CENTURY I.

IEsus Christ the Son of God, the true Prince of Peace, was born in Bethlehem-Judah, of the Virgin Mary, in the 42 year of the Reign of Augustus Coesar the Roman Emperour, under the 194 Olympiad, in the XIX year of the Reign of Kymbeline King of Britain.

Divers Writers of note do tell us, Baron. Annal. Tom. 1. An. 61. Usser de Brit. Eccles. primord. c. 1. p. 7. Parker de vetust. Eccl. Britan. p. 2, 3. Fox Act. & Monum. vol. 1. Sir H. Spelm. Concil. Tom. 1. Per Josephum Evangelii lu­cerna primum in Britania accensa est. Georg. Major. that the Gospel was preached and received in this Land, even in the days of the Apostles. Baronius, and the Learned Archbishop Ʋsher tell us, that St. Peter came into Britain in the twelfth year of the Emperour Nero, and staid a long time here, many being by him illightned. Ni­cephorus saith, that Simon Zelotes carried the Doctrine of the Gospel un­to the Western Sea, and to the Britannick Islands. The Learned Archbishop Matthew Parker, Bishop Godwin, Mr. Camden, and others do assert, that St. Paul himself, that great Apostle of the Gentiles, Preached the Gospel to this Island after his enlargement from his first captivity at Rome; where, some say, he continued Preaching five years. And this (say they) he did at the instigation of Claudia, a Noble British Woman. Gildas, our own Countrey-man, Polydor Virgil, Mr. Fox, Sir Henry Spelman, and many others tell us, that Joseph of Arimathea, that Holy Man, after he had buried the body of Christ in his own Tomb, came into this Island, and Preached the Gospel here, being sent [Page 2] hither by Philip and James the Apostles. That he was in this Land, is confirmed not onely by divers Histories, but also by Antient Monuments. Baleus alledgeth many other witnesses.

It doth not appear, that the first Preachers of the Gospel in Britain did so much as touch at Rome, much less that they received any command, or commission thence to convert Britain, which should lay an Eternal obligation of gratitude on this Island to the Sea of Rome. Insomuch that Parsons himself flyes at last to this slight and slender shift. That albeit St. Joseph came not immediately from Rome, yet he taught in this Island the Roman Faith, whereof St. Paul hath written to the Romans them­selves, that your Faith is spoken of through the whole World, Rom. 1.8. Hereby the Jesuite hopes to keep on foot the engagement of this Island to Rome, Fuller. Church Histor. lib. 1. for her first conversion. But why should he call the Christian Religion the Roman Faith, rather than the Faith of Jerusalem, or the Faith of Antioch, seeing it issued from the former, and was received and first named in the latter City, before any spark of Christianity was kindled at Rome, as Dr. Fuller well observeth.

CENT. II.

WE read, that the Gospel in our Land had the countenance of publick Authority through the gratious providence of God very early. Omnium Pro­vinciarum pri­ma Britannia, publicitus Christi nomen recipit. Sabel­lic. Enn. 7. l. 5. A Learned Writer speaking of the dignity of this Nation, saith, That of all the Provinces of the Roman Empire (yea it seemeth of the whole World) this Island of Great Britain did first receive the Gospel by publick Authority. Lucius King of Britain was the first Christian King we read of in Ecclesiastical Stories: He embraced the Faith about an hundred and fifty years after the death of Christ. It is said of this King Lucius, that at first he shewed himself an enemy to the Christians: but observing the holiness of their lives, he was enclined to embrace the Christian Faith, but was held off for a time, partly by the Heathenish superstition of his Ancestors wherein he had been bred up; and partly because he found the Christians reputed infamous by the Romans, then the Lords of a great part of the World, under whom (it seemeth) he was a tributary King: but being afterward informed, that many of the Nobles or Senators of the Romans had embraced the Christian Religion, he made an open profession of it, and made a notable reformation in his Dominions. Moreover, he being much taken with the Miracles which he beheld truly wrought by pious Christians, was the more drawn to embrace their Religion, and sent Elvanus and Meduinus, men of known Piety and Learning in the Scriptures to Eleutherius Bishop of Rome, with a Letter, requesting several things of him; but principally that he might be instructed in the Christian Faith. Eleutherius returneth him this An­swer, [Page 3] That having rec [...]ved in his Kingdom the Law and Faith of Christ, Holinsh. descr. of Brit. c. 7. Annals of England, by John Stow. and having now the Old and New Testaments, he should by a Council of his Realm take Laws from thence to govern thereby; That he was the Vicar of God in his Kingdomes; That the People and Nations of the Kingdom of Britain were His, even His children; That such as were divided, he should gather them together unto the Law of Christ his holy Church, unto peace and concord; and should cherish, maintain, protect, govern, and defend them, &c.

When Christian Religion first was publickly received and established in this Land by King Lucius, here were then of Heathen institution, eight and twenty Flamines, and three Archflamines. The places of the Flamines, the King turned to so many Bishopricks; the places of the Archflamines, to so many Archbishopricks; the one at London, translated afterward to Canterbury; the other at York; the third at Caerleon in Wales, where seaven of those Bishopricks, with this Archbishoprick were remaining when Austin the Monk came into England: Here were Temples also builded for the worship of Paynim-gods, of which he made Churches for the service of Jesus Christ. Thomas Rudbourn a Mo [...] [...] Winchester, Moratus an old British Writer, and others testifie, that [...] was Bi­shop of Winchester; and all the possessions of the [...]ga [...] [...]es there, were conferred upon him and his Clergy, which were [...]o ample, that even about the City all the Lands, within twelve miles of it on all sides, were belonging unto it, containing in number 32 Villages. And thus the Britains had for their greatest glory, the happiness to see and enjoy the first Christian Prince in the World.

It is reported, that King Lucius was the Founder of St. Peter's Church at Cornhil in London, placing therein one Thean an Archbishop, and that the Metropolitan See continued in a succession of Archbishops there about 400 years, until the coming of Austin the Monk, who transla­ted the Archbishop's seat from London to Canterbury. In that Church was a Table, wherein is written, that King Lucius founded the same Church to be an Archbishop's See, and that it so endured the space of 400 years. There are the name of these Archbishops of London, Thean, Elvanus, Cadar, Obinus, Conan, Paladius, Stephen, Iltut, Theodwyn, or Dedwin, Thedrid, Hilary, Restitutus, Guertelinus, or Guitelinus, Fastidius, Vodinus, Theonus, &c.

Elvanus built a Library near St. Peter's Church in Cornhil; he was a Godly, Learned and Grave Man, brought up in the School of Joseph of Arimathea, and Converted many of the Druydes to the Christian Faith. Bishop Godwin saith, That the Archbishoprick of York was founded Anno 180. by King Lucius also, who placed Sampson there. King Lucius also founded the Academy of Bangor in the favour of good Ar [...]s and Learned Men. He built the chief Cathedral Church in Glocester: The Church dedicated to St. Mary in Glastonbury: A Chappel in ho­nour [Page 4] of Christ in Dover Castle: A Church in Canterbury, afterwards dedicated to St. Martin. King Lucius died and was buried at Glou­cester.

CENT. III.

BUT Christianity in Britain was not buried in the grave of King Lucius: Witness Gildas, whose words are a clear evidence of the constant continuing of the Christian Faith in Britain from the first Preaching thereof. Gildas in E­pist. de excid. Britan. Christs precepts (saith he) though they were received but lukewarmly of the Inhabitants, yet they remained entirely with some, less sincerely with others, even untill the nine years of Persecution under Dio­clesian.

To the Authority of Gildas we may add the Testimony of two Fathers, both flourishing in this Century, Tertul. advers. Judaeos. c. 7. Tertullian and Origen; Tertullian saith, Britannorum inaccessa Romanis loca, Christo verò subdita: There are places of the Britains which were unaccessible to the Romans, but yet subdued to [...]hrist. Origen in Luc. c. 1. Homil. 6. Origen in like manner, Virtus Domini Salvatoris cum his est, qui ab orbe nostro in Britannia dividuntur: The power of God our Saviour is even with them which in Britain are divided from our World. Cent. 3. c. 2. col. 6. The Magdeburgenses, compilers of the General Ecclesiastical History, speaking of the Churches through Europe in this Age, thus ex­press themselves: Then follow the Isles of the Ocean, where we first meet with Britain, Manfisse & hac aetate ejus Insulae Ecclesias, affirmare non dubitamus: We doubt not to affirm, that the Churches of that Island did also remain in that Age.

Gildas modestly renders the reason, why so little is extant of the British History of this Age. Scripta patriae, Scriptorum monumenta, siquae fuerint, aut ignibus hostium exusta, aut civium exulum classe longius de­portata, non comparent: The Monuments (saith he) of our Countrey, or Writers (if there were any) appear not, as either burnt by the fire of enemies, or transported far off by our banished Countrey­men.

The Christians of Britain celebrated the Passover upon the fourteenth day of the Moon of March precisely, contrary to the constitutions of the Roman Church: which sheweth, they were not brought to Christian Religion by the Roman Church. Gild. Epist. f. 63. And Gildas saith, That the Britains used great solemnity in their Ordination of Ministers, and had other Pray­ers, Lessons, and Chapters, than are used in the Roman Church.

Britain remained under the Domination of the Romans, Pagans, as their supream Lords, till the year of Christ 286. in Dioclesian's time, when the Roman Senate sent Caransius to repress the incursions of Barbarous Nations. But Caransius made a League with the Britains, expelled the [Page 5] Romans, and made himself King: And from that time, sometimes the Romans prevailing, sometimes the Natives, Britain was but weakly pos [...]ssed by the Roman Empire.

CENT. IV.

SO the Gospel flourished in this Land, and they that professed it escaped the Persecutions raised by the Heathen Emperours of Rome, all except the last; under Dioclesian, which extended to Britain; and St. Alban is noted to be the Proto-Martyr of Britain, who suffered death for Christ's sake with invincible Courage and Resolution, about the year of Christ 305. He was a wealthy Inhabitant of Verolamcester, and a Citizen of Rome, for so Alexander Neccham reports him. Neccham, in his Poem on Verulam.

Alban was a Britain by Parentage, a Roman by Priviledge; natural­ly a Britain, naturalized a Roman. Immediately followed the Martyr­dom of Amphibalus a Preacher of Caer-leon in Wales, who not long be­fore was fain to fly from Persecution into the Eastern parts of this Island, and was entertained by Alban at his house in Verulam, who was instruct­ed by Amphibalus in the Christian Faith: he was cruelly put to death by the Pagans in a Village called Redburn, three miles from Verulam. Besides Amphibalus, suffered Aaron and Julius, two substantial Citizens of Caer-leon, and then Socrates and Stephen, and Augulius Bishop of Lon­don, then called Augusta, with multitudes both of Men and Women in sundry places (saith Beda) as shortly after no less than a thousand Saints suffered death at Litchfield, whereupon the place was called another Gol­gotha, or field of blood: In memory whereof the City beareth for Armes to this day a field surcharged with dead bodies.

Afterwards it pleased God to put a period to his Servants sufferings, and to the rage of their Enemies; for when Dioclesian and Maximian had layed down the Ensignes of Command, Constantius Chlorus was chosen Emperour in these Western Provinces of France, Spain, and Britain, whose cariage towards Christians Eusebius thus describeth; [...], that he preserved such Religious people as were under his command without any hurt or harm: So that under him the Church in these parts had a breathing-time from Persecution. Constantius died, and was buried at York, who bequeathed the Empire [Page 6] to Constantine his eldest Son by Hest [...]n his form [...] Wife. That Constan­tine was a Britain, is shewn by Eumenius Rhetor, Eumen. Rhe­or. Panegyr. 9. who, in his Oration made to Constantine himself, makes therein an Apost [...]phe to Br [...]in, O fortunata, & nunc omnibus beatior terris Britannia quae Constantinum Coesarem prima vidisti! O happy Britain, and blessed above all other Lands, which didst first behold Constantine Cesar. There is another Testi­mony of His of like nature: Panegyr. 5. Liberavit Pater Constantius Britannias ser­vitute: Tu etiam Nobiles, illic oriendo, fecisti: Your Father Constantius did free the British Provinces from slavery, and you have Ennobled them by taking thence your original: It is said of him, that he was born, made King, and Emperor first in Britain.

Constantine being now peaceably setled in the Imperial Throne, there followed a sudden and great alteration in the World. Persecutors turn­ing Patrons of Religion. The Gospel formerly a Forrester, now be­came a Citizen; and leaving the Woods wherein it wandered; Hills and holes where it hid it self before, dwelt quietly in populous places. The stumps of ruined Churches lately destroyed by Dioclesian, grew up into beautiful buildings; Oratories were furnished with pious Ministers, and they provided of plentiful maintenance, through the liberality of Constantine.

The most avouchable evidence of Christianity flourishing in this Island in this Age, is produced from the Bishops representing Britain, in the Councils. 1. Of Arles in France, called to take cognizance of the cause of the Donatists, where appeared for the Britains, Eborius Bishop of York, Restitutus Bishop of London, Adelfius Bishop of the City called the Colony of London, which some count Colchester, and others Maldon in Essex, Sacerdos a Priest, both by his proper Name and Office, Ar­minius, a Deacon, Anno. 313. In the Synod of Nice held in Bithy­nia, Anno 325. British Bishops were present, being summoned to suppress Arianism, and to establish an uniformity of the observation of Easter, as Athanasius, and Hilary Bishop of Poictiers do testify. At the Council of Sardis in Thracia, called by Constantius and Constans, Sons to Constantine the Great, were present the Bishops of Britain, who con­curred with the rest to condemn the Arrians, and acquit Athanasius. The British Bishops were also present at the Council of Ariminum assembled in Italy.

Theodoret Eccles. Hist. l. 1. c. 10. Theodoret tells us, that he wrote an Epistle to all Churches concerning the Council of Nice, wherein he saith, there were then many Churches in Britain, &c. About the year 360. Hilary Bishop of Poictiers, among diverse others dedicated his Book, Socrat. Scho­last. l. 2. c. 6. 7. De Synodis fidei Catholicae contra Aria­nos, to the Bishops of the Provinces of Britain, during his exile for the Orthodox Faith, commending them for their constancy in the profession of that Faith. Sozom. l. 3. c. 11. & 12. And by the testimony of Athanasius, it appeareth, that the Britains then had not onely Churches professing the Orthodox Faith, [Page 7] but Bishops famous for their Piety and Learning, summoned to forreign Councils in remore parts for debating and deciding the highest Articles of the Christian Faith.

In the year 383. Maximus a Christian, Du Moul. resp. ad Card-du Perron. lib. 7 ca. 5. and Orthodox Prince govern­ed Britain: for then all that part of the Island which was subject to the Ro­mans, was Christian. Not long after the Empire being fallen in the West, and torn by the Gothes, Francs, Vandals, and Burgundians, the Romans forsook the Isle of Britain, which moved the Natives to commit the Kingdome to one Constantine a Britain, as one descended from their Nation, and a Christian vertuous man.

About the year 400. Chrysostome gives this testimony concerning the Britains Embracing of the Gospel Nam et Britaniae, Chrysost. oper tom 5. Insulae extra hoc mare fitae, et qua in ipso oceano sunt, vertutem verbi senserunt (sunt etiam illic fundatae Ecclesiae &c.) Illius inquam verbi, quod tunc dictum, quod et in omnium animabus, inque omnium labiis plantatum. Which he seconded in another Sermon of the Feast of Pentecost.

CENT. V.

ABout the year 412 Pelagius (born in Britain) began to broach his Heresies publickly. The same day whereon Pelagius was born in Britain St. Augustine was also born in Africk: divine providence so ordering it that the poison and the Antidote should be Twins in a manner in respect of the same time as Dr. Fuller well observeth. In the year 446. the Pelagian Heresie spread over Britain: and the British Churches be­ing defiled thereby, King Vortigern for the maintaining the truth, sent for German Bishop of Auxerre, and Lupus Bishop of Troys in Champagne out of France, men famous for their doctrine and counsel, who refusing this Heresie, gained unto themselves a reverent esteem among the Britains; but chiefly German, who in a Chappel neer unto St. Albans did openly out of the pulpit preach God's word sincerely to the people. This con­ference was held at St. Albans, even where at this day a small Chappel is extant to the honour of St. German.

Gemanus having baptized multitudes of Pagan converts in the river Alen, marched with an Army of them against the Pagans whom he found in the North-East of Wales. Usser de Erit. Eccles. primord. p. 333. Here he chose an hollow dale surrounded with hills; near the Village, called at this day by the English, Mold by the British Guidcrue in Flintshire, where the field at this day retains the name of Mees Garmon or German's field. Here Germanus placed his men in ambush, with instructions, that a Signal given, they should all shout Hallelujah three times with their might; which all was done accord­ingly. Hereat the Pagans without striking a stroak confusedly ran away, and many were drowned for speed in the river Alen. After this victory Germanus prepared for his return.

After Germanus and Lupus were returned home into their native coun­trey, Pelagianism began to sprout again in Britain: and after three years Germanus came again with Severus into Britain, and the Pelagian Heresie was again condemned in a second Synod, having been before condemned in a Synod at London. Germanus having setled Baitain in good order, re­turned to his own countrey, where he presently died after his return: and by God's blessing on his endeavours, that Heresie was so cut down in Britain, that it never generally grew up again.

About the year 453. Hengist Captain of the Saxons, who came to help the Britans against the Scots and Picts, who having married his own daughter to Vortigern had murthered his sovereign Lord Constans, and invaded his Crown being called in for his help, came with diverse ships of stout Saxon Souldiers, who under pretence of protecting them from the Picts, intended to plant themselves in the North part of Britain, which when the Britans saw, and fearing their own ruin, they desired the King that he would drive them out of his Kingdome. The Nobles also of his Realm did inveigh much against the King's marriage with a Pa­gan Woman.

Whereupon Anno 454. they utterly deserted King Vortigern, and una­nimously chose Vortimer, his son, to be their King, who, following their counsel, began to expell the Barbarians, and chasing them as far as the Derwent, he slew many of them: Vortigern also fled with them. But in the year 460 Prince Vortimer died, being poisoned by Rowen his Mother in law, with whom the hope of the Britains was extinguished. Here­upon Hengist returning into Britain with new forces, treacherously slew most of the British Nobles at a pretended Treaty for peace between both Nations. And the Saxons being enemies to Christian Religion, and bent upon the possession of such a fruitful Countrey, exercised great cruelty upon the Inhabitants, destroyed Churches and all Ecclesiastical things, burnt the holy Scriptures; slew the Ministers in the Churches, endeavour­ing to supplant Christian Religion. Henr. Hunt­ingd [...]. Lib. 2. Vortigern had before caused Vodinus Arch-Bishop of London to be put to death, because he reproved him for calling in the Saxons, and marrying a Pagan Woman: and now Theanus Bishop of London, G [...]lsr. monum. lib. 12. and Thaodiceus Bishop of York with others were forced to fly into remote places for the preservation of their lives.

Thus God sent down his heavie judgements upon the Britains for their Sins, as Gildas writeth, Britones propter avaritiam & rapinam Principum, pro­pter iniquitatem & injustitiam Judicum, propter desidiam praedicationis Epis­coporum, propter luxuriam & malos mores populi perdidisse patriam: that is, the Britans for the covetousness and oppression of the Princes, for the ini­quity and injustice of the Judges, for the negligent preaching of the Bishops, for the luxury and evil manners of the people, lost their Coun­trey. After many battles with the Britains, the Pagans surprised a great part of this Island.

Then the Britains sent Ambassadors into the lesser Britain to Aurelius Ambrosius, and Ʋter-Pendragon his brother, desiring them to take the go­vernment of Britain upon them (of which they were right heires) and to expell the Saxons, and King Vortigern. Hereupon they came with many armed souldiers. Then the Britains set up Aurelius to be their King, who marched first against Vortigern to his Castle Genorium in Wales, where he had fortified and immured himself; but Aurelius burnt the castle, and King Vortigern in it. After this Aurelius fought many battles with the Saxons in the years 485. 487, 488. and at last overcame them. Au­relius was one composed of valour and Religion, wholly employing him­self in time of peace, to raise new Churches, repair old, and endow both. Johan. Tim­nuthens. in ejus vita.

At this time there was an Academy of learned men under Dubritius neer the river Wye in Monmouth-shire. This Dubritius taught many scholars for seven years together in humane and divine learning; among whom the chiefest were Theliau, Sampson, Vbelin, Merchiguin, Elquored, &c. at Dubritius removed to Werwick, a village two miles from Cardigan, and from thence to Moch-Rhos.

The Britains being involved in perpetual Warrs with the Scots, Picts, Normans, Saxons, the Christian Britains were at last, by force and fraud, undermined, and driven out of their native soil into Britain in France, and into Wales and Cornwall: yet then was the Gospel preserved in those corners, where the remainder of the Britains (those antient Inhabi­tants of this land) remains unto this day. Paganism was again planted in this land, and an Heptarchy was established, this land being divided into seven Kingdomes.

The first was the Kingdome of Kent, which began Anno 457. under King Hengist. The second of the South- Saxons, comprising Sussex and Surrey. This Kingdome began under King Ella, Anno 491. and was the weakest of all the seven, affording few Kings, and fewer actions of moment. The third was of the East- Saxons, comprehending Essex, Middlesex, and part of Hartford-shire. This Kingdome began in Er­chenwin about the year 527. The fourth of the East-Angles, containing Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridg-shire, with the Isle of Ely, and part of Bed­ford-shire. It began Anno 575. under King Ʋlfa, and lay most exposed to the cruelty of the Danish incursions. The fifth of Mercia, so called, because it lay in the midst of the Island, being the merches or limits on which all the residue of the Kingdomes did bound and border. It began Anno 582 under King Cridda, and contained the Countries of Lincoln, North-hampton, Rutland, Huntingdon, Buckingham, Oxford, Worcester, Warwick, Darby, Nottingham, Leicester, Stafford, and Chester: be­sides part of Hereford and Salop (the remnant whereof was possessed by the Welch) Gloucester, Bedford, and Lancaster. The sixt of Northum­berland, whereunto belonged whatsoever lieth between Humber and Edenborough Frith. It was subdivided sometimes into two Kingdomes, [Page 10] of Bernicia, and Deira. The latter consisted of the remainder of Lancashire, with the entire Counties of York, Durham, Westmerland, and Cumberland. Bernicia contained Northumberland with the South of Scotland to Edenborough: But it was not long before bo [...] were united under King Ida. The seventh of the West Saxons, who possessed Ham-shire, Berk-shire, Wilt-shire, Somerset, Dorset and Devon-shire; part of Cornwall and Gloucester-shire. This Kingdom began Anno 519. under Cerdicus: This Heptarchy was at last swallowed up in the West Saxons Monarchy.

But to return to the British Church, and the year of our Lord 449. wherein the Irish St. Patrick is notoriously reported to have come to Glastonbury, where he lived 39 years as Abbot of that place. And so great was the credit of St. Patrick at Glastonbury, that after his death and burial there, that Church that formerly was dedicated to the Virgin Mary alone, was in after-ages joyntly consecrated to her and St. Patrick.

About the year 495 Cerdicus (who was afterwards first King of the West Saxons) having overcome the Britains at Winchester, killed all the Monks belonging to the Church of St. Amphibalus, and turned the same into a Temple of Idolatry. Aurelius Ambrosius was poisoned in the year 498. and his Brother Ʋter-Pendragon took upon him the Government of this Realm.

CENT. VI.

MOst miserable at this time was the British Common-wealth, crou­ded up into barren Corners, whil'st their Enemies the Pagan Saxons possessed the East and South, if not the best part of the Island. Pen-dragon dying, the Nobles and Bishops of Britain set up his Son Ar­thur, being about 16 years of age, to be King of Britain, in the year 516. Of whom one writeth thus, Cultum Religioni pene debitum in Civitati­bus, & viris, & oppidis, ref [...]rmavit: Ecclesias à Pagana Gente destructas vel dirutas reparavit: & in eis Res & Episcopos cum Clericorum officiis, prout locorum dignitas cogebat, devoto Religionis studio ordinavit. Vigente adhuc post Germani Episcopi labores, qui ob id in Britanniam bis venerat, Pelagiana labe, ac desperato pene remedio, David ex universae Gentis Synodo Praesul constitutus An. 519. diutina praedicatione disceptationbus publicis ean­dem profligavit, atque aream Ecclesiae purgavit. David was Un [...]kle to King Arthur; he privately studied the Scriptures ten years, before he would presume to Preach, and always caryed the Gospels about him. He kept a Synod against the Pelagian error (which was now revived in Britain) and confirmed many wavering Souls in the Faith. The main body of the British Church was at this time in Wales, wh [...]re Bangor on the North, and Caerleon (on Ʋsk in Monmouth-shire) in the South, were the two [Page 11] eyes thereof for Learning and Religion. Caerleon had in it the Court of King Arthur, the See of an Archbishop, a Colledge of 200 Philoso­phers, who threrein studied Astronomy, and was a populous place of great extent, though at this day reduced to a small Village. By leave obtained from King Arthur, David removed the Archiepiscopal seat from Caerleon to Meneva, now called St. David's in Pembrook-shire, in which exchange (saith Fuller) his devotion is rather to be admired, than his discretion to be commended, Girald. Cambr. leaving a fruitful soyl for a bleach barren place; though the worse it was, the better for his purpose, being a great promoter of a Monastical life.

In those days such was the correspondency between the greater and lesser Britain, that they seemed to possess Learned Men in common be­twixt them.

About the same time flourished Cadocus, Abbot of Llancanvan in Gla­morgan shire, Son of the Toparch of that Countrey: He retained part of his paternal principality in his hand, whereby he daily fed 300 of Clergy-men, Widdows, and poor People, besides guests and visitants daily resorting to him. Wilful poverty then was not by vow entailed upon Monastical life.

Iltutus followed him, a profound Scholar, Fullers Church Hist. who at Llaniltut in Glamor­gan shire Preached God's Word, and set up a Colledge of Scholars, himself leading a single life. Sampson, Scholar to Iltutus, succeedeth, made Bishop at large, sine titulo. In that Age all Bishops were not fixed to the Chair of a peculiar Church, but some might sit down in any va­cant place for their Cathedral, and there exercise their Episcopal Autho­rity, provided it were without prejudice to other Bishops: This Sampson being afterwards made Archbishop of Dole in French-Britain, Baleus saith, That he caried away with him the Monuments of British An­tiquity.

Patern for three and twenty years was a constant Preacher at Llan­patern in Cardigan shire.

St. Petrock comes next, one of great Piety and painfulness in that Age, Captain of the Cornish Saints. Then lived St. Teliau, who was Scholar to Dubritius, and succeeded him in the Bishoprick of Landaff, a pious Preacher, and zealous reprover of the Vices of that time. About the year 560 flourished Congel Abbot of Bangor, who much altered the discipline of that Monastery. Kentigern, the famous Bishop of Elwy in North- Wales; St. Asaph was his successor in the same place, in whose mouth this sentence was frequent; Such who are against the Preaching of God's Word, do envy the salvation of mankind.

About the year 596. Pope Gregory I. sent Augustine a Benedictine Monck, a subtil and industrious Man, into this Land, to work two ends; the one to reduce the Christians of this Isle to the Form and Service of the Romish Church; the other, to draw (if he could) some of those [Page 12] Pagan Kings to the Christian Religion. Augustine with Mellitus, and forty more of his Companions, sent to Preach the Gospel in Britain, land­eth at Thanet in Kent: Ethelbert was then King of Kent, and a Pagan, yet had he Married Bertha, Daughter to the King of France, a Christi­an Woman, to whom he permitted the free use of her Religion, allowing her both Luidhard, a Bishop for her Chaplain, and an old Church in Canterbury (formerly dedicated by the Romans to St. Martin) to ex­ercise her Devotion therein.

Augustine with his followers (having obtained leave from King Ethel­bert) advanced unto Canterbury, to the foresaid Church of St. Martin: Here they lived so Piously, Prayed so fervently, Fasted fo frequently, Preached so constantly, and wrought Miracles (as it is said) so common­ly, that Ethelbert was perswaded by Queen Bertha to embrace the Chri­stian Religion, and was Baptized, whose example multitudes of Pagans followed: There were in one day about ten thousand Men Baptized, be­sides Women and Children, in a River. The Water being hallowed by Augustine, he commanded the People to go in by couples, and one to Baptize the other, in the name of the Trinity. Thus Augustine carieth away the credit of all that came after him, because the Primitive planter of the Gospel among the Saxons, and Kent was converted to Christiani­ty; yet far more than half of the Land lay some years after in the dark­ness of Paganism, which others afterwards illightened with the beams of the Gospel. Mean time the poor Christian Britains living peaceably at home, there enjoyed God, the Gospel, and their Mountains, not caring for the Ceremonies A la mode, brought over by Augustine.

CENT. VII.

ABout the year 601. Pope Gregory I. sent two Archbishops Palls into England, the one for London, the other for York: The former of these Cities had been honoured with an Archbishop's See some hundred years since King Lucius; but at the Instance of Augustine, and by a new order of the foresaid Gregory, this Pall sent to London, was removed thence to Canterbury (whereof Augustine was made Archbishop) and there fixed and confirmed. Canterbury was the place wherein Christiani­ty was first received by the Saxons, and is therefore honoured to per­petuate the memory thereof; and London must hereafter be contented with the plain-seat of a Bishop.

Then Augustine by the aid of Ethelbert King of Kent, called a Coun­cil of Saxon and British Bishops to meet in the confines of the Mercians and West Saxons, in the borders of Wo [...]ster and Hereford-shires, under an Oak, knowing that the Pagan Britains performed their superstition under an Oak, in some imitation, and yet a correction of their Idola­try, [Page 13] as Sir Henry Spelman Sir H. Spelm. in Conciliis. Geoffry of Monmouth, calling the Britains the Lord's flock, saith, Grex Domini rectum ordinem tene­bat. Galf. Monum. lib. 11 c. 12. sheweth. But this Synod proved ineffectual; the British Bishops, and many very Learned Men (far differing from Romish Priests) rejected his Traditions which he brought from Rome, and would not admit thereof, detested his Pride, renounced his Authori­ty, and would not accept of him for their Archbishop, as he desired to be; and for the space of an hundred years at least, refused to commu­nicate with those that had received the same. And then the Bishops and Churches of Scotland joyned with the Britains against those new obser­vations which the same Augustine brought from Rome. At that time there were 1200. Monks at the Monastery of Bangor in Wales (not Popish Monks; and idle Belly-gods, but) all living with the labour of their hands, and bestowing the time of rest from their labours in Prayer and Meditation on the Scriptures. Over that Church, at Austin's coming, was Dinochus a Learned Man, who, when Austin required the British Bishops to be subject to his Romish Authority, convinced them by diverse Arguments, that they did not owe him any such subjection; whereat Augustine being highly offended, is said to have spoken these words, Quod si pacem cum fratribus accipere nollent, bellum ab hostibus forent accepturi: & si Nationi Anglorum noluissent viam vitae praedicare, per horum manus ultionem essent mortis passuri: that if they would not accept of peace with their Brethren, they should receive War from their Enemies; and seeing they would not joyn with him in Preaching the way of life to the Saxons, they should feel the force of their Enemies Sword: And some Writers say, that he stirred up Ethelfred King of Northumberland against them, who, with an Army of Infidels, cruelly and unmercifully slew them, who came forth to him in their shirts to entreat for mercy, fifty onely escaping.

But their innocent blood went not long unrevenged, for we read, how three British Princes, viz. Blederick Duke of Cornwall, Margaduc Duke of South Wales, and Cadwan Duke of North Wales, Nicol. Trivet. gave Battel to the Northumberlanders, as they were invading Wales, and not onely dangerously wounded the foresaid. Ethelfred their King, but also dis­comfited his Army, and slew ten thousand and sixty of his Souldiers; forcing him at last to Articles of composition, that he should confine himself within his own Countrey, North of Trent, and leave all Wales to be entirely and peaceably enjoyed by the Britains, the true owners thereof.

Here we are to take our farewell of the British Church, for some hun­dreds of years, wanting instructions concerning the remarkable par­ticulars thereof, saith Dr. Fuller in his Church History of Britain.

Let us now return to our Augustine, who all this while was very in­dustrious, and no less successful in converting the Saxons to the Christi­an Faith, insomuch that a certain Author reporteth, how in the River Swale near Richmond in York-shire, Augustine in one day Baptized above [Page 14] ten thousand: but Bede makes no mention at all hereof, and ascribeth this numerous baptizing to Paulinus Bishop of York many years after. In that age nothing was used with Baptism, but Baptism, the word and the water made the Sacrament. At Corn in Dorset-shire Austin destroy­ed the Idol of Heale, or Aesculapius, which the Saxons formerly adored.

Sebert King of Essex (Nephew to Ethelbert King of Kent by Ricula his sister) embraced the Faith, with all his Kingdome, by the Ministry of Mellitus, whom Augustine ordained Bishop of London: making also one Justus a Roman Bishop of Rochester.

Bed. Eccl. Hist. li [...]. 2. ca. 3. Augustine died, and was buried in the Northern part of the new Church in Canterbury, dedicated to Peter and Paul. Bede saith this inscrip­tion was written upon his Monument. Here resteth Lord Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, who being in times past sent hither by blessed Gregory Bishop of the Roman City, and supported by God with the working of Miracles, brought King Ethelbert and his Country from the Worshiping of Idols to the faith of Christ, and the daies of his Office being finished in peace, he died the seventh of the Calends of June, the same King reigning. But in this Epitaph one thing is wanting, and that mainly ma­terial, namely the year that he did.

After the death of Augustine, Laurentius a Roman succeeded him, whom Augustine in his life-time ordained in that place. King Ethelbert, having reigned fifty Six, and been a Christian one and twenty years, died, and was buried nigh to Queen Bertha (who died a little before him) in the Porch of St. Martins Church in Canterbury; which fabrick with some other Churches, by him were beautifully built and bounti­fully endowed.

After the death of Ethelbert Anno 616. Eadbald, his son and the sons of Sebert King of the East- Saxons, succeeding them, refused to be baptized, or imbrace the Christian faith, professed and set up Idolatry, expelled their Bishops, driving them out of this land into France, til at last King Eadbald being converted to Christianity by Laurentius Arch­bishop of Canterbury, presently began to take care of the affaires of the Church, and at the desire of Laurentius, Justus and Mellitus, re­turned again into England. Rochester readily received their Bishop, but London refused to entertain good Mellitus, who led a private life in Lon­don, til that after the death of Laurentius, he succeeded him in the Church of Canterbury. Five years sate Mellitus in Canterbury, after whose death Justus Bishop of Rochester succeeded him, and had his Pall solemnly sent him by Pope Boniface.

Ethelfred being slain by the Britains, Edwin succeedeth him, and was setled in the general government of the Saxons; who by the per­swasion of Paulinus embraced and professed the Christian Religion, de­stroyed the Temples, Altars and Images of their Idol-Gods, and was, with [Page 15] all his Nobles and much people, baptized in the City of York, by Pau­linus Anno 627.

About this time Pope Boniface V. directed diverse Epistles to England, wherein were many passages fighting against Christ's satisfaction.

A few years after the conversion of the East Angles was advanced by King Sigebert, and after the death of Earpwald, his successor in the Kingdome. Bede give's him this character, that he became vir Christia­nissimus & Doctissimus, being assisted by the preaching of Felix, a Monk of Burgundy, he converted his Subjects to Christianity. This Felix was made the first Bishop of Dunwich in Suffolk, a place formerly furnish­ed with fifty and two Churches, and hath scarce two now remaining, the rest being swallowed up by the Sea. This Sigebert is generally re­puted the founder of the University of Cambridge.

Edwin fell out with Cadwallan, King of the Britains, and slew many thousand Christian Britains in battle, putting him and the rest to flight. Anno 633. After the victory Edwin led his Army through the Provin­c [...] of Britain, burning their Cities, and wasting their Colonies, and brought those Provinces under his subjection, chasing Cadwallan into Ireland. But Cadwallan returning from thence with ten thousand men, assisted by Penda King of Mercia, wasted the Countrey of King Edwin. Both these Kings at last met in a field called Heath-field, where Edwin was slaine, and his whole Army overthrown: Cadwallan slew both the Sons of King Edwin, and for a whole year [...]stroyed the Provinces of the Northumbrians. After the death of Edwin, his whole Kingdome [...]el ap­sed to Paganism; and Paulinus, Arch-Bishop of York, taking with him Queen Ethelburga sister to Eadbald King of Kent, returned into Kent, and there became Bishop of Rochester.

After the death of King Edwin, his Kingdome of Northumberland was divided into two parts, both petty Kingdomes. Osrich, Cousin-German of King Edwin, was King of Deira; and Eanfrith the eldest son of Ethelfred, was King of Bernicia. They were both Christians, but be­came Apostates, and were slain by Cadwallan in the first year.

Oswald, the second son of Ethelfred, succeeded unto them, and over­threw Cadwallan. Bishop Aidan converted Oswald, Usher's Reli­gion of the antient Irish. p. 115. which King disdained not to preach, and expound to his Subjects and Nobles in the English tongue, that which Aidan preached to the Saxons in the Scottish tongue. By the Ministry of Aidan (the first Bishop of Linsfarn) was the King­dome of Northumberland recovered from Paganism. Petry. Church hist. Cent. 7. Aidan parted all that was given him, by the King or Potent men, among the poor: and ceased not to go from town to town, and from house to house, not on hors-back, but on foot, always catechizing, whether he met with rich or poor: if they were Pagans, he instructed them; if they were Christians he confirmed them in the faith; and exhorted unto the works of Pie [...]y and Charity, especially to read the Scriptures diligent­ly; [Page 16] he died Anno 651. From Northumberland the word of God was spread among many others of the Saxon Kingdomes.

The Scotch, that professed no subjection to the Church of Rome, were they that sent preachers to the conversion of these Countries, Ephr. Pagit. Religion of the antient Bri­tains. and or­dained Bishops to govern them, as Aidan forementioned, Finan, and Colman: for the East Saxons Cedd, and for the Mercians Diuma: for the paucity of Priests (saith Beda) constrained one Bishop to be appointed over two people. Finan converted the Kingdomes of the East Saxons, and Mercia. Pope Honorius sent Birinus unto the West- Saxons, who by his preaching converteth many, and among the rest Kyngils, the West- Sax­on King, whom he Baptized. Oswald, King of Northumberland was present at that time, and was first God-father, then father in law to King Kyngils, to whom he gave his Daughter to Wife.

Dorchester, an old City in Oxford-shire, was made the seate of Biri­nus his Bishoprick. Sussex, and the Isle of Wight also were convert­ed. About this time Honorius, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, divided England (so much thereof as was Christian) into Parishes. Anno 64 [...]. the first lent began in those parts of England, which obeyed the Roman celebration of Easter.

Oswald, King of Northumberland, fighting at Maserfield (since Oswas­trey in Shrop-shire) against Penda the Pagan Prince of Mercia, Fabian. Chro­nic. part. 5. was overthrown, slain, and his Bodie most barbarously abused and chopped in pieces. Oswy his younge [...] brother recovered his Kingdome after one year; and buried his head in the Church-yard of Lyndesar.

Sigebert was perswaded by his Monks to enter into a Cloister: his end was lamentable: for when he had given over his Kingdome to his Cou­sin Egrick, the forenamed Penda entred his Kingdome with an Army: his subjects forced him to go into the field, where both he and Egrick were slain. Others say, he was murdered by two Villains.

Penda, Prince of Mercia, having married Alfreda, Daughter of Os­wy, King of Northumberland, renounced Paganism, embraced Christiani­ty, and propogated it in his Dominions. Indeed, Penda his father, that persecutor of piety, was yet alive (and survived two years after) per­sisting an Heathen till death, but mollified to permit a toleration of Christianity in his Subjects.

From Colmkil (as a most famous Seminary of learning) at that time, sprang forth those, who not onely did resist the beginnings of Anti-Chri­stian pride at home, and in our neighbour-Country, but they sowed the seed of the Gospel in other Nations. Such was that famous Rumold, who was called Mechlinensis Apostolus. Pappas in hi­stor. convers. Gent. Gallus brought Helvetia from Paganism, as Pappas witnesseth, built sundry Monasteries there. Ca­lumban, a man of excellent holiness and learning, lived sometime in Ban­gor, and thence went into Burgundy, where he began the Monasterie Lux­ovien, and taught the Monks, of his own Country especially, to live by [Page 17] the works of their own hands. Platina in Bo­nifacio quarto. Also because he rebuked Theodorick for his leacherous life, he was forced to flie, and visited sundry parts of Ger­many: thence he went into Italy, and began another Abby on the Ap­pennine Hills beside Bobium in Tuscany. Levin also tur nd many to the faith about Ghent and Esca.

Furseus, and his brother Fullan, with two Presbyters, Gobban and Di­cul, obtained land from Sigebert King of Essex, and built the Abby of Cnobsherburg: and passing into France, he began the Abby at Latiniac, where he died. Diuma was ordained first Bishop of Mercia, where he converted many to the Faith, in the reign of the Christian Penda: and for his rare gifts the Bishoprick of Middlesex was committed to his charge, unto whom succeeded Cella a Scot. Also Florentius went to Argentine, or Strausburg, and was the first Bishop thereof: he opened the first School in Alsatia about the year 669. Kilian, the first Bishop of Wortsburg, did first instruct the people of East- France, in the Christian Faith. Anno. 668. Colonat a Priest, and Thomas a Deacon, followed him in all his Travels. Burcard succeeded, to whom King Pippin gave a Dukedome: and from thence among all the Bishops of Germany, one­ly the Bishop of Wortsburg carieth a Sword and Priests Gown in his badge. Unto these Scots John Pappas joyneth some Britans, as Willibrod Reformer of Frisia; and two brethren Evaldi, the one Sirnamed the Black, the other the White. John Pappas saith they converted the West-phalians to the Christian Faith, and suffered Martyrdome near Bremen. John Bale sheweth their Death.

Pope Agatho sent John (the Arch-chaunter of St. Peters in Rome) into England, to compose the difference betwixt Honoricus and Wilfrid the two Archbishops, and withal to deliver them the Acts of Pope Mar­tin the first, and to teach them to sing the Liturgy according to the custom of Rome — Benedictus Biscopius, a Nobleman of England, went to Rome in the service of the Church; and brought many Books into the Monasteries of Tinmouth, and Wirmouth. The first Glass in this Island is said to be his gift.

Mark what Beda saith of the custom in those dayes: Then they never came into a Church, but onely for hearing the Word, and Prayer [no word of the Mass] the King would come with five or six, and he stayed till the Prayer was ended. All the care of these Doctors was to serve God, not the World; to feed Souls, not their own Bodies: wherefore in those dayes wheresoever a Clerk or Monk did come, he was received as a Servant of God: If he were seen journeying, they were glad to be signed with his Hand, or blessed with his Mouth, and they gave good heed unto the words of his Exhortation. And on the Lord's day they came in Flocks to the Church or Monasteries, not to refresh their Bodies [nor to hear Masses] but to hear the Word; and if any Priest entred into a Village, incontinently all the People would assemble, being de­sirous [Page 18] to hear the Word of Life: for neither did the Priests go into Vil­lages upon any other occasion, except to Preach, or visit the Sick, or to feed Souls. At that time the Clergy and Monks in England had liberty to Marry.

Then Theodorus, who succeeded Deus-dedit, Bishop of Canterbury, brought many Books thither, erecting a well-furnished Library, and teaching his Clergy how to make use thereof. He rigorously pressed Conformity to Rome, in the observation of Easter; and to that purpose a Council was called at Hartford; here Easter was setled according to the Romish Rite. In this Synod nine other Articles were concluded of, as Stapleton hath thus Translated them out of Bede. Lib. 4. c. 5.

• I. That no Bishop should have ought to do in another's Diocess, but be contented with the charge of the people committed unto him.
• II. That no Bishop should any-wise trouble such Monasteries as were Consecrated, and given to God, nor violently take from them ought was theirs.
• III. That Monks should not go from one Monastery to another, un­less by the leave of their own Abbot; but should continue in the obe­dience which they promised at the time of their conversion, and entrance into Religion.
• IV. That none of the Clergy, forsaking his own Bishop, should run up and down where he lists; nor when he came any whither, should be received without Letters of Commendation from his Diocesan, &c.
• V. That such Bishops and Clerks as are strangers, be content with such Hospitality as is given them, and that it be lawful for none of them to execute any Office of a Priest, without the permission of the Bishop in whose Diocess they are known to be.
• VI. It hath seemed good to us all, that a Synod and Convocation should be Assembled once a year, on the first day of August, at the place called Clofeshooh.
• VII. That no Bishop should ambitiously prefer himself above another, but should all acknowledge the time and order of their consecra­tion.
• VIII. That the number of the Bishops should be encreased, the number of Christian folk daily waxing greater.
• IX. That no man commit Advoutry, nor Fornication; that no man forsake his own Wife, but for onely Fornication, as the holy Gospel teacheth. And if any Man put away his Wife, being lawfully mar­ried unto him, if he will be a right Christian Man, let him be joyned to none other; but let him so continue, still sole, or else be reconciled again to his own Wife.

This Synod Stapleton calleth, the first of the English Nation, that is, whose Canons are completely extant.

Theodorus Archbishop of Canterbury envyed Wilfrid Bishop of York, and endeavoured, that the Diocess of York might be divided; whereat Wilfrid being offended, goes to Rome, and in his passage thither, by a Tempest he is cast on the Shoar of Freezland in Belgia, where the In­habitants (as yet Pagans) were by his Preaching converted to Christi­anity. Returning into England, he returned not unto York, but stayed in the Pagan Kingdom of the South Saxons, who also by God's blessing on his endeavours were perswaded to embrace the Christian Faith. These South Saxons (of all the seven Kingdomes) were the last that were converted to Christ, and yet their Countrey was next in situation unto Kent, where the Gospel was first planted. Indeed Edilwalck their King was a little before Christened by the perswasion of Wolpher King of Mercia (who was his God-father, and at his Baptizing gave him for a gift the Isle of Wight, & Provinciam Meanvarorum in Gente occidenta­lium Saxonum) but his Countrey still remained in Paganism. And al­though Dicul a Scot, with six others, had a small Monastery at Bosenham in Sussex, yet they were more careful of their own safety, than of their Neighbours conversion. Wilfrid builded an Abbey in Selsey in Sussex, he taught the South Saxons the craft of fishing.

