to serve the Altar whereof five were Bishops of eminent sanctity One of them called Ostfor when he had in both Monasteries diligently followed the reading of Scripture desirous of further perfection came into Kent to Archbishop Theodore he went also to Rome which at that time was counted a thing of great vertue As for Hilda after seven years extraordinary patience in sickness she died Her death was revealed by a manifest vision in another Monastery There was a certain Nun called â—egu who had served our Lord in Monasticall conversation and virginity thirty years and more This Nun taking her rest in the dormitary heard suddenly the bell ring which was wont to call them up to prayers when any of them departed this world and opening her eyes she saw the roof and all above full of lights and the soul of the said handmaid of God in that light carried into heaven accompanied by Angels Hereupon she rose and went to the Virgin that was governesse of the Monastery and told her that the Mother of them all Hilda was departed and with a great company of Angels ascended to Heaven then she made the Sisters rise and go to Church willing then to say prayers Psalms for the soul of their Mother At break of day came the Brethren to bring word of her departure but they shewed they knew it before It is reported that in the same Monastery where the Handmaid of Christ died one of these vow'd Virgins had her departing shewed her in a vision beholding her sonl going with the Angels to heaven whilest she was at that time with other handmaids of Christ in the remote places of the Monastery were such as were newly come to Religion were wont to be tried in a place a part the time of their probation till instructed in the rule and order they were admitted to the fellowship of the rest Chap. 24. Contains the vertues of one Cednom and relates how he became a Monk and how the night before he died he desired him who serv'd the sick to prepare him a lodging in that place where those who lay a dying used to be lodged commonly called the infirmary who wondering thereat he not seeming near death did notwithstanding what he desired About midnight he enquired whether they had the Eucharist within And receiveing it he askt How nigh the hour was that the brethren should rise to perform their nightly Laudes they answered not far off Then quoth he let us expect that hour being come signing himself with the sign of the holy Cross sleeping a while he dyed becoming a Prophet of his own death Chap. 25. Relates How the Monastery of Virgins in Colloden now call'd Coldingham in the marches of Scotland was burnt How also in the same Monastery one named Adaman led a very devout life in chastity abstinence and prayer so that he did neither eat nor drink except on Sunday and Thursday and often times past over whole nights in Watching and prayer Having in his youth committed a grievous sin it often occurring to him he resorted unto a Priest confest his sin unto him and desired his counsel how to escape the wrath of God The Priest when he heard his offence said A great wound requires a greater cure give thy self to Fasting and Prayer to the end thou mayest find God merciful to thee But he out of excessive grief desiring forth with to be absolv'd from his sins said I am young and strong therefore whatsoever you impose I will perform to be saved although it be to passe the whole night in Prayer and the whole week in abstinence T is too much said the Priest it sufficeth you to fast two or three dayes at once do this a while then returning unto me I will declare unto thee how thou mayest persist in doing Pennance Some unexpected cause calling this Priest into Ireland he departed this life But Adaman ever after kept this manner of fasting The latter part of this Chapter recounts the vision of one who appearing to Adaman said Thou and many others have need to redeem your sins by good works foretelling him the ruine was to befall that Monastery for neglect of due observance which after hapned This Giles a most Reverend Priest told me who then lived in that Monastery Chap. 26. Relates chiefly the Revolution of civil affaires and some few other passages little to our purpose Chap. 27. Relates How Cuthbert a Holy man being consecrated Bishop of Lindis-ferne lived a solitary life many yeares in great continency and how first in the Monastery of Mailrose he was an humble scholler to Boisel a man of great vertue and of a Prophetick Spirit He learned of him the Scriptures and example of good workes His Master dying Cuthbert was made Head of the Monastery and brought many to a regular life He often went out into the villages to preach the way of truth to them that went astray For it was the custome of England at that time that when any Clergy-man or Priest came forth they all flock about him to hear the Word diligently hearkening and more willingly following in works what they heard None hid the secrets of his heart from him but all plainly declared in Confession what they had done because they imagined these things were not concealed from him as he commanded so did they blot out their sins Confest with worthy fruits of Pennance He was remov'd from the Monastery of Mailrose after he had many years excell'd there in great signes of vertue to Lindisfern to teach the Brethren the observance of regular discipline Aidan first Bishop of that place was a Monk and did there place and begin Monastical life and conversation joyning it with his Episcopal Function even as the blessed Father Augustine had done in Kent Chap. 28. After this Cuthbert encreasing in merits past further and led an Anachorets life The place he made choice of being hanted with spirits and destitute of Water Corn and Trees he by his prayers chasing them away made habitable He commanded the brethren to dig where the earth was hardest and stoniest and by his prayers obtain'd such plenty of water that it sufficeth all to this very day He commanded also Barley to be sown in a season most improper and yet he reaped a plentifull crop T is related further How at the Synod of Atwiford he was compell'd to take the Office of a Bishop and that which forced him was that the servant of God Boisell who with a prophetick spirit foretold many things had prophesied that he should be Bishop He was famous for abstinence and strictnes of life When he offered the wholesome Sacrifice to God it was with tears from the bottome of his heart Having spent two years in his Episcopal Function he return'd to his Monastery admonisht from God of the day of his death which he declared to some in obscure
