining the Men and Money thereof Thus Victorious Bayes bear onely barren Berries no whit good for food and very little for Physick whilst the Peaceable Olive drops down that precious liquor making the face of man to shine therewith Besides what this King Henry gained his Son as quickly lost in France Thus though the Providence of Nature hath priviledged Islanders by their entire position to secure themselves yet are they unhappy in long keeping their acquisitions on the Continent 33. Now began the Tragedy of Sir John Oldcastle The sad story of Sir John Oldcastle so largely handled in Mr. Fox that his pains hath given Posterity a Writ of Ease herein He was a vigorous Knight whose Martiall Activity wrought him into the affections of Jone f Camd. Brit. in Kent D la Pole Baronesse of Cobham the Lord whereof he became sed quaere whether an Actuall Baron by her Marriage 34. As for the Opinions of this Sir John Oldcastle His belief they plainly appear in his Belief which he drew up with his own hand and presented it first to the King then to the Archbishop of Canterbury wherein some things are rather coursely then falselie spoken He knew to speak in the Language of the Schools so were the meetings of the Wicklivists called but not scholastically and I believe he was the first that coyned and last that used the distinction of the Church Militant divided into Priest-hood Knight-hood and Commons which had no great harm therein as he explained it As for * In his 3 conversion Persons his charging him with Anabaptistical Tenets it is pitty that the words of a plain meaning man should be put on the Wrack of a Jesuites malice to extort by deduction what never was intended therein 35. But a worse accusation is charged on his Memory He is charged of Treason that he was not onely guilty of Herese but Treason But by the way it appeareth that Lolardisme then counted Heresie was made Treason by Statute and on that account Heresie and Treason signifie no more then Heresie and then Heresie according to the abusive language of that Age was the best serving of God in those dayes But besides this a very formal Treason is laid to this Lords account in manner following It is laid to his charge that though not present in the person with his Councel he encouraged an Army of Rebels no fewer then twenty thousand which in the dark thickets expounded in our Age into plain pasture of S t Giles Fields nigh London intended to seize on the Kings Person and his two Brothers the Dukes of Bedford and Glocester Of this numerous Army thirty six are said to be hang'd and burnt though the Names of three are onely known and S r Roger Acton Knight the onely person of quality named in the design 36. For mine own part The Author intricated I must confess my self so lost in the Intricacies of these Relations that I know not what to assent to On the one side I am loath to load the Lord Cobhams memory with causless crimes knowing the perfect hatred the Clergie in that Age bear'd unto him and all that look d towards the reformation in Religion Besies that 20000 men should be brought into the field
then a Cloak He never shrunk at a wound nor turned away his Nose for ill favour nor closed his eyes for smoak or dust in Diet none lesse dainty or more moderate his sleep very short but sound fortunate in fight and commendable in all his Actions verifying the Proverb that an ill Youth may make a good Man The Nunnery of Sion was built and endowed by him and a Colledge was by him intended in Oxford had not death prevented him 45. As for Katherine de Valois Q Katherine married again Daughter to Charles the sixth King of France Anno Dom. 1422. widdow of King Henry Anno Regis Hen. sexti 1. she was afterward married to and had issue by Owen ap Tudor a noble weâ—chman and her body lies at this day unburied in a loose Coffin at Westminster lately shew'd to such as desire it and there dependeth a story thereon 46. There was an old prophesie among the English observed by a Philip Commineus forrainers to be the greatest Prophecy-mongers But never buried and whilst the Devil knows their diet they shall never want a dish to please the Palate that an English Prince born at Winsor should be unfortunate in losing what his Father had acquired Whereupon King Henry forbad Queen Katherine big with Childe to be delivered there who out of the corrupt principle Nitimur in vetitum and affecting her Father before her Husband was there brought to bed of King Henry the sixt in whose Reign the fair victories woven by his Fathers valour were by Cowardise Carelesness and Contentions unraveled to nothing 47. Report By her own desire the greatest though not the truest Author avoucheth that sensible of her faultindisobeying her Husband it was her own b Speed Chron. p. 661. desire and pleasure that her body should never be buried If so it is pitty but that a Woman especially a Queen should have her will therein Whose dust doth preach a Sermon of duty to Feminine and of Mortality to all Beholders 48. But this story is told otherwise by other authors Alii aliter namely that she was c Stows survey of London p. 507. buried neer her Husband King Henry the fift under a fair Tombe where she hath a large Epitaph and continued in her grave some years untill King Henry the Seventh laying the foundation of a new Chappel caused her Corps to be taken up but why the said Henry being her Great Grand-Child did not order it to be re-interred is not recorded if done by casualty and neglect very strange and stranger if out of designe 49. In the minority of King Henry the sixt The Parliament appoint the Kings Councellors as his Vncle John Duke of Bedford managed martial matters beyond the seas so his other Uncle Humphery Duke of Glocester was chosen his Protector at home to whom the Parliament then sitting appointed a select number of privy Councellors wherein only such as were spiritual persons fall under our observation 1. Henry Chichley Archbishop of Canterbury 2. John Kempe Bishop of London 3. Henry Beauford Bishop of Winchest lately made Lord Cardinal 4. John Wackaring Bishop of Norwich privie seal 5. Philip Morgan Bishop of Worcester 6. Nic. Bubwith Bishop of Bath and Wels Lord Treasurer So strong a party had the Clergie in that Age in the privie Councel that they could carry all matters at their own pleasure 50. It was ordered in Parliament A strict law for the Irish Clergy that all Irishmen living in either Vniversity 1423. should procure their Testimonials 2. from the Lord Lievetenant or Justice of Ireland as also finde sureties for their good behaviour during their remaining therein They were also forbidden to take upon them the Principality of any Hall or House in either University but that they remain under the discipline of others 51. Hitherto the Corpse of John Wickliffe had quietly slept in his grave Wickliff quietly buried 41. years about one and fourty years after his death 1428. till his body was reduced to bones 6. and his bones almost to dust For though the Earth in the Chancel of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire where he was interred hath not so quick a digestion with the Earth of Acheldama to consume Flesh in twenty foure houres yet such the appetite thereof and all other English graves to leave small reversions of a body after so many years 52. But now such the Spleen of the Council of Constance Anno Regis Hen. sixt 6 as they not only cursed his Memorie Anno Dom. 1428. as dying an obstinate Heretick Ordered 〈◊〉 ungraved 〈◊〉 a Heretick but ordered that his bones with this charitable caution if it may be discerned from the bodies of other faithfull people to be taken out of the ground and thrown farre off from any Christian buriall 53. In obedience hereunto Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincolne His 〈◊〉 burnt and drowâ—â—d Diocesan of Lutterworth sent his Officers Vultures with a quick sight scent at a dead Carcase to ungrave him accordingly To Lutterworth they come Sumner Commissarie Official Chancellour Proctors Doctors and the Servants so that the Remnant of the body would not hold out a bone amongst so many hands take what was left out of the grave and burnt them to ashes and cast them into Swift a Neighbouring Brook running hard by Thus this Brook hath convey'd his ashes into Avon Avon into Severn Severn into the narrow Seas they into the main Ocean And thus the Ashes of Wickliff are the Emblem of his Doctrine which now is dispersed all the World over 54. I know not whether the Vulgar Tradition be worth Remembrance None can drive a nailâ— of wax that the Brook into which Wickliff his Ashes were powred never since overflowed the Banks Were this true as some deny it as silly is the inference of Papists attributing this to Divine Providence expressing it self pleased with such severity on a Heretick as simple the collection of some Protestants making it an effect of Wickliff his sanctity Such Topical accidents are good for Friend and Foe as they may be bowed to both but in effect good to neither seeing no solid Judgement will build where bare fancy hath laid Foundation 55. It is of more consequence to observe the differences betwixt Authors Difference betwixt Authors some making the Council of Constance to passe this sentence of condemnation as Master Fox doth inserting but by mistake the History thereof in the Reign of King Richard the second which happened many years after But more truly it is ascribed to the Council of Sienna except for surenesse both of them joyned in the same cruell edict 56. Here I cannot omit what I read in a * Hall in the life of 〈◊〉 Fisher p. 〈◊〉 Popish Manuscript but very lately printed about the subject of our present discourse Wickliffe traduced 57. The first unclean BEAST that ever passed thorow * O! th◠〈◊〉
fall accordingly not by the death of those in Kings Colledg but their advancement to better preferment in the Church and Common-wealth 15. If we cast our eyes on the Civil estate All quickly lost in France we shall finde our Foraign Acquisitions in France 1447 which came to us on foot 25. running from us on horse-back Nulla dies sine Civitate fearce a day escaping wherein the French regained not some City or place of importance so that the English who under King Hen. 6. had almost a third of France besides the City of Paris another third in its self for Wealth and Populousness soon lost all on the Continent to the poor pittance of Calice and a little land or if you will some large suburbs round about it 16. Yet let not the French boast of their Valor Occasioned by the English discords but under Gods providence thank our sins and particularly our discords for their so speedy recoveries There were many Clefts and Chaps in our Councel-board factions betwixt the great Lords present thereat and these differences descended on their Attendants and Retainers who putting on their Coats wore the Badges as well of enmities as of the Armes of their Lords and Masters but behold them how coupled in their Antipathies Deadly feud betwixt Edmund Beaufort Anno Regis Hen 6 37. Duke of Somerset Anno Dom. 1459. Richard Plantagenet Duke of York Humbhrey Plantagenet Duke of Glocester Henry Beaufort Cardinal Bishop of Winchester Deadly feud betwixt William Delapole Duke of Suffolk John Holland Duke of Exeter Humphrey Stafford Duke of Buckingham Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick Humphrey Plantagenet Duke of Glocester William Delapole Duke of Suffolk Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick Betwixt the three last there was as it were a battel Royal in this Cockpit each of them hating and opposing another In all these contests their ambition was above their covetousness it being every ones endeavour not so much to raise and advance himself as ruine and depress his adversary 17. Two of the aforesaid principal persons left the world this year The death of Humphry Duke of Glocester and in the same moneth First Humphrey Duke of Glocester Son to King Henry the fifth Uncle and Gardian to King Henry the sixth A great House-keeper Hospitality being so common in that Age none were commended for the keeping but condemned for the neglecting thereof He was much opposed by Queen Margaret who would have none rule the King her husband save her self and accused of a treacherous design insomuch that at a packt Parliament at Bury he was condemned of high Treason and found dead in his bed not without rank suspicion of cruel practises upon his person 18. His death is suspended betwixt Legal execution and murder A fit work for a good pen. and his memory pendulous betwixt Malefactor and Martyr However the latter hath most prevailed in mens belief and the Good Duke of Glocester is commonly his character But it is proper for some Oxford man to write his just Vindication A Manuel in asserting his memory being but proportionable for him who gave to their Library so many and pretious voluminous Manuscripts As for those who chewing their meat with their feet whilest they walk in the body of S t Pauls are commonly said to Dine with Duke Humphrey the saying is as far from truth as they from dinner even twenty miles off seeing this Duke was buried in St Albans to which Church he was a great Benefactor 19. The same Moneth with the Duke of Glocester The death of the rich Cardinal died Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester and Cardinal One of high discent high spirit and high preferments hardly to be equalled by Cardinal Wolsey otherwise but a pigmy to him in birth for wealth and magnificence He lent King Henry the 5 th at once twenty thousand pounds who pawned his Crown unto him He built the fair Hospital of St Cross near Winchester and although Chancellor of the University of Oxford was no grand Banefactor thereunto in proportion to his own wealth commonly called the Rich Cardinal or the practises of his predecessours Wickham and Wainesleet 20. The Bishops * The Clergie move in vain against the Statute of Praemunite assembled in Parliament laboured the recalling of the Act of Praemunire and no wonder if gall'd horses would willingly cast off their saddles but belike they found that statute girt too close unto them The Lords and Commons stickling stoutly for the continuance thereof And because this is the last time we shall have occasion to mention this Statute and therefore must take our farewell thereof it will not be amiss to insert the ensuing passage as relating to the present subject though it happened many years after 21. One a Su Jo. Davies in his Caâ—â— of Praemunire fol. 83. Robert Lalor An eminent instance in Ireland of a priest indiâ—ted on the Statute of Praemunire Priest a Native of Ireland to whom the Pope had given the titulary Bishoprick of Kilmore Anno Dom. 1447 and made him Vicar-general of the See Apostolick Anno Regis Hen. 6 25. within the Arch-Bishoprick of Dublin c. boldly and securely executed his pretended jurisdiction for many years was indicted at Dublin in Hillary Terme Quarto Jacobi upon this Statute of Praemunire made two hundred years before being the sixteenth of Richard the second His Majesties learned Councel did wisely forbear to proceed against him upon any latter Law whereof plenty in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth because Recusants swarming in that Kingdome might have their judgments convinced That long before King Henry the eighth banished the Usurpation of the Pope The King Lords and Commons in England though for the most part of the Romish Religion made strict Laws for the maintenance of the Crown against any foraign Invasion Whereupon after the party indicted had pleaded at large for himself The Jury departed from the Bar and returning within half an hour found the prisoner guilty of the contempts whereof he was indicted whereupon the Sollicitor General moved the Court to proceed to judgement and b Idem fol 99. S r ' Dominick Sarsfield one of the Justices of his Majesties chief Pleas gave judgment according to the form of the Statute whereupon the Endictment was framed Hence it plainly appears that such Misdemeanours of Papists are punishable at this day by vertue of those Ancient Statutes without any relation to such as were enacted since the Reformation 22. About this time Jack Cade raised his Rebellion Cade Straw like and unlike like and unlike to the former commotion of Jack Straw 1450 Like 28. first because Jacks both I mean insolent impudent domineering Clowns Secondly Both of them were Kentish by their extractions Thirdly both of them pressed upon London and there principally plaied their pranks Fourthly both of them after they had troubled the Land for a short time were
them shall be stoned to death and she punished for an Adulteress he for humbling his Neighbours wife Be then the Lady Katharine known or unknown by Prince Arthur due Benevolence is the effect not the cause of Marriage which was completed before God and they two made one flesh when solemnly joyned together in the face of the Congregation 16. Such a Marriage with a Brothers wife No Christian utility inconsistent with honesty thus appearing against the Law of God it is strange that any should maintain that Publica honestas publique honesty was the onely obstacle of this marriage which obstruction say they by the Popes dispensation was removed because Publica Utilitas the Publick Profit was greater that redounded by permitting this match Now suppose this all the obstacle the Position is dangerous and unfound For first Christians are not sensible of utility as falsely so called which stands at distance with Publick Honestie Secondly the publikness of the Profit was not adaequate to the publickness of the Scandal The Profit or State-benefit thereby onely extended to the Crowns of England and France as concerned therein whilest the Scandal dilated it self to the People of all Christian Provinces justly offended thereat And although we confess that in this respect the world is narrower to Princes then to private persons as not affording so fit matches unto them yet Kings have no Commission to enlarge themselves herein by the actual breach of Gods Commandment 17. Thus far the summe of the sense of Protestants and others Armies of writers pro con in this point no fewer then an hundred Authors Anno Dom. 1530 writing at this time against this Marriage Anno Regis Hen. 8 22. all which were produced by the King in the next Parliament Yet very many Papists professed their judgments in print on the contrary side both English and outlandish Divines and to give them their due brought very plausible Arguments Of all these John Fisher Bishop of Rochester led the Front whom some Catholicks call S t John because beheaded like the Baptist though on contrary accounts John Baptist for saying it is b Mark 6. 18. not lawful John Fisher for saying it is lawful for thee to have thy Brothers Wife * We order them by the seniority of their writing John Holiman John Clerke Cuthbert Dunstall Nicholas West Bishop of Bristol Bath Wells London Ely Thomas Abel Edward Powel Richard Featherstone Ridley Englishmen and Canonists Francis Royas Alphonse de Veruez Alphonse de Castro Sepulveda Spaniards Cardinal Cajetan Lewes Nugrola Italians Egwinarus Baro Franciscus Duarenus Convanus c Properly people of France living betwixt the Rivers of Garumna and Sequana Celtae Alvarus Gometius John Cochlaeus Portuguese High-German Ludovicus à Schora a Low-Countryman Erasmus a greater Scholar then Divine was very doubtful in his judgment herein He is made by some modern Apocalyptical Commentaries to be the Angel flying 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is as they will have it in a middle distance betwixt Heaven and Earth which how it agrees to the Text I know not It alludeth well to his dubious posture betwixt different opinions in Religion and particularly in this Controversie sometimes being for King Henry and sometimes against him herein 18. Return we to Cranmer employed now in his Embassie to Rome Cranmer accompanies others in an Embassie to Rome The state whereof lay on Thom. Bullen Earl of Wilt-shire but the strength of it as to the disputing part on D r Cranmer D r Stokesley D r Carne D r Bennet c. so that a little University of Learned men went along thither These were well armed with Arguments being to carry a challenge to all the Canonists at Rome Coming thither they found the Pope in his Grandetza proffering his Toe to them which none offered to kiss save the unmannerly Spaniel to say no worse of him to the Earl of Wilt-shire whom the Jesuit calls a d Father Floud See Mason de minist Ang. pag. 157. Protestant-Dog for biting the Popes Toe But let him tell us what Religion those Dogs were of which eat up e 2 Kings 9. 36. Jezebel the harlot The Earl presented the Pope a Book of Cranmers penning proving Gods Law indispensable with by the Pope A Book as welcome to his Holiness as a prison beholding his own power therein limited and confined Promise was made of a publick Disputation but never performed Onely the Pope who is excellent at the making of nothing something by the solemn giving thereof made Cranmer supreme Penitentiary an empty Title throughout all his Dominions This was onely to stay his stomach for that time in hope of a more plentiful Feast hereafter if Cranmer had been pleased to take his repast on any Popish preferment 19. Mean time King Henry imployed his Agents to the Universities in several parts of Christendom Foreign Universities determine for the King to found their judgments in the matter of his Marriage Some report that Reginald Poole then living at Paris was practised upon by promise of preferment to act the University there in favour of the King but he being a perfect Katharinist declined the employment S r Richard Morisin a learned Knight was used by the King in Germany a Hollinsh in Hen. 8. pag. 923. Edmund Bonner afterwards Bishop of London employed in Italy and William Langée a Native French-man made use of in his own Countrey so that ten of the Universities subscribed the Case that it was above the Popes power to dispense with the positive Law of God 1. Cambridg 2. Oxford England May 3. b 2. Paris 4. c 7. June The Faculty of Paris 5. Orleans France 6. d 1. Tholouss 7. e 1. Anjou 8. f 10. Bituriges 〈◊〉 France 9. g 10. July Bononia 10. h 2. Octo. Padua Italy Wonder not herein at the silence of many Dutch Vniversities Wittemberg Heidelberg Tubing Bazil that they interposed not their opinions herein for these having formerly utterly exploded the Popes power were conceived partial and therefore incompetent Judges in this point Wherefore the King onely solicited such Universities in this his Case which as yet remained in fast and firm obedience to the See of Rome 20. Of all the Universities declaring for the Popes inability to dispence with Gods positive command The bold Declaration of the University of Bononia most bold and daring because largest fullest clearest was that of Bononia the chief City in Romandiola a Province of Peters Patrimony and that City the Popes retiring place Nor can I omit the conclusion of their Declaration We confidently do hold and witness that such Marriage is horrible accursed and to be cried out upon and utterly abominable not onely for a Christian man but for an Infidel unfaithful or heathen and that it is prohibited under grievous pains and punishments by the Law of God of Nature and of man and that the Pope though he may
do much unto whom Christ gave the i Speeds Chro. in H. 8. p. 766. Keys of the Kingdom of heaven hath no power to give a dispensation to any man to contract such Marriage In witness whereof we confirm this our judgment both under the Seal of our University as also with the Seal of our Colledg of Doctors of Divinity and have subscribed it in the Cathedral Church of Bonony this tenth of June in the year of our Lord 1530. 21. k De schismate Anglic. p. 60 61. Sanders hath little to say against so many and clear decisions of the Universities The Recusancy of other Universities onely he tels us that all the Kings Agents had not equal success in their Negotiations and particularly that one Hutton the Kings instrument herein could not bow those of Hamborough and Lubeck to express themselves against the Marriage But surely these two places were onely Gymnasia for I finde them not mentioned amongst the Dutch Universities Also he saith that Richard Crook another of the Kings Emissaries prevailed nothing on many Germane Professors and particularly he praiseth the University of Colen for their recusancy therein As for such who subscribed on the Kings side he pretends that Bribes bought their judgments as if our King Henry had learnt from King l Eccles 10. 19 Solomon that Money recompenceth all things The best is the cleanly hands of the Court of Rome had never no doubt any bribes sticking to their fair fingers But though that Englsh Angels flew over to foraign Universities yet there lieth a real distinction betwixt a Bribe and a Boon freely bestowed not to bow and bias their opinions but to gratifie their pains and remunerate their industry in studying of the point 22. As for our English Ambassadours at Rome Cranmer travelleth into Germany finding themselves onely fed with delaies no wonder if they were sharp set to return home All came back again save D r. Cranmer who took a journey to the Emperours court in Vieâ—â—a Here he grew acquainted with Cornelius Agrippa who had written a Book of the Vanity of Sciences having much of the Sciences but more of the vanity in himself Here also he conversed with many great Divines and satisfied some of them out of Scripture and Reason which formerly were unresolved in the unlawfulness of the Kings Marriage 23. A Parliament was now called The Clergy 〈…〉 praemunire wherein the Clergie were found guilty of a Praemunire 1531 because they had too much promoted the Papal interest and acted by vertue of his power to the damage and detriment of the Crown of England whereupon being willing to redeem their whole estates forfeited by 〈◊〉 they were glad to commute it into a summe of money the Clergy of the Province of Canterbury alone bestowed on the King one hundred thousand pounds to be paid by equal portions in the same year say some in four years say others and that in my opinion with more probability 24. But the King would not be so satisfied with the payment of the money Acknowledg the 〈…〉 of the Church except also they would acknowledg him to be Supreme Head of the Church This was hard meat and would not easily down amongst them however being thoroughly debated in a Synodical way both in the upper and lower houses of Convocation they did in fine agree on this expression cujus Ecclesiae Anglicanae singularem Protectorem unicum supremum Dominum quantum per Christi leges licet supremum caput ipsius Majestatem recognoscimâ—s 25. This thus consented unto Confirmed by Act of Parliament and subscribed by the hands of the Clergie as appears at large in the Records and Acts of the Convocation and so presented to the King in the name of his Clergie was afterwards confirmed by Parliament and incorporated into a solemn Act for the ratification thereof 26. During these transactions The death of Arch Bishop Warham William Warham 1532 Arch-Bishop of Canterbury ended his life 23. Aug. 23. A politick person well learned in the Laws generally reputed a moderate man though specially towards his latter end a still and silent persecutor of poor Christians He was first Parson of Barly in Hertford-shire as appears by an a Weavers Funeral Mon. inscription in that Church thence rising by degrees to great preferment In his Will he requested his Successour not to sue his b Antiq. Brit. pag. Executors for Dilapidations as having expended some thousands of pounds in repairing his several Palaces We verily believe his request was granted seeing Cranmer was free from all exacting in that kinde Sede vacante John Stokesly Bishop of London was President in the Convocation 27. Messengers are sent into Germany for Thomas Cranmer Cranmer sent for and unwilling accepteth the Arch-Bishoprick to finde him out and fetch him home with all possible speed the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury waiting his acceptance thereof The Post easily doth the first but Cranmer prolonged his journey by c Fox Acts Mon. p. 1703. seven weeks at the least hoping that in the mean time the King might forget him and confer the place on another being really unwilling to imbrace the preferment having aliquid intus something within him which reluctated against those superstitions through which he must wade in the way thereunto But there lieth no Nolo Episcopare against King Henry his Volo te Episcopum esse It being as mortal to refuse favours from him as to offer injuries to him Cranmer therefore now come home must in his own defence be Arch-Bishop who to serve the King and salve his own conscience used the expedient of a Protestation whereof hereafter 28. The Philosoper gives us this note of direction A preparative to Cranmers just defence whereby to finde out a vertue viz. that it is accused by both Extremes Thus Liberality is charged by Prodigals to be Covetousness by Covetous men to be Prodigality By the same proportion Cranmer appears a worthy Prelate taxed by Papists to be an Heretick by others no Papists as guilty of Superstition We will endeavour his just defence conceiving the Protestants cause much concerned therein the Legality of his Consecration having an influence on all the Bishops made by him Anno Regis Hen. 8 23. that of the Bishops making an impression on the Priests and Deacons by them ordained Anno Dom 1532 and their rightful ordination deriving validity to the Sacraments by them administred to all the members of the Church of England 29. A Papist a Becan contro Angl. c. 4. q. 9. n. 6. objects Cranmer lawfully consecrated non fuit consecratus ab ullo Episcopo sed à solo Rege intrusus that he was consecrated by no Bishop but thrust in by the King alone The falseness whereof doth appear on publick Record still to be seen in the Register being solemnly consecrated by John b Regist Cramn fol. 5.
distinction out of Scotus which the Arch-Bishop more valued then all which he had before more pertinently alledged out of the Old and New Testament 51. King Henry wrote a fair and large Letter to the Convocation of York King Henry his answer to York Convocation too long here to be inserted though otherwise I have a good a Communicated unto me by my good friend Dr Littleton Copy thereof wherein the King began mildly to make the passage for his Supremacy into their consciences by a Rational and Argumentative way He disclaimed all design by fraud to surprize or by force to captivate their judgments but onely to convince them of the Truth and Equity of what he desired He b It is printed in the second part of the Cabal declavered the sence of Supreme Head of the Church though offensive in the sound to ignorant ears claiming nothing more thereby then what Christian Princes in the Primitive times assumed to themselves in their own Dominions so that it seems he wrought so far on their affections that at last they consented thereunto 52. Here I wonder at the cavil of the Papists A couseless cavil which being so causleses should be so clamorous accusing us to have a c Harding against Jewel Parliament Religion a Parliament Faith a Parliament Gospel and d Scultingus another addeth Parliament Bishops and a Parliament Clergy Whereas upon serious examination it will appear that there was nothing done in the Reformation of Religion save what was acted by the Clergy in their Convocations or grounded on some Act of theirs praecedent to it with the advice counsel and consent of the Bishops and most eminent Church-men confirmed upon the Postfact and not otherwise by the Civil Sanction according to the usage of the best and happiest times of Christianity 53. By the same proportion in the dayes of Queen Mary the Popish Religion The Cavil retorted might have been stiled a Parliament Religion because after the same had been debated on and concluded of in the Convocation it was confirmed by the Queen Lords and Commons by the Act of Parliament SECT III. Anno Regis To the Right Worshipful Anno Dom. Sir RICHARD SHVGBOROVGH OF SHUGBOROUGH in Warwick-shire MAster Haward returned this answer to Queen Mary demanding the causes of his coming to Court that it was partly to see Her Highness and partly that Her Highness should see him an answer which though more witty then Court-like yea more blunt then witty she took in good part You will not be offended at this my Dedication partly that I may know you partly that I may be known unto you Besides being informed that you love to have your Hospital Table handsomly attended with Ancient Servitors I presumed that this Section containing much of memorable Antiquity would not be unwelcome unto you 1. NOw though nothing was done in matters of Religion Hen. 8 25. but what was fairly and largely discussed 1533 first by the most Learned of the Clergy The Clergie bind themselves to the King yet this year the Clergy in the Convocation so submitted themselves to the King that each one severally promised in verbo Sacerdotis never henceforth to presume to alledg claim or put in ure any new Canons unless the Kings most Royal Assent might be had unto them and this soon after the same was ratified by Act of Parliament 2. And here it will be worth my pains A fourfold sort of Convocations and the Readers perusal to observe the differences between English Synods or Convocations which may eminently be distinguished into four ranks such as were 1. Called before the Conquest Anno Regis Hen. 25 2. Called since the Conquest but before the Statute of Praemunire was made 3. Called after the aforesaid Statute but before another made in the Reign of King Henry the eighth wherein the Clergie were bound up for doing ought without the Royal assent 4. Called after the twenty fifth year of the Reign of King Henry the eighth These did plainly differ in the several manners of their meeting and degrees of power of their acting in Spiritual matters 3. As for Councels Kings Acted in Church matters before the Conquest called before the Conquest whilest the Popes power had not as yet Lorded it over the Kings of England the Kings ever were if not in person in power present thereat as by perusing S r Henry Spelmans Councils plainly doth appear Yea matters both of Church and Common-wealth were often dictated and concluded in the same Meeting Communi consensutam Cleri quam a Sir Henry Spelman Anno 605. pag. 118. Populi Episcoporum procerum comitam nec non omnium Sapientum Seniorum populorumque totius Regni 4. For the second sort called after the Conquest Of the second sort of Convocations but before the Statute of Praemunire the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury or York used-upon all extraordinary and immergent cases toties quoties as their own discretions adjudging necessary or convenient to assemble the Clergie of their respective Provinces at what place they pleased dontinuing Convocations in them so long or dissolving them as soon as they pleased And this they did either as Metropolitans or Primates or as Legati Nati to the Pope of Rome without any leave from the King afore obtained and such Canoas and Constitutions then and there concluded on were in that Age without any further Ratification obligatory to all subjected to their jurisdiction Such were all the Synods from Lanckfranck to Thomus Arundel in whose time the Satute of Praemunire was enacted 5. A Third sort of Convocation succeeds For after the Statute of Praemunire was made Of the third sort of Convocations which did much restraine the Papal power and subject it to the Laws of the Land when Arch-Bishops called no more Convocations by their sole and absolute command but at the pleasure of the King as oft as his necessities and occasions with the distresses of the Church did require it Yea now their meetings were by vertue of a Writ or Precept from the King and it will not be amiss here to exemplifie the form thereof 6. REX The form of ancient Writs of Convocations c. Reverendissimo in Christo Patri A. Canturiensi Archiepiscopo totius Angliae primati Apostolicae sedis legato salutem Quibusdam arduis urgentibus negotiis defensionem securitatem Ecclesiae Anglicanae ac pacem tranquillitatem bonum publicum desensionem Regni nostri subditorum restrorum ejusdem concernentibus vobis in fide dilectione quibus nobis tenemini rogando mandamus quatenus praemissis debito intuitu attentis ponderatis universos singulos Episcopos nostrae Provinciae ac Decanes Praecores Ecclesiarum Cathedralium Abbates Priores alios Electivos Exemptos non Exemptos Nec non Archidiaconos Conventus Capitula Collegia totumque Clerum cujuslibet Dioeceseos
the Truth hand to hand by dint of Scripture the Sword and Buckler thereof by God's appointment the Pope took off all his Adversaries at distance with those Guns of Hellish Invention his Infallibility and Universall Jurisdiction so that no approaching his presence to oppose him but with certainty of being pre-condemned 28. Now seeing the Complaints of the conscientious in all Ages The power of a Nationall Church well improved against the Errors in the Romish Church met with no other entertainment than frowns and frets and afterwards fire and fagot it came seasonably into the mindes of those who steered the English Nation to make use of that power which God had bestowed upon them And seeing they were a National Church under the civil command of one King He by the advice and consent of his Clergie in Convocation and great Council in Parliament resolved to reform the Church under His inspection from grosse abuses crept into it leaving it free to other Churches either to follow His example or continue in their former condition and on these terms was the English Reformation first advanced 29. But the Romanists object Objection to the contrary that England being first converted to Christianity by the zeale and care of the Church of Rome when Pope Gregory the great sent Augustine over to preach here cannot not onely without great Ingratitude but flat Undutifulnesse depart from the Church which first taught it true Religion It is answered Answer 1. First this Argument reacheth not west of Severne into Wales where the antient Britains by generall confession were converted before the time of Augustine Secondly Answer 2. this first favour received from Rome puts not on England so strict and servile an obligation of perpetual continuance that she may and must not serve God without asking her leave It ties England onely to a faire and gratefull respect which she alwaies tender'd till the Insolency of the Church of Rome made Us unwilling to pay and Her unworthy to receive it Thirdly Answer 3. some strength may be allowed to this Objection if Rome could be proved the same in Doctrine and Discipline when under the Reign of King Henry the eighth England divided it self from it with Rome when in the time of Gregory the great it was converted by God's blessings on his endeavours But since that time the Church of Rome hath been much corrupted in Opinions and practise easie to prove but that it is not the set work of our History 30. But again the Papists object 2. Objection of the Romanists that the most judicious Protestants doe ingeniously confesse that the Church of Rome maintaineth all the Fundamentals of Religion England therefore cannot be excused from Schisme for dividing from that Church which by their own confession still retaineth the true Foundation of Christianity 31. It is answered The Answer if some Protestants be so civil in their censures on Papists it appears thereby though they have left Rome they have not lost their courtesie nor their Charity But grant which is disputable the Errours of the Church of Rome not Fundamental they are Circa-Fundamental grating on the very Foundation Besides we are bound to avoid not onely what is deadly but what is hurtful not onely what may destroy the life but what may prejudice the health of our Souls But our Adversaries persist to object 3. Objection that our Reformation took its rise from King Henry's pride to pluck down a Power which crossed His designes from His covetousnesse to compasse the Revenues of Abbey and from His wantonnesse to exchange His old Embracings for new ones Well therefore may the English blush at the Babe when they behold its Parents and be ashamed of their Reformation considering the vitious Extraction thereof Answ The Answer Malice may load the Memory of K. Henry about His demerit yet grant the charge true that bad inclinations first moved Him to the Reformation yet He acted therein nothing but conformable to the Law Divine and Humane It is usuall with God's wisdome and goodnesse to suffer Vice to sound the first Alarum to that fight wherein Virtue is to have the Victory Besides King Henry's Reformation hath since been Reformed by successive Princes of England who cannot justly be taxed with any vitious reflexion therein 32. It remaineth that we take notice of the moderation of the Reformers The moderation of Reformers who being acted not with an Opposition to all which the Papists practised but with an Affection to Truth disclaimed onely the Ulcers and Sores not what was sound of the Romish Church retaining still what was consonant to Antiquity in the Four first Generall Councels 33. Matters thus ordered The Conclusion of the Contest had the Romanists been pleased to joyn with us there had been no complaining of Schisme either in their Streets or ours But such their pride and peevishnesse to persist obstinate to this day incense many people who listen more to the loudnesse than weigh the justnesse of Complaints accusing us of wilfull Separation But the Premisses well considered England may say to Rome * Gen. 38. 29. Pharez the breach be upon thee who with * 2 Kings 11. 14. Athaliah crying Treason treason being her self the prime Traytour taxeth us with Schisme when she the onely Schismatick 34. We enter now on a subject The Popes revenues out of England which we must not omit such is the concernment thereof in our History yet which we cannot compleat so intricate the nature thereof and so short and doubtfull our intelligence therein namely to give a generall estimate particulars being impossible of the Papall Revenues of England 35. Here be it premised that I humbly conceive Greatest under King Hen. 3. the Pope's Income ran the highest in England under King Henry the third and King Edward the first before the Statute of Mortmaine and after it that of Premunire was made for these much abated his Intrado And although I deny not but under King Henry the eighth he might receive more Money as then more plentifull in England yet his profit formerly was greater if the standard of Gold and Silver be but stated proportionably 36. However the vast summes Rome received hence at the time of Reformation Popes profit by sale of Trinkets will appear by the insuing commodities For first Agnus Dei's this is here set by Synecdoclie to signifie all Popish Trinkets Medals consecrated Beads c. which I as little know what they be as Papists why they use them Of these were yearly brought over from Rome into England as many as would fill the shop of a Habberdasher of Holy Wares Now though their prices were not immediately paid into the Pope's purse but to such his subordinate Officers who traded therein Yet they may be accounted part of the Papall Revenues the King hath what the Courtiers have by His consent and if such trading was not permitted unto them the
us and with us unto Almighty God after this manner All holy Angels and Saints in heaven pray for us and with us unto the Father that for his dear son Jesu Christ his sake we may have grace of him and remission of our sins with an earnest purpose not wanting ghostly strength to observe and keep his holy commandements and never to decline from the same again unto our lives end And in this manner we may pray to our blessed Lady to Saint John Baptist to all and every of the Apostles or any other Saint particularly as our devotion doth serve us so that it be done without any vain superstition as to think that any Saint is more mercifull or will hear us sooner than CHRIST or that any Saint doth serve for one thing more than another or is parrone of the same And likewise we must keep Holy-daies unto God in memory of him and his Saints upon such daies as the Church hath ordained their memories to be celebrate except they be mitigated and moderated by the assent and commandment of Us the Supreme Head to the Ordinaries and then the Subjects ought to obey it Of Rites and Ceremonies As concerning the Rites and Ceremonies of Christ's Church as to have such vestments in doing Gods service as be and have been most part used as sprinkling of Holy water to put us in remembrance of our Baptism and the blood of Christ sprinkled for our redemption upon the Cross Giving of Holy-bread to put us in remembrance of the Sacrament of the Altar that all Christian men be one body mystical of Christ as the bread is made of many grains and yet but one loaf and to put us in remembrance of the receiving of the holy Sacrament and body of Christ the which we ought to receive in right charity which in the beginning of Christ's Church men did more often receive than they use now adaies to do Bearing of Candles on Candle-mas-day in memory of Christ the spiritual Light of whom Siemeon did prophecie as is read in the Church that day Giving of Ashes on Ash wednesday to put in remembrance every Christian man in the beginning of Lent and penance that he is but ashes and earth and thereto shall return which is right necessary to be uttered from henceforth in our Mother-tongue alwaies on the Sunday Bearing of Palms on Palm-Sunday in memory of the receiving of Christ into Hierusalem a little before his death that we may have the same desire to receive him into our hearts Creeping to the Crosse and humbling our selves to Christ on Good Friday before the Crosse and there offering unto Christ before the same and kissing of it in memory of our redemption by Christ made upon the Crosse Setting up the Sepulture of Christ whose body after his death was buried The hallowing of the Font and other like exorcismes and benedictions by the Ministers of Christs Church and all other like laudable Customes Rites and Ceremonies be not to be contemned and cast away but to be used and continued as things good and laudable to put us in remembrance of those spiritual things that they doe signifie not suffering them to be forgotten or to be put in oblivion but renewing them in our memories from time to time but none of these Ceremonies have power to remit sinne but onely to stirre and lift up our mindes unto God by whom onely our sinnes be forgiven Of Purgatorie Forasmuch as due order of charity requireth and the Book of Macca bees and divers antient Doctours plainly shewen That it is a very good and charitable deed to pray for Souls departed and forasmuch also as such usage hath continued in the Church so many years even from the beginning We will that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and teach Our people committed by us unto their spiritual charge that no man ought to be grieved with the continuance of the same and that it standeth with the very due order of charity a Christian man to pray for Souls departed and to commit them in our prayers to God's mercy and also to cause other to pray for them in Masses and Exequies and to give alms to other to pray for them whereby they may be relieved and holpen of some part of their pain But forasmuch as the place where they be the name thereof and kinde of pains there also be to us uncertain by Scripture therefore this with all other things we remit to Almighty God unto whose mercy it is meet and convenient for us to commend them trusting that God accepteth our prayers for them referring the rest wholy to God to whom is known their estate and condition Wherefore it is much necessary that such abuses be clearly putaway which under the name of Purgatorie hath been advanced as to make men believe that through the Bishop of Rome's Pardons Souls might clearly be delivered out of Purgatorie and all the pains of it Or that Masses said at Scala coeli or otherwhere in any place or before any Image might likewise deliver them from all their pain and send them straight to heaven And other like abuses 36. Nothing else of moment passed in this Convocation The Convocation dissolved and what acted in Parliament save that on the 20 of July Edward Bishop of Hereford July 20. brought in a Book containing the King's Reasons conceiving it unfit in Person or by Proxie to appear at the General Councel lately called by the Pope at Mantua afterward removed to Trent and then the Convocation having first confirm'd the King's Reasons was dissolved It was transacted in relation to Church or Church-men in the contemporary x See them in the Statutes at large Parliament 1. That Felons for abjuring Petty Treason should not have y Cap. 1. Clergie 2. That every Ecclesiastical and Lay-Officer shall be sworn to renounce the Bishop of Rome and his authority and to resist it to his power and to repute any Oath taken in the maintenance of the said Bishop or his authority to be void And the refusing the said Oath being tendered z Cap. 10. shall be adjudged High Treason 3. That Fruits during the vacation of a Benefice shall be restored to the next Incumbent a Cap. 11. whose charge for first shall begin from the first vacation 4. Which Spiritual persons shall be resident upon their Benefices and which not and for what causes 5. Release of such who have obtained Licences from b Gap 16. the See of Rome But all these are set down at large in the printed Statutes and thither we referre the Reader for satisfaction as to our History of Abbies to be informed about the Rebellion in the North occasioned in this year by these alterations in Religion 37. Towards the end of this year The birth bâ—eeding frist persecution far travelling of William Tyndal the faithfull servant of God Ann. Dom. 1536. Octob. 7. William Tyndall alià s c Balcus de script
Pope who as Pastor Pastorum claimed Decimas Decimarum Entituling himself thereunto partly from Abraham a Priest paying o Gen 14. 20 Heb. 7. 4. Tithes to Melchizedeck the high Priest partly from the Levites in the Mosaical Law paying the Second Tithes that is the Tithes of their Tithes to the Priest Thus shall you offer an heave offering unto the Lord of all your p Num. 18. 28. Tithes which ye receive of the children of Israel and ye shall give thereof the Lords heave-offering to Aaron the Priest Hereupon the Pope had his Collectors in every Diocesse who sometimes by Bills of Exchange but generally in specie to the great impoverishing of the Land yearly returned the Tenths and First-fruits of the English Clergie to Rome 2. But the Pope being now dead in England the King was found his Heir at Common Law Commissioners imployed to 〈◊〉 all Ecclesistical preferments as to most of the power and profit the other had usurped But now as the Clergie changed their Land lord so their Rents were new rated and I believe somewhat raised Commissioners being imployed in all Counties the Bishop of the Diocesse being alwaies one of them to valew their yearly revenue Ann. Dom. 1537. that so their Tenths and First-fruits may be proportioned accordingly These Raters were the chiefest persons in all Counties under the degree of Barons and I had a project to presence their names as of men of unquestionable extraction none as yet standing on the ruins of Abbies to heighten their mean birth into the repute of Gentility Surrey Nicholas Carew Knights Matthew Broun Thomas Stidolfe Esquire John Banister Gentleman Huntingdon-shire Richard Sapcot Knights Lawrence Taylard John Gostwick Esquires John Goodrick Devon-shire William Courtney Knights Thomas Dennis John Birnall Major of Exeter John Hull Auditors William Simonds John Ford Auditors John Southcote Somerset-shire William Stourton Kn t s John Horsey Andrew Lutterell Thomas Speke Esq s. Hugh Powlet Henry q In this method they are named Capel Knight William Portman Gent. Roger Kinsey Auditor Stafford-shire John Talbot Knights John Gifford Walter Wrotley Esquire John Wrotely Gentleman Cheshire John Holford Knight Peter Dutton Knight George Booth Esq s. Thomas Aston Richard Ligh William Brereton But my designe failed when I found the return of the Commissioners names into the Office so defective that in most Counties they are wholly omitted 3. These Commissioners were impowered by the King Instructions given to the Commissioners to send for the Scribes and Notaries of all Bishops and Arch-Bishops and Arch-deacons to swear the Receivers and Auditors of Incumbents to view their Register-books Easter-books and all other writings and to use all other waies to know the full value of Ecclesiastical preferments with the number and names of Persons enjoying the same They were to divide themselves by Three and Three allotting to every number so many Deaneries and to enquire the number and names of all Abbies Monasteries Priories Brotherships Sisterships Fellowships c. Houses religious and conventual as well r Transcribedwith my owne hand out of the original in the Office CHARTER-HOUSE as others these carthusians being specified by name because proudly pretending priviledges of Papal exemption and meeting together to certifie into Exchequer at the time limited in their Commission the true value of such Places or Preferments Herein Reparations Fees of in t ſ No Clerk in the Office cou'd read this word were not to be deducted but perpetual Rents Pensions Alms Synods Fees paid out yearly to Persons were to be allowed 4. This being a work of time exactly to perform Some yeares spent in the work took up some years in the effecting thereof Devon-shire and Somer set were done in the twenty-seventh Staffordshire and many other Countries in the thirty-fourth of King Henry the eighth and most of Wales not till the reign of King Edward the sixt Yea I am credibly informed that in Ireland to which Kingdome such Commissions were afterwards extended the Commissioners partly tired with their troblesome work partly afraid to pass the dangerous hill of Rushes in Irish Sleue Logher never came into the County of Kerry the South-west extremity of that Island So that the Clergie thereof though the poorest of the poorest in Ireland enjoy this priviledge that they are presently put into their Livings or Benefices rather without any payments 5. But no such favour was allowed to any place in England where all were unpartially rated Vicaridges why so high-rated and Vicaridges valued very high according to their present revenue by personal Perquisites In that Age he generally was the richest Shepherd who had the greatest flock where Oblations from the living and Obits for the dead as certainly paid as Predial Tithes much advanced their Income In consideration whereof Vicaridges mostly lying in Market-Towns and populous Parishes where set very high though soon after those Obventions sunk with superstition And the Vicars in vain desired a proportionable abatement in the King's book which once drawn up were no more to be altered 6. Now Queen Mary a Princesse Q Mary remits Tenths and First-fruits whose conscience was never purse-ridden as one who would go to the cost of Her own principles did by Act of Parliament exonerate acquit and discharge the Clergie from all First-fruits As for Tenths the same * 2 3 Phil Mary cap. 4. Statute ordereth them to be paid to Cardinal Poole who from the same was to pay the Pensions allowed by Her Father to Monks and Nuns at the dissolution of Abbies yet so that when such persons who were but few and aged all named in a Deed indented should decease all such paiments of the Clergie reserved nomine decimae should cease and be clearly extinct and determined for ever 7. But Her Sister Q. Elizabeth succeeding Her Q. Elizabeth resumeth them and finding so fair a flower as First fruits Tenths fallen out of Her Crown was careful quickly to gather it up again and get it re-sett therein A Princesse most to forgive injuries but inexorable to remit debts who knowing that necessitous Kings are subject to great inconveniences was a thrifty improver of Her treasure And no wonder if She were exact though not exacting to have Her dues from the Clergie who herein would not favour her grand favourite Sir Christopher Hatton who by the way was Master of this first-fruits Office and was much indebted unto Her for moneys received All which arrears Her Majesty required so severely and suddainly from him that the grief thereof cost his life I say this Queen in the first of Her t See the Stat. 1 Eliz. cap. 4. Reign resumed first-fruits and tenths onely with this case to Parsonages not exceeding ten marks and Vicaridges ten pounds that they should be freed from first-fruits A clause in this Statute impowering the Queen to take all that was due unto Her from the first day of this Parliament was so