Cedda the Bishop of West Saxons died, and his Deacon Wenfrede was his successor: Soon after this time died Wina Bishop of London, after whom was Bishop Erkenwald, who founded the Monasteries of Chertsey in Surrey, and Barking in Essex. But that of Chertsey was thrown down by the Danes, and re-edified by Edgar King of England.

Then Theodorus kept a Synod or Council of Bishops at Hatfield, by authority of which Council he divided the Province of Mercia, that Sexwolphus then ruled alone, into five Bishopricks; that is, one to Che­ster, the second to Worcester, the third to Lichfield, the fourth to Cedema in Lindsey, and the fifth to Dorchester.

Cadwallader, the last King of Wales, wearied out with Wars, Famine and Pestilence, left his own Land, and with some small treasure fled to Alan, King of Little Britain: He was the last King of the stock of Britains. After he had reigned three years he went to Rome, and there died, and was buried in the Church of St. Peter, with this Epitaph up­on his Tomb.

The which verses are thus Englished by Fabian.

About the year 692. Ina King of the West Saxons, set forth his Sax­on Laws, translated into English by Mr. Lambert; he enacted many Laws, viz. De regula vivendi Ministrorum Dei; de Infantibus baptizandis; de censu Ecclesiae, &c.

Anno 694. a great Council was held at Becanceld by Withred King of Kent, and Bertuald Archbishop of Britain, wherein many things were concluded in favour of the Church. Five Kentish Abbesses, namely Mil­dred, Ethelred, Aete, Wilnolde, and Hereswide, were not onely present, but subscribed their names and crosses to the Constitutions concluded therein. And we may observe, that their subscriptions are placed, not onely before and above all Presbyters, but also above Botred a Bishop present in this Council. There was likewise a Council held at Bergham­steed by Withred King of Kent: Then Bishop Wilfrid was removed to York again, where he continued not long, and being thence expelled again, he was for a time made Bishop of Leicester.

CENT. VIII.

WIlfrid was troubled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, he ap­pealeth to Rome, and is acquitted; he is at last restored, and died in peace in the LXXVI. year of his age, having been 45. years a Bishop, and was buried in his Monastery at Rippon.

Camden's Brit. in Wilt­shire.The Bishoprick of Sherborn having been taken out of the Bishoprick of Winchester by King Ina, Adelme his Kinsman was made first Bishop thereof. This Adelme was the first of our English Nation, who wrote in Latine, and the first that taught our English Nation to make Latine verse, according to his promise.

He wrote many Books; one of Virginity, another of the Celebration of Easter: And about this time the Libraries of Monasteries began to be replenished with Books, many being written in that Age.

In this age there were many Saints (such as they were) of Royal, or Noble extraction: of these Noble Saints, St. Guthlake, a Benedictine Monk, was the first Saxon that professed an Eremetical life in England; he was a Monk in the Abbey of Repyndon, and the third year after he went to Crowland, that is, the raw or crude Land, a fenny place in Lincoln-shire, and there led for a while an Anchoret's life, and there finally was bu­ried; in which Isle and place of his burying, was built a fair Abbey.

About the year 709. a Synod was assembled at Alncester in Worcester-shire, to promote the building of Evesham Abbey; which was done ac­cordingly, and the same was bountifully endowed by Offa, and other Mercian Kings, with large revenues: And not long after, another Synod was called at London, to introduce into England the doctrine of Image-worship, now first beginning to appear in the publick practice of it.

Now also flourished another Noble-born Saint, viz. John of Beverley, Archbishop of York, a Learned Man, and who gave the education to one more Learned than himself, I mean, Venerable Bede, who acknowledg­eth, that he received the order of Priesthood from him.

About this time it was fashionable for Kings and Queens in England, to renounce the World, and turn Monks and Nuns, commonly in Convents of their own Foundation: but they had an high opinion to merit Heaven thereby.

Among the Saxon Princes who thus renounced the World, in this and the next Century, these nine following were the principal.

• 1. Kinigilsus, King of West Saxons.
• 2. Ina, King of West Saxons.
• 3. Ceololfus, King of Northumberland.
• 3. Edbertus, King of Northumberland.
• 5. Ethelred, King of Mercia.
• 6. Kenred, King of Mercia.
• 7. Offa, King of East Saxons.
• 8. Sebbi, King of East Saxons.
• 9. Sigebert, King of East Angles.

Ina builded the Abbey at Glastonbury in the 32 year of his Reign; Sir H. Spe [...]m. in conciliis. besides his bounty to other Churches, he bestowed on the Church of Glastonbury, two thousand six hundred pounds weight, in the Utensils thereof, of massy Gold and Silver: He was the first King of this Land, [Page 22] that granted a penny out of every fire-house in England to be paid to the Court of Rome, which was called long after Rome-scot, or Peter-pence, and was to be paid on St. Peters day. After this he went to Rome in Pil­grimage, in the fellowship of poor Men, and there built a School for the English, and a Church adjoyning to it to bury their dead.

But Winnifrid, an English Man, about this time converted to Christ the Provinces of Franconia and Hassia in Germany.

About the same time flourished Bede, a Presbyter in the Monastery of Weremouth, near Durham; he was born at Girwy, now in the Bishoprick of Durham, brought up by St. Cuthbert, and was the profoundest Scho­lar of his Age, for Latine, Greek, Philosophy, History, Divinity, Mathe­maticks, Musick, and what not? Homilies of his making were read in his life-time in the Christian Churches, a dignity afforded to him alone. He wrote the Ecclesiastical History, and dedicated it to Ceolwolfus King of Northumberland: He is generally sirnamed Venerable, and is still ac­counted worthy of that Title: He was credulous in believing of false Miracles, and slipped into some corruptions of the times, as Chrism and Confession; yet, even in these, he differed from the latter times. In the Articles of positive Doctrine he was clear: He did observe and deplore the growing corruptions of the Church; for in an Epistle to Ecbert he did not approve the specious and spacious buildings of Monasteries; and else-where, he saith, Let the Reader behold with tears a thing worthy of tears, how far the Church slideth daily into a worse, or (to speak moderate­ly into a weaker estate. He wrote many Books, as John Bale testifieth: He lived 72 years, and died Anno 734.

At that time began the general viciousness of the Saxons, occasioned by the uncleanness of Ethelbald, King of Mercia, whose unlawful lust made no difference of Places, or Persons, Castles, or Cloisters: Then Boniface an English Man, having boldly reproved Ethelbald, for Adul­tery, and Tyranny, was forced, by that King (who sought his life) to fly to Rome, from whence Gregory the second, Bishop of Rome sent him into Germany to convert the Saxons. He caused the Monastery of Eulda to be built, in favour of the English, and was slain at Borna, being Bishop of Mentz.

Afterwards Ethelbald reformed himself; and not onely so, but with Cuthbert Archbishop of Canterbury, called a Council at Cliffe in Kent; the Acts of this Synod were 31 Canons, four whereof I shall set down, as being the chief.

• I. That the Priests learn, and teach to know the Creed, Lord's Prayer, and words of Consecration in the Eucharist, in the English Tongue.
• II. That the Lord's day be honourably observed.
• III. That the sin of drunkenness be avoyded, especially in the Clergy.
• IV. That Prayers be publikely made for Kings and Princes.

King Ethelbald, and Offa were present; and they two, with many Dukes and Counts, confirm the Decrees with their subscriptions.

About the year 755 Kenulphus, King of West Saxons conferred large priviledges on the Monastery of Abbingdon in Bark-shire. Anno 758. Bodies were first brought to be buried in Churches, which by degrees brought in much superstition.

In the year 789. the Danes first invaded England Danes their first arrival in England. with a considerable Army. The landing of these Danes in England was ushered with many sad Prognosticks: Stars were seen strangely falling from Heaven, and sundry terrible flames appeared in the Skies: Serpents were seen in Sus­sex, and blood reigned in some parts of this Land. Lindesfern, or Holy Island, was the first that felt the fury of these Pagans, but soon after no place was secure from their cruelty.

At this time the Archbishoprick of Canterbury was in part removed to Lichfield, by reason of the Puissance and Ambition of Offa, King of Mercia, commanding in chief over England. Ethelbert, King of the East Saxons, went to Marry the Daughter of Offa, and Offa perfidi­ously caused him to be murdered: After which he gave the tenth part of all that he had unto the Church, and several Lands to the Church of Hereford; and then he went to Rome, and there confirmed and enlarged, to Pope Adrian, the gift of Peter-pence. Then was the corps of St. Al­ban in pompous manner taken up, enshrined, and adored by the specta­tors: Offa being at Rome, procured the Canonization of St. Alban, the absolution of his own sins, and many murders, and visited and endowed the English Colledge there; and then returning home, he Founded the Monastery of St. Albans, bestowing great Lands and liberties upon it, as freeing it from the payment of Peter-pence, Episcopal jurisdiction, and the like. Next year Offa died, and was buried at Bedford.

Then flourished Alcuinus, or Albinus, Scholar to Venerable Bede, and Tutor to Charles the Great, who in an Epistle written to him, calleth him Master; of whom Trithemius give's this character, R. Hoveden Annal. part. 1. Vir in divinis Scripturis eruditissimus, & in secularium literarum peritia nulli suo tempore secundus. He opposed the Canons of the second Nicene Council, where­in the Superstitious adoration of Images was enjoyned: He wrote di­vers Books against the Errors of Felix and Eliphant: Felix in reading them, wrote a Recantation to the Presbyters and Deacons of his Church: His Books de Trinitate are written so clearly, that Sixtus Senensis saith, they were written by John Calvin, and published in the name of Alcuinus; but Dr. James saith, that ancient Copies thereof were in the Prince's li­brary at St. James, and they were Printed at Lions, Anno 1525. when Calvin had not begun to write.

Egbert, King of the West Saxons in the year 800. having vanquished, Tho. Cooper. Mercia, Kent, Essex, and Northumberland, made himself sole Monarch of England, and fixed the supreme Sovereignty in himself and posterity. [Page 24] For, though afterward there continued some petty Kings, as Kenulph, King of Mercia, &c. yet they shined but dimly, and in the next Age were utterly extinguished: Egbert commanded this Land to be called Anglia, and the Inhabitants Angles, or English Men.

CENT. IX.

ANno 801. the Archbishoprick was restored to Canterbury, at the in­stance of Kenulph, King of Mercia. Then Ethelard the Arch­bishop called a Synod at Clivesho in Kent, where, by power from the Pope, he riveted the Archbishoprick into the City of Canterbury. The subscriptions in this Council were the most formal and solemn of any so Antient. There was likewise at Celichyth an eminent Council, under Wolphred (who succeeded Ethelard) Archbishop of Canterbury.

King Egbert was now in the exaltation of his greatness; but the Danes beat the English in a Naval fight at Carmouth in Dorset-shire, which pro­ved fatal to our Nation. Hence forward these Pagans setled themselves in some part of the Land.

Anno 837. Ethelwolph, his Son, succeeded his Father Egbert in the Throne; a valiant and devout Prince, though much molested by the Danes all his life-time.

About the year 855. Ethelwolph King of the West Saxons, summoned a Parlament of his Princes, Nobles, and Bishops at Winchester, in the midst of the Danish Wars and Invasions, to consult with them, how he might pacifie God's wrath against him, and his Realm? And by their ad­vise and assent granted the Tithes, or tenth part of all his Lands to God and his Ministers, free from all secular services and exactions, great and small, that they might the more freely pour out their prayers to God for him and his Realm. He subjected the whole Kingdom to the payment of Tithes; he was the first-born Monarch of England. Indeed before his time there were Monarchs of the Saxon Heptarchy, but not successive, and fixed in a Family, but fluctuating from one Kingdom to another. Egbert, Father to this Ethelwolph atchieved and left this Monarchy to this his Son; not Monarcha factus, but natus, and so in unquestionable Power to make this Act obligatory over all the Land, saith Fuller.

King Ethelwolph the next year went in Pilgrimage to Rome, and con­firmed, unto the Pope, his Predecessors grant of Peter-pence, and (besides) bestowed upon him the yearly Revenue of three hundred Marks, thus to be expended.

1. To maintain Candles for St. Peter, one hundred Marks.

2. To maintain Candles for St. Paul, one hundred Marks.

3. For a free Largess to the Pope, one hundred Marks.

After the Death of King Ethelwolph, and his two Sons Ethelbald and Ethelbert succeeding him, this Land was in a sad condition, though in a worse estate under the reign of his third Son, being harassed by the Danes. About sixty years since the West Saxons had subdued the other six Kings of this Nation, yet so, that they still continued Kings, but Homagers to the West Saxon Monarchy. They beholding Ethelred the West Saxon King, embroiled with the invasion of the Danes, they not onely lazily looked on, but secretly smiled at this sight. Thus the height of the Saxon pride and envy, caused the breadth of the Danish power and cruelty.

Anno 870. the Danes made an inrode into Lincoln-shire, where they met with stout resistance: The Christians had the better the first day, wherein the Danes lost three of their Kings, buried in a place thence called Trekingham; so had they the second day till at night breaking their Ranks to pursue the Danes in their dissembled flight, they were ut­terly overthrown.

Theodore Abbot of Crowland, hearing of the Danes approach, Shipped away most of his Monks, with the choycest Relicks and Treasures of his Convent, and cast his most pretious Vessels into a Well in the Cloister. The rest remaining were at their morning praiers, when the Danes en­tring Slew

Then the Danes marched to Medamstead (since called Peterbrough) where finding the Abby-gates locked against them, they resolved to force their entrance, in effecting whereof Tulba, Brother to Count Hubba, was wounded almost to death with a stone cast at him. Hubba enraged hereat, killed Abbot Hedda, and all the Monks, being fourscore and four, with his own hand. Then was the Abby set on fire, which burned fifteen daies together, wherein an excellent Library was consumed. Having pillaged the Abby, and broke the Tombs and Coffins of many Saints there enterred, these Pagans marched forward into Camdridge-shire, and passing the river Nine, two of their waggons fell into the water, wherein the cattle which drew them were drowned, much of their rich plunder lost, and more impared.

The Danes spared no Age, Sex, condition of people. They wasted Cambridge, burnt the (then) City of Thetford, forced Edmond, King of the East-Angles, into his Castle of Framlingham. They took, him, and [Page 26] because he would not deny Christ, they tyed him unto a Tree, and shot at him til he died. Then they cut of his head, and cast it among the bush­es. His own Subjects buried him both head and body at Hatsedon, which from thence was called, St. Edmonds-bury. There after-ages shrined, sainted, and adored his Reliques. King Ethelbert behaved himself brave­ly in nine Battles with various success against the Danes, and the more he slew, the more they grew, which went neer his heart, therefore he wi­thered away in the flower of his age, desiring rather to encounter death than the Danes, Guliel. Mal­mesbur. de Gestis Regum Anglor. lib. 2. according to the observation of the English Historian, that the Saxon Kings in this age, magis optabant honestum exitum, quam acerbum Imperium.

In this sad condition God sent England a deliverer, namely King Al­fred or Alured, fourth son of Ethelwolph by the Lady Ogburgh. He was born in England; bred in Rome, where, by a Prolepsis, (saith Fuller) he was anointed King by Pope Leo (though then but a private Prince, and his three elder brothers alive) in auspicium futuri regni, in hope that hereafter he should come to the Crown. The Danes at his coming to the Crown, had London, many of the in-land, more of the maritime Towns, and Alfred onely three effectual Shires Sommerset, Wiltes and Dorset: yet by God's blessing on his endeavours, he got to be Monarch of all England.

Anno 872.In the beginning of his reign, he was sorely distressed by the Danes, and one of his greatest Courts for residence, was an Island, now known by the name of Athelney in the County of Sommerset, in the Saxon tongue called Aethelingarg that is, Nobilium Insula, so termed by reason of the Kings abode, and the concourse of his Nobles unto him: in this place he lived poorly disguised in a Cow-herds house. Being excellent In Musick and Songs, he oftentimes in the habit and posture of a common Minstril, did insinuate himself in the Danist Camp, where his plausible cariage and skill gained a freedome of access and passage in the company of their Princes at banquets, and other meetings; and thereby he dis­covered their conditions, and all their martial counsels and designes. He returneth to his comfortless company, and unmasking himself and the Da­nish designes, cheereth them up, and with a refreshed Power and strength suddenly issued forth, and gave a fierce assault upon the secure Danes: he slew multitudes of them, and enforced the remainder to a shameful flight for the safe-guard of their lives. In this Isle Alfred had built a kind of Castle, or Fortress, to receive him and his Nobles upon return from their Sallies and Encounters during his Wars in those parts.

About a year after that memorable overthrow, viz. Anno 879. in a Battel at Kinwich in Devon-shire, Halden, and some of the chief Lea­ders of the Danes, received their death's wound, and ended their lives; hereupon the daunted and dispersed Danes humbly present their termes of Peace to King Alfred with Pledges and Hostages, that they would [Page 27] either depart the Land, or become Christians, which was accepted by him. Guthrun, their new King, upon the death of their other Leaders with thirty Noble-men, and almost all his People, received Baptism in the new Castle of Athelney, where King Alfred was Godfather to him, and gave him the name of Athelstane; and upon a confederation between them, Alfred did assign unto him the Provinces of the East-Angles, and Northumberland; Ʋt eas sub fidelitate Regis jure haereditario foveret, quas pervaserat latrocinio; that he might enjoy that by right, which be­fore he usurped by rapine: and unto the new-baptized Nobles, he gave many large and rich gifts. This truce, or league, was about the ninth year of his Reign, and thus beginneth, Faedus, quod Aluredus, Lamb. Archai fol. 49. & Gy­thrudus, Reges, ex sapientum Anglorum, atque eorum omnium, qui orien­talem incolebant Angliam consulto ferierunt, in quod praeterea, singuli non solum de seipsis, verumetiam de natis suis, ac nondum in lu [...]em editis (quot­quot saltem misericordiae divinae aut Regia velint esse participes) jurarunt. That is, they did by a solemn Oath ratifie this League, as well for them­selves as for those that were then born, and unborn, that would be par­takers of mercy from God or the King.

Then having set bounds to his Dominions, certain Comitial Lawes and Ordinances were made between them, enlarged and amplified by their Senators. Before all things they proposed and preferred the strict and holy worshipping of Almighty God, and abandoning all barbarous Idolatry, next, they took care for the Enacting, Registring, and En­rolling of Moral Laws, for containing of Subjects in their several duties, and due obedience, and therefore they first decreed, That the peace of the Church within her Walls (as it was then delivered by the hand of King Alfred) should be piously and inviolably observed. They proceeded to the promotion and propagation of the Christian Faith, and the abolition of all Paganism, and Heathenish Rites; for coertion of Clearks, and Men in Holy Orders, if they committed any Perjury, Fornication, or other Offences, or were unconformable in the celebration of Festival-days, times of Abstinence, or other Orders and Injunctions of the Church; prohibiting Merchandi­sing, and secular Negotiations upon the Lord's day. In all which the Impositions of Penalties and Punishments upon an English Man, and a Dane, were differenced one from the other. They also provided for the exilement of Witches, Wizzards, common Strumpets, and other lewd Creatures; with other good Laws for avoiding of Homicides, and for preservation of Peace and Government, and maintenance of each Man's right of property in this their National commixture.

This adjured League quieted the Civil discords of the Danes and Saxons for the space of four years, until the twelfth year of Alfred's Reign: And afterwards the continual inrode of the stragling unbaptized Danes issuing out of France, and other places (who vexed that Ea­stern part of the Land) molested this good King untill his Death.

This King divided his moveables into equal portions; the one he ap­pointed for uses Secular, and divided it into three parts, one for his Fami­ly, another for building of new Works, and a third he reserved for strangers: The other half he dedicated unto uses Ecclesiastical, and di­vided it into four portions; one for relief of the Poor, another to Mona­steries, the third to the Schools in Oxford, where he had erected a School for Grammar; another for Philosophy, and a third for Divinity; whereas before they had neither Grammar nor Sciences, because Pope Gregory I. gave in command, that Britain should have no Schools, for fear of Heresies, but onely Monasteries. The Regents in the Univer­sity, and Readers in the Divinity-School, were Neoth, a worthy Divine, and Grimbald, well-skilled in Divinity: In Grammar and Rhetorick, the Learned Asserius, who wrote the life of this King: In Logick, Mu­sick, and Arithmetick, the Reader was John, a Monk of St. Davids: In Geometry and Astronomy, read John a companion of Grimbald, a Man Witty and Learned; at which Lectures, this famous King Alfred was present. He gave many pensions to Scholars, Learned Men in all Arts, to instruct his Subjects in Religion, and all kinds of Learning: He contri­buted much to the relief of distressed Churches without his Realm: He protected his Realm from oppression and injustice by his Sheriffs, Justices, and other Officers, whose proceedings he frequently examined, punishing them severely when they had judged, or injured others con­trary to Law, out of Malice, Corruption, or Partiality: He divided the Day and Night into three parts; one eight hours he allowed himself for Eating, Drinking, Sleeping and Recreation; another eight hours he spent in hearing Causes, and in doing Justice; and the rest of his time spent in Prayer, Reading the Scriptures, Meditation, and other pious Ex­ercises. And for the instructing his Subjects in the Holy Scriptures, he began to Translate the Psalmes of David, himself, into the English Tongue, but being prevented by Death, did not finish it: He gathered Psalmes and Prayers together into a little Book, which he called a Manual, or Hand-book, Bish. Godwin. Catal. which he always caried about him. He was the first letter­ed Prince in this Kingdom, since it had it's denomination of England, and was disciplined under the care of Plegmundus, a Man of eminent Parts and Learning, who was born in Mercia, and from the solitary life of an Heremite in the Isle of Chester, was called to be Tutor to this Noble Prince. A little after his Inauguration to the Kingdom, he had the comfortable service and attendance of Werefridus (who was conse­crated Bishop of Worcester on Whitsunday, Anno 872.) for at his com­mand he Translated the Dialogues of Gregory, out of the Latin into the Saxon or English Dialect: he had all the helps, advice, and instructi­ons of Plegmundus, his Tutor, who was afterward Consecrated Arch­bishop of Canterbury. Asserius (as himself affirmeth) abode with the King in his Court by the space of eight Moneths before his return into [Page 29] Wales, in which time he constantly read divers Books unto him: for it was his custom both day and night, amidst all other impediments both of Mind and Body, to be ever versed in reading Books himself, or hear­ing them read by others.

This unparallelled King died, Anno 900. after he had reigned 29 years and six moneths, having fought 56 Battels with the Pagan- Danes. His Epitaph is the Epitome of his life, which the happiness of thankful times have dedicated to him as a Monument of his eternal fame, and here followeth out of the Works of a Modern Chronographer.

Englished by Mr. Flemming.

In this King's reign flourished Johannes Scotus, Erigena, (with addi­tion sometimes of Sophista) born in Ireland, for distinction from a for­mer born at Melrose, and another in the XIII. Century, born in Duns, otherwise called Subtilis: he was a man of pregnant Judgement, won­drous Eloquence; and (in those days) rare knowledge of the Greek, Chaldean, and Arabian Languages. He wrote a Book, De corpore & san­guine Domini, against the Opinion of Carnal presence, which was con­demned at the Synod of Vercelles. Bellarmine Bellarm. de Euch. lib. 1. c. 1. saith, This man was the first, who wrote doubtingly of this matter: He was the Counsellor to King Alfred, and Teacher of his Children, afterwards he retired to the Ab­bey at Malmesbury, Z [...]pper. de Ca­lum. haer [...]s. Berengar. where his disciples Murthered him with their Pen­knives, being enticed thereunto by the Monks, because he spake against the carnal presence, and was accounted a Martyr, as was recorded by William of Malmesbury, de gest. Reg. Ang. lib. 2. cap. 4.

CENT. X.

AT this time there was no Bishop in all the West parts of England: Pope Formosus, being offended hereat, interdicted, King, and Kingdom. But Pleigmund Archbishop of Canterbury posted to Rome, informing the Pope, that Edward (called the Elder, the Son of King Alfred) had, in a late summoned Synod, founded some new, and supplied all old vacant Bishoprickes; and carying with him honorifica munera, the Pope turned his curse into a blessing, and ratified their election.

The names of the seven Bishops which Pleigmund consecrated in one day, were, Fridstan Bishop of Winchester, Werstan of Shireburn, Ke­nulph of Dorchester, Beornege of Selsey, Athelme of Wells, Eadulfe of Crediton in Devon, and Athelstan in Cornwall of St. Petrocks: These three last Western Bishops were in this Council newly erected.

A Synod was called at Intingford, where Edward the elder, and Gu­thurn King of the Danes, in that part of England, which formerly be­longed to the East Angles, onely confirmed the same Ecclesiastical consti­tutions which King Alured had made before.

King Edward remembring the Pious example of his Father Alfred in founding of Oxford, began to repair and restore the University of Cam­bridge; Joh. Rossius in lib. de Regib. for the Danes, who kept the Kingdom of the East Angles for their home, had banished all Learning from that place.

This King Edward the elder, expelled the Danes out of Essex, Mercia, and Northumberland. At that time the authority of investing Bishops, and other Ecclesiastical Benefices, as also of prescribing Lawes unto [Page 31] Church-men, as well as unto the Laity, was in the power of the King, not of the Pope: but the Pope would be medling in such matters by way of Confirmation.

Athelstan, his Son, succeeded King Edward, being much devoted to St. John of Beverley, on whose Church he bestowed large priviledges. Many Councils were kept in this King's Reign at Excester, Feversham, Thunderfield, and London: But one held at Greatlea is of greatest ac­count for the Lawes therein enacted; especially that concerning the payment of Tithes, which is thus Written; I Athelstan King, Spelman. in Concil. p. 405. by advice of Viselm my Archbishop, and of other Bishops, command all the Prelates of my Kingdom, in the name of our Lord, and of all the Saints, that first of all they, out of my own things, pay the Tithes unto God, as well of the living Beasts, as of the Corn of the ground; and the Bishops to do the like in their property, and the Presbyters. This I will, that Bishops, and other Head-men declare the same unto such as be under their subjection, &c. He ordained, that in every Burrough all measures and weights should be confirmed by the Bishop's advice and testimony. About that time Hoel King of Wales, made a Law, That no Church-man should be a Judge in Civil affairs.

Now St. Dunstan appeareth in Court, born at Glastonbury, of Noble Parentage, yea Kinsman remote to Athelstane himself: His eminencies were Painting and Graving; an excellent Musician, and an admirable worker in Brass and Iron. After a while he is accused for a Magician, and banished the Court. But after the Death of King Athelstane, he was re-called to Court in the Reign of King Edmond, Athelstan's bro­ther, and flourished for a time in great favour; but his old crime of be­ing a Magician, and a wanton with Women, being laid to his charge, he is re-banished the Court.

But King Edmond being slain by one Leoff a Thief, Edred his Brother succeeding to the Crown, Dunstan is made the King's Treasurer, Chan­cellor, Councellor, Confessor: Secular Priests were thrust out of their Convents, and Monks substituted in their rooms.

But after Edred's death Dunstan falls into disgrace with King Edwin, his Successor, and being expelled the Kingdom, flieth into Flanders. Mean-time all the Monks in England of Dunstan's plantation, are rooted up, and Secular Priests set in their places.

Soon after many commotions happened in England, especially in Mer­cia and Northumberland. King Edwin died in the flower of his age.

Edgar succeedeth him, and recalls Dunstan home, Fuller Church History. who hath two Bi­shopricks given him, Worcester and London. King Edgar gave over his Soul, Body, and Estate, to be ordered by Dunstan, and two more (then the Triumvirate who ruled England) viz. Ethelwald Bishop of Win­chester, and Oswald afterward Bishop of Worcester. This Oswald was the man, who procured, by the Kings Authority, the ejection of all secular Priests out of Worcester: which Act was called Oswald's Law. In that Age [Page 32] Dunstan being made Archbishop of Canterbury, Antonin. hist. lit. 19. part. 3. ca. 3. Secular Priests were thrown out, and Monks every where fixed in their rooms. Many did dispute, and preach against Dunstan. And Alfred Prince of Mercia took part with the Priests.

Fuller makes mention of a fair and authentick guilded Manuscript, wherein he stileth himself God's Vicar in England, for the ordering Ec­clesiastical matters, a Title which at this day the Pope will hardly vouch­safe to any Christian Princes.

Hoel-Dha then held a National Council, for all Wales, at Ty-quin, or the White House. The Canons therein were wholly in favour of the Clergy; enacting this amongst the rest, That the presence of a Priest and a Judge constitute a legal Court, as the two persons only in the Quorum thereof. There were then seven Episcopal Seats in Wales. 1. S. Da­vids. 2. Ismael. 3. Degenian. 4. Ʋsyl. 5. Teylaw. 6. Teule­dauc. 7. Kenew.

King Edgar died peaceably, leaving his Crown to Edward his Son, whom (being under Age) he committed to the tuition of Dunstan. In this King's reign three Councils were successively called, to determine the difference between Monks and Secular Priests. The first was at Win­chester, where the Priests being outed of their Convents, earnestly pres­sed for restitution. Polydor Virgil writes, that in the Synod it was concluded, that the Priests should be restored. But a voice was immedi­ately heard from the wall (as coming from a Crucifix behind Dunstan) saying, They think amiss that favour the Priests. That was received as a Divine Oracle, and the Priests were secluded from their Benefices and Monasteries.

A second Council was called at Kirtlington (now Catlage in Cambridge-shire) but to little effect. The same year a third Council was called at Caln in Wilt-shire, hither came Priests and Monks in great numbers. Beornelm, a Scottish Bishop, defended the cause of the Priests with Scripture and Reason. But on a sudden Dunstan by his Art caused the Beams or Joists of the Room where they were assembled to break and fall: Catal. test. verit. many were wounded; most of the Secular Priests were slain, and buried under the ruines thereof: only Dunstan was safe with his Chair that was fixed on a Pillar. So the controversie was ended with devilish cruelty. It appears not what provision was made for these Priests when ejected.

King Edward went to Corff-Castle, where at that time his Mother-in-Law with her Son Egelred lay; and by her contrivance he was barba­rously murthered as he was drinking on Horse-back, and was buried at Wareham: and Ethelred, Edward's half-brother, succeeded him in the Throne.

Dunstan died, and was buried on the South-side of the high Altar in the Church of Canterbury. After his death, the Monks were cast out [Page 33] of the Convent of Canterbury, by reason of their misdemeanours.

Siricius, the next Archbishop of Canterbury, endeavoured the re-ex­pulsion of the Priests, which by Elfrick his Successor was effected. By him a Sermon was appointed to be read publickly on Easter-day before the Communion. The same Author hath two other Treatises; one di­rected to Wolfsin Bishop of Shirburn, and another to Wulfstan Bishop of York, about the Sacrament.

Soon after, the Danes by a firm Ejection outed the Monks, before they were well warm in their Nests: Their fury fell more on Convents than Castles. England for these last sixty years had been freed from their cruelty, which now returned more dreadful than ever before. These Danes were also advantaged by the unactiveness of King Ethelred, who with ten thousand pounds purchased a present Peace with the Danes. The multitude of Monasteries invited the Invasion, and facilitated the Conquest of the Danes over England.

Holy Island was forsaken by the fearful Monks, affrighted with the approach of the Danes: and Alhunus, the Bishop thereof, removed his Cathedral and Convent to Durham, an Inland place of more safety. The Danes having received and spent their Money, invaded England afresh, according to all Wise mens expectation.

CENT. XI.

IN the beginning of this Century certain Danes fled into a Church at Oxford; hoping the Sanctity thereof (according to the devout Prin­ciples of that Age) would secure them. But by command from King Ethelred, they were all burned in the place, whose blood remained not long unrevenged. The Danish fury fell fiercest on the City of Canter­bury with fire and sword, destroying eight thousand people therein. Swanus the Dane tithed the Monks of S. Augustine's Abbey, killing nine by cruel torment, and keeping the tenth alive for slaves. They slew there of Religious men, to the number of nine hundred. And when they had kept the Bishop Elphege in strait prison the space of eight months (because he would not agree to give them three thousand pounds) after many villanies done unto him, at Greenwich they stoned him to death. Next year a nameless Bishop of London was slain by them; and a great part of the City of London was wasted with fire. The Danes burnt Cambridge to ashes, and harassed the Country round about.

King Ethelred sent his Wife Emma, with his two Sons, Alfred and Edward, to Richard Duke of Normandy, which was Brother to the said Emma, with whom also he sent the Bishop of London, whither also himself went, after he had spent a great part of the Winter in the Isle of [Page 34] Wight, whither he was chased of the Danes. Swanus hearing that Egel­red was departed out of the Land, imposed great Exactions upon the people; and among other he required a great sum of money of S. Ed­mond's Lands, which the people there claiming to be free of all King's tribute, denied to pay. Hereupon Swanus entred the Territory of St. Edmond, and wasted the Countrey, threatening to spoil the place of his burial. The men of the Countrey fell to fasting and prayer, and soon after Swanus died suddenly, crying and yelling among his Knights. In fear whereof Canutus, his Son and Successor, ditched the Land of St. Edmond with a deep Ditch, and granted to the Inhabitants thereof great Immunities, quitting them from all Tribute, and after builded a Church over the place of his Sepulture, ordained there an House of Monks, and endowed them with rich possessions. After that time, the Kings of England when they were crowned, sent their Crowns for an offering to St. Edmond's Shrine, and redeemed them afterward with a condign price.

After the death of Egelred, great contention was in England for the Crown: some were for Edmond Ironside the Son of Egelred, and some for Canutus. After many bloody Fights, both parties agree to try the quarrel betwixt them two only: in sight of both Armies they make the Essay with Swords and sharp strokes: in the end upon the motion of Canutus they agree, and kiss one another, to the joy of both Armies, and they covenant for parting the Land during their lives, and they lived as Brethren. Within a few years a Son of Edrik Duke of Mercia kil­led Edmond traiterously, and brought his two Sons unto Canutus, who sent them to his Brother Swanus, King of Denmark, willing him to dispatch them. But he abhorring such a fact, sent them to Solomon King of Hungary, who married Edwyn to his Daughter, and soon after died. Edward married Agatha the Daughter of the Emperour Henry the Third.

Swanus King of Denmark died; and that Land fell to Canutus, who anon after sailed thither, and took the possession, and returned into England, and married Emma, late Wife of Egelred, and by her had a Son called Hardiknout. He assembled a Parliament at Oxford, wherein was agreed, that English men and Danes should hold the Laws made by King Edgar, as most just and reasonable: He established Laws Ecclesi­astical, as well as Civil. Canutus went on pilgrimage to Rome, and there founded an Hospital for English Pilgrims: He shrined the body of Ber­nius, and gave great Lands to the Cathedral Church of Winchester: He builded St. Bennet's in Norfolk, which was before an Hermitage. Also St. Edmond's-bury, which King Athelstane ordained before for a Col­ledge of Priests, he turned to an Abbey of Monks of Saint Bennet's Order.

Two of his Sons succeeded him, first his base Son, called, from his swiftness, Harold, Harefoot, a man of a cowardly disposition. He reign­ed but four years, and the Kingdom fell to Hardiknout King of Den­mark, his Brother, who when he had reigned two years, being drunk at Lambeth, suddenly was stricken dumb, and fell down to the ground, and within eight dayes after died without issue of his Body. Thus ended the Danish Kings: which Danes had vexed and wasted the Land two hun­dred fifty five years.

When England was freed from the Danes, they sent into Normandy, inviting over Edward the Confessor, and brother to King Edmond He was crowned Anno 1045. In his time was the Law made which concern­ed the King's Oath at Coronation. Mathew Paris describes the Man­ners of the Countrey at his coming thus, The Nobles were given to glut­tony and leachery: they went not to Church in the morning, but only had a Priest, which made haste with the Mass and Mattens in their chambers, and they heard a little with their ears. The Clergy were so ignorant, that if any knew the Grammar, he was admired by them: most men spent nights and dayes in carousing. In his dayes England injoyed Halcion dayes, free from Danish invasions.

The Ecclesiastical Laws, made by this King in his reign, were.

• I. That every Clerk and Scholar should quietly enjoy their goods and possessions.
• II. What solemn Festivals people may come and go of, without any Law­suits to disturb them.
• III. That in all Courts where the Bishop's Proctor doth appear, his case is first to be heard and determined.
• IV. That guilty folk flying to the Church should there have protection, not to be reproved by any, but the Bishop and his Ministers.
• V. That Tithes be paid to the Church of Sheep, Pigs, Bees, and the like.
• VI. How the Ordal was to be ordered for the trial of guilty persons by fire and water.
• VII. That Peter-pence, or Rome-scot, be faithfully paid to the Pope.

This King is reported to have entailed (by Heaven's Consort) an he­reditary vertue on his Successors the Kings of England (only with this condition, that they continue constant in Christianity) to cure the King's Evil.

In this King's reign lived Marianus Scotus, that wrote much of the deeds of the Kings of England.

King Edward died childless. Harold the Son of Earl Godwin succeed­ed him. Indeed the undoubted right lay in Edgar Atheling, Son to Ed­ward the Outlaw, Grandchild to Edmond Iron-side King of England. But he being young and tender, and of a soft temper, and Harold being rich and strong in Knights, the Nobles chose Harold to be their King. As soon as he was crowned, he established many good Laws, especially such as were for the good of the Church, and for the punishment of evil-doers.

Harold was slain in a battel near Hastings in Sussex, and William Duke of Normandy obtained the Crown of England by conquest: within a few years he made a great alteration in England: the most part of his Knights and Bishops were Normans; and many English with Edgar fled into Scotland, where King Malcolm had married Edgar's Sister Marga­ret. They incited Malcolm to invade England, and he entred into the North part. At last a peace was concluded, and a Mark-stone was set up in Stanmoor, as the mark of both Kingdoms, with the Pourtraict of both Kings on the sides of the Stone.

Although then corruptions crept into the Church by degrees, and di­vine worship began then to be clogged with superstitious Ceremonies, yet that the Doctrine remained still entire in most material points, will appear by an Induction of the dominative Controversies, wherein we differ from the Church of Rome, as Fuller in his Church-History of Bri­tain hath observed.

I. Scripture generally read.

Bed. Eccl. hist, lib. 3. ca. 5.For such as were with the holy Bishop Aidan, either Clergy, or Lai­ty, were tyed to exercise themselves in reading the holy Word, and in singing of Psalms.

II. The Original preferred.

Caradoc. in Chron. of Cambridge.For Ricemath a Britain, a right learned and godly Clerk, Son to Sul­gen, Bishop of St. David's, flourishing in this Age, made this Epigram on those who translated the Psalter out of the Greek, so taking it at the second hand, and not drawing it immediately from the first vessel.

III. No Prayers for the dead in the modern notion of Papists.

For though we find prayers for the dead, yet they were not in the na­ture of propitiation for their sins, or to procure relaxation from their torments: but were only an honourable commemoration of their me­mories, and a Sacrifice of thanksgiving for their salvation.

IV. Purgatory then not perfected, though newly invented.

For although there are frequent Visions and Revelations in this Age pretended, thereon to build Purgatory (which had no ground in Scripture) yet it stood not then as now it stands in the Romish belief.

V. Communion under both kinds.

For Bede relateth, that one Hildmer, an Officer of Egfride King of Northumberland, entreated our Cuthbert to send a Priest that might mi­nister the Sacrament of the Lord's Body and Blood unto his Wife, that then lay a dying. And Cuthbert himself immediately before his own departure out of this life, received the communion of the Lord's Body and Blood. So that the Eucharist was then administred entire, and not maimed as it is by the Papists at this day. And though the word Mass was frequent in that Age, yet was it not known to be offered as a propi­tiatory Sacrifice for the quick and dead.

King William to testifie his thankfulness to God for his Victory, founded in that place Battel-Abbey, endowing it with Revenues, and large immunities: The 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 Abby-Church was a place of safety for any Fellon or Murtherer. Here the Monks flourish­ed in all abundance till the dayes of Henry the Eighth.

Then Dooms-day Book was made, containing an exact survay of the Houses and Lands in the Kingdom, which took up some years before it was compleated.

King William called a Council of his Bishops at Winchester, wherein he was personally present, with two Cardinals sent from Rome. Here [Page 38] Stigand Archbishop of Canterbury was deposed, and Lanfrank a Lom­bard substituted in his room.

Sir John Da­vys in his Irish report.A learned Lawyer hath observed, that the first encroachment of the Pope upon the Liberties of the Crown of England, was made in the time of King William the Conqueror. For the Conqueror came in with the Pope's Banner, and under it won the battel, which got him the Garland, and therefore the Pope presumed he might boldly pluck some flowers from it, being partly gained by his countenance and blessing.

Although this politick Prince was complementally courteous to the See of Rome; yet 1. He retained the ancient custom of the Saxon Kings, investing Bishops and Abbots by delivering them a Ring and a Staff, whereby without more ado they were put into plenary possession of the power and profit of their place. He said, He would keep all Pastoral Staves in his own hand.

2. Being demanded to do Fealty for his Crown of England unto Pope Gregory the Seventh, he wrote thus unto him, That he would not do Fealty unto the Pope, because neither had he promised it, nor did he find his Prede­cessors had performed it.

3. This King would in no wise suffer any one in his Dominion to ac­knowledge the Bishop of Rome for Apostolical without his command; or to receive the Pope's Letters, except first they had been shewed unto him. And although the Archbishop of Canterbury by his own Authority might congregate Councils, and sit as President therein: yet the King permit­ted him to appoint or prohibit nothing, but what was according to his own will, and what the King had ordained before.

4. The King suffered no Bishop to excommunicate any of his Barons, or Officers, for Adultery, Incest, or any such hainous crime, except by the King's command, first made acquainted with the same.

This King gave unto the Bishops an entire Jurisdiction by themselves to judge all causes relating to Religion, for before that time the Sheriff and Bishop kept their Court together. He granted the Clergy through­out England Tithes of Calves, Colts, Lambs, Milk, Butter, Cheese, Woods, Meadows, Mills, &c.

Then Thomas a Norman was preferred to the Archbishoprick of York. Betwixt Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury, and this Thomas, there grew great contention for the Oath of Obedience, but in the end, Tho­mas subscribed obedience to the other. Then it was decreed, that York for that time should be subject to Canterbury in matters appertaining to the Church: so that wheresoever within England the Archbishop of Canterbury would hold his Council, the Bishops of York should resort thither with their Bishops, and be obedient to his Decrees Cano­nical.

Then were divers Bishops Seats altered from Villages to great Cities; as of Sealsey to Chichester: out of Cornwall to Exeter: from Wells to [Page 39] Bath; from Shirburn to Salisbury; from Dorchester in Oxford-shire to Lincoln; from Lichfield to Chester; which Bishoprick of Chester, Robert, then Bishop, reduced from Chester to Coventry.

At this time several Liturgies were used in England, which caused confusion, and much disturbed mens devotions. A brawl happened be­twixt the English Monks of Glastonbury, and Thurstan their Norman Ab­bot, in their very Church, obtruding a Service upon them which they disliked: eight Monks were wounded, and two slain near the steps of the high Altar. This ill accident occasioned a settlement, and uniformity of Liturgy all over England: An uniformi­ty of Liturgy all over Eng­land. for hereupon Osmund Bishop of Salisbury, devised that form of Service, which hereafter was observed in the whole Realm. Henceforward the most ignorant Parish-Priest in England un­derstood the meaning of, Secundum usum Sarum; that all Service must be ordered; According to the course and custom of Salisbury Church.

King William brought many Jews into England (for before his reign I find none in this Land) from Roan in Normandy; and setled them in London, Norwich, Cambridge, Northampton.

In the dayes of Lanfrank, Waltelm Bishop of Winchester, had placed about forty Canons instead of Monks; but it held not, for Lanfrank cast out secular Priests, and substituted Monks in their rooms. He also contested with Odo Bishop of Bayeux (though half-Brother to King William, and Earl of Kent) and in a legal Trial regained many Lord­ships, which Odo had unjustly invaded.

Although in this King's time there was almost no English-man that bare Office of honour or rule, yet he favoured the City of London, and granted them the first Charter that ever they had, written in the Saxon tongue, and sealed with green Wax, expressed in eight or nine lines.

King William died in Normandy, and William Rufus, his second Son, Anno 1088. was crowned King of England. He began very bountifully; to some Churches he gave ten Marks, to others six, to every Countrey-Village five shillings, besides an hundred pounds to every County to be distributed among the poor. But afterward he proved very parcimonious, though no man more prodigal of never performed Promises.

This year died Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury, after whose death the King seized the profits of that See into his own hand, and kept the Church vacant for some years. He kept at the same time the Arch­bishoprick of Canterbury, the Bishopricks of Winchester and Durham, and thirteen Abbies in his hand, and brought a mass of Money into his Exchequer. All places which he parted with, was upon present pay­ment. He quarrelled with Remigius Bishop of Lincoln, about the found­ing of his Cathedral, and forced him to buy his peace. And without a sum of Money paid to the King, John Bishop of Wells could not remove his Seat to Bath.

King Rufus coming to Glocester, fell very sick: hereupon he made An­selm (the Abbot of Beck in Normandy) one of eminent learning, and strictness of life, Archbishop of Canterbury. The King soon after sent to him for a thousand pounds, which Anselm refused to pay.

Then Herbert, Bishop of Thetford, removed his Episcopal Seat from Thetford to Norwich, where he first founded the Cathedral. Herbert Bishop of Thetford founded the Cathedral at Norwich. Then died Wolstan Bishop of Worcester, an English-man born, a mortified man.

Near this time began the holy War. Robert Duke of Normandy, to fit himself for that Voyage, sold his Dukedome to King William Rufus for ten thousand Marks. To pay this money King Rufus laid a grievous Tax over all the Realm, extorting it with such severity, that the Monks were fain to sell the Church-plate, and very Chalices, for discharging thereof. And when the Clergy desired to be eased of their burdens; I beseech you (said he) have ye not Coffins of gold and Silver for dead mens bones? intimating, that the same Treasure might otherwise be bet­ter employed.