the Apostles Peter committed to his protection and patronage Chap 23. Relates How the rest of the Scots admitted the Apostolike manner of keeping Faster and shaving their Crownes by the means of Egbert a worthy Priest Onely the Britanes saith Bede remain still hardned in blindness whereas all English-men are in all points throughly instructed in the Rule of the Catholick Faith Egbert on Easter day after he had said solemne Masse in remembrance of our Lords Resurrection departed this life The Brethern rejoycing to see their Master passe to God to be their Patron and Intercessor Chap. 24. Relates Who were the Bishops at this time through all England and how all things now being brought to unity many as well Noble as Private laying aside their Armes earnestly strove to get both themselves and their Children to be shaven and tied with Monasticall Vowes rather than to exercise themselves in warlike affaires This is at the present the state of Britany this year of our Lord 731. The end of the History of the Church of England The words of venerable Bede in the 3 Tome of his works THus much touching the Ecclesiastical History of the Britans especially of the English nation as I could learn by the writings of my Ancestors by tradition of my elders or my own knowledge I Bede the servant of God and Priest of the Monastery of the BB. Apostles Peter and Paul at Wyre-mouth have brought to an end When I was seven years old I was delivered by the hands of my friends to be brought up of the Rd. Abbot Benedicâ— and afterward to Câ—â—lfrid In which Monastery spending all the dayes of my life I applyed my whole study to the meditation of holy Scripture observeing regular discipline and dayly singing service in the Church In the 19 year of my age I was made Deacon and at 30 Priest which orders I received by the hands of the Rd. Bishop John of Beverley DEar Reader I doubt not but in perusing of this book many thoughts will arise in thy mind touching the author thereof the authority of the copy and the sincerity of our true dealing therin now then is the proper time to read again the preface where I am confident thou wilt find full satisfaction in all FINIS Faults escaped IN the Preface page 1. line ult. dele s in disputants Leaf 3 l. 1. dele it 1 Page 26. line 13. for legs read leg. page 36. l. 15. for were r. was p. 5â— l. 3. for Angels r. Angles p. 53. l. 13. for them r. him p. 58. l. 17. in the margent for 904 r. 604. p. 81. l. 2 for redwals r. redwal p. 81. l. 20. for buli r. built p 116. l. 10. for plat r. plot p. 132. in the margent superogation r. supererogation p 135. l. 2. for pecaple r. peaceable p 136. read Reliques gift for Kings p. 150. l. 12. for berring r. Berking p. 151. in the margent r. habitation seperate from men p. 153. in the margent r. consecrated p. 154 l. 5. for ediburge r. edilburge p. 155. l. 5. for sister r. sisters P. 161. l. 3 for salvation r. splendor p. 167. l. 12. for celestial r. clerical p. 167. l. 18. for by the boy r. of the Boy Entichus r. Eutichus p. 137. l. r. hitherto p 192. l. 9. dele punctum at prophetick p. 193. l. 1 for flock r. flockt p. p. 197. l. 20. for rejoyce r. rejoyced p. 123. l. 12. r. lyeth for dyeth the marginal note p. 240. saints our patrons and intercessours must be placed at the end of the cap. 23. p. 239. The old Britans receive their Faith from the Pope 156. Englands first Martyr for entertaining a Priest in his house Amphâ—bal this holy Priests Name Christian Priest-hood treason under Dioclesian A Miracle A Miracle A Miracle Daily Miracles at St. Albans about the middle of the third Age untill the seventh Age Churches erected to Martyrs about the year 400. Holy-dayes in their Honour England prone to novelties This Heretick had the great St. Augustine his adversary whilest he lived The Apostle of Scotland sent by the Pope of Rome an. 423. Altars an. 429 Germanus Bishop of Auxerre Lupus was first a Monk in the Abbey os Lirine and thence made Bishop of Troyes The miraculous use of Holy water about 430. Devills cast out at the command of Priests about 430. Custome of wearing holy Relicks These Relicks work miracles Pilgrimages to Saints bodies Ann. 430. In shrining of Rolicks Veneration of Relicks A Miracle Multitude of Miracles Lent religiously observed at the begining of the fourth Age A miraeulous Victory Intercession of Saints A Miracle Bishops and Priests give their blessing Bishops punish Hereticks Catholike Faith confirmed by miracle Miracles at St. Germans body see this holy Bishops life in Surius July 30. The English receive the Faith from Monks sent from the Pope An. 582. Good works for hope of reward Abbots Crosses images enter with our Faith and destroy Idolatry The manner of Processions The ancient custome of Allelujah in the Church Our Apostles addicted to watching fasting voluntary poverty A Church dedicated to St. Martin where they say Mass Our Apostles workers of many Miracles in proof of their doctrine S. Gregory in a letter to the Bishop of Alexandria writes how above ten thousand were there Christned on