improved by her Officers in the Exchequer who sometimes have none of the softest palms to those that fall into their hands that many Ministers were much vexed thereby Yea one u M. Parker Ant. Brit. in vitâ Reginalldi Peli observeth that the courtesie intended to the Clergie by Q. Mary in remitting their tenths proved in event an injury to many so vexed about their arrears 8. In vain have some of late beaved at this Office which is fastned to the State The state profit and policy of this Office with so considerable a revenue as it advanced thereunto by tenths and first-fruits The former certain the latter casuall as depending on the uncertain deaths of Iucumbents and such as succeed them Many indeed accuse such payments as Popish in their original But could that be superstitious which was pluckt down by Queen Mary and set up again by Queen Elizabeth Besides suppose them so in their first foul fountain since being shifted yea strained through the hands of Protestant Kings Tenths have their old property altered and acquire no doubt a new purity to themselves And the Advocates for this Office doe pertinently plead that there ought to be a badge of subjection * Some say such a vectigal from the Clergie is mentioned in Bede of the Clergie to the Secular power by publick acknowledgement of their dependence thereon which by such payments is best performed 9. John Lambert John Lambert condemned and why aliàs Nicolson bred in Cambridge had lately been much persecuted by Archbishop Warham about some opinions he held against the corproal presence in the Sacrament And now being fallen into fresh troubles on the same account 1538. to make the quicker work following the precedent of S. Paul appealing to Caesar he appeals to the King Who having lately taken upon him the title of the Supreme head of the Church of England He. 8. 20. Nov. 10. would shew that head had a tongue could speak in matters of Divinity In White-hall the place and day is appointed where an ACT-ROYAL was kept the King himselfe being the Opponent and Lambert the Answerer and where His Highnesse was worsted or wearied Arch-bishop Crammer w Fox Acts Mon. supplied His place arguing though civilly shrodely against the truth and his own private judgment 10. Was not this worse than keeping the clothes of those who killed S. Stephen Cranmer's unexcusable cowardly dissimulation seeing this Archbishop did actually cast stones at this Martyr in the Arguments he urged against him Nor will it excuse Cranmer's cowardise and dissimulation to accuse Gardiner's craft and cruely who privily put the Archbishop on this odious act such Christian courage being justly expected from a person of his parts and place as not to be acted by another contrary to his own conscience I see not therefore what can be said in Cranmer's behalf save onely that I verily hope and stedfastly believe that he craved God's pardon for this particular offence and obtained the same on his unfained repentance And because the face of mens faults is commonly seen in the glasse of their punishment it is observable that as Lambert now was burnt for denying the corporal presence so Cranmer now his Opponent was afterwards condemned and died at Oxford for maintaining the same opinion which valour if sooner shewn his conscience had probably been more cleared within him and his credit without him to all posterity 11. A match being now made up by the Lord Cromwel's contrivance Dutch-men broach strange opinions betwixt King Henry and the Lady Anne of Cleve Dutch-men flockt faster than formerly into England Many of these had active souls so that whilest their hands were busied about their manufactures their heads were also beating about points of Divinity Hereof they had many rude notions too ignorant to manage them themselves and too proud to crave the direction of others Their mindes had a bystream of activity more than what sufficed to drive on their Vocation and this waste of their souls they imployed in needlesse speculations and soon after began to broach their strange opinions being branded with the general name of Anabaptists 24. These Anabaptists for the main are but Donatists now dips and this year their name first appears in our English Chronicles for I * Stoe in his Chron p. 576. read that four Anabaptists three men and one woman all Dutch bare faggots at Paul's Crosse and three daies after a man and woman of their sect was burnt in Smithfield 12. It quickly came to the turn of Queen Anne of Cleve to fall Queen Anne of Cleve why divorced if not into the displeasure out of the dear affection of King Henry the eighth 27. Hē 8. 31. She had much of Katharine Dowager's austerity 1539. little of Anna Bollen's pleasant wit lesse of the beauty of Jane Seamour Some feminine impotency that She answered not Her creation was objected against Her though onely Her precontract with the Son of the Duke of Lorraine was publickly insisted on for which by Act of Parliament now sitting She was solemnly divorced 13. King Henry durst not but deal better with Anne of Cleve than with such His Wives The reparations the King made her which were His native Subjects not so much for love of Her Ann. Dom. 1539. as for fear of Her Brother the Duke of Cleve Ann. Regis Hē 8. 31. considerable if not much in Himself in His union with the Protestant Princes of Germany Wherefore He restored Her all Her Jewels assigned Her precedencie above all English save His own that should be Queen and Children graced Her with a new-devised stile of His adopted Sister by which from henceforward He saluted Her in His Letters and She in Answer subscribed Her self allotted Her Richmond-House for Her retirement with an augmentation of means for Her maintenance And now let Her be glad that She escaped so well seeing all which had reference to King Henry's bed came off gainers if savers of their own lives and reputations She returned no more into Her own Countrey but living and dying Anno a Stow's Funerall Monuments p. 513. 1557. in England was buried in Westminster Church at the head of King Sebert in a Tomb not yet finished none other of King Henry's Wives having any and this Anne but half a Monument 14. In the last Parliament Reformation goes backwards Reformation running a race with Superstition hardly carried it by the heads-length but it was hoped that in this new Parliament now sitting true Religion would run her Rivall quite out of distance Whereas alas it not onely stood still but went backwards the SIX ARTICLES being therein enacted that whip with six knots each one as heavily laid on fetching blood from the backs of poor Protestants 15. K. Henry was much blamed for passing this Act. King Henry justly blamed Indeed Power and Profit being the things politick Princes chiefly desire King
though perchance wisely for the State not warily for himself Indeed it is impossible for such Officers managing not onely multitudes but multiplicity of matters but that in some things they must mistake As in c Prov. 10. 19. many words there wanteth not iniquity so in the Actours of many affairs faults are soon found out He was also accused to set at liberty certain persons not capable of it for granting Licenses and Commissions destructive to the King's authority for being guilty of Heresie himself and favouring it in others Trayterous speeches were also charged upon him spoken two years before in the Church of S. Peter's in the Poor in Broad street the avouchers thereof pretending that as hitherto they had concealed them for love of themselves fearing Cromwel's greatnesse so now for the love of the King they revealed the same Indeed on the first manifesting of the King's displeasure against him the foes of Cromwel had all their mouthes open and his friends their mouthes shut up 24. The mention of S. Peter's in Broad-street An injurious Act to many poor people charged on the Lord Cromwell mindeth me of a passage not unworthy to be recited of an injury offered by this Lord Cromwell to many poor men in the same Parish And because every one is best able to tell his own tale take it in the words of John d Survey of London p. 187. Stow being himself deeply concerned therein The Lord Cromwell having finished his house in Throgmorton-street in London and having some reasonable plot of ground left for a garden caused the pales of the gardens adjoyning to the North part thereof on a sudden to be taken down two and twenty foot to be measured forth-right into the North of every man's ground a line there to be drawn a trench to be cast a foundation laid and an high brick-wall to be builded My father had a garden there and there was an house standing close to his South-pale this house they loosed from the ground and bare upon rowlers into my father's garden two and twenty foot ere my father heard thereof no warning was given him nor other answer when he spake to the Surveyors of that work but that their Master Sir Thomas commanded them so to doe no man durst goe to argue the matter but each man lost his land and my father paid his whole rent which was six sâ—illings eight pence the year for that half which was left Thus much of mine own knowledge have I thought good to note that the sudden rising of some men causeth them to forget themselves I am moved the rather to believe our Authour herein because elsewhere he alloweth this Lord his deserved praise for his virtues and especially his Hospitality affirming e Survey of London p. 74. he had often seen at the Lord Cromwell's gate above two hundred persons served twice every day with meat and drink sufficient Nor can I see what may be said in excuse of this oppression except any will plead that Abimelech's servants violently f Gen. 21. 26. took away the wells from Abraham and yet Abimelech himself never knew more or lesse thereof 25. As for the passionate expressions of Cromwell The worst passionate Speech objected against him a g Sir I. Strode of Parubam in Dorcet-shire Knight aged well-nigh eighty whose Mother was Daughter to the Lord Cromwell's Son hath informed me That the principall passage whereon the Lord's enemies most insisted was this It being told the L. Cromwell that one accused him for want of fidelity to the King Cromwell returned in passion Were he here now I would strike my dagger into his heart meaning into the heart of the false Accuser and therein guilty of want of charity to his fellow-subject not of loyaltie to his Sovereign But seeing the words were a measuring cast as uttered though not as intended to whom they should relate the pick-thank Repeater avowed them uttered against the King Himself So dangerous are dubious words and ambiguous expressions when prevalent power is to construe and interpret the meaning thereof 26. Ten daies after his Arrest His Speech on be scaffold he was attainted of high Treason in Parliament and brought on the Scaffold the next week to execution Here he spake the following words unto the people which the Reader is requested the more seriously to peruse July 19. that thereby he may be enabled to passe if concerned therein his verdict in what Religion this Lord died I Am come hither to die 29. and not to purge my selfe as some think peradventure that I will For if I should so doe I were a very wretch and miser I am by the law condemned to die and thank my Lord God that hath appointed me this death for mine offence For since the time that I have had years of discretion I have lived a sinner and offended my Lord God for the which I aske him heartily forgivenesse And it is not unknown to many of you that I have been a great traveller in this world and being but of base degree I was called to high estate and since the time I came thereunto I have offended my Prince for the which I aske Him heartily forgivenesse and beseech you all to pray to God with me that he will forgive me And now I pray you that be here to bear me record I die in the Catholick Faith not doubting in any Article of my faith no nor doubting in any Sacrament of the Church Many have slandered me and reported that I have been a bearer of such as have maintained evil opinions which is untrue But I confesse that like as God by his Holy Spirit doth instruct us in the truth so the Devil is ready to seduce us and I have been seduced but bear me witnesse that I die in the Catholick Faith of the Holy Church And I heartily desire you to pray for the King's Grace that He may long live with you in health and prosperity and that after Him His son Prince Edward that goodly impe may long reign over you And once again I desire you to pray for me that so long as life remaineth in this flesh I waver nothing in my faith And so making his Prayer c. The generall terms wherein this his Speech is couched hath given occasion for wise men to give contrary censures thereof Fox in his Marginall Note on this Speech pag. 515. A true Christian Confession of the Lord Cromwell at his death Lord Herbert in the Index of his History under C. Cromwell died a Roman-Catholick notwithstanding he had been such a destroyer of the Church True it is so warie were Cromwell's expressions that Luther and Bellarmine might in their own persons have said the same without any prejudice to their own principles and many conceive that the most which these his words amount to will but make him an six-Articles Protestant 27. But let Cromwell's politick Speech be in part expounded by
his plain Prayer which he immediately after made His Prayer whereby his Speech may be interpreted too long here to insert but set down at large in Mr. Fox and which speaketh him a true Protestant And if negative Arguments avail ought in this matter no superstitious crossing of himself no praying to Saints no desiring of prayers for him after his death c. may evidence him no Papist in the close of his life Indeed Anti-Cromwellists count this controversie of the Religion he died in not worth the deciding no Papists conceiving the gain great to get him on their side and some Protestants accounting the losse as little to part with him However this right ought to be done to his Memory in fixing it on its own principles and not mis-representing the same to posterity 28. Remarkable is that passage in his Speech Heaven is just in Barths injustice wherein he confesseth himself by Law condemned to die because a story dependeth thereupon Not long agoe an Act had passed in Parliament That one might be attainted of Treason by Bill in Parliament and consequently lose his life without any other legal triall or being ever brought to answer in his own defence The Lord Cromwell was very active in procuring this Law to passe insomuch that it is generally believed that the Arme and Hammer of all King Henry's Power could never have driven on this Act thorough both Houses had not Cromwell first wimbled an hole for the entrance thereof and politickly prepared a major part of Lords and Commons to accept the same For indeed otherwise it was accounted a Law injurious to the liberty which reason alloweth to all persons accused and which might cut out the tongue of Innocency it self depriving her of pleading in her own behalf Now behold the hand of Heaven It hapned that this Lord first felt the smart of this rod which be made for others and was accordingly condemned before ever he was heard to speak for himself Nec lex est justior ulla Quam necis artifices arte perire suâ Most just it is that they bad Laws who make Should themselves first of their own Laws partake Thus those who break down the banks and let in the stream of Arbitrary power be it into the hands of Prince or People are commonly the first themselves which without pity are drowned in the deluge thereof 29. Thus farre I have swome along with the winde and tide of all our English Historians Yet the Lord Cromwell by a great person acquitted herein in charging of Cromwell herein But I finde one * Sir Edward Coke Part 4. of Institut in Jurisdiction of Courts p. 37. Authour of strong credit such he needs to be who swims against the stream acquitting the said Lord deriving his intelligence from Sir Thomas Gawdie a grave Judge then living who acquainted him as followeth King Henry commanded the L. Cromwell to attend the Chief Justices and to know whether a man that was forth-coming might be attainted of high Treason by Parliament and never called to his answer The Judges answered That it was a dangerous question and that the high Court of Parliament ought to give examples to inferiour Courts for proceeding according to justice and no inferiour Court could doe the like and they thought the high Court of Parliament would never doe it But being by the expresse commandement of the King and pressed by the said Earl to give a direct answer they said That if he be attainted by Parliament it could not come in question afterwards whether he was called or not called to answer and the Act of Attainder being passed by Parliament did binde as they resolved The party against whom this was intended was never called in question but the first man after the said resolution that was so attainted and never called to answer was the said Earl of Essex whereupon that erroneous and vulgar opinion amongst our Historians grew That he died by the same Law which he himself had made 30. But His exemplary gratitude grant this Lord Cromwell faulty in this and some other actions in the main he will appear a worthy person and a great instrument of God's glory in the reforming of Religion and remarkable for many personal eminencies Commonly when men are as in a moment mounted from meannesse to much wealth and honour first they forget them selves and then all their old friends and acquaintance Whereas on the contrary here gratitude grew with his greatnesse and the Lord Cromwell conferred many a courtesie on the Children from whose Fathers Master Cromwell had formerly received favours As he was a good Servant to his Master so was he a good Master to his Servants and fore-seeing his own full which he might have foretold without the Spirit of Prophesie some half a year before he furnished his Men which had no other lively-hood to subsist by with Leases Pensions and Annuities whereby after his death they had a comfortable maintenance 31. One so faithfull to his Servants His care for his Children cannot be suspected for an Infidel in not providing for his family of his own children It was not therefore his ambition but providence that on the same day wherein he was created Earle of Essex he procured Gregory his Son which otherwise had been then but a Lord by courtesie to be actually made Baron Cromwell of Oke-ham Which honour because inherent in the Son was not forfeited on his Father's attainture but descends at this day on his Posterity 32. We will conclude his story with this remarkable instance of his humility An eminent instance of his humility Formerly there flourished a notable family of the b Camdens Brit. in Lincoln-shire Cromwells at Tattershall in Lincoln-shire especially since Sir Ralph Cromwell married the younger Sister and Coheir of William the last Lord Deincourt Now there wanted not some flattering Heraults excellent Chemists in Pedegrees to extract any thing from any thing who would have entituled this Lord Cromwell to the Armes of that antient Family extinct in the issue male thereof about the end of King Henry the sixt His answer unto them was That he would not weare another mans coat for fear the right owner thereof should pluck it off over his ears and preferred rather to take a new coate viz. * See Vincent in the Earles of Essex AZure Or a Fess inter three Lyons rampant Or a Rose Gules betwixt two Chaughes proper being somewhat of the fullest the Epidemical dissease of all Armes given in the Reign of Henry the eighth 33. After the execution of the Lord Cromwell Men of different judgment meeting at their death the Parliament still sitting a motly execution happened in Smithfield three Papists hanged by the Statute for denying the King's supremacy and as many Protestants burnt at the same time and place by vertue of the six Articles dying with more pain and no lesse patience Papists Protestants Edward Powell
Justitia Justificare Idiota Elementa Baptizare Martyr Adorare Dignus Sandalium Simplex Tetrarcha Sacramentum Simulachrum Gloria Conflictationes Ceremonia Mysterium Religio Spiritus sanctê° Spiritus Merces Confiteor tibi Pater Panis praepositionis Communio Perseverare Dilectus Sapientia Pietas * Take faults and all as in the Original Presbyter Lites Servus Opera Sacrificium Benedictio Humilis Humilitas Scientia Gentilis Synagoga Ejicere Misericordia Complacui Increpare Distribueretur orbis Inculpatus Senior Conflictationes Apocalypsis Satisfactio Contentio Conscientia Peccatum Peccator Idolum Prudentia Prudenter Parabola Magnifico Oriens Subditus Didragma Hospitalitas Episcopus Gratia Charitas Tyrannus Concupiscentia Cisera Apostolus Apostolatus Egenus Stater Societas Zizania * Though sensible of Tautologie otherwise spelled I durst not vary from the Original MysteriuÌ„ Christus Conversari Profiteor Impositio manuum Idololatria Dominus Sanctus Confessio Imitator Pascha Innumerabilis Inenarrabilis Infidelis Paganus Commilito Virtutes Dominationes Throni Potestates Hostia 35. The judicious Reader hath no sooner perused these words The Papists plot therein but presently he sorts them in two ranks First some few untranslatable without losse of life or lustre these are continued in our English Testament intire it being conceived better that Ministers should expound these words in their Sermons than alter them in their Texts But besides these most of the second sort are not so emphaticall in themselves but that they may be rendred in English without prejudice of truth Wherefore Gardiner's designe plainly appeared in stickling for the preserving of so many Latine words to obscure the Scripture who though wanting power to keep the light of the Word from shining sought out of policy to put it in to a dark Lanthorn contrary to the constant practice of God in Scripture levelling high hard expressions to the capacity of the meanest For forraign terms are alwaies brought in like Joseph with an w Gen. 42. 23. Interpreter x Mat. 1. 23. Emmanuel doth not passe without an Exposition God with us nor y Mat. 7. 34. Ephatha escape but Commented on be thou opened Besides the Popish Bishop multiplied the mixture of Latine names in the Testament to teach the Laity their distance who though admitted into the outward Court of common matter were yet debarred entrance into the Holy of Holies of these mysterious expressions reserved only for the understanding of the high Priest to pierce into them Moreover this made Gardiner not onely tender but fond to have these words continued in kinde without Translation because the profit of the Romish Church was deeply in some of them concerned Witnesse the word Penance which according to the vulgar sound contrary to the original sense thereof was a magazin of Will-worship and brought in much gain to the Priests who were desirous to keep that word because that word kept them I finde not what entertainment Gardiner's motion met with it seems so suspended in success as neither generally received nor rejected 36. In a following Session Mar. 10. Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Cranmer stickleth for the Vniversities approbation informed the House That it was the King's will and pleasure that the Translation both of the Old and New Testament should be examined by BOTH UNIVERSITIES This met with much opposition in the House all the Bishops Ely and S. Davids excepted making their Protests to the contrary These affirmed the Universities were much decayed of late wherein all things were carried by Young Men whose judgments were not to be relied on so that the Learning of the Land was chiefly in this Convocation But the Archbishop said he would stick close to the will and pleasure of the King his Master and that the Universities should examine the Translation And here for ought I can finde to the contrary the matter ceased and the Convocation soon after was dissolved 37. The cruell prosecution of the Protestants still continued on the six Articles HeÌ„ 8. 36. And yet the Parliament now somewhat abated the illegall fury thereof 1544. for formerly any active Officer of the Bishops The six Articles somewhat mitigated at his pleasure molested all suspected persons and prosecured some to death But afterwards it was required That such Offenders should first be found guilty by a Jury of Twelve men a rub to the wheels of their cruelty that it saved the lives of some and prolonged the deaths of others 38. Now began the last Parliament in the Kings Reign HeÌ„ 8. 37. Nov. 24. wherein many things of consequence were enacted 1545. First The Acts of the last Parliament in this Kings Reign an Act against Usury a See the printed Statutes of this year Secondly for Tithes in London Thirdly for an exchange of Lands betwixt the King's Majestie and Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Holegate Archbishop of York and Edmond Bonner Bishop of London which the King annexed to the Dutchie of Lancaster Fourthly an Act for union of Churches not exceeding the value of six pounds Lastly that Doctors of the Civil Law being married might exercise Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction 39. At this time also The originall of Stewes by the King's command were the Stewes suppressed A line or two I hope will not defile our Church-History in the description and detestation of such filthy persons and practises There stood a place on the South bank over against London called the Stewes where live-Fishes were formerly kept there to be washed in Ponds from their slime and muddinesse to make the more wholsome and pleasant food which was the originall use of these Stewes and the proper b Camdens Brit in Middlâ—â—â— meaning of the word Ann. Dom. 1545. Afterwards the place was converted to a worse use Ann. Reg. HeÌ„ 8.37 but still retaining its own name from the scouring of Fish to the defileing of Men Brothel-houses being built there and publickly permitted by the State These were sixteen in number known by the several signes whereof one was the Cardinals c Stower Survey of London pag. 449. Hat and it is to be feared that too many of the Clergie then forbidden marriage were too constant customers to it Such who lived in these Colledges of lust were called single Women and pity it was so good a name should be put upon so leud persons 40. Divers Constitutions were made in the eighth year of King Henry the second The regulation of the Stewes for the regulating of these Houses whereof some may inoffensively yea profitably be inserted 1. No Stew-holder should keep open his doors on the Holy daies or keep any in his house on those daies 2. No single woman to be kept against her will if out of remorse of conscience she would leave that leud life 3. No Stew-holder to receive any mans wife or any woman of religion 4. No man to be drawn or inticed into any of those houses
or his meat if carried by him Yet to avoid scandall he might rise up bow or bare his head to him in case the other did first with silent gesture salute him 23. Let incorrigible offenders be expelled the Monastery Incorrigible Whom no correption with words nor correction with blows nor censures of excommunication would amend Abscission is the onely plaster for such an incurable Gangrene 24. Let an expelled Brother being re-admitted on promise of his amendment be set last in order Last He was to lose his former seniority and begin at the bottome Know that whosoever willingly quitted the Convent thrise or was thrise cast out for his misdemeanours might not any more be received 25. Let every Monk have two Coats and two Cowles c. Two Not to wear at once except in Winter but for exchange whilst one was washed And when new cloathes were delivered them their old ones were given to the poor 26. Let every Monk have his Table-book Knife Needle and Hankerchief Needle To mend his own cloathes when torn Hankerchief Which they wore on their left side to wipe away rheum or as we may charitably believe tears from their eyes 27. Let the Bed of every Monk have a Mat Blanket a Sagum properly the lower coat of a Souldier Rugge and Pillow Mat In Latine Matta the Liers whereon are termed by S. Austine b Lib. 5. contra Faustum cap. 5. Mattarii a Blanket Laena in Latine quasi de lana saith Varro c De lingua Latina lib. 4. made of thick wooll No down feathers nor flocks used by them yea no linen worn on their bodies The Abbot also every Saturday was to visit their beds to see if they had not shuffled in some softer matter or purloyned some progge for themselves 28. Let the Abbot be chosen by the merits of his life and learning Merits Though he were the last in degree and though he had the fewest voices the better were to carry it from the greater number But in after-Ages to avoid schisme upon a parity of deserts the Senior was generally chosen by plurality of votes 29. Let him never dine alone and when Guests are wanting call some Brethren unto his table Alone Such as were relieved by his hospitality are by Canonical Criticks sorted into four ranks 1. Convive guests living in or near the City where the Covent stood 2. Hospites strangers coming from distant places yet still of the same Countrey 3. Peregrini pilgrims of another Nation and generally travailing for devotion Invited or inviving themselvs into the Abbey 4. Mendici beggars who received their Almes without at the Gate 30. Let the CELLARER be a discrect man to give all their meat in due season Discreet He needed to be a good Mathematician in the gages of mens bellies not allowing all food alike but proportioning it to their severall ages labour for antient Monks did work appetites c. For this they alledge the Primitive practice when all goods kept in common were divided though unequally for the summes equally as to their personall necessities And a Acts 3. 45. they parted them to all men as every man had need 31. Let none be excused from the office of the COOK but take his turn in his week None The Abbot is excepted and the Cellarer in great Covents But know this was onely antiently used in primitive poor Monasteries our English Abbies having afterwards Cooks and under-Cooks of Lay-persons able to please the paliate of Apitius himself 32. Let the Cook each Saturday when he goeth out of his Office leave the linen and vessels clean and sound to his successours Clean and sound Severe one Canon which I read that is To receive b XXV â—almarum percuss ouibus emendetur Regula magis cap. 15. sect 10. twenty five claps on the hand for every default on this kinde And still more harsh what another rule enjoyneth That the Cook might c Regula S. Pacbomii artic 11. not taste what he dressed for others not permitted to lick his own fingers Understand it thus though he might eat his own pittance or dimensum yet he must meddle with no more left the tasting should tempt him to gluttony and excesse 33. Let the PORTER be a grave person to discharge his trust with discretion Grave Whose age might make him resident in his place Discharge In listening to no Secular news and if casually hearing it not to report it again In carrying the keyes every night to the Abbot and letting none in or out without his permission We leave this Porter in the peaceable possession of his Lodge and by his leave are let out of this tedious discourse Onely I will adde as the Proverb faith The Lion is not so fierce as he is painted So Monasticall discipline was not so terrible in the practice as in the precepts thereof And as it is generally observed in Families that the eldest Children are most hardly used who as yet being but few and their Parents in full strenght are taught and tutoured and nurtered with much chiding and correction whilst more liberty is allowed to the younger brood age abating their Parents austerity and sometimes turning their harshnesse into sondnesse unto them So those fatherly rules fell most heavily on the Monks of the first foundation their rigour being remitted to such who succeeded them insomuch that in processe of time Monks turned very wantons through lazinesse and luxurie as hereafter God willing shall appear Of such Abbots who attained to be Parliamentary Barons THE highest Civil honour the English Abbots arrived at Numerous Abbots summoned to Parliament was that some were selected to be Barons in Parliament and called to be Assistants to the King in His Great Councell To begin at the Reign of King Henry the third before whose time the footsteps of solemn summons to Parliament are almost worn out in His time all Abbots and Priors of quality were summoned thither Alas this King lived a long time on Abbeys the Patron sed by His Chaplains the most of His maintenance issuing out of the purses of Priories It was but fitting therefore they should be consulted with who were so much concerned in all publick payments In the forty ninth of His Regin no lesse than sixty four a Dors Glause 49 Hen. 3. 〈◊〉 11. in scedula Abbots and thirty six Priors a jolly number with the Master of the Temple were voluntary summoniti out of the King 's free will and pleasure no right that they could claim themselves summoned to Parliament 2. But in after Parliaments the number of Abbots summoned thither Who afterwards decline their troublesome service was fluctuating and uncertain sometimes forty as the twenty seventh of Edward the first sometimes seventy five as the twenty eight of the same King fifty six in the first of Edward the second and yet but fifteen in the second of His Reign Indeed when Parliaments proved frequent some Priories farre from the place where
they were summoned the way long the weather especially in winter tedious travelling on the way costly living at London chargeable Some Priors were so poor they could not more so covetous they would not put themselves to needlesse expences All so lazie and loving their ease that they were loath to take long journeys which made them afterwards desire to be eased of their Honourable but Trouble some attendance in Parliament 3. At last Their number contracted to twenty six King Edward the third resolved to fix on a set number of Abbots and Priors not so many as with their numerousnesse might be burdensome to His Councell yet not so few but that they should be a sufficient representation of all Orders therein concerned which being twenty six in number are generally thus reckoned up 1. St. Albans 2. Glassenbury 3. St. Austins Cant. 4. Westminster 5. Edmunds-bury 6. Peterborough 7. Colchester 8. Evesham 9. Winchelcombe 10. Crowland 11. Battaile 12. Reading 13. Abington 14. Waltham 15. Shrewsbury 16. Glocester 17. Bardney 18. Bennet in the Holme 19. Thorney 20. Ramsey 21. Hide 22. Malmsbury 23. Cirencester 24. St. Mary Yorke 25. Selbye 26. VVith the Prior of St. Johns of Jerusalem first chief Baâ—on of England None of these held of mean Lords by franke almonage but all of the King in capite per Baroniam having an intire Baronie to which thirteen Knights sees at least did belong 4. Yet even after this fixation of Parliamentary Abbots in a set number the same was estsoons subject to variety Doubtfull Barons amongst the Abbots The Prior of Coventry played at in and out and declined his appearance there So did the Abbot of Lester who may seem to have worn but half a Mitre on his head So also the Abbot of St. James by Northhampton may be said to sit but on one hip in Parliament he appears so in the twilight betwixt a Baron and no Baron in the summons thereunto But afterwards the first of these three was confirmed in his place the two last on their earnest request obtained a discharge Partly because they were summoned onely interpolatis vicibus and nor constantly Partly because they made it to appear that they held not of the king a whole Barony in chief 5. To these twenty six regular Barons A short-lived Baroney made by K. Henry the eighth King Henry the eighth added one more for a casting voice viz the Abbot of Tavistocke in Devon-shire on this token that being created in the eighth of His Reigne he enjoyed not his Baronie full twenty years and acted so short a part on the stage of Parliament that with Cato he might seem onely ingredi ut exiret to come in that he might go out And because some may be curious to know the manner of his creation take here the form thereof HENRICUS c. b Pat. 5. Hen 8. part 2. in 22. Sciatis quod certis considerationibus nos specialitèr moventibus ob specialem devotionem quam ad beatam Virginem Mariam matrem Christi Sanctumque Rumonum in quorum Honore Abbatia de Tavistoke quae de fundatione nobillium progenitorum nostroum quondam Regum Angliae nostro patro natu dedicata existit gerimus habemus hinc est quod de gratia nostra speciall ac ex certa scientia mero motu nostris volumus eandem Abbatiam sive Monasterium nostrum gaudere honore privilegio ac libertatibus spirtualium Dominorum Parliamenti nostri Haredem successorum nostrorum ideo concessimus per prasentes concedimus pro nobis Haeredibus sucessoribus nostris quantum in nobis est dilecto nobis in Christi Richardo Banham Abbati de Tavistocke pradicto successoribus suis ut corum quilibet qui pro tempore ibidem fuerit Abbas sit erit unus de spiritualibus religiosis Dominis Parliamenti nostri Haeredem successorum nostrorum gandendo honore privilegio ac libertatibus ejusdem Et insuper de uberiori gratia nostra affectando utilitatem dicti nostri Monasterii considerando ejus distantiam ita quod si contingat aliquam Abbatem qui pro tempore fuerit sore velesse absentem propter praedicti Monasterii utilitatem in non veniendo ad Parliamentum praedictum Haeredem vel successorum nostrorum quam quidem absentiam eidem Abbati perdonamus per praesentes Ita tamen quod tunc solvet pro hujusmodi absentia cujuslibet Parliamenti integri in nostro Saccario suum per attornatum quinque Marcas nobis haeredibus sive successoribus nostris toties quoties hoc in futurum contigerit In cujus c. Teste c. Vicesimo tertio die Januarii c. Whereas this Charter affirmeth Tavistocke founded by King Henry's noble Progenitors Some will wonder thereat and the rather because c Combdens Br. in Devon-shire Ordulph the son of Ordgare Earl of Devon-shire is notoriously known for the Founder of this Monastery before the Conquest and no English King appeareth eminently a Benefactour thereunto Yet because the English Kings successively confirmed the Charters thereof they were in a loyall complement acknowledge as the interpretative Founders of that Abbey And as little children whose parents decease in their infancie innocently own their Fathers and Mothers-in-laws for their naturall parents So many Monasteries whose first Founders were in a manner forgotten as time out of minde applied themselves to the present Kings though but the Favourers as to the Founders of their Corporations 6. Know that besides these Abbots Abbesses no Baronesses though holding Baronies there were four Abbesses viz of Shaftsbury Barking in Essex St. Marys in Winchester and Wilton who held from the King an intire Baronry yet never were summoned as Baronesses to Parliament because that honour frequent in Lay-persons was never conferred on any Ecclestastical Female Yet were they and almost all other Abbesses of any quality saluted Ladies as Earls Daughters are by the courtesie of England which custome hath made such a right that they are beheld not onely as unmannerly but unjust who in common discourse deny the same However the aforesaid four Abbessos though not called to Parliament were solemnly d Pat. 5. Ed. 1. Dors in 11. Rot. Scutagii ejusd an in 7. summoned by special Writs ad habendum servitium suum that is to have their full number of Knights in time of warre where the Ladies personal presence was not expected but their effectual appearance by the proxies or their purses to supply the King's occasions 7. Of all these Prior of Ierusalem chief Baton the Prior of S. Johns in Jerusalem took the precedencie being generally of Noble extraction and a Military person Yea not content to take place of all regular Barons Primus Angliae Baro haberi voluit saith my e Cambd. Brit. pag. 123. Authour He would be counted simply and absolutely the first and chief Baron in England though the expression speaks rather his affectation than
well as the single Arrows seeing perchance other Societies led lives not more religious but lesse examined 4. But the first terrible blow in England given generally to all Orders The first stroke at the root of Abbeys was in the Lay Parliament as it is called which did wholly Wicclifize kept in the twelfth year of King Henry the fourth wherein the c Thomas Walsingbam Nobles and Commons assembled signified to the King that the temporal possessions of Abbots Priors c. lewdly spent within the Realm would suffice to finde and sustain 150 Earls 1500 Knights 6200 Esquires 100 Hospitals more than there were But this motion was maul'd with the King 's own hand who dashed it personally interposing Himself contrary to that character which the jealous Clergie had conceived of Him that coming to the Crown He would be a great d Being heard to say That Princes had too little and Religious men too much Holinshed pag. 514. enemy to the Church But though Henry Plantagenet Duke of Lancaster was no friend to the Clergie perchance to ingratiate himself with the people yet the same Henry King of England His interest being altered to strengthen Him with the considerable power of the Clergy proved a Patron yea a Champion to defend them However we may say that now the Axe is laid to the root of the tree of Abbeys and this stroke for the present though it was so farre from hurting the body that it scarce pierced the bark thereof yet bare attempts in such matters are important as putting into peoples heads a feasibility of the project formerly conceived altogether impossible 5. Few yeares after The objection of covetousness against Abbeys though not answered â—vaded by Archb. Chichesly namely in the second year of King Henry the fift another shreud thrust was made at English Abbeys but it was finely and cleverly put aside by that skilfull State-Fencer Henry Chichesly Archbishop of Canterbury For the former Bill against Abbeys in full Parliament was revived when the Archbishop minded King Henry of His undoubted Title to the fair and flourishing Kingdome of France Hereat that King who was a spark in Himself was enflamed to that designe by this Prelates perswasion and His native courage ran fiercely on the project especially when clapt on with conscience and encouragement from a Church-man in the lawfulnesse thereof An undertaking of those vast dimensions that the greatest covetousnesse might spread and highest ambition reach it self within the bounds thereof If to promote this project the Abbeys advanced not onely large and liberall but vast and incredible summes of money it is no wonder if they were contented to have their nails pared close to the quick thereby to save their fingers Over goes K. Henry into France with many martiall spirits attending him so that putting the King upon the seeking of a new Crown kept the Abbots old Mitres upon their heads and Monasteries tottering at this time were thank a politick Archbishop refixed on the firm foundations though this proved rather a reprieve than a pardon unto them as will afterwards appear Of the suppression of alien Priories NExt followed the dissolving of alien Priories The originall of Pâ—ioâ—â—es aliens of whose first founding and severall sorts something must be observed When the Kings of England by Conquest or Inheritance were possessed of many and great Territories in France Normandy Aquitaine Picardy c. many French Monasteries were endowed with lands in England For an English kitchen or larder doth excellently well with a French hall And whilst forreigners tongues slighted our Island as barren in comparison of their own Countrey at the same time they would lick their lips after the full-fare which our Kingdome afforded 2. Very numerous were these Cells in England relating to forreign Abbeys scattered all over the Kingdome One John Norbury erected two for his part the one at Greenwich the other at Lewesham in Kent Yea e Cambd. Brit. in Lancashire Roger de Poictiers founded on in the remotest corner of the Land in the Town of Lancaster the richest of them all for annuall income was that which f Idem in Lincoln-shire Tuo Talbois built at Spalding in Lincoln shire giving it to the Monks of Angiers in France g Harpsfield in Catal. religiosarum â— Edium fol. 761. valued at no lesse than 878 lib. 18s 3d. of yearly revenue And it is remarkable that as one of these Priories was granted before the Kings of England were invested with any Dominion in France namely Deorhirst in Glocester shire h Camb Brit. in Glocester-shire assigned by the Testament of Edward the Confessour to the Monastery of S. Denis neer Paris so some were bestowed on those places in forreign parts where our English Kings never had finger of power or foot of possession Thus we read how Henry the third annexed a Cell in Thredneedle-street in i Harpsfield ut priùs pag 763. London to S. Anthony in Vienna and neer Charing-Crosse there was another annext to the Lady Runciavall in Navarre Belike men's devotion in that Age look'd on the world as it lay in common taking no notice how it was sub-divided into private Principalities but proceeded on that rule k 1 Cor. 10. 28. The earth is the Lord's and the fulnesse thereof and Charity though wandring in forreign parts counted it self still at home because dwelling on its proper pious uses 3. These alien Priories were of two natures some had Monks with a Prior resident in them Alien Priories of two natures yet not Conventuall but dative and removable ad nutum of the forreign Abbey to which they were subservient Others were absolute in themselves who though having an honorary dependence on and bearing a subordination of respect unto French Abbeys yet had a Prior of their own being an intire body of themselves to all purposes and intents The former not unlike Stewards managing profits for the behoof of their Master to whom they were re sponsible The later resembling retainers at large acknowledging a generall reference but not accomptable unto them for the revenues they received Now both these kindes of Priories peaceably enjoyed their possessions here even after the revolt of those Principalities from the Crown of England yet so that during open hostility and actuall warre betwixt England and France their revenues were seised and taken by the King and restored again when amity was setled 4. But King Richard the second and King Henry the fourth not so fair as their predecessours herein not onely detained those revenues in time of peace but also diverted them from their proper use and bestowed them on some of their Lay-servants So that the Crown was little enriched therewith especially if it be true what Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury averred in the house of Commons to the face of the Speaker That these Kings l Antiq. Brit. pag. 274. were not half a mark the wealthier for those rents thus
assumed into their hands And a Synod of the Clergie in the last of Henry the fourth petitioned the King That Lay-men might not invade the possessions of alien Priories * Harpsfield Hist Ang. saet decimo quinto â—ep octavo but those Foundations might be furnished Native English substituted in their rooms whose request by reason of the King's death ensuing took no effect But this doth intimate though I had rather learn than teach in so dark a point that those alien Priories still stood undissolved by Act of State with a possibility to revert to their former use and though the King had fastned upon their profits by his absolute power yet as yet they were not setled and established in the Crown by Act of Parliament 5. But in the fourth year of King Henry the fift Their dissolution in the heat and height of His Warres with France all such Priories alien as were not Conventuall were by Act of m Parliament Rolls Rastall titul Monasteries Parliament dissolved and bestowed on the King It being conceived unsafe that men moving according to a forreign interest having their affections leading them beyond the seas and their actions following when befriended with secresie should be maintained in this Kingdome Besides it tended to the manifest detriment of the State that such should transport our coyn and commodities into an enemies Countrey without returning a proportionable profit to the Common-wealth Other alien Priories which were Conventuall survived untill the general mortality of English Monasteries These alien Priories were not conceived to have such a temptation to disloyalty as the others having their absolute subsistence here and though the Monks therein were strangers in respect of their birth they were counted Naturalized in a manner in regard of their education and livelyhood 6. The dissolving of these Priories The dangerous influence of this predent made a dangerous impression on all the rest Say not that English Abbeys were unconcerned because these strangers being rather suckers than branches of their tree their growing was a burthen and their pruning off a benefit thereunto for though Aliens in their Countrey they were Allies in their Cause there being an affinity betwixt all religious Foundations And now here was an Act of State for precedent That without sin of Sacriledge such Donations might be dissolved Use was made hereof beyond the Kings intention who in this act not covetous but politick aiming rather to secure than enrich Himself whereas now some Courtiers by His bounty tasting on the sweet of Abbey-lands made their break-fasts thereon in the time of Henry the fift which increased their appetites to dine on the same in the daies of King Henry the eighth not so glutted but they could sup on the reversions left in the Reign of K. Edward the sixt SECTION III. To the Honourable the Lady MARY FOUNTAINE MADAM THough none can expect Courtship many will require Congruity from me Such will charge me with a great Impropriety for dedicating a discourse of Monks and Friers to your Ladiship where some passages of their wantonnesse may occasion your blushing for them who never blushed for themselves But know it done by design that you may plainly perceive how far Marriage-chastity transcended forced and pretended virginity or if you please how much a springing Fountain is better than a standing-Pool soon subject to putrefaction Your Family though not a Nunnery may be a Religious house seeing God hath multiplied you into a whole Convent I mean the fourteen Children which you have at this present I say have for this reason is rendred why the Children of Job after his restitution were not doubled unto him as his Cattle were because they were utterly foregone his Children onely gone before on which account those six removed from you into a better world still remain yours God in due time translate you and your worthy Husband in a good old age into the same Place of Happiness Of Cardinal Wolsey's ominous suppressing of forty lesser Monasteries therewith to build two Colledges VAst were the revenues of Cardinal Wolsey Wolsey's wealth and want if we account both his Wives and Concubines I mean the place whereon he resided and Churches he held in Commendam being at the same time the Pope's Legate à latere Archbishop of Yorke Chancellor of England Bishop of Winchester Abbot of S. Albans besides other meaner preferments Yet he found a Eccles 5. 11. Solomon's observation true When goods encrease they are encreased that eat them Insomuch that his magnificent mind was poor in his plenty in the midst of his wealth wanted means to compass his vast designs Wherefore intending to erect two fair Colledges one where he was born in Ipswich the other where he was bred in Oxford and finding himself unable to endow them at his own charges he obtained license of Pope Clement 7 â—h An. 1525 to suppress forty smaller Monasteries in England and to lay their old land to his new foundations w ch was done accordingly For the Cardinal thought that these petty Houses like little sparks of diamonds were inconsiderable in themselves whereas they would make a fair show if all put together into two jewels only his two Colledges and he carry away all the credit thereof 2. An action condemned by the conscientious in that Age Wolsey his act justly censured accounting it essentiall to charity that the thing given be the proper goods of the Donour Cast thy bread saith b Eccles 11. 1. Solomon upon the water It must be thy bread otherwise though c Prov. 9. 17. stollen bread may be pleasant to men it is nauseous and distastfull to the God of heaven who in such cases will not be the receiver though man be the thief solemnly disavowing the acceptance of such donations witnesse his own words d Isa 61. 8. I hate robbery for burnt offering 3. Plead not in the Cardinal's excuse Fig leaves to coveâ— it in vain that the houses by him suppressed were of small value it being as great yea greater sacriledge to invade the widows mite than the large gifts which the rich Priests cast into Corban because their bounties were but superfluous wenns whilst hers was an essentiall limb yea as our Saviour e Luke 21. 4. observes the whole body of her estate As probably some of those poor Foundations were erected by Founders like those of f 2 Cor. 8. 3. Macedonia to their power and beyond their power willing of themselves As for the poor people formerly living in these then-dissolved houses they may be presumed more religious than others that were richer poverty being a protection for their piety and they unable to go to the cost of luxurious extravagancies I finde not what provision was afterward made for these helplesse souls thrust out of house and home so that it is suspitious that the Cardinal notwithstanding his prodigious hospitality made moe beggars than ever he relieved 4. Others alledge
The miserable ends of the Cardinals instruments herein that these houses were still continued to the generall end of pious uses however it was not fair to alienate them from the primitive intention of the Founders yea God himself seemed not well-pleased therewith I know that g Eccles 9. 1 2. no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them All things come alike to all there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked c. However Gods exemplary hand ought to be heeded in the signall fatality of such as by the Cardinall were employed in this service Five they were in number two whereof challenging the field of each other one was h Godwin his Annals of Hen. the eighâ—h Anno 1525. Yet Mr. Fox maketh the Lord Cromwell the principall person employed by the Cardinall therein slain and the other hanged for it A third throwing himself headlong into a well perished wilfully A fourth formerly wealthy grew so poor that he begged his bread The fifth Dr. Allen one of especiall note afterward Archbishop of Dublin was slain in Ireland What became of the Cardinal himself is notoriously known and as for his two Colledges that in Ipswich the embleme of its Builder soon up soon down presently vanished into private houses whilst the other Christ-Church in Oxford was fain to disclaim its Founder and being adopted the issue of the bounty of the King Henry the eighth at this day owns not him for Father who first gave it life but who afterwards kept it from dying In a word this dissolution of fourty small Houses caused by the Cardinall made all the Forest of religious Foundations in England to shake justly fearing the King would finish to fell the oaks seeing the Cardinal began to cut the underwood Of the first Priory which was solemnly suppressed by King Henry the eighth SOme six years after Christ-Church Priorie neer Allgate first and solely dissolved whilst as yet all other Abbeys flourished in their height and happinesse as safe and secure as ever before King Henry the eighth for reasons best known to Himself singled out the Priory of Christ-Church nigh Allgate in London and dissolved the same This He bestowed as a boon on Thomas a Hall's Chronicle An. 1525. Audley Speaker in the Parliament and indeed it was an excellent receit to clear his voice to make him speak shrill and loud for his Master This shrewdly shook the freehold of all Abbeys seeing now two such great men Wolsey and Audley both in their times Lord-Chancellours of England and therefore presumed well versed in cases of conscience the one a Divine first took the other a Common-Lawyer first received such lands into their possession 2. A word of the antiquity The antiquity wealth and dignity thereof wealth and dignity of this Covent because in each respect it was remarkable It was founded Anno 1108. by Queen b Harpâ—field in his Catalogue of Abbeys Matilda Wife to King Henry the first dedicated to the holy Trinity for Black Canons or Canons-Regular and one Norman by name and nation was first Prior thereof In processe of time it became rich in land and ornaments and passed all the Priories in London or Middlesex especially in this particular that the Prior thereof was alwaies an c Stow's Survey of London p. 145. Alderman of London namely of Portsoken Ward though otherwise their Covent standeth in Ealgate Ward and used to ride amongst the Aldermen in a livery like the rest save that his habit was in the shape of a spiritual person In the year 1264 d Idem ibidem Eustathius the eighth Prior of this Covent because he himself was loth to deale in temporall matters instituted Theobald Fitz-Ivo Alderman in his place They were most bountifull house-keepers relieving all comers and goers and got themselves much reputation for their hospitality 3. Some conjecture this was King Henry's designe in dissolving this Priorie A guesse at King Henry's design thereby to make a discovery in peoples affections how they resented the same He dispatched this Covent first as the forelorn hope is sent out before the body of the Army which if meeting with unsuspected dangers may give timely notice to the rest to advance no farther And if He had found the people much startled thereat He could quickly knock off retrench His resolutions and dexterous to decline envy for Himselfe handsomely cast the same on His instruments employed therein Others think the King as yet had no such project in intention but did it meerly to gratifie Sir Thomas Audley whom He loved the better for hating Cardinal Wolsey now beginning to fall against whom he had bitterly inveighed in the Parliament 4. As for the manner of the dissolving thereof The Priory taken by composition whereas all other Abbeys afterwards were stormed by violence whatsoever is plausibly pretended to the contrary this onely was fairly taken by composition For the Prior thereof was sent for by the King commended for his hospitality promised preferment as a man worthy greater dignity which promise surely He performed though the particulars of the agreement are not to be known Whereupon Anno 1531 the twenty third year of the King's reign in the moneth of July he surrendred the same to the King's use As for the Canons they were sent to other houses of the same Order who now being severally disposed in other Covents they might serve them as Monitours to warn all the rest seasonably to prepare for the time of their dissolution 5. The rooting out of this Priory wrought a middle effect in people The effect thereof upon the people for they were neither dumb nor clamorous thereat but grumbled out their discontentment for a time and then returned to their former temper However at first they were so abstemious that whereas the Priory Church and Steeple was e Idem ut priùs profered to whomsoever would take it down no man would undertake the offer Whereupon Sir Thomas Audley was fain to be at more charges than he could make of the materials the workmen with great labour beginning at the top loosed stone from stone and throwing them down most part of them were broken in the fall and remained uuelesse 6. What might move the King to single this Priory out of all the rest This the antientest of all Priories to lead this sad dance is variously conjectured Indeed this was the antientest of all England of that Order since the Conquest I mean of Canon-Regulars as our f Stow ut priùs Authour telleth us And therefore it was but reasonable the oldest should go first the first-born should be first buried But surely no such consideration moved King Henry to this choice who was not so methodical in His deeds of undoing 7. As for the Lord Audley At this day called the Dukes-Place on whom this Priory was bestowed Margaret his sole Daughter Heir was