At this time there was contention at Rome between two Popes, Ʋrban and Clement the Third. Rufus took part with Clement; but Anselm stuck to Ʋrban, and required of the King leave to fetch his Pall of Ʋrban. All the rest of the Bishops were against him. Mean-while the King had sent two Messengers to the Pope for the Pall, who returned, and brought with them Gualter Bishop of Alban, the Pope's Legate, with the Pall to be given to Anselm. Which Legate so perswaded the King, that Ʋrban was received Pope through the whole Land. But afterwards grew great displeasure betwixt them, so that Anselm went to appear to Rome, where he remained in exile; and the King seized all his Goods and Lands into his own Coffers. Ʋrban gave unto Anselm the Archbishops Pall, there­by voiding the Investiture which he received from King William, and obliging him there-after to depend on him: as also he did, whereat the King incensed, interdicted to Anselm his entry into England, confisca­ted the Lands of the Archbishoprick, and declared, that his Bishops held their Places and Estates merely from him, and were not subject unto the Pope for the same. To which all the Bishops of England sub­scribed: neither did any of them contradict it, but the onely Bishop of Rochester, as a Suffragan to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

By the intervention of Friends Anselm made his peace: But being re­turned into England, he soon after began to disswade the Clergy from receiving Investitures from the King; wherefore he was forced again to fly out of the Kingdom, and his estate was again seized upon and con­fiscated, of which he had obteined restitution at his return.

King William the Conqueror had made the new-forrest in Hant-shire, with a great devastation of Towns and Churches, the place (as Fuller saith) being turned into a Wilderness for Men, and a Paradise for [Page 41] Deer. King Ruffus hunting in this Forrest, was here slain by the glancing of an arrow, shot by Sir Walter Tirrell, and was buried at Winchester. He gave to the Monks, called De Charitate, the great new Church of S. Saviours in Bermondsey, with the Manor thereof, as also of Charleton in Kent.

Henry Beaucleark his Brother, succeeded him in the throne, being one of the profoundest Scholars, and most politick Princes in his genera­tion. To ingratiate himself to the English, he instantly and actually re­pealed the cruel Norman Lawes, the good and gentle Laws of King Ed­ward the Confessor he reduced, with correction of them: Anselm from exile was speedily recalled, and to his Church, Lands, and Goods, was ful­ly restored. The late King's extorting Publicanes (whereof Ranulph Flam­bard, Bishop of Durham, the principal) were imprisoned, the Court-cor­ruption reformed; Adultery (then grown common) severely punished.

CENT. XII.

KIng Henry was Married to Mawd, Daughter to Malcolm King of Scots, who lived sometime as a Nun under the tuition of Christian her Aunt, Abbess of Wilton: She was Sister to Edgar Atheling, and Grand-child of Edmond Iron-side, whereby his Issue might merely be both of the English Blood, and of the Ancient Saxon Kings.

Anselm summoneth a Council at Westminster, where first he Excom­municated all Married Priests; half the Clergy at that time being Married, or the Sons of Married Priests: he also inhibited all Lay-men to hear their Masses. He also deprived many great Prelates of their promotions, because they had accepted their Investitures from the King, which was done by receiving of a Pastoral Staffe and a Ring, an Ancient rite, testi­fying that their Donation was from their Sovereign: in which number were the Abbots of Ely, of Romsey, of Pershore, of St. Edmonds, of Tavestock, Peterborough, Burch, Bodiac, Stoke, and Middleton: for which his boldness, and for refusing to Consecrate certain Bishops ad­vanced by the King, great contention fell betwixt them: and Anselm ap­pealed to Pope Paschal, and soon after fled to Rome. Hereupon the King enjoyned Gerard Archbishop of York to Consecrate William of Win­chester, Roger of Hereford, &c. But William Bishop of Winchester re­fused Consecration from the Archbishop of York, and resigned his Staff and Ring back again to the King as illegally from him. This discomposed all the rest.

But not long after by the mediation of Friends the King and Anselm are reconciled; the King disclaiming his right of Investiture. And now Anselm who formerly refused, consecrated all the Bishops of vacant Sees. Then did Anselm forbid the Priests Marriage. But Anselm died [Page 42] before he could finish his project of Priests divorces. His two next Suc­cessors, Rodulphus and William Corbel, went on vigorously with the de­sign, but met with many and great obstructions: Other Bishops found the like opposition, but chiefly the Bishop of Norwich, whose obstinate Clergy would keep their Wives in defiance of his endeavours against them. But they were forced to forgo their Wives. Among those Mar­ried Priests there was one Ealphegus flourishing for Learning and Piety; he resided at Plymouth in Devon-shire

To order the refractory Married Clergy, the Bishops were fain to call in the aid of the Pope. John Bishop of Cremona, an Italian Cardi­nal, did urge the single Life of the Clergy, and said, It is a vile crime, that a Man rising from the side of his Concubine, should consecrate the Body of Christ. The same Night he was taken in bed with a Whore, after he had spoken those words in a Synod at London. The thing was so notorious, that it could not be denied, saith Matthew Paris. This much advantaged the reputation of Married Priests: The King taking a fine of Married Priests, permitted them to enjoy their Wives.

About this time the old Abbey of Ely was advanced into a new Bi­shoprick, and Cambridge-shire assigned for it's Diocess, taken from the Bishoprick of Lincoln. Spaldwick Manor in Huntington-shire was given to Lincoln, in reparation of the jurisdiction taken from it, and bestow­ed on Ely. One Hervey, who had been banished by the Welch from the poor Bishoprick of Bangor, was made the first Bishop of Ely. Hervey, the first Bishop of Ely. King Henry bestowed great Priviledges upon that Bishoprick.

Then Bernard, Chaplain to the King, and Chancellor to the Queen, was the first Norman, made Bishop of St. Davids; who soon denied subjection to Canterbury, and would be an absolute Archbishop of him­self: But William Archbishop of Canterbury, aided by the Pope, at last forced the Bishop of St. Davids to a submission.

King Henry died at the Town of St. Denys in Normandy of a surfeit by eating of Lampreys. He was buried at Reading in Bark-shire in the Abbey that himself had there founded and endowed with large pos­sessions.

Stephen, Earl of Bologn, hearing of King Henrie's Death, hasteth over into England, and seizeth on the Crown. He was Son to Adela, Daughter to King William the Conqueror; but Mawd first Married to Henry the Emperor of Germany, was the undoubted heir of the Crown. She was constantly called the Empress after the Death of the Emperor, though Married to Geoffery Plantagenet, her second Husband. Unto her all the Clergy, and Nobility had sworn fealty in her Father's life-time.

William Archbishop of Canterbury, notwithstanding his Oath to Mawd, solemnly Crowned Stephen, shewing himself thereby perjured to his God, disloyal to his Princess, and ingrateful to his Patroness, by whose special favour he had been preserved. The rest of the Bishops (to their shame) [Page 43] followed his example, hoping to obtain from an Usurper, what they could not get from a Lawful King, traiterously avowing, That it was baseness for so many, and so great Peers to be subject to a Woman.

King Stephen sealed a Charter at Oxford, Anno 1136. the Tenor whereof is, That all Liberties, Customs, Speeds Chron. and Possessions granted to the Church, should be firm and in force; That all Persons and Causes Ecclesiasti­cal, should appertain onely to Ecclesiastical Judicature, That none but Cler­gy-men should ever intermeddle with the Vacancies of Churches, or any Church-mens goods; That all bad usages in the Land touching Forrests, Exactions, &c. should be utterly extirpate, the antient Laws resto­red, &c.

The Clergy perceiving that King Stephen performed little of his large promises to them, were not formerly so forward in setting him up, but now more ready to pluck him down, and sided effectually with Mawd against him. Stephen fell violently on the Bishops, who then were most powerful in the Land: He imprisoned Roger Bishop of Sarisbury, till he had surrendered unto him the two Castles of Shirburn, and the Devi­zes, for the which Roger took such thought, that he died shortly after, and left in ready Coin forty thousand Marks, which after his Death came to the King's Coffers: he also uncastled Alexander of Lincoln, and Nigellus of Ely, taking a great Mass of Treasure from them. The Dean and Canons of Pauls, for crossing him in the choice of their Bi­shop, tasted of his fury, for he took their Focariaes, and cast them into the Tower of London, where they continued many dayes, till at last their liberty was purchased by the Canons at a great price. Roger Hoveden tells us plainly, that these Focariae were those Canons Concu­bines. See here the fruit of forbidding Marriage to the Clergy, against the Law of God and Nature.

Albericus, Bishop of Hostia, was sent by Pope Innocent into England, called a Synod at Westminster, where 18 Bishops, and thirty Abbots met together. Here was concluded, That no Priest, Deacon, Fuller. Church History. or-sub-deacon, should hold a Wife or Woman within his House, under pain of de­grading from his Christendom, and plain sending to Hell. That no Priest's Son should claim any Spiritual Living by heritage. That none should take a Benefice of any Lay-man. That none should be admitted to Cure, which had not the letters of his Orders. That Priests should do no bodily labour. And that their Transubstantiated God should dwell but eight dayes in the Box, for fear of worm-eating, moulding, or stinking. In this Synod Theobald, Abbot of Becco was chosen Archbishop of Canterbury, in the place of William lately Deceased.

The most considerable Clergy-man of England in this Age, for Birth, Wealth, and Learning, was Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester, and Brother to King Stephen. He was made by the Pope his Legat for Britain.

In this Council, where William of Malmesbury was present, there were three parties assembled with their attendance.

1. Roger of Sarisbury, with the rest of the Bishops, grievously com­plaining of their Castles taken from them.

2. Henry Bishop of Winchester, the Pope's Legat, and President of the Council: with Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, pretend­ing to Umpire matters moderately.

3. Hugh Archbishop of Roan, and Aubery de Vere (Ancestor to the Earl of Oxford) as Advocate for King Stephen.

This Aubery de Vere was Learned in the Laws, being charactered by my Author, Homo causarum varietatibus exercitatus, a man well versed in the windings of Causes. This Synod brake up without any extraordi­nary matter effected: For soon after Queen Mawd came with her Na­vy and Army out of Normandy, which turned Debates into Deeds, and Consultations into Actions.

There were many Religious Foundations built and endowed in the troublesom Reign of King Stephen; not to speak of the Monastery of St. Mary de Pratis founded by Robert Earl of Leicester, and many others of this time; the goodly Hospital of St. Katherines nigh London, was founded by Mawd, Wife to King Stephen. So stately was the Quire of this Hospital, that it was not much inferior to that of St. Pauls in London, when taken down in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth, by Doctor Thomas Wilson, the Master thereof, and Secretary of State: Yea King Stephen himself erected St. Stephen's Chappel in Westminster. He built also the Cistertians Monastery in Feversham, with an Hospital near the West-gate in York.

The King earnestly urged Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury to Crown his Son Eustace. But Theobald stoutly refused, though proscri­bed for the same, and forced to fly the Land, till after some time he was reconciled to the King. Eustace the King's Son died of a Frenzy, as going to plunder the Lands of Bury-Abbey. Hereupon an agreement was made between King Stephen, and Henry Duke of Normandy, Son of Mawd the Empress, the former holding the Crown during his Life, and after his Death setling the same on Henry, his adopted Son and Suc­cessor.

Platina in Adriano. IV.At this time Nicholas Breakspear, an English-man, born near Ʋxbridge, came to be Pope, called Adrian the fourth; he was not inferior to Hilde­brand in Pride. Shortly after he had Excomunicated the Emperor, he walked with his Cardinals, to refresh himself, in the Fields of Anagnia; and coming to a Spring of Water he would taste of it; and with the Water a Fly entreth into his Throat, and choaketh him. In the latter end of his Dayes he was wont to say, There is not a more wretched Life than [Page 45] to be Pope. To come into the seat of St. Peter by Ambition, Matth. Par [...]. is not to suc­ceed Peter in Feeding the Flock, but unto Romulus in Paracide; seeing that Seat is never obtained without some Brother's Blood.

King Stephen died, and was buried with his Son and Wife at Fever­sham in Kent, in a Monastery which himself had Erected. At the De­molishing whereof, some to gain the Lead wherein he was wrapped, cast his Corpse into the Sea.

King Henry the second succeeded him; a Prince Wise, Valiant, and generally Fortunate. He presently chose a Privy-Counsel of Clergy and Temporalty, and refined the Common Laws: yea toward the latter end of his Reign began the use of our Itinerant Judges. He parcelled Eng­land into six divisions, and appointed three Judges to every Circuit. He razed most of the Castles of England to the ground, the Bishops be­ing then the greatest Traders in those Fortifications.

He disclaimed all the Authority of the Pope, refused to pay Peter-pence, and interdicted all Appeals to Rome. At that time Phil [...]p de Brok, a Canon of Bedford, was questioned for Murther; he used reproach­ful speeches to the King's Justices, for which he was Censured; and the Judges complained unto the King, that there were many Robberies, and Rapes, and Murthers, to the number of an hundred, committed within the Realm by Church-men.

Thomas Becket, Doctor of Canon-law, was by the King made Lord Chancellor of England. Four years after upon the Death of Theobald, Becket was made by the King Archbishop of Canterbury.

Anno 1160. Thirty Teachers come from Germany into England, and taught the right use of Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, &c. and were put to Death. Then John of Sarum, and others, taught, that the Roman Church was the Whore of Babylon. Some were burnt with an hot Iron at Oxford, that dissented from the Roman Church.

The King Commanded that Justice should be executed upon all Men alike in his Courts: but Thomas Becket would have the Clergy (so of­fending) judged in the Ecclesiastical Court, and by Men of their own Coat. This Incensed the King against him. To retrench these enor­mities of the Clergy, the King called a Parliament at Clarendon near Sa­risbury, to confirm the Antient Laws and Customs, to which Becket with the rest of the Bishops consented and subscribed them; but afterwards recanting his own Act, renounced the same.

The same year the King required to have punishment of some misdo­ings among the Clergy. The Archbishop would not permit; and when he saw (in his judgement) the Liberties of the Church trodden under Foot; he without the King's knowledge took Ship, and intended toward Rome; but by a contrary Wind he was brought back. Then he was called to account for his Receipts, that came to his hand while he was High-Chancellor. He appealeth to the See of Rome; and, under pain [Page 46] of Excommunication, forbad both Bishops and Nobles to give Sentence against him, seeing he was both their Father and their Judge. Never­theless they, without his consent, gave Sentence against him. Then he, see­ing himself forsaken of all the other Bishops, lifted the Cross which he held in his Hand aloft, and went away from the Court; and the next day got him over into Flanders, and so to the Pope.

Matthew Paris hath many Letters betwixt the Pope and this King, and the King of France, and sundry Bishops of France and England, for reconciliation betwixt the King and the Archbishop, who abode seven years in exile. Thomas Becket quarrelled with Roger Archbishop of York for presuming to Crown Henry the King's Son (made joint-King in the Life of his Father) a priviledge which Becket claimed as pro­per to him alone. He solemnly resigned his Archbishoprick 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 mind were fully satisfied.

But afterward by the Mediation of the French King, Becket had leave given him to return into England; howsoever the King still retained his Temporals in his Hand, on weighty considerations, namely to shew their distinct Nature from the Spirituals of the Archbishoprick, to which alone they Pope could restore him.

Thomas returning into England Excommunicateth all the Bishops, which had been at the Coronation of the young King. The King sent, and required him to absolve them, seeing what was done to them, was done for his Cause: but Thomas refuseth.

The next year after, he Excommunicated solemnly the Lord Sackvill appointed by the King, Vicar of the Church at Canterbury, because he did derogate from the rights of the Church to please the King. He also Excommunicated one Robert Brook for cutting off an Horses tail, that carried Victuals to the Archbishops House.

The King being then in Normandy, grieved very sore before his Ser­vants at the insolent cariage of Thomas Becket. This moved Sir Richard Breton, Sir Hugh Morvil, Sir William Tracey, Sir Reginald Fitz-Ʋrse, to return into England; and coming to Canterbury, they found the Arch­bishop in Cathedral Church, at three a Clock in the After-noon, and calling him Traytor to the King, they slew him, and dashed his Brains upon the floor. His last words when he died, were, I commend my self and God's Cause unto God, and to the blessed Mary, and to the Saints Pa­trons of this Church, and to St. Denis.

Here see the lightness of the People; for the same Men that detested the pride of that Thomas, began to Worship him after his Death. Thus they sang of Thomas Becket.

Multitudes of People flocked to Canterbury yearly, especially on his Jubile, or each fifty years after his enshrining; an hundred thousand of English and Forreigners repaired thither. The Revenues of peoples Of­ferings amounted to more than six hundred pounds a year. Before Becket's Death, the Cathedral in Canterbury was called Christ-Church, it was afterward called the Church of St. Thomas; though since by the demolishing of Becket's shrine, the Church hath recovered it's Antient name.

King Henry protested himself innocent from the Death of Thomas Bec­ket, yet was he willing to undergo such a penance as the Pope would impose. The Pope made him buy his Absolution at a dear rate. He en­joyned him to suffer Appeals from England to Rome; to quit his Rights and Claim to the Investitures; to keep two hundred Men of Armes in pay for the Holy War; of which pay the Popes Assignes were to be the Receivers; and that in England they should celebrate the Feast of that glorious Martyr St. Thomas of Canterbury. The words of the Bull are these, We strictly charge you, that you solemnly Celebrate every year the Birth-day of the glorious Martyr Thomas, sometime Archbishop of Canter­bury, that is, the day of his passion, and that by devout Prayers to him, you endeavour to merit the remission of your sins.

To make the satisfaction compleat, King Henry passeth from Nor­mandy into England, stayeth at Canterbury, strippeth himself naked, and is whipped by diverse Monks, of whom some gave him five lashes, some three.

Concerning which penance Machiavel speaks thus in the first Book of the Hostory of Florence; These things were accepted by Henry, Le quali cose furono da En­rico accettare, et sotto-Messe si à quel giudi­cio un tanto Reche hoggi un huomo privato si vergogna­rebbe sottomersi &c. Tanto le cose che paiono sono piu da dis­costo che d'ap­presse temute. and so great a King submitted himself to that judgement, to which a private man in our dayes would be ashamed to submit himself. Then he exclaimeth, So much things that have some shew, are more dreaded afar off, than near hand: Which he saith, Because at the same time the Citizens of Rome expelled the Pope out of the City with disgrace, scorning his Excommu­nication. This was done in the year of our Lord 1170. as appeareth by these Verses.

In the year 1179. Lewis King of France, who had entertained Tho­mas at Sens, passed over into England to Worship him, and made his De­votions to his Relicks. Then Richard Prior of Dover, who divided Kent into three Archdeaconries, was made Archbishop of Canterbury. Fabian saith, Fabian. in Henry 2. He was a man of evil living, and wasted the goods of the Church inordinately.

A Synod was called at Westminster, the Pope's Legat being present thereat, where was a great Contention between the two Archbishops of Canterbury and York for Precedency; words begat blowes, and the Archbishop of Canterbury's party pulled York from his Seat to the ground, and tore his Casule, Chimer, and Rochet from his Back; and put the Legat in such fear, that he ran away. The next day after York Appealeth to Rome. Here the Pope interposed, and to end old divisions, made a new distinction, Entitling Canterbury, Primate of all England; and York, Primate of England.

King Henry died at Chinon in Normandy, and was buried with very great Solemnity in the Nunnery of Font-Everard in the same Countrey, a Religious House of his own Foundation and Endowment. At that time were many Married Priests in Britain.

His Son, Richard the first, sirnamed Coeur de Lyon, succeeded him, and on September 3. was crowned at Westminster of Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury. Then this King ordained the City of London to be ruled by two Bailiffs. The two first Bailiffs were Henry Chornhil, and Richard Fitz-River. In the time of the Coronation of the King, multitudes of the Jews in this Land were destroyed.

The King in part of satisfaction for his trespass against his Father (for Queen Elianor and his Sons had sided with the King of France against him) agreed with Philip the French King to take upon them the recove­ry of the Holy Land. Fabian Chron. King Richard gave over the Castles of Barwick and Roxburgh to the Scottish King for the sum of ten thousand pounds. He passed away the Earldom of Northumberland unto Hugh Pudsey Bishop of Durham for a great sum of Money for term of life; scoffing, that he had made a young Earl of an old Bishop. Besides, by the command­ment of Pope Clement the third, a tenth was exacted of the whole Realm

Fox. Acts and Monuments.The King set over the Realm as principal in his absence, the Bishop of Ely his Chancellor, and the Bishop of Durham; whom he ordained to be Chief Justice of England. Ely to have custody of the Tower, with the oversight of all other parts of the Land on this side Humber: and Durham to have charge over all other his Dominions beyond Hum­ber. The Pope also made William Bishop of Ely his Legate through all England and Scotland.

As for Men and Souldiers, the Prelates, Friars, and other Preachers, had stirred up innumerable by their manifold exhortations (the Arch­bishop [Page 49] of Canterbury having travelled through Wales in Person for that purpose) in Pulpits and private Conferences. Then King Richard (with some of our English Nobility, who adventured their Persons in the Holy War) crossed the Seas into France, to Philip King thereof. After some necessary stayes, having passed the River Rhene at Lions, they parted company: Philip marching over the Alpes into Italy, and King Richard to the Sea-side at Marsilia, there to meet with his Navy. King Richard's Fleet of Ships being not come, he embarked himself in twenty hired Galleys, and ten great Busses (a kind of Shipping then peculiar to the Mediterranean Seas) and set Sayl toward Messana in Sicily, the Ren­dezvouz of both the Kings and their Armies. In which passage King Richard lying at Anchor (on occasion) in the mouth of the River Ti­ber, not far from Rome, Octavianus the Bishop of Hostia repaired unto him, desiring him in the Pope's name, that he would visit his Holiness: which the King denied to do, alleadging that the Pope and his Officers had taken 700 Marks for Consecration of the Bishop of Mains, 1500 Marks for the Legative power of William Bishop of Ely; but of the Archbishop of Burdeaux an infinite sum of Money; whereupon he re­fused to see Rome.

King Richard studying to fit himself for the great attempt he had in hand, called before him his Archbishops and Bishops, that accompanied him, into a Chappel at the House where he was lodged, where he made a penitent confession of his sins, humbly Praying to God for Mercy, and them (as his subordinate Ministers) for Absolution: and God (saith R. Hoveden) respected him with the eyes of Mercy, so that from thence-forth he feared God, eschewing evil, and doing good.

King Richard sent for Joachim, Abbot of Calabria, a Man of great Learning and Understanding in the Scriptures, who at his coming he heard expounding the Apocalypse of St. John, touching the afflictions of the Church, and the state of Antichrist, which (saith he) was then born, and in the City of Rome, of whom the Apostle said, He should ex­alt himself above all that is called God.

Afterwards, at the siege of Acres, or Ptolemais in Palestine, Radul­phus de alta ripa, Archdeacon of Colchester ended his Life; there also died Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury, and Hubert Walter Bishop of Sarisbury (afterward Archbishop of Canterbury) was a most active Com­mander there, besides many more of the eminent Clergy engaged in that service. William Bishop of Ely playd Rex in the King's absence, abusing the Royal Authority committed to him. Acres was delivered to the King's of England and France, who divided the spoil of that City betwixt them.

King Richard after this and many other notable Atchievements in Pa­lestine, at his return from thence, was taken Prisoner by Leopald Duke of Austria, and detained by him with hard and Unprince-like usage: [Page 50] whil'st the English Clergy endeavoured the utmost for his enlargement. His fine was an hundred and fifty thousand Marks, to be paid, part to the Duke of Austria, part to Henry VI. Emperor of Germany: Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury with much diligence perfected the work, and, on his ransom paid, King Richard returned into England.

Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury, had almost finished a fair Covent for Monks at Lambeth, began by Baldwin, his Predecessor, but upon the petitions of the Monks of Canterbury to the Pope (contrary to the King's and Archbishop's desire) the Covent at Lambeth was utterly demolished.

As this Richard, was the first of the English Kings, who bare Armes on his Seals; so was he the first who carried in his shield Three Lions Pas­sant, born ever after for the Regal Armes of England. This King's daily exercise after his return was to rise early, and not to depart from the Church, till Divine Service were finished. Moreover, he bounti­fully relieved every day much Poor, both in his Court and Towns about, and restored Gold and Silver to such Churches from which to pay his ran­som they had been taken away.

The Bishop of Beavois being also an Earl of the Royal Blood, and the eleventh Peer of France, valiantly fighting against John the King's Bro­ther, was taken Armed at all points, and bravely mounted; on whose be­half the Pope (upon the Bishop's humble suit, pleading the Clergy's im­munity) wrote somewhat earnestly to King Richard, to set his very dear Son (for so he called the Bishop) at liberty. The King in a pleasant man­ner caused the Habergeon and Curasses of the Bishop to be presented to the Pope, with this question (alluding to that of Jacob's Children to their Father, concerning Joseph's Garment) Vide an haec sit filii tui tunica, an non? See whether this be thy Son's coat or not? Whereupon the Pope replied, That he was neither his Son, nor the Son of the Church, and there­fore should be Ransomed at the King's will, because he was rather judged to be a servitor of Mars, than a Souldier of Christ: Whom the King of Eng­land handled sharply.

Anno 1199. One Thurical, an English-man was in a rapture carried in the night to Purgatory, of which S. Nicholas is Governor, where al­so he saw the mouth of Hell, whence a stinking smoak issued out, which (as it was revealed to him) came out of Tithes detained, or ill paid, because there those Men were horribly punished, who had ill-paid the Tithes due to the Church. This is related by Mat. Paris, a Monk of St. Al­bans, superstitious according to the Age that he lived in. Then also came the Minorite Friars into England, When the Minorite Fri­ars came into England. their Order being but lately instituted.

King Richard laying Siege to a Castle called Chaluz belonging to the Viscount of Limoges, was shot into the Arm by a poisoned Arrow, where­upon the Iron remaining and festering in the wound, the King within nine dayes after died, having first forgiven the Souldier before his Death.

King John was Crowned in Westminster-Abbey, June 9. 1199. and was Sworn by Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, Quod sanctam Ecclesiam, & ejus ordinatos diligeret; & eam ob incursione malignantium indemnem conservaret; & dignitates illius bona fide, & sine malo ingenio servaret illasas, as Roger Hoveden expresseth it. This Archbishop, with all the Bi­shops, Abbots, Nobles, present at, and consenting to this Oath, and do­ing Homage and Fealty to him. The 13th of June following, he was so­lemnly Divorced, in Normandy, in the presence of three of his Norman Bishops, from the Duke of Gloucester's Daughter. Ʋnde magnam sum­mi Pontificis Innocentii tertii, & Curiae Romanae indignationem, prasumens temere contra leges & canones dissolvere, quod eorum fuerat authoritate colli­gatum, as Radulphus de Diceta informs us. But he soon after was Married to Isabel, sole Daughter and Heir of the Earl of Angolesme, who was Crowned Queen, Octob. 8. by Archbishop Hubert, this Pope and Cardi­nals, not daring to question, or null his Marriage.

CENT. XIII.

KIng John being no sooner possessed of the Realm of England, but in the very first year of his Reign, evidenced to all the World his Ecclesi­astical Sovereignty, both by ratifying, protecting, enlarging the Ecclesiasti­cal as well as Temporal Liberties, Privledges, Churches, Chappels, Tithes, Lands, Possessions, granted by his Ancestors to several Archbishopricks, Bishopricks, Monasteries in England, Ireland, Normandy, by sundry Char­ters, using this expression in the Prologue of Confirmation to the Mona­stery of Cirencester. Johannes Dei gratia, &c. Prynne's history of Popes Usur­pations. lib. 5. ch. 1. Quoniam Honori nostro conde­cens, & saluti nostrae necessarium, loca sancta & religiosa, quae ab Avo patris nostri Rege H. primo sunt fundata, & a Rege H. secundo patre nostro confir­mata, defendere, custodire, & amplificare. Inde est, quod Deo & Sancta Ma­riae de Cirencest. & Canonitis Regularibus ibidem Deo servientibus, damus & concedimus. Dat. per manum H. Cant. Archiep. Cancel. nostri apud sag. 7. die Aug. An. Regni nostri 10. Which prologue he likewise used in other of his Charters. K. John also authorized Hubert Archbishop of Canter. to make a Will, which he could not then Legally do without his Royal License.

In the year 1177. no less then 30 Nuns of the Abby of Ambresbury, were accused and convicted at one time for their incontinency, to the dis­solution and infamy of their Order, whereof they had been publikely de­famed; whereupon King Henry the 2d. Expulsis sanctimonialibus be Ab­batia de Ambresbury, propter incontinentiam, & per alios domos Religiosos distributis; expelling the Nuns from this Abbey for their incontinency, distributed them throughout other Religious Houses, in stricter custody (by way of penance) and gave it to the Abbess and Nuns of Font-Everoit, for a perpetual possession, who sending a Covent of Nuns thither from Font-Everoit, Richard then Archbishop of Canterbury, inducted them into [Page 52] the Abbey of Ambresbury, on the first of June, King Hen. 2. Bartholomew, Bishop of Excester; John Bishop of Norwich, and many other of the Cler­gy and People being then present. And by his Charter, Anno 1179. con­firmed the Lands of this Abbey to them with many liberties, and that by the advice and consent of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and many other Bishops, Great Men, and Barons of the Realm. King John in the first year of his Reign, by his Charter reciting all the premises in the Prologue, confirmed this Charter of his Father, ratified these Nuns deprivations and imprisonments in other Monasteries for their incontinency, with consent of his Bishops, Nobles, and request of Pope Alexander, transferring this Abbey, and all Lands thereto belonging, from one rank of Nuns to ano­ther; takes both these Nuns, Persons, Lands, into his Royal protection, as if they were his own Demesnes, grants them several Tithes, Churches, large Priviledges; and prohibits, that none of his Officers or Subjects should disturb them therein, nor implead them, but in the presence of him­self and his heirs. The same first year of King John's Reign, the Abbot of Westminster dying, the Monks by the King's License elected Ralph Arundel Prior of Harle for their Abbot, unto which the King gave his Assent. Whereupon he was consecrated Abbot; no Bishops, Abbots, Priors, or other Ecclesiastical Persons being elected to any Dignities, but by the King's previous License, and subsequent Assent to the Person elected, who might approve or reject him at his Royal Pleasure.

This King ratified the Charter of K. Richard, touching the exchange, be­tween Archbishop Hubert, and the Bishop and Monks of Rochester, of the Manor of Lambeth for other Lands, and the Clause therein; authorizing the Pope, Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishops and Clergy of England, to Excommunicate the infringers thereof. Chart. 1. Johan. Regis part. 2. n. 147. & n. 25. Besides, he appropriated several Parochial Churches in perpetuity to the Bishoprick of Coventry and Litchfield; converted other Parochial Churches into Prebendaries, and ratified the Orders made by Bishop Hugh for the better regulation of that Church by two Charters. The like Charter of confirmation of Churches, Tithes, and Liberties, he made to the Bishop of Exeter, and his Succes­sors, the same year. In the second year of his Reign, the Dean and Chap­ter of Lexoven, within this King's hereditary Dominions in France, pre­suming to elect a Bishop without his consent, sent a Prohibition to them, to preserve this Antient right of the Crown descended to him from his Ancestors. The same year this King by his Charter commanded all Clerks, then Imprisoned for offences throughout England, to be delivered to Hu­bert Archbishop of Canterbury, upon his demand of them. Likewise he granted a Charter to the Bish. of Norwich, to recover all Lands and Tene­ments belonging to that Bishoprick, unjustly alienated by his Predecessors.

The same year Geoffery Plantaginet, Archbishop of York, King John's base Brother, obstructed the Levying of Carvage (demanded and gran­ted to the King by common consent paid by all others) on the Demesn [Page 53] Lands of his Church, or Tenants, beating the Sheriff of York's servants, excommunicating the Sheriff himself by name, with all his Aiders, and interdicted his whole Province of York for attempting to levy it. Where­upon the King much incensed, summoned him to answer these high con­tempts, his not going over with him into Normandy when summoned; and also to pay him three thousand Marks due to his Brother King Ri­chard, and by his Writs commanded all the Archbishop's servants, where­ever they were found to be imprisoned, as they were, for beating the Sheriff's Officers, and denying to give the King of the Archbishops Wine, passing through York; summoned Geoffery into his Court to answer all these contempts; and issued Writs to the Sheriff of York-shire to seize all his Goods, Temporalties, and to return them into the Exchequer, which was executed accordingly. The King and Queen repairing to York the next Mid-lent, the Archbishop made his peace with the King, submitting to pay such a Fine for his offences, as four Bishops, and four Barons elected by them, should adjudge, and absolved William de Stut­vil the Sheriff, and James de Poterna, whom he had excommunicated, and recalled his former Interdict.

The same year there fell out a great difference between this Archbi­shop, the Dean and Chapter of York, and the Archdeacon of Richmond. R. Hoveden Annal. part. poster. p. 817. The Praecentor's place at York falling void, the Dean and Chapter would not suffer him to present Ralph de Kyme, his Official, to it, but them­selves gave it to Hugh Murdac, Archdeacon of Cleveland, the day after he had given it to Kyme. And when the Achbishop would have put him into the Praecentor's Stall, the Dean told him, It belonged not unto him to put any man into a Stall, neither shall you therein place him, because we have given it by Authority of the Council of Lateran. Whereupon when the Archbishop could not have his will, he excommunicated Murdac; he likewise injured Honorius Archdeacon of Richmond, by challenging to himself the Institutions of Churches and Synodals, against the anci­ent Dignities and Customs of the Archdeaconry, which the Archbishop pretended Honorius had resigned and confirmed to him by his Charter, which he denied. The Dean and Chapter, and Honorius, severally complained of these injuries to the King, who thereupon issued two Writs for their relief.

This Honorius, Archdeacon of Richmond, complained to the Pope as well as the King, of the injurious encroachments of this Archbishop, who suspended some of his Clerks, interdicted some Churches within his Archdeaconry, and excommunicated the Archdeacon, all which the Pope in a special Letter requires him to retract as null and void. He also sent three Epistles more: the first to the Dean and Chapter of York; the second to the Bishop of Ely, and Archdeacon of Northampton; the third to King John himself, to defend Honorius his rights, against the Arch­bishop's injuries and encroachments.

The Pope wrote a menacing Letter to the Archbishop; but he was no way daunted at it, but proceeded still against Honorius, till restrained by the King's Writs, Appeals being but then in their infancy; and that not as to a supreme judicature, but only by way of complaint, as a vo­luntary perswading Arbitrator, and that by the King's licence first ob­tained, An Historical Vindication of the Church of England in point of Schism. as learned. Sir Roger Twisden truly observes.

The same year Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, intending to cele­brate a Council at Westminster, without the King's special Writ, there­upon (the King being then in Normandy) Geoffery Fitz-Peter, Earl of Sussex, being then Chief Justice of England, sent a Prohibition to in­hibit it; yet the Archbishop held the Council wherein he made and promulged several Decrees, Statuens ea a suis subditis inviolabiliter ob­servari.

But those Decrees made concerning Procurations, Fees for Orders, Institutions, Inductions, Licences of Ministers, &c. were not esteem­ed obligatory, nor were they regarded. Lyndwood, Aton, and most Histories, take no notice of them, because made against the King's Pro­hibition.

The third year of King John, Gilardus, Archdeacon of Brecknock, pretending himself to be elected Bishop of St. Davids in Wales with the King's consent, by provision from Pope Innocent the Third, intruded himself into the possession of the Temporalties thereof, and likewise en­deavoured to make it an Archbishoprick.

About that time a certain number of Greeks came from Athens into England, and asserted, that the Latins had erred from the way of Truth in the Articles of Christian Faith; and they would shew the right way by invincible Arguments, which all should receive if they will be saved. This was reported unto King John: He answered, Our Faith is ground­ed upon the Authority of Christ and the Saints, and I will not suffer that it be tossed with disputes and janglings of men; nor will we change the cer­tainty for uncertainty, let me hear no more of you: So they departed.

Gilardus had procured Pope Innocent's Procuration and Provision to elect him Bishop of St. Davids, at which King John (though then in Normandy with his Queen) was much incensed, and sent out four suc­cessive Writs and Proclamations, directed to all the Clergy and Laity both of England and Wales in general, and the Chapter of St. Davids in special, strictly enjoyning them all to oppose and resist Gilardus his rash attempts and innovations against Him, to their power, according to their Allegiance; and no wayes to aid or countenance him therein, by advice or otherwise, it being unjust to do it.

Giraldus, notwithstanding all his pretended submission to the Arch­bishop, proceeding afresh in the Court of Rome to obtain his ends, there­upon the King issued out a severe Proclamation against him, as a publick Enemy and disturber of the Peace of his Kingdom.

In the same year Pope Innocent takes upon him (upon pretext of ne­cessity for relief of the holy Land) only to advise and recommend to all the Prelates of the holy Church the levying of the fortieth part of their Estates and Benefices, and in what manner to levy it, not absolutely to impose it to their prejudice. Whence Matthew Westminster thus ex­presseth it: Ad instantiam Innocentii Papae, data est quadragesima pars redditum omnium Ecclesiarum ad subsidium terrae promissionis. Therefore a free Gift, not an imposed Tax. Neither would the King of England or France suffer it to to be levyed in their Realms by the Pope's Authority, but only by their Royal Order, Grant, and Assent thereto. But no Archbishop or Bishop did put this in execution.

The same year the King licensed Peter Builler by Charter to enter into what Religion he pleased. Rex, &c. Omnibus, &c. Sciatis nos dedisse licentiam Petro Builler transferendi se ad quam voluerit Religionem, & inde has literas nostras patentes ei rei relinquimus in testimonium. Teste me­ipso apud Barnevil, 29 die Octobris.

The French King perfidiously breaking his Truce with King John, made in the first year of his reign, to carry on that War, he not only demand­ed a supply of Moneys from his Nobility and Clergy, but likewise from the Cistercian Abbots.

The same year the Church and City of Rhoan being consumed with fire, King John granted them his Letters Patents for a liberal contributi­on throughout all England, toward the repair of that Church, princi­pally for the Virgin Maries sake, to whom it was dedicated, then ado­red more than God himself. This is the first Patent of such a Collection that we have yet met with.

Pious this King was in offering one ounce of Gold to God every Lord's-day and Holy-day, which the Archbishop of Canterbury then offered and disbursed for him, or claimed as his Fee, being allowed it in the Exchequer upon his account.

In the fourth year of King John, some Irish Bishops and Archdea­cons, Suffragans to the Archbishop of Dublin, endeavoured, without this King's precedent License and Assent, to elect an Archbishop, and get him confirmed at Rome by the Pope, against the King's Right and Dignity. Whereupon he entred an Appeal against them before himself, to Preserve his Right and Dignity therein.

The same year there being many contests between the Dean and Ca­nons, and Geoffry Archbishop of York, who by his Archiepiscopal au­thority and violence, did much oppress them: the King upon their com­plaint, by his Authority and Letters Patents granted them a Protection against Him and his Instruments.

In the fifth year of King John, Godfrid Bishop of Winchester decea­sing, Petrus de Rupibus, a Knight and great Souldier, Vir equestris or­dinis, & in rebus bellicis eruditus procurante Rege Johanne, being chosen [Page 56] to the Bishoprick, succeeded him; who going to Rome, Ʋbi magnis ze­niis liberaliter collatis ad Ecclesiam Wintoniensem, maturavit Episcopus con­secrari.

This year the Men of Holderness refusing to pay their Traves due to St. John of Beverly out of their Ploughed-lands to the Farmer of them, as they did to the Provost and Chapter before; the King issued out a Writ to the Sheriffs of York to seize the Persons and Goods of those the Provost and Chapter should excommunicate, and detain them till pay­ment, since He and his Tenants duly paid them out of his and their Demesnes.

In the sixth year of King John, the Bishop, Dean, and Chapter of Durham, the Dean and Chapter of York, with sundry other Deans and Chapters, Abbots and Priors within the Province of York, to prevent the unjust arbitrary Excommunications, Suspensions, and Interdicts of Geoffry Archbishop of York, against their own Tenants, Lands and Pos­sessions, by reason of some differences between them concerning their Jurisdictions and Ecclesiastical Priviledges, which they complained the Archbishop invaded, appearing before the King at York, did there in the King's own presence appeal him before the See of Rome, prefixing a cer­tain day, to which the King by his Letters Patents gave his Royal Testi­mony and Assent, they not daring to appeal without his License.

About two years after King John and his Nobles meeting at Winche­ster, placing his hope and strength in his Treasures, required and re­ceived through all England the thirteenth part of all Movables and other things, as well of the Laity as of all other Ecclesiastical Persons and Pre­lats, all of them murmuring at it, and wishing an ill event to such ra­pines, but not daring to contradict it. Only Geoffry Archbishop of York openly contradicting it, privily departed from England, and in his recess, Anathematis sententia innodavit, actually excommunicated all Men, especially within his Archbishoprick, making this rapine, and levying this Tax, and in general all Invaders of the Church or Ecclesia­stical things, for non-payment of this Tax, wherewith this King was so highly offended, that he seized his Temporalities, and banished him the Realm till his death about seven years after.

Anno 1205. died Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury. Before his body was yet committed to the earth, the younger sort of the Monks elected Reginald their Superiour, and placed him in the Metropolitan See, without the King's License and knowledge: who being sent unto by the elder sort of Monks, requiring his gracious License to chuse their Archbishop, consented thereunto, requiring them also instantly at his re­quest, that they would elect John Grey, Bishop of Norwich, into that See; which they also did. And the King sent to the Pope to confirm it. The two Suffragans of Canterbury not being made acquainted with the matter, sent speedily to Rome, to have both the Elections stopped, where­upon [Page 57] arose a great tumult: for the Pope condemning both their Electi­ons, created Stephen Langton with his own hand in the high Church of Viterbo. Upon which occasion the King banished sixty four of the Cler­gy and Monks of Canterbury out of the Land, Fox Acts and Monuments. and sharply expostulated with the Pope, for that he had chosen Stephen Langton, a Man brought up long among his Enemies in France; besides the derogation to the Liberties of his Crown; threatening, except he would favour the King's liking of the Bishop of Norwich, he would cut off the trade to Rome, and the profits that came thither from the Land. The Pope writeth, in the behalf of Stephen Langton, a froward and arrogant Letter, and not long after sendeth a commandment and charge into England to certain Bishops, that if the King would not yield, they should Interdict his Realm. For the execution whereof four Bishops were appointed, viz. William Bishop of London, Eustace Bishop of Ely, Mauger Bishop of Worcester, and Giles Bishop of Hereford, who pronounced the general Interdiction through the Realm of all Ecclesiastical service, saving Baptism of Chil­dren, Confession and the Eucharist to the dying in case of necessity. No sooner had they interdicted the Kingdom, but they with Joceline, Bi­shop of Bath, as speedily, as secretly, fled out of the Land. And the King took all the possessions of those Bishops into his hands. He also proclaimed, that all those that had Church-living, and went over the Sea, should return at a certain day, or else lose their Livings for ever: and charged all Sheriffs to enquire, if any Church-man received any Commandment that came from the Pope, that they should apprehend them, and bring them before him, and also take into their hands for the King's use, all the Church-lands that were given to any man by the Arch­bishop Stephen, or by the Priors of Canterbury from the time of the ele­ction of the Archbishop.

England remained under the Interdict six years, three months and an half, whereby not only the King and his Court, but also all the people of England, who had nothing to do with that Quarrel, were Excommunica­ted. In that long time how many thousands of men died in England, who by the Rules of the Roman Church, and by the Pope's Judgment, are eternally damned? and that but for a Quarrel between the King and the Pope about some Investitures of Churches, and Collations of Bene­fices, and Money-matters.

Then (saith Mathew Paris, Matth. Paris. who was an eye-witness of all that dis­order) All the Sacraments of the Church ceased in England, saving only the Confession, and the Communion of the Host in the last necessity, and the Baptism of Infants. The dead bodies were carried out of the Towns, as if they had been the bodies of Dogs, and buried by the High-wayes, and in Ditches, without Prayers, and without service of Priests. By the same Interdict all Masses, Vespers, all publick Service and ringing of Bells was forbidden, and the Kingdom was exposed to rapine and prey, and given to [Page 58] any that would conquer it: Only the King was not excommunicated by name, but that was done the next year after.

Next, Pope Innocent deposed King John from the Kingdom of Eng­land, and absolved the English from the Oath of their Allegiance, and commanded Philip August King of France, that for the remission of his sins he should invade the Kingdom of England with force of Arms, giving to those that should follow the King in that Conquest, the pardon of all their sins, and the same Graces and Pardons, as to them that visit the holy Sepulchre. Whereupon the said King Philip, partly to obtain the remission of his sins, partly to make himself Master of England, rai­sed a mighty Army, whilst Innocent was stirring up the English to rise against their King.

This moved King John to humble himself under the Pope, and to re­ceive such Conditions as liked him best. The Conditions were,

That the King should yield unto the Pope the whole right of Patronage of all the Benefices of his Kingdom.

That to obtain Absolution of his sins, he should pay to the Clergy of Canterbury, and to other Prelates, the sum of eight thousand pounds Sterling.

That he should satisfie for the damages done to the Church according to the Judgment of the Pope's Legat.

That the said King should resign his Crown into the Pope's hand, with his Kingdoms of England and Ireland; for which Letters were formed and given to Pandulphus the Pope's Legat.

King John being informed that his Archbishops, Bishops and Clergy, intended to hold a Council at St. Albans by the command of Pope Inno­cent the Third, about the payment of Rome-scot against custom, and sundry other unusual Exactions, to the great destruction of the whole Realm, upon complaint thereof by his Nobles and People, issued out a Prohibition to them, expresly forbidding them upon their Allegiance, not to hold any Council there, by the Popes or any other Authority, nor to consult or treat of those things, nor to act or ordain any thing against the custom of the Realm, as they tendered his Honour, or the tranquillity of the Kingdom, until he conferred with the general Council of his Realms about it.