Christmass-day Our Apostle a Monk First Christian Clergy Regular Chastity of them that took orders Mass in chief parts of Christendome Mass Baptizing Infants 〈…〉 The use of the Pall. Saying of Mass How our Bishops depended on Rome in their investiture The Primacie of Canterbury in England instituted by the Pope and not by the King Ann. 600. Abbots Holy Water Altars Relicks Birth-dayes of Martyrs Our Apostle endowed with the grace of Miracles The Pope imparts the blessing of S. Peter Christ-church in Canterbury Monasteries and Churches in honour of Saints Churches consecrated The first Abbot shines with Miracles An. 605. The Pope stiled Bishop of the whole world This Popâ— ouâ— Apostle 2 Cor. v. 2. First a Monk of Eminent Sanctity Then made Priest and the Popes Legat at Constantinople Masses at the bodies of Saints The least addition of the Mass observed by Antiquity but the first use of the Mass it self is too ancient to be observed as begun by the Apostles S. Gregory his zeal for our conversion This Synod was held in Worcestershire at a place called Augustines Oke The Roman Tradition confirmed by miracle Abbots Division from the Church of Rome The ruin of the Authors thereof prophesied The prophesie made good from heaven Multitude of Monks among the Britans though converted 156. After Schism their Faith and Prayers availed not An. 904 The Antiquity of St. Pauls in London Also of St. Andrews at Rochester Dedication of Altars to Saints Commemoration of the dead at the Altar Our Apostles gift of miracles witnessed in his very Epitaph St. Peter first Pastor of the Church and Prince of the Apostles
ENGLANDS OLD RELIGION Faithfully gathered out of the HISTORY OF THE CHVRCH of ENGLAND As it was written by Venerable BEDE almost a Thousand years agoe that is in the year 698. after the Passion of our SAVIOUR BEDE saith he ended this History in the year 731. after the Incarnation We have not altered any part of this Fathers own words in any Point concerning Faith only here and there is omitted what belongeth not to that purpose By H. B. It was needful for me to exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the Faith which was once delivered Jude v. 5. At Antwerp With Permission 1658. THE PREFACE TO HIS Dear COUNTREYMEN THat the faith first delivered was the true faith no man can deny but he that will accuse Christ and his Apostles of falshood All the difficulty is how assuredly to know this faith To come to know it by force of argument and disputation surpasseth the capacity of most wearieth many brings many to despair lulling them at last into a total neglect of that whereof they ought to be most diligent It would doubtlesse be a very ready and easie way even to the most unlearned to find this faith out most assuredly if it were possible with small expences and little labour by travelling into some countrey where all men confess this true faith to be still uncorruptedly practised For there without any noise of disputation we shal stand veiwing with our own eies what is practised in that happy country so that though a thousand crafty sophysters and subtile disputants should go about by words to perswade me who am unlearned that the practises of that country were not the same that my own eyes most attâ—ntively and frequently see again and again it wil not be possible for me prudently to give the least credit to these captious disputants but I would ever credit more my own eyes then their arguments Now then all the difficulty is how to make us witnesses of what is practised in such a country as undoubtedly holdeth and practised the true faith and to doe this with smal expence amd little labour I hope dearest country man thou canst not say that the price of this little hook can either put thee to any considerable expence or the labour of some three or at the most four howers required for the reading thereof put thee to much labour Yet if this be done by thee thou wilt be as good as an eye witnesse of the faith practised in our countrey in that age wherein it is very easie to prove the true faith to have undoubtedly flourisht in this our countrey First because this faith was confirmed by the Preachers thereof with a number of miracles related in this short book written by as worthy a man as ever was known to have handled Pen in England in a book which no man ever judgd corrupted or written by any other pen then Venerable Bedes a person not to be paralel'd by any other of our nation Secondly This faith here described as practised in England immediately upon her conversion under Pope Gregory was not found one jot differring from that faith which the Scotts before us had received by Palladius their Apostle sent by Pope Celestine Anno. 423. as we shew here out of Bede li 1. c. 13. Only the Scotts fell to celebrate Easter at a wrong time not using likewise the same manner of shaving their crowns in their clergy either Religious or Secular They differed not about any one of these points in which Protestants differ from Roman Catholicks as we note l. 4. c. 4. whence being at last brought viz. to keep Easter and to use the same manner of shaving the crowns of their Priests and Monks which the English did they disagreed from them in nothing at all as is cleer out of the three last chapters of Bede The Faith therefore which thou here seest practised in England is the very same which was held forth and practised in Scotland from the first conversion thereof which was not four hundred years after Christs passion it being but four hundred and twenty three years after his Incarnation as hath been said yea this Faith thus practised in England is the very self same which was taught the old Britans a little more then a hundred years after Christs Passion For it was in the hundred fifty sixth year after his Incarnation that holy pope