represent And seeing Sir Thomas More would have his own jests when dying no wonder if he makes others to jeer when dead 6. These two Supplications pressing both together for audience and reception The first Supplication best received that of the Beggars on earth found the best entertainment Whether because it came first which we know is great advantage in Beggars first come first served Or because these Terrestrial beggars were neerer at hand and so best able to manage their own suit whilst those in Purgatory were conceived at a greater distance Or chiefly because their Supplication suggested matter of profit to the King and His Courtiers and such whispers sound loud and commonly meet with attentive ears And as an introduction to the dissolution of all Abbeys spies were sent forth to make strict discovery of mens behaviours therein Indeed the Lord Cromwell Scout-Master-Generall in this designe stayed at the Court whilst his subordinate Emissaries men of as prying eyes as afterwards they proved of gripple hands sent unto him all their intelligence in manner and form as in due time shall ensue The lesser Monasteries bestowed on the King NOW because some moneths were imployed in that service before a perfect account was returned to the Lord Cromwell The suppressing of the smaller Monasteries may here seasonably be inserted For in the twenty seventh of the King's Reign Anno 1539 a motion was made in Parliament A gainfull motion made for the King That to support the King's States and supply His wants all Religious Houses might be conferred on the Crown which were not able clearly to expend above Two hundred pounds a year 2. Some may report Reported by mistake opposed by Bishop Fisher that John Fisher Bishop of Rochester earnestly though pleasently opposed the motion by alledging an Apologue out of Aesope That the Helve of the Axe craved a Handle of the wood of Oaks onely to cut off the Serebowes of the Tree but when it was a complete Instramentall Axe it felled down all the wood Applying it That the grant of these smaller Houses would in fine prove destructive to all the rest But Fisher being now in his grave this could not be spoken in this Parliament which with more probability was formerly urged by him against Cardinal Wolsey in dissolving the forty Houses whereof before 3. This Proposition found little opposition in either Houses Easily passed in Parliament Henry the eighth was a King and His necessities were Tyrants and both suing together for the same thing must not be denied besides the larger thongs they cut out of other mens leather the more intire they preserved their own hide which made the Parliament to ease their own purses by laying the load on those lesser Houses which they accordingly passed to the Crown 4. The Lord Herbert in his a Of Henry 8 pag. 376. Historie complaineth and that justly That this Statute for dissolution of the lesser Monasteries doth begin very bluntly A Preamble of importance restored out of the Records to the Printed Statute without any formall Preamble in the Printed Books they are Published It seemeth that herein he never searched the Record it self otherwise industrious in that kinde to which a solemn Preface is prefixed shewing some Reasons of the dissolution and pious uses to which they were attained In form as followeth The Preamble is this Forasmuch as manifest sin vitious carnall and abominable living is daily used and committed commonly in such little and small Abbeys Priories and other religious houses of Monks Canons and Nuns where the Congregation of such religious persons is under the number of twelve persons whereby the Governours of such religious Houses and their Covent spoile destroy consume and utterly waste as well the Churches Monasteries Priories principall Houses Farms Granges Lands Tenements and Hereditaments as the ornaments of the Churches and their goods and Chattels to the high displeasure of Almighty God slander of good Religion and to the great infamy of the King's Hignesse and the Realm if redresse should not be had thereof And albeit that many continuall Visitations hath been heretofore had by the space of two hundred years and more for an honest and charitable reformation of such unthrifty carnall and abominable living yet neverthelesse little or no amendment is hitherto had but their vitious living shamefully increaseth and augmenteth and by a cursed custome so grown and infested that a great multitude of the religious persons in such small Houses do rather choose to rove abroad in Apostasie than to conform themselves to the observation of good Religion so that without such small Houses be utterly suppressed and the Religion therein committed to the great and honourable Monasteries of Religion in this Realm where they may be compelled to live religioussly for reformation of their lives there can else be no redresse nor reformation in that behalf In consideration whereof the King 's most royall Majesty being Supreme head in earth under God of the Church of England daily studying and devising the increase advancement and exaltation of true doctrine and virtue in the said Church to the onely glory and honour of God and the totall extirping and destruction of vice and sin having knowledge that the premises be true as well by the compts of his late visitations as by sundry credible informations considering also that divers and great solemn Monasteries of this Realm wherein thanks be to God Religion is right well kept and observed be destitute of such full numbers of religious persons as they ought and may keep have thought good that a plain Declaration should be made of the premises as well to the Lords spirituall and Temporall as to other His loving Subjects the Commons in this present Parliament assembled WHEREUPON the said Lords and Commons by a great deliberation finally be resolved That it is and shall be much more to the pleasure of Almighty God and for the honour of this His Realm that the possessions of such small religious Houses not being spent spoiled and wasted for increase of maintenance of sin should be used and converted to better uses and the unthrifty religious persons so spending the same to be compelled to reform their lives And hereupon most humbly desire the King's Highnesse that it may be enacted by authority of this present Parliament That His Majesty shall have to Him and to Hit Heirs for ever all and singular such Monasteries His Majesty shall have and enjoy c. As it foloweth in the printed b Cap. 28. Statute In this Preamble two principles are laid down of infallible truth Two principles which must not be questioned and posterity must not be so presumptuous as to question them 1. The smallest Convents were the greatest sinners and they who had the least lands led the leudest lives 2. It was harder to reform little Covents than those that were greater It seems such small Houses like little fishes could not be caught with the
net of Reformation as slipping through the holes thereof and therefore no way to represse their faults except by suppressing their foundation All I will adde is God first punished great Sodome and spared little Zoar though probably also in fault here Zoar was first punished let great Sodome beware and the larger Monasteries look to themselves 5. And now adieu all religious Houses in England that could not cleerly spend above Two hundred pounds per annum Exact measuring to the standard of dissolution and we must not believe any finister dealing was used by favour to wrack the revenues of some above and out of dislike to shrink the rents of others beneath the standard of dissolution when Twenty shillings a year under or over the aforesaid summe might save or destroy a small Monastery As for such if any in that posture who had just Two hundred pounds and no more they were obnoxious to the Statute whilst Five shillings more saved all as that is a fair ball in the Tennis-Court which toucheth the line yet goeth over it 6. Ten thousand persons were by this dissolution sent to seek their fortunes in the wide world Many aged persons at a losse for livelihood some indeed had Fathers or Friends to receive them others none at all some had Twenty shillings given them at their Ejection and a new Gown which needed to be of strong cloath to last so long till they got another Most were exposed to want I see no such certainty for a comfortable livelihood as a lawfull calling for Monkish profession was no possession and many a young Nun proved an old Beggar I pity not those who had hands and health to work but surely the gray hairs of some impotent persons deserved compassion and I am confident such had they come to the doors of the charitable Reader hereof should have had a meals meat and a nights lodging given unto them 7. A clear Revenue of Thirty thousand pounds per annum Abbey-lands politickly scattered among many puâ—chasers was here advanced to the Crown besides Ten thousand pounds in plate and moveables though the King enjoyed it but a short time as passing it away by grant sale and exchange to His Subjects This was done by the politick counsell of the wise Lord Cromwell not hoping that these small morsels to so many mouthes should satisfie their hunger but onely intending to give them a taste of the sweetnesse of Abbey-lands And here Papists plentifully rail upon him in scattering these Lands all abroad that if any should be so scrupulous as to finde fault with the fact a general guiltinesse should amount unto innocence Thus say they there is no fear that a man shall be condemned for felony who hath so many receivers in the County that scarcely a Judge can sit and surely no Jury can be impanelled upon him saving such who had been parties with him 8. No fewer than Three hundred seventy five Covents as Sanders doth account them were dissolved at this time sure I am The number of the lesser Monasteries none was left standing in the whole Diocesse of Bangor where no Foundation was valued c See Speed his Catalogue of Valuations at full seventy pounds per annum 9. We must not forget how in the foresaid Preamble Why the King cajoleth the great Monasteries the King fairly claweth the great Monasteries wherein saith He Religion thanks be to God is right well kept and observed though He clawed them soon after in another acceptation The truth is King Henry could not suppresse the lesser Abbeys but by the consent of the greater Abbots whereof twenty six as Barons voted in the Parliament who mollified them by this Commendation into a Concurrence with His desire 10. However Specious uses pretended on heavy penalties most specious uses were pretended though few perchance had faith firm enough to believe their full performance That all should be done to the pleasure of Almighty God and for the honour of the Realm And particular care is taken in the Statute as it is printed for the reservation of many Rents and Services Corrodice and Pensions to Founders Donours and Benefactors Order also was taken that those to whom Abbey-lands were passed should keep or cause to be kept a continual House and Houshold in the same Site or Precinct They were also to occupy yearly as much of the demeans in Tilledge as the Abbots did or their Farmers under them within the time of twenty years next before this Act otherwise forfeiting to the King's Highnesse for every Moneth so offending 6 lib. 13s 4 d. to be recovered to His use in any of His Courts of Record The arrears whereof if rigoroussly exacted would amount to a vast summe from such Offenders whose hospitality was contracted to a Shepheard and his Dog neither relieving those that would work by industry nor such who could not work by their charity 11. These penalties stood in full force above eighty years Such penalties graciously repealed by King Iames. viz untill the 21 of King Iames when by Act of Parliament they were repealed Indeed such who are obnoxious to penall Statutes are onely innocent by courtesie and may be made guilty at their Princes pleasure And though such Statutes may be dormant as disused they are never dead till revoked seeing commonly Princes call on such Statutes when themselves are called on by their necessities Many of the English Gentry knew themselves subject to such penalties when instead of maintaining Tillage had converted the Granges of Abbeys into inclosures And therefore provided for their own safety when they * See the Statutes the 21 of K. James c. 28. wrought the King to a revocation of those Statutes 12. But the Courtiers grudged at this Grant and great Indulgence given by the King without any valuable compensation some sticking not to say Some grudge at so great a grant That hereby the King at once gave His Subjects more than ever they gave Him in Subsidies Benevolences Contributions or any other way whatsoever all the time of His Reign Which if so Let no mans eye be evil because the King 's was so good to His Subjects The Northern Rebellion occasioned by this dissolution WHen all in the School are equally guilty Northern Rebellion and the Master beginneth at the bottome to correct the least boyes first no wonder if those in the highest form begin to shake as here no doubt the bigger Abbeys did except some few who to follow the Metaphor like sturdy striplings counting themselves above correction began to prepare themselves to make resistance hence presently arose the Northern Rebellion wherein all the open Undertakers were North of Trent though no doubt many secret Compliers South of Thames were ingaged 2. This Commotion began first in Lincoln shire begun suppressed punished where the Rebels presented six Articles to the King in the last whereof they complained That divers Bishops of England of
a barre of iron of the window whereas the examyned the Ladye Abbas that he might have gone in to her by night q This Copie was taken out of the MS. Letters in the Lib. of Sir Simon Dewes And that same window was their commoning place by night He perswaded the Sextene that he would be in his contemplacion in the Chorche by night and by that meanes was many nightes in the Chorche talking with her at the saide gate to the Nunnes Quire and there was their meeting-place by night besides their day communications as in cofession It were too long to declare all thinges of him that I have heard which I suppos it true This afternoone I intend to make forder serche both of some of the Brederen and some also of the Sisters of such like matters if I fynde any thing apparent to be true I shall God willing thereof sertefy your Mastorshipe tomorow by vij in the mornyng And after this daye I suppos there will be no other thinges to be knowne at yet here for I have already examined all the Brederen and many of them wold gladly departe hense and be ryghte weary of their habbyte such Religion and fained sanctetye God save me froe If Master Bedle had byne here a Frior and of Bushopes counsell he wold right welle have helped him to have broghte his mattores to passe without brekyng uppe of any grate or yet counterfetting of keayes such capassetye God hath sent him From Syone this Sondaye xij Decembere By the speedy hand of your assured poor Priest Richard * This was one of the Prime Visitoâ—s afore-mentioned Layton We will conclude this discourse with one observation how through ignorance the true meaning of that word Recluse was in that Age abused For in pure Latine it signifieth one set open or let loose to their own liberty * Hor. lib. 1. Epist 5. Quid non ebriet as designat operta recludit whereas Recluse was taken in that Age for one close shut up so that many Monks and Fryers were Recluses indeed not in the common acception but true notation of that name Abbots willingly unwillingly resigned their Monasteries to the King SAnders saith Monks perswaded into a resignation that King Henry sent a large Instrument to every Monastery fairly ingrossed in Parchment enjoyning them all to subscribe signe and seal the same with their seale conventual upon the pain of His displeasure It is not probable that such a formal Writing was sent unto them drawn up before-hand by the Kings Officers but most certain it is which amounts almost to as much in effect a generall intimation was given to all Houses how acceptable such an act would be to the King It was also pressed upon the said Monks Fryers and Nuns that they through their vitiousnesse being obnoxious to the Kings anger this might and would be done without their consent so that it was better for them rebus sic stantibus to make a vertue of necessity the rather because this complement conduced nothing to the Kings right on whom the Parliament had already bestowed those Abbey-lands but might adde much to their own advantage as being the way whereby their Pensions might the more easily be procured largely allotted and surely satisfied unto them 2. The premisses made such impression on the parties concerned therein Strive who should be the foremost that fearing the Lagge would be looked on with bad eyes they ran as it were a race in their resignations who should be first and foremost therein However they used severall forms therein some onely condemning their lives for superstitious but not confessing themselves personally vitious as by the following Instrument may appear The Å¿ Out of the Records of the Court of Augmentation surrender of the Warden and Fryers of S. Francis in Stanford FOr as moche as we the Warden and Freers of the Howse of Saynt Frances in Stanforde comenly callyd the gray Freers in Stanforde in the Countey of Lincolne doo profoundly consider that the perfeccion of Christain lyving dothe not conciste in the dome ceremonies weryng of the grey cootte disgeasing our selffe after straunge fashions dokyng and beckyng in gurding owr selffes wyth a gurdle full of knots and other like Papisticall ceremonies wherein we have byn moost principally practysed and misselyd in tymes past but the very tru waye to please God and to live a tru Christian man wythe owte all ypocrasie and fayned dissimulation is sincerely declaryd unto us by owr Master Christe his Evangelists and Apostles Being mindyd hereafter to folowe the same conformyng owr selffe unto the will and pleasure of owr supreme hedde undre God in erthe the Kinges Majestye and not to follow hensforth the superstitious tradicions of ony forincycall potentate or poore with mutuall assent and consent doo submytt owr selffes unto the mercye of owr said soveraygne Lorde And withe like mutuall assent and consent doo surrender and yelde upe unto the hands of the same all owr saide howse of Saynt Frances in Stanforde comenly callyd the grey Freers in Stanforde withe all Lands tenements gardens medowes waters pondyards feedings pastures comens rentes reverssons and all other our interest ryghtes or tytles aperteying unto the same mooste humbly besechyng His mooste Noble grace to disspose of us and of the same as best schall stonde wythe His mooste graciouse pleasure And farther freely to graunt unto every one of us His licens undre wretyng and seall to change our abites into seculer fassion and to receive such maner of livyngs as other secular Priestes comenly be preferryd unto And we all faythfully schall pray unto Almighty God long to preserve His moost noble grace wyth encrease of moche felicitie and honor And in witnes of all and singuler the premisses we the saide Warden and Covent of the grey Freers in Stanforde to these presents have put owr Covent Sceall the yeght day of Octobre in the thyrtythe yere of the Raygne of owr moost Soverayne King Henry the yeght Factum Johannis Schemy Gardian Per me Fratrem Johannem Robards Per me Fratrem Johan Chadwhort Per me Fratrem Ricardum Pye Per me Fratrem Johannem Clarke Per me Fratrem Johannem Quoyte Per me Fratrem Johannem Jarman Per me Fratrem JohanneÌ„ Yong. Per me Fratrem Johannem Lo vell Per me Fratrem Willielmum Tomson 3. Other Resignations were far more humble and submissive A more humble form of surrender with an acknowledgment of their vitious and voluptuous lives such was the surrender made by the Prior and Covent of S. Andrews in Northampton which because very tedious we shall onely transcribe so much thereof as concerneth our present purpose But as well as others our predecessors called religiouse persons within yowr said Monastery taking on us the habite of owtward vesture of the said rule onely to the intent to lead owr liffes in the ydle quyetnesse and not in vertuose exercyse in a stately estimation and
His choller now swelling high because opposed by the Rebels more than His judgment in this His expression and seeing an Historian should suum cuique tribuere give me leave a little to enlarge in this subject 2. Of the Lord Marney What the Lord Marney was I can say but little finding him whilst as yet but a Knight Sir Henry Servant and one of the Executors to the Lady Margaret Countesse of Darby at which time he was Chancellour of the Dutchie of Lancaster It seemeth he rose by the Law being the first and last Baron of his name whose sole Daughter was married to Thomas Howard Vicount Bindon 3. Longer must we insist on the Parentage Three noble Branches of the Darcyes in the North. performances and posterity of Thomas Lord Darcy finding in the North three distinct branches thereof whereof the first was Begun Continued Extingnished In Norman de Adrecy or Darcy possessed under K Will the Conquerour of many Manours in Yorke shire and * Dooms-day book chap. 32. in Lincoln shire Lincoln shire where Normanbye His prime seat seemeth so named by him For ten Generations most of them buried in Noketon Priory in Lincoln sh by them founded and indowed viz 1. Robert 2. Thomas 3. Thomas 4. Norman 5. Norman 6. Philip. 7. Norman 8. Philip. 9. Norman 10. Philip. In Philip Darcy dying issue-less whose two Sisters and Co-heires were married the one to Roger Pedwardine the other to Peter of Limbergh 4. The first Male Line of the Darcyes being thus determined a second Race succeeded derived from Norman Darcy the Penultim Lord in the last Pedigree Begun Continued Extinguished In Iohn Darcy Son to the aforesaid Norman Steward to the King's Houshold Justice of Ireland For five descents being Barons of Knaith Moynill 1. John 2. John 3. Philip. 4. John 5 Philip. In Philip the fifth Baron who though dying under age left two Daughters Elizabeth married to Sir James Strangewayes of Hartley Castle and Margaret to Sir Iohn Coigniers of Hornbey-Castle 5. Thus expired the second Male stem of the Darcyes styled Barons of Knaith long since aliened from their Family and for this last hundred years the habitation of the Lord Willoughby of Parham Come we now to the third Stemme which was Begun Continned Extinguished In Sir Iohn Darcy of Torxay second Son to the last Lord John Darcy of Knaith Through seven Generations 1. Richard 2. William 3. Thomas 4. George 5. Iohn 6. Michael 7. Iohn In Iohn Lord Darcy of Ashton dying issue-lesse though hee had foure Wives in the Reigne of King Charles 6. Thomas Darcy here named is the person the subject of this discourse of whom four things are memorable 1. He was Knighted by K. Henry the seventh who made him Captain of the Town and Castle of Barwick * privatae Sigilla de anno 14 Henrici 7. and Commander of the East and Middle Marches 2. K Henry the eighth in the first year of his Reign made him Iustice in Eyre of the Forests beyond Trent summoned him the same yeare as a Baron to Parliament imployed him with a Navie An. 1511. to assist Ferdinand King of Arragon against the Moores and made him knight of the Garter 3. Though the Ancestours of this Thomas Darcy since the second Branch was expired were styled Lords in some Deeds whether by the courtesie of the Countrey or because the right of a Barony lay in them yet this Thomas was the first summoned Baron to Parliament in the first of King Henry the eighth and his Successours took their place accordingly 4. Though the Revenue of this Thomas Lord Darcy was not great at the beginning of King Henry the eighth because the Heires Generall of the Lord Darcyes of Knaith carried away the maine of the Inheritance yet he had a considerable Estate augmented by his Match with Dowsabella the Daughter and Heire of Sir Richard Tempest The result of all is this This Lord was most Honourably descended and his Nobility augmented not first founded by K. Henry the eighth as his words did intimate Let therefore passionate Princes speak what they please their patient Subjects will believe but their just proportion And although the Foxes eares must be reputed horns whilst the Lyon in presence is pleased so to term them yet they never alter their nature and quickly recover the name after the Lyons departure This I though fit to write in vindication of the Lord Darcy who though he owed his life to the Law it is cruelty he should lose both it and the just honour of his Extraction 7. As for the present Coigniers Lord Darcy he is not onely descended from the foresaid Lord Thomas but also from the Heire Generall of the second Stem of the Lord Darcyes of Knaith and was by King Charles accordingly restored to take his place in Parliament The antient English Nobility great Losers by the Dissolution of Abbeys ALthough many modern Families have been great Gainers by the destruction of Monasteries Antient Nobility losers yet the Antient Nobility when casting up their Audits found themselves much impaired thereby both in power and profit commodity and command I mean such whose Ancestours had been Founders of Abbeys or great Benefactours unto them These reserved to themselves and their Heirs many Annual Rents and Services Reliefs Escuage as also that such Abbots and their Successours should doe Fealry and Homage to their Heirs for such Lands as they held of them in Knights Service 2. Now although order was taken at the dissolution to preserve such Rents to the Founders Heires payable unto them by the Kings Officers out of the Exchequer yet such summes after long attendance were recovered with so much difficulty that they were lost in effect Good rents ill paid Thus when the few sheaves of the Subject are promiscuously made up in the Kings mewe it is hard to finde them there and harder to fetch them thence 3. As for the foresaid Services reserved either at money Services wholly lost or money worth to them and their Heires they were totally and finally extinguished for formerly such Abbeys used 1. To send men on their own Charges in Voyages to Warre to aid and attend such of their Founders and Benefactors Heires of whom they held Land in Knights service 2. They bountifully contributed a Portion to the Marriage of their eldest Daughters 3. They bear the Costs and charges to accoutre their eldest Sonnes in a gentile military equipage when Knighted by the King But now the Tree being pluckt up by the roots no such fruit could afterwards be expected 4. Nor must we forget the benefit of Corrodies With the commodity of Corodies so called à conradendo from eating together for the Heires of the foresaid Founders not by courtesie but composition for their former favours had a priviledge to send a set number of their poor Servants to Abbeys to diet therein Thus many aged Servants past working not feeding costly to keep and
sides these what beautifull Bibles rare Fathers subtile School-men usefull Historians antient middle modern what painfull Comments were here amongst them what monuments of Mathematicks all massacred together seeing every book with a crosse was condemned for Popish with circles for conjuring Yea I may say that then holy Divinity was prophaned Physick it self hurt and a trespasse yea a riot committed on the Law it self And more particularly the History of former times then and there received a dangerous wound whereof it halts at this day and without hope of a perfect cure must go a cripple to the grave 5. Some would perswade us N Anabaptisticall humour but down-right ignoâ—ancâ— the cause thereof that in all this there was a smack or tast of Anabaptistical fury which about this time began in Germany where they destroyed the stately Libraries of Munster and Osnabrude Indeed as the wicked tenants in the Gospel thought themselves not safe in and sure of the vineyard till they had killed the heire that so the inheritance might be their own so the Anabaptists conceived themselves not in quiet possession of their Anarchie and sufficiently established therein whilst any learning did survive which in processe of time might recover its right against them and therefore they bent their brains to the final extirpation thereof But I am more charitably inclined to conceive that simple ignorance not fretted embossed with malice or affected hatred to learning caused that desolation of Libraries in England though perchance some there were who conceived these books as the c Jude v. 23. garment spotted with sin had contracted such a guilt being so long in the possession of superstitious-owners that they deserved as an anathema to be consigned to a perpetual destruction 6. Some will say â—ullen dispositions câ—uslesly agrieved that herein I discover an hankering after the onions and flesh-pots of Egypt and that the bemoaning the losse of these monuments is no better than Lot's wives looking back with a farewell-glance to the filthy City of Sodome To such I protest my self not to have the least inclination to the favour of Monkery But enough For I know some back-friends of learning there be that take it ill that we have jogg'd them in this discourse and therefore we will let them alone to be setled quietly on the lees of their own ignorance praying to God that never good Librarie may lie at the mercy of their disposal lest having the same advantage they play the like prank to the prejudice of Learning and Religion Many good bargains or rather cheap penny-worths bought of Abbey-lands IF ever the Poets fiction of a golden shoure rained into Danae her lap The profuse gifts grants of K. Henry found a morall or reall performance it was now at the diffipation of Abbey-lands And though we will not give hearing or belief in full latitude of his slanderous pen that reports how King Henry when antient and diseased cholerick and curious in trifles was wont to rewards such as d Sanders de Scbis Angl. ordered His skrine or chaire in a convenient distance from the fire so as to please Him with the Church of some Abbey or lead of some Church Yet it is certain that in this Age small merits of Courtiers met with a prodigious recompense for their service Not onely all the cooks but the meanest turn-broach in the King's kitchin did lick his fingers Yea the King's servants to the third and fourth degree tasted of His liberality it being but proportionable that where the Master got the Manour in fee his man under him should obtain some long Lease of a Farme of considerable value 2. Indeed K. Henry besides His own disposition to munificence was doubly concerned to be bountifull herein King Henry his engagement to liberality First in honour for seeing the Parliament with one breath had blown so much profit unto Him and had with their suffrage conferr'd the harvest of Abbey-lands on the Crown it was fitting that some especially the principal Advancers of the business should with e Ruth 2. 16. Ruth glean amongst the sheaves Secondly in policie to make many and great men effectually sensible of the profit of this dissolution and so ingaged to defend it Wherefore as He took the greater flowers to garnish His own Crown so He bestowed the lesse buds to beautifie His Noble-mens Coronets But besides these He passed Abbey lands in a fourfold nature to persons of meaner quality 3. First How Mr. Champernoun got the Priorie of Saiâ— Germanes by free Gift Herein take one story of many Master * Cary's Survey of Cornwall 〈◊〉 10â— John Champernoun Sonne and Heire apparent of Sir Philip Champernoun of Modbery in Devon followed the Court and by his pleasant conceits wan good grace with the King It hapned two or three Gentlemen the King's servants and Mr. Champernoun's acquaintance waited at a door where the King was to passe forth with purpose to beg of His Highnesse a large parcell of Abbey-lands specified in their Petition Champernoun was very inquisitive to know their suit but they would not impart the nature thereof This while our comes the King they kneel down so doth Mr. Champernoun being assured by an implicit faith that Courtiers would beg nothing hurtfull to themselves they preferre their Petition the King grants it they render Him humble thanks and so doth Mr. Champernoun Afterwards he requires his share they deny it he appeals to the King the King avows His equall meaning in the Largesse Whereupon his companions were fain to allot this Gentleman the Priorie of S. German in Cornwall valued at g Speed But quaere whether he had all the land or onely the site of the Priory two hundred fourty three pound and eight shillings of yearly rent since by him or his heirs sold to Mr. Eliot for his partage Here a dumb beggar met with a blinde giver the one as little knowing what he asked as the other what He granted Thus King Henry made cursorie Charters and in transitu transacted Abbey-lands I could adde how He gave a Religious house of some value to Mistresse for presenting Him with a dish of Puddings which pleased His palate 4. Secondly How Sir Miles Patridge got Jesus bells by Play Whereat He lost many a thousand pound per annum Once being at dice He played with Sir Miles Patridge staking an hundred pounds against them for h Stows Survey of London in Farington ward within 〈◊〉 Jesus Bells hanging in a Steeple not farre from S. Paul's in London and as great and tuneable as any in the City and lost them at a cast I will not with some heighten the guilt of this act equal to that which cast lots on Christ's garments but sure it is no sin to say that such things deserv'd more serious and deliberate disposall 5. Thirdly Glauâ—us and Diomodes his exchange by Exchange To make these chops none were frighted with
Chappels 1545 The first of these were most in Number the second richest in Revenue the third in this respect better than both the former because they being spent and consumed these alone were left to supply His occasions 3. The Universities were more scared than hurt at the news of all Colledges put into the King's disposall The Universities fears They knew that Barbarisme it self had mischievous naturall Logick to make those Generall words reach farre especially if covetousnesse of some Officers might be permitted to stretch them whereupon they * Lord Herbert in H. 8 p. 537. made their humble and seasonable addresses to the King for His favour 4. None ever robbed the Muses who were well acquainted with them Happily turned into joy and thankfulnesse King Henry had too much Scholarship to wrong Scholars Either University was so farre from being impaired that both were improved by His bounty with Pensions for the places of their Publick Professors yea the fairest Colledge in either University in effect acknowledges Him for its Founder 5. Such Colledges as were Hives of Drones not of Bees What Chanters c. were industriously advancing Learning and Religion were now intended to be suppressed with free Chappels and Chanteries 1. Chanteries consisted of Salaries allowed to one or more Priests to say daily Masse for the Soules of their deceased Founders and their Friends These were Adjectives not able to stand of themselves and therefore united for their better support to some Parochial Collegiate or Cathedrall Church 2. Free Chappell 's though for the same use and service were of a more substantiall and firm constitution as independent of themselves 3. Colledges were of the same nature with the former but more considerable in bignesse building number of Priests and endowments But the ensuing death of King Henry the eighth for a time preserved the life of these Houses which were totally demolished by Act of Parliament in the first year of King Edward the sixt 6. One may observe Two Statutes on different considerations that the two Statutes made for the dissolving of these Houses were bestowed on different considerations Statute 37 Hen. 8. cap. 4. Statute 1 Edwardi 6. cap. 14. Chargeth Misdemeanors on the Priests and Governours of the aforesaid Chanteries that of their own Authority without the assent of their Patrons Donours or Founders they had let Leases for Lives or term of years of their said Lands and some had suffered Recoveries levied Fines and made Feoffments and other Conveyances Contrary to the will and purposes of their Founders to the great contempt of Authority Royall Wherefore in consideration of His Majesties great costs and charges in His present Warres with France and Scotland the Parliament put Him and His Successors for ever in the reall and actuall possesion of such Chanteries c. Mentioneth the Superstitious uses of these Houses considering that a great part of Errors of Christian Religion hath been brought into the mindes and estimation of men by reason of the Ignorance of their very true and perfect Salvation through the death of Christ and by devising and fancying vaine opinions of Purgatory and Masses satisfactory for the dead Wherefore that the said Lands might be altered for better uses viz Erecting Grammar-Schools augmentation of the Universities and provision for the Poor the Parliament bestowed them on the King by His Councell to dispose of the same accordingly 7. To begin with Chanteries Forty seven Chanteries in Saint Paul's Church London their exact number in all England is unknown But if Hercules may by a Mathematician be measured from his foot a probable conjecture may be made of them from those which we finde founded in the Cathedral Church of S. Paul's in London For on the nineteenth of April in the second year of King Edward the sixt a Certificate was returned by the Dean and Chapter of Paul's to His Highnesse Commissioners appointed for that purpose affirming That they had forty seven Chanteries within their Church We will onely instance in the odde seven enough to acquaint us with the nature of all the rest Chaunterie of Founded by For To pray for In S. Pauls Church Present Incumbents Revenue 1. John Beauchamp Knight Himself in his life-time One Chaplain The said Sir Io. and the souls of the Progenitors of the Earle of Warwick Next to the Founders Tomb. Sir Richard Strange  lib. s. d Sum. tot 12 08 08 Deduct 09 06 08 Remain 02 18 08 2. Sir John Poultney Knight Citizen of London His own last Will and Testament in 23 of Edward the third Three Priests His own and all Christian souls In a Chappell by him built on the North side of the Church 1. Sir Fulk Witney 2. Sir Iohn Richardson 3. Sir Iohn Blosse Sum. tot 47 09 04 Deduct 39 17 08 Remain 07 12 06 3. John Duke of Lanâ—aster Ralph Nevil E. of Westmerland Tho. E. of Worcester Executors to the Duke licensed by King Hen. 4. In the 13 of His Reign Two Chaplains King Henry the fourth then living and the soule of the aforesaid Duke of Lancaster In a Chappel by them built on the North of the Church 1. Sir Rich. Smith 2. Sir Roger Charlson Sum. tot 20 00 00 Deduct 16 06 08 Remain 03 13 04 4. Walter Sherington The Executors of his TestameÌ„t licensed by Ki. Henry the sixt in the 24 of his Reign Two Chaplains Englishmen and Graduates The good estate of King Henry the sixt the soul of Walter Sherington In a Chappel built for him at the North door of the Church Mr. Thomas Batemansonne Mr. Iohn Wylmy Sum. tot 20 00 00 Deduct 16 00 00 Remain 02 00 00 5. Thomas More somtime Dean of the Church His Executors Three Priests The soul of the said More and others In the Chappel of S. Anne Sir Richard Gates Sir Robert Garret Sir Morrice Griffith Sum. tot 67 00 06 Deduct 55 00 11 3 4 Remain 12 05 00 1 4 6. Walter Thorpe His Executors One Chaplain The soul of the said Thorpe At S John's Altar Sir Richard Nelson Sum. tot 11 16 00 Deduct 05 04 08 1 1 Remain 06 11 03 1 2 7. Richard Fitz Jams Bishop of London Henry Hill Citizen and Haberdasher in the 13 of Henry 8. One Chaplain Richard Fitz Iames Bishop of London At S. Pauls Altar Sir Iohn Hill Sum. tot 14 06 08 Deduct 14 06 08 Remain 00 00 00 Know Reader I am beholding for my exact intelligence herein to my worthy friend Mr. Thomas Hanson who not onely lent much light to my lamp out of choice Records some in his possession moe in his custody but also hath given much oyle thereunto in his bountifull encouraging of my endevours It seems the Chapter would not goe to the cost of true Arithmetick some of the summes being not rightly deducted whose mistakes I chose rather to follow than to vary any whit from the Originall 8. Observe in these Chanteries Chanteries when they began by
of Paul's in giving up their accounts to the King's Commissioners pretended themselves yearly losers by some of these Chanteries For generally they were founded on candle-rents houses are London's land which were subject to casualtie reparations and vacations In such intervalls though the house wherewith the Chanterie was endowed wanted a Tenant yet the Chanterie must not want a Chaplain to officiate for the dead Yea so charitable was the Dean and Chapter in such cases as sometimes to allow lands in augmentation of maintenance and assigne houses of their own for the habitation of such Chaplains as wanted a mansion The King therefore may be said in some sort to have done a courtesie to the Chapter of Paul's when suppressing such poor Chanteries formerly not beneficial but burdensome unto them 17. By other Chanteries they were only savers Nothing pretended gotten no gainers having only their labour for their pain in seeing things performed according to the Will of the Testatour as in Bishop Fitz. James and many othersâ— so that the Priest paid and other allowances deducted remanets nil as they brought in the reckoning of their receipts and disbursments However we may take notice that herein the Dean and Chapter of Paul's were both their own Accomptants and Auditors and none could disprove their reckonings therein But grant that among forty seven Chanteries two or three of them were unprofitable servants returning no emolument unto them yea suppose as many prodigall children wasting the stock of their Parent understand the Church wherein they were founded yet from the collective body of them altogether she gained a grand revenue And it is considerable that in this their Audit they onely brought in their bare annual rent of houses their fines not being charged on their accompt but swallowed in silence to the great commodity of the Chapter 18. Vast was the wealth accrewing to the Crown by the dissolution of Chanteries The great though uncertain number of Chanteries Many a little saith the Proverb make a mickle These foundations though small in revenue yet being many in number mounted up a great bank There was not a Cathedral or Collegiate-Church in England but some Chanteries were founded therein as in many Parochial-Churches Thus at Oldwincle in North hampton shire the Village of my nativity a Chantery in the Parish-Church of All-Saints was endowed with house and lands for a Priest at the cost of Sir John Oldwincle Knight about the Reign of King Henry the sixt Yea let the model of Countrey-Churches be well observed wherein such excursions of building as present themselves beyond the old fabrick from which oft-times they differ as neater and newer were since erected and added as intended and used for Chanteries 19. Free-Chappels succeed Free Chappels and Colledges not so called from the freenesse and bounty of their Founders but because subsisting of themselves as children of full age whose parents are still alive For though Chappell speaks a relation to a Mother-Church yet free avoweth them sui juris especially so farre forth that right of burialls belonged unto them These were greater than Chanteries having more room for Priests and moe Priests for that room to pray for the souls of their Founders Colledges come the last as the heaviest and best ladâ—n with land into consideration These though fewest in number were richer than both the former insomuch that the Colledge of Fothering hay in North-hampton-shire was yearly valued at Four hundred nineteen pounds eleven shillings ten pence hafpeny And no wonder since this * See Speeds Catalogue in Norâ—hamptonshire Colledge had the rare happinesse to be endowed by the Kings both of Yorke and Lancaster at deadly mutuall enmity yet joyntly agreeing in their bounty to this place 20. How much the yearly revenue of all these Chanteries A 〈◊〉 scit of wealth accruing to the Crown Free-Chappels and Colledges amounted to God knows for the King knew as little as some in our Age. Indeed some of His Officers did but would not know as wilfully concealing their knowledge herein Yea some of these Chanteries may be said in a double sense to be supprest as not onely put down but also concealed never coming into the Exchequer being silently pocketed up by private but potent persons True it is the Courtiers were more rapacious to catch and voracious to swallow these Chanteries than Abbey-lands For at the first many were scrupulous in minde or modest in manners doubting the acceptance of Abbey-land though offered unto them till profit and custome two very able Confessours had by degrees satisfied their consciences and absolved them from any fault therein Now all scruples removed Chantery-land went down without any regreet Yea such who mannerly expected till the King carved for them out of Abbey lands scrambled for them selves out of Chantery-revenues as knowing this was the last dish of the last course and after Chanteries as after cheese nothing to be expected As for those who fairly purchased them of the King they had such good bargains therein that thereby all enriched and some ennobled both themselves and posterity But for satisfaction herein I referre the Reader to his * Sir Iohn Hayward in Edw. 6. pag. 155. pen who never spared any that came under it and seldome such as came neer it who speaks more bitternesse than falshood in this particular 21. The Chanterie-Priests Pensions assigned to Chantery-Priests by this suppression outed at once of all their livelyhood were not left to the wide world to shift for themselves but had durante vita pensions setled on them by King Edward His Letters Patents I have seen in the Auditor's Office for the North-part of the Dutchie of Lancaster the * Made in the 3 4 of Phil. and Mary Account of William Mallet Esq particular Receiver of the rents Colledges Chanteries c. in the Countie of Yorke viz of so many of them as were in that Shire annexed to the Dutchie of Lancaster which parcell alone amounted yearly to Seven hundred ninety six pounds four shillings two pence halfpeny Out of which summe was deducted One hundred twenty six pounds two shillings four pence for annuall pensions to Chantery Priests and others five pounds apiece the generall proportion assigned them for term of life by King Edward the sixt 22. The Parliament at the same time put Hospitalls also into the King's possession Some tendernesse to Hospitalls Yet surely more tendernesse was used to Hospitalls and I finde very few of them finally suppressed Indeed that of the Savoy at this time was much * Stows Survey of London pag. 344. abused with Loyterers Vagabonds and Strumpets which lay all day in the fields and at night were harboured there In which consideration King Edward dissolved the Hospitall but gave the land thereof worth six hundred pound per annum to the City of * Stow ut prius p. 491. London to endow Bridewell therewith Thus He did not extinguish charity
antient amongst the Barons to the degree and dignity of Viscounts wherein that it may long flourish in plenty and happinesse is the daily prayer of Your Honours most obliged Servant THOMAS FVLLER THE Church-History OF BRITAIN KING HENRY the eighth Jan. 28. though dying excommunicate in the Church of Rome The hopefull beginning of King Edward had notwithstanding His Obsequies solemnly performed at Paris in France 1546. 7. by the command of Francis the French a Godwin in Edvardo â—exto pag. 158. King presuming so much on His own power and the Pope's patience otherwise such courtesie to His friend might have cost Him a curse to Himself Then began King Edward His Son Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 1. to reign scarce ten years old Ann. Dom. full of as much worth as the model of His age could hold No pen passeth by Him without praising Him though none praising Him to His full deserts Yea Sanders himself having the stinch of his railing tongue over-sented with the fragrant ointment of this Prince's memory though jeering His for His want of age which was God's pleasure and not King Edward's fault and mocking Him for His Religion the others highest honour alloweth Him in other respects large commendations 2. No sooner was He come to the Crown Peace and prosperity to the Protestants in England but a peaceable dew refreshed Gods inheritance in England formerly patched with persecution and this good Angel struck off the fetters from many Peters in prison preserving those who were appointed to die Onely Thomas Dobbie Fellow of S. Johns in Cambridge committed to the Counter in Bread street and condemned for speaking against the Masse died of a natural death in respect of any publick punishment by Law inflicted on him but whether or no any private impression of violence hastened his end God alone knoweth His speedy death prevented the b Fox Acts Mon. Vol. 2. pag. 655. pardon which the Lord Protectour intended to send him Divine Providence so ordering it that he should touch not enter see not taste behold not reap benefit on earth of this Reformation Other Confessours which had fled beyond sea as John Hooper Miles c Senders de Schis Anglic. lib. 2. pag. 230. Coverdale c. returned with joy into their Countrey and all Protestants which formerly for fear had dissembled their religion now publickly professed the same Of these Archbishop Cranmer was the chiefest who though willingly he had done no ill and privately many good offices for the Protestants yet his cowardly compliance hitherto with Poperie against his conscience cannot not be excused Ann. Dom. 1546-47 serving the times present in his practice Ann Reg. Ed. 6 1. and waiting on a future alteration in his hopes and desires 3. Edward Semaure Commissionners sent into several Counties with Instructions to reform the King's Uncle lately made Lord Protectour Jan. 28. and Duke of Somerset ordered all in Church and State He by the King's power or if you please the King in his protection took speedy order for Reformation of Religion And being loth that the people of the Land should live so long in errour and ignorance till a Parliament should be solemnly summoned which for some Reasons of State could not so quickly be call'd in the mean time by His own Regall power and authority and the advise of His wise and honourable Counsell chose Commissioners and sent them with Instructions into severall parts of the Kingdome for the rooting out of superstition the substance whereof thirty six in number we have here presented The King's Injunctions 1. That all Ecclesiasticall persons observe the Lawes for the abolishing the pretended and usurped power of the Bishop of Rome and confirmation of the Kings authority and supremacie 2. That once a Quarter at least they sincerely declare the Word of God disswading their people from superstitious fancies of Pilgrimages praying to Images c. exhorting them to the works of faith mercy and charitie 3. That Images abused with Pilgrimages and offerings thereunto be forthwith taken down and destroyed and that no more wax-Candles or Tapers be burnt before any Image but onely two lights upon the high Altar before the Sacrament shall remain still to signifie that Christ is the very light of the world 4. That every Holy day when they have no Sermon the Pater noster Credo and Ten Commandements shall be plainly recited in the Pulpit to the Parishioners 5. That Parents and Masters bestow their Children and Servants either to learning or some honest occupation 6. That such who in Cases exprest in the Statute are absent from their Benefices leave learned and expert Curates 7. That within three Months after this Visitation the Bible of the larger volume in English and within twelve Months Erasmus his Paraphrase on the Gospel be provided and conveniently placed in the Church for people to read therein 8. That no Ecclesiasticall persons haunt Ale-houses or Taverns or any place of unlawfull gameing 9. That they examine such who come to confession to them in Lent whether they can recite their Creed Pater noster and ten Commandements in English before they receive the blessed Sacrament of the Altar or else they ought not to presume to come to Gods board 10. That none be admitted to preach except sufficiently licensed 11. That if they have heretofore extolled Pilgrimages Reliques worshipping of Images c. they now openly recant and reprove the same as a common errour groundlesse in Scripture 12. That they detect and present such who are Letters of the Word of God in English and Fautours of the Bishop of Rome his pretended power 13. That a Register-Book be carefully kept in every Parish for Weddings Christnings and Burialls 14. That all Ecclestasticall persons not resident upon their Benefices and able to dispend yearly twenty pounds and above shall in the presence of the Church-Wardens or some other honest men distribute the fourtieth part of their revenues amongst the poor of the Parish 15. That every Ecclesiasticall person shall give competent exhibition to so many Schollers in one of the Universities as he hath hundred pounds a year in Church promotions 16. That the fift part of their Benefices be bestowed on their Mansion-houses or Chancells till they be fully repaired 17. That he readeth these Injunctions once a Quarter 18. That none bound to pay Tithes detain them by colour of Duty omitted by their Curates and so redoub one wrong with another 19. That no person henceforth shall alter any Fasting-day that is commanded or manner of Common Prayer or Divine Service otherwise then specified in these Injunctions untill otherwise ordered by the Kings authority 20. That every Ecclesiasticall person under the degree of Batchelour of Divinity shall within three Months after this Visitation provide of his own the New Testament in Latine and English with Erasmus his Paraphrase thereon And that Bishops by themselves and their Officers shall examine
time in York shire which from a small pustle might have proved a painfull bile yea a fistulated ulcer if neglected it was quickly quelled on the execution of Omler and Dale the chief promoters thereof 22. By the favour of Sir Thomas Cotton 1550. having obtained to make use of his Library our English Vatican Abstracts of Church matters out of K. Edwards own Diary for Manuscripts I shall transcribe King Edwards Diurnall written with His own hand of the transactions in His Reigne True it is His Observations for his two first years are short and not exactly expressing the notation of time but His Notes as the Noter got perfection with His age They most belong to Secular affairs out of which we have selected such as respect Ecclesiasticall matters May the Reader be pleased to take notice that though my Observations as printed goe a-breast in parallel Columes with those of His Highnesse it is my intention they should observe their distance in their humble attendance thereupon Text Royall Observations thereon THe Lord Protectour by his own a a Thus the Pilot to save the Ship from sinking casts out the rich lading into the Sea agreement April 2. and submission lost his b b This lay void ever after whilst the Treasurership was presently conferred on Will Powlet Marquesse of Winchester and the Marshalship on John Dudley Earle of Warwick Protectourship Treasurership Marshalship all his Moveables and neer 2000 li. Land by Act of Parliament The Bp. of c c Namely George Day who notwithstanding this Sermon remained a zealous Papist and on that score was deprived of his Bishoprick Chichester before a vehement affirmer of Transubstantiation Ann. Dom. 1650. did Preach against it at Westminster in the Preaching-place April 4. My Lord Somerset taken into the Counsel 10. Order taken 13. that whosoever had d d Understand it not by Private Patrones but either presented by the King or Lord Chancellour Benefices given them should preach before the King in or out of Lent and every Sunday there should be a Sermon Masse for the Lady Mary denied to the Emperours e e These ingaged Archbishop Cranmer and Bishop Ridlye to presse the King with politick Reasons for the permission therof He unable to answer their Arguments fell a weeping Ambassadour 19. It is granted that my Lord of Somerset should have all his moveable Goods 27. and Leases except those that be already f f Courtiers keep what they catch and catch what ever they can come by given May 2. Joane g g An obstinate Heretick maintaining That Christ assumed nothing of the Virgin Mary but passed through Her as a Conduit-pipe She with one or two Arians were all who and that justly died in this Kings Reign for their Opinions Bocher otherwise called Joane of Kent was burnt for holding that Christ was not incarnate of the Virgin Mary being condemned the year before but kept in hope of conversion The Bishops of London and Ely were to perswade her but she withstood them and reviled the Preacher that preached at her death The Lord Cobham and Sir William Peter came home from their journy 20. delivering both the Oath and the Testimonial of the Oath witnessed by divers Noblemen of France and also the h h Advantageous enough for the French and dishonourable too much to the English whose covetousnesse was above their sense of Honor selling Bologne bought with blood for a summe of money Treaty sealed with the great Seal of France and in both was confessed that I was i i The Controversie about this Title lying not betwixt the Crowns of England and France but betwixt England and Rome no wonder if the French yeilded to any Style in a Treaty so gainfull to themselves supreme Head of the Church of England and Ireland Ann. Dom. 1550. The Duke of Somerset June 9. Marquesse of North-hampton Lord Treasurer Bedford and the Secretary Peter went to the Bishop of Winchester to know to what he would k k For as yet this subtile-Statist scarce knew his own mind often receding from his Resolves whose inconstancy in this kinde incensed the King and Councell against him stick He made Answer that he would obey and let forth all things set forth by Me and My Parliament and if he were troubled in conscience he would reveal it to the Councell and not reason openly against it The Books of My Proceedings were sent to the Bishop of Winchester to see whether hee would set his hand to it 10. or promise to set it forth to the people The Duke of Somerset 14. with five others of the Councell went to the Bp. of the Winchester to whom he made this Answer I having deliberately seen the Book of Common-Prayer although I would not have made it so my self yet I finde such things in it as satisfieth my conscience therefore both I will execute it my self and also see other my l l Parish in the Dialect of a Bishop is notoriously known to be his Diocese Yet I deny not but that the numerous Parishioners of Saint Mary Overies wherein Winchester-House are herein particularly intended Parishioners to doe it This was subscribed by the aforesaid Counsellours that they heard him say these words The Earl of Warwick July 9. the Lord Treasurer Sir William Herbert and Secretary Peter went to the Bishop of Winchester with certain Articles signed by Me and the Councel containing the Confessing of his Fault the Supremacy the establishing of Holy-daies the abolishing of the six Articles c. whereunto he put his hand saving to the Confession Sir William Herbert and the Secretary Peter July 10. were sent to him to tell him That I marvelled that he would not put his hand to the Confession To whom he made Answer That he would not doe it because he was m m If conscious of no crime he is not to be condemned for justifying his own integrity innocent 11. The Bishop of London Secretary Peter Mr. Cecil and Gooderich were commanded to make certain Articles according to the Laws and to put them in the Submission It was appointed that under the n n Such Umbrages of Simulation presumed lawful by all Politicians Quaere whether the Protestants in the Netherlands or France those of High Germany being beyond the line of probability were here intended shadow of preparing for Sea-matters 12. there should be sent 5000 lib. to the Protestants to get their good wills The Bishop of Winchester denied the o o They were drawn up in so punctual expressions the other had neither compasse for evasion nor covert for equivocation Articles 14. which the Bishop of London and others had made The Bishop of Winchester was p p A Rod formerly in fashion but never so soundly layd on as of late sequestred from his fruits for three months 19.