Thomas Sprot. Speed 's Histo­ry, p. 571.During this Interdict, Alexander Cementarius, Abbot of the Bene­dictines at Canterbury, Vir corpore Elegantissimus, facie Venerabilis, lite­rarum plenitudine imbutus, ita ut Parisiis celebris haberetur, Magister et Rector, et Lector in Theologia, was sent by King John unto Rome, where he openly pleaded and fomented the King's Cause against the Pope. He maintained there, That there is no Power under God, higher than a King; and That the Clergy should not have Temporal government. He [Page 59] proved these two Articles by Scripture and Reason, and by testimony of Gregory the First in an Epistle to Augustine Bishop of Canterbury. Anno 1209. in the tenth year of King John, Henry. Fitz-Alan was sworn first Mayor of London, and Peter Duke with Thomus Neal sworn for Sheriffs: And London-bridge began to be built with Stone; and St. Savi­ours in South­wark the same year. He wrote three Books against the Popes Usurpations and Power, viz. De Cessione Papali, De Ecclesiae potestate, De potestate Vicaria, in defence of his Sovereign King John; for which his Loyalty he was afterwards, by the Pope's Power, deprived of all his Benefices by Pandulphus the Pope's Legat (after King John's surrender of his Crown) and enforced to beg his Bread.

King John having seized and detained in his hands the Temporalties of the Archbishoprick of Armach in Ireland, for that the Bishop was elected without his License, against his Will and Appeal, two Monks coming to him, proffering him three hundred Marks in Silver, and three Marks a year in Gold, for to have the Lands, Liberties, and Rights thereof, he by his Writ returned them to his Chief Justice there, to do what was fitting in it.

John Reumond coming from Rome to lay claim to a Prebendary in Hastings, sued to the King for his License and safe conduct to come into and return from England, which he granted upon this condition, that upon his arrival he should give security, that he came hither for no ill to the King, nor for any other business but that Prebendary. The like License he granted to Simon Langton the Archbishop's Brother, upon the same and stricter conditions.

King John sent a memorable Letter to the Pope by special Messengers, to claim and justifie this ancient and undoubted Right which He and his Royal Ancestors enjoyed; to provide and prefer Archbishops and Bishops to the See of Canterbury, and all other Cathedrals, attested by the Let­ters of the Bishops of England, and other credible persons, desiring him to preserve the rights of the Church and Realm of England entire and in­violable by his Fatherly provision.

Then the King entred into a League with Otho the Emperour, Mat. Westminst. and forced John King of Scots, who received his fugitive Subjects, and har­boured them in his Kingdom, to send to him for peace, to pay him eleven thousand Marks to purchase his peace with him, and to put in Hostages for his fidelity without any Fight between them. Yea, the the Welch-men themselves, formerly rebellious, soon after his return from Scotland, voluntarily repaired to him at Woodstock, and there did ho­mage to him.

After which, Anno 1211. he entring into Wales with a great Army as far as Snowdown, Reges omnes & Nobiles sine contradictione subjugavit, de subjectione in posterum obsides viginti octo suscepit, & inde cum prospe­ritate ad Albani Monasterium remeavit, Lewellin Prince of North-Wales being enforced to render himself to mercy, without any Battel at all.

When the Pope's Absolution of the Nobles and all other Subjects from the King's Allegiance would not shake his magnanimous resolution, nor his Peoples loyalty; P [...]ynne's Histo­ry. Book 3. ch. 3. the Pope's Legats, Pandulphus and Durance, for­ged new devises to effect their designs by fraud and terror; to which purpose they procured sundry Letters from divers Quarters to be brought unto him, whilst he sate at dinner at Nottingham, intending to set upon the Welch-men with a potent Army (whom they had stirred up to rebel against him, and invade England) to divert him from his de­sign; all to this effect, That there was a secret Plot laid to destroy him. He marched to Chester, where he met with new Letters to the like effect: which caused him to dismiss his Army, and design against the Welch-men.

Besides, the Popish Priests set up one Peter an Hermite, a counterfeit Prophet, to terrifie the King, and alienate the peoples hearts from him by his false Prophesies. This counterfeit Sooth-sayer prophesied, That King John should reign no longer than the Ascension-day, within the year of our Lord, 1213. which was the fourteenth from his Coronation; and this (he said) he had by Revelation.

When the Ascension-day was come, the King commanded his Regal Tent to be spread abroad in the open field, passing that day with his no­ble Council and Men of Honour, in the greatest solemnity that ever he did before, solacing himself with musical Songs and Instruments, most in sight of his trusty Friends. This day being past in all prosperity and mirth, the King commanded, that Peter the Hermite, that false Prophet, should be drawn, and hanged like a Traitor.

Now behold the misery of King John, perplexed with the French King's daily preparation to invade England, assisted by many English male-contents, and all the exil'd Bishops. Hereupon he sunk on a sud­den beneath himself, to an act of unworthy submission and subjection to the Pope. For on Ascension-Eve, May 15. being in the Town of Do­ver (standing as it were on tiptoes, on the utmost edge, brink, and label of that Land, which now he was about to surrender) King John by an Instrument, or Charter sealed, and solemnly delivered in the presence of many Prelats and Nobles, to Pandulphus the Pope's Legat, granted to God and the Church of Rome, the Apostles Peter and Paul, and to Pope Innocent the Third and his Successors, the whole Kingdom of Eng­land and Ireland. Fuller's Church Hi­story. Book 3. And took an Estate thereof back again, yielding and paying yearly to the Church of Rome (over and above the Peter-pence) a thousand Marks Sterling, viz. seven hundred for England, and three hundred for Ireland. In the passing hereof, the King's Instrument to the Pope was sealed with a Seal of Gold, and the Pope's to the King was sealed with a Seal of Lead. This being done, the King took the Crown off his Head, and set it upon Pandulphus his Knees (at whose feet he also laid his Scepter, Robe, Sword and Ring, his Royal Ensigns, [Page 61] as John de Serres relates) and these words said he in hearing of all the great Lords of England. Here I resign up the Crown and the Realm of England into the hands of Pope Innocentius the Third, and put me wholly in his mercy, and in his ordinance. Then Pandulph received the Crown of King John, and kept it five dayes in his hands, and confirmed all things by his Charter.

Now the Pope's next design was, how to take off, and pacifie the French King from his intended Invasions, and so sent the Archbishop and his Confederates into England, there to insult over King John, as they had done abroad.

Next year the Interdict was taken off the Kingdom, and a general joy was over the Land.

The seventeenth of August following the exiled Bishops landed at Dover, and were conducted in State to the King at Winchester? the King's extraordinary humbling to, and begging pardon of them, pro­strating himself to the ground at their feet, and their insolent carriage toward him, is related by Matthew Paris.

The next day after their coming to Winchester, the King issued out Writs to all the Sheriffs of England, to enquire of their damages. There were other Writs sent to the Kings Judges, to proceed in the said Inquisition.

After this general compliance with them, the King conceiving he had given them full content, and setled all things in peace, resolved to pass with an Army into Picardy, whither the Nobles refused to follow him. In the mean time the Archbishop, Bishop, Nobles, meeting at St. Al­bans about the damages to be restored by the King to the Prelates, during their exile, fell to demand the confirmation of their Liberties, granted by his Grandfather King Henry the first, which the King condescended unto.

Soon after the Archbishop caused all the Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Deans, and Nobles of the Realm to meet together at London, upon pre­text of satisfying his and the exiled Bishops damages, but in verity to engage in a new Rebellion against the Crown, and confer it on Lewis the French King's Son, as they did in the conclusion, under pretence of de­manding the confirming the Charter and Liberties granted by King Hen­ry the first, there produced by the Archbishop, which the King had but newly ratified at St. Albans.

Pandulphus, besides his former insolencies, endeavoured to wrest, out of the King's hand, the power of imprisoning Clerks for Fellonies, that so they might be at his own disposal, and act any villanies with im­punity.

King John being thus distressed, sent a base and unchristian-like Am­bassage to Admiralius Murmelius, a Mahometan, King of Morocco, then very potent, and possessing a great part of Spain; offering him, if [Page 62] he would send him succour, to hold the Kingdom of England as a Vas­sal from him, and to receive the Law of Mahomet, saith Matthew Paris. The Moor offended at his offer, told the Ambassadours, That he lately had read Paul's Epistles, Modò inspexi l [...]brum in Grae­co scriptum, cu­ju [...]dam Graeci sapientis, & Christiani, no­mine Pauli; cujus actus & veroa mihi maximè com­placent & ac­cepto. Ʋnum tamen de ipso mihi displicet, quod in lege sub quâ natus est non stetit; sed ad alia tā ­quam transfu­ga, & incon­stans avolvit. which for the matter liked him well, save only that Paul had renounced that Faith, wherein he was born, and the Jewish profession. Wherefore he slighted King John as one devoid both of piety and policy, who would love his liberty, and disclaim his Religion. A strange tender, if true.

But Mr. Prynne proveth it to be a most scandalous malitious forgery of this Monk of St. Albans against the King for sequestring that Abbey.

Philip King of France, together with his Son Lewis, and his Proctor, and all the Nobles of France, Anno 1216. with his own mouth protest­ed against this Charter and resignation to Walo the Pope's own Legat, (when purposely sent to them by Pope Innocent, to disswade them from invading England, as being then St. Peter's Patrimony) not only as null, void in it self for several Reasons, but of most pernitious ex­ample.

King John out of his piety, to prevent profanations of the Lord's-day, removed the Market of the City of Exeter from the Lord's-day, where­on it was formerly kept, to the Monday.

This King to ingratiate himself with the Romish Cardinals and Court, granted them annual Pensions out of his Exchequer, the Arrears where­of he ordered to be satisfied in the first place, and likewise gave Benefi­ces or Prebends to their Nephews and Creatures. Moreover to gratifie Stephen Langton, his great Enemy, he granted the Patronage of the Bi­shoprick of Rochester to him and his Successors: and to the Bishop of Ely he granted the Patronage of the Abbey of Torney.

Mr. Prynne, who kept the Records of the Tower, tells us, that upon strictest search he could find no payment of the foresaid Annuity, or Ob­lation to Pope Innocent by King John himself who granted it, but only for one year before hand, when he sealed his Charter, who dying about three years after, during which time his Kingdom was infested with Ci­vil Wars between him and his Barons, invaded by Lewis of France, who was made King by the Barons in his stead, his Lands, Rents seized, his Treasure exhausted, and the People every where miserably plundered, it is probable that [...]here neither was nor could be expected any other pun­ctual payment of it.

The Pope and his Legat Nicholas, having in a manner bereaved King John of his Regal Dignity, and Authority, began forthwith to play Rex: they usurped the Sovereign Authority both in Church and State, presenting to all Bishopricks, Matth. Paris. Hist. Anglic. p. 237, 238. Abbies, Spiritual promotions, and Bene­fices then void, without the Patrons consent, by way of Provision and Collation, to the prejudice of the Crown, and enthralling of the Church [Page 63] of England, not vouchsafing to consult either with the King himself, the Archbishop, or Bishops concerning their disposal.

This was the very original of Pope's Provisions, and disposals of Bi­shopricks, Abbies, with all sorts of Spiritual promotions and Benefi­ces in England: no Pope presuming to confer any Bishoprick, Benefice, or Prebendary, in France, or England, Ʋsque ad tempora Domini Inno­centii tertii, qui primus assumpsit sibi jus istud in tempore suo, as the French Agent remonstrated to Pope Innocent the Fourth. These Provisi­ons soon overflowed the Church of England (and France too) for ma­ny succeeding Ages, notwithstanding all oppositions and complaints against them. Which the Archbishop and Bishops foreseeing, per­ceiving withall the Legat more ready to gratifie the King and his Clerks in the disposal of Bishopricks and Ecclesiastical preferments than them­selves, meeting together at Dunstaple, drew up an Appeal against his pro­ceedings, which he slighting and sending to Rome by Pandulphus, toge­ther with King John's Charter, so highly magnified the King, and made such complaints to the Pope against the Archbishop and Bishops, as fru­strated their Appeal.

King John having satisfied and secured the damages of the Exiled Bi­shops and Monks before the Interdict released, according to his agree­ment; other Abbots, Priors, Clergy-men and Lay-men repaired to the Legat, craving full satisfaction also for their damages, sustained by the King's proceedings during the Interdict, though never insisted on before.

The King issued out two Writs on behalf of the Archbishop of Can­terbury, and the Bishop of Lincoln, to restore them to the possession of their Temporalties in the Cinque-ports, and other places. Yet on the contrary, all the Bishops and Clergy-men, who faithfully adhered to the King, and communicated with him, or any other excommunicated person, or received any Benefices from them during the Interdict, were by these Prelates (now made their Judges) and Pope's censures, or­dered to be suspended from all their Ecclesiastical Offices, Benefices, Pre­ferments, and ordered to appear personally at Rome before the Pope, to be examined, ere their Suspensions released, except only such as had given satisfaction to the Church for this offence.

The turbulent Archbishop stirred up the Barons to a new Insurrection, against the King, about their Liberties, who coming all to the King after Christmas, Anno 1215. demanded the confirmation of their Charter, who craved time to advise thereon till after Easter, the Archbishop and two more becoming his Sureties, that then he should give satisfaction to all of them. The Barons against the time, rather preparing themselves for a Battel, than Conference with the King, assembled together at Stamford with a mighty Army, having Archbishop Stephen their princi­pal Abettor, who yet seemed to side with the King, and was most assidu­ous [Page 64] about him. The Barons marching as far as Brackley, the King sent the Archbishp to treat with them, who brought back a Schedule of their claimed Liberties, with this Message, That if he presently confirmed them not to them by his Charter, they would force him to it, by seizing all his Ca­stles and Provisions. Whereupon the King replied, Why do they not also demand the Kingdom? swearing never to enslave himself to such a concessi­on. The Archbishop returning with this peremptory Answer, the Ba­rons forthwith seized Bedford-Castle, and were admitted into London, the Citizens siding with them. Whereupon the King appointed to treat with them at Running-mead, whither the Barons came with armed mul­titudes from all parts of the Realm, whereafter some parley, the King granted them their desires, not only for their Liberties specified in Magna Charta, and Charta Forrestae, which he then sealed, and by his Writs commanded to be put in due execution, but also that twenty five Peers elected by them (to whom all were sworn to obey) should force the King to observe these Charters (if ever he receded from them) by seizing all his Castles. Juratum est a parte Regis; Quod Anglicana Ec­clesia libera sit, &c. It was sworn on the Kings part, that the Church of England is free, and all men of our Kingdom, have and do hold all the foresaid Liberties, Rights and Customs, well and peaceably, freely and quietly, fully and wholly to themselves and their Heirs, &c. All the Barons and Commons of the Realm then and afterwards taking the same Oath. The Archbishop and Barons thrust into this new Charter many Articles and Clauses, for their own, the Churches, and Pope's advantage, not extant in the Charter of King Henry the First, as may be seen in Matthew Paris his History.

This Charter (though it saved a great part of the King's Preroga­tive to petition him and his Heirs for Licenses to elect, and for his Assent) gave a great wound to his Ecclesiastical Supremacy; and made all Chap­ters, Covents, Bishops, Monks, yea Popes and their Agents to slight his Regal Authority and Licenses too, insomuch that he could prefer no person to any Bishoprick, Monastery, or elective Dignity, but whom the Electors pleased to make choice of.

King John withdrawing and obscuring himself from his Bishops and Barons in the Isle of Wight, sent Messengers secretly to Rome, to com­plain and appeal to the Pope against their Treasons, Rebellions, and the Charters forcibly extorted from him, whilst under the Pope's protection, who thereupon vacated the Charters.

Then the Archbishop: to demonstrate his gratitude to King John, for the Patronage and Royalty of the Bishoprick of Rochester, newly con­ferred on him and his Successors, delivered up Rochester Castle, with all the Ammunition therein to the Barons. King John after three months siege took it, by force, out of the Barons hands, who proceeding in their Rebellions against the King, the Pope excommunicated them The Pope's [Page 65] Agents gave the Archbishop a personal command to execute the Ex­communication, which he delayed to do, whereupon they suspended him.

King John complained to the Pope of the Barons obstinacy, and how the Archbishop refused to Excommunicate them. Soon after there was a General Council held at Rome, to which the Archbishop was sum­moned, and there suspended from his Archbishoprick upon the King's complaints against him. When this suspension of the Archbishop was executed, the Pope commanded all his Suffragans and Subjects to disobey him, till by his humiliation, and giving sufficient caution for his future deportment, he should demerit it. A just retaliation inflicted by God's providence on this Arch-enemy to King John.

The Archbishoprick of York becoming void, the King, by his Letters Patents, granted the Chapter of York a License to elect a new Archbishop, in the presence of five Commissioners therein specially named, and with their consents, to prevent the Election of Simon Langton, the Archbi­shop's Brother, this being the first License after his forecited Charter to the Archbishop and Bishops, for the freedom of Elections. After which the King sent his Patent of Appeal to the Chapter of York, in general termes, not to Elect any Person for their Archbishop, suspected to be an enemy to him, to avoid all misconstructions of his former Charter for freedom of Elections. He also secretly prohibited them to Elect Simon Langton by name, to whom he would never give his Royal As­sent.

This Chapter, notwithstanding the King's and Pope's Inhibition like­wise, to gratifie Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury, Elected Simon Lang­ton, his Brother, Archbishop of York. And the Canons of York appearing in the Council at Rome, justified their Election, and presented Simon Langton to the Pope for their Archbishop Elect, and pressed his Confir­mation of him.

The Covent and Monks of Durham affronted King John in the Electi­on of their Bishop, whereupon he was enforced to make use of the Pope's and Legate's power, and yet could not effect his ends. But the Pope obtains His, to dispose of all Elections and Bishopricks at his plea­sure.

The same year the King, with some strugling, procured R. de Marisco, to be Bishop of Winchester. Yet we find not, in any of our Historians, that he was ever Consecrated Bishop of Winchester, notwithstanding his Election, and the King's approbation, and Letters to the Pope's Legate on his behalf; so that, he miscarried in this design, as he did in that of Hugh Foliot to St. Davids. Neither did he succeed in his recommenda­tion of three several Persons to the Prior and Covent of Ramsey.

Then the Monk's of Glastonbury prevailed, with Money, to have their Abbey severed from the Bishoprick of Bath and Wells, and to be governed [Page 66] by an Abbot as formerly, parting with [...]o less than four Manors, and the Patronage of six Benefices to Joceline Bishop of Bath and Wells, and his Successors, by way of composition, to obtain this dis­union.

Then the Pope exempted King John's Chappels from Episcopal Ex­communication and Jurisdiction, without the Pope's special command, which by the Lawes of the Realm were exempted from them long before.

The Barons and the Londoners slighted the Pope's Excommunication, and so doth Lewis of France, the Ini [...]ition of the Pope and his Legate, not to invade England. In the mean time Lewis his Proctors at Rome pleaded, that King John had no good Title to the Crown of England, shewing Lewis his Title thereunto: which put Pope Innocent to a great dilemma. But the Pope himself became King John's Advocate, as well as Judge, not as King of England, but onely because he was his Vassal.

Then was England miserably wasted by Lewis and his Army in the East and South, and by King John in the West and North, whereup­on forty of the Barons became sensible of their error in rejecting King John, and in calling in and Crowning Lewis for their King; and being likewise informed by Viscount Melun on his death-bed, upon his Salva­tion, That Lewis, and XVI. others of his chief Barons and Earls, whereof himself was one, had taken an Oath, That if ever the Crown of England were quietly setled on his Head, he would condemn to perpetual Exile all the English who now adhered to him against King John, as Traitors to their Lawful Sovereign, and would actually extir­pate all their kindred: advising them timely to prevent their miseries, and lock up his words under the Seal of secrecy; thereupon addressed themselves with their Letters of submission to King John, but before these Letters were delivered, or any Answer returned, the King was poisoned by one Simon a Monk of Swinshed-Abbey in Lincoln-shire, of which poison he died. When he saw his Death approaching, he with penitent Confession of his sins, and great Devotion, received the holy Eucharist, having the Abbot of Croxton both for his Bodily and Ghostly Phisitian; and then not onely forgave all his Mortal Enemies, but also sent Command to Henry his Son to do the like, to whom he caused all present to Swear Fealty, and sent Letters to all his Officers abroad to as­sist him. After which he commended his Soul to God, and his Body to be interred in the Church of Worcester: Where he was afterwards so­lemnly buried near the Body of Bishop Wolston.

In this year 1216. flourished Walter Mapez, Archdeacon of Oxford, a very Witty Man, who in his Verses, painted forth in lively Colours [Page 67] the Life of the Pope, the Affections and Rape of the Court of Rome, the Excess and Pride of the Popish Prelates, as may be Read in his Book, Entitled, Diverse Poems of the corrupt state of the Church. He composed a Treatise, Entitled, Apocalypsis Pontificis Goliath, by which name he signified, that Antichrist was revealed in the Pope. Also Praedicationem Goliath; and other Treatises against the Pope and his Court, and of the dayes of the Court of Rome. Giraldus Cambrensis mentioneth him in his Mirror of the Church, and saith, That he was a Man in that Age in great estimation.

His Poetical description of the City, Popes, and Court of Rome, I shall here set down.

About that time Nigellus Vireker, a Learned Monk at Canterbury, wrote a Book, De abusu rerum Ecclesiae, and sent it to William, Bishop of Ely, Chancellor of England. In this Book he not onely rebuked him, but all Teachers under the Pope's Tyranny; because they commit­ted the Cure of Souls unto Children, Belly-gods, and despisers of the Sacred Word

Henry the third of that name, succeeded his Father King John, being about ten years old, and was Crowned at Glocester by a part of the No­bility and Clergy (upon the perswasion of William Earl Mareshall, Earl of Pembrook, a Nobleman of great Authority) the rest siding with the French Lewis: within little more than a twelve Moneth he recovered the entire possession of his Kingdom.

In Whitsun-week the Pope's Legate encouraged the King's Army to fight the French King's Forces at Lincoln: and after a sharp conflict they routed the Barons and Lewis's Forces, slew and took many of them Pri­soners, with the loss onely of three Men, and took the City of Lincoln, with all the Treasure and baggage of the Enemy. The King's Ships watching the French Fleet at Sea, transporting Souldiers and supplies unto Lewis, took Eustachius a Monk, their Admiral, Prisoner, whose Head the King's Brother Richard cut off with his Sword, despising the great sum of Money which he proffered for his Ransom. Soon after which defeats by Land and Sea, both Parties had a conference at Stanes, and came to an Agreement, Septemb. 3. and Lewis shamefully departed this Realm.

But notwithstanding this Agreement with the Barons, yet the Pope's Legate exempted all the Bishops, Abbots, and Clergy, out of this Act of pacification, for their contempt of the Pope's Authority, that he might dispose of their Ecclesiastical promotions and Benefices to his Instruments, and put them to excessive fines at the present, to fill the Pope's and his own Coffers.

Claus. Anno 1. H. 3. m. 21. & Pat. 1. H. 3. m. 16. intus.This Legate Gualo did bear chief sway in the King's Council, and the King sealed some Letters Patents; Sigillis venerabilium Patrum, Domini Gualonis Sancti Martini Presbyteri Cardinalis, Apostolicae sedis Legati, & Domini Petri Wintoniensis Episcopi; and sent them abroad under their Seals, in the first year of his Reign, because as yet he had no Seal.

The Canons of Carlisle contemning both the Pope's and his Legates Authority and Censures, contumaciously celebrating Divine Service and Sacraments, notwithstanding their Interdicts, adhering and Swearing Fealty to the King of Scots, King Henrie's and the Pope's declared ene­my; yea electing an interdicted Clerk for their Bishop, against the King's and Legate's Wills, and dividing the Revenues of the Bishoprick among themselves.

The King's Council thereupon sent an Epistle to Pope Honorius the third, (who succeeded Innocent the third that year) in the King's name, totally to remove these Schismatical Canons, and place Prebends in their rooms, to augment the Bishop's Revenues, which were small, and dis­place the intruded Bishop. Upon which Letter the Pope ordered Gualo his Legate, by the King's Royal assent, to constitute Hugh Abbot of Beaulieu, Bishop of Carlisle.

In the second year of King Henry III. the Archbishop of Dublin in Ireland, and other Bishops there, Usurping upon the King's Crown and Temporal Courts, presumed to hold pleas, in their Courts Christian, of Lay fee, whereupon there issuing Prohibitions, from the King's Court, to stay these Suits, they proceeded contemptuously notwithstanding, upon which [...]here issued out a Writ of Attachment against them, to ap­pear before the chief Justice of Ireland, to answer the contempt.

In the third year of King Henry the third, the Bishoprick of Leismore (united formerly to the Bishoprick of Waterford, by the Pope's Legate in Ireland, while the Bishop was in England, at the Consecration of the Bishop of Carlisle) Macrobius a Canon of Leismore, procuring an electi­on from the rest of the Canons, pretending the See to be then void, ob­tained the Legate's and King's Royal assent to the Election and Restitution of the Temporalties; whereof the Bishop of Waterford complaining to the King, the King nulled that election, and commanded the Bishop to be put in possession of his Temporalties.

The Bishop of Ely going into France, after Lewis his return thither, reported King Henry to be dead, and laboured to stir up a new War against him: whereupon the King wrote to the Pope to deprive him, and bestow his Bishoprick (by provision) upon some other: in which Let­ter the King acknowledgeth the Pope's great favours and assistance to him during his Infancy, puts himself and his Realms under the protecti­on of his wings, and (by way of Complement) stiles them the Patrimony of the Church of Rome, to gain the Pope's readier protection and assist­ance in his Suits, and Wars.

In the fourth year of his Reign, King Henry, taking notice of diverse Usurpations upon the right of his Crown in Ireland, by Covents, Deanes, and Chapters, electing Abbots and Bishops as they became void, and the chief Justices approving them without his Privity, License, or Royal assent, he issued out a Writ to his chief Justice of Ireland [Page 70] to reform and prevent this dangerous Usurpation for the future.

This year the Earl of Albemarle refusing to deliver up, to the King, some of his Castles and Lands committed to his custody, for which he was Excommunicated by the Bishop of Norwich, and the Pope's Legate, thereupon the King issued out a prohibition to all his Barons and Sub­jects in Lancashire, and five Counties more, not to Aid him or his com­plices, but to avoid them as Excommunicated Persons, till they had submitted to the King.

Ecclesiastical Censures were then commonly inflicted in that Age for Temporal Offences and Rebellions, to reduce Men to obedience to the King, as well as to the Church and Pope. At last the Earl came to the King under the conduct of Walter Archbishop of York, and by the mediation of Pandulphus the Legate, was reconciled to him.

Anno Domini 1221. The King being under the Wardship of Peter Bishop of Winchester, was, on Whitsunday, Crowned the second time at Winchester by Stephen Archbishop of Canterbury.

Soon after which there being a difference concerning the Bishoprick of Ely, between Galfridus de Burgo, Archdeacon of Norwich, and Robert of York, the Pope at last nulled both their Elections, and [...]onferred the Bishoprick upon John Abbot of Fontain, who was Consecrated at West­minster.

The same year and day, Hugh Bishop of Lincoln was Canonized a Saint, by the procurement of the Archbishop. He likewise caused his Predecessor Thomas Becket, to be Translated, Enshrined, and Adored with great Solemnity. Most of the English, many of the French Arch­bishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Clergy, and of other Countries, were, by the Archbishop's invitation, present at Thomas Becket's Tran­slation. The transla­tion and en­shrining of Thomas Becket.

The King by the Legat's, and his Council's advice, changed the Heathenish, and long-continued Trials in criminal Causes by Fire and Water, into other ways of Trial, and Punishments, by Imprisonment or abjuring the Realm

Benedict Bishop of Rochester, Richard Bishop of Sarum, Hugh Bishop of Lincoln, William Bishop of Bath and Glastonbury, Richard Bishop of Durham, Henry Abbot of Ramsey, and other Clergy-men, were all made Justices Itinerants this year.

Henry Bishop of Landaff dying, thereupon Pandulphus, the Pope's Legate, conferred it upon William Prior of Goldcliff.

William de Marisco Bishop of London, of his own accord resigning his Bishoprick, Eustachius de Faucumberge, then Treasurer of the Ex­chequer, was chosen Bishop of London, whose Election was confirmed by the Legate Pandulphus. This Legate sent a Letter to Peter Bishop of Winton, and Hugh de Burgh, to prohibit and suppress the Usury of [Page 71] the Jews, taken from Christians, and to stay a Suite brought by a Jew against the Abbot and Covent of Westminster before the Justices of the Jews, wherein he exacted usury from them, to the great scandal of Christianity, and the King's dishonour, and to joyn some discreet Per­sons with the Sheriff in each County for the collection of Amerciaments, to prevent their Malice and Extortions.

About this time was taken an Impostor at Oxford having five wounds in his Body and Members, sc. in his Side, Hands and Feet, who coun­terfeited himself to be Christ, with two Women his followers, counter­feiting themselves to be the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ, and Mary Magdalen. They were immured together with him without any Victuals, and starved to Death.

Then was a Council held at Oxford under Archbishop Stephen, where many Constitutions were made, most of them being very useful to re­form Extortions, Abuses, Procurations in Visitations, the taking of any Fees for Letters of Order, Funerals, or Administring any Sacrament, as also against Pluralities, Non-residence, and other abuses of Clergy-men.

Soon after this, the Archbishop and the Bishop of Lincoln, com­manded, by their Injunctions, That none should sell any victuals to the Jews, nor have any communion with them; of which the Jews complain­ing, the King issued a Writ to the Majors of Canterbury, Oxford, and Norwich, to countermand the Bishop's Injunctions, that all should sell victuals and other necessaries to them, and that they should imprison every one refusing to do it, till further order.

Then the Prior of St. Patrick of Dune in Jreland, sent a Petition to the King to grant him and others some small Cell to reside in, in Eng­land, their Houses in Ireland being frequently burnt in the Wars, for St. Patrick's, and other Irish Saints sake, whose Relikes he then sent to the King for a present.

The King to satisfie the Archbishop, wrote a Letter to the Pope, to give way for the return of his Brother Simon Langton into England, out of which he was formerly banished (as well as Excommunicated, and deprived of all his Ecclesiastical Benefices) for adhering to Lewis, and contemning the Pope's Excommunications. But we find not, that the Pope consented to this request.

Our Kings by reason of their manifold Affairs in the Court of Rome, relating to the Pope and other Forreign States, usually constituted, some­times general, otherwise special Proctors, by their Letters Patents, to implead and defend in their Names and Rights, all matters there depen­ding for or against them, of which there are many different Formes in our Records.

King Henry standing in need of a subsidy from the Bishops and Clergy, Pope Honorius thereupon sent his Bull to the Archbishops, Bishops, Ab­bots, [Page 72] Priors, and Clergy, entreating them to grant him a competent subsidy, to be disposed of by common consent onely, for publick bene­fit of the Realm, leaving the grant free to the Bishops and Clergy to im­pose and proportion it.

This year ( sc. 1225.) the Archbishop of Canterbury, and his Suffra­gans, instead of granting the King a subsidy, or punishing leacherous Clearks, passed severe Decrees against their Concubines onely, princi­pally intended against the Wives of Clergy men, whom they stiled Con­cubines in that Age.

The Bishop of Cork in Ireland, having obtained the King's Royal as­sent, at the Pope's request, to be Archbishop of Cassel, taking a journey to Rome to procure it, received his Writ for the restitution of his Tem­poralties after his return.

Then the Pope dispatched Otto his Legate into England, with Letters to the King, for his own filthy lucre. The King assembling a Parlia­mentary Council of his Nobles and Prelates, Otto read the Pope's Let­ters and Proposals, wherein the detestable Avarice, Extortion, and Rapine of the Pope and Court of Rome were clearly discovered, related by Matthew Paris.

Matth. Paris. Hist. Angl. Otto pursuing his Rapines in England, by exacting Procurations from the Clergy, was by the Archbishop's means suddenly recalled thence, by the Pope, to his great discontent: and the prosecuting the Pope's former proposals committed to the Archbishop.

This year Pope Honorius the third, sent his Bull to Geoffry de Lizimaco the King's sworn Vassal, absolutely subverting all Papal dispensations with Subjects just Oaths to their Sovereignes. The Pope also sent pro­hibitory Letters to the King of England, to stop his intended Military Voyage into France, to recover his just Rights. Then the King paid ten thousand Marks, being all the Arrears of the sum granted by King John to the Pope by his Charter.

Godwin. Ca­tal. of Bish. p. 515.516. Richard de Marisco, Bishop of Durham, dying suddenly at Peter-borough-Abbey, as he was posting to London with a great troop of Law­yers, to prosecute his Suits against the Monks of Durham; thereupon they bestowed this Epitaph upon him.

Upon his Death there grew a great difference between King Henry the third, and the Monks of Durham, about the election of a Successor. [Page 73] There was an Appeal about this Election, pending before the Archbishop of York, before whom the King constituted his Proctor by Patent. But after two years expensive contests, the Monks election of William Arch­deacon of Worcester, a Man Learned and honest, saith Matthew Paris, was cancelled at Rome, Luke the King's Chaplain put by; and Richard Bishop of Salisbury Elected Bishop by the Pope's favour; the Pope one­ly gaining by such contests.

The Emperor Frederick the third, being justly incensed with the pub­lication of divers Libellous, and Scandalous Excommunications of Pope Gregory IX. against him, in England, and all other Kingdoms and Churches, endeavoured to vindicate himself and his innocency against the Pope's calumnies, by dispatching Letters into all parts, and particu­larly into England. These proceedings of the Pope against the Emperor, so exasperated the Citizens of Rome, that they expelled the Pope from the City, and chased him to Perusium.

Anno 1228. died Stephen Langton Archbishop of Canterbury, after whose death there grew a new contest between the King and Monks of Canterbury, about the Election of a new Archbishop. The Monks chose Walter de Hevesham, a Monk, whom the King refused to allow of, re­solving to make Richard, his Chancellor, Archbishop. Walter posting to Rome to get Confirmation and Consecration from the Pope, and the King's Proctors there excepting against him, pressing the vacating of his Election, and making Richard Archbishop, with much importunity; they could not prevail with the Pope or Cardinals to stop Walter's Con­firmation, or promote Richard; till they had promised, in the behalf of the King, unto the Pope, the tenths of all things moveable, from both his Kingdomes of England and Ireland. Whereupon the Pope and Car­dinals forthwith vacated Walter's Election, for his insufficiency, and made Richard Archbishop. So the Pope got two years payment of his annual pension, granted by King John, and a Tenth in promise.

Yet where the King gave his Royal assent to Bishops duly Elected by his License, where there was no competition, the Pope interposed not.

This Archbishop Richard going to Rome, to complain against the King, that all affairs of his Kingdom were disposed by the counsel of his chief Justice Hubert, when he had there accomplished his de­signes against the King, was presently taken away by sudden Death.

Then the King issued out a prohibition to the Monks of Canterbury, not to do any thing prejudicial to the rights of his Crown, nor to elect any Person Archbishop, without his special License, nor to send any Monks to Rome by the Pope's command, to Elect an Archbishop there.

The Monks in pursuance of this Prohibition by the King's License, elected John their Prior Archbishop, whom the King by his Letters Pa­tents [Page 74] approved, desiring the Pope to confirm him, and likewise made new Proctors in the Court of Rome concerning this Election. And the King to promote his Affairs the better in the Court of Rome, granted Annuities to some Cardinals to obtain that justice from them by such Pen­sions, which he could not procure without them. But yet the Pope vaca­ted this second election as well as the first. Hereupon the Monks proceed to a third election; but this third Person was also cashiered by the Pope.

This See continued three years after Richard's death, and Edmond [...] being nominated Archbishop by the Pope, who sent him a Pall, was consecrated by Roger Bishop of London in April, Anno 1234. the King being present with thirteen Bishops, in Christ-Church Can­terbury.

Fuller Church-Histor. lib. 3.In the year 1232. the Cavrsines first came into England, proving the bane of the Land. These were Italians by birth, terming themselves the Pope's Merchants, driving no other Trade than letting out of Mo­ney, great Banks whereof they brought into England, differing little from the Jews, save that they were more merciless to their Debtors. Now because the Pope's Legat was altogether for ready Money, when any Tax by Levy, Commutation of Vows, Tenths, Dispensations, &c. were due to the Pope, from Prelates, Convents, Priests, or Lay-persons, these Cavrsines instantly furnished them with present Coin upon their so­lemn Bonds and Obligations. These Cavrsines were generally hated for their Extortions. Roger Black, that learned and pious Bishop of Lon­don, once excommunicated these Cavrssnes for their oppression: but they appealing to the Pope, their good friend, forced him after much mo­lestation to desist.

These Cavrsines were commonly known by the name of Lombards, from Lombardy, the place of their nativity, in Italy. And although they deserted England on the decaying of the Pope's power and profit therein; yet a double memorial remaineth of them: one of their Ha­bitation, in Lombard-street in London: the other of their Employment; a Lombard unto this day signifies a Bank for Usury, or Pawns, still con­tinued in the Low-countries and elsewhere. See here the Pope's hypo­crisie, forbidding Usury, as a sin so detestable, under such heavy penal­ties in his Canon Law, whilst his own Instruments were the most uncon­scionable practisers thereof without any controul.

Elius Rubeas in Semidali. Lib. 2. c. 3. & 4. Elias Rubeus, an English-man, wrote a Book, wherein he said, That the Monks had converted Religion into superstition, making salvation to con­sist in things, of themselves, vain and indifferent: that there was no kind of men more blind in concupiscence, or infamous for uncleanness, than the Po­pish Clergy, &c.

Certain years after, one Laurence, an English-man, in a Sermon of his, admonished the Church, That a great danger hung over her head by the Monks, that they were seducers, and the Ministers of Anti-christ.

Matthew Paris informs us, That Hubert de Burgo, Anno 1232. be­ing chief Justice of England, the King's principal faithful Counsellor, the greatest opposer of the Pope's Usurpations and Extortions, was, by the power of the Pope, and of Peter Bishop of Winchester, suddenly re­moved from all his Offices, and impeached of several Crimes, some of them amounting to high Treason. Hubert, to prevent the rage of his Enemies, fled to the Church of Merton, and there took Sanctuary. Whence the King commanded the Mayor of London by his Letters (the Londoners being his mortal Enemies) to pull him out forcibly, and bring him to him alive or dead. Which the Mayor and Citizens readily un­dertaking, and marching thither with great Forces, the King, by the advice of the Earl of Chester, suddenly countermanded them thence to their great discontent. After which Godfry of Cranecumb (whom the King sent to apprehend him, in Essex, with three hundred men armed) finding the Chappel doors shut, violently brake them open, apprehend­ed Hubert, and carried him thence, bound with cords, a prisoner to the Tower of London.

This breach of Sanctuary being made known to Roger Bishop of Lon­don, (whose Diocess it was) he tells the King, that if the Earl were not restored to the Chappel, he would excommunicate all the Authors of that outrage. The Earl is accordingly restored, but the Sheriffs of Essex and Hertford at the King's command, with the Powers of their Countreys, besiege the Chappel so long, that at last the Earl was com­pelled to come forth, and render himself, bearing his affliction patient­ly. Hubert is again imprisoned in the Tower. Nothing could appease the King's Ire, but that Mass of Gold and other Riches, which the Knights Templers had in their custody, upon trust, which Hubert wil­lingly yielded up. This mollified the King's mind toward him. Here­upon he had all such Lands granted unto him, as either King John had given, or himself had purchased. There undertook for him as Sureties, the Earls of Cornwall, and Warren, Marshal and Ferrars; and himself was committed to the Castle of Devizes, Speed's Histor. in H. 3. there to abide in free Prison under the custody of four Knights, belonging each of them to one of these four Earls. Afterwards, though he was restored to the King's fa­vour, yet upon new accusations of his Enemies, he was condemned to give to the King Blanch Castle, Grosmount in Wales, Skenefrith, and Hafield, and then also was deprived of Title of Earl of Kent.

King Henry erected a special Church, House, and form of Govern­ment for the Jews converted to the Christian Religion.

The Bishops meeting together at Glocester, Anno 1234. the King, be­ing jealous, that they intended to consult of some other things, prejudi­cial to his Crown, State and Dignity, sent a Writ of Prohibition to them, not to treat of any thing of this nature. After this, the King and Bishops meeting at a Conference at Westminster, the King charged [Page 76] some of the Bishops with a design to deprive him of his Crown, which they denied: whereupon one of them, in a great rage, excommunicated all those who raised such a report of them.

Claus. 18. H. 3. Memb. 16.Then the King commanded all common Whores and Concubines of Priests, to be imprisoned, and banished out of the University of Oxford, by his temporal Officers, unless they had Lands therein, and by Oath and other security have good assurance for their chast and honest demean­our for the future, and not to resort to Clerks Lodgings.

If a Clerk, or Beneficed person were indebted to the King, or incur­red his just displeasure, the King commanded the Bishop of the Diocess to sequester all his Ecclesiastical Benefices, till his debt was satisfied, his displeasure remitted, and the sequestration discharged by special Writ.

The Pope was grown so proud in this Age by his Usurpations, that he would not vouchsafe to hear and admit the King's Proctors and Agents, sent to Rome upon his urgent Affairs, without most humble suits and sup­plications in his Letters of credence and procurations.

The King made a Remonstrance to the Pope of the several injuries done to him by the Earl of Britain, in seizing on his Castles, and revolt­ing to the King of France; desiring the Pope by his Ecclesiastical cen­sures to compel him to restore his Castles to him. The Pope instead of excommunicating this treacherous Earl, sent for him to Rome, and made him General of the Crossadoes by Sea and Land against the Grecians.

The Pope commanded Peter Bishop of Winchester to assist him both with his purse and advice in his Military affairs against the Grecians and Romans.

The Pope, as he encroached upon the election and confirmation of the Archbishops and Bishops of England, so did he likewise upon the election and confirmation of Abbots, who must go to Rome to attend his pleasure for their approbation and confirmation, as in the case of the Abbot of St. Albans doth appear. The Pope condescended to the Abbot's election, but upon this condition, that he should take an express Oath of Fealty to the Pope and Church of Rome, and his Successors, prescribed in his Bull, directed to the Bishops, which Oath suddenly tendered to him, by way of surprise, he took publickly, before the Covent, and all the Clergy and People, at his Consecration and Instalment, related by Matthew Paris, Matth. Paris. p. 399. a Monk of this Monastery.

This new Oath of Allegeance to the Pope and See of Rome, being the highest encroachment upon the King's Rights and Prerogative, making all who take it the Pope's Subject, and Vassals, not the King's, was con­cealed both from the King and Abbot, till the very nick of his Consecra­tion and Benediction, for fear it should be opposed and refused.

The Prior of the preaching Friers presuming to arrest and imprison some persons in York-shire, pretended to be Heretical, when he had no [Page 77] legal power to arrest or imprison such, the King thereupon issued a Man­date to the Sheriff of York-shire, to arrest and imprison all Heretical persons, till his further order therein,

Anno 1236. the Archbishop of Canterbury being sued by the Prior and Monks of Canterbury, for certain Advousons of Churches, Possessi­ons, Rents, and Services in the Ecclesiastical Court, Pryn. claus. 20. H. 3. m. 12. dorso. by authority of the Pope's Letters, despising the remedy of the King's Court, where they ought to sue for them, thereupon the King issued forth his prohibi­tion to the Archbishop, prohibiting him, in his Faith and Allegeance to him, not to answer them in that Court, it being prejudicial to his Crown and Dignity, &c.

The King by several Writs of Prohibition countermanded the Pope's own Bulls and Delegates, as contrary to the Rights and Dignities of his Crown, and prohibited their proceedings, which gave some check to his Usurpations of this Kind.

The King's Clerks and Houshold Chaplains in those dayes wearing long Hair and Peruwigs, Pat. 21. H. 3. m. 3. dorso. Long Hair and Peruwigs forbidden in the Clergy. thereupon the King to reform this abuse, issued out a Writ to William de Perecat, authorizing and strictly com­manding him to cut their Hair, and pull off their yellow Peruwigs, un­der pain of being shaven and polled himself.

The Monks and Converts of the Cistercian Order, contrary to their Vows and Rules, becoming common Merchants, buying, and selling again, Wools and Skins, to the prejudice of other Merchants, and scandal of their Profession, the King, for redress thereof, issued out a Writ of Prohi­bition to all the Sheriffs of England, to seize the Goods and Moneys of those Monks and Converts, to his use, who should offend therein.

There being a great difference between the Bishop of Clochor in Ire­land and the Archbishop of Armagh, and their Tennants, concerning injuries and grievances touching their Churches; the Archbishop of Ar­magh procuring the King's Letters to his Chief Justice by misinformati­on, whilst he was excommunicated; the King thereupon revoked his former Letters, and commanded his Chief Justice in Ireland, to hear and determine the Controversies between them.

Upon the death of Richard Bishop of Durham, the King upon the Pe­tition of the Prior and Convent, granted his License to elect a new Bishop. The Bishop of Norwich dying this year, the Monks elected Simon, their Prior, for their Bishop, whom the King disapproving, made a special Proctor against him before the Archbishop to hinder his confirmation, and to appeal against him to the See of Rome, if it were expedient, where he likewise constituted his Proctor.

Then the Pope upon the King's request, under a pretext to rectifie some of those abuses (against which there was an universal complaint) sent Ottobone, his Legat, into England, who soon proclaimed himself a ravening Wolf, as well as his Predecessors.

Then was a Council called by the Pope's Legat unto St. Paul's Church in London, where most of the Prelates, Abbots and Priors assembled to­gether. The Canons that were made and promulged in this Council who so please, may peruse at leisure in Matthew Paris, and in Johannes de Aton, his Constitutiones legitimae Ecclesiae, totiusque Ecclesiae Anglica­nae, ab Legatis a latere summorum Pontificum collectio, fol. 1. ad 121. with his Gloss upon them. The first Canon was for the Dedication and Consecration of Churches, many Cathedral as well as Parish-churches be­ing then unconsecrated. The second and third concerning Ecclesiastical Sacraments and Baptism. Others concerning the covetousness of Priests, their hearing Confessions, the qualities of such as were to be ordained; their Farmers and Vicars, Presentations to Churches; not dividing one Church into more; the Residence of Bishops and Priests; Pluralities; the Habit of Clerks, clandestine marriage of Priests, Priests Concu­bines; their Sons succession in their Benefices; their Judges, Procurati­ons, undue, unjust Citations; Exactions by Procurations, Registers; abuses by Proctors and Ecclesiastical Judges; and an Oath to be prescri­bed to them, to prevent the like abuses for the future. In this Council this Legat introduced the use of Oaths in Ecclesiastical Courts The first use of Oaths in Ecclesiastical Courts in England. and Cau­ses, never formerly used in England, by colour whereof other Oaths were introduced by the Popish Prelates, against the Laws and Customs of the Realm, till the King, by his Prohibition, restrained these Usurpa­tions.