Eluetherius sent those Apostolick preachers who baptized King Lucius and his people as you shall see l. 1. c. 4. The old Britans being by the English who subdued this land being as yet heathens driven into Wales still kept the faith they received and at the time that the English were converted they were not found to differ from what S. Austin taught the English in any one point in which the Protestants or any of our other Religions differ from Roman Catholicks in so much that as Bede relateth l. 2. c. 2. they were ready to joyn with Austine if he had but risen up unto them when their seven Bishops entred the synod where he was and in this synod all their controversie then was about keeping Easter at a several time and about some difference in Baptisme neither was there any point hindring Austine to hold communion with them but these two They remaining obstinate in defending these against the Roman and universal Church became Schismaticks were confuted by miracle and their ruine miraculously foretold to be at hand for this their division and schism God presently fulfilling the prophesâ—e The faith then which thou in this History behouldest practised in our English Church in all points now in contrâ—versie is the very same with that saith which the old Britans received a very little more then a hundred years after Christs passion in which Age all agree the true faith of Christ to have been uncorruptedly delivered it being not a full hundred yeares after the finishing of the Scripture Behold then according to the reach of thy capacity without carrying thee out of thy own countrey or parish I have brought thee into one in which all men must needs confesse the true faith to â—e most uncorruptedly practised as well at that time in which this History was written as at the foâ—rth Age when this faith was practised in Scotland as also at the entrance of the second Age in which this faith was practised by our old Britans Begin then to travel through this countrey as it was in that Age by the benefit of this book which is no new one but written in the very words in which I give it thee For as much as concerns all points of faith therein delivered almost a thousand years agoe and when these things were but just done and even upon the place in which they were done that so thou mightst 〈◊〉 be assured that neither distance of time or place hindred our most learned and holy Historian from telling the very truth spend but a few hours I pray thee in travelling
speak in this most Ancient Authors own Words tmost faithfuly translated as often as we come to touch upon any Point of Faith Secondly Thou canst not say that the Words of this Author deserve not all credit For this were both to discredit our whole Nation which never yet from the beginning of the World is knoâ—n to have brought forth an Historian of greater credit For I beseech thee tell me if thou canst who that Historian was And this also were to gainsay all Antiquitie which even when Bede lived did read his Works in the Church by the Title of Venerable For they could not call him Saint â—e being yet living And hence this Title still remaines though Antiquity after death ever held him for a Saint Whence Polidore Virgil alledging Bede saith Bede an Englishman then whom none more chaste none more true And your own Cambden treating of the Bishoprick of Durham saith Here our Bede was boâ—n the singular Glory and Ornament of England who for his Piety and Learning got the sirname of Venerable He bestowed all his diligence as himselfe saith in Meditation of the Scripture and amidst the surging waves of Barbarisme wrote many most Learned Volumes So He. And indeed Bede was the St. Austin of our Nation The time he lived in made him a most near borderer unto the very things which he wrote and he lived upon the very place where they were done In which place at that time no man of any Conscience or Credit woâ—ld so much as venture to write things then notoriously known to be contrary to truth by all intelligent persons especially very often citing eye-witnesses still living as he doth There was then no Jesuit at his elbow to prompt him how to set forth his Historie to the advantage of such Papists as should be in their daies that is some eight or nine hundred yeares after Thirdly Thou canâ—t not say that the Faith of this Age was corrupted in any point in which Roman Catholicks differ from Protestants or from any of our many Religions in England For I have already shewed N. i. that the Faith of this Age in all those points agreed with the Faith not onely of the Fourth Age in which the Scots receiv'd this very Faith but also with the Faith which was not a hundred yeares after the finishing of the Scripture at which time our old Britans receiv'd this very self-same Faith That Faith was not corrupted This was that very Faith this therefore was not corrupted Fourthly That all we have taken out of Bede his Latine or English Copies is wholly conformable to the Saxon Translation of Bede made so long agoe by King Alfride and lately set forth by Abraham Welock a prime Protestant Doctor For it was in all these places diligently conferred with that Translation Lastly If thou sayest this Historie is incredible because it relates so many to thee incredible Histories I must tell thee that either all ancient Historians and Fathers who wrote any part of Ecclesiastical History did notoriously lye or else the like things happened also in all other Countreys at the times and near to the times of their first conversion St. Gregory did write a great while after the conversion of Italy and yet his Dialogues speak of great wonders Read also St. Austins most undoubted and most â—minent Work of the City of God in which l. 22. c. 28. he recounts above twenty Miracles done by the intercession of Saints and addeth that