with the Church of St. Mary le Strand were pluckt down to make room for it The stones and timber were fetcht from the Hospitall of S. Johns This Somerset house is so tenacious of his name that it would not change a Dutchie for a Kingdome when solemnly proclaimed by King James Denmarke-house from the King of Denmarke's lodging therein and His Sister Queen Anne her repairing thereof Surely it argueth that this Duke was wel belov'd Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 6. because his name made such an indelible impression on this his house whereof he was not full five years peaceably possessed Ann. Dom. 1552. 47. We lately made mention of Barnaby Fitz-Patrick The Kings Instructions to Fitz-Patrick for his behaviour in France to whom the King directed His Letter as who was bred and brought up with Him from His infancy though somewhat the older He was Prince Edward's PROXIE for CORRECTION though we may presume seldome suffering in that kinde such the Princes generall innocence and ingenuity to learn His book Yet when such execution was done as Fitz-Patrick was beaten for the Prince the Prince was beaten in Fitz-Patrick so great an affection did He bare to His Servant Towards the end of His Reign He maintained him in the Court of France both to learn fashions there and send intelligence thence And it will not be amisse to insert the King's private Instructions unto him how he should behave himself in the French Court partly for the rarity partly for the certainty thereof having it transcribed out of the Originall of the King 's own hand as followeth 1. First he shall goe in the Lord Admirals Company and at the same Lords departing he shall have a Letter to the French King which the Lord Admirall shall deliver and present him to the French King and if it shall chance that the French King will give him any Pension entertainment or reward at his being there for the time he tarrieth there he shall receive it and thank His Majesty for it and shall serve when he shall be appointed Neverthelesse when he is out of the Court he shall be most conversant with Mr. Pickering * Afterwards Knighted and supposed suâ—â—er to Qâ—liz 2. And at his setting forth shall carry with him four Servants and if the wages amount to any great summe more than I give him that the French King giveth him to live there after that proportion advertising Me of the same 3. Also all this Winter he shall study the Tongue and see the manner of the Court and advertise Me of the occurrences he shall hear and if he be desirous to see any place Notable or Town he may goe thither asking leave of the King And shall behave himself honestly more following the company of Gentlemen than pressing into the company of the Ladies there and his chief pastime shall be Hunting and Riding 4. Also his Apparell he shall wear it so fine as shall be comely and not much superfluous And the next Sommer when either the King goeth or sendeth any man of name into the Warres to be His Lieutenant or to lead an Army he shall desire to goe thither and either himself or else shall will Mr. Pickering to declare to the French King how he thinketh not himself to have fully satisfied nor recompensed neither His Majesties good entertainment nor Mine expectation who had sent him over if he should return having so delicately and idlely almost spent the time without he did at this time of service be desirous to goe himself into the Warres by the which thing he might at this time doe His Majesty service and also learn to doe Me service hereafter yea and His Majesty to if the case so required And therefore seeing this Nobleman shall now goe that his request is to have leave to goe with him 5. Having said this to the French King he shall depart into the Warres waiting on this Nobleman that shall be sent and there he shall mark the divers fortifications of places and advantages that the enemy may take and the ordering and conduct of the Armies As also the fashion of the skirmishes battles and assaults and the plats of the chief Towns where any enterprises of weight have been done he shall cause to be set out in black and white or otherwise as he may and shall send them hither to Me with advertisement of such things as have passed 6. Furthermore he shall at all times when he taketh money advertise Me of it and I shall send him And so the next year being well spent upon further advertisement and taking leave of the French King he shall return 7. And if there arise or grow any doubt in any matter hereafter in the which be shall need advise he shall advertise by the Post and shall have Anser thereof This Barnaby Fitz-Patrick after his return out of France was created by the King Baron of upper Ossery in Ireland and died a most excellent Protestant as hereafter we shall shew in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth 48. On the 15 th of April Little Church-work in this Parliament the Parliament ended which had sate three Moneths at Westminster April 15. though therein nothing of Church-matters determined save a Penalty imposed on such who should strike or draw weapon in Church or Church-yard with the abolishing of the generall Holy daies of S. Mary Magdalen and S. Geroge yet so that it should be lawfull for the latter to be solemnly celebrated by the Knights of the Right honourable Order of the Garter The Orders of which Order were about this time reformed and purged from some antient superstitions An ill presage 49. Six k Bishop Godwins Annals in this year Dolphins were taken in the Thames three neer Quinborough and three above Greenwich where the Thames is scarce tainted with brackishnesse in so much that many grave men dispensed with their wisdome and beheld them with wonder as not seen before on our shores A fish much loving man and musick swifter than all other fishes and birds too yea than the Swallow it self if Pliny l Nat. Hist l. 9. cap. 8. say true though all their celerity besteaded them not here to escape the nets of the fisher-men Their coming up so farre was beheld by Mariners as a presage of fowl weather at Sea but by States-men as a prodigious omen of some tempestuous mutations in our Land And particularly they suspected the Kings death though for the present He was very pleasant and merry in His progresse about the Countrey Aug. 22. as by his ensuing Letter to His former favourite written in the next August doth appear EDWARD THE cause why we have not hitherto written unto you have partly been the lack of a convenient Messenger partly because we meant to have some thing worthy writing ere VVe would write any thing And therefore being now almost in the midst of Our journey which VVe have undertaken this Sommer VVe have thought
to oppose and the flattery of the Courtiers most willing to comply matters were made as sure as mans policy can make that good which is bad in it self But the Commons of England who for many yeers together had conn'd loyalty by-heart out of the Statute of Succession were so perfect in their lesson that they would not be put out of it by this new started designe so that every one proclaimed Mary next Heir in their consciences and few daies after King Edwards death all the project miscarried of the plotters whereof some executed more imprisoned most pardoned all conquered and Queen Mary crowned Thus though the streame of Loyalty for a while was violently diverted to runne in a wrong channell yet with the speediest opportunitie it recovered the right course again 2. But now in what manner this Will of King Edwards was advanced The truth of the carriage of Sr. Edward Mountagu in his drawing up the Will of King Edw. the sixth that the greatest blame may be laid on them who had the deepest guilt the following answer of Sr. Edward Mountagu Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas accused for drawing up the Will and committed by Queen Mary to prison for the same will truly acquaint us The original whereof under his own hand was commnuicated unto me by his great grandchilde Edward Lord Mountagu of Boughton and here faithfully exemplified SR Edward Mountagu Knight late Chief-Justice of the Common Pleas received a letter from Greenwich dated the eleventh day of June last past signed with the hands of the Lord Treasurer the Duke of Northumberland John Earl of Bedford Francis Earl of Shrewsburie the Earl of Pembroke the Lord Clynton the Lord Darcie John Gate William Peter William Cecill John Cheke whereby he was commanded to be at the Court on the morrow by one of the clock at after-noon and to bring with him Sr. John Baker Justice Bromley the Attorney and Solicitour General and according to the same all they were there at the said hour of one of the clock And after they were brought to the presence of the King the Lord Treasurer the Marquesse of Northampton Sr. John Gate and one or two more of the Councill whose names he doth not now remember were present And then and there the King by His own mouth said that now in His sicknesse he had considered the state of this His Realm and Succession which if He should decease without Heir of His body should go to the Lady Mary who was unmarried and might marry a stranger-borne whereby the Lawâ— of this Realm might be altered and changed and His Highnesse proceedings in Religion might be altered Wherefore His pleasure was that the state of the Crown should go in such forme and to such persons as His Highnesse had appointed in a Bill of Articles not signed with the Kings hand which were read commanded them to make a Book thereof accordingly with speed And they finding divers faults not onely for the incertainty of the Articles but also declaring unto the King that it was directly against the Act of Succession which was an Act of Parliament which would not be taken away by no such devise Notwithstanding His Highnesse would not otherwise but that they should draw a Book according to the said Articles which he then took them and they required a reasonable time of His Highnesse for the doeing thereof and to consider the Laws and Statutes made for the Succession which indeed were and be more dangerous then and of them they did consider and remember and so they departed commanding them to make speed And on the morrow all the said persons met and perusing the said Statutes there grew this question amongst them whether it were presently treason by the words of the Statute of Anno primo Edvardi Sexti or no treason till it were put in execution after the Kings death because the words of the Statute are the King His Heirs and Successours because the King can have no Successours in His life but to be sure they were all agreed that it were the best and surer way to say to the Lords that the execution of this devise after the Kings decease was not onely treason but the making of this devise was also presently treason as well in the whole Councell as in them and so agreed to make their report without doing any thing for the execution thereof And after Sr. William Peter sent for the said Sr. Edward to Eely-place who shewed him that the Lords required great speed in the making of the said Book and he told him there were none like to be made for them for the danger aforesaid And after that the said S. Edward with the rest of his company went to the Court and before all the Council the Duke of Northumberland being not in the Council-chamber made report to the Lords that they had considered the Kings Articles and also the Statutes of Succession whereby it appeared manifestly that if they should make any Book according to the Kings commandment they should not onely be in danger of treason but also their Lordships all wherefore they thought it their bounden duties to declare the danger of the Laws unto them and for avoiding of the danger thereof they had nothing done therein nor intended to doe the Laws being so dangerous and standing in force The Duke of Northumberland having intelligence of their answer either by the Earle of Huntington or by the Lord Admiral cometh into the Council-Chamber before all the Council there benign in a great rage and fury trembling for anger and amongst his ragious talk called the said Sr. Edward Traitour and further said that he would fight in his shirt with any man in that quarrel as all the whole Council being there will report whereby the said Sr. Edward with the rest were in great fear and dread in special Mr. Bromley and the said Sr. Edward for Mr. Bromley told the said after that he dread then that the Duke would have striken one of them and after they were commanded to go home and so departed in great fear without doing any thing more at that time wishing of God they had stood to it as they did then unto this time And after the said Sr. Edward received another letter dated at Greenwich the 14 th of June last past signed with the hands â—f the Lord Treasurer the Earl of Bedford the Marquesse of Northampton the Earle of Shrewsburie the Lord Clynton the Lord Cobham the Lord Darcy William Peter John Gate John Cheeke whereby he was commanded to bring with him Sr. John Baker Justice Bromley and Mr. Gosnolde and to be at the Court on the morrow by one of the clock at after-noon where all they were at the same houre and conveyed into a chamber behinde the Dining-Chamber there and all the Lord looked upon them with earnest countenance as though they had not known them So that the said Sr. Edward with the other might perceive there
were some earnest determination against them and at length they were brought before the King Himself there being present all the whole Council And the King demanded of them why they had not made His Book according to His commandment and refused that to doe with sharp words and angry countenance and the said Sr. Edward opened unto His Highnesse the cause why they did it not and he and other had before declared and opened to the Councill that if the writings were made they were of no effect nor force but utterly void when the King should decease and the Statute of Succession not impaired nor hurted for these will not be taken away but by the same authority they were made and that was by Parliament To that said the King we minde to have a Parliament shortly not telling when which was the first time that the said Sr. Edward heard of any Parliament to be 〈◊〉 Whereunto he said if His pleasure were so all might be deferred to the Parliament and all dangers and perils saved Whereunto the King said he would have this done and after ratifie it by Parliament And after commanded them very sharply upon their allegiance to make it and there were divers of the Lords that stood behind the said Sr. Edward said and if they refused to do that they were traitours And the said Sr. Edward was in great fear as ever he was in all his life before seeing the King so earnest and sharpe and the said Duke so angry the day before who ruled the whole Councill as it pleased him and were all affraid of him the more is the pitty so that such cowardnesse and feare was there never seen amongst honourable men as it hath appeared The said Sr. Edward being an old weak man and without comfort began to consider with himself what was best to be done for the safeguard of his life which was like to chance in that fury and great anger presently And remembring that the making of the said writing was not presently treason by the Statute of Anno primo because this word Successour would take no place while the King was living and determined with himself not to meddle nor execute any thing concerning the same after the death of the King which he hath truly kept hereunto And also remembring that the Queens Highnesse that now is should come by Act of Succession as a purchaser by the law might not lawfully punish treason or contempt committed in the Kings life he said unto the King that he had served His most noble Father many yeers and also His Highnesse during His time Anno Dom. 1553 and loth he would be to disobey His commandment Anno Regin Mar. 1. for his own part he would obey it so that His Highnesse would grant to them His commandment license and commission under His great Seal for the doing making and executing of all things concerning the same and when the things were done that they might have a general pardon All which Commission and pardon was as much as the said Sr. Edward could invent to help this danger over and besides the things above remembred which Commission and pardon the King granted them saying it was but reason that they should have them both and the Commission is passed the Great Seal and the Pardon was signed and as far as he knew sealed All the said matters considered the said Sr. Edward said for his part he would obey the Kings commandment and so did M. Bromley say the same and the King said to Sr. John Baker what say you you said never a word today who as I take it agreed to the same Mr. Gosnold required a respite for he was not yet perswaded to do the thing required How the said Duke and the Earl of Shrewsburie handled him he can tell best himself And after upon the said Sr. Edwards motion the King gave him licence to be advised untill upon the morrow who of himself being in great fear was content to obey the Kings commandment and so the doers and makers of the said Book with sorrowfull hearts and with weeping eyes in great fear and dread devised the said Book according to such Articles as were signed with the Kings proper hand above and beneath and on every side And their said Commission with Articles so signed with the Kings hand and the Book drawn in paper were conveyed from the Court to the Lord Chancelors to be ingrossed in parchment and to passe the great Seal which was done accordingly And on the morrow next after the last Terme ended the said Sr. Edward and all the Judges were sent for he puts his hand to the Book in parchment sealed with the Great Seal and so did many others The said Book of Articles so signed remaineth with the Lord Chancellour Bishop of Eely but who conveyed the said Paper Book into the Chancery or who wrot them or who set their hands to the same Book the said Sr. Edward till he see them he cannot tell but he will not denie but he was privie to the making of them as he hath before said and that he came to the knowledge of the matter by the Articles unsigned and by the Articles signed with the Kings hand and both delivered unto him by the Kings own hands Who put the King in minde to make the said Articles or whowrote them or any of them or by whose procurement or counsell they were made or by what means he and others were called unto this matter he knoweth not but he thinks in his conscience the King never invented this matter of Himself out by some wonderfull false compasse he prayeth God the truth may be known as he doubts not it will be And further he and all his company as well before the King as before the Lords at all times said that their writings before they were made and after they were made were of no value force nor effect to any intent constitution or purpose after the Kings death and there is no remedy to help this but by Parliament And that after the said Thursday being the morrow after the Terme last past that he by any writing printing overt deed or act never did any thing sithence the same day in the Kings life ne sithence the death of the King for he determined with himself to be no executour of the said devise whatsoever should chance of it nor ever medled with the Councill in any thing nor came amongst them untill the Queens Grace that now is was proclaimed Queen in London nor never executed Commission Proclamation or other commandment from the Ladie Jane nor Her Councill but commanded my son to serve the Queens Grace that now is and to go to Sr. Thomas Tresham and Buckingham-shire-men that went to her Grace to defend Her which he so did to my no little cost The case thus stated these notes follow written with the same hand Now that it is to be considered the great fear the said Sr. Edward was
in as well by the Duke of Northumberland on the one day as by the King on the other day Also it is to be considered the Kings commandment upon their allegiance by His own mouth and the Articles signed with His Highnesse own hand and also His Commission license and commandment under His Great Seal to the said Sr. Edward and others for the making of the said Booke Also the Kings pardon signed with His Highnesse hand Also it is to be considered that the said Books were made in the Kings life seaven or eight dayes before His death and the Queens Highnesse being Successour by Act of Parliament to the Crown and having the same as a Purchaser may not lawfully by the Laws of the Realme punish the said offence done in the Kings time Also the said Sr. Edward hath humbly submitted himself to the Queen Highnesse and to the order of the Commissioners Which Commissioners have ordered the said Sr. Edward to pay to Her Highnesse a thousand pounds who hath already paid thereof five hundred pounds and the other five hundred pounds are to be paid at the Feast of All-Saints come Twelve-moneth And also to surrender his letters Patents of lands to the yeerly value of fifty pounds called Eltyngton which he had of the gift of King Edward the Sixth which was all the reward he had of the said King Edward for his service costs and expences Also it is to be considered that the said Sr. Edward is put from his office of the Chief Justice-ship of the Common-Pleas being of the yeerly value of six hundred marks which office the most noble King of famous memorie King Henry the Eighth gave him in consideration of his long service and also had six weeks imprisonment Also it is to be considered that the same Sr. Edward hath seaventeen children viz. eleven Daughters and six Sons whereof one of the said Sons had his legge striken off by the knee in Scotland at Muscleborough-field the Duke of Sommerset being there And his Son and Heire by his commandment served the Queens Highnesse with twenty men to the cost of the said Sr. Edward of one hundred pounds as the Gentlemen of Buckingham-shire can report SO far the late Judge with his own hand Wherein he affirmeth that he medled not with the Councell in any thing afterward as may appear by his not subscribing the letter of the Lords to Queen Mary enjoying shall I say or advising Her to desist from claiming the Crown whereto all the Privie * See them exant in Mr. Fox Act. Mon-Anno 1553. Councellours subscribed onely the hand of Sr. Edward Mountagu is wanting And seeing in the whole transaction of this matter the obedience rather then invention of Judge Mountagu was required not to devise but draw things up according to Articles tendred unto him I cannot believe his * Sr. John Heywood in his Edward 6 report report relating that the King used the advise of Justice Mountagu in drawing up the Letters Patents to furnish the same with reasons of Law as Secretary Cicil with arguments from Policie 3. Some will wonder that no mention herein of Sr. Roger Cholmley Sr. R. Chomley comes off with losse Lord Chief Justice of the Kings Bench and in dignity above Sr. Edward Mountagu at this time but Judge of the Common-Pleas that he was not employed to draw up the Book But it seems Judge Mountagu his judgement was more relied on who had been formerly Lord Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench and deserted it Yet the said Sr. Roger Cholmley was imprisoned for bare subscribing this Will and as it seems lost his place for the same For Justice Bromley though equally guilty with the rest so far favour extends in matters of this nature was not onely pardoned but from an inferiour Judge * See Sr. H. Spelman Glossary in Justiciarius p. 417. Sr. Jam's Hales his honesty advanced to be successour to Sr. Roger Cholmly and made Judge of the Kings-Bench 4. Whereas Sr. Edward saith that all the Judges were sent for and that many put their hands to the Book it intimateth that all did not but that some refused the same it being eminently known to the everlasting honour of Sr. James Hales that no importunity could prevail with him to underwrite this will as against both law and conscience 5. Eight weeks and upwards passed between the proclaiming of Mary Queen Contest betwixt two Religions and the Parliament by her assembled during which time two religions were together set on foot Protestantisme and Poperie the former hoping to be continued the later labouring to be restored And as the Jews Children a Neh. 13. 24. after the captivity spake a middle language betwixt Hebrew and Ashdod so during the aforesaid interim the Churches and Chappels in England had mongrell celebration of their Divine services betwixt Reformation and Superstition For the Obsequies for King Edward were held by the Queen in the Tower August the seaventh Aug. 7. with the Dirige sung in Latin and on the morrow a masse of Requiem and on the same day his Corps were buried at Westminster with a sermon service and Communion in English No small iustling was there betwixt the zealous Promoters of these contrary Religions The Protestants had possession on their side and the Protection of the Laws lately made by King Edward and still standing in free and full force unrepealed Besides seeing by the fidelity of the Suffolk and Norfolke Protestant Gentry the Queen was much advantaged for the speedy recovering of her Right they conceived it but reason that as she by them had regained the Crown so they under her should enjoy their Consciences The Papists put their Ceremonies in Execution presuming on the Queen her private practice and publique countenance especially after she had imprisoned some Protestant and enlarged some Popish Bishops advancing Stephen Gardiner to be Lord Chancelour Many which were Newters before conceiving which side the Queen inclined would not expect but prevent her authority in Alteration So that Superstition generally got ground in the Kingdome Thus it is in the Evening Twi-light wherein light and darknesse at first may seem very equally matcht but the later within little time doth solely prevail 6. What impressions the Comming in of Queen Mary made on Cambridge Mr. Jewell pens the first Congratulatory letter to the Queen shall God willing be presented in our particular History thereof The sad and sudden alterations in Oxford thereby are now to be handled Ma. John Jewel was chosen to pen the first Gratulatorie Letter to the Queen in the Name of the Vniversity an office imposed on him by his enemies that either the refusall thereof should make him incurre danger from his foes or the performance expose him to the displeasure of his friends Yet he so warily penned the same in Generall termes that his Adversaries missed their marke Indeed all as yet were confident that the Queen would maintain the Protestant
legall Tryall is the greatest torment in the World God keepe all good men from feeling and chiefly from deserving it I am the easier induced to believe the Exquisitenesse of the Torture being sensible in my self by your bounty what a burden it is for One who would be ingenuous to be Loaded with Curtesies which He hath not the least hope to requite or deserve 1. IN this year began the Suit betwixt Robert Horne Bishop of Winchester The suit betwixt Bp. Horne and Bonner and Edmund Bonner late Bishop of London on this occasion All Bishops were impowred by the statute quinto Elizabethae to tender the Oath of Supremacy to all persons living within their Diocess Now Bishop Bonner was within the Diocess of Winchester full ill against his will as being a Prisoner in the Marshall-See in Southwarke to whom Horne offered this Oath and he refused the taking thereof Hereupon his refusall was returned into the Kings-Bench and he indicted on the same Being indicted he appeared there confessed the fact but denied himself culpable and intending to traverse the Indictment desired that Councell might be assigned him S r. Robert Cateline then Chief Justice granted his motion and no meaner then Ploydon that eminent Lawyer Christopher Wray afterwards Lord Chief Justice and Lovelace were deputed his Councell 2. First they pleaded for their Client Bonner his Councell that Bonner was indicted without the title and addition of Bishop of London and only stiled Doctour of Law and one in Holy Orders But the Judges would not allow the exception as legall to avoid the Indictment 3. Secondly Their 1. Plea 2. Exception they pleaded that the Certificate entred upon Record was thus brought into the Court. Tali die anno per A. B. Cancellarium dicti Episcopi Winton And did not say per mandatum Episcopi for the want of which clause Bonner his Councell took exceptions thereat sed non allocatur because the Record of it by the Court is not of necessity 4. Pass we by their third exception Main matter debared by the Judges that he was indicted upon that Certificat in the County of Middlesex by the common Jury of enquest in the Kings-Bench for that County It being resolved by the Judges that his triall could not be by a Jury of Middlesex but by a Jury of Surrie of the neighbourhood of Southwark The main matter which was so much debated amongst all the Judges in the Lord Cateline his chamber was this Whether Bonner could give in evidence of that issue that he had pleaded of not guilty that Horne Bishop of Winchester was not a Bishop tempore oblationis Sacramenti at the time wherein he tendred the oath unto Bonner And it was resolved by them a Dyer fol. 234 Mich. 6. 7. El. z. plaâ—â—to 15. all that if the truth of the matter was so indeed that he might give that in evidence upon that issue and that the Jury might trie whether he was a Bishop then or no. 5. Whilest this suit as yet depended Divided by the Parliament Eliz. 8. Sept. 30. 1567. the Queen called a Parliament which put a period to the controversie and cleared the legality of Horne his Episcopacy in a Satute enacting That all persons that have been or shall be made oâ—d red or consicrate Arch-Bishops Bishops Priests Ministers of Gods Holy Word and Sacraments or Deacons after the forme and order prescribed in the said order and form how Arch-Bishops Bishops Priests Deacons and Ministers should be consecrated made and ordered be in very deed and also by authority hereof declared and enacted to be and shall be Arch-Bishops Bishops Priests Ministers and Deacons and rightly made consecrated and ordered Any Statute law Canon or other thing to the contrary notwithstanding 6. However it immediately followeth A favourable proviso Provided alwayes and nevertheless be it enacted by the authority aforesaid that no person or persons shall at any time hereafter be impeached or molested in body lands livings or goods by occasion or mean of any Certificate by any Arch-Bishop or Bishop heretofore made or before the last day of this present Session of Parliament to be made by vertue of any Act made in the first Session of Parliament touâ—hing or concerning the refusal of the oath declared and set forth by Act of Parliament in the first yeer of the Reign of our said Soveraign Ladie Queen Elizabeth Any thing in this Act or any other Act or Statute her tofâ—re made to the contrary notwithstanding 7. The seasonable interposing of this Statute made it a Drawn battell betwixt Horne and Bonner Their suit superseded The former part thereof here alledged cleared Horne his Episcopacy from all cavils of law the later Proviso was purposely inserted in favour of Bonner who here himself found that which he never shewed to others that he as all other Popish Bishops deprived might be no more molested for refusing the Oath of Supremacy The Parliament saw they had already lost their livelihood and liberties for their erroneous consciences and had received their thirty nine stripes more then which the State thought not fit to inflict lest their justice should degenerate into cruelty 8. The enacting of this Statute did not stop the railing mouths of Papists against our Bishops but only made them alter their note and change their tune in reviling them Formerly they condemned them as illegall whose calling was not sufficiently warranted by the laws of the Land henceforward * 〈…〉 Sanders and others railed on them for Parliamentary Bishops deriving all their Power and Commission from the State But as well might the Jesuits terme b 〈…〉 pag. 449. Cuâ—on 17. Shemaiah Nethaniah Prerogative Levites because sent by Jehâ—saphat to preach the word to the people of the Land For that good King did not give but quicken and encourage their Commission to teach as here the Parliament did only publish notifie and declare the legall authority of the English Bishops whose Call and Consecration to their place was formerly performed derived from Apostolicall or at leastwise Ecclesiastical institution 9. These were the prime of the first Set of Puritans Anno Regin Eliza. 8. Anno Dom. 1567. The Ring leader of the second set of Nonconformiâ—â—s which being very aged expired for the most part at or about this time when behold another generation of Active and zealous Nonconformists succeeded them Of these Coleman Button Halingham and Benson whose Christian names I cannot recover were the chief inveighing against the established Church-Discipline accounting every thing from Rome which was not from Geneva endeavouring in all things to conforme the government of the English Church to the Presbyterian Reformation Add these three more though of inferiour note to the aforesaid Quaternion William White Thomas Rowland Robert Hawkins all beneficed within the Diocess of London and take a tast of their Spirits out of the Register thereof 10. For this
follow thereof such success as may be to your liking that then you would be content to permit him to repair hither to London to be further dealt with as I shall take order for upon his coming for which purpose I have written a letter to the Sheriff if your Lordship shall like thereof And so I bid your Lordship right heartily farewell From the Court at Westminster this 21. of April 1581. Your Lordships very loving friend W. B. Brown being thus brought up to London by the advice of his friends was wrought to some tolerable compliance and being discharged by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was by the Lord Treasurer sent home to his father Anthony Brown at Tolethorp in Rutland Esquire One I assure you of ancient and right worshipfull extraction having my self seen a charter granted by King Henry the eighth the 16 th of July in the 18 th of his reign and confirmed by act of Parliament to Francis Brown father to the aforesaid Anthony giving him leave to put on his cap in the presence of the King or his heirs or any Lord Spirituall or Temporall in the land and not to put it off but for his own ease and pleasure But let us see and the Lord Treasurers letter in the behalf of Brown to his father AFter my very hearty commendations understanding that your son Robert Brown had been sent for up by my Lord Bishop of Canterbury to answer to such matters as he was to be charged withall conteined in a Book made by him and published in print as it was thought by his means I thought good considering he was your Son and of my blood to send unto my Lord of Canterbury in his behalf that he might finde what reasonable favour he could shew him before whom I perceive he hath answered in some good sort and although I think he will not deny the making of the Book yet by no means will he confess to be acquainted with the publishing or printing of it He hath besides yielded unto his Lordship such further contentment as he is contented the rather at my motion to discharge him and therefore for that he purposeth to repair to you I have thought good to accompany him with these my letters and to pray you for this cause or any his former dealings not to withdraw from him your fatherly love and affection not doubting but with time he will be fully recovered and withdrawn from the Reliques of some fond opinions of his which will be the better done if he be dealt withall in some kinde and temperate manner And so I bid you very heartily farewell From my house neer the Savoy this eighth of October 1585. Your loving friend and Cousin William Burghley But it seems Browns errours were so inlaid in him no conference with Divines could convince him to the contrary whose incorrigibleness made his own father weary of his company Men may wish God only can work children to be good The old gentleman would own him for his Son no longer then his Son owned the Church of England for his Mother desiring to rid his hands of him as by the insuing letter will appear AFter my very hearty Commendations I perceive by your letters that you have little or no hopes of your sons conformity as you had when you received him into your house and therefore you seem desirous that you might have liberty to remove him further off from you as either to Stamford or some other place which I know no cause but you may very well and lawfully do where I wish he might better be perswaded to conforme himself for his own good and yours and his friends comfort And so I very heartily bid you farewell From the Court this seventeeth of February 1585. Your very loving friend and cousin William Burghley Thus to make our Story of the troublesom man the more entire we have trespassed on the two following years yet without discomposing our Chronologie on the Margin 3. With his assistant Richard Harrisen Brown his opinions a petty Pedagogue they inveighed against Bishops Ecclesiasticall Courts Ceremonies Ordination of Ministers and what not fancying here on earth a platform of a perfect Church without any faults understand it thus save those that are made by themselves therein The Reader if desirous to know their opinions is referred to the large and learned Treatises written against them particularly to the pains of D r. Fulke proving that the Brownists so named from this Brown their ringleader were in effect the same with the ancient Donatists only newly reviv'd Thus there is a circulation as in fashion of clothes so of opinions the same after some years return Brownisme being no more than Donatisme vamped with some new additions The Queen and Her Councell seriously set themselves first by gentleness to reduce and that not succeeding by severity to suppress the increase of this faction Brown himself used to boast that he had been committed to thirty two prisons and in some of them be could not see his hand at noon day Yet for all this he came off at last both with saving his life and keeping his living and that none of the meanest Achurch in Northampton-shire untill the day of his death 4. One may justly wonder Extraordinary favour indulged unto him when many meaner Accessaries in this schism were arraigned condemned executed how this Brown the Principal made so fair an escape yea enjoyed such preferment I will never believe that he ever formally recanted his opinions either by word or writing as to the main of what he maintained More probable it is that the promise of his genéral compliance with the Church of England so far forth as not to make future disturbance therein met with the Arch-Bishops courteous acceptance thereof both which effectually improved by the countenance of Thomas Cecil Earl of Exeter Brown's near kinsman and patron procured this extraordinary favour to be indulged unto him His Parsonage he freely possess'd allowing a sufficient salary for one to discharge the cure and though against them in his judgement was contented and perchance pleased to take the tithes of his own parish 5. For my own part whose nativity Providence placed within a mile of this Brown his pastorall charge The authors observation on him I have when a youth often beheld him He was of an imperious nature offended if what he affirm'd but in common discourse were not instantly received as an oracle He was then so far from the Sabbatarian strictness to which some preciser Brownists did afterwards pretend that both in judgement and practise he seemed rather libertine therein In a word he had in my time a wife with whom for many years he never lived parted from her on some distaste and a Church wherein he never preached though he received the profits thereof 6. As for his death in the prison in Northampton The occasion of his late death many years after in the reign of King Charles
make out to the Kingdome of England However much mischief was done hereby many Papists paying their good wishes where they were not due and defrauding the Queen their true creditòr of the allegiance belonging unto her 43. Now did the Queen summon a Parliament Anno Regin Eliza. 30. Anno Dom. 1587. wherein her Majesty appeared not in person An Act without precedent But passed over the presidentship of that her great Councel unto John Whitgift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury William Cecill Lord treasurer and to the Earle of Darby A thing done without precedent when the King at home and in health But the pleasure of so powerful a Princess might create a leading case in things of this nature 44. Wonder not if the Nonconformists were very quiet in this Parliament Good reason why the Nonconformists were quiet Beholding the Arch-Bishop their great adversary in so great power and place However their activity in the next will make their party amends for their stilness in this Session 45. This year ended the doleful life of a distressed Lady The death of Mary Queen of Scotland Mary Queen of Scots whose Triall and Death belongeth to the State Historian She was aged fourty six years passing the last twenty in Imprisonment One of a sharp Wit undaunted Spirit comely person beautiful Face Majestick presence one Reason why Queen Elizabeth declined what the other so much desired a personal conference with Her as unwilling to be either out-shone or even-shone in her own Hemispheare For her morals the belief of moderate men embraceth as middle Courts betwixt Buchanan aspersing and Causinus his Hyperbolical Commending her because zealous in his own Religion 46. She was an excellent Poet Her Poetry both Latine and English of the former I have read a distick made and written by her own hand on a Pane of Glass at Buxton well Buxtona quae calidae celebraris nomine Lymphae * So it is in the Glass I had in my hand though it be celebrabere in Cand. Brit. in Derby-shire Forte mihi posthac non adeunda Vale. Buxton who dost with waters warme excell By me perchance never more seen Farewell And at Fotheringhay-Castle I have read written by Her in a window with a pointed Diamond From the Top of all my Trust Mishap hath lai'd me in the dust But her Adversaries conceive had she not been laid there the happiness of England had been prostrated in the same place She was buried in the Quire of Peterborough and Doctor Wickham Bishop of Lincolne preached her funeral sermon causelessly carped at by the Martin Mar-Prelate as too favourable concerning her final condition though he uttered nothing inconsistent with Charity and Christian discretion 47. Some twenty years after Her Body removed to Westminster King James caused her Corps to be solemnly removed from Peterborough to Westminster where in the south-side of the Chappel of King Henry the seventh he erected a stately monument to her memory and thereon this Epitaph wherein such cannot but commend the Piety of her Son who will not believe all the praises of his Mother D. O. M. MAriae Stuartae Scotorum Reginae Franciae Dotariae Jacobi V. Scotorum Regis Filiae Haeredis unicae Henrici VII Ang. Regis ex Margareta majori Natu Filia Jacobi IIII Regi Scotorum matrimonio copulata proneptis Edwardi IIII. Angliae Regis ex Elizabetha Filiarum natu maxima abneptis Francisci II. Gallorum Regis conjugis Coronae Angliae dum vixit certae indubitatae haeredis Jacobi magnae Brittanniae monarchae potentissimi matris Stirpe verè Regiâ antiquissima prognata erat Anno Dom. 1587. maximis Totius Europae Principibus Agnatione Cognatione conjuncta Anno Regin Eliza. 30. exquisitissimis Animi corporis dotibus ornamentis cumulatissima Verum ut sunt variae rerum humanarum vices postquam annos plus minus viginti in custodia detenta fortiter strenuè sed frustrà cum malevolorum obtreclationibus timidorum suspitionibus inimicorum capitalium insidijs conflictata esset tandem inaudito infesto Regibus exemplo securi percutitur Et contempto mundo devicta morte lassato Carnifice Christo Servatori animae salutem Jacobi Filio spem Regni posteritatis universis caedis infaustae spectatoribus exemplum patientiae commendans piè intrepidè Câ—rvicem Regiam securi maledictae subjecit vitae caducae sortem cum coelestis Regni perennitate commutavit Besides this there is a long inscription in verses one distich whereof I remember because it is the same in effect with what was made of Maud the Empress On Maud Magna Ortu majorque Viro sed maxima Partu Hic jacet Henrici Filia sponsa Parens On Queen Mary Magna Viro major Natu sed maxima Partu Conditor hic Regis Filia sponsa Parens So that it is no disgrace for a Queen to weare part of an Epitaph at the second hand with some little alteration 48. About this time it was A designe propounded that some Privie Councellors endeavoured to perswade Queen Elizabeth to raise and foment a difference betwixt the Pope and King of Spain and to assist the former not as Pope but temporal Prince by her shipping to regain Naples detained from him by the Spanish King They alledged the designe advantagious to work a diversion of Spanish forces and prevent an invasion of her own Land 49. But her Majesty would not listen to the motion to entertain Compliance in any capacity And blasted by the Queen on any Conditions with the Pope as dishonourable in her self distastful to the Protestant Princes nor would she touch Pitch in jest for fear of being defiled in earnest but crushed the designe in the birth thereof 50. A first onset was now made by the Nonconformists against the Hierarchie Conformity to the height though the more they opposed it the more the Queen did Countenance their persons and preserve their power In so much that she would not in Lent feed on any fish as forbidden by the Canons of the Church until she had first attained a solemn * Camdens Eliz. Manuscript shortly likely to be Printed Licence from the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and every year of her life renew'd the same 51. The power of the high Commission began now to extend far and penalties to fall heavie on offenders Whereupon the favourers of the Nonconformists much opposed it in their printed books some questioning the Court as not warranted by Law others taxing their proceedings as exceeding their Commission but hear their Arguments on both sides Against the High Commission It is pretended founded on the Statute primo Elizabethae wherein the Parliament impowered the Queen by her Letters patents to appoint Commissioners to punish Offendors in Ecclesiastical Causes But no mention therein of Temporall penalties and therefore the Commissioners are to confine themselves to Church Censures by Excommunicating
Queens officers as they had just cause more strick in searching as her Judges more severe in punishing the Papists Hereupon the Seculars complained that such proceedings against them tearmed persecution by them and justice by our State was caused by the Jesuits and that Parsons especially though he had kindled the fire left others to bear the heat thereof Yea which was more he was not himself contented to sleep in a whole skinn at Rome but lashed others of his own Religion and having got his neck out of the collar accused others for not drawing weight enough taxing the Seculars as dull and remiss in the cause of Religion and to speak plainly they differed as hot and cold poison the Jesuits more active and pragmatical the Seculars more slow and heavie but both maintaining treacherous principles destructive to the common-Wealth 31. If we look now on the Non-Conformists A general calm we shall finde them all still and quiet After a storm comes a calm wearied with a former blustering they began now to repose themselves in a sad silence especially since the executions of Vdal and Penry had so terrified them that though they might have secret designes we meet not their open and publick motions so that this Century affordeth little more then the mortalities of some eminent men 32. We begin with Richard Fletcher Bishop of London The death of Bp Fletcher and Bishop Coldwell bred in Bennet Colledge in Cambridg one of a comly person and goodly presence qualities not to be cast away in a Bishop though a Bishop not to be chosen for them he lov'd to ride the great horse and had much skill in managing thereof condemned for very proud such his natural stately garb by such as knew him not and commended for humility by those acquainted with him he lost the Queens favour because of his second unhappy match and died suddainly more of grief then any other disease with him let me couple another heart-broken Bishop John Coldwell of Salisbury D r of Physick S t Luke we know was both an Evangelist and Physician who never enjoyed himself after he had consented though little better then surprised thereunto to the alienation of Sherborn Manor from the Bishoprick 33. Here I am at a loss for the date of the death of Laurence Humphry The death of Laurence Humfry but confident I hit the but though miss the mark as about this time He was a consciencious and moderate Non-conformist condemned for luke-warm by such as were scalding-hot Dean of Winchester and Master of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford to which he bequeathed a considerable Summ of Gold left in a chest not to be opened except some great necessity urged thereunto But lately whilst D r John Wilkinson was President of the Colledge this Gold was shar'd between him and the fellows And though one must charitably beleeve the matter not so bad as it is reported yet the most favourable relation thereof gave a general distast 34. Sure I am A great Antiquaries good intention discouraged a great Antiquarie lately deceased rich as well in his state as learning at the hearing hereof quitted all his intentions of benefaction to Oxford or any place else on suspition it would be diverted to other uses On the same token that he merrily said I think the bestway for a man to perpetuate his memory is to procure the Pope to Canâ—nize him for a Saint for then he shall be sure to be remembred in their Calender Whereas otherwise I see all Protestant charity subject to the covetousness of posterity to devour it and bury the donor thereof in oblivion 35. M r Baltazer Zanches a Spaniard The charity of a Spanish Protestant born in Sherez in Estremadura founded an alms-house at Totnam high-cross in Middlesex for eight single people allowing them competent maintenance Now seeing Protestant Founders are rare Spanish Protestants rarer Spanish Protestant Founders in England rarest I could not pass this over with silence nor must we forget that he was the first confectioner or comfit-maker in England bringing that mystery to London and as I am informed the exactness thereof continues still in his family in which respect they have successively been the Queens and Kings confectioners 36. A Parliament held at Westminster The acts in the Parliament 1597. 40. wherein the deprivation of Popish Bishops in the first of this Queens Reign was declared legall Some will wonder what need is of this Statute at so many years distance but the Preface intimates the necessity thereof The Legality also of our Bishops and their Officers were again by act of Parliament confirmed And whereas there was a pretended concealment of some lands of the Bishoprick of Norwich the same by act of Parliament were setled on that See and the Exchange of Lands ratified made in the Reign of King Henry the Eight The contemporary convocation did nothing of moment 37. Thomas Stapleton this year ended his life The death of Tho. Stapleton 1598. 41. and was buried at S t Peters Church in Lovain it is written in his Epitaph qui Cicestriae in Anglià nobili loco natus where Cicestriae is taken not for the City but Diocess of Chicester having otherwise good assurance that he was born at Hemfield in Sussex the same year and moneth wherein * See Pitzaeus in his life S r Thomas Moore was beheaded observed by the Catholicks as a grand providence he was a most learned assertor of the Romish Religion wanting nothing but a true cause to defend On one account I am beholding unto him viz. for disswading * Idemibidem Pitzaeus from being a Souldier to be a Scholler whose History of our English writers hath so often been usefull unto me 38. Richard Cosine D r of the Law and Dean of Archeys this year ended his life The death of Dr Cosine One of the greatest Civilians which our Age or Nation hath produced a most moderate man in his own nature but most earnest assertor of the Ecclesiastical discipline as by his printed works doth appear 39. Robert Turner his death was now much bemoaned by the Papists The death of Rob. Turner 1599. 42. he was born at Barstable in Devon bred for a while in Oxford whence flying beyond the Seas he became Canon of Breslaw in Silesia and at the same time Privie Councellor to the Duke of Bavaria falling afterward into his displeasure probably because more pragmatical then became a forrainer however Ferdinand of Gratz afterwards Emperor took him from the Duke to be his own Secretary for the Latine tongue wherein he excelled as by his printed Orations doth appear he lieth buried at Gratz under a handsom Monument 40. Great was the grief of Protestants for the decease of Richard Hooker Anno Regin Eliza. 42. Anno Dom. 1599. The death of Rich. Hooker Turners Country-man as born also in Devon-shire and bred in Corpus-Christi
sed with Milk being inabled to feed others Some of them are strong enough if not head-strong conceiving themselves able enough to teach him who last spake for them andall the Bishops in the Land Mr. Knewst It is questionable whether the Church hath power to institute an outward signifiant signe BP of Lond. The Crosse in Baptisme is not used otherwise than a Ceremony Bp. of Winch. Kneeling lifting up of the Hands knocking of the Breast are significant Ceremonies and these may lawfully be used D. of the Chap. The Robbines write that the Jewes added both Signes and Words at the institution of the Passeover viz. when they ate sowre herbs they said Take and eat these in remembrance c. When they drank Wine they said Drink this in remembrance c. Upon which addition and tradition our Saviour instituted the Sacrament of his last Supper thereby approving a Church may institute and retaine a Signe significant His Majesty I am exceeding well satisfied in this point but would be acquainted about the antiquity of the use of the Crosse Dr. Reyn. It hath been used ever since the Apostles time But the onestion is how ancient the use thereof hath been in Baptism D. of Westm It appeares out of Tertullian Cyprian and Origen that it was used in immortali lavacro Bp. of Winch. In Constantine's time it was used in Baptisme His Majesty If so I see no reason but that we may continue it Mr. Knewst Put the case the Church hath power to adde significant signes it may not adde them where Christ hath already ordained them which is as derogatory to Christs Institution as if one should adde to thegreat Seale of England His Majesty The case is not alike seeing the Sacrament is fully finished before any mention of the Crosse is made therein Mr. Knewst If the Church hath such a power the greatest scruple is how far the Ordinance of the Church bindeth without impeaching Christian Liberty His Majesty I will not argue that point with you but answer as Kings in Parliament Le Roy s'avicera This is like M. John Black a beardlesse Boy who told me the last * December 1601. Conference in Scotland that he would hold conformity with his Majesty in matters of Doctrine but every man for Ceremonies was to be left to his own Liberty But I will have none of that I will have one Doctrine one Discipline one Religion in Substance and in Ceremony Never speak more to that point how farre you are bound to obey Dr. Reyn. Would that the Cross being superstitiously abused in Popery were abandoned as the Brazen Serpent was stamped to powder by Hezekias because abused to Idolatry His Majesty In as much as the Crosse was abused to Superstition in time of Popery it doth plainly imply that it was well used before I detest their courses who peremptorily disallow of all things which have been abused in Popery and know not how to answwer the objections of the Papists when they charge us with Novelties but by telling them we retaine the primitive use of things and onely forsake their Novell Corruptions Secondly no resemblance betwixt the Brazen Serpent a materiall visible thing and the signe of the Cross made in the Aire Thirdly Papists as I am informed did never ascribe any spirituall Grace to the Cross in Baptisme Lastly materiall Crosses to which people fell downe in time of Popery as the Idolatrous Jewes to the Brazen Serpent are already demolished as you desire Mr. Knewst I take exception at the wearing of the Surplice a kind of Garment used by the Priests of Isis His Majesty I did not think till of late it had been borrowed from the Heathen because commonly called a rag of Popery Seeing now we border not upon Heathens Ann. Dom 1603-04 Ann. Reg. Jac. 1 neither are any of them conversant with or commorant amongst us thereby to be confirmed in Paganisme I see no reason but for comlinesse-sake it may be continued D r. Reyn. I take exception at these words in the Marriage With my body I thee worship His Majesty I was made believe the phrase imported no lesse than Divine Adoration but finde it an usuall English terme as when we say A Gentleman of worship it agreeth with the Scriptures giving Honour to the Wife As for you This the King spake smiling Dr. Reynolds many men speak of Robin Hood who never shot in his Bow If you had a good Wife your selfe you would think all worship and honour you could doe her were well bestowed on her D. of Sarum Some take exception at the Ring in Marriage Dr. Reyn. I approve it well enough His Majesty I was married with a Ring and think others scarce well married without it Dr. Reyn. Some take exceptions at the Churching of Women by the name of purification His Majesty I allow it very well Women being loath of themselves to come to Church I like this or any other occasion to draw them thither Dr. Reyn. My last exception is against committing Ecclesiasticall Censures to Lay-Chancellors the rather because it was ordered Anno 1571. that Lay-Chancellors in matters of Correction and Anno 1589. in matters of Instance should not excommunicate any but be done onely by them who had power of the Keyes though the contrary is commonly practised His Majesty I have conferred with my Bishops about this point and such order shall be taken therein as is convenient Mean time go on to some other matter Dr. Reyn. I desire that according to certaine Provinciall Constitutions the Clergie may have meetings every three weeks 1. First in Rural Deaneries therein to have prophesying as Arch-bishop Grindall and other Bishops desired of her late Majesty 2. That such things as could not be resolved on there might be referred to the Arch-Deacons Visitations 3. Andso to the Episcopall Synod to determine such points before not decided His Majesty If you aime at a Scottish Presbytery it agreeth as well with Monarchy as God and the Devill Then Jack and Tom and Will and Dick shall meet and censure me and my Councill Therefore I reiterate my former speech Le Ray S'avisera Stay I pray for one seven yeares before you demand and then if you find me grow pursie and fat I may perchance hearken unto you for that Government will keep me in breath and give me work enough I shall speak of one matter more somewhat out of order but it skilleth not D. Reynolds you have'often spoken for my Supremacy and it is well But know you any here or elsewhere who like of the present Government Ecclesiasticall and dislike my Supremacy Dr. Reyn. I know none His Majesty Why then I will tell you a tale After that the Religion restored by King Edward the sixt was soon overthrowne by Queen Mary here in England we in Scotland felt the effect of it For thereupon Mr. Knox writes to the Queen regent a vertuous and moderate Lady telling her that she was the
went farther than the former as not being for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Not for the paring pruning and purging but for the extirpating and abolishing of Bishops and conforming Church-government to forraigne Presbytery Whether the Subscribers to this Petition were for the maine a recruit of new persons or a resumption of those who under-writ the former I dare not define Probably many sensible that before they were Petition-bound inlarged themselves now in their additionall desires For such who aske no more than what they would have commonly receive lesse than what they aske seeing Petitions of this nature are seldome granted in full latitude without some abaâ—ement They allowed therefore some over-measure in their requests that the surplusage being defalked the remainder might in some manner give them satisfaction Sure I am Unfaire dealing in procuring of hands the Prelaticall party complained that to swell a number the non-conformists did not chuse but scrape Subscribers not to speak of the ubiquitarinesse of some hands the same being alwayes present at all Petitions Indeed to the first onely Ministers were admitted but to the latter brood of Petitions no hand which had five fingers was refused Insomuch that Master George since Lord Goring who then knew little and cared lesse for Church-government as unable to governe himselfe being then fifty years since rather a Youth than a Man a Boy than a Youth set his hand thereunto in the right I believe of his Mother a good Lady much addicted to that party and King James would in merriment make sport with him to know what reasons moved him at that age to this Subscription But enough of these Petitioners Perchance we shall heare more of them the next Parliament SECTION II. TO MATTHEVV GILLYE Esq SOlomon saith Ann. Reg. Ann. Dom. And there is a * Prov. 18. 24. Friend that is nearer than a Brother Now though I have read many VVriters on the Text your practice is the best Comment which hath most truly Expounded it unto me Accept this therefore as the Return of the Thanks of your respectfull Friend CAuselesse jealousies attend old age Jac. 2 1603-04 The death of Arch-bishop Whitgift as appears by Arch-bishop Whitgift who ended his Life according to his owne desire that he might not live to see the Parliament * See the Preface to Hampton Court conference being more scar'd than hurt as fearing some strange opposition therein an assault of Un-conformists on Church-Discipline fiercer than his age feebled body should be able to resist Born he was of ancient Parentage at great Grimsby in Lincoln shire bred in Cambridge admitted in Queens Colledge removed Scholar to Pembroke Hall where Mr. Bradford was his Tutor translated Fellow to Peter-house returned Master to Pembroke thence advanced Master of Trinity Colledge successively Parson of Teversham Prebend of Ely Dean of Lincolne Bishop of Worcester where the Queen forgave him his first fruits a rare gift for her who was so good an Huswife of Her Revenues Yea she constantly called him Her little black Husband which favour nothing elated his gravity carrying himself as one unconcerned in all worldly honour He survived the Queen not a full yeare getting his bane by going in a cold morning by Barge to Fulham there to consult with the Bishops about managing their matters in the ensuing Parliament And no wonder if those few sparks of naturall heat were quickly quenched witha small cold in him who was then above seventy two yeares of age He died of the Palsey one of the worthiest men that ever the English Hierarchy did enjoy 2. But a modern writer in his voluminous book against the practices of English Prelates Mr. Pry 〈◊〉 censuring Whitgift censured bitterly inveigheth against him whom be termeth A Pontificall meaneth he Paganish or Popish Bishop and chargeth him with many misdemeanours Give me leave a little without bitternesse both to pass my censure on his book and make this Archbishop his just defence against his calumniation First in generall behold the complexion of his whole booke and it is black and swarthie in the uncharitable Subject and Title thereof An Historicall collection of the severall execrable Treasons Conspiracies Rebellions Seditions State-schismes Contumacies Anti-monarchicall Practices and oppressions of English Prelates c. Thus he weeds mens lives and makes use onely to their disgrace of their infirmities meane time suppressing many eminent actions which his owne conscience knows were performed by them What a monster might be made out of the best beauties in the World if a Limmer should leave what is lovely and onely collect into one Picture what he findeth amisse in them I know there be white Teeth in the blackest Black-moore and a black Bill in the whitest Swanne Worst men have something to be commended best men something in them to be condemned Only to insist on mens faults to render them odious is no ingenious employment God we know so useth his fanne that he keepth the Corn but driveth away the Chaffe But who is he that winnoweth so as to throw away the good graine and retaine the Chaffe onely 3. Besides it conteineth untruths His untruth of Anselme or at the best uncertainties which he venteth with assurance to posterity For instance * Pag. 10. speaking of Walter Tyrrill the French Knight casually killing King William Rufus in new Forrest with an arrow glancing from a tree he saith that in all likelihood Anselme Archbishop of Canterbury our Whitgifts predecessor with fore-plotted treason hired Tyrill to murder the King in this manner Now to condemne the memory of so pious and learned a man as Anselme was though I will not excuse him in all things five hundred yeares after the fact pretended on his owne single bare surmise contrary to the constant current of all authours no one whispering the least suspition thereof hath I believe but little of Law and nothing of Gospell therein Let the glancing of Tyrrels arrow minde men how they * Psal 64. 3. bend their bowes to shoot arrowes even bitter words at the memory of the deceased lest it rebound back not as his did to hit a stander by but justly to wound him who unjustly delivered it 4. But to come to our reverend Whitgift His slander of Whitgift First he chargeth him for troubling the Judges with his Contestations about Prohibitions endeavouring to enlarge his Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction This being the Accusation but of a Common Lawyer and that in favour of his owne Courts I leave to some Doctour of the Civill or Canon Law as most proper to make answer thereunto Onely whereas he saith that Whitgift did it to the prejudice of the Queenes * Pag. 149. Prerogative surely She knew her owne Priviledges so well besides those of her Councell to teach her that she would never have so favourably reflected on him if sensible wise Princes having a tender touch in
fraudulent force of the person of the Duke Catesbie undertook the other difficulty under a pretended Hunting-match advantaged thereunto by the vicinitie of Ashbie to the Lord Harrington's where the Princesse had Her education to train Her into their command All rubs thus removed their way was made as smooth as glasse and as slippery too as by the sequele may appeare 27. But first be it remembred The odium must be cast on the Puritan that though these plotters intended at last with honour to own the action when successe had made all things secure yet they purposed when the blow was first given and whilest the act was certain but the successe thereof doubtfull to father the fact on the Puritans They thought their backs were broad enough to bear both the sin and shame and that this saddle for the present would finely fit their backs whose discontent as these plotters would pretend unable otherwise to atchieve their desired alteration in Church-Government had by this damnable treason effected the same By transferring the fact on the then most innocent Puritans they hoped not onely to decline the odium of so hellish a designe but also by the strangenesse of the act and unsuspectednesse of the actors to amuze all men and beget an universall distrust that every man would grow jealous of himself And whilest such amazement tied Ann. Reg. Jac. 5 Ann. Dom. 1604. in a manner all mens hands behinde them these plotters promised themselves the working out their own ends part by their home-strength and the rest by calling in the assistance of forraign Princes 28. They fall a working in the Vault Will-worship a painfull labour Dark the place in the depth of the earth dark the time in the dead of the night dark the designe all the actors therein concealed by oath from others and thereby combined amongst them selves Oh! how easie is any work when high merit is conceived the wages thereof In piercing thorough the wall c Speed's Chro in King James nine foot thick they erroniously conceived that they thereby hewed forth their own way to heaven But they digged more with their silver in an hour than with their iron in many daies namely when discovering a Cellar hard by they hired the same and these Pioneers saved much of their pains by the advantage thereof And now all things were carried so secretly no possibility of any detection seeing the actors themselves had solemnly sworn that they would not and all others might as safely swear they could not make any discovery thereof 29. But God gives them warning to desist but they will take none so it fell out that the sitting of the Parliament was put off from time to time namely from the seventh of February whereon it was first appointed to meet it was adjourned till the fifth of October and afterward from the fifth of October put off till the fifth of November and accordingly their working in the vault which attended the motion of the Parliament had severall distinct intermissions and resumptions thereof As if Divine Providence had given warning to these Traytors by the slow proceeding and oft adjourning of the Parliament mean time seriously to consider what they went about and seasonably to desist from so damnable a designe as suspitious at last it would be ruined which so long had been retarded But no taking off their d Exod. 14. 25. wheels will stay those chariots from drowning which God hath decreed shall be swallowed in the Red sea 30. Behold The latitude of their designe here is fire and wood but where is the Lamb for the burnt offering Alas a whole flock of lambs were not farre off all appointed to the slaughter The King Prince Henry Peers Bishops Judges Knights and Burgesses all designed to destruction Let me smite him said Abishat of Saul e 1 Sam. 26. 8. even at once and I will not smite him the second time So here a blow so sound secret and sudden was intended it would not need iteration once and ever the first act would finish all in an instant But thanks be to God nothing was blown up but the Treason or brought to execution but the Traytors 31. Indeed The apish behaviour of Keies some few daies before the fatall stroke should bee given Master Keyes being at Tichmersh in Northampton-shire at the house of Master Gilbert Pickering his Brother-in-law but of a different Religion as a true Protestant suddenly whipped out his sword and in metriment made many offers therewith at the heads necks and sides of many Gentlemen and Gentlewomen then in his company This then was taken as a meer frolick and for the present passed accordingly but afterwards when the Treason was discovered such as remembred his gestures thought thereby he did act what he intended to doe if the plot had took effect hack and hew kill and slay all eminent persons The mysticall Letter of a different Religion from themselves 32. Curse f Eccles 10. 20. not the King no not in thy thought for a bird of the aire shall carry the voice As here such a discovery was made with a Pen fetched from the feather of a foul a Letter was written to the Lord Mounteagle in manner following My Lord OUt of the love I bear to some of your friends I have a care of your preservation Therefore I would advise you as you tender your life to devise some excuse to shift off your attendance at this Parliament For God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of this Time And think not slightly of this advertisement but retire your self into your Countrey where you may expect the event in safety For though there be no appearance of any stirre yet I say they shall receive a terrible Blow this Parliament and yet they shall not see who hurts them This counsell is not to be contemned Ann. Dom 1605. Ann. Reg. Jac. 4 because it may doe you good and can doe you no harm for the danger in past so soon as you have burnt the Letter And I hope God will give you the grace to make good use of it To whose holy protection I commend you A strange Letter from a strange hand by a strange Messenger without date to it name at it and I had almost said sense in it A Letter which even when it was opened was still sealed such the affected obscurity therein 33. The Lord Mounteagle as loyalty advised him The first search proves ineffectuall communicates the Letter to the Earl of Salisbury he to the KING His Majesty on the second perusall expounded the mysticall Blow meant therein must be by Gun-powder and gives order for searching the Rooms under the Parliament House under pretence to look for lost Hangings which were conveyed away The first search about evening discovered nothing but Percy 's Cellar full of Wood and Johnson his man under that name was Faux disguised attending therein However
the name of Percy and sight of Faux so quickned the jealousie of the Lord Mounteagle that this first slight Search led to a second scrutinie more strictly and secretly performed 34. This was made at midnight by Sir Thomas Knevet The second search discovers all Gentleman of His Majesties Privie Chamber and others into the Vault under the Parliament House There the mysterie of iniquity was quickly discovered a Pile of Fewell faced over with Billets lined under with thirty six Barrels of Powder besides Iron barres to make the force of the fire more effectuall Guido Faux was apprehended in the outward Room with a Dark Lantern in his hand the lively embleme of their designe whose dark side was turned to man whiles the light part was exposed to God and three Matches ready to give fire to the Train This Caitiffe professed himself onely grieved that he was not in the inner room to blow himself and them all up together affirming moreover that not God but the Devil made the discovery of the Plot. 35. Mean time The Traytors slie and are taken Catesbie Percy Rookwood both the Wrights and Thomas Winter were hovering about London to attend the issue of the matter Having sate so long abrood and hatching nothing they began to suspect all their eggs had proved addle Yet betwixt hope and fear they and their Servants post down into the Countrey thorough Warwick and Worcester into Stafford shire Of Traytors they turn Felons breaking up Stables and stealing Horses as they went But many of their own men by a farre more lawfull felonie stole away from their Masters leaving them to shift for themselves The neighbouring Counties and their own consciences rise up against these riotous Roisters as yet unknown for Traytors At last Sir Richard Walsh High Sheriffe of Worcestershire overtook them at Holbeck in Stafford shire at the house of Mr. Stephen Littleton where upon their resistance the two Wrights were killed Rookwood and Thomas Winter shrewdly wounded 36. As for Percy Catesbi◠and Piercie fight desperately for their lives and Catesbie they fought desperately for their lives as knowing no quarter but quartering would be given unto them and as if they scorned to turn their backs to any but themselves setting back to back they fought against all that assaulted them Many swords were drawn upon them but gunpowder must doe the deed which discharged that bullet which dispatched them both Never were two bad mens deaths more generally lamented of all good men onely on this account that they lived no longer to be forced to a farther discovery of their secret Associates 37. It must not be forgotten The Lord is just how some hours before their apprehension as these Plotters were drying dank gun-powder in an Iane a Miller casually coming in haply not heeding the black meal on the hearth by carelesse casting on of a billet fired the gun-powder Up flies the Chimney with part of the house all therein are frighted most hurt but especially Catesbie and Rookwood had their faces soundly scorched so bearing in their bodies not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 g Gal. 6. 17. the marks of our Lord Jesus Christ but the print of their own impieties Well might they guesse how good that their cup of cruelty was whose dregs they meant others should drink Ann. Reg. Jac. 4 Ann. Dom. 1605-6 by this little sip which they themselves had unwillingly tasted thereof 38. The rest were all at London solemnly arraigned The rest are legally executed convicted condemned So foule the fact so fair the proof they could say nothing for themselves Master Tresham dying in the prison prevented a more ignominious end 1. Sir Everard Digbie Robert Winter Grant and Bates were hanged drawn Jan. 30. and quartered at the West end of S. Paul's Three of them but especially Sir Everard Digbie died very penitently and devoutly onely Grant expressed most obstinacy at his end 2. Thomas Winter Ambrose Rookwood Keies Jan. 31. and Faux were executed as the former in the Parliament-yard in Westminster Keies followed Grant in his obstinacie and h Stow's Chro pag. 882. Faux shewed more penitencie than all the rest 3. Garnet Provinciall of the English Jesuits was arraigned some weeks after by i Stow p. 883. four severall names and executed on the Saturday which he said was called Institutio crucis of whom largely in the next year They all craved testimony that they died Roman Catholicks my pen shall grant them this their last and so equall petition and bears witnesse to all whom it may concern That they lived and died in the Romish Religion And although the hainousnesse of their offence might with some colour of justice have angred severity into cruelty against them yet so favourably were they proceeded with that most of their Sons or Heirs except since disinherited by their own prodigality at this day enjoy their Paternall possessions 39. Heaven having thus defeated Hell of its desired successe The presumption of a posthume report justly censured Earth since hath endevoured to defraud Heaven of its deserved praise A posthume report is brought forth into the world nursed as it is fit by the mothers thereof that King JAMES was privie to this Plot all along and that His observing ran parallel with the Traytors acting therein so that He could discover it when He pleased but was not pleased to discover it untill the Eve of the fifth of November A fancie inconsistent with that ordinary piety which all charitable men must allow King JAMES as a Christian and with that extraordinary policie which His adversaries admire in Him as a Statesman Was it probable that He would tempt God so profanely as solemnly to thank him for revealing that to Him which he knew before Would King JAMES his wisdome not to say His warinesse not to say His fearfulnesse dally so long with destruction as to put it off to the last hour when Uno actu tactu ictu nictu all might have been confounded Was it not hard for Him to equivocate before such a Master of equivocation as Garnet the Jesuit was who certainly if he had smelt any jugling of King JAMES therein would no doubt have proclamed it to all the world at his execution I deny not but that the King both by intelligence from forain parts and secret information from those secular Priests that Bishop Bancroft secretly kept in his house was advertised in generall of some great Plot which the Jesuited Papists were hatching against the ensuing Parliament but for the particulars that ridd'ling Letter brought Him the first notice thereof whatsoever is fancied to the contrary But if wilde conjectures in such cases from obscure Authors shall be permitted to justle for credit against received Records all former unquestionable history will be quickly reduced to an universall uncertainty But there is a generation of people who to inhanse the reputation of their knowledge seem not only like mothes to have
in a servants armes and set on his lap on an hillock all means affordable at that instant being used for his recovery Aug. 24. died on the place on the twenty fourth of August and is buried in the Chancell of Haunes Reverend Doctor Bulkley preaching his funerall Sermon after he had faithfully fed his flock therein for fifteen years 17. He was a constant Student Whence we derive our intelligence much troubled before his death with obstructions both of the liver and gall and is supposed by Physicians to have died of the later about the fiftieth one year of his age And now no doubt he is in the number of those * Revel 14. 4. Virgins who were not defiled with women and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth Who alwaies led a single life as preferring a bed unfilled before a bed undefiled This my intelligence I have received by Letter from my worthy friend lately gone to God Master William Buckly Bachelour of Divinity and once Fellow of Queens Colledge in Cambridge who living hard by Haunes at Clyfton at my request diligently inquired and returned this his character from aged credible persons familiar with Master Brightman 18. This year silently slipt away in peace 1608. plenty and prosperity being ended before effectually begun as to any memorable Church-matter therein Indeed all the Reigne of King JAMES was better for one to live under than to write of consisting of a Champian of constant tranquility without any tumours of trouble to entertain posterity with 19. In the Parliament now sitting at Westminster in whose parallel Convocation nothing of consequence the most remarkable thing Enacted was An Act for Chelsey-Colledge 1609. the Act made to enable the Provosts and Fellowes of Chelsey-Colledge to dig a trench out of the river Lee to erect Engines water-works c. to convey and carry water in close-pipes under ground unto the City of London and the Suburbs thereof for the perpetuall maintenance and sustentation of the Provost and Fellows of that Colledge and their successours by the rent to be made of the said waters so conveyed Where first lighting on the mention of this Colledge we will consider it in a fourfold capacity 1. As intended and designed 2. As growing and advanced 3. As hindred Ann. Reg. Jac. 7 Ann. Dom. 1609. and obstructed 4. As decaying and almost at the present ruined I shall crave the Reader pardon if herein I make excursions into many years but without discomposing of our Chronologie on the margin because it is my desire though the Colledge be left imperfect to finish and complete my description thereof so farre as my best intelligence will extend being herein beholding to Doctor Samuel Wilkinson the fourth and present Provost of that Colledge courteously communicating unto me the considerable Records thereof 20. It was intended for a Spirituall Garrison The glory of the designe with a Magazine of all Books for that purpose where learned Divines should study and write in maintenance of all Controversies against the Papists Indeed the Romanists herein may rise up and condemn those of the Protestant Confession For as a 2 Chron. 8. 9. Solomon used not his military men for any servile work in building the Temple whereof the Text assigneth this reason For they were men of warre so the Romish Church doth not burden their Professours with preaching or any parochiall incumbrances but reserves them onely for Polemical studies Whereas in England the same man reads preacheth catechizeth disputes delivers Sacraments c. So that were it not for Gods marvellous blessing on our studies and the infinite odds of truth on our side it were impossible in humane probability that we should hold up the bucklers against them Besides the study of Divinity at the least two able Historians were to be maintained in this Colledge faithfully and learnedly to record and publish to posterity all memorable passages in Church and Common-wealth 21. In pursuance of this designe K. James His Mortmain and personal benefaction His Majesty incorporated the said foundation by the name of King JAMES his Colledge in Chelsey and bestowed on the same by his Letters Patents the reversion of good land in Chelsey then in possession of Charles Earl of Nottingham the Lease thereof not expiring till about thirty years hence and also gave it a capacity to receive of His loving Subjects any lands not exceeding in the whole the yearly value of three thousand pounds 22. Next King JAMES Dr. Sutcliffe his bounty let me place Doctor Matthew Sutcliffe Dean of Exeter who though no Prince by birth seems little lesse by his bounty to this Colledge As Araunah but a private Subject gave things b 2 Sam. 24. 23. as a King to Gods service such the royall liberality of this Doctor bestowing on this Colledge The Farms of 1. Kingstone 2. Hazzard 3. Appleton 4. Kramerland in the Parish of 1. Staverton 2. Harberton 3. Churchton 4. Stoke-rivers All in the County of Devoâ— and put together richly worth three hundred pounds per annum Besides these by his Will dated November 1. 1628. he bequeathed unto Doctor John Prideaux and Doctor Clifford as Feoffees in trust to settle the same on the Colledge the benefit of the Extent on a Statute of four thousand pounds acknowledged by Sir Lewis Steuklie c. A bountifull benefaction and the greater because the said Doctour had a Daughter and she Children of her own And although this endowment would scarce make the Pot c 2 Kings 4. 38 39. of pottage seethe for the sons of the Prophets yet what feasts would it have made in his private family if continued therein Seeing therefore so publick a minde in so private a man the more the pity that this good Doctour was deserted Uriah d 2 Saâ— 11. 15. like ingaged in the forefront to fight alone against an army of difficulties which he encountred in this designe whilest such men basely retired from him which should have seasonably succoured and seconded him in this action 23. The fabrick of this Colledge was begun on a piece of ground called Thameshot The Structure containing about six acres and then in possession of Charles Earl of Nottingham who granted a Lease of his terme therein to the said Provost at the yearly rent of seven pounds ten shillings King JAMES laid the first stone thereof and gave all the timber requisite thereunto which was to be fetch'd out of Windsor-Forrest And yet that long range of building which alone is extant scarce finished at this day thus made though not of free-stone of free-timber as I am informed cost oh the dearnesse of Church and Colledge-work full three thousand pound But alas what is this piece not an eighth part to a double quadrant besides wings on each side which was intended If the aged fathers which remembred the magnificence of Solomon's wept at the meannesse of the e Ezra 3. 12.