Then was a private Letter sent from Rome to the Pope's Legat in Eng­land, advising him to moderation, to prevent a total rejection of the Pope and See of Rome.

In the 22th year of Henry the Third, the Greek Churches renounced all obedience to, and communion with, the Church of Rome: which made the Pope and his Court fear the like Schism and revolt in England, occa­sioned by the Legat's violent Extortions, and advancement of Strangers to Benefices; whereupon he intended to recal him thence to prevent these ill consequences; but the Legat loth to depart, prevailed with the King and others to sollicit the Pope for his continuance in England, upon pretence of publick good.

This year there happening a difference between the King and Monks of Durham about their Bishop elect, whom the King would not approve, he thereupon issued his Letters Patents to the Archbishop of York, appoint­ing his Proctors to appeal to the See of Rome against this election, only for delay to preserve his right.

After the death of Henry de Sandford, Bishop of Rochester, the Monks of Rochester elected Richard Windeley, a learned Man, for their Bishop, who being presented by the Monks to Edmond Archbishop of Canterbury for his confirmation, he refused to admit him, Ʋnde Monachi Domini Papae presentiam appellarunt. Upon this Appeal the Pope gave Judgment [Page 79] for the Monks against the Archbishop, and condemned him in costs of suit, confirming their election in despite of the Archbishop, with whom the Pope was very angry for opposing his intolerable exactions in Eng­land, whereupon this Bishop Elect was consecrated at Canterbury in St. Gregory's Church by the Archbishop, the Bishop of London and other Bishops.

Then the Monks of Coventry chose Nicholas de Fernham for their Bi­shop, who refused to accept thereof: whereupon at last they chose Simon de Pateshul, who accepted it.

The Pope having excommunicated the Emperour Frederick, Otto, the Pope's Legat, was very diligent to see the Pope's scandalous Excommuni­cations and Bulls against him published throughout all England.

In the twenty fourth year of the Reign of King Henry the Third, the Monks of Cambridge having apprehended an Heretick (as he was called) the King thereupon issued forth a Precept to the Sheriff of Cambridge, to bring this Heretick before him, at Westminster, to be examined, and disposed of as he should direct. Who he was, and what his Heresies were, Matthew Paris tells us, saying, He was a man of an honest and severe life; and that he openly asserted, that Pope Gregory was not the Head of the Church, but there was another Head of the Church; that the Church was profaned, the Devil was let loose; the Pope was an Heretick: that Gregory, who was called Pope, had defiled the Church, and the world too. This and divers other things of like nature, he spake, before the Pope's Legat, in the hearing of many.

Pope Gregory before his death, to carry on his Wars against the Em­peror Frederick, Anno 1240. intended by way of provision to confer all the Benefices in England (especially of the Clergy) on the Sons of Romans, and other Forreigners, upon condition to assist him against the Emperour, sending his Bull to three Bishops, to confer no less than three hundred of the next Benefices, that fell void within their Diocess, on these Aliens.

Anno 1241. Otto, the Pope's Legat, having long pillaged the Realm and Church of England, was sent for the third time by the Pope. And the King to oblige the Legat, as well to promote his Affairs at Rome, as in England, before his departure hence, Knighted and conferred an An­nual pension on his Nephew, feasted the Legat publickly at Westminster, and placed him at the feast in his own Royal Throne, to the great offence of his Nobles and Subjects.

Edmond Archbishop of Canterbury deceasing, the King commended Boniface (his Queen's Uncle, a Forreigner, and every way unfit for such a trust) to the Monks of Canterbury, to succeed him, whom they accordingly elected.

There being a great contest between the King, and the Prior and Monks of Winchester, about the election of their Bishop, they electing first [Page 80] William de Raley, Bishop of Norwich, whom the King and Pope oppo­sing, thereupon they Elected Ralph Nevil, whose election was likewise vacated. After which they Elected the Bishop of Norwich again, whose election was suddenly made, and quickly confirmed at Rome. Yet the King commanded the Major of Winchester to forbid the new Bishop en­trance into the City; Matth. Westin. which he did; who thereupon Excommunicated him for his labour, and interdicted the whole City. The King there­upon so persecuted the Monks, that he imprisoned diverse of them, and forced the Bishop to fly the Realm, and pass into France for a season.

Then there arose a new contest, between the Archbishop and Monks of Canterbury, about Jurisdiction and Visitation, wherein they Excom­municated one the other; and yet slighted these their mutual Anathe­mae's, as ridiculous nullities.

The King being in France, sent his Writ to the Archbishop of York, then Custos Regni, to confer Benefices that should fall void on such Clerks of His, who, to their great danger and expence, continued with him, and incurred many various casualties, in his services, beyond the Seas, commanding them all in general, and one of them onely in special, by Name, to be first provided for in this kind.

Anno 1246. Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury, upon a feigned pretext, that his Church of Canterbury was involved in very great debts by his Predecessor, but in truth by himself, to carry on Forreign Wars, and gratifie the Pope, procured, from Pope Innocent, a grant of the first years Fruits of all Benefices, that should fall void within his Diocess for seven years space, till he should raise out of them the sum of ten thousand Marks, besides two thousand Marks yearly out of the Bishop­rick. N. B. This Grant of first-fruits of Benefices to Boniface, made way for Popes appropriating first-fruits, and Annats to themselves soon after.

About this time was Edmond Archbishop of Canterbury Canonized for a Saint by the Pope, to gratifie the King, and facilitate the im­posing and levying of his Papal exactions upon the Clergy and Realm.

The Bishops and Clergy of the Province of Canterbury, to avoid the turbulent visitation and exactions of Archbishop Boniface, made a Tax and Collection to defray the expenses of their Appeals and opposi­tions against him in the Court of Rome.

Some Abbots and Convents perceiving that Robert Grosthed, and other Bishops, intended to vex and oppress them, by their new powers to visit them, derived from the Pope, combined together to make a common purse to oppose and withstand them by Appeals to the Pope; whom they hoped would back them for Money, as the Bishops combi­bined together to withstand the Archbishop's Visitation in his Province. [Page 81] Notwithstanding this combination, the Bishop of Lincoln, proceeded to Visit both the Monasteries and Nunneries in his Diocess, with great severity and Tyranny.

But although Robert Grosthed at first was a great stickler for the Pope, and an oppressor of the Nobility and Laity of his Diocess, with his Visitations; appeals to Rome, and Excommunications; yet afterwards he opposed the Pope's Provisions directed to him, for which the Pope suspended him from his Bishoprick: Whereupon he sent a notable Letter to Pope Innocent, rendring him the reasons why he was not bound to obey his unjust Letters and Provisions, as most contrary to the Doctrine and Practice of Christ and his Apostles, tending to the ruine of Peoples Souls; and that no Bishop or other Person was bound to obey any of the Pope's Mandates as Apostolical, but what were warranted by the Doctrine and Practice of Christ and his Apostles. The Letter is to be seen at large in Mr. Prynne's late History of Pope's Usurpations, &c. Tom. 2.

A little before his death, this Robert Grosthed called some of his Clergy to him, and by strong reasons and arguments informed them, That the Pope was Antichrist, because he was a destroyer of Souls, &c. Matthew Paris gives this character of him; Migravit ab hujusmode mundi, quem nunquam dilexit, exilio, sanctus Lincolniensis Episcopus, Robertus secun­dus, apud Bugedonam, manerium suum, in nocte sancti Dionysii, Papae & Regis Redargutor manifestus, Praelatorum correptor, Monarchorum corrector, Presbyterorum director; Clericorum instructor, Scholarium sus­tentator; Populi praedicator; Incontinentium persecutor; Scripturarum se­dulus perscrutator diversarum; Romanorum malleus & contemptor; in mensa refectionis corporalis dapsilis, copiosus & civilis, hilaris & affabilis: in mensa vero spirituali devotus, lacrymosus & contritus: in officio Pon­tificali sedulus, venerabilis, & indefatigabilis.

He died Anno 1253. Vide Ranulph Cestrens. Poly­chron. lib. 7. ca. 36. & Heur. de Knigh­ton de eventib. Angliae. Lib. 2. ca. 36. Of which year Matthew Paris gives this Cha­racter, Transiit igitur annus ille Papae Papalibus augurialis. The Pope being much incensed against Grosthed, wrote a Letter to the King of Eng­land, to cause his bones to be digged up, and to be cast out of the Church: whereupon the Bishop's ghost appeared unto him that night, expostulated with him, pricked him in the side, and haunted him till his death.

The Canons of Lincoln chose Henry of Lexinton to succeed him, who was then Dean of the Church of Lincoln; the King approved of his Election, being Consecrated soon after by Bishop Boniface beyond the Seas.

Then the King issued out a Writ to the Bishop of Chichester to pub­lish throughout his Diocess the priviledges he had granted to all such, who should cross themselves for the holy Land, being the same in termes with those, the year before, sent to the Archbishop of York to publish, the Writ running in the same forme.

In the 38th. year of King Henry the third, the Archbishops and Bi­shops having agreed to grant the King a Disme toward the relief of the holy Land, by advice of the King's Council in Parliament; appointed it to be collected by the Bishops of Norwich and Chichester, and Ab­bot of Westminster, for which they assigned them an annual stipend. In August following, the King issued forth Patents to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, &c. in Ireland, specially to promote this Croysado and Disme in Ireland, and to assist those sent thither to promote it, where­of one was the Pope's Subdeacon.

The King being in France, issued his precept to the Barons of the Exchequer, to issue Moneys for the repair of the Church of West­minster, which he intended to have consecrated before his voyage to the holy Land.

Prynne's Hist. Tom. 2.He issued Writs to enquire of the real values of the Manors, Lands, Rents, and Revenues of Religious persons (in nature of Dooms-day Book) that he might the better improve them when they fell into his hand by vacancies, or deaths of Abbots and Priors, towards the debts he contracted by his forreign Wars.

Matth. Paris, Hist. Angl. p. 835. Matthew Paris tells us, of strange forgeries and devices set on foot by the Pope and his Agents, to oppress the Clergy of England, and in­volue them in bonds and debts to the Pope and King (who served each others turns) and that by the treachery of the Bishop of Hereford and and others to ingratiate themselves with both. And the Bishop of Hereford and Rustand, the Pope's Legate, oppressed the Clergy of England that year 1254. and great complaints were made against them.

The King being unable by his absence to be personally present at the Feast of St. Edward at Westminster, which he annually consecrated, con­stituted several persons to solemnize this Feast, and make Offerings, Pro­cessions, and give almes in his stead, and commanded the Parishoners of St. Margaret, and the Londoners to go to Westminster in Procession with Wax Tapers, and other formalities for the honour of this Saint and holy-day.

The King in the 39th. year of his Reign sent a pious Writ to the Ci­stercians and other Abbots in their general Assembly, to make a special devout Prayer unto God for him, his Queen and Children.

The Bishop Elect of Winton having forcibly and unjustly by his power deprived the Prior of Winton, and thrust another into his place without his due Election, the deprived Prior thereupon Appealed to the Pope and Court of Rome, where he expected to be restored with great con­fidence: but to shew how much more prevalent Money then was in that corrupt Court than Justice; this intruder was confirmed, and he re­turned after great expence frustrate of his expectation, having some Manors assigned him for his support during life, out of which the Pope had an annual pension of 365. Marks to support his Table.

The Jews of Lincoln having crucified a Christian Child, to the great dishonour and disgrace of Jesus Christ, the King appointed special Ju­stices, diligently to enquire of, and severely to punish, this grand offence, by his Patent and Commission.

The King this year, fearing some designs against him from Rome, issu­ed a Writ to the Barons and Bailiffs of Dover, and to the Wardens of the Cinque-ports, not to permit any Clerks to pass out of their respective Ports beyond the Seas, unless he would first take an Oath, that if he went to the Court of Rome, he should demand nor require nothing against the King's Crown and Dignity, nor the Pope's grant or Ordi­nance concerning the Realm of Sicily. And the King, by his Letters Pa­tents, constituted two distinct Proctors in the Court of Rome, concerning the affairs of the Kingdom of Sicily, and other occasions there to be transacted.

The Pope had a greater share in the Disme than the King, who could dispose of none of it, but by His and Rustand's consents. He likewise issued his Mandate to the Sheriff of Kent, to provide a speedy passage at Dover for Rustand the Pope's Agent, and to defray the charges of it, which should be allowed him.

The King understanding the Archbishop's and Bishops designes, inten­ded to be prosecuted in a Council of the Bishops of his Province, which Archbishop Boniface had convocated, against his Crown, Dignity, Courts, Judges, &c. Prohibited him and them to meet therein, under pain of forfeiting their Temporalties. The Archbishop and Bishops not­withstanding these Writs, met and proceeded in their Convocation, in a very presumptuous manner, as those fifty Articles then drawn up, and tendered to the King, and their Papal decrees in pursuit of them, will most evidently demonstrate. They were tendered to the King, by the Archbishops and Bishops, for which they resolved to contend to the ut­termost.

These Constitutions are collected and Printed in John de Aton, quoting Lindewood, who cites and glosseth upon most of them under several Ti­tles, in the Margin of every one of them, where you may peruse them with his Canonical gloss. These were made Anno Dom. 1261.

What Procurations the Archbishop of Messana (arrived in England this year, as the Pope's Legate) exacted and extorted from the Bishops and Abbots with great violence and what injuries the Archbishop of Canterbury did to the Bishop of Rochester, you may read in Matthew Paris.

The King and his Council resolving to banish the Poictovin Clergy-men out of the Nation, and not to imprison them in England, issued a Writ to the Constables of the Castles of Winton and Dover, of the ba­nishment and transportation, of the Archdeacon of Winton, out of the Realm, and to see he carried away no Moneys with him.

In the 42 year of this King, the Friers Minorites sent a Petition to King Henry to confirm their intrusion, into St. Edmonds, by his second Charter, not deeming the Pope's Bull they had got sufficient, which the Abbots and Monks contemned and set at naught.

The King to satisfie the Pope's demands, and the easier to get in the Dismes the Pope had granted him to gain Sicily, which the Archbishop, Bishops, and Religious Persons in England refused to pay, assigned thir­ty thousand Marks thereof to the Pope.

Godfry de Kimeton, Dean of York, was elected Archbishop of that See, and forced to travel to Rome for his Confirmation.

Fulco Bishop of London died of the Plague, and Wengham then Chan­cellor of England, notwithstanding his insufficiency, and want of learn­ing and Knowledge, in Divinity, procured Letters Patents from King Henry by advice of his Council (in imitation of the Pope's Commendae's, then grown very common) to hold and retain all his former Ecclesiasti­cal Dignities and Benefices, whereof the King was Patron, together with his Bishoprick, for so long time as the Pope should please to grant him a dispensation: whose dispensation alone would not bar the King to present to those Dignities and Benefices, being all void in Law, by making him a Bishop. He had the like Patent to retain his Benefices and Ecclesiastical preferments in Ireland. This is the first Patent of a Com­menda retinere, granted by the King to any Bishop Elect, The first Pa­tent of a Com­menda reti­nere, granted by the King to any Bishop elect. saith Mr. Prynne, being made by the advice of his Lords and Judges, which makes it more considerable.

The King in the 44th year of his Reign issued a Writ to the Barons of Dover, and other Ports, to search for, and apprehend all Italian Clerks and Lay-men, and all others that should bring any Bulls from Rome, prejudicial to him and his Realm, and not to permit any to arrive with Horse and Armes in the Realm, without his special License; and to arrest all such as should there Land, till they received further order from him

The Bishop of St. David's and his Clerks complaining to the King how much the priviledges of their Churches, Monasteries, Houses, Goods, and Persons, were violated in Wales, in an hostile manner, throughout his Diocess, issued out a Writ and Prohibition to his Of­ficers for their future protection and indemnity against such injuries and oppressions.

Boniface, Archbishop of Canterbury, being an Alien, and forced to fly out of the Kingdom by the Barons, was, upon a Treaty between the King and his Barons, permitted to return into England upon certain conditions.

The King and the Barons having by common consent, entred into Ar­ticles of Agreements under their hands, and referred themselves there­in to the determination of the French King, or the Pope's Legate, the [Page 85] King thereupon constituted three Proctors, to conclude and consent on his behalf, to whatever should be therein agreed, submitting himself to the Legate's Ecclesiastical Censures and Excommunication to compell him to the performance thereof.

During the Wars between the King and his Barrons, diverse Vicars and Parsons desirous to reside upon their Cures, so as they might be protected from violence therein, the King thereupon granted protections to those who desired them.

An Oxford Jew, having in contempt of Christ and Christian Religi­on, in a solemn Procession there held by the University, cast down and broken the Crucifix carried before them, and escaping; and the Jews not producing his Body as the King ordered them; the King thereupon commanded the Sheriff of Oxford, by several Writs to seize the Bodies and Goods of all the Jews in Oxford, till they gave sufficient security, at their proper costs, to erect a beautifull high Marble Cross, with the Images of Christ on the one side, and the Virgin Mary with Christ in her Armes on the other side, curiously and decently guilt, and the cause thereof engraven on it, in the place where the offence was commit­ted, calling the Major of the Town and Cofferers of the Jews to his as­sistance; and till they made and delivered to the Proctors of the Univer­sity another portable Cross of Silver handsomly guilded, with a Spear as large as that carried before the Archbishop to be carryed before the Masters and Scholars of the University in their future processions. And because diverse Jewes, to prevent it, had secretly convayed away their goods to others, to enquire diligently after such goods and sell them; that the work might be speedily effected before St. Edwards Feast.

The Money hereupon being levyed of the Jews, to make these Crosses, and the King being informed, that the Marble-cross could not be erected in the place prescribed, without damage and prejudice to some Bur­gesses of Oxford, whereupon they purposed to erect it just over against the Jews Synagogue there: The King and his Council conceiving that place inconvenient, ordered it to be set up within the place of Merton Colledge, near the Church; and the other portable Cross to be deliver­ed to the Scholars thereof, to be kept in their House, and carried in Pro­cessions of the University, as aforesaid.

Of the Dismes granted to the King by the Pope, Parker. An­tiqu. Eccles. Britan. p. 194. the King had usually the least share; the Pope, the Cardinals, and Legates, swallowing up the greatest part of them, as the Learned Archbishop Matthew Parker hath observed.

Boniface, the Military Archbishop of Canterbury, died beyond the Seas; Anno Dom. 1271. when he had reaped the profits of that See, and pil­laged that Province twenty six years, six moneths, and sixteen dayes; most of which he spent in Wars and negotiations beyond the Seas, and never Preached one Sermon all that time, for ought we find. That [Page 86] year there was so great an inundation of Rain at Canterbury, such Ligh­tening and Tempest, as had not been seen nor heard for a long time: The Thunder was dreadful, and continued a whole day and night, and such an inundation of Water followed, that it overthrew Stones, Vines, and Trees, Cattel were drowned, and much Corn spoiled; and the City was so over-flown, that Men nor Horses could pass. After this Flood, there followed a great Famine, and the Plague swept away many in the City and Countrey round about.

Mr. Fox relates, That a little before King Henry's death, there fell out a controversie between the Monks and Citizens of Norwich, about certain Tallages and Liberties, that after much altercation and wrangling words, the furious rage of the Citizens so much encreased, that they set upon the Abbey and Priory, and burned both the Church and Bishop's Palace. At the last King Henry calling for certain of his Lords and Barons, sent them to Norwich, that they might punish, and see Execution done on the chiefest Malefactors; some of them were condemned and burnt; and some were drawn by the heeles with Horses through the Streets of the City, and so in much misery ended their lives. King Henry having in his company the Bishop of Ro [...]hester, and the Earl of Glocester, fol­lowed his Justice Thomas Trivet to Norwich. The Bishop having Excom­municated all who consented to this wickedness, and the Judge Executed the nocent; the King condemned the Town in three thousand Marks of Silver, to be paid by a day, toward the repairing of the Church so burnt, and also to pay one hundred pounds in Silver, toward the repair of a Cup arising to twenty pounds in Gold. He returning thence to­wards London, fell grievously sick at the Abbey of St. Edmonds in Suf­folk, where after he had in a Religious manner acknowledged his sins, he rendered up the same to his Redeemer, when he had reigned fifty six years and twenty dayes.

A Prince (writes Speed) whose devotion was greater than his dis­cretion, as we see, in permitting the depredation of himself, and his whole Kingdom, by Papal overswayings.

After the Death and Funeral of King Henry (who was Buried at Westminster Church, Founded and almost finished by him) Prince Ed­ward his Son, being at that time in the holy Land, where he obtained many notable Victories against the Saracens: Who thereupon suborned an Assassinate to kill him, under pretext of delivering a Message to him from the Soldan of Babylon, who stabbed him into the Body with a poi­soned Knife, Thomas Wal­singham. Matth. Westm. to the hazard of his Life; his Nobles notwithstanding his remote absence, were so Loyal as to Proclaim him King, and Swear Fealty and Allegiance to him, as their Sovereign Lord. They sent out Writs whereby they Proclaimed the King's peace: They first of them were di­rected to all the Sheriffs of England, to Proclaim in their respective [Page 87] Coun [...]ies: the other to the King's chief Justice of Ireland, to be there Proclaimed, who, with others, was authorized likewise to receive the Fealty, as well of all the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Clergy, as Nobles and other Lay-subjects in Ireland, due unto him as their King and Sovereign Lord.

In the third year of this King's Reign Walter de Merton, Bishop of Rochester and Chancellor of England, finished the Colledge of his own Name in Oxford. This Walter de Merton, was one of the Guardians of the Realm in the King's absence.

A Writ was issued to Lewellin Prince of Wales, requiring an Oath of Fealty from him to King Edward, as his Sovereign Lord; and two Ab­bots thereby made Commissioners to receive his Oath, who refused to appear, or give any answer to them. The Abbots made a special return of their proceedings therein to the Lord Chancellor.

The first thing this King and his Council did, was to make a publick Declaration and Protestation against Pope Clement the fifth, his late Usurpation, who a little before King Henry his death, had, by his Papal Provisions, conferred the Bishoprick of Winton on John d [...] Pontissera, and the Archbishoprick of Canterbury upon Robert Kilwardby, without the King's precedent License, or Monks Election: rejecting William de Chil­enden (duly Elected by the Monks of Canterbury by King Henry's Li­cense) that so he might Usurp the disposal of all other Bishopricks by these and other former like Presidents.

After the death of Pope Clement the fourth, the See of Rome continu­ing void for two years and ten moneths, by reason of the Cardinals dis­cord about a Successor: at last they Elected Theobald Archdeacon of Leige, Pope, who was with King Edward the first, in the holy Land: of him these two Verses were made.

Prince Edward in his return from the holy Land, repaired to this new Pope's Court, his late Chaplain, and fellow-souldier, who, at his re­quest, Excommunicated the Murderers of his kinsman Henry, Son and heir to the King of Germany, at Viterbium, and disinherited some of them by his Imperious Decree, till they should come personally to Rome, to purge themselves, or submit to his absolute order in all things.

This new Pope Gregory, sent a special Nuncio into England, under pretext to compel all Ecclesiastical Persons to pay two years Dismes of their Temporalties, and Ecclesiastical Livings, to the King and his Bro­ther, but in truth to himself, who converted most of it to his own use: whereupon sundry of the Abbots and Clergy of the Realm refused to [Page 88] pay the premised Disme, notwithstanding the Pope's Nuncio's Excommu­nications denounced against them, contemning his Ecclesiastical Cen­sures: whereupon the Nuncio wrote to the Chancellor to command the Sheriffs to assist the Collectors of it by their secular power, and levy it by force where there was need. Hereupon the Chauncellor issued Writs to all the Sheriffs of England, and some others, to assist the Collectors accordingly.

It seems the Bishop of Winton compounded, and paid a fine of five hundred Marks for his two years Dismes to the Pope's Collector.

At the same time the King wanting Moneys, appointed special Col­lectors of the Arrears due upon the Dismes granted to his Father, by the Pope, towards the relief of the holy Land.

A new Archbishop of Dublin, being elected the second year of this King's Reign, who resided with the Queen of Scots in Scotland, the King, at her special request, granted him this priviledge, to make At­torneys to appear for him in all his Courts, and to exempt him from all Amercements, for not appearing personally in them.

Pope Gregory the tenth, usurping the Emperor's Sovereign authority, of Summoning general Councils, sent forth general Letters through eve­ry Nation, concerning the gathering together a Council, on May the first, at Lyons. Whence it was said of him.

Claus. 2. Ed. 1. m. 13. dorso.What Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and Clergy-men repaired to this Council by the King's special License, who constituted Attorneys and Proxies for them in the King's Courts, to sue and be sued, during their absence, may be seen in the Records mentioned by Mr. Prynne.

King Edward the first, himself sent four special Proctors to this Gene­ral Council, to propound, assent, or dissent unto in his Name and be­half, whatever they or either of them should deem fit or expedient. A clear evidence, that He and his Proxies had an affirmative and negative voice in General Councils.

Matthew Westminster renders us an account of the proceedings in this Council, and of the Greek Emperors, Patriarcks, and Bishops acknow­ledgement of the Supremacy of the Pope and Church of Rome, over all other Prelates and Churches, as an Article of their Faith, which they never before assented to.

The Executors of John Maunsel Treasurer of York, having, by his last Will, assigned to the Vicars of St. Peter's in York, a Messuage of His in York, to maintain an Anniversary for his Soul, of which they were after­wards dispossessed by others; the King upon complaint thereof, issued a Writ of Inquisition, to examine the truth thereof, and restore the said Messuage to the Vicars, to maintain the Anniversary for the salvation of John Maunsel's soul.

The next year the King issued Commissions for the apprehending some vagrant and Apostate Friers of the Order of St. Augustine, who had deseted their Houses and Order, to the prejudice of their Souls, and scandal of their Order.

King Edward the first, made at Westminster at his first Parliament Ge­neral, after his Coronation, Vide Cokes 2. Instit. p. 156. 157. on Easter-Monday in the third year of his Reign, many exeellent useful Statutes, some of them relating to the Pri­viledges and Jurisdiction of the Clergy, controlling some Canons of the Pope, formerly used to the obstruction of publick Justice.

Soon after the Council of Lions, Pope Gregory the tenth, sent Rey­mund de Nogeriis, his Chaplain, as his Nuncio into England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, for certain affairs of the Church, especially to demand and receive from the King eight years Arrears of the annual Tribute, and Peter-pence, then due to the Church of Rome.

The Abbot and Covent of Feversham being greatly indebted to Mer­chants and others (by their expences at Rome, and Papal exactions) the King to preserve Them and their House from ruine, took them, and all their Lands, Moneys, Goods, into his Protection, and committed them to the management of certain persons for discharge of their debts, and necessary support. The like Protections were granted, in the same form, to the Abbot and Covents of Bordesley and Byndon the same year; and to the Prior and Covent of Thornholm; but the custody of them, their Lands and Goods, to other Persons.

The Chalices, Books, Ornaments, Goods and Lands of the Hermi­tage near Cripple-gate, London, being usually imbezilled for want of good Government and Regulation, the King being Patron thereof com­mitted it to the care and Government of the Lord Major of London, for the time being.

The Chancellor and University of Oxford, having at their proper costs founded a Chappelry in the Church of St. Maries, in the midst of the Town, to pray for the safety of the King, his Queen, and Children, Ancestors, and all their Benefactors; the King highly commending their Piety therein, and endeavouring to promote it, wrote to all the Archbishops and Bishops of England and Ireland, to grant some special Indulgences to all who should resort to this Chappelry to hear Mass or Prayers.

The King upon the Petition of the Prior and Covent of Bath, and of the Dean and Chapter of Wells, granted his License to them to elect a new Bishop, that See being then void. Upon this License they Elected Robert Burnel. This Bishop soon after his Consecration, to end the frequent Controversies between the King, Abbots of Glastonbury, and Bishops of this See, by consent of the Dean and Chapter of Wells, and of the Prior and Covent of Bath, exchanged the Patronage of the Abbey of Glaston­bury, and some other rights therein granted to him by former Kings [Page 90] Patents, for the City of Bath. In pursuit and execution of which ex­change, the King issued two Parents to the Citizens of Bath, and others, to make Livery and Seisin thereof to the Bishop.

The King gave License, upon the Petition of the Dean and Chapter of Hereford, to Elect a new Bishop in the place of John Breton after his De­cease: and confirmed their Election of Thomas de Cantilupo, and resto­red the Temporalties to him after his Confirmation by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Pat. 3. Edw. 1. without the Pope's approbation or privity.

This King in the fourth year of his Reign, to prevent the ruine of the Abbey of Redding, issued Patents of protection, and regulation of the expences of it, and of the Cell belonging to it, founded by his Ancestors, committing it's Revenues to certain persons to defray the Debts thereof.

In the fifth year of his Reign he issued a Commission, to enquire of all Christians, who used usury in London and else-where, and punish them according to Law, by seizing their Goods, as a thing unbeseeming Christians and Christianity.

About the same time Walter Bronescomb, Bishop of Exeter, and his Of­ficials, cited sundry of the King's Subjects, and Officers, into his Ec­clesiastical Courts for Debts and Chattels, that concerned not Matrimo­ny or Testament, Godwin. Ca­tal. of Bish. p. 326.327. and for Trespasses, Free-holds, and other things, of which they had no legal jurisdiction, Excommunicating, and putting them to pecuniary Redemptions, and grievous penalties, and withall ex­acted illegal Oathes and obligations from them: the King upon the complaints of Edmond, Earl of Cornwall, and his Officers, and of the whole County of Cornwall, of these his exorbitances, issued a speedy Commission, in the sixth year of his Reign, to some Judges, to en­quire of, hear and determine these his Exorbitancies and Usurpations, before whom he was Prosecuted at the King's Suite, to his dammages of 10000 l. which the Bishop denying in some sort, appealed to the King, Pope, and Court of Rome, from the King's Justices: for which his high affront to the King's Crown and Dignity, he was adjudged undefended, ordered to satisfie the King his ten thousand pound dammages; and likewise to answer his contempt for this his enormous Appeal to the Pope, in affront of the King's Crown and Dignity, before the King and his Council.

In the nineth year of King Edward the first, John Peckham, Frater Johan. Peckham, Cantuariensis Episcopus ne nihil fecisse videretur convocat Concilium apud Lambeth, in quo non Evangelii Regni Dei praedicationem imposuit, sed Constitutiones Othonis & Ottobonis quondam Legatorum in Angliâ innovans, jussit eas ab omnibas servari, &c. Thomas Walsingham in Edw. 1. Archbi­shop of Canterbury, held a Council at Lambeth with his Suffragans, of which Thomas Walsingham, and others, render us this account. Frier John Peckham, Archbishop of Canterbury, least he might seem to have [Page 91] done nothing, calleth a Council at Lambeth, in which he imposed not the Preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, but innovating the Con­stitutions of Otto and Ottobon, sometimes Legates in England, commanded them to be observed of all. Moreover, he made sixteen Ecclesiastical Laws, which are contained among the Provincial Constitutions.

The King suspecting the Archbishops and Bishops Loyalty, and pro­ceedings in this their Council, sent a Writ to them, strictly command­ing them upon their Oaths of Fealty they had all taken, to be faithful to him, and defend his Crown and Royal Dignity in all things, to their Power; to observe this their Oath therein with all diligence, and not to act, agitate, or assent to any thing against him, or the ancient Rights of the Crown enjoyed by his Progenitors, under pain of losing all their Temporalties.

But how far this Archbishop and his Suffragans were from obeying this Royal Mandate, will appear by the Prologue to their Canons and Constitutions made therein, wherein they highly extol Thomas Becket, as a most glorious Martyr, for opposing the antient Rights of the Crown, as inconsistent with the Churches pretended Liberties, and revived and confirmed the Constitutions of Archbishop Boniface and his Suffragans, (against which the King had solemnly Appealed to the Pope, as preju­dicial to the Rights, Priviledges, Customs, Liberties of his Crown) by several Canons made therein, and the Excommunications re-published in it: Vide Pryn. in Edw. 1. but more especially by the Archbishop's insolent Epistle to the King, in answer to this his Royal Inhibition and Mandate sent unto them.

Archbishop Peckham (Magnus & robustus Antichristi satelles, as John Bale not improperly stiles him) in his Epistle to the King, justifies what they had done: wherein he advanceth the Ecclesiastical and Papal Jurisdiction, Power, Laws, Canons, far above the Regal, to which all Princes and Temporal Laws ought to submit.

Sundry Canons and Converts of the Order of Sempingham, this year, turning Apostates, and deserting their Houses in diverse Priories of that Order, to the scandal of their Profession, the King upon complaint issu­ed a Writ to apprehend and punish them for it, and to deliver such of them who were then apprehended, to those of that Order to be cha­stised.

The King to prevent the imbezilling of the Rents, Chalices, Books, Pat. 9. Edw. 1. Vestments, Images, Relikes, Charters, and Bulls of the Hermitage by Criple-gate, granted the custody thereof, in his Name, to the Constable of the Tower for the time being.

This year the King recited and confirmed the antient Charter of King John to the Nuns of Ambresbury.

The King to advance Learning, and for the good of the Church, Priesthood, and Common-wealth, gave his Royal assent for translating [Page 92] the Friers of the Hospital of St. John in Cambridge, into a Colledge of Scholars, after the pattern and Rules of Merton Colledge in Ox­ford.

The Archbishop this year, to supply, his occasions, entred into seve­ral recognizances to the Bishops of Bath, and of Coventry and Litch­field, two wealthy Prelates and great Usurers.

Pope Nicholas the third deceasing, Anno 1280. and Pope Martin the fourth succeeding, he in the first year of his Papacy sent two Friers in­to England, intending by his Agents, and Forreign Merchants, to ex­port or return out of England the six years Dismes therein collected, and retained for Aid of the holy Land, granted in the general Council of Lyons, and convert them to his own or other uses; King Edward up­on notice hereof, to reserve the Moneys for his Brother's expedition to the holy Land, and supply the present exigences for defence of the King­dom, issued out a Writ to prohibit Merchants, or others, under pain of loss of Life and Member, and all their Goods and Chattels, to export or convay the said Dismes, or any part thereof, out of the Realm, and to imprison all such who did the contrary, to the Pope's great disappoint­ment.

In the tenth year of King Edward the first, Pope Martin sent a Bull to the King, to require his Favour to, and Protection of the Monks of the Order of Cluny, whose piety he highly extolled.

The King now and then during the vacancy of Bishopricks, disposed of some of their Stocks to others.

The Bishoprick of Durham becoming void by the death of Robert de Insula, Anthony Beck being elected Bishop by the King's License, and Confirmed and Consecrated Bishop thereof by Wickwane Archbishop of York, Pat. 11. Ed. 1. in St. Peter's Church of York, the King, Queen, and most of the Nobles of England being present; the King issued out Writs for the re­stitution of his Temporalties, and the stock thereon, which he bought of the King.

Richard Swinsled being elected and Confirmed Bishop of Hereford, by the King's License and assent, he issued a Writ to restore his Tem­poralties.

John Peckham, Archbishop of Canterbury, resolved to visit all his Provinces more accurately, and punish offenders more severely than in former times, to prevent all obstructions by Appeals to Rome. In this Vi­sitation (saith Mr. Prynne) he domineered over his whole Province, and subjugated it to his arbitrary Power, which none of his Predeces­sors had attempted, Vide Spelm. Concil. Tom. 2. p. 343. much less effected, till then. Having visited England, he passed by Chester into Wales, Anno 1284. to reform the state of the Church. In this Visitation he made and published a Decree, what Orna­ments of Churches the Parishoners should provide and pay for, and what the Priests or Incumbents.

King Edward in the twelfth year of his Reign issued Warrants for the payment of two years Arrears of 1000 Marks for England and Ire­land, granted by King John, then due and demanded by the Pope; as likewise for payment of seveal arrears of pensions he had granted to Car­dinals and others.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, having interdicted some of the Tenants belonging to the Abbey of Fiscan in England, the Abbot thereupon Ap­pealed to Rome against him, and likewise to the King against this oppressi­on, desiring his favour, that no Process might issue out of his Court against them, and that he might constitute Attorneys in this Case, since he could not come into England without great damage to his house.

The King this year constituted a special Proctor for three years, by Patent, to defend the Rights and Liberties of his free Chappels and Crown, against all Papal and Episcopal invaders and opposers of them.

The King seizing the Advousons of several Churches in Wales, as forfeited by their Patrons Rebellions against him, gave them to the Bi­shop of St. David's, with power to appropriate them to his Church of St. David's, and Lekadeken (Lancaden) and make, or annex them to Prebendaries there. Hereupon the Bishop of St. Davids, by his Char­ter, with consent and approbation of the King, and his Dean and Chap­ter, made and erected a new Collegiate Church of Canons in Lan Caden in Wales, constituted several Canons and Prebendaries therein, annexing and appropriating the forecited Churches thereunto, the Patronages whereof were granted him by the King, who set his Seal to the Bishop's Charter, and ratified it with his own Charter, to make it valid in Law.

In the year 1285. a Parliament at Westminster laid down the limits, and fixed the boundaries, betwixt the Spiritual and Temporal jurisdictions.

The King having totally subdued the Welsh, the Archbishoprick of York becomming void, by the death of William Wickwane Arch­bishop thereof, the King applied the profits thereof during the va­cancy, towards the building of Castles in Wales, to secure it.

This year Stephen Bishop of Waterford, was made chief Justice of Ireland.

In the fifteenth year of this King, Henry de Branceston was elected and confirmed Bishop of Sarum. The King granted and confirmed to the Bishop of Bangor, and his Successors, all the Rights, Liberties, Possessi­ons, and Customes, they had formerly used and enjoyed.

In the sixteenth year of this King's Reign, Gilbert de Sancto Leofar­do, was elected, and confirmed Bishop of Chichester, by the King's Royal assent.

This year there was a great contest between the Archbishop of Canter­bury, and the Abbot of St. Augustines, about the carrying up his cross.

First, The Abbot opposed the bearing up his own Cross before him in the Monastery of St. Augustines, even within his own Metropolis and See of Canterbury, when specially sent for thither to dine with the King.

Secondly, Observe the Archbishop's pride and obstinacy, in refu­sing to subscribe such a Letter, as the King directed, to reconcile this dif­ference, and preserve the Abbot's Privildges, or repair to the King, without his Cross carried before him; together with his malice against the Abbot and Covent, for not admitting him to carry up his Cross within their Monastery.

Pat. 17. Ed. 1.Bishop Godwin observes, That from the year 1284. the See of Salis­bury had five Bishops within the space of five years, whereof William de Comer (as he stiles him) was the fourth. But Mr. William de Corner was his name, as the King's Writ for restoring of his Temporalties, to­gether with the Patent of the King's Royal assent to his election, as­sure us.

The King having Conquered Wales, confirmed all the antient Rights, Liberties, Possessions, and Customes of the Church of Asaph, to the present Bishop and his Successors, which they formerly used and enjoy­ed, and that he might freely make his Testament.

Pope Nicholas the fourth, being setled in his Pontifical Chair, in the first year of his Papacy, sent a Bull to King Edward the first, to demand five years Arrears of the Annual pension of one thousand Marks, granted by King John. The King hereupon, the better to promote his cousin Charles to the Realm of Sicily, and expedite his own affairs in the Court of Rome, concerning a dispensation for his Son, to Marry the heir of the Crown of Scotland, and other business touching Gascoign and France (for which he had then sent special Ambassadors to Rome, with Letters both to the Pope and Cardinals) issued a Writ for the pay­ment of these five years Arrears accordingly. Mr. Prynne saith, That this was the last payment made by King Edward the first, of this Annual pension.

The Pope upon receipt hereof, granted a dispensation to the King's Son, Prince Edward, to Marry with the heir of the Crown of Scotland, thereby to unite these two Crowns and Kingdomes, and prevent the long bloody Wars between them, though within the prohibited degrees of Consanguinity.

King Edward, upon the receipt of this Dispensation, sent Letters and Proxies to Ericus King of Norway, and likewise to the Guardians of the Realm of Scotland, to consummate this Marriage, upon diverse Articles and agreements.

King Edward likewise to perfect the Marriage between his Son, Prince Edward, and Margaret Queen of Scots, with the general approbation of the Keepers, Nobles, and Natives of that Realm, granted and rati­fied [Page 95] to the Nobles and People of Scotland diverse Articles, agreed on by special Commissioners sent on both sides, and approved by him, by Letters, under his great Seal, which he took an Oath to observe, un­der the penalty of forfeiting one hundred thousand pounds to the Church of Rome, towards the holy Wars, Pat. 8. Edw. 1. m. 8. and subjecting himself to the Pope's Excommunication, and his Kingdom to an Interdict, in case of Violati­on, or Non-performance, as the Patent attesteth, enrolled both in French and Latine.

The King, after this, appointed the Bishop of Durham, to be this Queen Margaret's, and his Son Prince Edward's, Lieutennant in Scotland, for the preservation of the Peace and Government thereof. At which time he and his Son likewise constituted Proctors to Treat with the King of Norway in his, and his Son Edward's, Name, concerning his Sons Marriage, and Espousals, with his Daughter Margaret Queen of Scot­land. To facilitate this Marriage, the Bishop of Durham, at the King's request, obliged himself to pay four hundred pounds by the year, to certain persons in Norway; to discharge which annuity, the King gran­ted him several Manors amounting to a greater value.

But the sickness and death of this Queen, in her voyage toward Scot­land and England, frustrated this, much desired, Marriage between Prince Edward and her, and raised new questions between the Competitors for the Crown.

Thomas Walsingham saith, That about this time (the Pope requiring it) the Churches of England were taxed according to their true value, to raise his Dismes and exactions higher.

In the same year 1290. the King, out of his zeal to Christian Religion, banished all the Jews out of England, by a publick Act in Parliament, The Jews banished out of England by Act of Parlia­ment. and Confiscated all their Houses and Lands, for their Infidelity, Blasphe­my, Crucifying of Children, in contempt of Christ Crucified, and clipping of his Coyn. In August they were commanded to depart the Land, with their Wives and Children, between that time and the Feast of all Saints, with their moveable Goods.

Their number was said to be sixteen thousand five hundred and eleven, they were banished, never to return again into England.

There hapning many contests between the Bishop of Lincoln, and the Masters and Scholars of the University of Oxford, concerning the Presentation and Confirmation of their Chancellor, whether he ought to come out of the University in Person to the Bishop, or to be admitted by his Proxies: the King by his Prerogative to advance Learn­ing, and settle Peace between them, made a friendly accord for the future.

Pope Nicholas preferring his own lucre, and favour of King Edward and his Chaplains, before God's Service, or Peoples Souls, against sun­dry Canons, Licensed twenty of the King's Clerks imployed in his [Page 96] service, which he should nominate to be Non-residents from their Eccle­siastical Benefices for ten years space.

This year the King confirmed the grant of several Tithes, Churches, and Advousons, formerly made by Robert de Candos to the Monastery of Bek and Goldclive.

Then Peter de Divion, Abbot of Rewley, an Alien, born in France, and most Abbots and Priors that were Aliens, took an Oath, and gave sufficient Pledges for their Fidelity and true Allegeance to the King in that Age (especially in time of War) and not to send the Goods of their Monasteries out of the Realm, which they frequently did to the King­doms prejudice. The King issuing a Dedimus potestatem to the Abbot of Thame to take this Oath of Peter de Divion, the Abbot endorsed this re­turn thereon.

Ego Frater Johannes, Abbas de Thame, virtute istius Mandati, recepi Sacramentum Dom. Petri de Divione, Abbatis de Regali loco juxta Oxon. apud Oxon. Dominica in festo Apostolorum Simonis & Judae: & etiam recepi Manucaptores ipsius Domini Petri Abbatis de Regali loco, viz. Jo­hannem de Doclynton Majorem Villae Oxon. Johannem de Crokesford Junio­rem, Ricardum Cary, Johannem de Fallee, & Johannem le Peyntour, Bur­gensis dictae Villae Oxon. Qui conjunctim & divisim manuceperunt dictum Dom. Petrum Abbatem de Regali loco, quod idem Abbas bene & fideliter erga dominum Regem se habebit; & omnia alia in Brevi isto contenta perfi­ciet & observabit.

The King granted two hundred pounds to the Pope's Chaplain in Scot­land for his expences, pains, and labour therein taken in the service of Queen Margaret deceased.

The same year William de Luda was elected and confirmed Bishop of Ely. This year the King gave several sums of Money to buy Books and Ornaments for Religious Houses, that were burnt in Gascoign and Eng­land.

The King converted the Profits of the Archbishoprick of York (then void) to the repairing and building the Castle of Carnarvan in Wales, after his Conquest thereof.

Parker de An­tiqu. Eccles. Anglic. f. 205. Anno 1290. Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury, storieth, that John Peckham, Archbishop of Canterbury, this year, after the visitation and subjugation of his whole Province, summoned a Council of his Clergy at Reding, wherein he propounded the drawing of all causes concerning Advousons, meerly belonging to the King's Temporal, to their Ecclesi­astical Courts, and to cut off all Prohibitions to them from the King's Courts in personal Causes. Which the King hearing of, expresly com­manded them by special Messengers, to desist from it, whereupon this Council was dissolved.

In the nineteenth year of King Edward the First, Queen Eleanor de­ceasing in December, the King thereupon out of his devotion (according [Page 97] to the practice of that blind Age) on January the fourth, issued a Writ to all the Religious Houses and Monks of Cluny in England, to sing Mas­ses and Prayers for her Soul, to purge it from all the remaining spots of sin, and to certifie him the number of the Masses they would say for her, that proportionably he might thank them.

William Thorn saith, that the Prior of Christ-church in Canterbury granted to the King, in the Feast of the Translation of St. Edward, fifty Hymns, and two thousand three hundred and fifty Masses for the Souls of his Progenitors, and Queens of England, as a great extraordinary Li­berality and Spiritual Alms. The Abbot of Condam also sent a Letter to the King, to inform him, what Prayers, Masses, and Anniversaries, He, and his Monastery, had ordered for the Queens speedy translation to Hea­venly Joyes.