many Books would not contain their number Read St. Hierome St. Ambrose St. Greg. Nazian. St. Athanasius Read Eusebius or the Tripartite History of Socrates Sozomen and Theodoret Read Euagrius Palladius or Nicephorus and they all both in East and West tell as incredbile Histories and Miracles as any be in Bede And though possibly some of these things should be false for to many he adds such proofes as make them undeniable yet we are hence assured what kind of Stories were then held forth as probable and never rejected by any as containing a confirmation of any doctrine different from the present Faith of that Age And I would have my Reader know that I relate them so plentifully for this end and that it may appear what kind of Stories such men as Bede that is such as England cannot match believed to be true in that pure Age and related to have them believed by Posterity which Bede and the chiefest of the Fathers would not have done were they not conformable to the Faith of that Age And against this Argument thus taken from these Histories no Protestant can give so much as any thing like an Answer for it strikes them dumb I will no further detain thee Dear Countreymâ—n from making that short Journey through this book which may be of so great benefit unto thee a Journey of a very few hours which may bring thee to the knowledge of or â—ering thy waies so that by Gods grace which I desire thee in the beginning most earnestly to implore thou may'st be conducted safely to the never ending Joâ—es of the Heavenly Countrey Dear Reader the benefit of this Preface will chiefly be found if thou readest it again after thou hast read the Book it self Book 1. Chap. 1 2 3 4. ENGLANDS old Religion FAITHFULLY Set forth by Venerable Bede in his History of the Church of England Omitting onely such things as make not to this purpose The first Book Chap. 1 2 3. In these Chapters there is nothing to our present purpose They onely contain the State of Civill affairs in Britany Chap. 4. IN the year of our Lords Incarnation 156. Lucius King of the Britans wrote to Eleutherius a holy man then Pope of the Church of Rome desiring that by his appointment he might be made a Christian Which request being granted him the Britains received the Faith and kept it sound and undefiled untill Dioclesians time In the 5. Chapter nothing to our purpose It describes onely the Wall made between England and Scotland Chap. 6. Dioclesian and Maximian raising the Tenth Persecution against the Christians caus'd the Churches to be spoil'd the Christians to be tormented and kill'd For ten years it continued burning of Churches banishing Innocents murdering of Martyrs Among other places Britany was at this time honoured with the glory of many holy Martyrs who constantly dyed in Confession of their Faith Chap. 7. Among others suffered St. Alban of whom Fortunatus Priest in his Book of the Praise of Virgins reckoning up the Martyrs which from all coasts came unto God saith The fertill Land of Britany brings forth Her Proto-Martyr Alban of great worth This Alban being yet a Pagan when the cruell Edicts of the wicked Princes were set forth against the Christians receiv'd into his house one of the Clergy who had fled from the Persecutours and observing him night and day to continue in Prayer and Watching suddenly touch'd with the grace of God he began to follow the example of his Faith
Whereupon at the reedifying of the Church the third time in memory of the Miracle the Post was laid as a thrashold for people to kneel on and make their prayers to God And t is well known that divers in that place have been cured of diseases and by the water where in Chipps cut from the Post have been dipt many have had their health restored them Chap. 18. Relates How King Sigibert was so enflam'd with the love of God that leaving his Realm he entred into a Monastery where being shaven he addicted himself to a heavenly warfare Chap. 19. Relates How Furseus encouraged by a Vision built the Monastery the King had given him planting therein Regular discipline Also how from his childehood he gave himself to the reading of holy Scripture and Monasticall observance building another Monastery wherein he might wholy attend to watching and praying where being sick he was rapt in spirit and saw the blessed company of Heaven and great conflicts he had with the wicked spirits who prevaild not the holy Angels guarding and defending him Moreover in a number of straÌ„g visions he saw the evill spirits tormenting men in fire and they did fling one of them at him whom the Angel flung back which neverthelesse did so burne Furseus that when he was restored again to his body the tokens of the scorching remain'd visible to all in his shoulder and cheek all the dayes of his life after His body being removed to the High Altar was found uncorrupt And the year following the same hapned being to be translated to the east side of the Altar In which place it is well known that his Merits have been much renown'd by many Miracles wrought by the Power of God Chap. 20. Tells the death of Honorius Archbishop of Canterbury and how Deus-dedit succeeded Chap. 21. Relates How the Middle-English with Penda their King Son to Penda the â—erfecutor and his Nobles were converted by Finan first a Monke and after Bishop of Lindesferne Chap. 22. Relates How the East-Saxons after their apostacie were converted Sigibert their King having one in his Court that lived in unlawfull wedlock and being excommunicated and all that kept him company by the Bishop the King neglecting this sentence for the evill example and because he would not refrain from going to the house of that wicked man was told by him that in that house he should die And the event proved true for he was there slain by Penda King of the Mercians Yet it is to be presumed that