Church than themselves and haply might acquire priviledges prejudicial to their Episcopall Jurisdiction 6. The jealousie of the Universities beholding this designe with suspitious eyes as which in processe of time might prove detrimentall unto them Two breasts Cambridge and Oxford being counted sufficient for England to suckle all her children with 7. The suspition of some Patriots and Commoners in Parliament such as carried the keyes of Countrey-mens coffers under their girdles may I safely report what I have heard from no mean mouthes that this Colledge would be too much Courtier and that the Divinity but especially the History thereof would 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 propend too much in favour of King JAMES and report all things to the disadvantage of the Subject Wherefore though the said Patriots in Parliament countenanced the act as counting it no policy publickly to crosse the project of King JAMES especially as it was made popular with so pious a plausibility yet when returned home by their suspitious Items and private instructions they beat off and retarded peoples charities thereunto The same conceived this foundation superfluous to keep men to confute Popish opinions by writings whilest the maintainers of them were every where connived at and countenanced and the penall Laws not put in any effectuall execution against them 8. It s being begun in a bad time when the world swarmed with proleing Projectours and necessitous Courtiers contriving all waies to get moneys We know that even honest persons if strangers and casually coming along with the company of those who are bad contract a suspition of guilt in the opinions of those to whom they are unknown And it was the unhappinesse of this innocent yea usefull good designe that it appeared in a time when so many Monopolies were on foot 9. Some great Church men who were the more backward because Doctor Sutcliffe was so forward therein Such as had not freeness enough to go before him had frowardness too much to come after him in so good a designe The rather because they distasted his person and opinions Doctor Sutcliffe being a known rigid Anti-Remonstrant and when old very morose and teastie in his writings against them An infirmity which all ingenuous people will pardon in him that hope and desire to attain to old age themselves Thus have I opened my wares with sundry sorts of commodities therein assigning those Reasons which I have either read or heard from prime men of severall interests and am confident that in the variety yea contrariety of judgments now adaies even those very Reasons which are cast away by some as weak and frivolous will be taken up yea preferred by others as most satisfactory and substantiall 27. At this present it hath but little of the case The presen◠sad condition of it and nothing of the jewell for which it was intended Almost rotten before ripe and ruinous before it was finished It stands bleak like a Lodge in a garden of cucumbers having plenty of pleasant water the Thames neer it and store of wholesome aire about it but very little of the necessary element of earth belonging unto it Yea since I am informed that seeing the Colledge taketh not effect according to the desire and intent of the first Founders it hath been decreed in Chancerie by the joynt consent of Doctor Daniel Featly the third Provost of this Colledge and Doctor John Prideaux the surviving Feoffee intrusted in Dr. Sutcliffe's Will that the foresaid Farms of Kingstone Hazzard and Appleton should return again to the possession of Mr. Halce as the Heir-generall to the said Dr. Sutcliffe On what consideration let others enquire it is enough to perswade me it was done in equity because done by the Lord Coventrie in the high Court of Chancerie So that now onely the Farm of Kramerland in Devonshire of Sutcliffe's donation remains to this Colledge All I will adde is this As this Colledge was intended for Controversies so now there is a controversie about the Colledge costly suits being lately commenced betwixt William Lord Mounston who married the Widow of the aforesaid Earl of Nottingham and the present Provost thereof about the title of the very ground whereon it is situated 28. Three Bishops The death of Bishop Overton Heton Ravis all Oxford-men ended their lives this year First William Overton about the beginning of April bred in Magdalene Colledge one sufficiently severe to suppresse such whom he suspected of Non-conformity The second Martin Heton first Dean of Winchester and then Bishop of Elie. I say of Elie which See had stood empty almost twenty years in the Reigne of Queen ELIZABETH after the death of Bishop Cox So long the lantern of that Church so g Camdeus Brit Cambridge-shire artificial for the workmanship thereof wanted a light to shine therein Some suspected this place so long empty would never be filled again seeing no Bishoprick so large in revenues was so little in jurisdiction not having the small County of Cambridge b Part is of the Diocesse of Norwich wholly belonging unto it Some cunning Courtiers observing this breach in Elie-Minster as fiercely assaulted it with hope to get gain to themselves During the vacancie it was offered to many Church-men or chapmen shall I say but either their consciences or coffers would not come up to the conditions thereof Amongst others Mr. Parker brought up in Peter-House in Cambridge and Arch-Deacon of Elie saith my i A Manuscript of the Bishops of Elie lent me by Mr. Wright Authour iniquis conditionibus Episcopatum oblatum respuit tantam opum usuram nisi salvâ Ecclesiâ negligens At last but with the revenues much altered and empaired it was conferred on Doctor Heton who after ten years possession thereof died July 14. and seems the more obscure because of the lustre and learning of Doctor Lancelot Andrewes who immediately succeeded him The third Bishop deceasing this year December 14 was Thomas Ravis sometime Dean of Christ-Church and successively Bishop of Glocester and London born at Malden in Surrey of worthy parentage Claris parentibus saith the Epitaph on his tomb in St. Pauls who left the memory of a grave and good man behinde him Nor must it be forgotten that as he first had his learning in Westminster-School so he alwaies continued both by his counsell and countenance a most especiall incourager of the studies of all deserving Scholars belonging to that Foundation 29. As Archb◠Nich Fuller ingages for his Clients Bancroft was driving on conformity very fiercely throughout all his Province He met with an unexpected rub which notwithstanding he quickly removed for about this time Nich Fuller a Bencher of Greyes-Inne eminent in his profession Ann. Dom. 1610. Ann. Reg. Jac. 8 pleaded so boldly for the enlargement of his Clients that he procured his own confinement the Case thus Tho Lad a Merchant of Yarmouth in Norfolke was imprisoned a long time by the High Commission and could not be
Thirdly because in fine it proved nothing though kept on foot so long till K. James by endeavouring to gain a Daughter-in Law had in effect lost His own Daughter Her Husband and Children being reduced to great extremities 7. Truly K. James never affected his Son in Law 's acceptance of the Bobemian Crown A Crown not joyed in nor promised Himself any good successe thence though great the hope of the German Protestants therein Indeed some of them were too credulous of a blinde Prophesie commonly currant amongst them POST TER VIGINTI CESSABIT GLORIA QUINTI Expecting the ending of the Austrian Family sixty years being now expired since the death of Charles the fift but discreet persons slighted such vanities and the Quinti had like to have proved the extirpation of Frederick fift of that name Palatine of Rhyne had not God almost miraculously lately countermanded it 8. Yea K. Iames accused by some K. James privately foretold to some principal persons that this matter would prove the ruine of his Daughter There want not some who say That he went about to virefie his own Prediction by not sending seasonable succours for their assistance who had He turned His Embassies into Armies might probably have prevented much Protestant misery 9. Others excuse K. James Defended by others partly from the just hopes He had to accommodate all interests in a peaceable way partly from the difficulty of conveying effectual forces into so farre distant a Countrey 10. Mean time both the Palatinates were lost Both the Palatinates lost the Upper seized on by the Emperour the Neather but higher in value by the King of Spaine the City of Heidelberg taken and plunder'd and the inestimable Library of Books therein carried over the Alpes on Mules backs to Rome Each Mule laded with that learned burthen had a silver-plate on his forehead wherein was engraven FERO BIBLIOTHECAM PRINCIPIS PALATINI Now those Books are placed in the Popes Vatican entituling Protestants to visit the place who one day may have as good successe as now they have just right to recover them 11. As for the Palatinate Land of Promise Now Land of Performance Satyricall tongues commonly called it the Land of Promise so frequently and so solemnly was the restitution thereof promised to King James fed only with delayes which amounted to mannerly denials Since it hath pleased God to turn this Land of Promise into a * The nether Palatinate Land of Performance the present Palatine being peaceably possessed thereof 12. Prince Charles Prince Charles goes to Spain with the Duke of Buckingham lately went privately through France where He saw the Lady whom afterwards He married into Spain It is questionable whether then more blamed K. James for sending him or afterwards blessed God for his safe return Sumptuous his entertainment in the Spanish Court where it was not the Kings fault but Kingdomes defect that any thing was wanting He quickly discovered the coursness of fine-pretending wares at distance are easily confuted neer hand that the Spanish State had no minde or meaning of a Match as who demanded such unreasonable Liberty in education of the Royall Off-spring in case any were born betwixt them and other Priviledges for English Papists that the King neither could nor would in honour or conscience consent thereunto However Prince Charles whose person was in their power took his fair farewell with courteous compliance 12. Though He entred Spain like a private person His return * Sept. 12. He departed it like Himself and the Son of his Father * The Reader is requested to pardon our short setting back of time a stately Fleet attending Him home Foul weather forced them to put in at the Isse of Syllie the parings of England South-west of Cornwall where in two daies they fed on more and better flesh than they found in Spain for many moneths Octob. 5. 6. Soon after He arrived at Portesmouth and the next day came to London to the great rejoicing of all sorts of people signified by their bonefires ringing of bells with other externall expressions of joy 13. King James now despaired of any restitution The Palatinate beheld desperate especially since the Duke of Bavaria was invested in the upper Palatinate and so His Son-in-Laws Land cantoned betwixt a Duke a King and an Emperour Whose joynt consent being requisite to the restoring thereof One would be sure to dissent from the seeming-consenting of other two Whereupon King James not onely broke off all treaty with Spaine but also called the great Councill of his Kingdome together 14. Indeed An happy Parliament the Malecontents in England used to say That the King took Physick and called Parliaments both alike using both for meer need and not caring for either how little time they lasted But now there hapned as sweet a compliance betwixt the King and his Subjects as ever happen'd in mans memory the King not asking more than what was granted Both Houses in the Name of the whole Kingdome promising their assistance with their lives and fortunes for the recovery of the Palatinate A smart Petition was presented against the Papists and order promised for the education of their Children in true Religion 15. As for the Convocation contemporary with this Parliament The Convocation large Subsidies were granted by the Clergie otherwise no great matter of moment passed therein I am informed Doctor Joseph Hall preached the Latine Sermon and Doctor Donne was the Prolocutor 16. This is that Doctor Donne Doctor Donne Prolocutor born in London but extracted from Wales by his Mother-side great-great Grandchilde to Sir Thomas More whom he much resembled in his endowments a great Traveller first Secretary to the Lord Egerton and after by the perswasion of K. James and encouragement of Bishop Morton entred into Orders made Doctor of Divinity of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and Dean of S. Pauls whose Life is no lesse truly than elegantly written by my worthily respected friend Mr. Isaac Walton whence the Reader may store himself with further information 17. A Book was translated out of the French Copie A Book falsly fathered on I. Casaubon by Abraham Darcye intituled The Originall of Idolatry pretended made by Dr. Isaac Casaubon dead ten years before dedicated to Prince Charles but presented to King James and all the Lords of the Councill A Book printed in French before the said Isaac Casaubon was born whose name was fraudulently inserted in the Title-page of the foregoing Copie 18. Merick Casaubon his Son then Student of Christs-Church The falshood detected by Letter informed King James of the wrong done to his Father by making him the Authour of such a Book contrary to his Genius and constant profession being full of impertinent allegations out of obscure and late Authors whom his Father never thought worthy the reading much lesse the using their Authority His Majestie was much incensed hereaâ— and Doctor
c pag. 6â— better so also longer than King Solomon 8. Left the world most resolved most prepared embracing his Grave for his Bed 9. Reigning gloriously with God in Heaven 10. Whilest his body was interred with all possible solemnitie in King Henry the seventh his Chappell Be it here remembred that in this Parallel the Bishop premised to set forth Solomon not in his full proportion faults and all but half-faced imagine lusca as Apelles painted Antigonus to conceal the want of his eye adding that Solomons vices could be no blemish to King James who resembled him onely in his choicest vertues He concluded all with that verse Ecclesiasticus 30. 4. Though his Father die yet he is as though he were not dead for he hath left one behinde him that is like himself in application to his present Majestie 4. Some Auditors Exceptions taken at his Sermon who came thither rather to observe than edifie cavill than observe found or made faults in the Sermon censuring him for touching too often and staying too long on an harsh string three times straining the same making eloquence too essentiall and so absolutely necessary in a King that the want thereof made Moses in a manner f pag. 16. refuse all Government though offered by God that no g pag. 5. man ever got great power without eloquence Nere being the first of the Caesars qui alienae facundiae eguit who usurp'd another mans language to speake for him Expressions which might be forborn in the presence of his Sonne and Successor whose impediment in speech was known to be great and mistook to be greater Some conceived him too long in praising the passed too short in promising for the present King though saying much of him in a little and the Bishops Adversaries whereof then no want at Court some took distaste others made advantage thereof Thus is it easier and better for us to please one God than many men with our Sermons However the Sermon was publiquely set forth by the Printer but not the express command of his Majestie which gave but the steddier Mark to his enemies noting the marginall notes thereof and making all his Sermon the text of their captious interpretations 5. Now began animosities to discover themselves in the Court Discontents begin in the Court. whose sad influences operated many years after many being discontented that on this change they received not proportionable advancement to their expectations Anno Regis Car. 1. 1 Anno Dom. 1625 It is the prerogative of the King of Heaven alone that he maketh all his Sonnes Heires all his Subjects Favourites the gain of one being no losse to the other Whereas the happiest Kings on Earth are unhappy herein that unable to gratifie all their Servants having many Suitors for the same place by conferring a favour on one they disoblige all other competitors conceiving themselves as they make the estimate of their own deserts as much if not more meriting the same preferment 6. As for Doctor Preston he still continued Dr Preston a great favourite and increased in the favor of the King and Duke it being much observed that on the day of King James his death he h Sâ—e his Life pag. 503. rode with Prince and Duke in a Coach shut down from Theobalds to London applying comfort now to one now to the other on so sad an occasion His partie would perswade us that he might have chose his own mitre much commending the moderation of his mortified minde denying all preferment which courted his acceptance verifying the Anagram which a i Mr Ayâ—â— of Lincolns Inn. friend of his made on his name Johannes Prestonius Enstas pius in honore Indeed he was conceived to hold the Helme of his own partie able to steere it to what point he pleased which made the Duke as yet much to desire his favor 7. A booke came forth called Appello Caesarem made by M. Mountague He formerly had been Fellow of Kings Colledge in Cambridge Mr. Mountague his character at the present a Parson of Essex and Fellow of Eaton One much skilled in the Fathers and Ecclesiasticall Antiquity and in the Latin and Greek Tongues Our great k Mr. Selden in his book De Diâ—s Syris pag. 361. Antiquarie confesseth as much Graecè simul Latinè doctus though pens were brandished betwixt them and vertues allowed by ones adversarie may passe for undeniable truths These his great parts were attended with tartnesse of writing very sharp the neb of his pen and much gall in his inke against such as opposed him However such the equability of the sharpnesse of his style he was unpartiall therein be he antient or modern writer Papist or Protestant that stood in his way they should all equally taste thereof 8. Passe we from the Author to his Book Settâ—th forth his Appellâ— Caesaâ—em whereof this was the occasion He had lately writen satyrically enough against the Papists in consutation of The Gagger of Protestants Now two Divines of Norwich Dioces M r. Yates and M r. Ward informed against him for dangerous errours of Arminianisme and Poperie deserting our cause in stead of defending it M. Mountague in his own vindication writes a second Book licensed by Francis White Dean of Carlile finished and partly printed in the reign of James to whom the Author intended the dedication But on King James his death it seems it descended by succession on King Charles his Sonne to whom M r. Mountague applyed the words which Ockam once used to Lewes of Bavier Emperour of Germanie Domine Imperator defende me gladio ego te defendam calamo Lord Emperour defend me with thy Sword and I will defend thee with my Pen. Many bitter passages in this his Book gave great exception whereof largely hereafter 9. On Sunday being the twelfth of June Queen Mary her first arrival at Dover about seven of the clock at night June 12. Queen Marie landed at Dover at what time a piece of Ordinance being discharged from the Castle flew in fitters yet did no bodie any harm Moe were fearfull at the presage than thankfull for the providence Next day the King coming from Canterburie met her at Dover whence with all solemnitie she was conducted to Sommerset-House in London where a Chappell was new prepared for her devotion with a Covent adjoyning of Capuchin-Friers according to the Articles of her Marriage 10. A Parliament began at London The King rescueth Mr. Mountague from the House of Commons wherein the first Statute agreed upon was for the more strict observation of the Lords-day Which day as it first honoured the King His Reign beginning thereon so the King first honoured it by passing an Act for the greater solemnitie thereof Anno Regin Caroli 1 The House of Commons fell very heavie on M r. Mountague for many bitter passages in his Book who in all probability had now been severely censured but that
the King himself was pleased to interpose in his behalf July 7 Thursday 9. Saturday signifying to the House That those things which were then spoken and determined concerning Mountague without his Privitie did not please Him who by his Court-friends being imployed in the Kings Service his Majesty signifiyed to the Parliament that he thought his Chaplains whereof M r. Montague was one might have as much protection as the Servant of an ordinary Burgess neverthelesse his bond of two thousand pounds wherewith he was tailed continued uncancelled and was called on the next Parliament 11. The Plague increasing in London The Parliament removed to Oxford and brake up in discontent the Parliament was removed to Oxford But alas no avoiding Gods hand The infection followed or rather met the Houses there whereof worthy D r. Challenor died much lamented yet were the Members of Parliament not so carefull to save their own persons from the Plague as to secure the Land from a worse and more spreading contagion the daily growth of Poperie In prevention whereof they presented a Petition to his Majesty containing sixteen particulars all which were most graciously answered by his Majesty to their full satisfaction Thus this meeting began hopefully and cheerfully proceeded turbulently and suspiciously brake off suddenly and sorrowfully the reason whereof is to be fetch'd from our Civil Historians 12. The Convocation kept here Dr. James his motion in the Convocation is scarce worth the mentioning seeing little the appearance thereat nothing the performance therein Dean Bowles the Prolocurour absented himself for fear of infection D r. Thomas Good officiating in his place and their meeting was kept in the Chappell of Merton-Colledge Here D r. James that great Book-man made a motion that all Manuscript-Fathers in the Libraries of the Universities and elswhere in England might be perused and that such places in them as had been corrupted in Popish editions much superstition being generated from such corruptions might faithfully be printed according to those ancient Copies Indeed though England at the dissolving of Abbies lost moe Manuscripts than any Countrey of Christendome of her dimensions ever had yet still enough were left her if well improved to evidence the truth herein to all posteritie This designe might have been much beneficiall to the Protestant cause if prosecuted with as great endeavour as it was propounded with good intention but alas this motion was ended when it was ended expiring in the place with the words of the mover thereof 13. The King according to his late answer in the Parliament at Ox. The insolence of Papists seasonably restrained Nov. 11. issued out a Commission to the Judges to see the Law against Recusants put in execution This was read in all the Courts of Judicature at Reading where Michaelmas Terme was kept and a letter directed to the Arch-bishop of Cant. to take speciall care for the discovery of Jesuits Seminary Priests c. within his Province A necessary severity seing Papists presuming on Protection by reason of the late Match were grown very insolent And a Popish Lord when the King was at Chappell was heard to prate on purpose lowder in a Gallery adjoyning then the Chaplain prayed whereat the King was so moved that he sent him this message Either come and doe as we doe or I will make you prate further off 14. In this Severall Writers against Mr. Mountague and the next yeer many Books from persons of severall abilities and professions were writen against M r. Mountague By 1. D r. Sutcliffe Dean of Exeter One who was miles emeritus age giving him a Supersedeas save that his zeale would imploy it self and some conceived that his choler became his old age 2. M r. Henry Burton who then began to be well as afterwards wards too well known to the World 3. M r. Francus Rowse a Lay-man by profession 4. M r. Yates a Minister of Norfolk formerly a Fellow of Emmanuel in Cambridge he intitles his Book Ibus ad Caesarem 5. D r. Carleton Bishop of Chichester 6. Anthonie Wootton Divinitie-Professour in Gresham-Colledge In this Armie of Writers the strength is conceived to consist in the rere and that the last wrote the solidest confutations Of these six Dean Sutcliffe is said to have chode heartily M r. Rowse meant honestly M r. Burton wrote plainly Bishop Carleton very piously M r. Yates learnedly and M r. Wootton most solidly 15. I remember not at this time any of Master Mountague's partie engaged in print in his behalf Mr. Mountague left to deâ—end himself Whether because they conceived this their Champion sufficient of himselfe to encounter all opposers or because they apprehended it unsafe though of the same judgment to justifie a Book which was grown so generally offensive Insomuch as his Majesty himself sensible of his Subjects great distaste thereat sounded by the Duke of Buckingham to that purpose was resolved to leave Mr. Mountague to stand or fall Jan. 19. 1611-16 according to the justice of his cause The Duke imparted as much to Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids who conceived it of such ominous concernment that he entred the same in his Diarie viz. I seem to see a cloud arising and threatning the Church of England God for his mercie dissipate it 16. The day of the Kings Coronation drawing neer A maim on the embleme of Peace his Majesty sent to survey and peruse the Regalia or Royal Ornaments which then were to be used It happened that the left wing of the Dove on the Scepter was quite broken off by what casualty God himself knows The King sent for Mr. Acton then his Goldsmith commanding him that the very same should be set on again The Goldsmith replied that it was impossible to be done so fairly but that some mark would remain thereof To whom the King in some passion returned l His Son succeeding his Father in that place and then present attested to me the truth hereof If you will not doe it another shall Hereupon Mr. Acton carried it home and got another Dove of Gold to be artificially set on whereat when brought back his Majesty was well contented as making no discovery thereof 17. The Bishop of Lincolne A Dilemma well waved Lord-Keeper was now dayly descendant in the Kings favour who so highly distasted him that he would not have him as Dean of Westminster to perform any part of His Coronation yet so was it a favour or a triall that it was left to his free choice to prefer any Prebendary of the Church to officiate in his place The Bishop met with a Dilemma herein To recommend Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids and Prebendary of Westminster for that performance was to grace one of his greatest enemies to passe him by and prefer a private Prebendary for that purpose before a Bishop would seem unhandsome and be interpreted a neglect of his own Order To avoid all exceptions
he presented a list of all the Prebendaries of that Church referring the election to his Majesty himself who made choise of Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids for that attendance 18. Dr. Senhouse Feb 2. The Coronation Sermon Bishop of Carlile Chaplain to the King when Prince preached at the Coronation his text And I will give unto thee a Crown of life In some sort it may be said that he preached his own funerall dying shortly after and even then the black Jaundice had so possessed him a disease which hangs the face with mourning as against its buriall that all despaired of his recovery Now seeing this Coronation cometh within if not the pales and Park the purlews of Ecclesiastical Historie we will present so much thereof as was acted in the Church of Westminster Let Heraulds marshall the solemnitie of their advance from Westminster-Hall to this Church The solemn advance to the Church Anno Dom. 1625-2â— Anno Regis Car. 1. 1 where our pen takes the first possession of this subject 19. But first we will premise the equipage according to which they advanced from Westminster-Hall to the Abbey-Church in order as followeth 1. The Aldermen of London two by two ushered by an Herauld 2. Eightie Knights of the Bath in their Robes each having an Esquire to support and Page to attend him 3. The Kings Serjeants at Law Solicitour Atturney Masters of Request and Judges 4. Privie-Counsellors that were Knights and chief Officers of the Kings Houshold 5. Barons of the Kingdome all bare-headed in their Parliament-Robes with swords by their sides 6. The Bishops with Scarlet-gowns and Lawn-sleeves bare-headed 7. The Vice-Counts and Earles not in their Parliament but in their Coronation-Robes with Coronetted-Caps on their Heads 8. The Officers of State for the day whereof these are the principall Sr. Richard Winn. Sr. George Goreing The Lord Privie-Seal The Archbishop of Canterbury The Earl of Dorset carrying The first Sword naked The Earl of Essex The second The Earl of Kent The third The Earl of Montgomerie The Spurs The Earl of Sussex The Globe and Crosse upon it The Bishop of London The Golden Cup for the Communion The Bishop of Winchester The Golden Plate The Earl of Rutland The Scepter The Marquesse Hammilton The Sword of State naked The Earl of Pembroke The Crown The Lord Maior in a crimson Velvet gown carried a short Scepter before the King amongst the Serjeants But I am not satisfied in the criticalness of his place The Earl of Arundel as Earl-Marshall of England and the Duke of Buckingham as Lord High-Constable of England for that day went before his Majestity in this great solemnity 20. The King entred at the West-gate of the Church The manner of the Kings Coronation under a rich Canopy carried by the Barons of the Cinque-Ports his own person being supported by Dr. Neyle Bishop of Durham on the one hand and Dr. Lake Bishop of Bath and Wells on the other His train being six yards long of purple Velvet was held up by the Lord Compton as belonging to the Robes and the Lord Viscount Dorcester Here he was met by the Prebends of Westminster Bishop Laud supplying the Dean his place in their rich Copes who delivered into his Majesties hand the Staff of King Edward the Confessor with which he walked upto the Scaffold 21. This was made of wood at the upper end of the Church The fashion of the Scaffold from the Quire to the Altar His Majesty mounted it none under the degree of a Baron standing thereon save only the Prebends of Westminster who attended on the Altar three Chaires were appointed for him in severall places one of Repose the second the ancient Chair of Coronation and the third placed on an high square of five Staires ascent being the Chair of State 22. All being settled and reposed The King presented and accepted by the People the Lord Archbishop did present his Majesty to the Lords and Commons East West North South asking their minds four severall times if they did consent to the Coronation of King Charles their lawfull Soveraign The King mean time presented himself bare-headed Anno Regis Car. 1. 1. Anno Dom. 1623-26 the consent being given four times with great acclamation the King took his Chaire of repose 23. After the Sermon whereof before the L. Archbishop Sworn and annointed invested in a rich Coape tendered to the King kneeling down on cushions at the Communion-Table a large Oath then were his Majesties Robes taken off him and were offered on the Altar He stood for a while stripped to his Doublet and Hose which were of white Satten with Ribbons on the Armes and Shoulders to open them and he appeared a proper Person to all that beheld him Then was he led by the L. Archbishop and the Bishop of St. Davids and placed in the Chaire of Coronation a close Canopie being spread over him the L. Archbishop anointing his head shoulders armes and hands with a costly ointment the Quire singing an Antheme of these words Zadok the Priest anointed King Solomon 24. Hence the King was led up in his Doublet and Hose with a white Coyfe on his head to the Communion Table Solemnly Crowned where Bishop Laud Deputy for the Dean of Westminster brought forth the ancient Habiliments of King Edward the Confessour and put them upon him Then was his Majestie brought back to the Chaire of Coronation and received the Crown of King Edward presented by Bishop Laud and put on his head by the Archbishop of Canterburie The Quire singing an Antheme Thou shalt put a Crown of pure Gold upon his head Whereupon the Earles and Viscounts put on their Crimson Velvet Caps with Coronets about them the Barons and Bishops alwayes standing bare headed Then every Bishop came severally to his Majesty to bring his benediction upon him and he in King Edwards Robes with the Crown upon his head rose from his Chaire and did bow severally to every Bishop apart 25. Then was King Edwards Sword girt about him And giâ—t with several Swords which he took off again and offered up at the Communion Table with two Swords more surely not in relation to Scotland and Ireland but to some ancient Principalities his Predecessors enjoyed in France Then the Duke of Buckingam as Master of the Horse put on his Spurres and thus completely crowned his Majesty offered first Gold then Silver at the Altar and afterwards Bread and Wine which were to be used at the holy Communion 26. Then was his Majesty conducted by the Nobility to the Throne upon that square Bâ—fs of five ascents Homage done by the Nobility to his Majestys the Quire singing Te deum Here his Majesty took an Oath of homage from the Duke of Buckingam as Lord high Constable for that day and the Duke did sweare all the Nobilitie besides to be Homagers to his Majestie at his Majesties knees 27. Then as
many Earles and Barons as could conveniently stand about the Thrane With their solemne oath did lay their hands on the Crowne on his Majesties head protesting to spend their bloods to maintain it to him and his lawfull Heirs The Bishops severally kneeled down but took no oath as the Barons did the King kissing every one of them 28. Then the King took a Scrowle of parchment out of his bosom and gave it to the Lord Keeper Williams A Pardon generall granted who reâ—d it to the Commons four severall times East West North and South The effect whereof was that his Majesty did offer a pardon to all his Subjects-who would take it under his Broad-Seale 29. From the Throne The Communion concludes the solemnity his Majesty was conducted to the Communion Table where the Lord Archbishop kneeling on the North side read prayers in the Quire and sung the Nicene Creed The Bishop of Landaff and Nâ—â—ich read the Epistle and Gospell with whom the Bishops of Durham and St. Davids in rich Copes kneeled with his Majesty and received the Communion the bread from the Archbishop the wine from the Bishop of St. Davids his Majesty receiving last of all whilest Gloria in excelsis was sung by the Quire Anno Dom. 1625-26 Anno Regis Caroli 1 and some prayers read by the Archbishop concluded the solemnity 30. The King after he had disrobed himself in King Edwards Chappell The return to White-Hall came forth in a short Robe of red Velvet girt unto him lined with Ermins and a Crown of his own on his head set with very pretious stones and thus the Train going to the Barges on the water side returned to White Hall in the same order wherein they came about three a clocke in the afternoon 31. I have insisted the longer on this Subject moved thereunto by this consideration Our prolixity herein excused that if it be the last Solemnitie performed on an English King in this kinde Posteritie will conceive my paines well bestowed because on the last But if hereafter Divine providence shall assign England another King though the transactions herein be not wholly precedentiall something of State may be chosen out gratefull for imitation 32. And here if a Blister was not A soul mouth railer it deserved to be on the fingers of that scandalous Pamphleteer who hath written that King Charles was not Crowned like other Kings Whereas all essentills of his Coronation were performed with as much ceremonie as ever before and all Robes of State used according to ancient prescription But if he indulged his own fancie for the colour of his clothes a White Sute c. Persons meaner than Princes have in greater matters assumed as much libery to themselves 33. Indeed one Solemnitie no part of Why the King rode not through the Citie but preface to the Coronation was declined on good consideration For whereas the Kings of England used to ride from the Tower through the City to Westminster King Charles went thither by water out of double providence to save health and wealth thereby For though the infectious Aire in the City of London had lately been corrected with a sharp Winter yet was it not so amended but that a just suspicion of danger did remain Besides such a procession would have cost him threescore thousand Pounds to be disbursed on Scarler for his Train A summe which if then demanded of his Exchequer would scarce receive a satisfactory answer thereunto and surely some who since condemne him for want of state in omitting this Royall Pageant would have condemned him more for prodigality had he made use thereof 34. As for any other alterations in Prayers or Ceremonies A memorable alteration in a Pageant though heavily charged on Bishop Laud are since conceived by unpartiall people done by a Committee wherein though the Bishop accused as most active others did equally consent Indeed a passage not in fashion since the Reign of King Henry the sixt was used in a prayer at this time Obtineat gratiam huic populo sicut Aaron in Tabernaculo Elizeus in Fluvio Zacharias in Templo sit Petrus in Clave Paulus in Dogmate Let him obtain favor for this people like Aaron in the Tabernacle Elisha in the Waters Zacharias in the Temple give him Peters Key of dicipline Pauls Doctrine This I may call a Protestant passage though anciently used in Popish times as fixing more spirituall power in the King than the Pope will willingly allow jealous that any should finger Peters Keyes save himself 35. A few dayes after a Parliament began A Conference at York House Feb 6 11. wherein M r. Mountague was much troubled about his Book but made a fhift by his powerfull Friends to save himself During the sitting whereof at the instance and procurement of Robert Rich Earle of Warwick a conference was Kept in York house before the Duke of Buckingam and other Lords betwixt Dr. Buckridge Bishop of Rochester and Dr. White Dean of Carlile on the one side and Dr. Morton Bishop of Coventry and Dr. Preston on the other about Arminian points and chiefly the possibilitie of one elected to fall from grace The passages of which conference arâ— variously reported For it is not in tongue combats Anno Regin Carol. 1 Anno Dom. 1626-2â— as in other battails where the victorie cannot be disguised as discovering it self in keeping the field number of the slain Captives and Colours taken Whilest here no such visible effects appearing the persons present were left to their libertie to judge of the Conquest as each one stood affected However William Earle of Pembrooke was heard to say that none returned Arminians thence save such who repaired thither with the same opinions 36. Soon after a second conference was entertained Feb. 17. A second on the same Subject in the same place on the same points before the same Persons betwixt Dr. White Dean of Carlile and Mr. Mountague on the on side and Dr. Morton Bishop of Lichfield and Dr. Preston on the other Dr. Preston carried it clear at the first by dividing his adversaries who quickly perceiving their error pieced themselves together in a joynt opposition against him The passages also of this conference are as differently related as the former Some makeing it a a Thus the writer of Dr. Prestons Life concludes the conquest on his side clear conquest on one some on the other side and a third sort a drawn battail betwixt both Thus the success of these meetings answered neither the commendable intentions nor hopefull expectations of such who procured them Now whil'st other dare say Universally of such conferences what David saith of mankinde that of them b Psalme 14. 3. there is none that doth good no not one we dare onely intimate that what Statesmen observe of Interviews betwixt Princes so these conferences betwixt Divines rather increase the differences than abate them 37.