Anno 1292. died John Peckham, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Pope Nicholas also died, who sate four years, one month, and eighteen dayes, after whose death, one delivered this Verse for an Epitaph.

The Frier Minors pride, insolency, and avarice was great while they lived, who were both of their Order. Archbishop Peckham's death this year, put a period to the Contests between him, and the Abbot of St. Augustines.

King Edward in the twentieth year of his Reign, out of his blind de­votion, and love to his late deceased Consort, Queen Eleanor, institu­ted a solemn Anniversary to be kept for her every year, Issuing sums of Money, and granting several Manors, and Lands to the Abbot and Co­vent of Westminster for that end, Claus. 20. Edw. 1. wherein he prescribed how many Ta­pers, and of what weight, they should find; how many and what Mas­ses, Dirges, Pater-nosters, Ave-Maries they should sing; and what Alms they should distribute to the poor for her Soul; obliging the Ab­bot, Prior, and Monks by a solemn Oath duly to perform the same, un­der pain of forfeiting all their Goods, Chattels, and the Lands thus given to them for this end.

Anthony, Bishop of Durham, erecting the Parish-Churches of Chester, and Langechester, which were very rich and large, into a Deanary and seven Prebendaries, for the advancing of God's Service, and the good of the peoples Souls, and obliging the Dean and Prebends by Oath, to personal Residence thereon, and discharge of their duties and God's Ser­vice therein, according as he had prescribed by his Ordinances and Char­ters. The King to promote God's Service, and the good of his Peoples Souls, ratified the Bishop's Ordinances by two Charters which recite them, warranting the division of great and rich Parishes and Bishopricks [Page 98] into many; and obliging the Dean, Prebends, Ministers, Chaplains thereof, by Oath, to personal Residence, and discharge of their Duties, and Divine offices therein.

John Lythgraines, and Alice his Wife, erecting a Chappel and Chaun­try to the Virgin Mary in their Manor of Lasingby, consisting of one Master and six Chaplains, to sing Mass for their Souls, and the Souls of their Ancestors, and of King Edward and his Heirs, of the present Bi­shop of Durham and his Successors, and of all faithful Souls deceased, pre­scribing an Oath to them of perpetual Residence, and discharge of the particular Divine Services, and trusts reposed in them, procured the King to ratifie this his Charter, Chart. 20 Ed. 1. n. 5. by his Royal Charter enrolled in the Tower.

King Edward the First, in the twenty one year of his Reign, as Supe­riour Lord of Scotland in that Age, exercised a Soveraign Authority, in and over the King, Clergy, and Kingdom of Scotland, in Causes and Inheritances which concerned the Church, Clergy, or Religious Per­sons, as well as in Secular mens cases, notwithstanding any Pretences, or Appeals to Rome, where Justice was delayed, or refused to them by the King of Scots, whereof there are sundry Presidents in the Patent, and Plea-Rolls of Scotland in this and succeeding years.

Robert Winchelsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, was no sooner conse­crated at Rome, Vid. Godw. Catal. p. 427. but he procured a Bull from Pope Celestine the Fifth, by his Papal provision to confer the Bishoprick of Landaff (which had been void for nine years space, and thereby devolved to the Pope by lapse, as he pretended) on any Person he should think meet for that employment. Whereupon, without the King's previous Authority, he conferred it, by way of provision, upon John de Monmouth. Yet the King was not forward to restore the Temporalties of the Archbishoprick of Canterbury to this Archbishop, or of Landaff to John de Monmouth, thus intruded into it against his Prerogative, but detained them near two years after in his hands as vacant, receiving the profits, and presenting to the Benefices belonging to them.

Upon the death of Robert Burnel, Bishop of Bath and Wells, the King's Chancellor, William de Marchia (then Treasurer of England) was elected to succeed him in that Bishoprick.

This year John de Langton succeeded Robert Burnel in the Chancellors Office of England.

The King in the twenty two year of his Reign, notwithstanding a Subsidy granted to him, Matth. Westm. wanting Moneys, searched all the Monasteries and Churches throughout England, where any Moneys were deposited by Religious persons or others, and forcibly carried it away to supply his occasions, by the advice of his Treasurer William de Marchia, Bi­shop of Bath and Wells.

The same year the King granted Protections to divers Abbots and Clergy-men, who aided him with their Contributions against the French. He also desired the assistance of their devout Prayers unto God for a blessing upon him and his Military Forces, in defence of his Inheritance against their armed Powers, as appears by his Writs, under his Privy Seal, issued to his Bishops, and other Religious persons.

John Duke of Brabant (the King's dear Friend and Kinsman) dying this year, the King issued Writs to all his Bishops, and sundry Abbots and Priors, to make Prayers, and chaunt Masses for him, according to the superstition of that Age.

Then the Roman See (through the Cardinals divisions) continuing void about three years and three months after the decease of Pope Ni­cholas the Fourth, the Cardinals at last elected Peter de Murone, an Her­mite, and Monk of the Order of St. Benedict, whom they named Cele­stine the Fifth. He, during his short continuance in the Papacy, grant­ed our King Edward the First a Disme for seven years from all the Clergy of England, out of zeal to the relief of the Holy Land. But his Wars with the French, Welch-men and Scots, wasted all these Dismes, Pope Celestine in the month of September created twelve Cardinals, among whom were two Hermits. But the Cardinals being weary of this pre­cise, reforming Pope, perswaded him to resign his Papacy, as being un­fit to manage it without the Churches ruine, and his own destruction. So after he had sate five months and seven dayes, he resigned the Papacy. Then Benedict Cajetan, his grand Counsellor, was chosen Pope, and called by the name of Boniface. How unsutable, yea contradictory, his actions were to both his good names, he immediately discovered, which occasioned this Distich to be made of, and applied to him.

Celestine returned to his Cell, from whence Boniface drew him forth, and cast him into a close Prison, where he abode till his death; whence it is reported, that Celestine prophecied of him, ‘Ascendisti ut Vulpes, Regnabis ut Leo, Morieris ut Canis,’ Thou hast ascended into the Papacy like a Fox, thou shalt reign like a Lion, and die like a Dog: and so it came to pass.

This Pope Boniface by his Bull having appropriated the Church of Wermington to the Abby of Peterburgh, whereof they had the Patronage, the King authorized them accordingly to appropriate it to them and their Successors, against him and his Heirs, notwithstanding the Statute of Mortmain.

This Pope sent two Cardinal Legats a latere, first to the King of France, and from him to the King of England, then engaged in Wars against each other, under a specious pretext of mediating a Truce be­tween England and France: but instead thereof these Cardinals did twice prey upon the English and Irish Churches and Clergy, and transported their Treasure into France, to enrich themselves and the King's Enemies there.

Then King Edward sent Writs to his Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and others, to make Prayers, sing Masses, and do other Works of Pie­ty for the Soul of his Brother Edmond, and after that of Margaret Queen of France, according to the superstition of that Age.

Tho. Walsingh. Hist. Angl. p. 34.In the twenty fourth year of King Edward's Reign, there arose a great Sedition and Combat between the Scholars and Townsmen in the Univer­sity of Oxford, wherein many were slain on both sides, and the Goods of the Scholars plundered and carried away: upon complaint whereof to the King by the Scholars, he sent his Justices thither to punish the Male­factors, and repair the Scholars damages.

King Edward strenuously opposed Pope Boniface's Anti-monarchical Constitution, against demanding or imposing Subsidies on the Clergy. Ro­bert Winchelsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, was stout in the prosecution of the Popes Bull which he had procured for it: for which all his Tempo­poralties were seized; and he being forced to hide his head, and reduced to great extremities, was restored to the King's favour by the earnest me­diation of his Suffragan Bishops on his behalf. Whereupon the King is­sued out Writs to restore his Temporalties, with all his Oxen, Goods, and Chattels formerly seized, in the state now they were.

In the twenty fifth year of this King's Reign, Henry de Newark being elected Archbishop of York, and his election approved by the King, his Proctors sent to Rome, procured the Pope's confirmation of his election, together with a License to be consecrated in his own Church at York by the Bishop of Durham. The King, upon the receipt of the Pope's Bull, issued a Writ for the restitution of his Temporalties.

Pope Boniface having confirmed the election of David Martyn to the Bishoprick of St. Davids in Wales, the King upon notice given accepted thereof.

The Bishoprick of Ely becoming void by the death of William Luda, the minor part of the Chapter elected John their Prior, but the better John de Langten, the King's Chancellor. The King confirmed the ele­ction of his Chancellor.

The King, by his Prerogative, having granted a License to the Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, Anno Reg. 26. to hold the Hospital of St. Leonards in York in Commenda with his Bishoprick during his life, out of his free Gift, and special Grace, confirmed it by his Patents, so as this Dispensation should not prove prejudicial to him or his Heirs.

The Monks of Battel-Abbey, by ancient Charters, having the custody of the Abby and Lands, during the vacancy upon their Abbot's death, the King issued a Writ to restore them to their custody.

Mr. Prynne observeth, and relateth diverse things of this year.

1. That the Contests between the Archbishop, Prynne's Hist. of Popes Usurpations, Tom. 3. Abbots and Monks of Canterbury, about Exemptions, Priviledges, and Jurisdictions, was a great cause of advancing the Pope's usurped Jurisdiction over them both, and over the Rights, Prerogative of the Crown and Church of England.

2. The Pope's Insolency in exempting the Abbots, and Monks of Canter­bury, and all their Lands, Hospitals, Churches, Impropriations, Priests, Tenants, from all Archiepiscopal, and other Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, and subjecting them solely to the See of Rome: as likewise in subjecting the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of London and Rochester, to the commands and censures of the Abbots of Westminster, Waltham, and St. Edmond.

3. The pride of the Abbots in erecting Deanaries, Officials, Ecclesiasti­cal Consistories, and in prescribing Oaths of Canonical obedience upon the Priests and Curats of their Churches belonging to their Monastery.

4. The strange injustice and contradiction of Popes Bulls, nulling, re­pealing each other by Non obstantes, with all former Priviledges granted by themselves, and Contracts made or ratified by others through bribery and corruption.

CENT. XIV.

IN the beginning of this Century King Edward the First waged cruel Wars against the Scots. Then Pope Boniface the Eighth sent his Let­ters to the King, to quit his claim to Scotland, to cease his Wars, Fox Acts and Monum. lib. 1. p. 444, 445. and re­lease his Prisoners of the Scotch Nation, as a people exempt, and proper­ly belonging to his own Chappel. He grounded his Title thereunto, because (it was said) Scotland was first converted, by the Relicks of S. Peter, to the unity of the Christian Faith. Hereupon King Edward called a Council of his Lords at Lincoln, where he returned a large An­swer to the Pope's Letter, endeavouring by evident Reasons, and ancient Precedents to prove his propriety in the Kingdom of Scotland. This was seconded by another from the English Peerage, subscribed with all their hands; declaring that the King ought by no means to answer in judgment in any case, or should bring his Rights into doubt, and ought not to send any Proctors or Messengers to the Pope, &c. The Pope foreseeing the Verdict would go against him, wisely non-suited him­self.

Then Pope Boniface sent forth a Declaration in favour of the Archbi­shop, and proceeded so violently against the Abbots, Monks, Chron. Will. Thorn. col. 1997. ad 2003. and their [Page 102] Adherents, by Excommunications, Interdicts, &c. that he enforced them to submit, and sue unto him for Absolution, and a friendly agree­ment between them.

After the death of Henry de Newark, Thomas Corbridge being elected Archbishop of York, repaired to Rome for his Confirmation, where he was forced to resign his right of Election into the Pope's hands, and to receive the Archbishoprick from him by way of provision, who thereup­on not only confirmed, but consecrated him Archbishop at Rome, and gave him his Pall; and the King restored his Temporalties upon receipt of the Pope's Bull.

Thomas Stubs tells us of an high Contest that happened soon after be­twixt the King and him, about the Chappel of St. Sepulchres in York, for which the King seized his Temporalties, and detained some of them till his death, for obeying the Pope's Provision and Commands before the King's Writ, in refusing to admit his Clerk to this Chappel, and to re­move the Pope's Clerk, whom he had placed therein by his Papal Pro­vision. This Archbishop's Liberties in Beverley were seized into the King's hands, Anno 29. of his Reign, for a contempt committed by him in the King's presence.

The King's Daughter Mary, being a Nun, professed at Ambresbury, the King granted her forty Oaks each year, twenty tun of Wines, and several Manors of above the value of two hundred pounds a year, for her maintenance.

In the thirtieth year of the Reign of King Edward, the French King Philip, with all the Peers, Earls, Barons, Archbishops, Bishops, Ab­bots, Priors, Clergy, University of Paris, and the Cities and Com­monalty of France, did Appeal, and Article against Pope Boniface the Eighth his Person, Crimes, Interdicts, Excommunications, to the next General Council, in the ruffe of his Papal pride, as a most detestable Heretick, Simoniack, Adulterer, Sorcerer, and Monster of Impiety: and soon after seized, imprisoned, and brought him to a shameful Tragi­cal end. The particular Articles are recorded by Mr. Fox. Fox Acts and Monuments. Vol. 1. p. 450, 451. Of this Pope a certain Versifier wrote thus.

Then was the Bishop of Ostia created Pope, and called Benedict the Eleventh: Of whom one saith,

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Winchelsey, having plotted Treason, with some others of the Nobility, against the King, projecting to depose him, and set up his Son Edward in his Room, lurked in a Co­vent at Canterbury, till fourscore Monks were, by the King's Command, thrust out of their places, for relieving him out of their Charity, and were not restored till the Archbishop was banished the Kingdom.

In the year 1305. the King sent a Letter to the Pope for the Canoni­zing of Thomas de Cantelupe, late Bishop of Hereford deceased, famous for sundry Miracles (as was suggested) that so he and his Realm might enjoy the benefit of his Intercession for them in Heaven, according to the Superstition of that blind Age.

After the death of Pope Benedict, Pope Clement was no sooner elect­ed, and enthroned in France, but he began to exercise his new Rapines in England, by complying with King Edward, in granting him a two years Disme from his Clergy for his own use, though pretended for the aid of the Holy Land, that himself might more easily exact the First-fruits of vacant Ecclesiastical Benefices to fill his own Coffers, though out of his Dominions. Which occasioned these Satyrical Verses to be made of him and the King this year:

This is the first president of any Pope's reserving, or exacting An­nates, or First-fruits When First-fruits were first brought into England of all Ecclesiastical Dignities, and Benefices through­out England, extant in our Histories: which, though reserved but for two years by this Pope at first, grew afterwards into custom by degrees, both in England and elsewhere.

As this Pope thus introduced these First-fruits into England, so he like­wise frequently sent abroad his Bulls of Provisions for Ecclesiastical Be­nefices and Promotions therein for his Favourites and Clerks, which were then void, or should afterwards fall void by death, or other­wise.

Manifold were the Cautions inserted into Pope's Provisions for poor Clerks, though Learned and Honest, which must be confined to an Arch­bishop's Living in one Diocess of small value, and those not formerly granted to any others, and they bound to personal residence thereon; [Page 104] when as others, that were rich, and more able to pay great sums for them, were not clogged with so many Cautions. Many Instruments, under the hands of publick Notaries, these poor Clerks must procure, with vast sollicitation, travel, and expence, before they get the least hopes of en­joying any small Prebend, or Benefice, by Popes Bulls, and yet, in fine, not enjoy actual possession of them. Many of the Pope's Provisions to every small, as well as great, Prebendary, nor Benefice, were granted to several persons, in possession, or expectacy, by sundry Bulls at once, contradicting, repealing each other by Non obstantes, engendring infi­nite Suits, and Appeals in the Pope's Court, to the great vexation of the Patrons, Provisors, and other Competitors, and neglect of the Peoples souls, during su [...]h Contests concerning them.

The King granted the Tithes and Appropriations of all his new As­sarts within his Forrest of Deane, which were extraparochial to the Bi­shop of Landeff, to augment his small Bishoprick, and maintain a Chaun­try in the Church of Newland. The like Grant the King made this year of extraparochial Tithes, within the Forrest of Sherwood, to the Prior of Felley. The King likewise ordered the Tithes of all his Mills in Holderness to be paid to the Parsons of all Parish-churches, wherein they were, as the Nobles and others there used to pay them.

Then the King (according to the manner of that Age) commanded Prayers and Masses to be made for the Soul of Joan, late Queen of France, and for Blanch, late Dutchess of Austria, deceased.

In Scotland there arose a great Rebellion through the treachery of the perjured Archbishop of St. Andrews, the Bishop of Glasgo, and Abbot of Schone, who confederating with Robert Brus, Earl of Carrick, and others of the Scottish Nobility, resolved to make and Crown Robert King of Scotland: who being opposed therein by John Comyn his Cou­sin-German, a man of great power in Scotland, he set upon and mur­dered the said John Comyn in the Church of Dunfrees, and was soon after crowned King by the premised Bishops and Abbot.

Pope Clement the Sixth, being informed of this murder of John Comyn by King Robert, ordered the Archbishop of York, and Bishop of Car­lisle to excommunicate him, and his Complices, with sound of Bells and Candles in all places of England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and else­where (though without their Diocess) and to Interdict all their Lands and Castles, till they should submit themselves. This Bull was executed accordingly.

King Edward sent a great and strong Army into Scotland against Ro­bert Brus. And Aymery de Valence, Earl of Pembrook, put to flight King Robert, took his Wife, his Brother Nigellus, and others: but himself escaped into the utmost Isles of Scotland. The Earl of Athol was put to death at London, and Nigellus at Barwick. The Bishops of St. An­drews, and Glasgo, and the Abbot of Scone, were put in Iron chains, [Page 105] and kept close prisoners in Porchester-castle. King Robert was brought to such misery, that he was sometime naked, and hungry, without meat or drink, save only water and roots of Herbs, and his life alwayes in danger.

Robert Brus came forth at length out of the Scottish Islands, with such forces as he had gotten together, taking the Castles of Carrick, Inner­ness, and many other.

To put an end to all which trouble, King Edward Daniel's Chron. in Edw. 1 appointed a great Host to attend him at Carlisle, three weeks after Midsummer-day. There he held his last Parliament, wherein the State got many Ordinances to pass, for reformation of the abuses of the Pope's Ministers, and his own former exactions, wringing from the elect Archbishop of York, in one year, nine thousand five hundred Marks. And Anthony, Bishop of Durham, to be made Patriarch of Jerusalem, gave the Pope and his Car­dinals mighty sums. The Pope required the Fruits of one years reve­nue, of every Benefice that should fall void in England, Wales, and Ire­land, and the like of Abbies, Priories, and Monasteries.

King Edward in July enters Scotland with a fresh Army, and dyes at Burgh upon Sands, having reigned thirty four years, seven months, aged sixty eight.

This King had founded the Abbey of Val-royal, in Cheshire, for the Cistercians, and by Will bequeathed thirty two thousand pounds to the Holy Land. He was obedient, not servile to the See of Rome.

Edward the Second, his Son, called of Caernarvan, succeeded in the Kingdom, in July 1307. He soon caused Walter de Langton, Bishop of Chester, Treasurer of England, and principal Executor of the last Will of the deceased King, to be arrested by Sir John Felton, Constable of the Tower, and imprisoned in Wallingford-castle, seizing upon all his Temporalties, till afterwards, by means of the Papal authority, he was restored, and they were seemingly reconciled. The Bishop's crime was a good freedom which he used in the late King's dayes, in gravely re­proving this Prince for his misdemeanours, and shortening his wast of coin by a frugal moderation. All the Bishop's Goods he gave to Piers Gaveston, makes a new Treasurer of his own; removes most of his Father's Officers, and all without the advice and consent of his Council.

The King was married to Isabel, Daughter of Philip the fair, King of France, which was performed magnificently at Boleign. Piers Gave­ston was the King's great Favourite, who filled the Court with Buffoons, Parasites, Minstrels, Stage-players, and all kind of dissolute persons.

King Edward the Second, by Letters to the Pope, requested, that Robert Winchelsey might be restored to his Archbishoprick, which was done accordingly; though he returned too late to Crown the King, [Page 106] which solemnity was performed by Henry Woodlock, Bishop of Win­chester.

Shortly after his Coronation, all the Knights Templers The Order of the Knights Templars a­bolished throughout Christendom. throughout England were at once arrested, and committed to prison. In the Gene­ral Council of Vienna, this Order was utterly abolished through Chri­stendom. The French King caused fifty four, of that Order, together with their great Master, to be burnt at Paris: And the Pope and Coun­cil annexed their possessions to the Order of the Knights Hospitallers, called commonly Knights of the Rhodes. But in England the Heirs of the Donors, and such as had endowed the Templars here with Lands, entred upon those parts of the ancient Patrimonies, after the dissolution of the Order, and detained them, until not long after they were by Parliament wholly transferred unto the Knights of Saint John of Jeru­salem.

Guy, Guy, Earl of Warwick sur­priseth Piers Gaveston, and causeth him to be be­headed. Earl of Warwick, surprised Gaveston, carried him to his Castle of Warwick, wherein a place called Blacklow (afterwards Gaveshead) his head was stricken off, at the commandment, and in the presence of the Earls of Lancaster, Warwick, and Hereford.

A great Battel was fought, between the English and Scots, at Bannocks-borough. There perished in this Battel Gilbert Clare, Earl of Glocester, Robert Lord Clifford, the Lord Tiptoft, the Lord Marshal, the Lord Giles de Argenton, the Lord Edmond de Maule, and seven hundred Knights, Esquires, and Gentlemen of Quality; of common Souldiers ten thousand. There were taken prisoners, Humphry Bohun, Earl of Hereford, Ralph de Monthelmere (who married Joan de Acres, Coun­tess Dowager of Oxford) with many others. The Earl of Hereford was exchanged for King Robert's Wife, who was all this while detained in England.

This disaster was attended with Inundations, which brought forth Dearth; Dearth Famine; Famine Pestilence, all which exceeded any that ever before had been known.

Anno 1313. died Robert Winchelsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, in whose room Robert Cobham was elected by the King and Church of Can­terbury. But the Pope did frustrate that election, and placed Walter Reynold, Bishop of Worcester.

About this time died Pope Clement, and John XXII. succeeded, who sent two Legats from Rome, under pretence to make agreement between the King of England and the Scots. They, for their charges, required of every Spiritual person four pence in every Mark, but all in vain: for the Legats, as they were in the North parts, about Derlington, with their whole Family and Train, were robbed and spoiled of their Horses, Trea­sure, Apparel, and whatsoever else they had, and so retired back again to Durham: thence they returned to London, where they first excom­municated all those Robbers, Then for supply of those losses they re­ceived, [Page 107] they exacted of the Clergy, to be given unto them eight pence in every Mark. But the Clergy would only give them four pence in every Mark: So they departed to the Pope's Court again. This King Edward refused to pay the Peter-pence.

In the time of this King the Colledge in Cambridge, called Michael-house, was founded by Sir Henry Staunton Knight.

King Edward the Second builded two Houses in Oxford for good Let­ters, Orial Colledge, and St. Mary Hall.

England may dare all Christendom besides, to shew so many eminent School-Divines, bred within the compass of so few years. And a for­reign Writer saith, Scholastica Theologia, ab Anglis, & in Anglia sump­sit exordium, fecit incrementum, pervenit ad perfectionem.

Of these School-men Alexander Hales leads the way, Master to Tho­mas Aquinas, and Bonaventure. He was in the time of Henry the Third. At the command of Pope Innocent the Fourth, he wrote the Body of all School-Divinity in four Volumes.

Roger Bacon succeeded him, who lived in the time of King Edward the First; he was excellently skilled in the Mathematicks.

The next was Richard Middleton, entitled Doctor Fundatissimus.

Then flourished John Duns Scotus, in the time of Edward the Second: he was Fellow of Merton-colledge in Oxford. He was called Duns by ab­breviation for Dunensis, that is, born at Doun, an Episcopal See in Ire­land.

In this King's Reign Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Exeter, founded and endowed Exeter-colledge in Oxford

It is charged on this King Edward the Second, that he suffered the Pope to encroach on the Dignity of the Crown. His Father had reco­vered some of his Priviledges from the Papal usurpation; which, since, his Son had lost back again.

About that time an English Hermite preached at Paul's in London, That some Sacraments that were then in use in the Church, were not of Christ's Institution; therefore he was committed to prison.

King Edward went into Scotland with another great Army: King Robert thought so great an Army could not long continue, therefore he retired into the High-lands. King Edward wandred from place to place, till many died for hunger, and the rest returning home half starved. James Douglas followed the English, and slew many of them; and King Edward himself hardly escaped. Then a Peace was concluded at Northampton, Anno 1327. That the Scots should abide in the same estate, as in the dayes of King Alexander the Third; the English should render all subscriptions and tokens of bondage, and have no Land in Scotland, unless they shall dwell in it.

In England the two Spencers ruled all things, till the Queen and her Son (who politickly had got leave to go beyond the Seas) returned into England, with a Navy and Army, landing in Suffolk: She denounced open war against her Husband, unless he would presently conform to her desires. The young Spencer was taken with the King at the Abby of Neath, and is hanged on a Gallows fifty foot high. Many Persons of Quality were sent down to the Parliament, then sitting, to King Ed­ward, to Kenelworth-castle, to move him to resign the Crown, which at last he sadly surrendered: and Prince Edward, his Son, is crowned King.

The late King is removed from Kenelworth unto Barkley-castle, where he was barbarously butchered, being struck into the Postern of his Body with an hot Spit, as it is commonly reported.

Among the Clergy, besides Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Exeter, whose head the Londoners caused to be smitten off at the Standart in Cheapside; only John Stratford, Bishop of Winchester, heartily adhered to him. Robert de Baldock, though no Bishop, yet as a Priest, and Chancellor of England, may be ranked with these, who attended the King, and was taken with him in Wales, Hence he was brought up to London, and committed to Adam Tarlton, Bishop of Hereford.

Many of the Bishops ungratefully sided with the Queen against her Husband, and their Sovereign. Walter Reynolds, Archbishop of Can­terbury, led their Van, preferred to that See at the King's great Importu­nity, and by the Pope's power of Provision.

Henry Burwash, Bishop of Lincoln, lately restored to the favour of King Edward: yet no sooner did the Queen appear, in the field, with an Army against him, but this Bishop was the first who publickly repaired to her.

Adam Tarlton, Bishop of Hereford, was the grand contriver of all mischief against the King. Witness the Sermon preached by him at Ox­ford before the Queen (then in hostile pursuit against her Husband) ta­king for his Text the words of the Son of the sick Shunamite) my Head, my Head. Thence he urged, That a bad King (the distempered Head of a State) is past cure. His writing was worse than his preach­ing: for when such Agents, set to keep King Edward in Berkley-castle, were (by secret order from Roger Mortimer) commanded to kill him, they by Letters addressed themselves for advice to this Bishop (then not far off at Hereford) craving his counsel what they should do in so diffi­cult and dangerous a matter. He returned unto them a ridling Answer unpointed, which carried in it Life and Death, yea Life or Death, as variously construed.

Life and Death. To kill King Edward you need not to fear it is good.

Life. To kill King Edward you need not, to fear it is good,

Death. To kill King Edward you need not to fear, it is good.

The Body of King Edward, without any Funeral Pomp, was buried among the Benedictines in their Abbey at Glocester.

Edward of Windsor, called King Edward the Third. being scarce fif­teen years of age, took the beginning of his Reign on January the twen­tieth; his Throne was established upon his Fathers ruine. Anno 1327. Upon Can­dlemas-day he received the Order of Knighthood by the hands of the Earl of Lancaster, while his deposed Father lived; and within five dayes after he was Crowned at Westminster, by Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Twelve men were appointed to manage the Affairs of the Kingdom during the King's minority: the Archbishop's of Canterbury and York: the Bishops of Winchester, Hereford, and Worcester; Thomas Brotherton Earl Marshal, Edmond Earl of Kent, John Earl Warren, Thomas Lord Wake, Henry Lord Piercy, Oliver Lord Ingham, and John Lord Ross: but the Queen, and Roger Lord Mortimer, usurped this charge.

Adam Tarlton was accused of Treason in the beginning of the Reign of this King, and arraigned by the King's Officers, when in the pre­sence of the King he thus boldly uttered himself.

Three Archbishops were there present in the place, Canterbury, York, and Dublin, by whose Intercession Tarlton escaped at that time. Not long after he was arraigned again at the King's Bench: whereupon the foresaid Archbishops set up their Crosses, and with ten Bishops more, [Page 110] attended with a numerous Train of well-weaponed Servants, advanced to the place of Judicature. The King's Officers frighted at the sight, fled away, leaving Bishop Tarlton the prisoner alone at the Bar: whom the Archbishops took home into their own custody, denoun­cing a Curse upon all such who should presume to lay violent hands upon him.

The King offended hereat, caused a jury of Lay-men to be impannel­led, and to enquire according to form of Law, into the Actions of the Bishop of Hereford. This was the first time that ever Lay-men passed their verdict upon a Clergy-man. These Jurors found the Bishop guilty, whereupon the King seized his Temporalties, proscribed the the Bishop, and despoiled him of all his moveables. But afterwards he was reconciled to the King, and by the Pope, made Bishop of Winchester, where he died.

The former part of this King's Reign affordeth but little Church-histo­ry, as wholly taken up with his Atchievements in France and Scotland, where his success by Sea and Land was to admiration. He had both the Kings he fought against, viz. John de Valois of France, and David King of Scotland, his prisoners, at one time, taken by fair Fight in open Field.

There was granted to the King of England, for these Wars, a Fifteenth of the Temporalty, a Twelfth of Cities and Boroughs, and a Tenth of the Clergy, in a Parliament holden at London. And afterwards in a Parliament at Northampton, there was granted him, a Tenth peny of Towns and Boroughs, a Fifteenth of others, and a Tenth of the Cler­gy. All such Treasure as was committed to Churches throughout Eng­land for the holy War, was taken out for the King's use in this.

The next year after, all the Goods of three Orders of Monks, Lombards, Cluniacks, and Cicestercians, are likewise seized into the King's hands, and the like Subsidy as before, granted at Nottingham. Now the Cavrsines, or Lombards, did not drive so full a trade as be­fore: whereupon they betook themselves to other Merchandise, and began to store England with Forreign Commodities, but at unreasonable rates, whilst England it self had as yet but little and bad Shipping, and those less employed.

About this time the Clergy were very bountiful in contributing to the King's necessities, in proportion to their Benefices. Hereupon a Survay was exactly taken of all their Glebeland, Fuller. Church History. and the same (fairly engrossed in Parchment) was returned into the Exchequer, where it remaineth at this day, and is the most useful Record for Clergy-men (and also for Impropriators as under their claim) to recover their right.

It was now complained of, as a grand grievance, that the Clergy en­grossed all places of Judicature in the Land. Nothing was left to Lay-men, [Page 111] but either Military commands, as General, Admiral, &c. or such Judges places, as concerned onely the very letter of the Common Law, and those also scarcely reserved to the Students thereof. As for Ambas­sies into Forreign parts, Noblemen were employed therein: when Ex­pence, not Experience was required thereunto, and Ceremony the sub­stance of the Service: otherwise when any difficulty in Civil Law, then Clergy-men were ever entertained. The Lord Chancellor was ever a Bishop, yea, that Court generally appeared as a Synod of Divines, where the Clerks were Clerks as generally in Orders. The same was also true of the Lord Treasurer, and Barons of the Exche­quer.

Robert Eglesfield, Chaplain to Queen Philippa, Wife to King Edward the third, founded a Colledge on his own ground in Oxford, by the name of Queens Colledge; and diverse Queens have been nursing Mo­thers to this Foundation, as Queen Philippa, Wife to King Edward the third; Queen Elizabeth, Wife to King Edward the fourth; Queen Mary, Wife to King Charles; and our Virgin Queen Elizabeth.

In the mean time the Pope bestirred him in England, while the King was busied about his Wars in France: so that before Livings were actual­ly void, he pre-provided Incumbents for them. But at last the King looking into it, this Statute of Provision was made, whereby such fore­stalling of Livings to Forreigners was forbidden.

Another cause of the King's displeasure with the Pope, was, that when the Pope created twelve Cardinals at the request of the King of France, he denied to make one at the desire of the King of Eng­land.

The Papal party (notwithstanding this Law of Provision) strugled for a time, till the King's Power overswayed them. Indeed this grievance continued, all this, and most of the next King's Reign, till the Statute of praemunire was made: and afterward the Land was cleared from the en­cumbrance of such provisions.

Three years after the Statute, against the Pope's Provisions, was made, the King presented unto the Pope Thomas Hatlif, to be Bishop of Dur­ham, one who was the King's Secretary, but one void of all other Epis­copal qualifications. However the Pope confirmed him, and being de­manded why he consented to the preferment of so worthless a per­son, he answered, that rebus sic stantibus, if the King of England had presented an Ass unto him, he would have confirmed him in the Bi­shoprick.

In this King's Reign were diverse Learned Men in England, John Ba­conthorp, a Man of a very low stature, of whom one saith,

Coming to Rome, he was hissed at in a publick Disputation, for the badness, forsooth, of his Latin and pronunciation: but indeed, because he opposed the Pope's power in dispensing with Marriages contrary to the Law of God. He wrote on the Sentences, where he followeth the truth in many things; especially he refuteth the subtilties of John Scotus, as Baptist Mantuan hath marked.

Joh. Bale. Cent. 4. Sect. 82.He wrote De dominio Christi, where he proveth, that the highest Bishop in every Kingdom should be in subjection to Princes.

Richard Primate of Ireland (alias Armachanus) was his Disciple, and taught the same Doctrine: he Translated the Bible into Irish. He discovered the hypocrisie of Friers, in that though they professed pover­ty, yet they had stately Houses like the Palaces of Princes, and more cost­ly Churches than any Cathedral; richer Ornaments than all the Prin­ces, &c.

William Ockham an English Man sided with Lewis of Bavaria against the Pope, maintaining the Temporal Power above the Spiritual. He was forced to fly to the Emperor for his safety. He was a Disciple of John Scotus, but became Adversary of his Doctrine. He was the Author of the Sect of Nominales. He was a follower of Pope Nicho­las the fourth, and therefore was Excommunicated by Pope John. This Ockham was Luther's chief School-man, who had his Works at his fing­er's end.

Robert Holcot was not the meanest among them, who died of the Plague at Northampton, just as he was reading his Lectures on the seventh of Ecclesiasticus.

About that time a Book was written in English, called, The complaint and prayer of a Plough-man. The Author of it is said to have been Robert Langland, a Priest. After a general complaint of the Iniquity of the time, the Author wrote zealously against Auricular Confession, as con­trary to Scripture, and profit of the publick, and as a device of man: against the Simony of selling Pardons: against the Pope as the Adversa­ry of Christ. He complaineth of the unmarried Priests committing wickedness, and by bad example provoking others; of Images in [Page 113] Churches as Idolatry; of false Pastors, which feed upon their flocks, and feed them not, nor suffer others to feed them. He wrote also against Purgatory.

In this King's Reign were diverse Archbishops of Canterbury.

I will begin with Simon Mepham, made Archbishop in the first year of his Reign.

John Stratford was the second, Consecrated first Bishop of Win­chester.

The third was Thomas Bradwardine, Fellow of Merton Colledge in Oxford, and afterwards Chancellor of London, and commonly called The profound Doctor. He had many disputes with the School-men against the errors of Pelagius, and reduced all his Lectures into three Books, which he entitled, De causa Dei. He was Confessor to King Edward the third. He died a few Months after his Consecration.

Simon Islip was the fourth, he founded Canterbury Colledge in Oxford. This Colledge is now swallowed up in Christ-Church.

Simon Langham is the fifth, much meriting by his Munificence to Westminster-Abbey.

William Witlesee succeeded him, famous for freeing the University of Oxford from the Jurisdiction of the Bishop of Lincoln, formerly the Diocesan thereof.

Simon Sudbury was the last Archbishop of Canterbury in this King's Reign.

In his Reign also flourished Nicholas Trivet, a black Frier, born in Norfolk, who wrote two Histories, and a Book of Annals. Richard Stradley, born in the Marches of Wales, a Monk and a Divine, who wrote diverse excellent Treatises of the Scriptures. William Herbert, a Welch­man, who wrote many good Treatises in Divinity. Thomas Wallis, Sir Rich. Ba­ker's Chron. a Dominican Frier, and a writer of many excellent Books. Walter Burley, a Doctor in Divinity, who wrote many choise Treatises in Natural and Moral Philosophy. Roger, a Monk of Chester, and an Historiographer. John Burgh, a Monk, who wrote an History, and also diverse Homilies. Richard Aungervil, Bishop of Durham, and Lord Chancellor of Eng­land. Richard Chichester, a Monk of Westminster, who wrote a good Chronicle, from the year 449. to the year 1348. Matthew Westmin­ster, who wrote the Book, called, Flores Historiarum. Henry Knighton, who wrote an History, entitled, De gestis Anglorum. John Mandevil, Knight, Doctor of Physick, a great Traveller; and Sir Geoffry Chaucer, the Homer of our Nation.

About the fortieth year of his Reign, there was a Priest in England, called William Wickham, who was great with King Edward, so that all things were done by him, who was made Bishop of Winchester.

Towards the latter end of this King's Reign arose John Wickliff, a Learned Divine of Oxford, who did great service to the Church in pro­moting [Page 114] Reformation, and in opposing Papal power, for he wrote sharply against the Pope's authority, the Church of Rome, and diverse of their Religious Orders. Certain Divines, and Masters of the University en­tertained his Doctrine, viz. Robert Rigges, Chancellor of the Univer­sity, together with the two Proctors, and many others. He not onely Preached this Doctrine in Oxford, but also more publickly in London: At the Court before the King himself, the Prince of Wales, his Son, John Duke of Lancaster, the Lord Clifford, the Lord Latimer, and others: likewise the Lord Montacute, who defaced Images throughout all his Jurisdiction; and John Earl of Sarum, who at the point of death re­fused the Popish Sacrament, with diverse others of the chiefest Nobility, the Major of London, with diverse other worthy Citizens, who many times disturbed the Bishop's Officers, who were called for the suppressing of Wickliff.

This Man being much encouraged by the Duke of Lancaster, and Sir Henry Piercy, Marshall, went from Church to Church Preaching his Opinions, and spreading his Doctrine; whereupon he is cited to answer before the Archbishop, the Bishop of London, and others, in St. Paul's London. At the day appointed, the Duke of Lancaster, and the Lord Marshall, go to conduct him: there the Archbishop and Bishop declared the Judgement of the Pope concerning Wickliff's Doctrine. The Arch­bishop sent Wickliff's Condemnation to Robert Rigges, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, to be divulged. Rigges appointed them to Preach that day, whom he knew to be the most zealous followers of Wickliff; and among others he ordered one Philip Rippinton, a Canon of Leicester, to Preach on Corpus-Christi day, who concluded his Sermon with these words: For speculative Doctrine (saith he) such as is the Sacrament of the Altar, I will set a bar on my lips, while God hath other­wise instructed, or illuminated the hearts of the Clergy.

King Edward the third, died June 21. Anno 1377. in the sixty fift year of his Age, when he had Reigned fifty years four Months, and odd dayes, whose Body was solemnly buried at Westminster. Richard the second, born at Burdeaux, the Son of Edward, called, The black Prince, being but eleven years old, succeeded his Grandfather in the Kingdom.

In the first year of his Reign Pope Gregory sendeth his Bull, by the hands of one Edmund Stafford, directed to the Chancellor and Universi­ty of Oxford, rebuking them sharply for suffering so long the Doctrine of John Wickliff to take root.

At the same time also he directed Letters to Simon Sudbury, Arch­bishop of Canterbury, and to William Courtney, Bishop of London, with the Conclusions of John Wickliff therein enclosed; commanding them to cause the said Wickliff to be apprehended, and cast into prison, and that [Page 115] the King and the Nobles of England should be admonished by them, not to give any credit to the said John Wickliff, or to his Doctrine, in any wise.

Wickliff was summoned personally to appear before the Archbishop, and the rest of the Bishops, at his Chappel at Lambeth. He came ac­cordingly: when in comes a Gentleman and Courtier, named Lewis Clifford, on the very day of examination, commanding them not to pro­ceed to any definitive sentence against the said Wickliff. Linwood's provinc. lib. 5. fol. 183. The Bishops af­frighted, proceeded no farther: onely the Archbishop summoned a Synod at London, in which he made four Constitutions, three where­of concerned Confession, grown now much into disuse by Wickliff's Doctrine.

The Popish Bishops and Monks obtained of King Richard, that Wick­liff should be banished out of England. He therefore repairing into Bo­hemia, brought a great Light to the Doctrine of the Waldenses, where John Husse, being but yet a young man, Comen. histor. Sclavon. Eccles. had diverse Conferences with him about diverse divine matters. But at length he was recalled home again from Exile; and the year before he died, he wrote a Letter to John Husse, Encouraging him to be strong in the grace that was given to him, to fight as a good Souldier of Jesus Christ, both by word and work, Doctrine and conversation, &c. John Husse hereby took heart very da­ringly, in the University Church at Prague, to inveigh against the overflowing abominations of the times; and not onely at Prague, but throughout the whole Kingdom of Bohemia, did he Preach against them. The same year Jerome of Prague returning out of England, and carry­ing Wickliff's Books with him, rooted up the [then] prevailing er­ror with the like boldness in the Schools, as John Husse did in the Church.

Wickliff died the last of December 1387. and was buried in his Church of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire.

In the second year of the Reign of King Richard the second, a Parlia­ment was called at Westminster, where the Laity moved, That no Officer of the Holy Church should take pecuniary sums, more or less, of the people, for correction of sins; but onely enjoyn them Spiritual penance, which would be more pleasing to God, and profitable to the Soul of the offender. The Clergy stickled hereat, for by this craft they got their gain. Ex Rotulis in Turri Lond. But here the King interposed, That Prelates should proceed herein as formerly, accor­ding to the Lawes of the Holy Church, and not otherwise. Yea, diverse things passed in Parliament in favour of the Clergy. As,

That all Prelates and Clerks shall from hence-forth commence their Suits against Purveyors and Buyers disturbing them (though not by way of crime) by actions of Trespass, and recover treble damages.

Also, That any of the King's Ministers arresting people of the Holy Church, in doing Divine Service, shall have imprisonment, and thereof [Page 116] be ransomed at the King's will, and make gree to the parties so ar­rested.

In the Parliament held at Glocester the same year, the Commons com­plained that many Clergy-men, under the notion of Sylva caedua, lop­wood, took Tithes even of Timber it self: requesting, that in such cases, Prohibition might be granted, to stop the proceedings of Court Christi­an. But this took no effect. Then the Archbishop of Canterbury in­veighed as bitterly, of the Franchises infringed of the Abbey-Church of Westminster; wherein Robert de Hanley Esquire, with a Servant of that Church, were both horribly slain therein, at the High Altar, even when the Priest was singing high Mass, and pathetically desired repa­ration for the same. Complaints were also made against the extortion of Bishops Clerks; to which (as to other abuses) some general Re­formation was promised.

In the next Parliament called at Westminster, one of the greatest grie­vances of the Land was redressed, namely, Forreigners holding of Ec­clesiastical Benefices; for many Italians had the best livings in England by the Pope collated on them: yea many great Cardinals resident at Rome, were possessed of the best Prebends and Parsonages in the Land, who generally farmed out their places to Proctors their own Countrey-men; and by this means the wealth of the Land leaked out into Forreign Countries, to the great impoverishing of this Land. Therefore the King and Parliament now enacted, That no Aliens should hereafter hold any such preferments, nor any send over unto them the Revenues of such Benefices.

Sir Rich. Ba­ker's Chron. in Rich. 2.Then burst forth the dangerous rebellion of Wat Tyler, and Jack Straw, with thousands of their wicked company, who burnt the Savoy, the Duke of Lancaster's house: from the Savoy they went to the Tem­ple, where they burnt the Lawyers lodgings, with their Books and Wri­tings: also the house of St. Johns, by Smithfield, they set on fire, which burned for seven days together. Then came they to the Tower, where the King was lodged, where they entred, and finding there Simon Sudbury, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor, and Sir Robert Hales Lord Treasurer, they led them to the Tower-hill, and there in most cruel manner struck off their Heads, as also of diverse others. Neither spared they Sacred places, for, breaking into the Church of the Augu­stine Friars, they drew forth thirteen Flemmings, and beheaded them in the open Streets, as also seventeen others out of other Churches. They committed outrages afterwards at St. Albans, cancelling the antient Charters of the Abbots and Monks there. At the same time there were gathered together in Suffolck to the number of fifty thousand, by the instigation of one John Wraw, a lewd Priest. These destroyed the Houses of the Lawyers; they beheaded Sir John Cavendish the Lord Chief Justice of England, and set his Head upon the Pillory in St. Edmunds-bury. [Page 117] Then Henry Spencer, the valiant [...]ishop of Norwich, gathered together a great number of Men Armed, with which he set upon the Rebels, dis­comfited them, and took John Littester, and their other Chieftaines, whom he caused all to be Executed: and by this means the Countrey was quieted, Jack Straw, John Kirkby, Alane Tredder, and John Ster­ling, lost their Heads; Wat Tyler was slain by William Walworth Lord Mayor of London. These had to their Chaplain a wicked Priest, called John Ball, Stowes Chro. in Rich. 2. who counselled them to destroy all the Nobility and Cler­gy, so that there should be no Bishop in England, but one Archbi­shop, which should be himself: and that there should nor be above two Religious persons in one house; and their possessions should be divided among the Lay-men, for the which Doctrine they held him as a Prophet. But he was executed at St. Albans.

William Wickham about this time finished his beautiful Colledge in Oxford, called new Colledge, which giveth the Armes of Wickham, viz. two Cheverons betwixt three Roses, each Cheveron alluding to two beams fastned together (called couples in building) to speak his skill in Architecture. There is maintained therein, a Warden, seventy Fellows, and Scholars, ten Chaplains, three Clerks, one Organist, sixteen Chori­sters, besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation, with other Stu­dents, being in all one hundred thirty five.