the cause of his death which was for observing Christs command did not onely wipe away this fault but encrease his his merit Swidhelm succeeded Sigibert who was baptised by Cedde Edilwald King of the East-English being his Godfather Chap. 23. Edilwald Son to King Oswald perceiving Cedde to be a wise and vertuous man granted him a plat of ground for the building a Monastery where he and his people might pray and hear the word of God For he believed he should be much furthered by the prayers of those that served God there Cedde's brother preached and ministred the Sacraments to him and all his Court The holy Bishop chose out a place for a Monastery and desiring by prayer and fasting to cleanse it remaind there all the forty daies of Lent fasting and praying All these dayes excepting Sundayes he fasted untill Evening for he said the custome of them from whom he learnt Monasticall life was that in erecting of any new Monastery the place should be first consecrated to God by fasting and prayer He ordain'd in the Monastery of Lesting the same Rules and constitutions of Religion which the Monks of the Holy Island had As he visited the Monastery in the time of the Plague he dyed thereof A Church being after built in honour of our Lady his body was taken up and placed on the right side of the Altar A while after thirty Bretheren of the Monastry of the East Saxons came to the place where he died desiring either to live by the body of their Father or if it so pleas'd God to die there Who being received by the Brethren in time of the Plague were all taken out of this life except one youth who as t is wel known was sav'd by the prayers 〈◊〉 this holy Father For afterwards we understood that he had not bin christned whence it was beleeved that he was without doubt preserved by the intercession of the Father whose Corps he so piously visited Chap. 24. Relates How vertuous King Oswin of Northumberland called for the help of God against Penda who threatned to destroy little and great in his Kingdome He tried to appease him by gifts that not succeeding he said Since this Infidel regardeth not my Presents let us offer presents to our Lord who will receive them so he vowed that if he vanquisht him his daughter should be consecrated to God in perpetuall Virginity and that twelve Farms with Lands should be converted to the founding of Monasteries Thus with a very smal Army he offered him battle though the Enemy was reported to have thirty times as many men The victory being by Gods help miraculously obtained Oswin instantly performed his Vow giving his daughter Elfled not yet a year old to be brought up and consecrated to perpetual virginity as also the twelve Possessions towards the founding of Monasteries where instead of worldly Tillage Religious Monks by continuall devotion might labour to purchase eternal rest for him and his Countrey She entred first the Monastery of Horstherland now Hartsey to be brought up under Hilda Abbesse in Religion and perpetual Virginity But afterwards she built a Monastery call'd Stranshalt in which she was first a Scholler but after a Teacher of Monasticall life untill at the age of threescore she past to the blessed marriage of her Heavenly Spouse being buried in the Church of St. Peter the Apostle Eanfled required of Osway who kill'd Oswin in part of satisfaction to erect a Monastery call'd Ingelith whereof Trumher was Abbot to the intent that there might be daily prayer made for the salvation both of him that was slain and him that slew him Chap. 25. About this time arose a great Controversie touching the observation of Easter By this variance it hapned often that in one year two Easters were kept the King ending his Fast and solemnizing the Feast of Easter the Queen with her company continuing in fasting kept Palm-sunday yet this diversity as long as Aidan liv'd was by al tolerated for though in observing Easter he followed the custom of those with whom he was brought up yet he believed as all others did and kept unity with all Alfred the Kings son being instructed by the learned Wilfrid preferr'd his judgment before all the traditions of the Scots This Wilfrid for better instruction had travell'd to Rome and lived long with
forsake the cares of the world and go into a Monastery to serve Christ Which having obtain'd she chose the Monastery of Abbesse Ebba Bishop Wilfrid giving her the Veile and cloathing of a Nun. A year after she was made Abbesse in the Isle of Ely where was built a Monastery of Virgins dedicated to God to whom she proved a good mother living a Virgin in example and heavenly life T is said that from the time she entred she never wore linnen but wollen onely very seldome but on high feasts or for necessity did she eat more than once a day From the time of her first setling to prayer untill day light she continued in the Church They say she prophesied she should die of the plague and declared the number that should die out of the Monastery Sexburge her sister succeeded Abbesse who plac'd her Sisters bones in the Church the Grave being opened and the body of the holy Virgin and spouse of Christ taken up it was found as free from corruption though buried sixteen years as if she had died the same day as Bishop Wilfrid and others witnesse and the cloaths wherein her body was wrapt appear'd whole and so new that they seem'd but then to be put on It is further related How being molested in her life time with a swelling and pain of her cheek and neck she rejoyc'd and was wont to say I know I deservedly undergoe this pain for when I was a girle I wore the superfluous burthen of precious Pearls and necklaces and I believe God doth therefore send this pain in my neâ—k that he may so absolve me from the guilt of vaenity whilst in lein of Gold and pretious stones the fiery heate annoieth me It