23 and on his knees before both Houses submitted himself as followeth with outward expression of sorrow I doe here in all sorrow of heart and true repentance acknowledge those many errors and indiscretions which I have committed in preaching and publishing the two Sermons of mine which I called Religion and Allegiance and my great fault in falling upon this theam again and handling the same rashly scandalously and unadvisedly in my own Parish-Church in St. Giles in the fields the fourth of May last past I humbly acknowledg these three Sermons to have been full of dangerous passages and inferences and scandalous aspersions in most part of the same And I doe humbly acknowledge the just proceedings of this Honourable House against me and the just sentence and judgment pass'd upon me for my great offence And I doe from the bottom of my heart crave pardon of God the King and this Honourable House and the Commonweal in general and those worthy persons adjudged to be reflected upon by me in particular for those great offences and errors How this Doctor Roger Manwaring notwithstanding the foresaid censure was afterwards preferred first to the Deanarie of Worcester next to the Bishoprick of St. Davids God willing in due place thereof 64. On Thursday the 26 th of this moneth June 16. The Acts of this Parliament ended the Session of Parliament wherein little relating to Religion was concluded save onely that diverse abuses on the Lords-day were restained All Cariers Carters Waggoners Wain-men Drovers of Cattell forbidden to travell thereâ—n on the forfeit of twenty shillings for every offence Likewise Butchers to lose six shillings and eight pence for killing or selling any victuals on that day A Law was also made That whosoever goeth himself or sendeth others beyond the Seas to be trained up in Poperie c. shall be disabled to sue c. and shall lose all his Goods and shall forfeit all his Lands c. for life Five entire Subsidies were granted to the King by the Spirituality and the said Grant confirm'd by the Act of this Parliament which now was first prorogued to the twentieth of October following and then on some intervening obstructions put off to the twentieth of January when it began again 65. As for the Convocation Nothing done in thâ— Convocation concurent in time with this Parliament nothing considerable was acted therein Dr. Thomas Winniff Dean of Glocester preach'd the Latin Sermon his text Acts 20. 28. Attendite ad vos ipsos totum gregem c. Dr. Curle was chosen Prolocutor and a low voice would serve the turn where nothing was to be spoken 66. On the twentieth of July following Dr. Preston dyed in his native Country of Northamptonshire July 20 Tho death of Dr. Preston neer the place of his birth of a consumption and was buried at Fawsley Mr. Dod preaching his funeral Sermon An excellent Preacher of whom Mr. Noy was wont to say that he preached as if he knew Gods Will a subtile Disputant and great Politician so that his Foes must confess that if not having too little of the Dove he had enough of the Serpent Some will not stick to say he had large parts of sufficient receipt to manage the Broad Seale it self which if the condition had pleased him was proffered unto him For he might have been the Dukes right hand though at last less than his little finger unto him Who despairing that this Patriarch of the Presbyterian Party would bring off his side unto him used him no longer who would not or could not be usefull unto him Most of this Doctor 's posthume-books have been happie in their education I mean in being well brought forth into the World though all of them have not lighted on so good guardians But his life is so largely and learnedly written by one of his own * Mr. The. Balle of Northampton Pupils that nothing can be added unto it 67. About this time George Carleton The death of Bishop Carleton that grave and godly Bishop of Chichester ended his pious life He was born at b Camden Brit in Northumberland Norham in Northumberland where his Father was the Keeper of that important Castle in the Marches an imployment speaking him wise and valiant in those dangerous and warlike dayes He was bred and brought up under Mr. Bernard Gilpin that Apostolical man whose Life he wrote in gratitude to his memorie and retained his youthfull and Poeticall studies fresh in his old age He was selected by King James one of the five Divines sent over to the Synod of Dort He wrote many small Tracts one against Sir John Heydon about judicial Astrology which conjoyned would amount to a great volume Mr. Richard Mountague one of a different judgement succeeded in his See who at first met with some small opposition on the following occasion 68. There is a solemnity performed before the consecration of every Bishop Aug. 22. Mr. Mountagues Confirmation opposed in this manner The Royall assent being passed on his election the Archbishops Vicar-general proceeds to his Confirmation commonly kept in Bâ—w Church A Process is issued forth to call all persons to appear to shew cause why the Elect there present should not be confirmed For seeing a Bishop is in a maner married to his See save that hereafter he taketh his surname from his Wife and not she from him this ceremony is a kinde of asking the Banes to see if any can alledge any lawfull cause to forbid them Now at the confirmation of Mr. Mountague when liberty was given to any objectors against him one Mr. Humphreys since a Parliament Colonel lately deceased and William Jones a Stationer of London who alone is mentioned in the Record excepted against Mr. Mountague as unfitting for the Episcopal office chiefly on this account because lately censured by Parliament for his book and rendered uncapable of all preferment in the Church 69. But exception was taken at Jones his exceptions which the Record calls praetensos articulos as defective in some legal formalities But the opposition ineffectual I have been informed it was alledged against him for bringing in his objections vivâ voce and not by a Proctor that Court adjudging all private persons effectually dumbe who speak not by one admitted to plead therein Jones returned that he could not get any Proctor though pressing them importunately and proffering them their fee to present his exceptions and therefore was necessitated ore tenus there to alledge them against Mr. Mountague The Register c Registâ—um Cantuar. fol. 140. in anno 1628. mentioneth no particular defects in his exceptions but Dr. Rives Substitute at that time for the Vicar-general declined to take any notice of them and concludeth Jones amongst the contumacious quòd nullo modo legitimè comparuit nec aliquid in hac parte juxta juris exigentiam diceret exciperet vel opponeret Yet this good Jones did
though dying some dayes after Bishop Andrews and indeed great was the conformity betwixt them Both being Sons of Seafaring * Bishop Andrews in London and Felton in Yarmouth Men who by Gods blessing on their industry attained comfortable estates both Scholars Fellows and Masters of Pembrook Hall both great Scholars painfull Preachers in London for many years with no less profit to others than credit to themselves both successively Bishops of Ely This Bishop Felton had a sound Head and a sanctified Heart beloved of God and all good men very Hospitable to all and charitable to the poor He died the 5. of October 1626 and lieth buried under the Communion Table in St. Antholins in London whereof he had been Minister for twenty * Attested unto me by John Norgate his Son in Law eight years One whilst a private man happy in his Curates whereof two Dr. Bowlles and Dr. Westfield afterwards became Bishops and when a Bishop no lesse happy in his learned and religious Chaplains TO JOHN CARY OF STANSTED in HARTFORD-SHIRE Esq RAre is your hapiness in leaving the Court before it left you Not in deserting your attendance on your Master of whom none more constantly observant but in quitting such vanities which the Court then in Power did tender and You then in Prime might have accepted Whilest you seasonably retrenched your Self and reduced your Soul to an Holy Seriousnes declining such expensive Recreations on Principles of Piety as wel as Providence wherewith your Youth was so much affected And now Sir seeing you are so judicious in RACING give me leave to prosecute the Apostles Metaphore in applying my best wishes to you and to your worthy Lady which hath repaired the Losses caused by Loyalty so that you have found in a virtuous Mate what you have lost for a gracious Master Heaven is your Mark Christ your way thither the Word the way to Christ Gods Spirit the Guide to both When in this Race Impatience shall make you to tire or Ignorance to stray or Idleness or Weakness to stumble or Wilfulnes to fall may Repentance raise you Faith quicken you Patience strengthen you til Perseverance bring you both to the Mark. 1. QUeen Mary surprised with some fright Anno Regis Carol. 5 Anno Dom. 1629 The birth and death of Pr. Charles as is generally beleeved antedated the time of her travel by some weeks and was delivered of a Son Wednesday May 13. But a greater acceleration was endeavoured in his Baptisme than what happened at his Birth such the forwardnes of the Popish Priests to snatch him from the hands of those as dressed him had not the care of K. Charles prevented tâ—em assigning Dr. Web then waiting his Moneth to Christen him He died about an houre after the King very patiently bearing the loss as receiving the first fruits of some of his Subjects estates Anno Dom. 1629 Anno Regis Carolis and as willingly paying those of his own Body to the King of Heaven 2. The University of Oxford Oxford Muses Cambridge being then heavily infected with the Plague at once in their verses congratulated the safe Birth and condoled the short life of this Prince and a Tetrastich made by one of Christi-Church thus in making his addresse to the Queen I must not omit Quòd Lucina tuos semel est frustrata Labores Nec fortunantes praebuit illa manus Ignoscas Regina uno molimine Ventris Non potuit Princeps ad triae Regna dari This Prince the next day after was buried by Bishop Laud in the Chappel at Westminster 3. During the sitting of the last Parliament Dr. Leighton his raâ—ling Book May 14 one Leighton a Scotish-man presented a Book unto them had he been an English man we durst call him a Furious and now will terme him a fiery whence kindled let other ghess Writer His Book consisted of a continued railing from the beginaing to the end exciting the Parliament and People to kil all the Bishops and to smite them under the fifth Rib. He bitterly enveyed against the Queen calling her a Daughter of Heth a Canaanite and Idolatress and ZIONSPLEA was the specious Title of his Pamplhet for which he was sentenced in the Star-chamber to be whipt and stigmatized to have his eares cropt and nose slit But betwixt the pronouncing and inflicting this Censure he makes his escape into Bedford-shire 4. The Warden of the Fleet was in a Bushel of Troubles about his escape Recovered after his escape and severely punished though alledging that some helped him over the wal and that he himself knew nothing thereof til the noon after But no plea seemed available for one in his place but either the keeping or recovering of his Prisoner unfortunate in the former he was happy in the latter brought him back into his custody so that the aforesaid censure was inflicted on him It is remarkable that amongst the many accusations charged on Archbishop Laud at his trial the severity on Leighton is not at all mentioned chiefly because though he might be suspected active therein his faults were of so high a nature none then or since dare appear in his defence The Papists boast that they have beyond the Seas with them his Son of an other perswasion 5. Some three yeers since Feoffees to buy in impropriations certain feoffees were though not incorporated by the Kings Letters Patent or any Act of Parliament legally setled in trust to purchase in impropriations with their own and other well disposed Persons money and with their profit to set up and maintain a constant preaching Ministry in places of greatest need where the word was most wanting These consisted of a number neither too few as the work should burden them nor so many as might be a burden to the work twelve in all diversly qualified 1 William Gouge 2 Richard Sibbs Drs. in Divinity 3 C. Ofspring 4 J. Davenport 5 Ralph Eyre 6 S. Brown of Lincolns Inn. 7 C. Sherland 8 John White of Grayes Inn. Middle Temple 9 John Geering 10 Richard Davis 11 George Harwood 12 Francis Bridges Citizens Here were four Divines Anno Regis Caroli 6 Anno Dom. 1950. to perswade mens consciences four Lawyers to draw all conveiances and four Citizens who commanded rich Coffers wanting nothing save what since doth all things some Swordmen to defend all the rest Besides these the Capemerchants as I may term them there were other inferiour Factors Mr. Foxley c. who were imployed by appointment or of officiousnes imployed themselves in this designe 6. It is incredible Begin and precceed hopefully what large sums were advanced in a short time towards so laudable an imployment There are indeed in England of Parish Churches nine thousand two hundred eighty four endowed with Glebe and Tithes But of these when these Feoffees entered on their work three thousand eight hundred fourty five were either or Appropriated to Bishops
to take off their heavy hand from them informing them that his Majesty inâ—ended to use them hereafter with more mildnesse as a considerable party â—â—ing great influence on the Parliament without whose concurrence the 〈◊〉 could not comfortably supply his necessities adding moreover that 〈◊〉 Majesty had communicated this unto him by his own mouth with his â—â—â—tions hereafter of more gentlenesse to men of that opinion 〈◊〉 Some yeers after upon the deniall of an Officialls place in Leicester 〈◊〉 which notwithstanding Informed against him in the Star-chamber he carried in despight of the Bishop Sir John â—â—â—be fell foul with his old Friend and in revenge complained of him for â—evealing the Kings secrets concredited to his privacy Hereupon Atturney Noy was employ'd to put the same into an Information in the Star-chamber unto which Bishop Williams by good advise of counsell did plead and demurre as containing no matter fit for the cognizance of that Court as concerning words spoken of matters done in Parliament secrets pretended to be revealed by him a Privy Counsellor and Peere of Parliament and therefore not to be heard but in that High-Court This Demurrer being heard argued by Counsell Pro and Con in open Court for two or three hours the Lord Keeper and other Lords there present finding no cause nor colour to overrule it was referred to Judge Richison who lately having singded his Coat from blasts at the Court by him to be smothered who in a private Chamber presently after dinner over-ruled the same in a quarter of an houre 79. The Demurrer thus rendred useless in the Bishops defence Deserteth his intents of compounding with the King he used what means he could by the Lord Weston a proper person because Treasurer to meddle in money matters to compound with his Majesty but his Majesty resolved to have the Bishops answer and confession of his fault before he would compound with him Whereupon the Bishop quitting all thoughts of composition resolved to weather out the Tempest of his Majesties displeasure at open sea either out of confidence of the strength of his tackling his own innocence or skill of his Pilots who were to steere his suit having the learnedst Counsel of the Land by whose advise he put in a strong plea which likewise being argued and debated in open Court came at last to 70. His Eares were cut off very close Severall censures on his behaviour so that the Temporall or Head Artery being cut Anno Dom. 1637 the blood in abundance streamed down upon the Scaffold Anno Regis Caroli 13 all which he manfully endured without manifesting the least shrinking thereat Indeed of such who measured his minde by his words some conceived his carraige farre above others though using the same scale suspected the same to be somewhat beside himself But let such who desire more of his character consult with his printed lite written with his own hand though it be hard for the most Excellent Artist truely to draw his own Picture 71. Dr. Bastwick succeeded him Mr. Bastwick his Speech making a Speech to this effect Here are many spectatours of us who stand here as Delinquents yet am I not conscious to my self of the least trespasse wherein I have deserved this outward shame Indeed I wrote a Book against Antichrist the Pope and the Pope of Canterbury said it was written against him But were the Presse open unto us we would scatter his Kingdome and fight couragiously against Gog and Magog There be many here that have set many daies apart on our behalf let the Prelates take notice thereof and have sent up strong prayers to God for us the strength and fruit whereof we have felt all along in this cause In a word so farre am I from fear or care that had I as much blood as would swell the Thames then visible unto him his face respecting the South I would lose every drop thereof in this cause 72. His Friends much admired and highly commended the erection of his minde triumphing over pain and shame Many Men many mindes making the one easie the other honourable and imputed the same to an immediate Sprituall support Others conceived that anger in him acted the part of patience as to the stout undergoing of his sufferings and that in a Christian there lyeth a reall distinction betwixt Spirit and Stomach Valour and Stubbornnesse 73. Mr. Prince concluded the sad sight of that day Mr. Prince his Speech and spake to this purpose The cause of my standing here is for not bringing in my Answer God knoweth my conscience beareth witnesse and my Councell can tell for I paid them twice though to no purpose But their cowardise stands upon Record And that 's the reason why they did proceed and take the cause pro confesso against me But rather then I would have my cause a leading cause to the depriving of the Subjects liberties which I seek to maintain I choose to suffer my body to become an example of this punishment 74. The censure was with all rigour executed on him His behaviour at the censure and he who felt the most fretted the least commended for more kindly patience than either of his Predecessours in that place So various were mens fancies in reading the same letters imprinted in his face that some made them to spell the guiltiness of the Sufferer but others the cruelty of the Imposer Of the latter sort many for the cause more for the man most for huâ—anity sake bestowed pity upon him and now all three were remanded 〈◊〉 their former Prisons and Mr. Prinne as he returned by water to the Tâ—â—er made this Distick upon his own stigmatizing S. L. Stigmara maxillis referens insignala Laudis Exultans remeo Victima grata Deo Not long after they were removed Mr. Prinne to Carnarvan-Castle in Wales Dr. Bastwicke and Mr. Burton the one to Lancaster-Castle the other to Lanceston in Cornewall 75. But it seems these places were conceived to have Their removall either too little of Privacy or too much of Pleasure The two latter therefore were removed again One to the Isle of Scilly the other to the Isle of Gernezey and Mr. Prinne to Mount Orgueile-Castle in Jersey This in vulgar apprehensions added breadth to the former depth of their sufferings scattering the same over all the English Dominions making the Islands thereof as well as the Continent partake of their patience And here we leave them all in their Prisons and particularly Mr. Prinne improving the Rocks and the Seas good Spirituall Husbandrie with pious meditations But we shall heare more of them hereafter at the beginning of the Parliament 76. Next came the Bishop of Lincoln to be censured in the Star-chamber A preparative to the censure of the Bishop of Lincoln and something must be premised preparative thereunto After the great Seal some ten yeares since was taken from him he retired himself to Bugden in
Huntingdonshire where he may be said to have lived in a publick privacie So many his Visitants hospitall his house-keeping it being hard to say whether his Table were more free and full in dyet or discourse indeed he had a plentifull estate to maintain it besides his purchased Land The revenues of his Bishoprick and Deanery of Westminster out of which long since he had been shaken if not fastned therein by the Letters Patents of King James His Adversaries beheld him with envious eyes and one great Prelate plainly said in the presence of the King that the Bishop of Lincoln lived in as much pompe and plenty as any Cardinall in Rome for Dyâ—t Musick and attendance They resolved therefore to humble his height the concurrence â—f many matters ministring occasion thereunto 77. Sir John Lambe Dean of the Arches formerly a Favourite of Lincoln feâ—cht off from being prosecuted in Parliament The Bishop his discourse at the table with Sir John Lamb. and knighted by his means with Dr. Sibthorp Allen and Burden two Proctors as I take them were entertained at the Bishops talk at Bugden where their table was the discourse generall of those dayes against Puritans The Bishop advised them to take off their heavy hand from them informing them that his Majesty intended to use them hereafter with more mildnesse as a considerable party having great influence on the Parliament without whose concurrence the King could not comfortably supply his necessities adding moreover that his Majesty had communicated this unto him by his own mouth with his resolutions hereafter of more gentlenesse to men of that opinion 78. Some yeers after upon the deniall of an Officialls place in Leicestershire which notwithstanding Informed against him in the Star-chamber he carried in despight of the Bishop Sir John Lambe fell foul with his old Friend and in revenge complained of him for revealing the Kings secrets concredited to his privacy Hereupon Atturney Noy was employ'd to put the same into an Information in the Star-chamber unto which Bishop Williams by good advise of counsell did plead and demurre as containing no matter fit for the cognizance of that Court as concerning words spoken of matters done in Parliament secrets pretended to be revealed by him a Privy Counsellor and Peere of Parliament and therefore not to be heard but in that High-Court This Demurrer being heard argued by Counsell Pro and Con in open Court for two or three hours the Lord Keeper and other Lords there present finding no cause nor colour to overrule it was referred to Judge Richison who lately having singded his Coat from blasts at the Court by him to be smothered who in a private Chamber presently after dinner over-ruled the same in a quarter of an houre 79. The Demurrer thus rendred useless in the Bishops defence Deserreth his intents of compounding with the King he used what means he could by the Lord Weston a proper person because Treasurer to meddle in money matters to compound with his Majesty but his Majesty resolved to have the Bishops answer and confession of his fault before he would compound with him Whereupon the Bishop quitting all thoughts of composition resolved to weather out the Tempest of his Majesties displeasure at open sea either out of confidence of the strength of his tackling his own innocence or skill of his Pilots who were to steere his suit having the learnedst Counsel of the Land by whose advise he put in a strong plea which likewise being argued and debated in open Court came at last to the same untimely end with the Demurrer as referred to Judge Richison and smothered by him in a Chamber 80. This Plea thus overruled Puts in an especiall answer the Bishop put in an especiall answer to the information declaring how all was grounded by a conspiracy and combination of the persons named in the Bill to wit Lambe Sibthorpe Allen and Burden out of an intent to advance themselves and hatred they bare to him for not permitting them to pole and pill the Kings Subjects in Leicestershire in their Ecclesiasticall Courts by haling them into their nets ex officio mero without any previous complaint under an imaginary colour of Puritanism To this especiall answer Atturney Noy rejoyned in issue admitting the Bishop to prove his especiall matters who proceeded to the examination of his witnesses therein 81. Now began Atturney Noy to grow weary of the matter Kilveâ—t entertained his Prosecutor and became slow and remisse in the prosecution thereof whether out of respect to the Bishop whom he honoured though tart in tearms against him to please a greater Prelate or out of consciousnesse that more weight was hung thereon then the slender Wyres of the cause would bear Hereupon Richard Kilvert was entertained to follow the Suite though not entring himself as he ought Prosecutour upon record at the best being a necessary evill to doe what an honest man would be ashamed of Indeed like an English Mastiffe he would fiercely flye upon any person or project if set on with promise of profit and having formerly made his Breakfast on Sir John Bennet he intended to dine and supp on the Bishop And though his strength consisted much in a cunning head yet farre more in an able back as seconded in this suit and abetted from the Court in his undertakings This Kilvert so wrought himself into Warren an Examiner of the Star-Chamber that some say contrary to his oath he revealed unto him that the Testimony of one John Pregion Register of Lincoln and Leicester was most materiall in the Bishop his defence 82. Then was it Kilvert his designe to uncredit the Testimony of Pregion Pregion a principall witnesse of the Bishop much molested by charging him with several accusations particularly getting a Bastard though being no matters upon record to take away the validity of his witnesse The Bishop apprehending himself necessitated to weigh up Pregion his repute engaged himself more zealously therein then was conceived consistent with the gravity of so great a Prelate for so inconsiderable a person Especially to such who knew not that Dr. Morrison and this Pregion were the only persons of note present at the Bishop his Table when the discourse passed betwixt him and Sir John Lambe The Bastard laid to his charge is bandied at Lincoln-Sessions backward and forward betwixt Pregion and another The first Court fathers it upon him the next freed him from it and a third returned it upon him again This last order of Sessions was again dissolved as illegall by the Judges of the Kings-Bench and Pregion cleared from the child charged on him Sir John Munson a Justice of that County appearing very active against him and the Bishop no lesse earnest in his behalf 83. Here hapned the occasion or that w ch was afterwards so highly charged Subornation of perjury charged on the Bishop and heavily censured on the Bishop Williams wiz tampering to 〈◊〉
witnesses Henceforward 〈…〉 all his first information which from this day sunk 〈◊〉 silence and employed all his power on the proof of Subornation That 〈…〉 too hard for his Teeth to enter and fastned his fangs on a softer place so to pinch the Bishop to purpose yea so expensive was the suit that the Bishop well skilled in the charge of charitable works might with the same cost have built and endowed a small Colledge 84. Some daies before she hearing a Noble Lord of his Majesties Councell In 〈…〉 with the King the Bishops great Friend interposed himself to compound the matter prevailing so farre that on his payment of two thousand pound the Suit should be superseded in the Star-Chamber and he freed from further molessation But at this Lords return the price was risen in the market and besides the aforesaid 〈◊〉 it was demanded of him that to procure his peace he must part with his Deanery of Westminster Parsonage or Walgrave and Prebend of Lincoln which he kept in commendam To this the Bishop answered that he would in no base forgoe those few remainders of the favour which his dead master King James had conferred 〈◊〉 him 85. Not long after another bargain was driven frustrated therein by his great Adversary by the well intended endeavours of the same Lord that seeing his Majesty at that time had much occasion of moneys if he would but double the former summe and lay down four thousand pounds he should be freed from further trouble and might goe home with all his 〈◊〉 about him The Bishop returned that he took no delight 〈◊〉 at law with his Soveraign and thankfully embracing the motion prepared himself for the payment When a great Adversary stepping in so violented his Majesty to a Tryall that all was not onely frustrated but this afterwards urged against the Bishop to prove him conscious of a crime from his forwardness to entertain a composition 86. The day of censure being come July 11. Tuesday Sir John Finch Lord chief Justice fined the Bishop ten thousand pound for tempering to suborn Witnesses His heavy censure Secretary Windebank concurred with that little Bell being the lowdest and shrillest in the whole peaâ— as who alone motioned to degrade him which was lustily pronounced by a Knight and Layman having no precedent for the same in former ages The other Lords brought the fine downe to eight thousand pound and a thousand marks to Sir John Munson with suspension ab officio et beneficio and imprisoning him during the Kings pleasure The Earl of Arundell added that the cause in its self was extraordinary not so much prosecuted by the Atturney as immediately by the King himself recommended to their justice Manchester Lord privy Seal said that this was the first precedent wherein a Master had undone himself to save his Servant 87. The Archbishop of Canterbury did consent thereunto To which the Archbishop of Canterbury did concurre aggravating the fault of subornation of perjury with a patheticall speech of almost an houre long shewing how the world was above three thousand years old before ripe enough to commit so great a wickedness and Jesabell the first in Scripture branded with that infamie whose false Witnesses the holy Spirit refused to name otherwise than under the Character of Men of Belial Wherefore although as he said he himself had been five times down on his knees to his Majesty in the Bishops behalf yet considering the guilt so great he could not but agree with the heaviest censure And although some Lords the Bishops Friends as Treasurer Weston Earl of Dorset c. concurred in the fine with hope the King should have the sole honor of the mitigation thereof yet his Majesties necessaries meeting with the person adjudged guilty and well known for solvable no wonder if the utmost penny of the fine was exacted 88. At the same time were fined with the Bishop Three of his Servants fined with 〈◊〉 George Walker his Secretary Cadwallader Powell his Steward at three hundred pounds a piece and Thomas Lund the Bishop his Servant at a thousand 〈◊〉 all as 〈◊〉 in the same cause yet none of them was imprisoned save Lund for a few weeks and their fine never called upon into this day which the Bishop said was commuted into such Office as hereafter they were go doe in the favour of Kilvert 7. To make this our History entire The complaints against the unjust proceedings against him put in by the Bishop into the Parliament the matter in this particular suite Be it therefore known to the Reader than some foure years after 〈◊〉 1640 when this Bishop was fetch out of the Tower and restored a Peer in Parliament he there in presented severall grievances concerning the indirect prosecution of this cause against him whereof these the principall First that his Adversaries utterly waâ—ed and declined the matter of their first Information about revealing the Kings secrets as hopeless of success therein and sprung a new mine to blow up his credit about perjury in the examination of Witnesses Whereas he conceived it just that all accidentalls and occasionalls should sink with the substance of the accusation otherwise suits would be endless if the branches thereof should still survive when the root doth expire * These complaints I extracted out of the Bishop his Originall Secondly that he was deprived of the benefit of bringing in any exceptions against the Testimonies of Sir John Lambe and Dr. Sibthorp to prove their combination against him because they deposing pro Domino Rege nonâ— must impeach the credit of the Kings Witnesses who must be reputed holy and sacred in what they 〈◊〉 in so much that after Briefs were drawn by Counsells on both sides the Court was moved to expunge those Witnesses which made most against the King and for the Defendant Thirdly that Kilvert used all wayes to menace and intimidate the Bishop his Witnesses frighting them as much as he could out of their own consciences with dangers presented unto them To this purpose he obtained from Secretary Windebank that a Messenger of the Star-chamber one Pechye by name was directed to attend him all along the speeding of the Commission in the Country with his Coat of Armes upon him with power to apprehend and close imprison any person whom Kilvert should appoint pretending from the Secretary Warrants for matters of State and deep consequence so to doe by vertue whereof in the face of the Commission he seised on and committed George Walker and Thomas Lund two materiall Witnesses for the Bishop and by the terror thereof chased away many more whose Depositions were necessary to the clearing of the Bishop his integrity yet when the aforesaid two Prisoners in the custody of the Messenger were produced before Secretary Winebank he told them he had no matters of State against them but turned them over to Kilvert wishing them to give him satisfaction and were not permitted
King got the smiles of those who were most in number but the frowns of such who were greatest in power 3. Many were offended that at the Kings Coronation some six yeares agoe and a Parliament following thereon an act of ratification was passed concerning the Church her liberties and priviledges which some complained of was done without Plurality of Suffrages 4. Some Persons of honor desiring higher Titles m 〈…〉 were offended that they were denyed unto them whilst his Majesty conferred them on others There want not those also who confidently suggest it to Posterity that Pensions constantly payed out of the English Exchequer in the Reign of King James to some principall pastors in the Scottish Church were since detained So also the bounty of boons was now restrained in the Reign of King Charles which could not fall so freely as in the dayes of his father the Cloud being almost drained adding moreover that the want of watering of Scotland with such showers made them to chap into such Clefts and Chinks of Parties and Faâ—ions disaffected to the Kings proceedings 101. To increase these distempers some complain how justly The Book bears the blame of all their own Countrey-men best know of the pride and pragmaticainess of the Scotch Bishops who being but Probationers on their good behaviour as but reintroduced by King James offended the ancient Nobility with their medleing in State matters And I finde two principally accused on this account Doctor Forbes Bishop of the new Bishoprick of Edenburg and Doctor Welderburne Bishop of Dumblane Thus was the Scotch Nation full of discontents when this Book being brought unto them bare the blame of their breaking forth into more dangerous designs as when the Cup is brim full before the last though least superadded drop is charged alone to be the cause of all the running over 102. Besides the Church of Scotland claimed not only to be Independent The Scotch Church standeth on the termes of its own independency free as any Church in Christendome a Sister not Daughter of England but also had so high an opinion of its own puritie that it participated more of Moses his platform in the Mount than other Protestant Churches being a reformed reformation So that the practice thereof might be directory to others and she fit to give not take write not receive copies from any Neighbouring Church destring that all others were like unto them save only in their afflictions 103. So much for the complained of burden of the book Arch-Bishop Land accused as principall Composer of the Book as also for the sore back of that Nation gauled with the aforesaid grievances when this Liturgy was sent unto them and now we must not forget the hatred they bare to the hand which they accused for laying it upon them Generally they excused the King in their writings as innocent therein but charged Archbishop Laud as the principall and Doctor n Bayly ut pri pag. 102. Cosins for the instrumentall compiler thereof which may appear by what we read in a Writer o Idem pag 95. 96. of that Nation afterwards imployed into England about the advancing of the Covenant betwixt both Nations and other Church affaires This unhappy Book was his Gracet invention if he should deny it his own deeds would convince him The manifold letters which in this Pestiferous affaire have passed betwixt him and our Prelates are yet extant Anno Dom. 1637 If we might be heard Anno Regis Caroli 13 we would spread out sundry of them before the Convocation-House of England making it clear as the light that in all this designe his hand had ever been the prime stickler so that upon his back mainly nill he will he would be laid the charge of all the fruits good or evill which from that Tree are like to fall on the Kings Countries Surely if any such evidence was extant we shall hear of it hereafter at his arraignment produced and urged by the Scotch-Commissioners 10. But leaving the Roots to lye under the Earth The tumult at Edenborough at the first reading the book let us look on the Branches spreading themselves above ground July 23. Sunday and passing from the secret Author of this Book behold the evident effects thereof No sooner had the Dean of Edenborough began to read the Book in the Church of St. Gyles in the presence of the Privy-Councell both the Archbishops divers Bishops and Magistrates of the City but presently such a Tumult was raised that through clapping of hands cursing and crying one could neither hear nor be heard The Bishop of Edenborough indeavoured in vain to appease the Tumult whom a Stool aimed to be thrown at him had killed p The Kings laâ—ge declaration pag. 23. if not diverted by one present so that the same Book had occasioned his Death and prescribed the form of his buriall and this Hubbub was hardly suppressed by the Lord Provost and Bayliffs of Edenborough 105. This first Tumult was caused by such More considerable persons engaged in the cause whom I finde called the Skum of the City considerable for nothing but their number But few dayes after the cream of the Nation some of the highest and best quality therein ingaged in the same cause crying out God defend all those who will defend Gods cause and God confound q The Kings large declaration pag. 37. the Service-Book and all the maintainers of it 106. The Lords of the Councell interposed their power Octob. 17. and to appease all parties issued out a Proclamation to remove the Session much like to our Term in London to Lithgou The occasion of the Scotch covenant This abated their anger as fire is quenched with Oile seeing the best part of the Edenburgers livelyhood depends on the Session kept in their City yea so highly were the People enraged against Bishops as the procurers of all these Troubles that the Bishop of Galloway passing peaceably along the street towards the Councellâ—House was way-layed r Kings large declaration pag. 35. in his coming thither if by divine Providence and by Frances Stewart Sonne to the late Earl of Bothwell he had not with much adoe been got within the dores of the Councell-House Indeed there is no fence but flight nor counsell but concealement to secure any single parâ—y against an offended multitude 107. These troublesome beginnings afterwards did occasion the solemn League and Covenant The Authors excuse why not proceeding in this subject whereby the greatest part of the Nation united themselves to defend their Priviledges and which laid the foundation of a long and wofull War in both Kingdomes And here I crave the Readers pardon to break off and leave the prosecution of this sad subject to Pens more able to undertake it For first I know none will pity me if I needlesly prick my fingers with meddling with a Thistle which belongs not unto me Secondly I
mutually censure each other yet many complained that this ceremony though left indifferent as hereafter to salvation was made necessary as here to preferment Yea this knee-mark of bowing or not bowing would be made the distinguishing character that hereafter all such should be condemned as halting in conformity who were not through paced in these addition all ceremonies 25. Many took exception at the hollownesse of the Oath in the middle thereof Second exception having its bowells puffed up with a windie c. a cheverel word which might be stretched as men would measure it Others pleaded for it as only inserted to save the enumeration of many mean Officers in the Church whose mention was beneath the dignity of an Oath and would but clog the same Yea since some have endeavoured to excuse the same by the interpretative c. incorporated into the body of the Covenant whereby people are bound to defend the priviledges of Parliament though what they be is unknown to most that take the same 26. But most took exception against that clause in the Oath Third and greatest exception we will never give any consent to alter this Church-government as if the same were intended to abridge the liberty of King and State in future Parliaments and Convocations if hereafter they saw cause to change any thing therein And this obligation seemed the more unreasonable because some of those Orders specified in the Oath as Archbishops Deans Archdeacons stand only established jure humano sive Ecclesiastico and no wise man ever denied but that by the same power and authority they are alterable on just occasion 27. Yet there wanted not others Endeavoured to be excused who with a favourable sense endâ—avoured to qualify this suspicious clause whereby the taker of this Oath was tied up from consenting to any alteration These argued that if the Authority Civil or Ecclesiasticall did not herein impose an Oath binding those that took it hereafter to disobey themselves and reject such orders which the foresaid Civil or Ecclesiastical power might afterwards lawfully enact or establish For seeing in all oaths this is an undoubted Maxime Quacunque forma verborum juratur Deus sic juramentum accipit sicut ille cui juratur intelligit none can probably suppose that the governors in this oath intended any clause thereof to be an abridgment of their own lawfull power or to debar their inferiours from consenting and submitting to such alterations as by themselves should lawfully be made Wherefore these words We will never give any consent to alter are intended here to be meant only of a voluntary and pragmaticall alteration when men conspire consent labour and endeavour to change the present government of the Church in such particulars as they doe dislike without the consent of their superiours 28. But the exception of exceptions against these Canons The â—ver activity of some Bishops is because they were generally condemned as illegally passed to the prejudice of the fundamentall liberty of the Subject whereof we shall hear enough in the next Parliament Mean time some Bâ—shops were very forward in pressing this Oath even before the time thereof For whereas a liberty was allowed to all to deliberate thereon untill the feast of Michael the Archangel some presently pressed the Ministers of their Diocesses for the taking thereof and to my knowledge enjoyned them to take this oath kneeling A ceremony to my best remembrance never exacted or observed in taking the Oath of Supremacy or Allegiance which some accounted an essay of their activity if providence had not prevented them 29. Many impressions of English-Bibles The importation of false printed Bibles printed at Amsterdam and moe at Edinburgh in Scotland were daily brought over hither and sold here Little their volumes and low their prices as beeing of bad paper worse print little Margent yet greater then the care of the Corrector many most abominable errata being passed therein Take one instance for all Jer. 4. 17. speaking of the whole â—nstead of because she hath been rebellious against mee saith the Lord. Common-wealth of Judah it is printed Edinburgh 1637. because she hath been religious against mee saith the Lord. Many complaints were made especially by the company of Stationers against these false printed Bibles as giving great advantage to the Papists but nothing was therein effected For in this juncture of time came in the Scotish Army and invaded the Northern parts of England What secret solicitations invited them hither is not my work to enquire Many beheld them as the only Physitians of the distempered State and believed that they gave not their Patient a visit on pure charity but having either received or being well promised their fee before 30. Soon after began the long lasting Parliament Parliament and Convocation bâ—gin so known to all posterity for the remarkable transactions therein The King went to the House privately by water many commending his thrift in sparing expences when two Armies in the bowels of the Land expected their pay from his purse Others distinguishing betwixt needlesse Pomp and necessary State suspected this might be misinterpreted as if the Scotch had frighted him out of that Ceremony of Majesty and some feared such an omission presaged that Parliament would end with sadnesse to him which began without any solemnity Abreast therewith began a Convocation though unable long to keep pace together the latter soon tyreing as never inspirited by commission from the King to meddle with any matters of Religion Mr. Warmistre a Clark for Worcester made a motion therein that they should endeavour according to the Leviticall Law to cover the pit which they had opened and to prevent their adversaries intention by condemning such offensive Canons as were made in the last Convocation But it found no acceptance they being loath to confesse themselves guilty before they were accused 31. This day hapned the first fruits of Anabaptisticall insolence The insolence of Anabaptists 1640-41 Jan. 18. when 80 of that Sect meeting at a house in St. Saviours in Southwark preached that the Statute in the 35. of Eliz. for the administration of the Common-Prayer was no good Law because made by Bishops That the King cannot make a good Law because not perfectly regenerate That he was only to be obeyed in Civill matters Being brought before the Lords they confessed the articles but no penalty was inflicted upon them 32. About this time Mr. Prinn The 3 Exiles brought home in Triumph Dr. Bastwick and Mr. Burton were brought out of durance and exile with great Triumph into London it not sâ—fficing their friends to welcome them peaceably but victoriously with bayes and rosemary in their hands and hats Wise men conceived that their private returning to the Town had signifyed as much gratitude to God and lesse affront to authority But some wildnesse of the looks must be pardoned in such who came suddenly into the light out of long darknesse
33. As Bishop Williams and Mr. Osbaston Dr Pocklinton and Dr. Bray censured were the two first Clergy-men who found the favour of this Parliament being remitted their finâ—s and restored to their livings and liberty so Doctor Pocklington and Doctor Bray were the two first that felt their displeasures The former for preaching and printing the latter for licencing two books one called Sunday no Sabbath the other The Christian altar Bishop Williams moved that Dâ—ctor Bray might recant seven errours in the first four and twenty in the second Treatise Soon after both the Doctors deceased for grief say some that they had writen what they should not for shame say others that they had recanted what they would not though a third sort more charitably take notice neither of the one nor the other but meerly impute it to the approach of the time of their dissolution 34. Anno Dom. 1640. Doctor Cosen soon after was highly accused Superstitions charged on Dr. Coseâ— for superstition and unjust proceedings against one Mr. Smart on this occasion The Doctor is charged to have set up in the Church of Durham a Marble Altar with Cherubins which cost two thousands pounds with all the appurtenances thereof namely a Cope with the Trinity and God the Father in the figure of an old man another with a Crucifix and the Image of Christ with a red Beard and blew Cap. Besides he was accused for lighting two hundred wax Candles about the Altar on Candlemas day For forbidding any Psalmes to be sung before or after Sermon though making an Anthem to be sung of the three Kings of Collen by the names of Gasper Balthazar and Melchior and for procuring a consecrated Knife only to cut the Bread at the Communion 35. Mr. Smart a prebendary of the Church Cruel usage of Mr. Smart one of a grave aspect and reverend presence sharply enveyed in a Sermon against these innovations taking for his text I hate all those that hold superstitious vanities but thy law doe I love 36. Hereupon he was kept prisoner four moneths by the high Commission of York before any Articles were exhibited against him and five moneths before any Proctor was allowed him Hence was he carried to the High-Commission at Lambeth and after long trouble remanded to York fined 500. pounds committed to prison ordered to recant and for that neglect thereof fined again excommunicated degraded and deprived his damage as brought in amounting to many thousand pounds 37. But now Mr. Rows of the House of Commons Relieved by Parliament bringing up the charge to the Lords against Doctor Cosen termed Mr. Smart the Proto martyr of England in these latter dayes of persecution and large reparations was allowed unto him though he lived not long after to enjoy them 38. Now though none can excuse and defend Doctor Cosen his carriage herein Dr. Cosen his due praise yet this must be reported to his due commendation Some yeers after getting over into France he neither joyned with the Church of French Protestants at Charentoun nigh Paris nor kept any communion with the Papists therein but confined himself to the Church of old English Protestants therein Where by his pious living and constant praying and preaching he reduced some recusants to and confirmed more doubters in the Protestant Religion Many his incounters with Jesuits and Priests defeating the suspicions of his foes and exceeding the expectation of his Friends in the successe of such disputes 39. The Commons desired the Lords to joyn with them to finde out Jan. 23 Goodman a Priest handled betwixt life and death who moved the King to reprieve John Goodman a seminary Priest who as they said had been twice condemned and now the second time reprieved whilest the Parliament sate 40. The King sent a message by the Lord Privy-Seal Jan. 25 that Goodman was not as the Commons were informed condemned and banished but only sentenced for being a Priest and therefore that in reprieving him he shewed but the like mercy which Queen Eliz. and King James had shewed in the like cases 41. The Lords joyned with the Commons in their desire concerning Goodman Jan. 27 that the Statutes might speedily be executed upon him as necessary in this juncture of time wherein Papists swarmed in all parts presuming on indemnity With what credit or comfort could they sit to enact new Lawes whilst they beheld former Statutes dayly broken before their eyes 42. The King acquainted the Houses that though Queen Eliz. and King James never condemned Priest meerly for Religion Feb. 3 yet rather then he would discontent his Subjects he left him to the judgment of both Houses to be disposed of at their pleasure 43. Goodman petitioned the King that like Jonah the Prophet Anno Dom 1640 Anno Regis Caroli 16 he might be cast into the Sea Yet he escapeâ—â— with lâ—fe at last to still the tempest betwixt the King and his People conceiving his blood well spent to cement them together But in fine he escaped with his life not so much by any favour indulged him as principally because the accusations could not be so fully proved against him Febr. 4. 44. About this time was the first motion of a new Protestation The first mention of the Protestation to be taken all over England the Copy whereof is omitted as obvious every where which some moneths after was generally performed as containing nothing but what was lawfull and commendable therein Yet some refused it as suspecting the adding of new would substract obedience from former oâ—thes men being prone to love that best which left the last relish in their souls and in fine such new obligations of conscience like suckers would draw from the stock of the old oathes of supremacy and alleagiance 45. March began very blusteringly March 1. on the first day whereof Archbishop Laud was in Mr. Maxfeild his Coach carried to the Tower A Committee of the Lords to settle religion and not long after the Lords appointed a Committee of their own Members for settling of peace in the Church What hopefull opinion the aforesaid Archbishop had of their proceedings will appear by the following note which he entred into his a March 21. pag. 24. Diarie A Committee for Religion settled in the upper house of Parliament Mond 21. Ten Earles ten Bishops ten Barons So the Lay-Votes will be double to the Clergy This Committee will meddle with Doctrine as well as Ceremonies and will call some Divines to them to consider of the businesse as appears by a Letter hereto annexed sent by the Lord Bishop of Lincoln to some Divines to attend this service upon the whole matter I believe this Committee will prove the Nationall Synod of England to the great dishonour of the Church And what else may follow upon it God knowes 46. At the same time the Lords appointed a Sub-committee A Sub-Committee for the
five by the Lords and five by the Commons This Bill was but once read in the House and no great matter made thereof the Antiâ—piscopall party conceived it needlesse to shave their beards whose heads they intended to cut off designing an utter extirpation of Bishops 3. By the way the mention of a moiety to the Curats A crying sinne of the English Clergy minds me of a crying sin of the English Clergy conceived by the most conscientious amongst them a great incentive of Divine anger against them namely the miserable and scandalous Stipends afforded to their Curats Which made Lay-men follow their pattern in Vicaridges unindowed seeing such who knew most what belong to the work allowed the least wages to the Ministry Hence is it that God since hath changed his hand making many who were poor Curats rich Rectors and many wealthy Incumbents to become poor Curats It will not be amisse to wish thankfulnesse without pride to the one and patience without dejection to the other 4. A Bill was sent up by the Commons against Matthew Wren Bishop of Ely July 20 containing twenty five Articles A Bill against Bishop Wren charging him for being Popishly affected a suppressor of Preaching and introducer of Arbitrary Power to the hazard of the estates and lives of many They desired he might be sequestred from the Kings Person and Service 5. To return to the Bishops The Bishops impeached for making of Canons the Commons perceiving that they were so tenacious of their votes in Parliament resolved vigorously to prosecute the impeachment against them for making of Canons expecting the Bishops should willingly quit their votes as Barons to be acquitted of their premunire whereby they forfeited all their Personall estates yet the sound of so great a charge did not so afright them but that they persisted legally to defend their innocence 6. The Bishops that were impeached for making Canons Aug. 16. craved time till Michaelmas Term to make their answer Have time and câ—uncell allowed them This was vehemently opposed by some Lords and two questions were put 1. Whether the Bishops should sit still in the House though without voting to which themselves consented whilst the circumstance of time for their answer was in debate 2. What time they should have for their answer The first of these was carried for them by one present voice and four Proxies and for the second time was allowed them till the tenth of November And although the adverse Lords pleaded that in offences criminall for matters of fact no councell should be allowed them but to answer yea or no yet on the Lord Keepers affirming it ordinary and just to allow councell in such cases it was permitted unto them 7. Bishop Warner of Rochester is chosen by joynt consent The impeachment of the Bishops waved and why to solicite the cause sparing neither care nor cost therein Of the Councell he retained two only appeared Serjeant Jermin who declined to plead for them except the Bishops would first procure him a Warrant from the House of Commons which they refused to doe and Mr. Chuite who being demanded of the Lords whether he would plead for the Bishops Yea said he so long as I have a tongue to plead with Soon after he drew up a Demurrer in their behalf that their offence in making Canons could not amount to a Premunire This being shown to the Bishop of Lincoln he protested that he never saw a stronger demurrer all the dayes of his life and the notice hereof to the Lords was probably the cause that they waved any further prosecution of the charge which henceforward sunk in silence 8. Passe we now from the outworks of Episcopacy I mean the Deans and Chapters this fiercely stormed but as yet not taken to the Bishops themselves The Bishops accused for mean birth who began to shake seeing their interest and respects in the House of Lords did daily decay and decline Yea about this time came forth the Lord Brook his book against Bishops accusing them in respect of their parentage to be de faece populi of the dregs of the people and in respect of their studies no way fit for government or to be Barons in Parliament 9. Whereupon the Bishops taking this accusation to heart Vindicated their paâ—entage meet together and in their own necessary defence thought fit to vindicate their extractions some publickly some in private discourse Dr. Williams began then Archbishop of York Canterbury being in the Tower was accused in the Star-Chamber for purchasing the two ancientest Houses and inheritances in North-Wales which are Penrhyne and Quowilocke in regard he was descended from them So that he might as truely accuse all the ancient Nobility of Britain as tax him for meanly descended Dr. Juxon Bishop of London did or might plead that his parents lived in good fashion and gave him large allowance first in the University then in Grays-Inn where he lived as fashionably as other Gentlemen so that the Lord Brooks might question the parentage of any Inns-of-Court-Gentlemen as well as his Bishop Morton of Durham averred that his father had been Lord Major of York and born all the Offices of that City with credit and honour so that the Lord Brook might as justly quarrell the descent of any Citizens Sons in England Bishop Curle of Winchester his father was for many yeers Auditor in the Court of Wards Anno Dom. 1641 Anno Regis Carol. 16 to Queen Elizabeth and King James and the aforesaid Lord may as well condemn all the sonnes of Officers to be meanly born as accuse him Bishop Cook of Hereford his Fathers family had continued in Darbyshire in the same house and in the same means four hundred yeers at least often Sheriffs of that County and matched to all the best houses therein So that the Lord Brook might as well have charged all the ancient Gentry of that shire for mean parentage as accuse him Bishop Owen of Asaph that there was not a Gentleman in the two Counties of Carnarvan and Anglesey of three hundred pounds a yeer but was his Kinsman or allieman in the fourth degree which he thinks will sufficiently justify his parentage Bishop Goodman of Glocester that though his very name seemed to point out his descent from Yeomantry yet though the youngest sonne of the youngest brother he had more left unto him than the Lord Brook his father had to maintain him and all his family That his grandfather by his father side purchased the whole estate of Sir Thomas Exmew Lord Maior London 1517. and that by his mothers side he was descended of the best parentage of the City of London The rest of the Bishops might sufficiently vindicate their parentage as most the Sonnes of Ministers or Lay-Gentlemen whose extractions ran not so low as to any such feculencie charged upon them 10. But moe symptomes of their dying power in Parliament daily discovered themselves The