Within few years after the same Bishop finished the Colledge at Win­chester, wherein he established one Warden, ten Fellows, two School­masters, and seventy Scholars, with Officers and Servants, which are all maintained at his charge: out of which School he ordained should be chosen the best Scholars always to supply the vacant places of the Fellows of this Colledge.

Anno 1391. There was a Synod in England, which (because many were vexed for causes which could not be known, at Rome) ordained, That the authority of the Pope of Rome should stretch no farther than to the Ocean Sea; and that who so Appealed to Rome, besides Excommunication, should be punished with loss of all their goods, and with perpetual impri­sonment.

Then came the Parliament wherein was Enacted the Statute, called the Statute of Praemunire, The Statute of Praemunire. which gave such a blow to the Church of Rome, that it never recovered it self in this Land. The Statute of Mortmain put the Pope into a sweat, but this put him into a Fever. That concer­ned him onely in the Abbies, his darlings; this touched him in his person.

About this time died that faithful, Learned, and aged Servant of God, John de Trevisa born at Crocadon in Cornwal, a Secular Priest, and Vicar of Berkley, painful in Translating the Old and New Testament into Eng­lish, with other great Books.

The History of William Swinderby Priest in the Diocess of Lincoln, whereunto he was forced by the Friars: the Process of John Tresnant, Bishop of Hereford (into whose Diocess he removed) had against him, in the cause of Heretical pravity, as the Papists call it: the Articles that were exhibited against him, with his protestation and answer to the same. The Process against William Swinderby, with his answer and declaration to certain Conclusions: the Bishop's sentence against him, and his Appeal from the Bishop to the King with the causes thereof, together with Swinderby's letter to the Parliament, may be read at large in Mr. Fox his Acts and Monuments of the Church.

Then were there Articles exhibited against Walter Brute, of the Dio­cess of Hereford, a Lay-man and Learned, touching the cause of Here­sie, as they called it, unto the Bishop of Hereford; his examination and answer is also largely described by Mr. Fox. Fox. in Ric. 2.

Then were there two Bulls sent out by Pope Boniface the ninth, one against the Lollards; another to King Richard the second. Queen Anne Wife, to King Richard, at the same time had the Gospels in English, with four Doctors upon the same.

King Richard wrote a notable Letter to the Pope, wherein he sheweth, That the election of the Pope was not as before, comparing the Popes to the Souldiers that crucified Christ. That Secular Princes are to bridle the outrages of the Pope; and seemeth to Prophecy of the desolation of the Roman Pope.

King Richard was not long after deposed, and barbarously murdered at Pomfret-castle. In the time of the conspiracy against King Richard, among all the Bishops, onely Thomas Merks Bishop of Carlisle was for him. For, when the Lords in Parliament, nor co [...]nt to depose King Richard, were devising more mischief against him, up steps the foresaid Bishop, and thus expresseth himself.

More would he have spoken, but the Lord Marshal enjoyned him si­lence: and the other Bishops said, he discovered (having been a Monk) [Page 119] more Covent-devotion, than Court-discretion, in dissenting from his Brethren: yet at that time no punishment was imposed upon him. But the next year 1400. when some discontented Lord's arose against King Henry the fourth, this Bishop was taken prisoner, and judicially arraigned for high Treason, for which he was condemned, and sent to St. Albans The Pope gave unto him another Bishoprick in Samos, a Greek Island. But before his translation he died.

CENT. XV.

KIng Henry Trassel in vit. Henrici. IV. the fourth, held a Parliament at Westminster, during which Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury had convocated a Synod, which was held in St. Paul s Church, to whom the King sent the Earls of Northumberland, and Westmorland, who declared to the Clergy, That they were from the King to acquaint them, that the King resolved to confirm all their Priviledges unto them, and to joyn with them as they should desire him, in the punishment of all Hereticks, and opposites to their Religion received: for which so doing he craved but their supplications to God for him and his posterity, and prosperity of the Kingdom, which was by all there present religiously promised.

In the second year of his Reign, King Henry ordained, That if any person should obtain from the Bishop of Rome, any provision, to be exempt from obedience Regular or Ordinary; or to have any Office perpetual in any House of Religion, he should incur the pains of Praemunire. He also gave authority unto Bishops and their Ordinaries, to imprison and fine all Subjects who refuse the Oath ex Officio. The Statute made, pro Hae­retico combu­rendo. In the same Parliament it was ordained, That all Lollards [that is, those who professed the doctrine which Wickliff had taught] should be apprehended; and if they should re­main obstinate, they should be delivered to the Bishop of the Diocess, and by him unto the secular Magistrate to be burnt. This Act was the first in this Island for burning in case of Religion, and began to be put in execution, Anno 1401.

The first on whom his cruel Law was hanselled, was William Sautre, formerly Parish-priest of St. Margaret in the Town of Lyn, but since of St. Osith in the City of London. It seemeth, he had formerly ab­jured those Articles (for which he suffered death) before the Bishop of Norwich. Therefore he was first adjudged to be degraded and de­posed, which was in order, as followeth.

From the Order of

• 1. Priest,
• 2. Deacon,
• 3. Subdeacon,
• 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, Ʋrceolum.
• 5. The Book of Constituti­ons.
• 6. The Book of Church-Legends.
• 7. The Key of the Church-door and Surplice.

How many steps are required to climb up to the top of Popish Priest­hood! how many trinkets must be had to compleat a Priest? and 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 noting. Beseeching the Secular Court, that they would receive favourably the said William unto them thus recommitted. But see their hypocrisie; The Popish Bishops at the same time (for all their fair language) called upon the King to bring him to speedy exe­cution.

Hereupon the King in Parliament issued out his Warrant to the Mayor and Sheriff of London, that the said William, being in their custody, should be brought forth into some publick place within the liberty of the City, and there really to be burnt to the great horrour of his offence, and manifest example of other Christians; which was done accor­dingly.

After this, Richard Scroop, Archbishop of York, with the Lord Moubray, Marshall of England, gathered together a great company against King Henry, in the North Countrey, to whom was adjoyned the ayd of the Lord Bardolf, and Henry Piercy, Earl of Northumber­land. They drew up ten Articles against the said King, and fastened them upon the doors of Churches and Monasteries, to be read of all men in English. The Earl of Northumberland, and the Lord Bardolf were slain in the field, fighting against the Kings part, Anno 1408. But the Archbishop of York, and the Lord Moubray were taken and beheaded.

Anno 1409. Thomas Badby, a Tailor, was by Thomas Arundel Arch­bishop of Canterbury, condemned for the Testimony of the truth. He [Page 121] was brought into Smithfield, and there being put into an empty barrel, was bound with Iron bars fast to a stake, and dry wood put to him, and so burned.

Some Professors of the Gospel at that time did shrink back, as John Purvey, who wrote many Books in defence of Wickliff's Doctrine, and among others a Commentary upon the Apocalypse, wherein he decla­reth the Pope of Rome to be that great Antichrist. He recanted at Paul's Cross. John Edwards Priest revoked at the Green-yard at Nor­wich. Richard Herbert, and Emmot Willy of London, and John Beck also at London. John Seynons of Lincoln-shire revoked at Canter­bury.

Then was William Thorp examined before the Archbishop of Canterbu­ry, who rehearsed his belief before the Archbishop; afterwards he was committed to close Prison, where he was so straitly kept, that either he was secretly made away, or else there he died by sickness. John Ashton also, another follower of Wickliff, who, for the same Doctrine of the Sacrament held by Thorp, was committed to close Prison, after he was condemned, where he continued till his death.

Philip Rippington was made Bishop of Lincoln, who of a Professor, be­came a cruel Persecutor of the Gospel.

Synods of the Clergy were very frequent in this King's Reign; but most of these were but Ecclesiastical meetings for secular Money.

Sir John Tiptoff (made afterwards Earl of Worcester) put up a Peti­tion to the Parliament touching Lollards, which so wrought on the Lords, that they joyned in a Petition to the King, 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 Chancellor of England, &c.

The Popish Clergy had gained Prince Henry (set as a Transcendent by himself in the Petition) to their Side, entring his youth against the poor Wickliffists: and this earnest engaged him to the greater Antipathy against them, when possessed of the Crown.

A Petition was put up in the Parliament, That the King might enjoy half of the profits of any Parson's Benefice, not resident thereon: where­unto the King answered, That Ordinaries should do their duties there­in, or else he would provide further remedy, or stay their plura­lities.

The ninth year of the King's Reign, the Commons desired of the King, That none presented be received by any Ordinary, to have any Benefice, of any Incumbent, for any cause of privation, or inhabitati­on, whereof the Process is not founded upon Citation made within the Realm: and also that such Incumbents may remain in all their Benefices, untill it be proved by due Inquest in the Court of the King, that the Ci­tations whereupon such privations, and inhabitations are granted, were [Page 122] made within the Realm: and if such Ordinaries do, or have presented, or others do present to the contrary, that then they and their Procura­tors, &c. incur the pain contained in the Statute made against Provisoe's, Anno 13. Ric. 2.

Also that no Pope's Collector should from thence-forth levy any Money within the Realm, for first Fruits of any Ecclesiastical dignity, under pain of incurring the Statute of Provisoe's.

The Commons in the same Parliament put up a Bill to the King to take the Temporalties out of the Hands of the Spiritualty, which a­mounted to three hundred and two and twenty thousand Marks by the year.

Then came the Cardinal of Burges into England, being sent from the Colledge of Cardinals, to inform the King and Clergy of the uncon­stant dealing of Pope Gregory.

Anno 1409. [...] Chro. [...] 4.After the Feast of the Epiphany, the Archbishop of Canterbury Con­vocated an Assembly of the Clergy at London, to chuse meet persons to go to the General Council holden at Pisa: whereunto were chosen Robert Holam, Bishop of Salisbury; Henry Chisely, Bishop of St. Davids, and Thomas Chillindon, Prior of Christ-Church in Canterbury: and the King had sent before, Sir John Colvil Knight, and Nicholas Rixton Clerk, with letters to be given to them. A letter also was sent unto the Pope, wherein the King chargeth him with Perjury.

At Pisa there assembled a great number of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and Mitred Prelates, who elected a new Pope, viz. Alexander the fifth (a man trained up at Oxford) rejecti [...] the two [...] Schis­matical Popes, Gregory and Benedict.

Thomas Arundel, Archbishop of Canterbury, came with a Pompous train to Oxford. His intent was Juridically to visit the University, ex­pecting to be solemnly met, and sumptuously entertained according to his place and dignity. But Richard Courtney, the Chancellor of Ox­ford, with Benedict Brent, and John Birch, the two Proctors, denied the Archbishop entrance into the University under the notion of a Visitor. The Archbishop angry at the affront, fairly retreated, re infecta to London.

King Henry at the joynt instances of both parties, summoned them to Lamb [...]th, to hear and determine the Controversie: where the King pronounced sentence on the Archbishop's side. Afterward the King con­firmed the same, with the consent of the Lords and Commons in Parlia­ment; as in the Tower-Rolls doth plainly appear.

The King though courteous, was not servile to the Pope, and the Clergy terrified with the wavering doubtfulness of the King, granted him a tenth every year for diverse years.

Fuller. Church Hist. of Brit.King Henry the fourth, is not observed (as all English Kings before and after him) to have erected and endowed any one entire house of [Page 123] Religion, as first or sole-founder thereof, though a great Benefactor to the Abby of Leicester, and Colledge of Fothringhay in Northampton­shire. His picture is not so well known by his Head, as his Hood, which he weareth upon it in an odd fashion peculiar to himself. He died Anno 1413.

Henry the fifth, his Son, succeeded in the Kingdom. An universal Synod of all the Bishops and Clergy was called at London, where, among other weighty matters, it was determined, That the day of St. George, and also of St. Dunstan, should be a double Feast in holy Church.

At the Petition of the Commons in Parliament, to the King, Rotul. in Turri Lond. all Irish begging Priests, called Chamberdakyns, were ordered to depart the Realm by Michaelmas following, upon pain of loss of goods, and im­prisonment during the King's pleasure.

In the beginning of this King's Reign arose Sir John Oldcastle, Camd. Brit. in Kent. who Married Joan de la Pole, Baroness of Cobham, the Lord whereof he became: a Man (saith one) Regi propter probitatem, charus & acceptus, in great favour with King Henry the fifth, for his honesty, and like­wise renouned for his valour, and great skill i [...] [...]a [...]s of Armes: who sent into the Diocesses of London, Roches [...] and Hereford, some to publish the truth of the Gospel, without the leave and License of the Ordinaries, who were especially in their Sermons to confute the Doctrine of Transubs [...]an [...]iation, the Popish [...]crament of Penance, Peregrinations, worshipping of Images; the Keys usurped by the Church of Rome.

At that time there resorted to the Synod in London, twelve Inquisi­tors for Heresie, whom they appointed at Oxford the year before, to search out for Hereticks, withall Wickliff's Books; who brought two hundred forty six Conclusions, which they had collected as Heresies out of the said Books.

The Names of the Inquisitors, were these; John Witnam, a Master in New Colledge. John Langdon, Monk of Christ-church in Canter­bury. William Ʋfford, Regent of the Carmalites; Thomas Clayton, Regent of the Dominicks; Robert Gilbert, Richard Enthisdale, John Luck, Richard Sindisham, Richard Fleming, Thomas Rotborn, Robert Rouberry, Richard Grafdale; who all concluded, that the chief fa­vourers of Wickliff's Doctrine, were to be first dealt against. The Lord Cobham was complained of by the General Proctors, to be the chief, principal abettor of suspected Preachers, contrary to the mind of the Ordinaries, and to have assisted them by force of Armes.

The King sent for the Lord Cobham, and when he was come, he ad­monished him secretly to submit himself to his Mother the holy Church: Unto whom he made this Answer.

The King having heard this, would talk no longer with him, but utterly left him: And the Archbishop resorting to the King, he gave him authority to Cite him, Examine, and Punish him according to their Decrees.

The Archbishop Cited him to appear before him at the Castle of Leeds in Kent, and because he appeared not, he Excommunicated him. Then the Lord Cobham wrote a draught of the Confession of his Faith, and Sealed it with his own Hand, in which he answered the four chiefest Articles that the Archbishop laid against him; and that done, he took the Copy with him, and went therewith to the King, who would not receive it, but commanded it to be delivered to those who should be his Judges. Then he desired in the King's presence, that an hundred Knights and Esquires might be suffered to come, as upon his Purgation, which he knew would clear him of all Here­sies.

Moreover, he offered himself, after the Law of Armes, to fight for Life, or Death, with any man living, Christian, or Heathen, in the quarrel of his Faith, the King's Majesty and the Lords of his Coun­cil excepted: and furthermore protested, That he would obey all man­ner of Laws agreeable to the Word of God: yet for all this, the King suffered him to be summoned personally in his own Privy-chamber.

He appeared before the Archbishop sitting in the Chapter-house of Pauls, Joh. Caepgrave. lib. 2. de nobi. lib. Henricis. with Richard Clifford, Bishop of London, Henry Bullinbrook, Bishop of Winchester. He professed, That the Pope was true Anti­christ, That he is his Head, and that the Popish Bishops were his Mem­bers; the Friars his Tayl. And as touching the other Points (saith he) they are Ordinances of the Church of Rome, made against the Scriptures, after it grew rich, and the poison had dispersed it self therein, and not be­fore. Another Annalist saith, That he had openly said in Parliament, that it would never be well in England, till the Pope's power were banished beyond the Seas.

The Archbishop read a Bill of Condemnation against him, after which Bill read, the Lord Cobham said with a cheerful countenance, Though you judge my Body, which is but a wretched thing, yet I am sure ye can do no harm to my Soul, no more than Satan could do to the Soul of Job. And as concerning these Articles, I will stand to them to the very death by the grace of my eternal God. And after a short in­struction to the people, he fell down upon his Knees, holding up his Hands and Eyes to Heaven, And prayed God to forgive his Prosecutors. The Lord Cobham was condemned to dye, being led back to the Tower, he escaped out of the Tower, and fled into Wales, where he continued by the space of four years.

In January 1414. Sir Roger Acton Knight, Mr. John Brown, and John Beverley a Minister, suffered Martyrdom in the Fields of St. Giles, with thirty six more. Some say, that Sir Roger Acton was hanged naked at Tyburn, saving that certain parts of him were covered, and af­ter certain dayes, a Trumpetter of the King's, called Thomas Cliffe, ga­leave of the King to take him down, and bury him.

The next Month after the Execution of these Men, died Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury, famished to Death, not for want of Food, but of a Throat to swallow it: such the swelling therein, that he could neither speak nor eat for some days.

After him succeeded Henry Chichely, Godwin's Ca­tal. of Bish. whose mean birth interrupted the chain of Noble Archbishops, his two Predecessors and Successors being Earls Sons by Extraction. Although many Laws had been made against the Pope's usurped Authority in bestowing Ecclesiastical pre­ferments by way of Provision; yet durst not this man consent unto his election made by the Covent of Canterbury, but committed the matter unto the Pope's determination, who first pronounced the election of the Monks void, and then bestowed the Archbishoprick upon him.

The same year the King began the Foundation of two Monasteries: one of the Friars observants on the one side of Thames; and the other on the other side of the same River, called Shene, and Sion, dedica­ted unto the Charter-house Monks, with certain Nuns of St. Briget, to the number of sixty, dwelling within the same precinct: so that the whole number of these, with Priests, Monks, Deacons, and Nuns, should equal the number of thirteen Apostles, and seventy two Dis­ciples. These were to eat no Flesh, to touch no Money, to wear no Linnen.

The King held a Parliament at Leicester, in which the Commons put up their Bill again, which was put up, Anno 11. Henry the fourth, that the Temporalties wasted so disorderly by the Clergy, might be con­verted to the use of the King, and of his Earls, and Knights, &c. In fear of which Bill, the Clergy put him upon a long War with the French, offering to him in behalf of the Clergy, great and notable sums, by rea­son whereof the Bill was put off again.

The Archbishop, Henry Chichley, condemned John Claydon's Books, and condemned him, and shortly after he was burnt in Smithfield with Richard Turning, Baker, Anno 1415.

The next year the said Archbishop, in his Convocation holden at Lon­don, made sharper Constitutions, than were before, against the Lollards. There two Priests, noted for Hereticks, were brought before the Bi­shops, the one John Barton, the other Robert Chappel. Barton was committed to Philip, Bishop of Lincoln, to be kept in prison, till other­wise it were determined. Chappel submitted himself, and with much ado received pardon: and was (in stead of penance) enjoyned certain Articles to publish at Paul's Cross.

Then divers persons were forced to abjure, as John Tailer of the Pa­rish of St. Maries at Quern, William James Physitian, who had long lain in prison. John Gourdley of Lincoln-shire, a learned man, John Duerser, Katherine Dertford, the Parson of Higley in Lincoln-shire, na­med Mr. Robert, William Henry of Tenterden; John Gaul, a Priest of London, Richard Monk, Vicar of Chesham in Lincoln-shire, with divers others.

During the time of the Provincial Convocation, Pope Martin had sent to the Clergy of England for a Subsidy to maintain the Pope's Wars against the Lollards of Bohemia. Another Subsidy was demanded to persecute William Clerk, Master of Arts in Oxford, who sailing out of England, was at the Council of Basil disputing on the Bohemians side. A third Subsidy was also required, to persecute William Russel, Warden of the Grey-Friers in London, who was fled, having escaped out of prison.

Ralph Mungin, Priest, refusing to abjure, was condemned to perpetual prison. The recantation of Thomas Granter, and Richard Monk, Priests, was read openly at Paul s Cross, after which Granter was put to seven years imprisonment, under the custody of the Bishop of London. Ed­mond Frith recanted, who was Butler to Sir John Oldcastle.

Besides these, many other Wicklivites were sore vexed in Kent, in the Towns of Romney, Tenterden, Woodchurch, Cranbrook, Staplehurst, Bennenden, and Rolvenden; where Men and their Wives, and whole Families were driven to forsake their Houses, and Towns, for fear of persecution. Among whom were William White, and Thomas Greensted, Priests, Bartholomew Chronemonger, Joan Waddon, Joan his Wife, Tho­mas Evernden, Stephen Robins, William Chineling, John Tame, John Eaco­lin, William Somer, Marian his Wife, John Abraham, Robert Munden, Laurence Cook: which persons, because they appeared not, were ex­communicated by the Archbishop.

The Lord Cobham, having lived four years in Wales, and being at last discovered, was taken by the Lord Powis: yet so, that it cost some blows and blood to apprehend him, till a Woman at last with a stool [Page 127] broke the Lord Cobham's legs, whereby being lame, he was brought up to London in an Horse-litter. At last he was drawn upon an Hurdle to the Gallows, and there was hanged and burnt.

In the ninth year of King Henry the Fifth, he suppressed the French Houses of Religious Monks and Friars, and such like, in England, Stow's Chron, in Hen. 8. be­cause they spake ill of the King's Conquest over France. Their Lands were given by him, and King Henry the Sixth, to Monasteries, and Colledges of learned men.

King Henry died in France, and was brought over, and buried at Westminster,

This King ordained the King of Heraulds over the English, which is called Garter.

In this King's Reign Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, founded a Colledge, named Lincoln-colledge in Oxford.

King Henry the sixth, an Infant of eight months old, succeeded his Fa­ther in the Kingdom of England, Anno 1422.

In the eighth year of his Age he was crowned at Westminster, and in the tenth year crowned King at Paris; Cardinal Henry, Bishop of Win­chester, being present at them both.

The Clergy had then a strong party in the Privy Council, viz.

• 1. Henry Chicheley, Archbishop of Canterbury.
• 2. John Kemp, Bishop of London.
• 3. Henry Beauford, Bishop of Winchester, lately made Cardinal.
• 4. John Wackaring, Bishop of Norwich, Privy-seal.
• 5. Philip Morgan, Bishop of Worcester.
• 6. Nicholas Bubwith, Bishop of Bath and Wells, Lord Treasurer.

In the first year of this King's Reign, was burned a faithful Witness of God's Truth, William Tailor, a Priest, under Henry Chichcley, Archbishop of Canterbury, March 1. Anno 1423.

In the year 1424. John Florence, a Turner, appeared before Will. Ber­nam, Chancellor to the Bishop of Norwich being accused for holding and teaching divers Heresies. But being threatened, he submitted himself, and abjured: and for his penance he was whipped three Sundayes, in a solemn procession, in the Cathedral Church of Norwich, before all the people. The like also was done about his Parish-church of Shelton three other several Sundayes, he being bare-headed, bare-footed, and bare-necked, after the manner of a publick Penitentiary, his body being covered with a canvass shirt and breeches, carrying in his hand a Taper of a pound weight.

In the same year John Goddesel of Dichingham, Parchment maker, ab­jured and was set at liberty till the year 1428.

Richard Belward of Erisam sware, that he would neither teach nor assist any against the Church of Rome, and was dismissed.

The like happened to Hugh Pie, Chaplain of Ludney.

In the year 1428. King Henry the Sixth sent down Letters of Commis­sion to John Exeter, and Ja olet Germain, keeper of the Castle of Col­chester, for the apprehending of William White Priest, and others suspect­ed of Heresie. John Exeter attached six persons in the Town of Bungay, in the Diocess of Norwich, and three of them were committed to the Castle of Fremingham, belonging to the Duke of Norfolk, namely John Waddon of Tenterden in Kent; Bartholomew Monk of Ersham, and William Skutt.

In the Towns of B [...]ckles, Ersham and Ludney, a great number both of Men and Women were cast into prison, and after their abjuration brought to open shame in Churches and Markets by the Bishop of Nor­wich, and his Chancellor William Bernham, John Exeter being Register: so that within the space of three or four years about one hundred and twenty Men and Women were examined, and suffered great vexation for the profession of Christian Faith. Some taken upon suspition only, more easily escaped, as Robert Skirring of Harlstone, William Skirring, and some others. Some were burned, among whom special mention is made of these three, Father Abraham of Colchester, William White, and John Waddon, Priests. The residue abjured, and suffered penance, as John Beverley, J. Wardon, John Capper, Vicar of Tunstal, with more than threescore others. They had their Doctrine from William White who was a Scholar and follower of John Wickliff.

Anno 1428.Such was the Spleen of the Council of Sienna, as they not only cursed the memory of John Wickliff, as dying an obstinate Heretick, but or­dered, that his bones should be taken out of the ground, and thrown far off from any Christian burial. In obedience hereunto, Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, Diocesan of Lutterworth, sent his Officers to ungrave him accordingly, who took his bones out of the grave, and burnt them to ashes, and cast them into Swift, a neighbouring Brook running hard by.

Anno 1430. R. Hovedon, a Wool-winder, and Citizen of London, was burnt at the Tower-hill for the Doctrine of Wickliff. The year following Thomas Bagley, a Priest, Vicar of Monenden besides Malden, was condemned of Heresie at London, about the midst of Lent, degraded, and burned in Smithfield.

At St. Andrews in Scotland, Anno 1431. Paul Craw was burnt for denying that the substance of the Bread and Wine are changed in the Eucharist; Petries Church History. or that Confession is necessary to be made unto Priests, or Prayers unto Saints departed. At his condemnation they put a Bull of Brass in his mouth, to the end he should not speak unto the people, nor tell for what he was burnt.

Henry Beauford, Bishop of Winchester, Cardinal Sancti Eusebii, Ex Archiv [...] Turris Lond. was by consent of Parliament made one of the King's Council, with this condition, that he should make a protestation to absent himself from the Council, when any matters were to be treated betwixt the King and Pope. The Cardinal took the Protestation, and promised to per­form it.

The Clergy complained to the King in Parliament, that their Ser­vants, which came with them to Convocations, were often arrested, and they prayed that they might have the same Priviledge, which the Peers and Commons of the Kingdom have, which are called to Parliament, which was granted accordingly.

Great at this time was the want of Grammar-schools, and the abuse of them that were even in London it self, it being paenal for any (to pre­vent the growth of Wicklivism) to put their Children to private Teach­ers. Hence it was, 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 of by four eminent Ministers in London, viz.

• Mr. William Lichfield, Parson of Alhallowes the Great.
• Mr. Gilbert, Parson of St. Andrew's Holborn.
• Mr. John Cote, Parson of St. Peter's Cornhil.
• Mr. John Neele, Master of the House of St. Thomas Acre's, and Par­son of Colchirch.

To these it was granted, by the advice of the Ordinary, or Archbi­shop of Canterbury, to erect five Schools ( Neele having a double Li­cense for two places) in their respective Parishes. Know, that the House of St. Thomas Acre's was where Mercers Chappel standeth at this day.

Then was the Lady Eleanor Cobham (so called from the Lord Cobham, her Father, otherwise Eleanor Plantagenet by her Husband, Humfry Duke of Glocester) and Roger Only, Priest, her Chaplain, condemned: the Dutchess (after solemn penance, and carrying a Taper barefoot at Paul's Cross) to perpetual banishment, for plotting with Only (say Hall and Fabian in their Chronicles) an abominable Necromancer) with three others, by Witchcraft to destroy the King, so to derive the Crown to her Husband, who was next Heir in the line of Lancaster: And Ro­ger Only was burned. But the main cause of their condemnation was for the profession of the Truth, although Treason was pretended against them. Polydor Virgil makes no mention thereof otherwise quick-lighted enough in matters of this nature.

At this time William Heiworth sate Bishop of Coventry and Dichfield, being translated thither from being Abbot of St. Albans.

Fuller's Chur. History of Britain.At this time William Lynwood finished his industrious and useful Work of his Constitutions. He was bred in Cambridge, first Scholar of Gonvil, then Fellow of Pembrook-hall. His younger years he spent in the Law; afterwards he became Keeper of the Privy-seal unto King Henry the Fifth, who employed him in an Embassie into Spain and Portugal, which he ex­actly performed. After the King's death he re-assumed his Official's place of Canterbury, and then at spare hours collected and digested the Consti­tutions of the fourteen latter Archbishops of Canterbury, from Stephen Langton unto Henry Chichley, unto whom he dedicated the Work, a worthy Work, highly esteemed by forreign Lawyers, his Comment thereon is a Magazine of the Canon Law. It was printed at Paris, Anno 1505. (but at the cost and charges of William Bretton, an honest Mer­chant of London) revised by the care of Wolfangus Hippolius, and pre­faced unto by Iodocus Badius. This Linwood was afterwards made Bishop of St. Davids.

Anno 1434. began the active Council of Basil, to which our Ambas­sadors were to represent both their Sovereign, and the English Nation, where they were received with honour and respect. This was a trou­blesome Council, and continued seventeen years. In this Council it was concluded (as before at Constance) that the General Councils were a­bove the Pope. Fourteen Ambassadors were sent from the King unto Ba­sil. One Earl (not that he was to vote in the Council, but only behold the transactions thereof) viz. Edmond, Earl of Morton. Five Bishops, viz. Robert, Bishop of London, Philip, Bishop of Lisieux, John, Bi­shop of Rochester John, Bishop of Baieux, and Bernard, Bishop of Aix. Two Abbots, Nicholas, Abbot of Glaston, William, Abbot of St. Ma­ries in York. One Prior, William, Prior of Norwich. Two Knights, Henry Broumfleet, and John Colvil. Mr. Thomas Brown, Doctor of Laws, Dean of Sarum. Peter Fitz-Maurice, D. D. and Mr. Nicholas David, Archdeacon of Constance, and Licentiate in both Laws.

John, Bishop of Rochester, here mentioned, was John Langdon, intru­ded by the Pope into that Bishoprick, to the prejudice of the Archbishop of Canterbury. But he was indeed a Learned man, and died this year in his Ambassy at Basil. This Council deposed Pope Eugenius, and sub­stituted in his room Amideus, the most devout Duke of Savoy, who was called Felix the Fifth, and was crowned in the City of Basil.

Anno 1437. Henry Chichley, Archbishop of Canterbury, founded a Colledge in Oxford, by the name of All-souls, for a Warden, and for­ty Fellows: which number, by Statute, was never to be augmented, or impaired; and all void places (by death or otherwise) once in a year to be supplied. Six years did he survive the first founding of this Col­ledge. He founded another Colledge in Oxford, called Barnard-colledge, suppressed by King Henry the Eighth, and renewed by Sir Thomas White, who named it St. Iohn's-colledge, one of the fairest of the University. [Page 131] This Archbishop bestowed much money in repairing the Library at Can­terbury, Goodwin's Catal. of Bi­shops. and then replenished the same with a number of goodly Books. He gave unto his Church many rich Ornaments and Jewels of great price, and built a great part of the Tower, called Oxford-tower, in the said Church. He founded a goodly Colledge, and an Hospital, at Higham-ferries, where he was born, for eight secular Priests, Fellows, four Clerks, and six Choristers: it was so endowed, as at the suppressi­on of the same, it was valued at 156 pounds per annum. The Hospital was for poor people likewise liberally endowed.

Iohn Stafford, Son unto the Earl of Stafford, succeeded in the place of Henry Chichley deceased. Pope Eugenius the Fourth translated him from Bath and Wells.

About the year 1446. King Henry the Sixth founded Eaton Colledge, incorporate by the name of Praepositi & Collegii Regaliis, Col. Beatae Ma­ria de Eaton juxta Winsor.

This Colledge consisteth of one Provost, Fellows, a School-master and Usher; besides many Oppidanes maintained there at the cost of their Friends. This Eaton is a Nursery to King's-colledge in Cambridge.

Humfry, Duke of Glocester, the King's Uncle, at a packt Parliament at Bury, was condemned of High-treason, and found dead in his Bed, not without rank suspition of cruel practices upon his person. He gave to the Library in Oxford many pretious voluminous Manuscripts. He was buried in St. Albans, to which Church he was a great Bene­factor.

The same month, with the Duke of Glocester, died Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, and Cardinal. He was a man of such Wealth, that at once he lent King Henry the Fifth twenty thousand pounds, who pawned his Crown to him. He built the fair Hospital of St. Cross, near Winchester.

The Clergy moved in vain against the recalling of the Statute of Praemunire:

About the year 1453. began the broyls to break out out between the two Houses of Lancaster and York, so mutually heightened, that scarce a County betwixt York and London, but a set Battel hath been fought therein, besides other Counties in the Marches of Wales: besides many other Skirmishes (Corrivals with Battels) so that such, who consider the blood lost therein, would admire England had any left. And such as observe how much it had left, would wonder it had any lost.

In the midst of these Civil wars, William, Sirnamed Patin from his Parents, but Wainfleet, from the place of his Nativity, now Bishop of Winchester, founded the fair Colledge, dedicated to Mary Magda­len, in Oxford, for one President, forty Fellows, thirty Demies, four Chaplains, eight Clerks, and sixteen Choristers. This William Wain­fleet first founded Magdalen-hall, hard by, and afterwards undertook [Page 132] and finished this most stately piece of Architecture. There is scarce a Bishoprick in England to which this Colledge hath not afforded one Prelate at the least, doubling her files in some places. At this day (be­sides those forementioned) there are one Schoolmaster and an Usher, three Readers, viz. of Divinity, Natural and Moral Philosophy, besides divers Officers and Servants of the foundation, with other Students, be­ing in all two hundred and twenty.

Iohn Kemp, Archbishop of Canterbury, built the Divinity-School in Oxford, and Paul's Cross.

King Henry being conquered in a fatal Battel at Touton in Nottingham­shire, fled with his Queen into Scotland, and to make himself the more welcome, resigned Berwick to the King thereof. Edward, Duke of York, reigned in his stead. This King's Reign affordeth very little Church-story. This good was done by the Civil Wars, it diverted the Popish Prelates from troubling the Lollards.

Thomas Bourchier (Son unto Henry Bourchier, Earl of Essex) Arch­bishop of Canterbury, kept a Synod of his Clergy at London. The Par­liament sitting at the same time bestowed many priviledges on the Clergy.

In the time of this Archbishop, Raynold Peacock, Bishop of Chiche­ster, was afflicted by the Popish Prelates for his Faith and profession of the Gospel, after he had laboured many years in translating the Holy Scriptures into English. Sir Rich. Ba­ker's Chron. He was accused and convicted for holding and publishing certain Opinions, at that time held Heretical, which at last openly at Paul's Cross he revoked, but was notwithstanding deprived of his Bishoprick; only a certain Pension was assigned him to live on in an Abby, where soon after he died.

Fox Acts and Monuments Luke 8.3.About the year 1465. there was here in England one Thomas Holden, a Carmelite Friar, who preached in Michaelmas Term at Paul's Cross in London; That our Lord Iesus Christ was in poverty, and did beg in the world. A manifest untruth! For great is the difference betwixt begging, and taking what the bounty of others doth freely confer, as our Saviour did from such who did minister unto him of their substance: This Sermon caused a great stir. The principal Champions on both sides, whose Pens publickly appeared, were

For Mendicants.

• 1. Henry Parker, a Carmelite, bred in Cambridge, living afterward in Doncaster-Covent, imprisoned for preaching.
• 2. Iohn Milverton, bred in Oxford, Carmelite of Bristol, being ex­communicated by the Bishop of London, and appealing to the Pope, found no favour, but was kept three years captive in St. Angelo.

Against Mendicants.

• 1. Thomas Wilson, Doctor of both Laws, and say some, Dean of S. Paul's, a zealous Preacher and Disputant.
• 2. William Ivy, Canon of S. Paul's, who wrote in the Defence of Richard Hill, Bishop of London, who Imprisoned two Mendicants for their proud Preaching.

But after Pope Paul the second had interposed herein, concluding that this ought to be declared in all places for a dangerous Doctrine, and worthy to be trodden down under all mens feet, the controversie ceased.

At this time George Nevil, brother to Richard Nevil, the Great Earl of Warwick that set up and pulled down Kings at his pleasure, was Archbishop of York. He was famous for a prodigious feast made at his Installation, unto which he invited, as Guests, all the Nobility, most of the prime Clergy, many of the Great Gentry of the Land. The Bill of Fare may be read in Bishop Godwins Catalogue of Bishops. Seven years after, King Edward seized on all his Estate, to the value of twenty thousand pounds, among which he found so rich a Mitre, that he made himself a Crown thereof. The Archbishop he sent over prisoner to Callis, where he was kept bound in extreme poverty, justice punishing his former prodigality. He was afterwards restored to his Liberty and Archbishoprick, but went drooping till the day of his death. It added to his sorrow, that the Kingdom of Scotland, Scotland freed from the See of York. with twelve Suffragan Bishops therein (formerly subjected to his See) was now, by Pope Sixtus, freed from any further dependance thereon; S. Andrews being advanced to an Archbishoprick, and that Kingdom in Ecclesiastical mat­ters made entire within it self: whose Bishops formerly repaired to York for their consecration.

Anno 1473. in August, John Goose, sole Martyr in this King's Reign was condemned and burned at Tower-hill. This man; when ready to suffer, desired meat from the Sheriff which Ordered his Execution, and had it granted unto him. I will eat (saith he) a good competent dinner, for I shall pass a sharp shower, ere I come to Supper.

King Edward IV. died April 9. 1483. In his Reign flourished Tho­mas Littleton, a Reverend Judge of the Common-pleas, who brought a great part of the Law into method, which lay before confusedly disper­sed, and his book called Littletons Tenures. Then John Harding Esquire wrote a Chronicle in English verse. John Fortescue a Judge, and Chancellor of England, wrote divers Treatises concerning the Law, and Politick Government. Rochus, a Charter-house Monk, born in London, wrote divers Epigrams. William Caxton also wrote a Chronicle.

Miserable King Edward V. ought to have succeeded his Father, but he, by the wicked practice of his Unckle Richard Duke of Glocester, cho­sen Protector, was quickly made away. The Protection of the young King's Person was by the last King appointed to Earl Rivers the Queen's brother, and by the mother's side Unckle to the said Prince, who kept his Residence and Court at Ludlow. The Queen with the Earl Rivers, her brother, and with her Son Richard Lord Gray, and other Friends, being guarded with a strong power of Armed men and Souldiers, intended to bring the Young King from Ludlow to London to be Crowned. But the Duke of Glocester wrought so cunningly with the Queen, that she dis­patched messengers to her Brother and Son, who (though unwilling) upon her request were perswaded to Disband and Cashier all their Soul­diers: and attended only with their own Menial Servants, they set for­ward, with the Young, King towards the Queen. They came to Northampton; and soon after the Dukes of Glocester and Buckingham dismounted themselves in the Earls Inn, being accompanied with great store of resolute attendants. There they surprized the Earl Rivers, and committed him to safe Custody. Mart. Chron. in Edw. V. Then the two Dukes rode to Stony­stratford, where the King then was. There they seized on Richard Lord Grey, the King's half-brother, and on Sir Richard Vaugham, and some others, all which they sent under a strong guard to Pomfret-castle, where without any judicial sentence, or legal trial, they were beheaded upon the same day that the Lord Hastings, (who conspired in that action with the two Dukes) lost his head.

The Queen with the rest of her Children enters the Sanctuary at Westminster. The young King is brought to London, and the Duke of Glocester by the contrivement of the Duke of Buckingham is made Pro­tector of the King and Kingdom, by the Decree of the Councel-Table: and now he wickedly plotteth to make away the young King and his Brother, and in order thereunto he laboureth first to get into his hands the Duke of York, the King's brother; And to that end the Archbishop of Canterbury was employed with instructions to procure the Queen to part with her younger son, to accompany the elder. The Protector having gotten both the brothers into his hand, causeth them within few days in great pomp and State to be convayed through London to the Tower. The Sunday following he caused Doctor Shaa at Paul's cross to blazon the Honourable birth and parentage of the Protector, to re­late his vertues, to commend his valour, to weaken the Fame and Ho­nour of the deceased King Edward, by reason of his lascivious wan­tonness with Shore's wife and others, to bastardize all his Children; because the King was in the person of Richard Earl of Warwick (before his said marriage) affianced unto the Lady Bona, sister to the wife of the French King. He also accused the Protector's own mother of great incontinency. When King Edward, and George Duke of Clarence [Page 135] were begotten. Then setting forth the worthiness of the Protector, he supposed, that the people could not chuse but receive him for their King.

Pynkney the Provincial of the Augustinian Friars, who in the same place used so loud adulation, lost his credit, conscience, and voice al­together. These two were all of the Clergy, who engaged actively on his party.

His Coronation was performed with more pomp than any of his Pre­decessors. Soon after followed the murther of King Edward, and his Brother Richard, Duke of York.

After this bloody act, having visited his Town of Glocester, which he endowed with ample Liberties and Priviledges, he took his journey to­wards York. At a certain day appointed the whole Clergy assembled in Copes richly vested, and so went about the City in Procession, after whom followed the King with his Crown and Scepter, apparrelled in his Circot Robe Royal, accompanyed with many of the Nobility of the Realm: after whom marched in order Queen Anne, his wife, Crowned, leading in her left hand Prince Edward her Son, Sir Th. Moores History of King Rich. 3. having on his head a demy-crown appointed for the degree of a Prince. The Northern people hereupon extolled and praised him far above the Stars. After this glorious pomp, and a solemn feast, having done all things dis­creet [...]y, he returned by Nottingham, and afterwards came to London, whom the Citizens more for fear than love, received in great Com­panies. Now King Richard made good Laws in that sole Parliament kept in his time. He began to found a Colledge of an hundred Priests, which foundation with the founder shortly had end. He built a Mo­nastery at Middleham in the North, and a Colledge at Alhallows Bark­ing hard by the Tower: and endowed Queens-Colledge in Cambridge with five hundred marks of yearly revenue. Soon after the Duke of Buc­kingham requireth the Earldom of Hereford, and the Hereditary Con­stableship of England, laying title to them by discent. The King re­jected the Duke's request with many spiteful and minatory words. Buckingham storms thereat, and withdraws to Brecknock in Wales, with his Prisoner John Morton Bishop of Ely (committed to him by the King on some distast) who tampered with him about the marriage of Henry Earl of Richmond with the eldest daughter of King Edward IV. But the Duke was surprized by King Richard, and beheaded be­fore this marriage was compleated, More cunning was Bishop Morton to get himself over into France, there to contrive the union of the two Houses of York and Lancaster.

In the year 1485. Henry Earl of Richmond landeth with small Force; at Milford-Haven. From Milford he marcheth North-East through the bowels of Wales, and both his Army and the fame thereof en­creased by marching. Into Leicester-shire he came, and in the navel [Page 136] thereof is met by King Richard, The next day the Armies joyned in battel. The scales of Victory seemed for a long time so equal, that none could discern on which side the beam did break. At length the coming in of the Lord Stanley with three thousand fresh men, decided the controversie on the Earl's side King Richard fighting valiantly in the midst of his enemies was slain, and his Corps were disgracefully carried to Leicester, without a rag to cover his nakedness. The Crown ornamental being found on his head, was removed to the Earl's, and he Crowned in the field and Te Deum was solemnly sung by the whole Army. The body of King Richard lay for a spectacle of hate and scorn by the space of two days bare, and uninterred. At last without solemn funeral pomp, scarce with ordinary solemnity, by the charity of the Gray-friers he was inhumed in their Monastery there.

King Henry Lord Verul. Histor. of Henr. VII. VII. coming to London the Mayor and Companies re­ceived him at Shored [...]tch, whence with great Honourable attendance, and Troops of Noblemen and persons of quality he entred the City, himself not being on horseback, or in any open Chair, or Throne, but in a close Chariot, as one that chose rather to keep State, and strike a reverence into the people than to fawn upon them. He went first into S. Paul's Church, where he made offertory of his Standards, and had Orizon, and Te Deum again sung, and went to his lodging prepared in the Bishops palace.

Thomas Bourchier, Cardinal, and Archbishop of Canterbury, Crown­ed the King on the last of October. At which day for the better securi­ty of his person the King did institute a band of fifty Archers under a Captain to attend him, by the Name of Yeomen of his Guard. The Archbishop also Married King Henry to the Lady Elizabeth, eldest daugh­ter to King Edward the fourth. And then having sate in a short Synod at London (wherein the Clergy presented their new King with a tenth) died, having sate in his See two and thirty years.

He gave to the University of Cambridge an hundred and twenty pounds, which was joyned with another hundred pound; which Mr. Bil­lingforth (Master of Bennet-Colledge) had some years before given to the said University.

John Morton, born at S. Andrews Milbourn in Dorset-shire, succeeded him in the See at Canterbury. He was formerly Bishop of Ely, and ap­pointed by King Edward IV. one of the Executors of his will, and on that account hated of King Richard the third, the Executioner thereof▪ He was (as aforesaid) imprisoned, because he would not betray his trust, fled into France and returned, and was justly advanced by King Henry, first to be Chancellor of England, and then to be Arch­bishop of Canterbury He was also created Cardinal of S. Ana­stasius.

Now began the Pope to be very busie by his Officers to collect vast summs of money in England, presuming at the King's connivance there­at, whom he had lately gratified with a needless dispensation, to legitimate his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth, his Cousin so far off, that it would half pose a Herauld to recover their kindred.

The Pope in favour of the King, and indeed of equity it self, ordered concerning Sanctuaries.

1. That if any Sanctuary man did by might, or otherwise, Lord Verul. in Henry VII. get out of Sanctuary privily, and commit mischief and trespass, and then come in again, he should lose the benefit of Sanctuary for ever after.

2. That howsoever the Person of the Sanctuary-man was protected from his Creditors, yet should not his goods out of Sanctuary.

3. That if any took Sanctuary for cause of treason, the King might ap­point him keepers to look to him in Sanctuary.

The King Confined the Queen Dowager (his wives mother) to a Religious house in Bermondsey, because three years since she had sur­rendered her two daughters out of the Sanctuary at Westminster to King Richard.

A Synod was holden by Archbishop Morton at London, Antiq. Brit. pag. 298. wherein the Luxury of the London Clergy in Cloathes, with their frequenting of Taverns was forbidden: Such Preachers also were punished, who in­veighed against Bishops in their absence. John Giglis, an Italian, about this time employed by the Pope, got an infinite mass of money, having power from the Pope to absolve people from all crimes whatsoever, sa­ving smiting of the Clergy, and conspiring against the Pope. This Giglis gat for himself the rich Bishoprick of Worcester. Yea, in that See four Italians followed each other,

• 1. John Giglis.
• 2. Silvester Giglis.
• 3. Julius Medices, afterwards Pope Clement VII.
• 4. Hieronymus de Negutiis.