hapned also that by the touching of the said clothes wherein the Corps lay Spirits were expelled out of possest bodies and diseases heal'd And t is said that the Tombe in which she was first laid cured those that had sore eyes who making their prayyer and applying their head to the Coffin forthwith were freed The body of the Virgin is kept to this day and had in great veneration The Tomb ready made was not without miracle found fit for the Virgins body Chap. 20. I adde saith Bede a Hymne of this Queen and Spouse of Christ and therefore truly Queen because Christs Spouse then followeth the Hymne Chap. 21. Nothing but a battell in which King Elbuine was slain peace ensued Chap. 22. In the foresaid battell a thing famous and well known to many hapned which we may not omit both for the profit of the Reader and glory of God Among the souldiers that were slain a young man called Imma was left for dead who at last reviving and binding up his wounds was taken and brought before the Commander he fearing to confesse he was a souldier said he was a Farmer of the Country and had brought victuals to the Campe The Commander for all that at night commanded he should be kept in Irons yet none would hold him for as soon as they were gone that bound him his Fetters fell off For he had a Brother whose name was Tunna a Priest and Abbot of a Monastery in the City called this day Tunnacester who hearing his Brother was slain came to seek his body where finding one like him he brought him to the Abbey and buried him and after caused Masses to be said to obtain Absolution for his soul by the saying of which Masses it came to passe that nothing could bind him but that he was instantly loosed The Earle that kept him wondered thereat and inquired of him the cause I have quoth he a brother that is a Priest I know he thinks that I am slain and therefore doth often say Masse for me And if I now were in another world my soule should be loosed from pains through his Intercession and Prayers as my body is hear from fetters Being recovered the Earle sent him to London and sold him to a Marchant of Frizeland but neither he nor any else could binde him by any meanes The Merchant seeing this took a ransome for him For about the third hour in the morning when Masses began to be said very often were his Fetters loosed Imma returning to his Countrey declared to his brother all that hapned and he knew by what his brother told him that his bonds were loosed at those times chiefly in which Masses were said for him He understood also that the other great helps that befell him came from Heaven through his Brothers Intercession and offering of the saving Host and Sacrifice Many that heard this were devoutly inflamed in faith imployjng themselves in Prayer Almes and Charitable deeds offering to our Lord Hosts of Sacred Oblations and Sacrifices for the delivery of their friends that were departed this world For they understood thereby and knew that the saving sacrifice was effectuall to the everlasting Redemption of body and soul This story was told me by them that heard it from the man on whom it was done and therefore knowing it to be undoubtedly true I insert it here Chap. 23. The year following the devout and Religious servant of Christ Hilda Abbesse of Streanshal after many heavenly deeds past out of this world to the rewards of heaven Three and thirty years she lived in a secular life and as many did she dedicate more nobly to our Lord in Monasticall life she was Daughter to the Nephew of King Edwin Yet she quitted her secular habit desiring to go into France and there in a Monastery to lead a Pilgrimes life that so more easily she might enjoy an everlasting Country There liv'd in that Monastery at the same time Herewid her sister Mother to Aldulf King of the East-English under the rule and discipline of Religion and after the example of her sister she lived as a stranger out of her own Country A year after Hilda being called home by Aidan the Bishop had a Lordship given her where she lived a Monastical life with her company Then was she made Abbesse of a Monastery called Heâ—rthew which was built by the devout Handmaid of Christ Heiu who is said to have been the first in Northumberland that took upon her the state and habit of a Nun being consecrated by Aidan This handmaid of Christ goveining this Monastery ordered the 〈◊〉 excellently in regular life and discipline Having ruled there for some years in great observance and strictnesse of Regular life she took upon her the building of Streanshal which she furnisht with the same Rules and Orders She admirably taught the works of Righteousnesse Devotion and Chastity after the example of the Primitive Church There was none rich none poor all was in common nothing peculiar or singular in any one she made the Religious men that lived under her bestow their time in reading of holy Scripture and practise of vertue that thence might be found men worthy
received of the Saints in heaven Which practise in those dayes many English both of Nobles and Commons Spirituall and temporall Men and Women were wont to performe with exceeding emulation Chap. 8. Relates How Theodore Arch-Bishop of Canterbury departed this life very aged and how the number of years he lived were signified unto him by revelation He was buried in St. Peters Church A man worthy of perpetuall remembrance for his singular vertues of whom with his companions it may be said That their names shall live in glory from generation to generation Then the Church of England received such comfort and encrease in spirituall matters that it never received the like before nor after Chap. 9. Berechwald succeedeth Theodore in Canterbury who was Abbot of Rashwulfe now called Reculver in Kent a man well knowing in the holy Scripture skilfull in Ecclesiasticall and