may happen to your Lordships but I have done this heretofore and will not offer your Lordships Cramben bis coctam These speeches though they converted none of the opposite confirmed those of the Episcopall party making the Lords very zealous in the Bishops behalf 20. There were in the House Temporall Lords favourers of Bishops many other defenders of Episcopacy as William Lord Marques of Hartford the Earle of Southampton the Earle of Bristol and the Lord Digby his Son and the never to be forgotten William Earle of Bath a learned Lord and lover of learning oftentimes on occasion speaking for Bishops once publiquely prefessing it one of the greatest Honours which ever happily happened to his family that one thereof Thomas Bourcher by name was once dignified with the Archbishoprick of Canterbury Many other Lords though not haranging iâ—in long Orations by their effectuall Votes for Bishops manifested their unfained affections unto them 22. About this time The death of Bishop Mountague there were many vacant Cathedrals Anno Dom. 1641 Anno Regis Caroli 17 which the King lately had or now did furnish with new Bishops Dr. Joseph Hall being removed from Exeter to Norwich voyd by the death of Richard Mountague born in Westminster bred in Eaton School Fellow in Kings Colledge a great Grecian and Church Antiquary well read in the Fathers But all in his Diocesse not being so well skilled in Antiquity as himself some charged him with superstitious urging of Ceremonies and being accused in Parliament he appeared not being very weak but * He died on the 12 of April went a more compendious way to answer all in the High-Court of Heaven 22. As for new elected Bishops Eminent and popular persons made Bishops his Majesty was most carefull to chuse them out of the most sound for Judgement and blamelesse for Conversation 1. Dr. John Prideaux almost grown to the Kings-Professors-Chair in Oxford he had set so long and close therein Procuring by his painfull and learned Lectures deserved repute at home and amongst Forain Protestants he was made Bishop of Worcester 2. D. Thomas Winniffo Dean of St. Pauls a grave learned and moderate Divine made Bishop of Lincoln 3. Dr. Ralph Brownrig of most quick and solid parts equally eminent for disputing and preaching made Bishop of Exeter 4. Dr. Henry King acceptable on the account of his own merit and on the score of a Pious and popular Father made Bishop of Chichester 5. Dr. John Westfield for many yeers the painfull and profitable Preacher of great St. Bartholomews London made Bishop of Bristol He dyed not long after Surely si urbs defensa fuisset his dextris if Divine Providence had appointed that Episcopacy at this time should have been kept up and maintained more probable Persons for that purpose could not have been pick'd out of England so that envie and detraction might even feed on their own flesh their teeth finding nothing in the aforesaid Elects to fasten upon 23. But Episcopacy was so far from faring the better for them All would not doe that they fared the worse for it insomuch that many who much loved them in their Gowns did not at all like them in their Rochets 24. The Bill was again brought in A disadvantageous juncture of time for Bishops against Bishops Votes in Parliament and that in a disadvantageous juncture of time the Bishops then being under a threefold qualification 1. Imprisoned in the Tower Of these eleven besides Archbishop Laud whose absence much weakned the party 2. Lately Consecrated and later inducted into the House of Lords as the Bishops of Worcester Lincoln Exeter Chichester Bristol such their modesty and manners they conceived it fitting to practise their hearing before speaking in the House So that in some sort they may be said to have lost their Voices before they found them in the Parliament 3. The remainder of ancient Bishops London Salisbury Bangor c. who seldome were seen detained with other occasions and more seldome heard in the Parliament So that the Adversaries of Episcopacy could not have obtained a fitter opportunity the spirits of time at large being distilled thereinto then in this very instant to accomplish their desires 25. Only Dr. John Warner Bishop of Rochester Bishop Warner the best Champion for Bishops was he in whom dying Episcopacy gave the last groan in the House of Lords one of good speech and a cheerfull spirit and which made both a good Purse and which made all three a good cause as he conceived in his conscience which made him very pertinently and valiantly defend the Antiquity and Justice of Bishops Votes in Parliament This is he of whose bounty many distressed soules since have tasted whose reward no doubt is laid up for him in another World 26. The main argument which was most insisted on The principall Plea against Bishops Barontes against their temporall Baronies were the words of the Apostle * 2 Tim. 2 4 No man which warreth entangleth himself with the affaires of this life Their friends pleaded 1. That the words equally concerned all Militant Christians Bishops not being particularized therein 2. That it was uncharitable to conclude their fingers more clasping of the World or the World more glutinous to stick to their fingers that they alone of all persons could not touch the World but must be entangled therewith But it was answered that then à fortiore Clergy-men were concerned in the Text aforesaid not to meddle with Worldly matters whose Governing of a whole Diocesse was so great an imployment that their attendance in Parliament must needs be detrimentall to so carefull a vocation 27. The Earl of Bristol engaged himself a valiant Champion in the Bishops behalf Earl of Bristols Plea for Bishops he affirmed that it was according to the Orders of the House that no Bill being once cast out should be brought in again at the same Sessions Seeing therefore the Bill against Bishops Votes had formerly been cleerly carried by many decisive Votes for the Bishops it was not only praeter but contra Parliamentarie it should be brought again this Sessions 28. But seeing this Parliament was extraordinary in the manner and continuance thereof one Session being likely to last for many yeers Resuted by others it was not conceived fit they should be tied to the observance of such punctuall niceties and the resumption of the Bill was not only overruled by Votes but also it was cleerly carryed in the Negative that Bishops never more should vote as Peers in Parliament 29. Nothing now wanted The King unwilling to consent save the Royall Assent to passe the said Votes into a Law The King appeared very unwilling therein partly because he conceived it an injury to give away the Bishops undoubted right partly because he suspected that the haters of the function and lovers of the Lands of Bishops would grow on his grants and improve themselves on his
concessions so that such yeelding unto them would not satisfie their hunger but quicken their Appetites to demand the more hereafter 30. The importunity of others pressed upon him Febr. that to prune off their Baronies But is importuned thereunto was the way to preserve their Bishopricks that his Majesty lately obnoxious to the Parliament for demanding the five Members would now make plenary satisfaction and give such assurance of his affections for the future that all things would answer his desired expectation This was set home unto him by some not the farthest relations insomuch that at last he signed the Bill as he was in St. Augustines in Canterbury passing with the Queen towards Dover then undertaking her voyage into the Low-Countries 31. Many expected Keep in thy calling and more desired that the Kings condescension herein should put a period unto all differences 18 1642 But their expectations were frustrate and not long after the King apprehending himself in danger by tumults deserted Whitehall went into the North erected his Standard at Nottingham Edge-Hill-field was fought and much English blood on both sides shed in severall battles But I seasonably remember that the Church is my Castle viz. that the writing thereof is my House and Home wherein I may stand on my own defence against all who assault me It was good counsell King Joash gave to King Amaziah * 2. Kings 14. 10. Tarry at home The practise whereof shall I hope secure me from many mischiefs 32. About this time the word Malignant Malignant first coyned was first born as to the Common use in England the deduction thereof being disputable whether from malus ignis bad fire or malum lignum bad fewell but this is sure betwixt both Anno Dom. 1642 Anno Regis Caroli 18 the name made a combustion all over England It was fixed as a note of disgrace on those of the Kings party and because one had as good be dumb as not speak with the Volge possibly in that sense it may occur in our ensuing Historie However the Royalists plead for themselves that Malignity a * Rom. 1. 29. Scripture word properly denoteth activity in doing evill whereas they being ever since on the suffring side in their Persons Credits and Estates conceive the name improperly applied unto them Which plea the Parliamentary-party smile at in stead of answering taking notice of the affections of the Royalists how Malignant they would have appeared if successe had befriended them 33. Contemporary with Malignant And the word Plunder was the word Plunder which some make of Latine originall from planum dare to levell or plane all to nothing Others make it of Duch extraction as if it were to plume or pluck the feathers of a Bird to the bare skin Sure I am we first heard thereof in the Swedish wars and if the name and thing be sent back from whence it came few English eyes would weep thereat 34. By this time ten of the eleven Bishops The Bishops in the Tower released formerly subscribing their protestation to the Parliament were after some moneths durance upon good bale given released two of them finding great favour in their fees from the Lieutenant of the Tower in respect of their great charge and small estate These now at liberty severally disposed themselves some went home to their own Diocesse as the Bishops of Norwich Oxford c. Some continued in London as the Bishop of Durham not so rich in Age as in all commendable Episcopall qualities Some withdrew themselves into the Kings quarters as Archbishop Williams c. Only Bishop Wren was still detained in the Tower where his long imprisonment being never brought in to a publick answer hath converted many of his adversaries into a more charitable opinion of him 35. The Bishops Votes in Parliament A query worth enquiring being dead and departed neither to be helpt with flatterie nor hurt with malice one word of enquiry in what notion they formerly voted in Parliament Whether as a distinct third Estate of the Clergy or Whether as so many single Barons in their temporall capacity This was formerly received for a trueth countenanced with some passages in the old Statutes reckoning the Lords spirituall and Lords temporall and the Commons to be the three Estates the King as Paramount of all not comprehended therein This is maintained by those who account the King the Lords and Commons the three Estates amongst which Lords the Bishops though spirituall persons appeared as so many temporall Barons Whose absence is no whit prejudiciall to the Acts past in Parliament Some of the Aged Bishops had their Tongues so used to the language of a third Estate that more then once they ran on that reputed Rock in their Speeches for which they were publickly shent and enjoyned an acknowledgement of their mistake 36. The Convocation now not sitting Divines consulted with in Parliament 1643 19 and matters of Religion many being brought under the Cognizance of the Parliament their Wisdomes adjudged it not only convenient but necessary that some prime Clergy-man might be consulted with In order whereunto they resolved to select some out of all Counties whom they conceived best qualified for their designe herein and the first of July was the day appointed for their meeting SECTION IX To Mr Giles Vandepit Clegat Peter Matthewes of London Merchants A Threefold Cable is not easily broken and a Triplicate of Friends may be presumed effectual to protect my endeavours Of whom two are of Dutch the third in the midst of English Extraction not falling there by casual confusion but placed by designed Conjunction Me thinks it is a good sight to behold the Dutch embracing the English and this Dedication may pass for the Emblem of the late Agreement which God long continue if for the mutual good of both Nations 1. WHen on this day the Assembly of Divines Anno Regis Caroli 19. Anno Dom. 1643. The first meeting of the Assembly to consult about matters of Religion met at Westminster in the Chappel of King Henry the Seventh Then the constitution of this Assembly July 1. Satur. as first elected and designed was to consist of about one hundred and twenty persons chosen by the Parliament without respect of Diocesses in relation to Shires two or more of a County They thought it not safe to entrust the Clergie with their own choice of whose generall corruption they constantly complained and therefore adjudged it unfit that the Distempered Patients should be or choose their own Physicians 2. These Elects were of foure severall natures The foure English quarters of the Assembly as the quarters of the same body easily distinguishable by these conditions or opinions First men of Episcopal perswasion as the Right Reverend James Vsher Arch-Bishop of Armagh Doctor Browmrig Bishop of Exeter Doctor Westfield Bishop of Bristol D r Daniel Featly D r Richard
They are loath therefore to make a blind promise for fear of a lame performance 19. As for the Reforming of Religion which necessarily implies a changing thereof of England Nor without a double scandal and Ireland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government they cannot consent thereunto without manifest scandal both to Papists and Separatists For besides that they shall desert that just cause which many pious Martyrs Bishops and Divines of our Church have defended both with their inke and blood writings and sufferings hereby they shall advantage the cavils of Papists against our Religion taxing it of uncertainty not knowing where to fix our feet as allways altering the same Yea they shall not only supply Papists with pleas for their Recusancy Sectaries for their Separation acknowledging something in our Church-Doctrine and Service not well agreeing with Gods-word but also shall implicitly confess Papists unjustly punished by the Penal-Statutes for not conforming with us to the same Publick-Service wherein somethings are by our selves as well as them misliked and disallowed 20. Nor can they take this Covenant without injury and perjury to themselves Injury to themselves Injurie by insnaring their consciences credits and estates if endeavouring to reform Religion under the notion of faulty and vicious to which formerly they had subscribed enjoyned thereto by the b b 13. Eliz. cap. 12. Law of the Land not yet abrogated never as yet checked by the regrets of their own consciences nor confuted by the reasons of others for the doing thereof 21. Perjury Perjury to their souls as contrary to the Protestation and solemn vow they had c c May the 5. 1641. lately taken and Oath of Supremacy swearing therein to defend all the Kings Rights and Priviledges whereof His Spiritual Jurisdiction in reforming Church-matters is a principal Now although a latter oath may be corroborative of the former or constructive of a new obligation consistent therewith yet can it not be inductive of a tie contrary to an oath lawfully taken before Exceptions to the Second Article 22. It grieveth them therein to see Prelacy so unequally yoak'd Ill but forc'd 〈◊〉 of Prelacy Popery being put before it Superstition Heresie Schisme and Prophaneness following after Such the pleasure of those that placed them though nothing akin in themselves But a captive by the power of others may be fettered to those whom he hates and abhorres Consent they cannot to the extirpation of Prelacy Foure reasons against extirpation of Prelacy neither in respect Of 1 The thing it self being perswaded that neither Papal Monarchie nor Presbyterian Democracie nor Independant Anarchie are so conformable to the Scriptures as Episcopal Aristocracy being if not of Divine in a strict sence of Apostolical Institution confirmed with Church-practice the best Comment on Scripture when obscure for 1500 years and bottomed on the same foundation with Infants-Baptisme National Churches observing the Lords-day and the like 2 Themselves of whom 1 All when taking degrees in the University 2 Most as many as are entred into Holy-Orders 3 Not a few when lately petitioning the Parliament for the continuing of Episcopacy 4 Some being members of Cathedral and Collegiate Churches have subscribed with their hands and with their corporal oaths avowed the justification and defence of that government 3 Church of England fearing many mischiefs from this alteration felt sooner than seen in all great and sudden changes especially because the Ecclesiastical Government is so interwoven in many Statutes of the land And if Schisms so encrease on the Suspension what is to be expected on the Extirpation of Episcopacy 4 His Majesty as contrary to their Oath of Supremacy wherein they were bound to maintain His Priviledges amongst which a principal is that He is Supreme moderator over all Causes and Persons Spiritual wherein no change is to be attempted without his consent Dignity The Collations of Bishopricks and Deanries with their profits in their vacancies belonging unto Him and the First-fruits and Tenths of Ecclesiastical Dignities a considerable part of the Royal Revenue Here we omit their Plea whose chief means consisting of Cathedral preferment alledge the like not done from the beginning of the world that men though deserving deprivation for their offences should be forced to swear sincerely seriously and from their souls to endeavour the rooting out of that whence their best livelihood doth depend Exceptions against the Third Article 23. It grieveth them herein to be sworn to the Preservation of the Priviledges of Parliament and liberties of the Kingdom at large and without any restriction being bound in the following words to defend the Kings person and Authority as limited in the preservation and defence of true Religion and the Liberties of the Realm enlarging the former that the later may be the more confined 24. They are jealous what should be the cause of the inversion of the method seeing in the Solemn Vow and Protestation the Defence of the Kings Person and Authority is put first which in this Covenant is postposed to the Priviledges of Parliament However seeing the Protestation was first taken the Covenant as the younger cannot disinherit the elder of the possession which it hath quietly taken in mens consciences Exceptions to the Fourth Article 25. They are unsatisfied whether the same imposeth not a necessity for children to prosecute their Parents even to death under the notion of Malignants against all rules of Religion and humanity For even in case of Idolatry children under the old * * Deut. 13. 6. law were not bound publickly to accuse their Parents so as to bring them to be stoned for the same though such unnaturall cruelty be foretold by our * * Mat. 10. 21. Saviour to fall out under the Gospell of those that shall rise up against their Parents and cause them to be put to death Exceptions to the Fifth Article 26. They understand not what is meant therein by the happiness of a blessed peace betwixt these Kingdoms whereof Ireland must needs be one whilest the same is rent with a wofull warr and the other two lands distracted with homebred discords whereof no settlement can be hoped untill first all interests be equally stated and the Kings Authority Priviledges of Parliament and Liberties of Subjects justly bounded and carefully preserved Exceptions to the Sixth Article 27. They are unsatisfied therein as wholy hypothetical supposing what as yet is not cleared by solid arguments viz. that this is the common cause of Religion Liberty and peace of the Realms c. And if the same be granted it appeareth not to their conscience that the means used to promote this Cause are so lawfull and free from just objections which may be raised from the Laws of God and man Exceptions to the Conclusion 28. They quake at the mention that the taking of this Covenant should encourage other Churches groaning under the yoak of Antichristian Tyranny to joyn in the same fearing the dangerous consequences
this may produce to forraign Protestants and inrage Popish Princes in whose Dominions they live to cruelty against them as disaffected to their Government Besides when Divine Providence layeth such burthens on his servants even the yoak of Antichrist is then the yoak of Christ not to be thrown off with force but to be born with the confession of the truth prayers patience and Christian courage 29. So much concerning the Covenant which some three moneths after began to be rigorously and generally urged Nor have I ought else to observe thereof save to adde in mine own defence that I never saw the same except at distance as hung up in Churches nor ever had any occasion to read or hear it read till this * * July 1 1654. day in writing my History what ever hath been reported and printed to the contrary of my taking thereof in London who went away from the Savoy to the Kings quarters long before any mention thereof in England 30. True it is The Authors plea in his own just defence there was an Oath which never exceeded the Line of Communication meeting with so much opposition that it expired in the infancy thereof about the time when the plot was discovered for which M r Tomkins and M r Chaloner suffered This was tendered to me and taken by me in the Vestry of the Savoy-Church but first protesting some limitations thereof to my self This not satisfying was complained of by some persons present to the Parliament where it was ordered that the next Lords-day I should take the same oath in terminis terminantibus in the face of the Church which not agreeing with my conscience I withdrew my self into the Kings parts which I hope I may no less safely than I do freely confess because punished for the same with the loss of my livelihood and since I suppose pardoned in the Act of Oblivion 31. Now began the great and generall purgation of the Clergie in the Parliaments quarters The Parliaments purge to the Clergy many being outed for their misdemeanours by the Committee appointed for that purpose Some of their offences were so foul it is a shame to report them crying to Justice for punishment Indeed Constantine the Christian Emperour was wont to say If I see a Clergie-man offending I will cover him with my cloak but surely he meant such offences as are frailties and infirmities no scandalous enormities Such unsavoury salt is good for nothing * * Luke 14. 33. no not for the dunghil because as the savour is lost which makes it usefull so the fretting is left which makes it useless whereby it is so far from being good compost to fatten ground that it doth rather embarren it Let Baal therefore plead for it self nothing can be said in their Excuse if what was the main matter their crimes were sufficiently proved 32. But as to the point The expelled Clergies plea. hear what the Royalâ—sts at Oxford say for their Friends whilst they conceive themselves to take just exceptions at the proceedings against these Ministers 1. Some of their faults were so foule that the * * Centu. p. 1. foulness of them is all that can be pleaded for them For being Capital the persons deserved to be outed of life not of living which leaves a suspicion of imperfect proof 2. The Witnesses against them were seldom deposed on oath but their bare complaints beleeved 3. Many of the Complainers were factious people those most accusing their Sermons who least heard them and who since have deserted the Church as hating the Profession of the Ministery 4. Many were charged with delivering false-Doctrine whose positions were sound at the least disputable Such those accused for preaching that Baptism Washeth away Original sin which the most Learned and honest in the Assembly in some sense will not deny namely that in the Children of God it cleanseth the condemning and final peaceable commanding power of Original sin though the stain and blemish thereof doth still remain 5. Some were merely outed for their affections to the Kings cause and what was malignity at London was Loyalty at Oxford Yea many moderate men of the Opposite Party much bemoaned such severity that some Clergie-men blameless for life and Orthodox for Doctrine were only ejected on the account of their faithfulness to the Kings Cause And as much corruption was let out by this Ejection many Scandalous Ministers deservedly punished so at the same time the veins of the English Church were also emptied of much good blood some inoffensive Pastours which hath made her Body Hydropical ever since ill humors succeeding in the room by reason of too large and suddain evacuation But others of a more violent temper excused all the present necessity of the Cause requiring it All Pulpits in the Parliament quarters must be made like the whole earth before the building of Babel of one language and of one speech or else all may be destroyed by the mixture of other Doctrines And better a mischief to few then an inconvenience to all Safer that some suppose unjustly suffer then that the success of the whole cause should be endangered 33 Then came forth a Book called the First Century The first Century why without a second containing the names of an hundred Divines sequestred for their faults with a promise of a second Nov. 19. which to my knowledge never came forth Whether because the Author of the former was sensible that the subject was generally odious or because the death of M r White Licenser thereof prevented any addition or whether because disswaded from the Designe suspecting a retaliation from Oxford Sure I have been informed that when some solicited his Majesty for leave to set forth a Book of the vicious lives of some Parliament Ministers His Majesty blasted the designe partly because recrimination is no purgation partly least the Publick enemy of the Protestant Religion should make an advantage thereof 34. To supply the vacant places Vacant livings how supplied many young Students whose Orders got the speed of their Degrees left the Vniversities Other Ministers turned Duallists and Pluralists it being now charity what was formerly covetoâ—sness to hold two or three Benefices These could plead for themselves the practice of * * Fox Act. Mâ—n p 1494. in An. 1555. M r Sanders the Martyr who held two Livings at good distance because he could not resigne one but into the hands of a Papist as these men would not surrender them to Malignants Many Vicaridges of great Cure but small value were without Ministers whilst rich matches have many Suitors they may die Virgins that have no portions to prefer them which was often complained of seldom redressed it passing for a currant maxime it was safer for people to fast then to feed on the poyson of Malignant Pastours 35. Let us now look a little into the Assembly of Divines Dissenting Brethren first appear in the Assembly
is a good quickner of Attention hearing their own power enlarged thereby Anno Dom. 1644. and making use of their Erastiens for a Check Anno Regis Carol. 20. to such who pressed conformity to the Scotch Kirke in all particulars 58. Indeed once the Assembly stretched themselves beyond their own line The Assembly shrewdly checkt in medling with what was not committed by the Parliament to their cognizâ—nce and consultation for which they were afterward staked down and tied up with a shorter tedder For though the wise Parliament made use of the Presbyterian zeal and activity for the extirpation of Bishops yet they discreetly resolved to hold a strickt hand over them as not coming by their own power to advise but called to advise with the Parliament Nor were they to cut out their own work but to make up what was cut to their own hands and seeing a Praemunire is a rod as well for a Presbyter as a Praelate if either trespass on the state by their over activity though they felt not this rod it was shewed to them and shak'd over them and they shrewdly and justly shent for their over-medling which made them the wiser and warier for the time to come 59. Indeed the major part of the Assembly endeavoured the setling of the Scotch Government in all particulars that though Tweed parted their Countries The Scotch discipline in vain itrived for nothing might divide their Church Discipline and this was laboured by the Scotch Commissioners with all industry and probable means to obtain the same But it could not be effected nor was it ever setled by Act of Parliament For as in Heraldry the same seeming Lions in colour and posture rampaâ—t and langued alike are not the selfe-same if the one be armed with nails and teeth the other deprived of both so cannot the English be termed the same with the Scotch-Presbytery the former being in a manner absolute in it self the latter depended on the State in the Execution of the power thereof 60. Insomuch that the Parliament kept the Coercive power in their own hands Coercive power kept in the Parliament not trusting them to carry the KEYS AT THEIR GIRDLE so that the power of excommunication was not intrusted with them but ultimately resolved into a Committee of eminent persons of Parliament whereof Thomas Earl of Arundel presumed present because absent with leave beyond the seas is the first person nominated 61. A Treaty was kept at Vxbridge betwixt the Commissioners of the King and Parliament Vxbride fruitless Treaty many well meaning people promising themselves good success thereby whilst others thought this Treatie was born with a dying countenance 1544. Ann Regis Carol Feb. 5. saying there wanted a third to interpose to make their distances up by powerfull perswasion no hope of good in either without condescention in both parties One may smile at their inference who presumed that the Kings Commissioners coming to Vxbridg two parts of three to meet those of the Parliament would proportionably comply in their yieldings A weak Topical conjecture confuted by the formerly going of the Parliaments Commissioners clean through to Oxford and yet little condescention to their propositions 62. Here M r Christopher Love waiting on the Parliament Commissioners in a general relation gave great offence to the Roialists in his Sermon Mr Loves indisâ—retion shewing the impossibility of an agreement such the dangerous errors and malicious practiseâ— of the opposite party many condemned his want of charity more of discretiâ—n in this juncture of time when there should be a cessation from Invectives drives for the time being But mens censures must fall the more lightly upon his memory because since he hath suffered and so satisfied here for his saults in this or any other kinde 63. with the Commissioners on both sides The conference of Diviues certain Clergie-men were sent in their presence to debate the point of Church-government For the King D r Benjamin Henry Henry Steward Shelden Laney Hammond Ferne For the Parliament M r Steven Marshall M r Richard Vines These when the Commissioners were at leasure from civil affairs were called to a conference before them 64. D r Laney proffered to prove the great benefits which had accrewed to Gods Church in all Ages by the Government by Bishops Dr Laney might not be heard but the Scotch-Commissioners would in no wise heare him whereupon the Doctor was contentedly silent Some discourses rather then disputes passed betwixt D r Steward and M r Marshal leaving no great impressions in the memories of those that were present thereat 65. Only M r Vines was much applauded by his own party An argument ad homines if not ad causas for proving the sufficiency of ordination by Presbiters because Ministers made by Presbyterian Government in France and the Low-Countreys were owned and acknowledged by our Bishops for lawfully ordained for all intents and purposes both to Preach and Sacramentize and no reordination required of them Thus the goodness of Bishops in their charity to others was made use of against themselves and the necessity of the Episcopal function 66. To return to the Assembly the Monuments which they have left to posterity of their meeting Books made by the Assembly are chiefly these Articles of Religion drawn up by them and a double Catechism one the lesser the other the greater whereof at first very few were printed for Parliament men meaner folk not attaining so great a Treasure besides their Directory whereof hereafter 67. As for the conclusion of this Assembly it dwinled away by degrees The Assembly rather sinketh then endeth though never legally dissolved Many of them after the taking of Oxford returning to their own cures and others living in London absented themselves as disliking the managing of matters Such as remained having survived their great respect and being too few to maintain the dignity of an Assembly contented themselves with the notion of a Committee chiefly employed to examine their abilities and good affections who were presented to livings Till at last as in Philosphy accidentia non corrumpuntur sed definunt they vanish with the Parliament and now the execution of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury comes next under our pen whose triall being most of civill concernment is so largely done in a book of that subject that by us it may be justly omitted 68. Next followed the execution of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury The Arch-Bishop prepares for death Sherif Chambers of London bringing over night the warrant for the same Anno Dom. 21. Anno Regis Carol. 1645. Jan. 10. and acquainting him therewith In preparation to so sad a work he betook himself to his own and desired also the prayers of others and particularly of D r Holdsworth fellow prisoner in that place for a year and half though all that time there had not been the least converse betwixt them On the morrow he was
a more pleasant tune from barking for food to the blessing of those who procured it Nor let any censure this a digress from my History for though my estate will not suffer me with * Job 29. 15. Job to be eyes to the blind and feet to the Iame I will endeavour what I can to be a Tongue for the Dumbe SECTION XI To the Noble Lady Elianor Roe relict to the Honorable Sr. Thomas Roe Madam I finde that my name-sake * * Hackluits voyages 3. part pag. 825. Thomas Fuller was Pilot in the ship called the Desire wherein Captain Cavendish surrounded the world Far be it from me to compare these my weak undertakings to his great adventures Yet I may terme this my Book the Desire as wherein I desire to please and profit all justly to displease none Many rocks and storms have I passed by Gods blessing and now am glad of so firme an Anchorage as a Dedication to your Ladiship I believe Madam none of your Sex in our Nation hath travelled farther them your self Yet this Section of our History may afford you a rarity not seen before I know you have viewed the Tombe of St. Polycarpus but here the Herse is presented unto you of one whose death cannot be paralell'd in all particulars 1. LAtely certain Delegates from the Vniversity of Oxford pleaded their Priviledges before the Committee of Parliament Anno Regis Carol. 24. that they were onely Visitable by the King Anno Dom. 1648. and such who should be deputed by him Great alterations by the Visiters in Oxford But their allegations were not of proof against the Paramount power of Parliament the rather because a passage in an Article at the Rendition of Oxford was urged against them wherein they were subjected to such a visitation Whereupon many Masters were ejected their Places new Heads of Houses made and soon after new Houses to those Heads which produced great alteration 2. Come we now to the Church-part of the Treaty in the Isle of Wight Clergiemen meeting in the Isle of Wight as the sole Ecclesiastical matter remaining Anno Dom. 1648. Here appeared of the Divines chosen by the King Anno Regis Eliza. 24. James Vsher Arch-Bishop of Armagh Brian Duppa Bishop of Salisbury Doctor Sanderson Doctor Shelden Doctor Henry Ferne As for Doctor Brounrig Bishop of Exeter when on the way he was remanded by the Parliament because under restraint and it was reported that D. Prideaux Bishop of Worcester wanted the more the pitty wherewith to accommodate himself for the journey M r Steven Marshall M r Joseph Caryll M r Richard Vines and M R Lazarus Seaman were present there by appointment from the Parliament 3. It was not permitted for either side All matters managed in writing personally to speak but partly to prevent the impertinencies of orall debates partly that a more steddy aime might be taken of their mutual Arguments all things were transacted in scriptis His Majesty consulted with his Chaplains when he pleased The Kings Writings were publickly read before all by M r Philip Warwick and M r Vines read the Papers of his Fellow-Divines the substance whereof we come here to present 4. His Majesty began The effect of his majesties first paper the effect of whose first Paper was to prove Octo. 2. that the Apostles in their own persons by Authority a Joh. 20. 21. derived from Christ exercised their power in Ordinations giving Rules and Censures 2. That Timothy and b Tit. 1. 5. Titus by Authority derived from the Apostles did or might actually exercise the same power in the three Branches specified 3. That the Angels of the seven Churches Rev. 2. 3. where so many persoae singulares of such as had a Prelacy as well over Pastors as People From the premises his Majesty inferred that our Bishops succeed to the function of the Persons afore named The rather because the same plainly appeareth out of the History of the Primitive Church the writings of Ignatius and other ancient Authors In conclusion his Majesty desired to be satisfied from them what were the Substantials of Church-government appointed by Christ and his Apostles and in whose hands they are left and whether they binde to a perpetual observation thereof or may upon occasion be altered in whole or in part 5. The next day the Parliament-Divines put in their Answer to the Kings Paper The Parliament-Divines answer thereunto wherein they confessed Octo. 3. that the places of Scripture cited by him proved in those Persons by him named a power respectively to do the three things specified But they utterly denied that the foresaid Persons were Bishops as distinct from Presbyters or exercised the Government in that sense 1. To the Instance of the Apostles they answered that they had an extraordinary calling and so nothing thence can be inferrred to prove modern Bishops 2. That Timothy and Titus were Evangelists and the f 2 Tim. 4. 5. first is expressly so termed nor could they be Bishops who resided not in one Diocess but often removed from place to place 3. That the denomination of the Angels of the Churches being Allegorical no firme Argument can be taken thence nor weight laid thereon Besides those Epistles of S. John though directed to One were intended to the whole body of the Church They denyed that the Apostles were to have any successours in their Office affirming but two standing Officers in the Church Presbyterians Deacons They cited Philippians I. I. I Tim. 3. 8. for the proof thereof where there is no mention of Bishops as distinct from Presbyters but of the two Orders only of Bishops or Presbyters and Deacons 6. As for the succeeding ages to the Apostles seeing Scripture reacheth not unto them they can but beget a humane Faith which is uncertain and fallible Besides such the darkness of those Times in respect of Church-History that little certainty can be thence extracted Yet it appeareth in Clement himself that he useth the same word for Bishop and Presbyter and as for Ignatius his Epistles little credit is to be given unto them 7. Lastly there is a great difference between Primitive Episcopacy and the Present Hierarchie as much enlarged in their Power and Priviledges by many Temporal accessions whereof no shaddow or pretence in Scripture In conclusion they humbly besought his Majesty to look rather to the Original of Bishops in holy Writ then to their succession in Humane History 8. As to the point of Substantials in Church Government appointed by Christ wherein his Majesty desired satisfaction the return was short and generall that such Substantials were in the Scripture not descending to any particulars Whether out of policy foreseeing it would Minister matter of more debate or obedience to the Parliament as aliene from the work they were designed for who were only to oppose Episcopacy as qualified in the Bill presented to his Majesty 9. Three days
after Octo. 6. the King gave in his answer The Kings rejoynder to the Parliament Divines to this first paper of the Divines Wherein he acknowledged that the word Episcopus denoting an Overseer in the generall sense agreeth as well to Presbyters as Ministers in which respect they are sometimes in Scripture confounded both meeting in the joynt-function of overseeing Gods Flock But soon after Common usage the best Master of words appropriated Episcopus to the Ecclesiastical Governor leaving Presbyter to signifie the Ordinary Minister or Priest as in the antient Fathers and Councils doth plainly appear 10. As to the Extraordinarie Calling of the Apostles he confessed their Vnction extraordinary consisting in their miraculous gifts which soon after ceased when Churches were planted but he urged their mission to govern and teach to be ordinary necessary and perpetual in the Church the Bishops succeeding them in the former the Presbyters in later Function 11. Their Evasion that Timothy and Titus were Evangelists and not Bishops is clearly refuted by Scultetus Gerard and others yea as his Majesty is informed is rejected by some rigid Presbyters as Gillespee Rotherford c. Besides that Timothy and Titus were Bishops is confirmed by the consentient Testimony of Antiquity S. Hierome himself recording them made by S. Pauls Ordination as also by a Catalogue of twenty seven Bishops of Ephesus lineally succeeding from Timothy as is avouched by D. Reinolds against Hart. 12. If the Angels mentioned in the Revelations were not singular persons who had a Prelacy over the Church whether were they the whole Church or so many individual Pastors therein or the whole Colledge of Presbyters or singular Presidents of those Colledges for into so many opinions these few are divided amongst themselves who herein divide themselves from the ancient Interpretation of the Church Government 13. Concerning Ages succeeding the Apostles his Majesty confesseth it but a humane Faith which is begotten on humane Testimonies yet so that in matter of Fact it may be infallible as by the Credit of History we infallibly know that Aristotle was a Greek Philosopher 14. The objected obscurity of Church-History in primitive Times is a strong Argument for Episcopacy which notwithstanding the darkness of those times Anno Dom. 1648. is so clearly extant by their unquestionable Catalogues Anno Regis Carol. 24. 15. It is plain out of Clement elsewhere even by the Confession of * Vedelius exeâ— 8. In. Ignat. cap. 3. one not suspected to favour the Hierarchie that he was accounted a Bishop as distinct from a Presbyter As for Ignatius his Epistles though some out of partial disaffection to Bishops have indeavoured to discredit the whole Volume of them without regard of Ingenuity or Truth yet sundry of them attested by antiquity cannot with any forehead be denied to be His giving Testimony of the Prelacy of a Bishop above a Presbyter 16. As for the difference between Primitive Episcopacy and present Hierarchie his Majesty did not conceive that the Additions granted by the favour of his Royall Progenitors for the enlarging of the power and priviledges of Bishops did make the Government substantially to differ from what it was no more then Arms and Ornaments make a body really different from it self when it was naked and devested of the same 17. Whereas they besought his Majesty to look rather to the Original then succession of Bishops he thought it needful to look at both the latter being the best Clue in such intrinsick cases to finde out the former 18. Lastly he professed himself unsatisfied in their answer concerning the perpetual and unalterable substantials of Church Government as expecting from them a more particular resolution therein then what he had received 19. Eleven dayes after the Parliament Divines put in their answer to his Majesties last paper The return of the Parliament Divines to the King Herein they affirmed Octo. 17. they saw not by what warrant this Writ of partition of the Apostles office was taken forth that the Governing part should be in the hands of the Bishops the Teaching and Sacramentizing in the Presbyters Scripture making no such Inclosure or Partition-Wall Besides the challenge of Episcopacy is grown to more then it pretended to in ancient times some * S. Chrysost S. Hierom and of modern Bp. Bilson Fathers acknowledging that Bishops differed from Presbyters only in matter of Ordination 20. The Abetters say they of this challenge that they might resolve it at last into Scripture ascend by the scale of succession going up the River to finde the head which like the head of Nile cannot be found Such who would carry it higher endeavour to impe it into an Apostolical Office and at last call it a Divine institution not by force of any express precept but implicite practise of the Apostles 21. They also returned that his Majesties definition of Episcopal Government is extracted out of the Bishops of later date then Scripture-times 21. Concerning the Ages succeeding the Apostles However Episcopal Government was generally current yet the superscription thereof was not judged Divine by some of those which were themselves Bishops or lived under that Government 22. As they firmly believed as to matter of fact that Chrysostome and Augustine were Bishops as that Aristotle was a Philosopher so they would rather call such a beleef grounded upon humane Testimonies uncontroled certain than infallible 23. The darkness of the History of the Church in the times succeeding the Apostles had an influence on the Catalogue-makers who derived the Series of the succession of Bishops taken much from tradition and Reports And it is a great blemish of their Evidence that the nearer they come to they Apostles times wherein this should be most clear to establish the succession firme at the first they are most doubtfull and contradictory one to the other 24. They granted that a succession of men to feed and govern those Churches which by Ecclesiastical Writers in compliance with the language of their own times were called Bishops but not distinct from Presbyters So that if such a succession from the Primitive times Seriatim were proved they would either be found more then Bishops as Apostles and extraordinary persons or less as meerly first Presbyters not having the three Essentials to Episcopal Government insisted on by his Majesty 25. As for Ignatius he cannot distinctly be known in Ignatius his Epistles such their Insincerity adulterate mixture and Interpolations and take him in gross he is the Patron of such Rites as the Church in that Age never owned 26. They professed that in their last Answer they related not to a School-Nicety Utrum Episcopatus sit Ordo vel Gradus the question being stated by Popish Authors to whom they had no Eye or Reference 27. They humbly moved His Majesty that the Regiments of Humane Testimonies on both sides might be discharged the field and the point of dispute tried alone by dint of holy Scripture 28. They
honoured the pious intentions and Magnificence of his royal Progenitors acknowledging the Ornamental Accessions to the Persons made no Substantiall change in the Office but still is remained to be proved that Primitive Episcopacy and Present Hierarchie are the same 29. They affirmed also that the power of Episcopacy under Christian and Pagan Princes is one and the same though the exercise be not but acknowledging the subordination thereof to the soveraign power with their accountableness to the Laws of the Land 30. They conclude with thanks to his Majesties condescension in vouchsafing them the Liberty and Honour in examining his learned reply praying God that a Pen in the hand of such Abilities might ever be employ'd in a subject worthy thereof 31. Some dayes after his Majesty returned his last paper wherein he not only acknowledgeth the great pains of these Divines to informe his judgement according to their perswasions but also took especiall notice of their Civilities of the Application both in the beginning and body of their Reply 32. However he told them they mistook his meaning when they of a Writ of Partition as if his Majesty had cantoned out the Episcopal Government one part to the Bishops another to the Presbyterians alone whereas his meaning was that the Office of teaching is common to both alike but the other of Governing peculiar to Bishops alone 33. I know not what Truth there was in and by consequence what Truth is to be given to their intelligence Tanta sides quanius Author who have reported and printed that in Order of a pacification his Majesty condescended 1. That the Office of Ordination for the space of three years should not be exercised by the Bishops without the assent of the Presbyterie and if this did not please 2. That it should be suspended until twenty of his own Nomination consulting with the Synod assembled by the appointment of the Houses should determine some certainty touching some Ecclesiastical Government 3. That in the mean time the Presbyterie should be setled for experimentsake 4. That though he would not suffer Bishops Lands to be sold and alienated from the Church yet he permitted them to be Let out for ninety nine years paying a small price yearly in Testimony of their Hereditary Right for the maintenance of Bishops 5. That after that time expired they should return to the Crown to be employed for the use of the Church Here some presumed to know his Majesties intention that he determined with himself in the interim to redeem them by their own Revenues and to refund them to Ecclesiastical uses which is proportionable to his * For he gave the Duke of Richmond the entire revenues of the Arch-bishoprick of Glascough in Scotland to hold them until he should furnish him with lands of the same value expressing then his resolution to restore them to the Church large heart in matters of that nature 34. * The King fetch'd from the Isle of Wight and condâ—mned at London Many now did hope for a happy Agreement betwixt the King and Parliament when Divine Providence whose wayes are often above Reason but never against Right had otherwise ordered it and seeing it was Gods will it shall be ours to submit thereunto Oh what can * Prov. 271. a day bring forth especially some pregnant day in the Crisis of Matters producing more than what many barren years before beheld The Kings person is seized on and brought up to London arraign'd before a select Committee for that purpose indicted and upon his refusal to own their Authority finally condemned But these things belong to the Historian of the state and this subject in it self is not so amiable and tempting as to invite us to trespas in the property of others in Courting the prosecution thereof 35. * Extremum hunc concede mihi My Cue of entrance is to come in where the State-Writer doth go out whose Pen hath alwayes followed the Confessors into the Chambers of dying people and now must do its last Devoire to my gracious Master in describing his pious death and Solemn Burial 36. * He heareth the last sermon Having received in himself the sentence of death Jan. 28. Sund. D r Juxon Bishop of London preached privately before Him at S. James on the Sunday following his text Romans 2. 16. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel 37. Next Tuesday being the day of His dissolution And receives the Communion in the morning alone He received the Communion Jan. 30. Tues from the hands of the said Bishop At which time he read for the second lesson the 27 th Chapters of S. Matthew containing the history of the death and passion of our Saviour Communion ended the King heartily thanked the Bishop for selecting so seasonable and comfortable a portion of Scripture seeing all humane hope and happiness is founded on the sufferings of our Saviour The Bishop modestly disavowed any thanks due to himself it being done merely by the direction of the Church of England whose Rubrick appointeth that Chapter the second morning-lesson for the thirtieth of January 38. His houre drawing nigh Is patient when affronted He passed thorough the Parke to White-Hall As He alwayes was observed to walk very fast so now He abated not any whit of His wonted pace In His passage a sorry fellow seemingly some mean Citizen went abrest along with Him and in an affront often stared His Majesty in the face which caused Him to turn it another way The Bishop of London though not easily angred was much offended hereat as done out of despiteful designe to discompose Him before His death and moved the Captain of the guard he might be taken away which was done accordingly 39. Entring on the floore of death His last question He asked of Collonel Tomlingson who attended there whether He might have the liberty to dispose of His own body as to the place and manner of the burial thereof The Collonel answered that he could give his Majesty no account at all therein 40. His Majesty held in his hand a small piece of paper And Speech falsely printed some four inches square containing heads whereon in His speech He intended to dilate and a tall souldier looking over the Kings shoulders read it as the King held it in His hand As for the speech which passeth in print for the Kings though taken in short-hand by one eminent therein it is done so defectively it deserveth not to be accounted His speech by the testimony of such as heard it His speech ended He gave that small paper to the BP of London 41. After His death Trouble well prevented the officers demanded the paper of the Bishop who because of the depth of his pocket smallness of that paper and the mixture of others therewith could not so soon produce it as was required At last he brought it forth
there to perform their Acts and pay the Beadles their sees which formerly they refused and this was some years before the coming of the Crowland-Professors hither 3. Probably some emulation not to say envie a canker we finde fretting the fairest flowers might make some distance betwixt the old stock of standing Scholars in Cambridge and this new addition of Professors Our Aunt Oxford may easily remember what little love yea how great grudging there was betwixt her ancient Students and that new plantation of Scholars which S t. * Vide suprà Bo. 2. Centur 8. Grimbal under King Alfred first placed there 4. The marvellous increase of learning in Cambridge in so short a time after the coming of the Crowland Professors thither is justly imputed to this cause for that Cambridge had formerly been a place of learning Thus when green-wood is long is kindling brands which before were half burnt and then quenched doe quickly take fire and presently blaze into a bright flame In a word such men who have made remarkable additions to what was begun long before oftentimes as proudly as falsly conceit themselves the first Founders thereof Thus p Dan. 4. 30. Nebuchadnezzar Is not this great Babylon that I have built whereas he and all the world knew that Semiramis built it a thousand yeers before his cradle was made though he no doubt might strengthen enlarge and beautifie the same And as Restorers are apt to mistake themselves for the Founders so by infection of the same error the Spectators of such Repairers are prone to mis-interpret them for Beginners as here these Crowland-Professors are erroneously apprehended the Founders of Cambridge Thus the river Anas in Spain after it hath runne above sixty miles under ground may be by ignorant people conceived to have his Birth his fountain there wherein truth he hath but his Resurrection at his springing out of earth the second time And thus sluggards in the morning count the Sunne but then to arise when it newly breaks forth of a cloud and was risen some hours before 16. Pain Peverell Stander-bearer to Robert Duke of Normandy in the Holy-Land 13 removed Picot his foundation from S t. 1112 Giles in Cambridge where they were pent for room to a larger place of thirteen acres at Barnewell Pain Peverel foundâ— Barnewell Priorie about a mile off where one Godesonn formerly led an Eremitical life This Peverell encreased the number of those Canons from six to thirty because forsooth at that time he was just thirty yeers old and endowed them with large revenues Afterwards in process of time Barnwell became a prime Priorie through the bounty of many Benefactors and able at the dissolution of Abbies to expend of old rents low rated three hundred fifty one pounds fifteen shillings four pence Insomuch that the Prior thereof in the fourty ninth year of King Henry the third by Writ bearing date at Woodstock the twenty fourth of December was with many moe voluntariè summonitus freely summoned saith the Record to be present as a Baron in Parliament But let him make much of this favour which never before or after was bestowed upon him or his successors These Black-Canons of Barnewell were generally kind neighbours to the Scholars and their Prior did sometimes good offices unto them 17. Now amongst the eminent Scholars Alphred of Beverlie Student in Cambridge who at this time studied in Cambridge 1129 Alphred of Beverley was of especial note 30 He was born in Yorkshire lived many yeers in Cambridge to gain learning q Bale De Scriptor Britan Cent. 2. pag. 157. where he attained to be an excellent Philosopher Divine and Historian Returning into his native countrey at Beverlie he wrote the History of the British Nation from the beginning of the world unto his ownage which work was by him truly and elegantly composed He is commonly surnamed the Treasurer a title given him as I conceive not for bearing that office in his Covent but from his diligent searching discreet selecting methodical compiling and carefull preserving or treasuring up pretious passages of former ages for the use of Posterity This Alphred when living in Cambridge maintained himself as the rest of the Students there on his own cost every Scholar in that age being his own Founder and Benefactor For as yet no publique Halls or Hostles were built for to receive them but each one lived as r Acts 28. 30. S t. Paul at Rome in his own hired house as they could contract with the Townsmen who unconscionably improving themselves on the Scholars necessities extorted unreasonable rents from them as hereafter God willing shall appear 18. And here I must admire one thing and shall be thankful to such who will cure my wonder Unwonder me this wonder by shewing me the cause of that I wonder at What might be the reason that Monks and Friers in this age had such stately houses rich endowments plentifull maintenance whilest Students in the Universitie had poor chambers hard fare short means and that on their own or parents charges and yet there was more honesty industry painfulnesse and piety within the study of one Scholar than the cells of an hundred Monks Some perchance will impute this to the fancie of men lapping dandling and feeding Monkies and Marmosets whiles Creatures of more use are lesse regarded Others will say It was becauuse Scholars studied the liberall Monks the lucrative Sciences University men were more busied in reading Books than numbling of Masses and praying for the dead the main matter which brought grift to the Monks mill Whatever was the secret cause this was the apparent effect thereof Scholars as they were lean so they were lively attracted less envie procured more love endured more labour which made them to last and to live after the destruction of the other 19. William Meschines The first Earle of Cambridge brother to Ranulph Earl of Chester 1139 was by King Stephen made the first Earl of Cambridge Steph. 4 And it is no small credit to Cambridge that after this William none were ever honoured with that title but such who were Princes of the Blood Royall either actuall Kings of Scotland or Kings sons or nephews of England or forain and free Princes of their next alliance as hereafter God willing will appear at their several creations So carefull were our English Kings in choosing such persons for the place who receiving honor from so famous an Universitie might also by their high birth and honourable demeanor return lustre thereunto 20. For after the death of this Meschines David King of Scoâ—s Earl of Cambridge one may confidently pronounce that David King of the Scots commonly called S t. David was Earl of Cambridge And although his Chatter cannot be produced with the formalities used at his creation modern ceremonies at the investing of Counts not being used in that age yet Anno Regis Steph. that he was
at London Robert Gilbert VVarden of Merton Colledge Doctor of Divinity in the behalf of Oxford and Thomas Kington Doctor of Law Advocate of the Arches in the behalf of d Ex Registro Cantuar. Hen. Chichely Cambridge made two eloquent Orations that the worth of Scholars in the Vniversity might be rewarded and preferment proportioned to their Deserts Hereupon it was ordered that the Patrons of vacant Benefices should bestow them hereafter on such as were Graduated in the Vniversity Gradus Professionis ratione juxta Beneficiorum census valores habita So that the best and most Livings should be collated on those of the best and highest Degrees 39. Doctor Kington returning to Cambridge Refused by their own folly instead of Thanks which he might justly have expected for his successfull industry found that the favour he procured was not accepted of The Regent-Masters in the Congregation out of their e Ant. Brit. pag. 278. Youthfull Rashnesse rejected the kindness merely out of Spleen and Spite because the Doctors would be served with the first and best Livings and the Refues onely fall to their share Iohn Riken d ale 1419 7 Chancellour g p 40. The Regent-Masters being grown older and wiser But on second thoughts accepted were perswaded to accept the profer sending their thanks by the Chancellour to another Synod now kept at London And now when the bestowing of Benefices on Vniversitymen was clearly concluded the f Ant. Brit. ut prius unlearned Friars whose interest herein was much concerned mainly stickled against it untill by the Kings interposing they were made to desist The same year it was ordered in Parliament that none should practise g Rob. Hare in Archivis Physick or Surgery except approved on by one of the Vniversities Hen. 6. 1 Thomas de Cobham 1422 1423 Chancellour Robert Fitzhugh Master of Kings Hall Chancellour afterward Bishop of London 2 Marmaduke Lumley Anno Regis Hen. 6. 7 8 9 Anno Dom. 1428 1429 1430 Chancellour afterwards Bishop of Lincoln VVilliam VVimble Chancellour Iohn Holebroke Chancellour 41. Difference arising betwixt the Vniversity Differences betwixt the Bishop of Ely and the University and Philip Morgan Bishop of Ely Pope Martine the fifth at the instance of the Vniversity appointed the Prior of Barnwell and Iohn Deeping Canon of Lincoln his Delegates to enquire of the Priviledges of the Vniversity 42. The Prior undertook the whole businesse Remitted by the Pope to the Prior of Baâ—nwell examined seven witnesses all Aged some past threescore and ten and perused all Papal Bulls Priviledges and Charters wherein he found that the Chancellours of Cambridge have all a Rob. Hare 〈◊〉 Archivis vol. 2. fol 103 Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction viz. Excommunication and suspension over Scholars and their servants probates of VVills granting of Administration and taking their accounts the aged witnesses deposing it on their own sight and knowledge 43. This being returned by the Prior The Pope giveth his sentence for Cambridge it's exemtion Pope Martine pronounced his sentence wherein he declareth that the Vniversity time out of mind was in the Possession use and exercise of Ecclesiasticall and spirituall Iurisdiction without any disquieting of Arch-bishops Bishops or their Officers and for the time to come he confirmed their b Hare in Archivis vo 2. fol. 115. Immunities which his Successour Eugenius the fourth re-confirmed unto them This strengthens our former Conjecture that the Vniversity willingly receded from their own Priviledges in Arundel's visitation VVilliam Lassells 10 1431 Chancellour Richard Caudrey 11 1432 Chancellour Iohn de Langton 15 1436 Chancellour 44. Richard Duke of York was at this time Earle of Cambridge A constant Tenure of Princely Earles the last that ware that Honour for many years in whose death it was extinct And now let the Reader at one view behold the great Persons dignified with the Earledome of Cambridge Scotch Kings Germane Princes English Dukes 1. David 2. Henry 3. Malcolm 4. Iohn Earle of Henault 5. VVilliam Marques of Iuliers 6. Edmond of Langly fifth Son to Edward the third 7. Edward his Son 8. Richard Duke of York his Brother Father to King Edward the 4 th No City Town or place in England was ever honoured with so many and great persons as Cambridge was whose Earledome sleeping for almost two hundred yeares was at last conferred by King Iames on the royallyextracted Marques Hamilton whereof in due place 45. About this time the many Chests of Money formerly well filled The Universities money embezeled and worthily employed for the good of the University and eminent Scholars therein were squandered away and embezeled to private mens profit I cannot particularize in their names nor charge any single person but it appeared too plainly that of 14. or 15. Chests not four were left and the summes in them inconsiderable so that Cambridge never recovered her Bank nor recruited her Chests to the former proportion Anno Dom. 1436 Yet afterwards she met with two good Benefactours Anno Regis Henri ci 6. 15 the one Thomas Bourchier Never reâ—lored to the same degree Arch-bishop of Canterbury who bestowed on her an hundred pounds the other the Lady Elizabeth Cleere Dutchesse of Norfolk which put the Vniversity in stock again bestowing no lesse then a thousand Marks at severall times on the publick Treasury though within few yeares little was left thereof 46. I know it is pleaded Vehement suspition of corruption that the expensive Suites of the University against the Towns-men in the Reigns of King Henry the seventh and King Henry the eighth much exhausted their Coffers But when all is audited a strong suspition still remaines on some in publick employment of unjust dealing Sure it is in the Reign of King Edward the sixth the Treasury was so empty it wanted wherewith to defray necessary and ordinary Expences SECTION V. Anno Regis RADULPHO FREEMAN Anno Dom. in Comitatu Hertfordensi Armigero SOlon interrogatus à Croeso Regum opulentissimo Plutarch in vita Solon quem ille mortalium agnosceret Beatissimum Tellum quendam Atheniensem civem privatum nominavit Huic res nec augusta nec angusta cum inter Invidiam Inoptam pari fere distantia collocaretur Si Solon nunc in vivis Te faelicissimis hujus Seculi annumeraret cui Mens composita Corpus licet tenue integrum Domus elegans Supellex nitida Patrimonium satis amplum Soboles numerosa ac ingenua Nec nimiis Titulis tumescis necte Obscuritas premit cui talis obtigit Conditio qua melior haud facile fingi potest Quod si tibi suppetat hora succisiva quae non sit fraudi serioribus tuis Negociis perlegas quaeso hanc Historiae meae portiunculam cujus pars majuscula in Collegio Regali describendo consumitur in quo