Monasticall orders and discipline He consecrated Toby Bishop of Rochester one expert in the Latine and Greek Tongue Chap. 10. Relates How Egbert a Reverend Priest and servant of God to obtaine Heaven led a Pilgrims life in Ireland He took upon him the office of an Apostle desirous to preach the word of God to the German provinces which had not yet received it or if this could not be to travell to Rome to see and worship the Tombes of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs But by revelation from Heaven neither of these was effected For Boisell once Abbot of Mailrose appearing after Mattins to a Religious Man bad him go tell Egbert that he must not perform that Journey but that it was Gods will that he should go and instruct Columbe's Monastery This Columbe was the first Preacher of the Faith to the Picts and the first Founder of a Monastery in the Isle of Hu which was had in great estimation Egbert neglecting for awhile to go to the Monastery as he was commanded of God Boisell appeared again to that Religious man telling him that he should say to Egbert that whether he would or no he should go to Columb's Monastery Which so fell out For by tempest he was drive thither yet one of his companions Wigbert by name excelling in contempt of the world and profound knowledge for he had led an Anacorrites life in great perfection many years arrived in Frizland but without successe So he returned to his former solitary life Chap. 11. Egbert By Revelation from God not being suffered to preach in Germany he sent other holy and vertuous men of whom that notable and excellent man Willibrord Priest was chief They converted Frizeland from Idolatry to the Faith of Christ two other English Priests who had voluntarily liv'd in banishment in Ireland for hope of eternal life whose names were Henwald came into Saxony to win souls to Christ The barbarous observing them to be of another Religion for they sung Hymns Psalms and devoute Prayers and daily offered the sacrifice of the holy Host having with them holy Vessels a little Table hollowed instead of an Altar suspecting they came to withdraw their Land from worshipping their gods murthered them and to witness their Martyrdome there appeared Miracles from Heaven For their bodies being cast into the river of Rhene were carried almost forty mile against the main stream to their companions and a great bright beam of light reaching up to heaven shin'd every night over the place where their bodies were One of them appeared in the night to a companion of his nam'd Tilmon who of a Souldier was become a Monk telling him that he should find their bodies where he should see a light shine from heaven which happened accordingly The day of their Martyrdome or Invention is in those places celebrated with due veneration King Pipin with great glory entombed them at Collen T is reported that in the place in which they were killed a Spring bubbled up which to this day affordeth plenty of water Chap. 12. Willebrord with these Holy men his companions having license of the Prince to preach in Frizland went first to Rome where Sergius sate in the See Apostolike that by his approbation and benediction he might settle to the Apostolike office of preaching to the Heathens hoping withall to receive of him some Reliques of Christs holy Apostles and Martyrs that when casting out Idols he erected Churches he might have in readiness some holy Saints Reliques to bring in their place and to dedicate them in their honour whose Reliques he had received All things succeeding to his desire Swibert is chosen their Bishop and consecrated in England by Wilfred and returning converteth a great number At last building a Monastery in an Isle of the Rhene leading there a very austere and continent life he died His successors possesse the same to this day Pepin sent that vertuous and worthy Prelate Wilbrord to Rome by consent of all that he might be made Archbishop of Frizland upon Saint Cicilyes day Anno 690. and in her Church he was consecrated and named Clement by the Pope and sent to his Bishopriâ—k of Vtreckt in Holland He erected many Churches and Monasteries through the Countrey This Willebrord otherwise Clement liveth yet a Reverend Father Chap. 13. At the same time was wrought in Britany a Miracle worthy of perpetuall rememberance and not unlike to the ancient Miracles of times past A certaine man in Northumberland dead for a time rose againe to life and told many things worthy the relating of which we touch some few I am saith he truly risen again from the death but henceforth my conversation must be far unlike my former life Rising up he went to Church and continued there in prayer untill day Then he divided all his goods into three parts one he gave to his wife another to his children the third he gave in almes to the poor Then he entred into the Monastery of Maitrose and being shaven he made his abode in a secret habitation assigned him by the Abbot where he lived untill his dying day in such austerity of body that though his tongue had said nothing yet his life spake that he had seen many terrible things He related what he hath seen in this manner The Countenance apparel of my guide was ful of light we came to one great broad valley of infinite length all full of terrible fire there was also another valley intolerable with hail and snow Both places were full of souls tossed as with a whirlewind out of one into the other I began to think that this was Hell but my guide said Think not so Then having mentioned all the rest of the visions he relates how his guide told him That this valley so full of horrible flames and so bitterly cold was the place where their souls remain to be tried who deferring the Confession of their sins and amendment had recourse to Pennance at the point of death yet because they made