l. 5 s. 5 d. 5 Toft Monachorum Rectory in the Diocess of Norwich valued at 8 l. 6 Leisingham Vicaridgâ— in the Diocess of Norwich valued at 6 li. 7 Harsted Rectory in the Diocess of Norwich valued at 6 li. 10 s. 8 West-Rutham Vicaridge in the Diocess of Norwich valued at 7 li. 6 s. 8 d. 9 Prestcott Vicaridge in the Diocess of Chester valued at 24 li. 9 s. 10 Wotton Wowen Vicaridge in the Diocess of Coventry and Lichfield valued at 11 l. 9 s. 7 d. 11 Dowton Wallat Rectory in the Diocess of London valued at 16 l. Behold here the fruitfulness of one Vineyard a single Colledge and yet we have onely gathered the top-grapes such as were ripest in parts and highest in preferment How many moe grew on the under-boughs which were serviceable in Church and State Not to speak of many eminent persons still surviving amongst whom Mr. William Oughtred beneficed at Alberie in Surrey Prince of the Mathematicians in our age whose modestie will be better pleased with my praying for them than praising of them 16. Wonder not Why so few have been Benefactours to this House Reader that Benefactors are so few and benefaction so small to this royall foundation caused partly from the commpleteness thereof at its first erection partly from mens modestie that their meanness might not mingle it self with Princely magnificence Solomon f Eccles 2. 12 saith What can the man doe that cometh after the King It is petty Presumption to make addition to Kings workes and to hold benefaction in Coparcenarie with them 17. We read in John Rouse The instrumental advancers of so worthy a work how King Henry the fifth had a designe to build a Colledge in the Castle of Oxford the intended model whereof with the endowments to the same he affirmeth himself to have seen but prevented by death his son Henry performed his fathers will as to his general end of advancing Learning and Religion though exchanging the place from Oxford to Cambridge We read also in the Oxford g Brian Twine Antiq. Academ Oxon. pag. 318. Antiquarie how Henry Beaufort that pompous Prelate and Bishop of Winchester gave two thousand pounds to Henry the sixth for the advancing of this Colledge and how John Summerset Doctor of Physick to King Henry the sixth Sophister first in Oxford but afterwards graduated in Cambridge and twice Proctor thereof though not expressed in our Cambridge-Catalogue so imperfect is it was very active with his perswasions to King Henry and concurred much instrumentally to the foundation of this Colledge 18. He proceedeth to tell us Dr Sommerset said to be ingratefully used by Cambridge how the same Sommerset when aged fell into want and disgrace and coming to Cambridge for succour and support found not entertainment proportionable to his deserts Whereupon he publiquely complained thereof in eighty h Extraâ—t in Guil worcestr and cited by Brian Twine pag. 313. satyrical verses thus beginning Quid tibi Cantabriga dudum dulcissima feci Vultum divertis oh mihi dura nimis For mine own part I hate ingratitude be it in mine own mother but dare not here condemn her because ignorant of the cause of Sommerset's poverty Probably it might relate to the difference of the Crown and Lancaster interest so that in those dangerous days Cambridge her charity could not consist with her safety not daring to relieve him for fear of damnifyinging her self 19. How ticklish those dayes were King Edward the fourth a malefactour to this Colledge and with how evill an eye this Foundation from the line of Lancaster was looked upon by the House of York is too plaine in the practise of King Edward the fourth one whose love to learning and religion were much alike who at once took away from Kings Colledge a thousand pound land a year amongst which the fee-farme of the Manours of Chesterton and Cambridge Whereupon no fewer than i â—aius Hist Ac. Cant. pag. 68. fourty of the Fellowes and Scholars besides Conducts Clerkes Choristers and other Colledge-officers were in one day forced to depart the House for want of maintenance Indeed I have read that King Edward afterwards restored five hundred Marks of yearly revenue on condition they should acknowledge him for their Founder and write all their Deeds in his name which perchance for the present they were contented to performe However his restitution was nothing adequate to the injurie offered this Foundation insomuch that Leland complaines Grantam suam hanc jacturam semper sensuram That his Cambridge will for ever be sensible of this losse 20. One k Brian Twine Antiq. Acad. Ox. pag. 317. tells us An old debt well paâ—d that as Kings Colledge was first furnished from Eaton so Eaton was first planted from Winchester-School whence Henry the sixth fetcht five Fellows and thirty five eminenâ— Scholars to furnish his first foundation But let our Aunt know that this debt hath been honestly satisfied with plentifull consideration for the forbearance thereof For in the yeer of our Lord 1524. when Robert Shirton Master of Pembrooke-Hall was employed by Cardinal Wolsey to invite Cambridge-men some full blown in learning others but in the bud and dawning of their pregnancie to plant his foundation at Christ-Church Kings-Colledge afforded them many eminent Scholars then removed thither amongst whom were Rich. Cox afterwards School-master to King Edward the sixth John Frith afterward martyred for the truth John Frier a famous Physician of that age Hen. * MS. Hatcher of K. Coll. Anno 1518. Sumptner who at Christ-Church for his religion being hardly used died soon after with may moe eminent persons which l Vide infâ—â— Anno 1524. hereafter God willing shall be observed Thus Christ-Church in Oxford was first a Cambridge-Colonie Be this remembred partly that Cambridge may continue her original title to such worthy men and partly to evidence her return to her Sister of what formerly she had borrowed Otherwise it matters not on which of the two Branches learned men doe grow seeing all spring from one and the same root of the English Nation 21. I have done with this Foundation The Armes of Kings Colledge when I have told the Reader that King Henry the sixth under his great Seal by Act of Parliament confirmed a coat of Armes to this Colledge bearing in chief a flower of France and a Lion of England that it may appear to be the work of a King For my instructions herein I must direct my thankfulness partly to the memory of Mr. Thomas Hatcher who some seventy yeers since collected an exact catalogue of the Scholars Fellowes and Provosts of this house partly to Mr. Tho. Page of this house and Vice-Oratour of Cambridge who as he went over beyond the seas the credit of his Coll. and this University so God lending him life after his accomplishment in his travails is likely to return one of the honours of our Countrey 22. My Pen
Peter Coll. Wil. Chaderton D. D. Fellow of Christs Col. Will. Whitacre D. D. Master of S t. Iohn ' s Coll. Iohn Overhall D. D. Master of S t. Katharin ' s Hall Iohn Richardson D. D. Fellow of Emanuel Master of Trinity Samuel Collins D. D. Provost of Kings Col. Iohn Arrowsmith D. D. Master of S t. Iohn ' s and after of Trinity a Sir Thomas Smith Alkam lib. 2. Ep. ad Bran disbaeam Walter Haddon D. L. Fellow of Kings Master of Trinity Hall Thomas Bing D. L. Fellow of S t. Peters Coll. Master of Clare Hall Thomas Legg D. L. Fellow of Iesus Trinity Coll. Master of Gonvil Cajus Col. Iohn Cowell D. L. Fellow of Kings Col. Master of Trinity Hall Thomas Morysonne D. L. Fellow of Kings Coll. George Porter D. L. Fellow of Queens Col. Thomas Goad D. L. Fellow of Kings Coll. Kings Physick Professours Kings Hebrew Professours Kings Greek Professours Iohn Blyth Doctor of Physick Fellow of Kings Coll. Iohn Hatcher Doctor of Physick Fellow of Kings Thomas Larkin Doctor of Physick of S t. Peters Coll. William Ward Doctor of Physick Fellow of Kings Coll. William Burton Doctor of Physick Fellow of Kings Coll. Iohn Gostlin Doctor of Physick Master of Gonvil and Cajus Coll. Iohn Collins Doctor of Physick Fellow of S t. John ' s Coll. Ralph Winterton Doct. of Physick Fellow of Kings Coll. Francis Glisson Doctor of Physick Fellow of Gonvil and Cajus Coll. Mr. Robert Wakefield Fellow Antony Rodolphus Cevallerius Mr. Bignon a Frenchman of Corpus Christi Coll. Edward Liveley Fellow of Trinity Coll. Robert Spalding D. D. Fellow of S t. John ' s Coll. Jeffery King D. D. Fellow of Kings Coll. Andrew Bing D. D. Fellow of S t. Peter Coll. Robert Metcalfe D. D. Fellow of S t. Iohn ' s Coll. Ralph Cudworth Felof Emanuel Col. Erasmus Roterodamus Richard Crooke Fellow of Kings Coll. Sir Thomas Smith Knight Fellow of Queens Coll. S r. Iohn Cheek Knight Tutour to King Edward the sixth of S t. Iohn ' s Coll. Nicolas Carr Fellow of Pembroke Hall after of Trinity Coll. Bartholomew Doddington Fellow of Trinity Coll. Francis Wilkinson Fellow of Trinity Coll. Andrew Downes Fellow of S t. Iohn ' s Coll. Robert Creiton Fellow of Trinity Coll. Iames Duport Fellow of Trinity Coll. Ralph Widdrington Fellow of Christ ' s Col. 23. These Catalogues though the best not to say onely extant are very imperfect One instance I will give William Zoone here omitted was Regius a Pitieus de Scripto Angl. pag. 766. Professour of Law in the Reign of Queen Mary But I dare not altar what so long hath been received Iohn Madew 1 Vice-Chanc 154 6 7 Tho. Burman Tho. Carlyle Proctours Iohn Fann Major Doct. Bac. Theol. 1 Medic. 1 Theol. 7 Mag. Art 15 Bac. Art 29 24. Great was the alteration which followed in Cambridge The Lord Protectour made Chancellour upon King Edward his coming to the Crown Steven Gardiner Chancellour of the University was put out of his office and into the Tower Edward Seymor Lord Protectour and Duke of Somerset was chosen in his room 25. The Townsmen of Cambridge began now to hope their time come The Insolencies of the Townsmen to cast off the yoke as they counted it of the University as if on the alteration of Religion the ancient priviledges of Scholars should be abolished under the notion of superstition Ungratefully therefore they began their pranks I say ungratfully Anno Dom. 154 6 7 For Anno Regis Edvardi 6 38 although particular Scholars might owe money to particular Townsmen yet the whole Town owes it 's well being to the University Amongst their many insolencies two were most remarkable First One a Compare Mr. Askams letter to the Bishop of Winchester with his to the Lord Wriothesly Maxwell by profession once a Iayle-keeper then a Beare-ward promoted at last Purveyor to provide cariages for the Kings fish which commonly came from Cambridge seised on an ambling Nag of the Master of Peter-House which the old and infirme Doctour kept for his health meerly that his man might thereon ride after the Kings cariages This Horse I may say had a long-reach The injury seeming small and personall concerned the whole University both in present and posterity Secondly when the Proctours at Sturbridge-Faire had according to their Office and ancient custome fetched out many dissolute persons out of vicious places at unseasonable hours the Major refused to give them the keys of the Toll-booth or Town-prison to secure such offenders therein yea when they had carried such malefactours to the Castle within an hour or two comes the Majors Son sets open the Iayle and le ts loose those lewd persons to the great injurie of the University and encouragement of all viciousnesse 26. It was now high time for Doctor Madew Askham his letters procure friends to the University the Vice-Chancellour and Master Roger Askham the University Oratour to bestir themselves The later belettered all the Lords of the Privy Councill and amongst the rest Sir Thomas VVriothesly the Lord Chancellour of England whom saith he the Vniversity partly commandeth us once a member partly requesteth as now a Patrone thereof with some Gentlemen of the Kings Bed-Camber and by then procured the confirmation of the University priviledges in the following Parliament However these oppidane animosities in some degree continued all this Kings Reign Matthew Parker 154 7 8 Vice-Chan 2 Edmond Grindall Edward Gascoyne Proct. Iohn Rust Major Doct. Theol. 2 lu Civ 1 Bac. Theol. 14 Mag. Art 26. Bac. Leg. 1 Art 30 The Lord Protectour by letters which I have seen sollicited Stephen Gardiner who still kept his Mastership of Trinity Hall to resigne his place and the whole Hall into the Kings disposall 27. That so of that A profer of the Protectours to Unite Clare and Trinity Hall and it's Neigbour Clare Hall whose Master Doctor Madew may be presumed compliable with the Protectours pleasure one Eminent and Entire Colledge might be advanced on the Kings cost in Imitation of Trinity Colledge 〈…〉 the late Royall Result of three smaller Foundations 1 Wherein the Civil and Canon-Law the skill whereof his Grace found necessary for the present welbeing of the Kingdome should be countenanced and encouraged 28. Most politick Gardiner not without cause suspecting some design Blasted by Bishop Gardiner or Casaulty might surprize the Intervall betwixt the dissolution of the old and erection of this new Foundation civilly declined his consent to the Motion He informed his grace that the way to advance the Study of the Laws was by promoting the present Professours of that Faculty now so generally discouraged and not by founding a new Colledge for the future students thereof seeing Trinity Hall could alone breed moe Civillians then all England did prefer according to their deserts 29. Thus was the design blasted and never more mentioned But Gardiner for
magnificence 36. But it was the banquet Where the Doctors of Cambridge wait on His Majesty which made the feast so compleat Hither came the Heads of the University of Cambridge in their scarlet Gowns and corner Caps where Mr. Rob Naunton the Orator made a learned Latin Oration wherewith His Majesty was highly affected The very variety of Latin was welcome to His ears formerly almost surfeited with so many long English Speeches made to Him as He passed every Corporation The Heads in generall requested a Confirmation of their Priviledges otherwise uncourtlike at this present to petition for particulars which His Highnesse most willingly granted Here one might have seen the King passing over all other Doctors for His Seniours apply Himselfe much in His discourse to Dr. Montague Master of Sidney Colledge This was much observed by the Courtiers who can see the Beams of Royall favour shining in at a small cranny interpreting it a token of his great and speedy preferment as indeed it came to passe 37. Within the compasse of this last year The death of Mr. Perkins but in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth died that worthy and painfull servant of Jesus Christ Mr. William Perkins whose life I have f in my Holy State formerly written and therefore forbear any repetition He was buried in his own Parish-Church of S. Andrews in Cambridge Only I will adde it sadded me lately to see that Church wherein this Saint was interred ready to fall to the ground Iacob said of Bethel the house of God g Gen 28. 17. How dreadful is this place I am sorry it may in a farre different sense be said of this S. Andrews filling such as approach to it with fear of the ruins thereof I say no more but as David was glad to go up into the house of the Lord all good men may be sorrowfull to behold Gods ruinous House comming down to them Iohn Cowell Vicecan 1603-4 Iohn Andrews Major 2. Richard Claton Vicecan 1604-5 John Edmonds Robert Wallis Major It was enacted in Parliament Recusants Presentations given to the Universities That the Chancellour Anno. Reg. Jac. 3. and Scholars of the University of Cambridge shall have the Presentation Ann. Dom. 1604-05 Nomination Collation and Donation of and to every such Benefice Prebend or Ecclesiaticall Living School Hospital and Donative as shall happen to be void during such time as the Patrone thereof shall be and remain a Recusant convict in the Counties Of Essex Hartford Bedford Cambridge Huntington Suffolke Norfolke Rutland Leiceister Lincolne Derbie Nottingham Shrop shire Chesshire Lancaster Yorke Bish of Duresme Northumberland Cumberland Westmorland Radnor Denbigh Flint Carnarvon Merianith Glamorgan Anglesey The other moyety of Counties was bestowed on Oxford In this division the greater half of the Land fell to the share of Cambridge whether we reckon the number of Shires being more or measure the extent of Ground being greater or consider the main matter herein that Recusant-Patrones were most numerous in the Northern parts of the Kingdome 38. However The Statute how frequently frustrated by Recusants I have heard it oft complained of That this Statute took not effect according to the true intent thereof either because many Bishops were very backward in giving Institutions on the Presentations of the University wherein we are willing to believe the fault not in them but their Officers Or because it is so hard a thing to prove or convict the legal conviction of a Papist Or Recusant-Patrons before their conviction had such sleights by pre-conveyances to make over their Advowsances to others Hence it was that many Clerks presented by the University were wearned ou◠with vexatious suits overpoised with the weight of Popish-Patrons purses and forced at last either totally to relinquish their title or to make an hard not to say sometimes an unworthy composition 39. About this time also it was Burgesses granted the Universities that the two Universities were honoured by the King to have their respective Burgesses to represent them in Parliament Samuel Harsnet Vicecan 4 Mil Raven Edward Sent Proct. 1605-06 John Edmonds Major Roger Goad Vicecan 5. Will Barton Sam Tindall Proct. 1606-07 William Arthur Major 40. Thomas Playfer The death and high Epitaph of Dr. Playfer D. D. Fellow of S. Johns Coll and Margaret Professour died this year and was buried in the Chancell of S. Buttolfs Church where this is part of his Epitaph Minister ille Triados enthei logii Oraculum patronus artium parens Sciarum concionum Rex sacrae Cathedrae Imperator fulmen tonitru scholae Suadae maritus ac gemellus Ingenî Ardor eorum exterae gentis stupor c. Should this Epiteph come under the hands of those Grecian Officers deputed to proportion mens Monuments to their merits it is suspitious they would make bold to pare part therof though indeed the Doctor was one of excellent parts and a great commander of the Latine Tongue Ann. Dom. 1606-07 Doctor John Davenant succeeded in the Professours place Ann. Reg. Jac. 5. Robert Soame Thomas Iegon Vicecan George Dearing Thomas Cecill Proct. 1606-08 Jeremy Chase Major 6. John Duport Vicecan 1608-09 Richard Bridges Anth Disborough Proct. 7. Thomas French Major Fogg Newton Vicecan 1609-10 Abraham Bidle Leonard Mawe Proct. 8. Thomas French Major Barnab Gouge Vicecan 1610-11 John Aungier Will Adison Proct. 9. Thomas French Major 41. About this time William Amese Fellow of Christs Colledge in Cambridge Master Amese troubled about his Sermon in S. Maryes on S. Thomas his day had to use his own * in a Letter I have of his to his friend expression the place of a Watch-man for an hour in the Towre of the University and took occasion to inveigh against the liberty taken at that time especially in such Colledges who had Lords of misrule a Pagan relique which he said as * Lib. 5. cap. 2. Polidore Virgil obserueth remaineth onely in England 42. Hence he proceeded to condemn all playing at Cards and Dice Against all playing at Cards and Dice affirming that the later in all Ages was accounted the device of the Devil that as God invented the one and twenty letters whereof he made the Bible the Devil saith an * Antonius Author found out the one and twenty pricks of the Die that Canon Law forbad the use thereof seeing * Langecruchius inspeculo Inventio Diaboli nullâ consuetudine potest validari 43. His Sermon gave much offence to many of his Auditors He leaveth the Colledge the rather because in him there was a concurrence of much non-conformity insomuch that to prevent an expulsion from Doctor Cary the Master he fairly forsook the Colledge which proved unto him neither losse nor disgrace being not long after by the States of Freezland chosen Professour in their University Valentine Cary Vicecan 1611-12
Recantation tendered unto him which he refused to subscribe though professing his sincere sorrow and penitencie in his Petitions and Letters to the Bishop for any oversights and unbeseeming expressions in his Sermon Hereupon he was sent back to the new Prison where he died If he was miserably abused therein by the Keepers as some have reported to the shortning of his life He that maketh inquisition for blood either hath or will be a revenger thereof Benjamin Lany Vicecan 1632-33 Iohn Lothian Dan Chaundeler Proct. 9. George Saunders Major Richard Love Vicecan 1633-34 Henry Molle Luke Skippon Proct. 10. Robert Twelves Major 27. Now began the University to be much beautified in buildings Organserected in Chappels every Colledge either casting its skin with the Snake or renewing its bill with the Eagle having their Courts or at leastwise their fronts and Gate-houses repaired and adorned But the greatest alteration was in their Chappels most of them being graced with the accession of Organs And seeing Musick is one of the Liberal Arts how could it be quarelled at in an University if they sang with understanding both of the matter and manner thereof Yet some took great distant thereat as attendancie to superstition At this time I discontinued my living in the University and therefore crave leave here to break off my History finding it difficult to attain to certain intelligence However because I meet with much printed matter about the visitation of Cambridge in these trouble some times though after some years intervall I shall for a conclusion adventure to give posterity an unpartiall relation thereof 28. Richard Holdesworth being Vice-Chancellour 1641-42 The Masters and Fellows of all Colledges send their plate or money in lieu thereof to the King to Yorke Aug. ult many wishing that every ounce thereof were a pound for His sake Colledge-plate sent to the King conceiving it unfitting that they should have superfluities to spare whilest their Soveraigne wanted necessaries to spend 29. This was beheld by the Parliament as an Act unjust in it self The act aggravated and dangerous in the consequence thereof for the present Masters and Fellowes were onely Fiduciaries not Proprietaries of the Plate to keep and use it not to dispose thereof Was not this obliterating the Records of Gentlemens bounty who had conferred those costly Utensils on the Colledges Besides this was interpreted a somenting of the Civil War thereby encouraging and enabling the King against His Subjects 30. In vain did the Heads plead for themselves And excused that they affrighted at the plundering of the House of the Countesse of Rivers at Long-Melford the first-fruits of Rapine in our Age did suspect the like violence Plunderers have long Armes and can quickly reach out of Suffolke into Cambridge shire For prevention whereof they thought good to secure some of their Plate in a safe hand and could not finde a fitter than His Majesties Heire to His Ancestours the Founders paramount of all Houses Besides though the clouds look black with a louring complexion yet did it not rain warre downright betwixt King and Parliament Anno Dom. 1641-1642 Anno Regis Car. 1. Aug. it being some daies before the erecting of His Standard at Nottingham 31. Dr. Beale Dr. Martin and Dr. Stern Masters of S. Johns Queens Three Doctors imprisoned in the Tower and Iesus Coll are carried to London and imprisoned in the Tower for their activity in the Plate-businesse And Cambridge is made the Seat of the Committee for the Easterne Association which escaped the best of all parts in this Civil Warre the smoak thereof onely offending those Counties whilst the fire was felt in other places 32. Richard Holdesworth Vicecan Before his year expired he was seized on and imprisoned first in Elie-house then in the Tower for executting His Majesties command in printing at Cambridge such His Declarations as were formerly printed at Yorke Mar. 30. 33. The Vice Chancellour and Heads of Houses solemnly assembled in the Consistorie The Heads deny the Parliament mony were demanded to contribute to the Parliament so to redeem their forwardnesse in supplying the King Which performed by them would notwithstanding their former crooked carriage in the Cause bolster them upright in the Parliaments esteem But they persisted in the Negative that such contributing was against true Religion and a good conscience for which some of them were afterwards imprisoned in S. Iohns Colledge 34. Amongst these was Doctor Samuel Ward Master of Sidney Colledge The death of Dr. Ward and Divinity Professour Lady Margarets or the Kings shall I say in the University For though the former by his Foundation he may seem the later by his resolution Yet was he a Moses not onely for slowness of speech but otherwise meekness of nature Indeed when in my private thoughts I have beheld him and Dr. Collins disputable whether more different or more eminent in their endowments I could not but remember the running of Peter and John to the place where Christ was buried In which race John came first as the youngest and swiftest but Peter first entred into the Grave Doctor Collins had much the speed of him in quicknesse of parts but let me say nor doth the relation of a Pupill misguide me the other pierced the deeper into under-ground and profound points of Divinity Now as high windes bring some men the sooner into sleep so I conceive the storms and tempests of these distracted times invited this good old man the sooner to his long rest where we fairly leave him and quietly draw the curtains about him 35. Now approached the generall Doom of Malignant Members so termed in the University The Oath of Discovery tendred and refused the Earle of Manchester with his two Chaplains Mr. Ash and Mr. Good coming thither to effect a Reformation In preparation whereunto I read how an oath of * Quercla Cantabrigieusis pag. 20. Discovery was tendred to many and universally refused as against all Law and conscience as being thereby made to accuse their nearest and dearest Friends Benefactors Tutors and Masters and betray the Members and Acts of their several Societies contrary to their peaceable Statutes viz Non revelabis aliquod secretum Collegii nec malum aut damnum inferes cuilibet Sociorum Whereupon this Oath was generally denied 36. To be satisfied in the truth hereof Mr. Ash disaâ—oweth any such Oath I wrote to Mr. Ash whose face I had never seen requesting him to inform me such proceedings seeming very strange to my apprehension But heare his Answer TRuly Sir I am so great a stranger to that Oath of Discovery which you mention that I cannot call to minde the moving of any such matter by the Lord of Manchester or any who attended him And as for my selfe having been a Sufferer upon the dislike of the Oath Ex Officio I have all along my life been very tender in appearing as an
the glass that these Lattices did fence them on the outside Item Paid for a Bay Nagge given to M r Henry Denny for the Abby wall three pound seventeen shillings This Nagge was rather a thankful acknowledgment of M r Denny his propriety then a just valuation of what the Parish received from him for it followeth Item To Labourers which did undermine the said wall fourty five shillings nine pence What then may the materials of that wall be presumed worth in themselves I conceive this was a building which ranged East beyond the old Steeple the demolishing whereof brought much profit to the Parish whole Wardens for some years drave a great trade in the sale Lead Stone and Timber all devoured in the roofing flooring and finishing of their Steeple Anno 1563. Eliz. 6â—â— Imprimis For an old house in the old Market-place thirteen pound six shillings eight pence This Tenement low-rented yielded annually nine shillings Now the Parish sold it and another house in West-street outright letting Leases also of their other Church-lands for twenty one years such bargains made a Feast for the present age and a Famine for posterity Item For the old timber in the little Vestiary of S t Georges Chappel fifteen shillings In vain have I enquired for the scituation hereof long since demolished c Philippâ—l Melan 〈◊〉 Apologia Articule 21. confessions Augustane and no wonder if S t George his Chapple cannot be found when S t George himself is affirmed by a some as one never existent in rerum natura Item Received M r Denny for one Cope of Cloth of gold three pound six shillings eight pence Item For two Altar-Cloaths of Velvet and silk two pound It seemeth the Parish did not part with all their gallantry at once but made several stakes thereof and parcelled them out as their necessities did require Item Received of M r Tamworth twenty loads of timber ready hewed which he gave to the Parish This Gentleman by his bounty to the Publick seems better known to God then to me having neither heard nor read of any of his name living in or near to Waltham Item For taking down the stairs in the Abby seven shilling eight pence This was part of the Nag-purchase whereby we collect that a large structure Was by this bargain conveyed to the Parish Item For taking down the Lead from the Charnel-house and covering the Steeple eighteen shillings The Steeple was conceived above the Charnel-house as in height so in honour Wherefore now the Lead taken from it was translated to the covering of the Steeple Which is now but tiled Call this removing of this metal from on part of the Church to another onely the borrowing of S t Peter to lend to S t Paul Item For the Arch-Deacons man coming for a Record of all the Inhabitants of the Parish four pence I know not on what Canon this was founded It may be her Majestie in those dangerous times desired not out of Pride but necessary Policy to know the number of her Subjects and might enjoyn the Arch-Deacons in their respective Visitations to make this inquiry But Day begins to dawn and the light of our Age to appear matters coming within the memory of many alive We will therefore break off Waltham since affording no peculiar observables Onely will add that S t Edward Grand-childe to S t Anthony Denny was created by King James a Candens Brit. in Eslex Baron of Waltham and since made by King Charles Earl of Norwich A Noble person High time to knock off who setled on the Curate of Waltham to whom before a bare Stipend of Eight pound did belong one hundred pound per annum with some other considerable accommodations tying good Land for the true performance thereof The Abby is now the Inheritance of this Earls Grand-childe by Honorw his daughter James Hay Earl of Carlile who Married Margaret Daughter to Francis Earl of Bedford by whom as yet he hath no Issue James Earle of Carlile present owner of Waltham Nicholas the most civinent Abbot of Waltham for the continuance of whole happiness my prayers shall never be wanting The Reader may justly expect from me a Catalogue of all the Abbots of this Monastery But to do it falsly I dare not lamely I would not perfectly I cannot and therefore must crave to be excused Onely let me observe That Nicholas Abbot of Waltham was most triumphant in power of any in his place he flourished in the Reign of King Richard the second and was b Hen de Knigbton de eventibus Angl. lib. v. pag 2687. one of the fourteen Commissioners chosen by Parliament to examine the miscariages in that Kings Reign since the death of his Grand-father Amongst the Natives of Waltham for Stutes-men John de Waltham bears away the bell He was keeper of the Privy Seal in the Reign of King Richard the second being the third in number chosen amongst the fourteen Commissioners aforesaid John de Waltham impowred to examine all misdemeanours of State And now was not Waltham highly honoured with more then a single share when amongst those fourteen two were her Gremials c Hen Knigh. ton ut prius Pag. 2685. Roger Waltham a learned writer the forenamed Nicholas living in Waltham and this John having his name thence because birth therein But amongst Scholars in our Town Roger Waltham must not be forgotten Canon of S t Patils in London and a great favourite to Fulk Busset Bishop thereof He wrote many learned books whereof two especially one called d Bale de seript Brit. cent 4 pag. 302. Compendium Morale the other Imagines Oratorum commond his parts and pains to posterity Pase we from those who were Born to eminent persons Buried therein Here we first meet with Hugh Nevile a Minton of King Richard the first he Was Interred in Waltham Church saith my Mat. Paris in Anno 1222. page 315. and also Robert Passe lew Author in Nobili Sarcophago Marmoreo insculpto in a Noble Coffin of Marble engrav'd If a Coffin be call'd Sarcophagus from consuming the Corps surely Sacriledg may be named Sarcophago-phagus which at this day hath devoured that Coffin and all belonging thereunto We spoil all if we forget Robert Passellew who was Dominus fac totum in the midle and fac nihil towards the end of the Reign of Henry the third Some Parasites extolled him by allusion to his name Pass-le-eau that is passing the pure water the Wits of those dayes thus descanting upon him f Collect. of Mr. Camb. M. S. in Sr. Tho. Cottons Librdry Est aqua lenis est aqua dulcis est aqua clara Tu praecellis aquam nam leni lenior es tu Dulci dulcior es tu clara clarior es tu Mente quidem lenis re dulcis sanguine clarus But such who flattered him the fastest whilest in favour mocked him the most in misery and at last he
Cornelius BURGES his speech against Deans and Chapters b. 11 p. 179 ¶ 73 74. Henry BURTON his character b. 14. p. 152. ¶ 59. cause of discontent ¶ 60. degraned p. 143. ¶ 68. his words on the Piliory ¶ 69 70. brought back from Exile in Triumph p. 172. ¶ 32. C. Jack CADE his rebellion b. 4. p. 186. ¶ 22. CADOCUS his discreet devotion C 6. ¶ 7. CADVVALLADER last K. of VVales foundeth at Rome a Hospitall for the VVelch C. 7. ¶ 104. since injuries fly taken from them ¶ 105. CAIUS Colledge in Cambridge foundea by Dr. Caius Hist of Camb. p. 133. ¶ 45. who bestowed good Lands building statutes Name and Armes thereon ¶ 46 47 c. fruitfull with famous Physicians ¶ 52. CAMBRAY a Nunnery therein founded for English women by the Spanish Ambassadour b. 6. p. 3 63. CAMBRIDGE reported to have received divers privileages from King Lucius C. 2. ¶ 12. her Christian Students reported slain by the Pagan Britains C. 4. ¶ 9. persecuted to the dissolution of the 〈…〉 by Pelagius C. 5. ¶ 2. reputed first founded by King 〈◊〉 C. 7. ¶ 46. Arguments to the contrary answered ¶ 47 c. called Schola which was in that Age the same with an Academy ¶ 54. restored by King Edward the Elder C. 10. ¶ 6 7. mistaken by John Rouse for the founder thereof ¶ 8. renounceth the Popes supremacy in a publick instrument Hist of Camb. p. 106. ¶ 50. the first generall visitation thereof jure Regio Hist of Camb. p. 109. ¶ 55. King Henry his Injunctions thereunto p. 112. ¶ 56. Edmund CAMPIAN sent over by the Pope to pervert England B. 9. p. 114. ¶ 41. his journall letter p. 115 116 117. catch'd by secretary Walsingham ibid. falsly pretends to be cruelly racked p. 117. ¶ 2. is at last executed CANONS made in the last Convocation with the c. Oath therein b. 11. p. 168 169. severall opinions about them p. 171. Mr. Maynard his speech against them p. 100. ¶ 77. the Clergy are judged in a Praemunire for making them ¶ 78. King CANUTUS his cruelty C. 11. ¶ 5. conversion and charity ibidem c. so CAPON Bishop of Salisbury a cruell persecuter under Q. Mary b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 5. the bane of his Bishoprick b. 9. ¶ 21. Nic. CARR his Epitaph Hist of Camb. p. 141. George CARLTON Bishop of Landaf sent by K. James to the Synod of Dott B. 10. p. 77. ¶ 63. dieth Bishop of Chichester b. 11. ¶ 67. CARMELITES their first coming into England p. 271. ¶ 18. great priviledges ¶ 19. most carefull keepers of the Records of their order ¶ 20. a Catalogue of their Provincials p. 272. their first coming to Cambridge Hist of Camb. p. 20. ¶ 5. where they would not commence Doctors and why ibid. till Humphry Necton first brake the ice ¶ 6. learned writers of their order which were Cambridge-men Hist. Camb. p. 30. ¶ 27. CARTHUSIAN Monks b. 6. p. 269. ¶ 9. Tho. CARTWRIGHT presents his admonition to the Parliament b. 9. p. 102. ¶ 5. bandying betwixt him and Dr. Whitgift ¶ 6 7. examined in the high Commission on 29. Articles b. 9. p. 198 c. sent to the Fleet for refusing to answer p. 203. discharged the Star-Chamber by favour of Arch-bishop Whitgift p. 204. ¶ 31. groweth rich at Warwick b. 10. ¶ 7. and very moderate ¶ 8. The reasons thereof ibid. His character ¶ 9. dedicates a Book to King James ¶ 18. His strange infirmity and death ¶ 19. his first cause of discontentment Hist of Camb. p. 139. ¶ 2. claâ—heth with Dr. Whitgift p. 140. ¶ 3. by whom he is summoned p. 141. and banished the University p. 142. John CASE Dr. of Physick b. 8. S. 3. ¶ 45. the great favour done by the University to his Scholars at Oxford ibidem CAURSINES what they were b. 3. p. 59. ¶ 6. the form of their cruel Obligations p. 60. with sâ—me notes thereon ibidem why they were called Caursines p. 61. ¶ 8. St. CEDDE his difference from St. Chad C. 7. ¶ 84. St. CHAD his difference from St. Cedde C. 7. ¶ 84. teacheth Wulfade the Christian faith ¶ 86. CHANTEREYES given to the King b. 6. p. 250 ¶ 2. what they were ¶ 5. Fourty seven founded in St. Pauls Church in London p. 351 352 c. vasi though uncertain their number in England p. 354. ¶ 18. Free CHAPPELS given to the King b. 6. p. 354. ¶ 15. King CHARLES his solâ—mn coronation b. 11. ¶ 19 c. restoreth Imprepriations of Ireland to the Church p. 149. ¶ 45. unwillingly consenteth to the taking away of Bishops votes in Parliament p. 195. ¶ 29 and 30. his severall papers in the Isle of Wight in defence of Episcopacie p. 230 231 c. his death which endeth the eleventh Book CHARLES eldest Son to King Charles his short life b. 11. p. 135. ¶ 1. an excellent Tetrastick on his death ¶ 2. CHARTER-HOUSE founded by Mr. Sutton b. 10. p. 65. in some respect exceeding the Annuntiata at Naples p. 66. ¶ 21. Thomas CHASE cruelly martyred b. 5. p. 164. ¶ 3. Geffery CHAWCER the famous Poet b. 4. p. 151. ¶ 46. his Parentage Armes and praise p. 152. ¶ 47 48. his cumity to Friers ¶ 49. Student sometimes in Cambridge Hist Camb. p. 52. ¶ 38. as also in Oxford ibidem CHEALSEY Colledge a large discourse of the foundation thereof b. 10. p. 51 52 53 c. Sr. J. CHEEK Tutour to King Edward the sixth b. 7. p. 422. ¶ 12. restored to health by King Edward's prayers p. 424. ¶ 13. A prime Exile in the Reign of Q. Mary b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 24. his sad return into England ¶ 30. orally recanteth ¶ 31. and dyeth for the grief thereof ibidem vindicated from slandring and mistaking Pens in his Parentage Parts and Posterity ¶ 32. Henry CHICHELEY Arch-bishop of Canterbury foundeth All-Souls Colledge b. 4. p. 181. ¶ 10. soberly returneth a tart jear p. 182. ¶ 11. saveth Abbies by sending King Henry the fifth into France b. 6. p. 302 ¶ 5. CHRIST-CHURCH in Oxford b. 5. p. 169. ¶ 28 c. confirmed by King Henry the eighth ¶ 30. the Deans Bishops Benefactours c. thereof ¶ 32. John CHRISTOPHERSON Bishop of Chichester a learned man but great persecuter under Q. Mary b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 8. CHRISTS COLLEDGE founded by Margaret Countesse of Darby Hist of Camb. p. 90. ¶ 55. endowed it with rich lands ¶ 56. augmented by King Edward the sixth p. 91. ¶ 7. Their numerous worthies of this foundation ¶ 9. CIRCUMSPECTE AGATIS the form thereof b. 3. p. 79. ¶ 15. both a statute a writ grounded thereon p. 80. a large discourse of the severall branches thereof p. 81 82 83. CISTERTIANS being refined Benedictines b. 6. p. 266. ¶ 2. exempted by Pope Adrian the fourth from paying of Tithes and why p. 283. ¶ 4. their freedome somewhat confined by the Lateran Councell ¶ 5. CLARE HALL founded by
examin all the Lords in Parliament as well Spiritual as Temporal severally and all the States of the Parliament how they think of the cases aforesaid which be so openly against the Kings Crown and in derogation of his Regalitie and how they will stand in the same cases with our Lord the King in upholding the rights of the said Crown and Regalitie Whereupon the Lords Temporal so demanded have answered everie one by himself that the cases aforesaid be clearly in derogation of the Kings Crown and of his Regalitie as it is well known and hath been of along time known and that they will be with the same Crown and Regalitie in these cases especially and in all other cases which shall be attempted against the same Crown and Regality in all points with all their power And moreover it was demanded of the Lords Spiritual there being and the procurators of others being absent their advise and will in all these cases which Lords that is to say the Arch-Bishops Bishops and other Prelates being in the said Parliament severally examined making protestations that it is not their minde to denie nor affirm that the Bishop of Rome may not Excommunicate Bishops nor that he may make translation of that if any Execution of Processes made in the Kings Court as before be made by any and censures of Excommunication to be made against any Bishops of England or any other of the Kings liege people for that they have made execution of such commandments and that if any executions of such translations be made of any Prelates of the same Realm which Prelates be very profitable and necessarie to our said Lord the King and to his said Realm or that the sage people of his Councel without his assent and against his will be removed and carried out of the Realm so that the substance and treasure of the Realm may be consumed that the same is against the King and his Crown as it is contained in the petition before named And likewise the same procurators every one by himself examined upon the said matters have answered and said in the name and for their Lords as the said Bishops have said and answered and that the said Lords Spiritual will and ought to be with the King in these cases in lawfully maintaining of his Crown and in all other cases touching his Crown and his Regalitie as they be bound by their Liegeance Whereupon our said Lord the King by the assnt aforesaid and at the request of his said Commons hath ordained and established that if any purchase or pursue or cause to be purchased or pursued in the Court of Rome or elsewhere any such translations processes sentences of Excommunications Bulls Instruments or any other things whatsoever which touch the King against him his Crown and his Regalitie or his Realm as is aforesaid and they which bring within the Realm or them receive or make thereof notification or any other execution whatsoever within the same Realm or without that they their notaries procurators maintainers abbettors fantors and councellors shall be put out of the Kings protection and their Lands and Tenements Goods and Chattels forfeit to our Lord the King and that they be attached by their bodies if they may be found and brought before the King and his Councel there to answer to the cases aforesaid or that process be made against them by Praemunire facias in manner as it is ordained in other Statutes of Provisors and other which do sue in any other Court in derogation of the Regality of our Lord the King 43. Something of the occasion The occasion of this Statute name and use of this Statute the first is notoriously known from the Papal encroachments on the crown No Bishoprick Abathie Dignitie or Rectorie of value in England was likely to fall but a successour in reversion was by the Popes provisions fore-appointed for the same To make sure work rather then they would adventure to take the place at the first rebound Anno Dom. 1392. they would catch it before it light on the ground Anno Regis Ric. 2 16. This was imputed to the Popes abundance yea superfluity of care 〈◊〉 â—etur vacuum in the Church and rather then a Widow Benefice should mourn it self to death a second husband had his License for marriage before the former was deceased But great parishes where small the profit and numorous the people and where indeed greatest care ought to be had of their soules were past by in the Popes Bulls His Holiness making no provisions for those Livings which Livings had no provisions for his Holiness 35. Some will have it called Praemunire Why called Praemunire from fencing or fortifying the Regal power from forain assaults as indeed this was one of the best bulworks and sconces of Soveraignty Others that Praemunire signifieth the Crown fortified before the making of this Statute as fixing no new force therein but onely declaring a precedent and forgoing just right and due thereof Others conceive the word Praemonere turned by corruption of barbarous transcribers interpreters and pronouncers into Praemunire Others alledg the figure of the effect for the cause and the common Proverb Praemonitus Praemunitus Most sure it is that Praemunire sacias are operative words in the form of the Writ grounded on the Statute which may give denomination to the whole 36. It may seem strange such a Statute could pass in Parliament where almost sixty Spiritual Barons Popes covetousness odious to the Clergy Bishops and Abbots Voted according to Papal Interest except any will say that such who formerly had much of a Pope in their bellies had now more of Patriots in their breast being weary of Romes exactions Indeed no man in place of power or profit loves to behold himself buried alive by seeing his successour assigned unto him which caused all Clergy-men to hate such superinductions and many friends to the Pope were foes to his proceedings therein 37. This Law angred all the veines in the heart of his Holiness The Popes Letter against this Statute the Statute of Mortmain put him into a sweat but this into the sit of a fever The former concerned him onely mediately in the Abbies his darlings this touched him in his person and how cholerick he was will appear by the following Letter here inserted though written some fifty years after to make the story entire MArtinus Episcopus The Original of this Bill was in the Study of Sir Nichol. Bacon L. C ancellor whence the Arch-Bish of Armagh had this his Copy from which that of S Robert Cottons is derived servus servorum Dei 1393. Dilecto filio nobili viro Jobanni 16 Duct Bedsord Salutem Apostolicam Benedictionem Quamvis dudum in regno Anghae jurisdictio Romanae Ecclesiae liberatas Ecclesiastica suerit oppressa vigore illius Execrabilis Statuti quod omni divinae humanae rationi contrarium est Tamen adhuc non
Reign wherein no Church-matter was medled with save that therein a Subsidie granted by the Clergy was confirmed Such moneys being the Legacie of course which all Parliaments fairly coming to a peaceable end bequeath to their Sovereign As for the Records of this Convocation they are but one degree above blanks scarce affording the names of the Clerks assembled therein Indeed they had no Commission from the King to meddle with Church-businesse and every Convocation in it self is born deaf and dumb so that it can neither hear complaints in Religion nor speak in the redresse thereof till first Ephata be thou opened be pronounced unto it by Commission from Royall Authority 9. Now The true reason thereof the true reason why the King would not intrust the diffusive body of the Convocation with a power to meddle with matters of Religion was a just jealousie which He had of the ill affection of the major part thereof Ann. Dom. 1553. who under the fair rinde of Protestant profession Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 7. had the rotten core of Romish superstition It was therefore conceived safer for the King to relie on the ability and fidelity of some select Confidents cordiall to the cause of Religion than to adventure the same to be discussed and decided by a suspitious Convocation 10. However Forty two Articles of Religion and the Kings Catechisme this barren Convocation is intituled the parent of those Articles of Religion fourty two in number which are printed with this Preface Articuls de quibus in Synodo Londinensi Anno Domini 1552. inter Episcopos alios eruditos viros convenerat With these was bound a Catechisme younger in age as bearing date of the next year but of the same extraction relating to this Convocation as authour thereof Indeed it was first compiled as appears by the Kings Patent prefix'd by a single Divine * ◠pio quodam crudito viro conscipto in the Kings Patent Consented and not consented to by the Convocation charactred pious and learned bu◠afterwards perused and allowed by the Bishops and other learned men understand it the Convocation and by Royall Authority commended to all Subjects commanded to all School Masters to teach it their Scholars 11. Yet very few in the Convocation ever saw it much lesse explicitly consented thereunto but these had formerly it seems passed over their power I should be thankfull to him who would produce the originall instrument thereof to the select Divines appointed by the King in which sense they may be said to have done it themselves by their Delegates to whom they had deputed their authority A case not so clear but that it occasioned a cavill at the next Convocation in the first of * See more thereof in the next year Queen Mary when the Papists therein assembled renounced the legality of any such former transactions Pretious King Edward the sixt now changed his Crown of Gold for one of Glory July 6. we will something enlarge our selves The death of K. Edward the sixt who was not cut out of His Mothers belly as is commonly reported to give posterity His true Character never meeting more virtues in so few years For His Birth there goeth a constant tradition that Caesar-like He was cut out of the belly of His Mother Jane Seymour though a great person of Honour deriving her Intelligence mediately from such as were present at Her Labour assured me of the contrary Indeed such as shall read the calm and serene style of that Letter which I have seen written though not by for that Queen and signed with Her own Signet after Her delivery cannot conjecture thence that any such violence was offered unto Her But see the Letter RIght trusty and welbeloved Queen Ianes Letter after Her Delivery to the Lords of the Councell We greet you well and forasmuch as by the inestimable goodnesse and grace of Almighty God We be delivered and brought in Childe-bed of a PRINCE conceived in most lawfull Matrimony between my Lord the Kings Majestie and Vs. Doubting not but that for the love and affection which you bear unto Vs and to the Common-wealth of this Realm thi◠knowledge shall be joyous and glad tidings unto you We have thought good to certifie you of this Iame To the intent ye might not onely render unto God condigne thanks and praise for so great a benefice but also continually pray for the long continuance and preservation of the same here in this life to the honour of God joy and pleasure of my Lord the KING and Vs and the universall weal quiet and tranquility of this whole Realm a a Extant in Sir Tho. Cottons Library sub Ner. cap. 10. ¶ Given under our Signet at my Lords Manour of Hampton-Court the 22 day of October And although this Letter was soon after seconded with b Extant ibid. another of a sadder subject here inserted subscribed by all the Kings Physitians yet neither doth that so much as insinuate any impression of violence on Her person as hastening Her death but seems rather to cast the cause thereof on some other distemper THese shall be to advise your Lordships of the Queens estate Yesterday afternoon She had a natural Lax A sadder Letter of Her Physitians unto them by reason whereof She began to lighten and as it appeared to amend and so continued till towards night All this night She hath been very sick and doth rather appare than amend Her Confessour hath been with Her Grace this morning and hath done that to his office appertaineth and even now is preparing to minister to Her Grace the Sacrament of Unction ¶ At Hampton-Court this Wednesday morning at eight a clock Your Lordships at Commandement Thomas Cutland Robert Karhold Edward Bayntam John Chambers Priest William Butts George Owen Impute we here this Extreme Unction administred to Her partly to the over-officiousness of some superstitious Priest partly to the good Ladies inability perchance insensible what was done unto her in such extremity otherwise we are confident that Her judgment when in strength and health disliked such practices being a zealous Protestant Which Unction did her as little good as the twelve Masses said for Her soul in the City of London at the Commandement of the Duke of Norfolk whether he did it to credit their Religion with the countenance of so great a Convert or did it out of the Nimiety of his own Love and Loyaltie to the Queen expressing it according to his own judgment without the consent if not against the will of the Queens nearest kindred 12. But leaving the Mother Prince Edw. towardlinesse in learning let us come to the Son who as he saith of himself in the Manuscript of His Life was for the first six years bred and brought up amongst the Women and then consigned to masculine Tuition under Doctor Richard Cox and Sir John Cheekè who taught Him Latine and John Belmain who
Fecknam whence he fetcht his name Bred a Benedictâ—ne Monke in the Abbey of Evesham where he subscribed with the rest of his Order to the resignation of that house into the hands of King Henry the eighth Afterwards he studied in Oxford then applied himself first to Bell Bishop of Worcester and after his death to Bonner of London where he crossed the Proverb like Master like Man the Patron being Cruel the Chaplain Kinde to such who in Judgement dissented from him he never dissembled his religion being a zealous Papist and under King Edward the sixth suffered much for his Conscience 35. In the Reign of Queen Mary His Courtesy to Protestants he was wholy imployed in doing good offices for the afflicted Protestants from the highest to the lowest The Earle of Bedford and who afterwards were of Warwick and Leicester tasted of his kindnesse so did S r John Cheek yea and the Lady Elizabeth her self So interposing his interest with Queen Mary for her enlargement that he incurred her Graces displeasure Hence it is that Papists complain that in the reign of Queen Elizabeth he reaped not a Cropp of Courtesie proportionable to his large seed thereof in the dayes of Queen Mary 36. Queen Mary afterwards preferred him from being Dean of Pauls Made Abbot of Westminster a Sanders de schismate Ang. in the Reign of Q. Mary to be Abbot of Westminster which Church she erected and endowed for Benedictine Monks of which order fourteen only could be found in England then extant since their dissolution which were unmarried unpreferred to Cures and unaltered in their opinions These also were brought in with some difficulty at first and opposition for the Prebendaries of Westminster legally setled in their places would not resigne them till Cardinall Poole partly by compulsion partly by compensation obteined their removall 37. Queen Elizabeth coming to the Crown Q. Elizabeth send eth for him and prossers him preferment sent for Abbot Fecknam to come to her whom the messenger found setting of Elmes in the Orchard of Westminster Abbey But he would not follow the messenger till first he had finished his Plantation which his friends impute to his soul imployed b Reinerius in Apost Bened. pag. 235. in mysticall meditations that as the Trees he there set should spring and sprout many years after his decease So his new Plantation of Benedictine Monks in Westminster should take root and flourish in defiance of all opposition which is but a bold conjecture of others at his thoughts Sure I am those Monks long since are extirpated but how his Trees thrive at this day is to me unknown Coming afterwards to the Queen what discourse passed betwixt them they themselves knew alone some have confidently guessed she proffered him the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury on condition he would conform to her laws which he utterly refused 38. In the Treaty between the Protestants and Papists primo Elizabethae Kindly used in restraint he was present but in what capacity I cannot satisfie my self Surely more then a Disputant amongst whom he was not named Yet not so much as a Moderator And yet his judgement perchance because Abbot and so principall man in that place was c â—Fox Acts Mon. asked with respect and heard with reverence His Moderation being much commended Now although he was often confined sometimes to the Tower sometimes to friends houses and died it seems at last in restraint in Wisbeeich Castle Yet generally be found fair usage from the Protestants He built a Conduit in Holborn and a Crosse in Wisbeeich and relieved the poor wheresoever he came So that Flies flock not thicker about spilo honey then beggars constantly crouded about him 39. Abbot Fecknam thus being dead A recruit of English Benedictines made after Fecknams death the English Benedictines beyond the seas began to bestirr themselves as they were concerned about the continuation of their Order we know some maintain that if any one species or kinde of Creatures be utterly extinct the whole Univers by Sympathy therewith and consciousnesse of its own imperfection will be dissolved And the Catholicks suspected what a sad consequence there would be if this Ancient Order of English Black Monks should suffer a totall and finall defection The best was Vnus homo Nobis there was one and but one Monke left namely Father Sigebert Buckley and therefore before his death provision was made for others to succeed him and they for fear of failing disposed in severall Countries in manner following In Rome 〈…〉 In Valladolit in Spain 1. Father Gregory Sayer 2. Father Thomas Preston 3. Father Anselme of Manchester 4. Father Anthony Martin commonly called Athanasius 1. Father Austine S t. John 2. Father John Mervin 3. Father Marke Lambert 4. Father Maurice Scot. 5. Father George Gervis From these nine new Benedictines the whole Order which hung formerly on a single string was then replenished to a competent and since to a plentifull number 40. Hitherto our English Papists affectionately leaned not to say fondly doâ—â—d on the Queen of Scots 〈…〉 promising themselves great matters from her towards the advancing of their Religon But now they began to fall off in their 〈◊〉 partly because beholding her a confined person unable to free her self and more unlikely to help others partly because all Catholicks come off with losse of life which practized her enlargement As for her Son the King of Scots from whom they expected a settlement of Popery in that land their hopes were lately turned into despairs who had his education on contrary principles 41. Whereupon hereafter they diverted their eyes from the North to the West Unto the King of Spain expecting contrary to the course of nature that their Sun should rise therein in magnifying the might of the King of Spain and his zeal to propagate the Roman Catholick faith And this was the practise of all Jeâ—uites to possess their English proselytes with high opinions of the Spanish power as the Nation designed by Divine providence to work the restitution of their Religion in England 42. In order hereunto Pretending a 〈◊〉 the Crown of England and to hearten their Countrimen some for it appears the result of severall persons employed in the designing and effecting thereof drew up a Title of the King of Spains to the English Crown are much admired by their own party as slighted by the Queen and her Loyall Subjects for being full of falsehoods and forgeries Indeed it is easie for any indifferent Herauld so to derive a pedigree as in some seeming probability to intitle any Prince in Christendome to any Principality in Christendome but such will shrink on serious examination Yea I beleeve Queen Elizabeth might pretend a better Title to the Kingdoms of Leon and Castile in Spain as descended by the house of Yorke from Edmond Earl of Cambridge and his Lady Coheir to King Peter then any Claime that the King of Spain could