The Pope gave power to Archbishop Morton, to visit all places for­merly exempt from Archiepiscopal jurisdiction; and to dispence his par­dons where he saw just cause. Hereupon Rochester-bridge being broken down, the Archbishop bestowed Remission from Purgatory, for all sins whatsoever committed within the compass of fourty dayes, to such as should bountifully contribute to the building thereof.

King Henry VII. desired much that King Henry VI. Camd. Brit. in Surry. might be Ca­nonized. But Pope Alexander III. delayed, and in effect denyed the King's desire herein. The reason given by Mr. Camden, was the Pope's Covetousness, who demanded more than thirsty King Henry would al­low. This King removed the Corps of Henry VI. from Chertsey in [Page 138] Surrey, where it was obscurely interred to a place of greater note, viz. Windsor Chappel.

But the Saintship of Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury was procured by Archbishop Morton on cheaper terms.

King Henry was submissive to Pope for his own ends, never servile. The deserving Clergy he employed in State affairs more than his Nobi­lity. To the vitious Clergy he was very severe, ordaining that Clerks Convict should be burnt in the hand, both that they might taste a Corporal punishment, and carry a brand of infamy.

To the Lollard's (so godly men were called) he was more cruel than his Predecessors: for he not only in the beginning of his Reign connived at the cruel persecutions which John Halse Bishop of Coventry and Litch­field raised against them, Anno 1494. but in the middle and towards the latter end of his Reign he appeared very bloody to them. An Aged old man was burnt in Smithfield, and one Joan Boughton widow, mother to the Lady Young (who was afterward Martyred) she being fourscore years of Age, was burnt for an Heretick. In the year 1497. Janu. 17. being Sun­day, Richard Milderal, and James Sturdy bare faggots before the Pro­cession of S. Paul's, and after stood before the Preacher in the time of his Sermon. And the Sunday following stood other two men at Paul's Cross all the Sermon-time; one garnished with painted and written papers, the other having a Faggot on his neck. Upon Passion Sunday one Hugh Glover bare a Faggot before the Procession of S. Paul's, and after with the Faggot stood before the Preacher all the Sermon-while. And on the next Sunday following four men stood, and did their open penance at Paul's Cross, and many of their books were there burnt be­fore them.

Fox Acts and Monum. p. 556 Anno 1498. The King was in Canterbury, where was an old Priest so resolute in his opinions, that none of the Clergy there could convince him of the contrary. Some say the King, by what Arguments we know not, converted this Priest, and then presently gave Order he should be burnt.

About this time William Smith, Bishop of Lincoln, began the foun­dation, of Brason-nose Colledge in Oxford. The work was after his death accomplished by Richard Sutton Esquire. It maintaineth a Principal, twenty Fellows, besides Scholars and Officers of the Foun­dation in all amounting to one hundred eighty six.

In the year 1499. a constant Martyr of Christ, named Babram, was burnt in Norfolk.

In the year 1500. died John Morton Archbishop of Canterbury, at his Manour of Knoll. He gave much to good uses, and was very bountiful to his Servants.

CENT. XVI.

HEnry Dean succeded in the place of Archbishop Morton deceased, and sate but two years in that See. His Pall was sent unto him by Hadrian de Castello the Pope's Secretary, and delivered by the Bishop of Coventry in these words: Ad honorem Dei omnipotentis, & B. Mariae Virginis, ac Bb. Petri, & Pauli Apostolorum, & D. N. Alexandri P. VI. & S. Romanae Ecclesiae, necnon & Cantuariensis Ecclesiae tibi Commissae, tradimus pallium de corpore B. Petri sumptum, plenitudinem viz. Pontificalis officii; ut utaris eo infra Ecclesiam tuam certis diebus qui exprimuntur in privilegiis ei ab Apostolica sede concessis. Having re­ceived his Pall, he was to take his Oath unto the Pope, which I will set down once for all.

Ego Henricus Archiep, Godwins Ca­tal. of Bishop. Cantuar ab hac hora in antea fidelis & obe­diens ero B. Petro Sanctaeque Apostolicae Romanae Ecclesiae, & Domino meo Alexandro P. VI suisque successioribus canonice intrantibus. Non ero in Consilio aut consensu, vel facto, ut vitam perdant vel membrum, seu capiantur mala captione, Concilium vero quod mihi credituri sunt, per se aut nuntios ad eorum damnum me sciente nemini pandam Papatum Rom. & Regalia S. Petri, adjutor ero eis ad retinendum & defendendum, salvo ordine meo, contra omnem hominem Legatum sedis Apostolicae ineundo & redeundo honorifice tractabo, & in suis necessitatibus adjuvabo. Vocatus ad Synodum veniam, nisi praepeditus fuero Canonica praepeditione. Aposto­lorum limina Rom. Curiae existente citra Alpes singulis annis, ultra vero montes singulis Bienniis visitabo, aut per me, aut per meum Nuntium, nisi Apostolica absolvar licentia. Possessiones vero ad mensam mei Archiepisco­patus pertinentes non vendam neque donabo, neque impignerabo, neque de novo infeudabo, vel aliquo modo alienabo inconsulto Romano Pontifice, sicut me Deus adjuvet, &c. he enjoyed his honour but two years, and left it to William Warham. Archbishop Dean bequeathed to his Church a Silver Image of fifty one ounces weight, and appointed five hundred pounds to be bestowed on his funerals. He built the most part of Ox­ford-house, and made the Iron-work upon the coping of Rochester-bridge.

Buckinghamshire a small County, had more Martyrs in it before Luther's time, than all the Kingdom besides. William Tylsworth was burnt at Amersham (the Rendezvous of God's children in those dayes) and Joan his only daughter, and a faithful woman was compelled with her own hand to set fire to her dear Father. At the same time more than sixty Professors did bear Faggots for their penance, and were en­joyned to wear on their right sleeves for some years after, a square piece of cloth, as a badge of disgrace to themselves, and difference from [Page 140] others. And a new punishment was found out of branding them in the cheek. The manner thus, Their necks were tyed fast to a post with towels, and their hands holden that they might not stir, and so the hot Iron was put to their cheeks whether branded with L. for Lollard or H. for Heretick, I am not certain; but this is sure, they bare in their bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus. Father Reive, though brand­ed at that time, did afterwards suffer at a stake. One Father Roberts was burned at Buckingham. Father Rogers was in the Bishop's prison fourteen weeks together, and was so pinched with cold, hunger, and Iron, that after his coming out of prison he was so lame in his back, that he could never go upright, as long as he lived.

A [...]. 1506. Thomas Chase of Amersham, (was after other sore afflicti­ons) strangled in the prison at Wooburn, who to cover their cruelty gave it out that he had hanged himself, and in colour thereof caused his body to be buried by the High-way's side, with a stake knockt in­to his grave. One Thomas Novice was burnt at Norwich, Anno 1507. and Laurence Gleft at Sarum, at whose burning William Russel was burnt in the Cheek.

After this a Godly-woman was burnt at Sadbury by the Chancellor of Glocester, Doctor Whittington, after she was burned, as the people were returning homeward, a Bull brake loose from a Butcher that was in hand to have killed him, and singled out Doctor Whittington from all the Company; and (hurting neither old nor young) took him alone, gored him thorough and thorough, carrying his guts upon his horns all the streets over, to the great amazement of the people.

All the Arrears of mony due to the Pope for pardons in the year of Jubilee, five years since were fully collected, and safely returned to Rome by the Popes Officers: the money which was sent last thither, came soon enough to be received there. This payment was the last in this kind which Rome did generally receive out of England. Mean­time the King did share with the Pope, to connive at the rest, he had a part allowed to him.

Sir Rich. Ba­ker's Chron.King Henry VII. died of a Consumption at his palace of Richmond, April 22. 1508. Of our own Country there lived in his time, George Ripley. a Carmelite Friar of Boston, who wrote divers Treatises in the Mathematiques. John Rouse, born in Warwick-shire, a diligent searcher of Antiquities.

Thomas Scroop entred into diverse Orders of Religion, and after with­drew himself to his house, where for twenty years he lived the life of an Anchoret; and after coming abroad again was made a Bishop in Ire­land, and went to Rhodes in Ambassage; from whence being returned he went barefooted up and down in Norfolk teaching the ten Command­ments, and lived till near an hundred years old. Now also lived Ro­bert [Page 141] Fabian, a Sheriff of London, and Historiographer. Edmond Dud­ley, who wrote a book Entitled, Arbor Reipublicae. John Bockingham, an Excellent School-man. And William Blackney D.D. a Carmelite Friar, and a Necromancer.

Henry VIII. succeeded his Father. On June 3. He was Married to the Lady Katherine Dowager, formerly wife to his brother Prince Arthur deceased. Pope Julius by his dispensation, removed all ob­structions, against the Laws of God or man, hindering or opposing the said Match.

Cruelty still increased on the poor Lollards (as they were called) after abjuration forced to wear the fashion of a Faggot wrought in thread, or painted on their sleeves as long as they lived, it being death to put on their clothes without that cognizance. Their case was sad, if they put it off, they must be burned, if they put it on, they must be starved; for none generally would set them on work that wore that badge. On this account were William Sweeting, and James Brewster re-imprisoned. In vain did Brewster plead, that he was commanded to leave off his badge, by the Controller of the Earl of Oxford's house. And as little did Sweet­ing's plea prevail, that the Parson of Mary Magdalen's in Colchester, cau­sed him to lay his faggot aside. Soon after they were both burnt together in Smithfield, Anno 1511.

One John Brown, who had born a faggot before in the days of King Henry the Seventh, was burned at Ashford in Kent for the Profession of the Truth, condemned by Archbishop Warham, first having had his Feet burned to the Bones, to compel him to deny the Truth.

Richard Hunn, a wealthy Citizen of London, imprisoned in Lollards Tower, for adhering to Wickliff's Doctrine, had his neck therein secret­ly broken. To cover their cruelty, they gave it out, that he hanged himself on December 20. 1514. the dead Body of the said Richard Hunn was burnt in Smithfield Sixteen days after he was murdered. But the matter having been fully examined by the Council and Judges, and Justi­ces of the Realm, it was evidently proved, that Dr. Horsey the Chan­cellor, Charles Joseph the Sumner, and John Spalding the Bel-ringer had committed the Murder.

Thomas Man and John Stileman, were also burned in Smithfield. Thomas Man confessed, he had converted Seven hundred from Popery to the Truth. Robert Cosin was also condemned, and burned at Buck­ingham, for holding against Pilgrimages, Confession to Priests, and Wor­shipping of Image. Christopher Shoomaker was burned at Newbery upon the like account.

Cardinal Bainbrigg, Archbishop of York, being then at Rome, was so highly offended with Rivaldus de Modena, an Italian, his Steward, that he cudgelled him: but being soon after poisoned, his Body was bu­ried in the English Hospital at Rome.

Fuller. Church Hist. Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester, Founded and Endowed Corpus Christi-Colledge in Oxford, bestowing thereon Lands to the yearly value of Four hundred and one pounds, eight shillings and two pence. There are maintained in it a President, Twenty Fellows, Twenty Scholars, Two Chaplains, Two Clerks, and Two Choristers, besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation, with other Students. Hugh Oldham, Bishop of Exeter, was a great Benefactor to this Colledge.

Petrits Chur. Hist. Anno 1519. died John Colet at Shene in Surrey, he had learned humane Sciences at home, and travelled into France and Italy: when he retur­ned, be studied the Scriptures, and expounded St. Paul's Epistles pub­lickly at Oxford. Henry the Seventh promoted him to the Deanry of Pauls: He professed to distast many things that he had heard in Sorbon. He called the Scotists men without judgement, and the Thomists arrogant. He said, He reaped more fruit by the Books which the Doctors of Sorbon called Heretical, than by their Books that were full of divisions and defi­nitions, and were most approved of them He never married, and yet re­garded not Monks without Learning. In his Sermons he said, Images should not be Worshipped, and Clerks should not be Covetous. Two Fri­ars, viz. Bricot and Standish accused him for Heresie unto Richard Fitz-James Bishop of London; and He unto the Archbishop first, and then un­to King Henry the Eighth. But both the King and the Archbishop became his Patrons. He was the eldest, and sole surviving child of Sir Henry Collet Mercer, twice Lord Mayor of London; who with his ten Sons and as many Daughters, Stow's Sur­vay, p. 265. were depicted in a Glass-window on the North­side of St. Anthonie's (corruptly St. Antlin's) to which Church he was a great Benefactor. His Son John Founded the Free-school of St. Pauls; in it are One hundred fifty and three Scholars, whereof every year some appearing most pregnant, have salaries allowed them for Seven years, or untill they get better preferment in the University, or in the Church. William Lily was the first School-master thereof, by Colet's own ap­pointment. An excellent Scholar, born at Odiam in Hamp-shire, and af­terward he went on Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. In his return through Ita­ly, he applyed himself to his Studies. His Teachers and Instructers were John Sulpitius, and Pomponius Sabinus, two eminent Criticks. Return­ing home into his native Countrey well accomplished with Latin, Greek, and all Arts and Sciences, he set forth a Grammar, which still goes under his Name, and is generally taught over all Eng­land.

Anno 1517. Luther wrote against Popish Indulgences, shewing the abuses of them.

King Henry the Eighth, set forth a Book against Luther, endeavour­ing the Confutation of his Opinions, as novel and unsound. To re­quire his pains, the Pope honoured him and his Successors with a specious Title, Defender of the Faith. Luther sharply answered that Book.

Cardinal Wolsey was now the Pope's Legat de latere, by vertue where­of he visited all Churches and Religious houses, even the Friars ob­servants themselves, notwithstanding their stoutness and stubbornness that first opposed him. Papal and Royal power met in him, being the Chancellor of the Land; and keeping so many Bishopricks in Commen­dam, his yearly income is said to equal, if not exceed the Revenues of the Crown.

Being to found two Colledges, he seized on forty small Monasteries, turning their Inhabitants out of House and home, and converting their means principally to a Colledge in Oxford. This alienation was con­firmed by Pope Clement the Seventh, so that in some sort the Pope may thank himself for the demolishing of Religious houses in Eng­land.

His Colledge in Oxford did thrice change it's name in seven years, first called Cardinals Colledge, then King's Colledge; and at last Christ-church, which it retaineth at this day.

King Henry took just offence that the Cardinal set his own Arms above the King's on thy Gate-house, at the entrance into the Colledge. There have been maintained in this Colledge, one Dean, eight Canons, three publick Professors of Divinity, Hebrew, and Greek, sixty Stu­dents, eight Chaplains, eight Singing-men, an Organist, eight Chori­sters, twenty four Almes-men: at this present Students of all sorts, with Officers and Servants of the Foundation, to the number of two hundred twenty three.

John Higdon, first Dean of this Colledge, was a great Persecutor of Protestants, viz.

• John Clark,
• John Frith,
• Henry Sumner,
• Baley,
• † John Fryer,
• Goodman,
• † Nicholas Harmar,
• † Michael Drumme,
• William Betts,
  Such whose names are noted with a Cross, did af­terwards turn zealous Pa­pists.
• Lawney,
• Richard Cox,
• Richard Taverner.

All these were for their Religion imprisoned in a deep Cave un­der ground, where the Salt-fish of the Colledge was kept. Some of them died soon after with the stench thereof, and others escaped with great difficulty. Taverner was well-skilled in Musick, on which ac­count he escaped, though vehemently accused, the Cardinal pleading for him, that he was but a Musitian, though afterward he repented to have set Tunes to so many Popish ditties.

The example of Wolsey's haughtiness, Martin's Chr. in Henry 8. made the English Clergy so proud and insolent, that their labours formerly applyed to the stu­dies of moral vertues, and of Divinity, were now employed to de­vise curious fashions in their behaviour, in their apparrel, and in their diet.

In the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth year of King Henries Reign, this proud Cardinal (under colour of the King's partaking with the Emperor in his Wars against the French King) of his own authori­ty, and wi [...]hout the King's commandement, granted forth Commissions, under the Great Seal of England, into every Shire and Province of the Kingdome, and directed them unto the chiefest men. And therein every man was required to depose the true value of their Estates; and then of every fifty pounds there was demanded four shillings in the pound. And in London he made himself the chief Commissioner, The like Commissi­ons he granted forth against all the Clergy of the Land, of whom he de­manded four shillings in the pound of all their livings.

These things grieved the Clergy and Common People at the heart. The Cardinal perceiving this, recalled those Commissions, and sent forth others, which also being not endured, the King by his Letters directed into every County, commanded a present cessation of all executions of the said Commissions, and protested they were granted forth without his knowledge or consent. But, if they would by way of a Benevolence, of their own accord, enlarge themselves towards him, he would take it as an infallible proof of their love toward him.

The Cardinal now resolved to revenge himself on the Emperor Charles the Fifth, for not doing him right, and improving his power in pre­ferring him to the Papacy, according to his promises, and intends to smite Charles through the sides of his Aunt, Katharine, Queen of Eng­land, endeavouring to alienate the King's affections from her. Wolsey now put this scruple into the head of Bishop Longlands, the King's Confessor, and he insinuated the same into the King's Conscience. King Henry greedily resented the motion; and principles of pure Conscience puts him upon endeavours of a divorce.

The business is brought into the Court of Rome, there to be decided by Pope Clement the Seventh. But the Pope at this time was a prisoner to the Emperor, who constantly kept a guard about him: Yet after some delay, the Pope dispatched a Commission to two Cardinals, Wol­sey and Campegius, an Italian, to hear and determine the matter at London. The Pope draws back the cause unto himself, and the King being impatient, having the consent of both Universities, as also of that of Paris, he forsaketh Katharine, and Marrieth Anna Bolen, Anno 1533.

And in the year 1534. he denieth obedience to the Pope, and chargeth all his Subjects, that they send no Money unto Rome, nor pay Peter-pence unto any of the Collectors, which vexeth the Roman Court.

Then he published an Edict, whereby he declares himself under Christ, The supreme Head of the Church of England, and chargeth up­on pain of Death, that no man ascribe any Power to the Pope within [Page 145] England, and commandeth all the Collectors of Peter-pence to be gone. These things were confirmed by the Parliament, who also enacted, That the Archbishop of Canterbury should invest all the Bishops of England, and that the Church-men shall pay to the King yearly one hundred and fifty thou­sand pounds for defence of the Kingdom.

Wolsey was accused in Parliament for exercising his power Legantine without leave, to the prejudice of the King's Crown and dignity. Mr. Cromwel, Servant to the Cardinal, being a Burgess, defendeth his Master: yet were all his goods of inestimable value confiscated to the King, and he outed of most of his Ecclesiastical promotions. His ene­mies get the King to command him away to York, leaving him the whole revenues of York-Archbishoprick (then worth little less than four thousand pounds yearly) besides a large pension paid him out of the Bi­shoprick of Winchester.

As he was preparing there in a Princely Equipage for his Installation, he is Arrested by the Earl of Northumberland, by Commission from the King, in his own Chamber at Cawood.

By slow and short Journeys he setteth forward toward Lon­don, and coming to Leicester he died, where he was obscurely bu­ried.

Then John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, was imprisoned for refusing the Oath of Supremacy. The Clergy in the Province of York did a long time deny the King's Supremacy. Edward Lee, Archbishop of York, fomented this difference. He was a virulent Papist, one that wrote against Erasmus, and a persecutor of Protestants, witness John Bale, Convented before him for suspition of Heresie, who in vain plea­ded Scripture, in his own defence, till at last he casually made use of a distinction out of Scotus, which the Archbishop more valued, than all which he had before more pertinently alledged out the Old and New Testament.

The King wrote a fair and large Letter to the Convocation of York, claiming nothing more than 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.

Soon after the Clergy in the Convocation so submitted themselves to the King, that each one severally promised, in verbo Sacerdotis, never henceforth to presume to Alledge, Claim, or put in ure any new Canons, unless the King's most Royal assent might be had un­to them; and soon after the same was ratified by Act of Parlia­ment.

After the Statute of Praemunire was made (which did much restrain the Papal power, and subject it to the Laws of the Land) Archbishops called no more Convocations by their sole and absolute command, but [Page 146] 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.

For, it was Enacted in the Parliament of the twenty fifth, of Henry the Eight, L. Herbert's Hist. of Hen. 8. That all Convocations shall be thenceforth called by the King's Writ, and that in them nothing shall be promulged or executed without his Highness Licence, under pain of imprisonment of the Authors, and Mulct at the King's will. And that his Highness shall, at his plea­sure, appoint thirty two men, to survay the said Canons or Constitutions, for the Confirmation or Abolition of the same.

And as concerning Appeals, they shall be made from inferiour Courts to the Archbishop's, and for lack of Justice there, to the King's Majesty in his Court of Chancery.

Bishop Fisher was Arraigned of high Treason, I will insert the Sting of the indictment out of the Original.

Diversis Domini Regis veris subditis, false, malitiose, & proditorie lo­quebatur, & propalabat, viz. The King owre Sovereign Lord is not Su­preme Hed yn erthe of the Cherche of England. In dicti Domini Regis immund. despect. & vilipendium manifest.

Of this he was found Guilty, had Judgement, and was remanded to the Tower.

The King by the advice and consent of the Clergy, in Convocation, and Great Council in Parliament, resolved to reform the Church, under his inspection from gross abuses crept into it.

Thomas Hitten, a Preacher at Maidstone, for the Testimony of the Truth, after long Torments and sundry imprisonments, by William Warham Bishop of Canterbury, and John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, was burned at Maidstone for the Testimony of the Truth, Anno 1530.

In the year 1531. Thomas Bilney of Cambridge, Professor of both Laws, converted Thomas Arthur, and Mr. Hugh Latimer, then Cross­bearer at Cambridge, on procession days. Afterwards Bilney recanted, but for the space of two years after his abjuration, Bilney lived in great anguish of mind: and repenting, Preached publickly the Doctrine which he before abjured. He was afterwards taken, condemned, and burned without Bishops-gate, in a low Valley, called the Lollards pit, un­der St. Leonard's Hill.

Going to Execution, one of his friends wished him to stand sure and constant: to whom he answered, That whatsoever storms he passed in this venture, yet shortly after, my Ship, saith he, shall be in the Ha­ven.

There came forth in print a Book called, The Supplication of Beggars, made by Simon Fish, which Book, the Lady Anna Bolen delivered to the King, who gave him his protection. Sir Thomas Moor wrote an Answer to that Book, under the Title of, Poor silly Souls pewling out of Purgato­ry; to which John Frith made a pithy and effectual Reply.

Tindal's Translation of the New Testament came forth in English.

Richard Bayfield suffered for the truth, and was burned in Smithfield. He was sometime a Monk of Surrey, and converted by Doctor Barnes.

After him John Tewksbury was burned in Smithfield.

Valentine Freese, and his Wife, gave their Lives at one Stake for the testimony of the Truth.

Afterwards, the Bishops, which had burned Tindal's Testaments, were enjoyned by the King to cause a new Translation to be made, but they did nothing at all. And on the contrary, the Bishop of London caused all the translations of Tindal, and many other Books which he had bought, to be burnt in Paul's Church-yard.

James Bainham, a Gentleman of the Middle-Temple, was put in a Prison in Sir Thomas Moore's House, and whipped at a Tree in his Gar­den, called The tree of Truth, and was by him afterward sent to the Tower to be racked: by racking he was lamed, because he would not accuse the Gentlemen of the Temple of his acquaintance, nor shew where his Books lay. He abjured, had his liberty, but he asked God and the world forgiveness, before the Congregation in those dayes, in a Ware­house in Bow-lane. And immediately the next Sunday after, he came to St. Austin's, with the New Testament in his hand in English; and the obedience of a Christian-man in his bosom, and there with tears declared before the people, that he had denied God, and prayed the people to forgive and beware of his weakness. He was shortly after apprehended, Fox Acts and Monuments. and committed to the Tower of London, and after three appearances, he was condemned, and burnt in Smithfield.

About this time John Benet, a Tailor, was burnt at the Devizes in Wilt-shire, for denying the Sacrament of the Altar.

In the year 1532. Robert King, Nicholas Marsh, and Robert Gardi­ner, men of Dedham, and one Robert Debnam, had overthrown and burned the Rood of Dover-court, ten miles from Dedham: for which fact, half a year after, they were hanged in Chains. King at Burchet in Dedham, Debnam at Cattaway-causey, Marsh at Dover-court. Gardiner escaped and fled.

Many Images were cast down, and destroyed in many places. As the Crucifix by Coggeshal in the High-way. St. Petronel in the Church of Great Horksleigh; St. Christopher by Sudbury; St. Petronel in a Chappel by Ipswich: Also John Seward, of Dedham, overthrew a Cross in Stoke­park, and took two Images out of a Chappel in the same Park, and cast them into the water.

John Frith, who was first a Student in Cambridge, and afteward one of those whom Cardinal Wolsey gathered together to furnish his new Col­ledge, was condemned by the Bishop of London, and was burnt in Smith­field. Great was his learning, gravity and constancy, though but six and twenty years of age. With Frith was Andrew Hewet burned, after he had given testimony to the truth.

Thomas Benet, a Schoolmaster, of fifty years of age, born in Cam­bridge, was burned at Exeter. Divers others were condemned to per­petual prison.

During the time of Queen Anne, no great persecution, nor abjura­tion was in the Church of England.

Sir Thomas Moore, Doctor Nicholas Wilson, and Bishop Fisher, re­fused the Oath to the Act of Succession, made Anno 1534. and Sir Tho­mas Moor, and Doctor Wilson, were also sent to the Tower. The Do­ctor dissembled the matter, and so escaped, but the other two remained obstinate.

On November the third this Parliament was again assembled, in which the Pope and Cardinals with his Pardons and Indulgences, were wholly abolished: to the abolition of which, and to the ratifying of the King's Title of Supreme Head, Stephen Gardiner gave his Oath; so did John Stokesley, Bishop of London, Edward Lee, Archbishop of York, Cuth­bert, Bishop of Durham, and all the rest of the Bishops in like sort: to this Title also agreed the sentence of the University of Cambridge. Ed­mond Bonner, then Archdeacon of Leicester, was also of the same judg­ment.

To this also agreed the whole Clergy of the Church of England, and subscribed with the hands of the Bishops, and other learned Men, to the number of forty six Doctors of Divinity, and of both Laws.

Polydor Virgil, who being sent into England, had been the Pope's Collector General of the Peter-pence, exacting them in the notion of a Rent and Tribute due to the Pope his Master, was made Archdeacon of Taunton, and Dignitary of the Cathedral Church of Wells, on the Quire whereof he bestowed Hangings flourished with the Lawrel-tree, and wrote upon them.

He wrote a Latin History of Britain, until the year of our Lord 1533. out of many rare Manuscripts which he had collected together.

Anno 1535. John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, was beheaded, soon after the Pope had made him Cardinal of St. Vitalis. He was Chaplain and Confessor to the Lady Margaret, Countess of Richmond, at whose Instance, and by whose advice, she founded, and endowed Christ's and St. John's Colledge in Cambridge. He died in the seventy seventh year of his Age, on June 22.

Sir Thomas Moor was beheaded the next month after Bishop Fisher, and was buried at Chelsey. He was a great Enemy to the Protestants.

On June the eighth began a Parliament, which was dissolved on Ju­ly the eighteenth following. A parallel Convocation began the day after, wherein the Lord Cromwel, Prime Secretary, sate in State above all the Bishops, as the King's Vicar, or Vicegerent General in all Spiritual mat­ters. Deformi satis spectaculo (saith Bishop Godwin Godwin [...] Annals. Anno 1536.) indocto Laico caetui Praesidente Sacratorum Antistitum, omnium, quos ante haec tempora Anglia unquam habuisset, doctissimorum. But the Lord Cromwel had in Power and Policy what he wanted in Learning. In that Convocation the said Lord tendered unto them an Instrument to be publickly signed by all the Convocation, concerning the nullity of the King's Marriage with the Lady Anna Bolen. Some ten dayes before Archbishop Cranmer had pro­nounced it invalid, frustrate, and of none effect at Lambeth. No parti­cular cause is specified in that sentence. Sure I am! there is no dash­ing on the credit of the Lady, nor any the least insinuation of unchastity in that Instrument. Praeclara Domina, & Serenissima Regina, being the worst Titles that are given her therein. King Henry got her Divorce confirmed both by Convocation and Parliament. She was beheaded May 19. 1536. The King on the next day was married to the Lady Iane Seymour.

Soon after by little and little began the ruine of the Abbeys and Reli­gious Houses, for all Religious Houses, whose possessions in yearly revenue exceeded not the sum of two hundred pounds, were suppressed and dissol­ved, and all their Sites and Possessions whatsoever were given for ever to the King. The Clergy also at the same time, of their own accord, and to insinuate themselves into grace and favour with the King, composed and published in printed Books, certain Articles, for the ordering and govern­ing of the Church, in which mention was made of three Sacraments only, and the rest of them (which former times did superstitiously receive and maintain) were left out of the said Books.

These proceedings of the King and Clergy against the Pope and Holy Church, were so generally disliked by the rude and ignorant people, that they openly affirmed, that the King's Council irreligiously directed him amiss, and that the temporizing Clergy of the Land practised by all means possible, to extinguish all Devotion, and utterly to subvert all the ancient Rites, Ceremonies, and commendable Government of the Church. And the unruly people in Lincoln-shire, to the number of twenty thousand, assembled themselves in Arms, taking upon themselves to frame better Orders for the governing of the Church and Common­wealth. But the King approaching near them with an Army, they ran away, and Doctor Mackarel, their Ring-leader, with some others, were shortly after apprehended and executed.

Then there arose another Insurrection in the No [...], and the number of those Rebels exceeded the number of forty thousand men, who termed themselves, The holy Pilgrims, who intended nothing, but the establish­ing of true Religion, and the reformation of great abuses, which defa­ced the Government of the Church. The King's Army drawing near (upon the faithful promise of the Dukes of Norfolk, and Suffolk, that commanded his Army, that the King should pardon them) the Rebels left the field, and quietly departed to their own houses.

Now the King waxed more absolute in his Government, especially concerning his Clergy, and the ordering of the Church.

William Tindal, who translated the New Testament in English, and the five Books of Moses, with many other godly Works, was burned at the Town of Filford in Flaunders, by vertue of the Emperors Decree, made in the Assembly at Ausburgh. He was first strangled, and after consumed with fire. At the Stake he cried with a loud voice, Lord open the King of England 's eyes.

The King began with a little Book of Articles, for the instruction of the people, bearing this Title, Articles, devised by the King's Highness, to establish Christian quiet and unity among the people. It contained the Creed, three Sacramen [...]s, Baptism, the Eucharist, and Penance, how Images might safely be worshipped, and how Saints departed ought to be reverenced; that the Parsons should teach their people, that Christ is their only Mediator, and how the Ceremonies of holy Water, holy Bread, Candles, &c. should without superstition be used. It took away also the abuses which arose upon the imagination of Purgatory, as Masses for Souls departed, Pardons, &c. Not long after these Articles, certain other Injunctions were also given out about the same year: whereby a number of Holy-dayes were abrogated, especially such as fell in Harvest-time. Other Injunctions were also given out by the King concerning Images, Relicks, and blind Miracles: for abrogating of Pilgrimages. Also for the Lord's Prayer, Creed, and ten Commandements, and the Bible to be done into English.

Anno 1538, the Parsons of Churches, and the Parishes together, were bound to provide in every Parish Church a Bible in English. Also for every Parishioner to be taught by the Minister, to understand and say the Lord's Prayer and Creed in their own vulgar tongue, with other neces­sary Injunctions, as for the free preaching of the Word of God, against Images, Pilgrimages, Avies, Suffrages of Saints, &c. and for a Re­gister-book to be kept in every Church.

This year was Friar Forrest burned quick, hanging in Chains in Smithfield, for denying the King's Supremacy: with this Forrest was Darvel Gatheren, an abominable Idol of Wales, burned.

Great was the King's profit at this time from the Office for the receipt of Tenths and First-fruits, The First-fruits Office first set up in London. which was now first set up in London. Such [Page 151] moneys were formerly paid to the Pope, who had his Collectors in every Diocess, which 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 Clergy to Rome.

The Pope being now dead in England, the King was found his Heir at Common Law, as to most of the power and profit the other had usurped. But now as the Clergy had changed their Landlord, so their Rents were new rated, Commissioners being employed in all Counties (the Bishop of the Diocess being alwayes one of them) to value their yearly Reve­nue, that so their Tenths and First-fruits may be proportioned accord­ingly. These Raters were the chiefest in all Counties under the degrees of Barons.

These Commissioners were impowred by the King, to send for the Scribes and Notaries of all Bishops and Archdeacons, to swear the Re­ceivers, and Auditors of Incumbents, to view their Register-books, Fuller. Church history. Ea­ster-books, and all other Writings, and to use all other wayes 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 CHARTER-HOƲSE as others (these Carthusians being specified by name, because pretending priviledge of Papal exemption) and meeting together to certifie into the Exchequer (at the time limited in their Commission) the true value of such places or preferments.

This work took up some years in the effecting thereof; Devon-shire and Sommerset were done in the twenty seventh; Stafford-shire, and ma­ny other Counties, in the thirty fourth year of King Henry the Eighth, and most of Wales not till the Reign of King Edward the Sixth. In Ire­land the Commissioners found the work so troublesome, that they never came into the County of Kerrey, the South-West extremity of that Island, so that the Clergy thereof are put into their Benefices without any pay­ments. But in England all were unpartially rated, and Vicaridges valu­ed very high, according to their present Revenue, by personal Requi­sites. Idem ibid. In that Age he generally was the richest Shepherd that 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 lyinig in Market-Towns and populous Parishes) were set very high, though soon after those ob­ventions sunk with superstition. And the Vicars, in vain, desired a pro­portionable abatement in the King's Books; which once drawn up, were no more to be altered.

Now Queen Mary did by Act of Parliament, exonerate, acquit, and discharge the Clergy from all First-fruits.

As for Tenths, the same Statute ordered them to be paid to Cardinal Pool, who from the same was to pay the Pensions allowed to Monks and Nuns by her Father at the dissolution of Abbeys: yet so, that when such persons, who were but few and aged, (all named in a Deed indented) should decease, all such payments of the Clergy, reserved Nomine De­cimae, should cease, and be extinct for ever.

But her Sister, Queen Elizabeth, Vide Statut. 1 Eliz. cap. 4. succeeding her, was exact to have her Dues from the Clergy. Sir Christopher Hatton, who was Master of this First-fruits Office, was much indebted to her for Moneys received. All which Arrears her Majesty required so severely and suddenly from him, that the grief thereof cost him his life. I say, this Queen, in the first of her Reign, resumed First-fruits and Tenths, only with this case, to Parsonages not exceeding ten Marks, and Vicaridges ten pounds, that they should be freed from First-fruits.

In the months of October and November, Anno 1538. the Abbeys and Monasteries in England were dissolved. Cromwel being made Gene­ral Visitor, employed Richard Layton, Thomas Lee, William Detre, Do­ctors of the Law, Doctor John London, Dean of Wallingford, with others, giving them instruction, in eighty six Articles, for visiting Mona­steries every where, by which they were to enquire into the government, behaviour, and education of the persons of both Sexes: to find out all their offences, and to this purpose give them encouragements, to accuse both their Governors, and each other. To command them to exhibit their Mortmains, Lord Herbert in vit. Henr. 8. Evidences, and Conveyances of their Lands: to pro­duce their Plate and Money, and give an Inventory thereof.

The King also gave forth Injunctions to be observed, some tending to the establishing of his Supremacy: Some touching the good Government of the Houses.

And some for Education:

Lee, and the rest at their return, gave that account of their feigned Miracles and Relicks, as well as sinful and sluggish life of the Religious Orders, as not only Cromwel said, their Houses should be thrown down [Page 153] to the foundation; but the whole Body of the Kingdom, when it was published to them, became so scandalized thereat, as they resolve, if the King ever put it into their hands, to give remedy thereunto. Yet were not all alike criminal, for some Societies behaved themselves so well, as their life being not only exempt from notorious faults, but their spare times bestowed in writing Books, Painting, Carving, Graving, and the like Exercises, their Visitors became Intercessors for them. But these being not many, were at last involved in the common fate.

Not long after this, the King caused all Colledges, Chantries, and Ho­spitals, to be visited, not omitting to take a particular survey of all the Revenues and Dignities Ecclesiastical within his Kingdom; which was returned to him in a Book, to be kept in the Exchequer.

Then King Henry sent Fox, Bishop of Hereford, to the Protestant Princes in Germany, assembled at Smalcald, to exhort them to an unity in Doctrine, wherein he offered his assistance by conference with their Divines.

Immediately after the ruine of Monasteries, in the Month of November followed the condemnation of John Lambert, that faithful Servant of Christ. On a set day Lambert was brought forth, where he had not on­ly the King's fierce countenance against him, but also ten Disputers against him, from twelve of the clock till five at night, among which were the Archbishop, Stephen Gardiner, C. Tunstal, Bishop of Durham, and J. Stokesley, Bishop of London. Through Winchester's perswasion, to gratifie the people, the King himself condemned Lambert, and com­manded Cromwel to read the Sentence. He was burned in Smithfield, where he suffered most horrible torments before he expired.

The King, after the burning of many Images, caused the bones of Thomas Becket, Archbishop in the time of Henry the Second, to be burn­ed. He also seized on that immense Treasure and Jewels that were offer­ed to his Shrine; there being few, since the time of Henry the Second, that passed to Canterbury, that did not both visit his Tomb, and bring rich Presents to it. Among which there being one Stone eminent, which, it was said, Lewis the Seventh, coming hither on Pilgrimage from France, Anno Dom. 1179. bestowed: Our King wore it in a Ring afterwards.

The number of Monasteries, first and last, suppressed in England and Wales, were (as Mr. Camden Camd. Erit. accounts them) six hundred forty five; whereof these had voices among the Peers. The Abbot of St. Albans, declared the first Abbey of England: St Peters in Westminster, St. Ben­net of Holm, Berdsey, Shrewsbury, Crowland, Abingdon, Evesham, Glocester, Ramsey, St. Maries in York, Tewksbury, Reading, Battel, Winchcomb, Hide by Winchester, Cirencester, Waltham, Malmesbury, Thorney, St. Augustine in Canterbury, Selby, Peterborough, St John's in Colchester, Coventry, Tavestock.

Of Colledges were demolished, in divers Shires, ninety. Of Chaun­tries, and Fire-chappels, two thousand three hundred seventy four; and Hospitals one hundred and ten; the yearly value of all which were, one hundred sixty one thousand, one hundred pounds, being above a third part of all our spiritual Revenues, besides the money made of the pre­sent stock of Cattle and Corn, of the Timber, Lead, Bells, &c. and lastly, but chiefly of the Plate and Ornaments, which was not valued, but may be conjectured by that one Monastery of St. Edmond's-bury, whence was taken five thousand Marks of Gold and Silver, besides Stones of great value.

But the King not only augmented the number of the Colledges and Professors in his Universities, L. Herbert's Hist. of Hen. 8. but erected, out of the Revenues gotten hereby, divers new Bishopricks, whereof one at Westminster, one at Oxford, one at Peterborough, one at Bristol, one at Chester, and one at Glocester; all remaining at this day, save that at Westminster: which being revoked to its first Institution, by Queen Mary, and Benedictines placed in it, was, by Queen Elizabeth afterward, converted to a Collegi­ate-church, and a School for the teaching and maintenance of young Scholars. Besides many of the ancient Cathedral-churches, formerly possessed by Monks only, were now supplied with Canons, and some new ones erected and endowed; the Revenues allotted by the King to those new Bishopricks, and Cathedrals, amounting to about eight thou­sand pounds per Annum. Besides, the King in demolishing the Abbies, did not only prefer divers Learned men which he found there, but took special care to preserve the choicest Books of their well-furnished Libra­ries, wherein John Leland, a curious searcher of Antiquities, was em­ployed.

Martin's Chronic. in Hen. 8.These Houses, Sites, Possessions, were by the Parliament setled on the King, who (to prevent the future restoring of them back again to their former uses) exchanged them liberally for other Lands with the Nobles and Gentry of his Realm, many of whose Estates at this day do wholly con­sist of Possessions of that nature, or else are greatly advanced by those Lands.

A Match being made up betwixt King Henry, and the Lady Anne of Cleeve, by the Lord Cromwel's contrivance, many Dutch-men flocked into England, whose heads were busied about points of Divinity, whilst their hands were busied about their Manufactures. Soon after they broached their strange Opinions, being branded with the general name of Anabaptists.

This year 1539. their name first appears in our English Chronicles: Stow's Chron. p. 576. for I read, that four Anabaptists, three Men, and one Woman, all Dutch, bear Faggots at Paul's Cross, and three dayes after a Man and Woman, of their Sect, were burnt in Smithfield.

The King liked not Anne of Cleeve, who was a very vertuous Lady, but in her countenance not well composed, fair, nor lovely. Some fe­minine impotency was objected against her, though only her precontract with the Son of the Duke of Lorrain was publickly insisted on, for which, by Act of Parliament now sitting, she was solemnly divorced. And the Bishops and Clergy of this Land, in their solemn Convocation, published an authentical Instrument in writing, under the Seals of the two Archbishops, That the King's Marriage with the said Lady Anne of Cleve was void, and of none effect.

From thenc forth the King frowneth upon the Lord Cromwel.

Then the six Articles, called by some, The bloody Statute, by others, The Whip with six strings, by the perswasion of Bishop Gardiner (in defiance of Archbishop Cranmer, and the Lord Cromwel, opposing it) was enacted, being

• I. That in the Sacrament of the Altar, after Consecration, no sub­stance of Bread or Wine remaineth, but the natural Body and Blood of Christ.
• II. That the Communion in both kinds is not necessary, ad salutem, by the Law of God to all persons.
• III. That Priests, after Orders received, may not marry by the Law of God.
• IV. That Vows of Castity ought to be observed.
• V. That it is meet and necessary, that private Masses be admitted and continued in Churches.
• VI. That Auricular confession must be frequented by people, as necessa­ry to Salvation.

The Lord Cromwel was soon after arrested, and ten dayes after his Ar­rest, he was attainted of High-treason in Parliament, and he, with the Lord Hongerford, the next week after, was beheaded on Tower-hill.

After the execution of the Lord Cromwel, the Parliament still sitting, a motly Execution happened in Smithfield: three Papists hanged by the Statute, for denying the King's Supremacy, viz.

• Edward Powel.
• Thomas Abley.
• Richard Fetherston.

And as many Protestants burned at the same time and place, by vertue of the six Articles, viz.

• Robert Barnes, Doctor of Divinity.
• Thomas Gerard, Batchelors of Divinity.
• William Jerom, Batchelors of Divinity.

This was caused by the difference of Religions in the King's Privy Council, wherein the Popish party called for the execution of these Pro­testants, whilst the Protestant Lords in the Council, cried as fast, that the Laws might take effect upon the Papists.

In the Parliament a Statute was made, A Statute made for the recovery of Tithes. 32 Hen. 8. c. 7. commanding every man, Fully, truly, and effectually to divide, set out, yield, or pay all and singular Tithes and Offerings, according to the lawful customs 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. This Statute, in favour of Lay impropria­tors, was beneficial to the Clergy, to recover their Predial Tithes at Common Law.

A Statute also was made, That it was lawful for all persons to contract marriage, who are not prohibited by the Law of God: for after the time of Pope Gregory, other Popes did not only forbid the marriage of Cousin-Germans, but other degrees farther off, thereby to get money for Dis­pensations.

This Law came seasonably to comply with King Henry's occasions, who had the first-fruits thereof, and presently after married Katherine Howard, Cousin-german to Anna Bolen, his second Wife, which by the Canon-law formerly was forbidden, without a special Dispensation first obtained.

In the third Session of the Convocation at St. Paul's several Bishops were assigned to peruse several Books of the Translation of the new Te­stament. Cranmer stickleth for the Universities approbation.

The Parliament, Anno 1544. mitigated the six Articles; for it was required, that all Offenders should first be found guilty by a Jury of twelve men, before they should suffer.

Anno 1545. began the last Parliament in this King's Reign, wherein many things of consequence were enacted.

1. Against Usury.

2. For Tithes in London.

3. For an exchange of Lands betwixt the King's Majesty, and Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Holgate, Archbishop of York, and Edmond Bonner, Bishop of London; which the King annexed to the Dutchy of Lancaster.

4. An Act for union of Churches, not exceeding the value of six pounds.

5. That Doctors of the Civil Law might exercise Ecclesiastical juris­diction.

At this time also, by the King's command, were the Stews suppressed.

The Favourers of the truth among the Noblemen were, Fox. Acts and Monuments. the Earl of Suffolk, Viscount Beauchamp, Viscount Lisle, Lord Russel Treasurer, Lord Awdley Chancellor, Lord Paget, and Sadler, and Thomas Cranmar Archbishop of Canterhury.

The Patrons of Popery were, the Bishop of Winchester and Durham, the Duke of Norfolk, and Earl of Southampton, Anthony Brown, Wil­liam Pawlet, John Baker, Richard Chancellor of the Augmentation, Winckfield Vice-chancellor.

Four and twenty were Executed for Traitors, in the time of King Hen­ry, for the cause of Supremacy.

Adam Damlip, who before had escaped, and lay hid in the West-countrey, teaching a School about a year or two, by the miserable In­quisition of the six Articles, was again taken and brought up to London, where he was by Stephen Gardiner commanded to the Marshal-sea, and after two years space he was Condemned and Executed for Treason. One Henry was burnt at Colchester, and one Kerby at Ipswich, for the Testimony of the Truth.

In the year 1546. in June, Anne Ashcough, aliàs Kyme, Daughter of Sir William Ashcough of Kelsey in Lincoln-shire, of the age of 25. years, whose Wit, Beauty, Learning and Religion, procured her much esteem on the Queens side of the Court, and as much hatred from the Popish Bishops, was burned for the profession of the Truth, in Smithfield, with three men, Nicholas Belevian, Priest of Shrop-shire, John Lacels, Gentle­man of the houshold of King Henry the Eighth, and John Adams a poor Tailor of London. Her several examinations penned by her self are extant in Mr. Fox.

Then began the troubles of Queen Katherine Parr, whom the King had married some two years since. She was one of great piety, beau­ty, and discretion: next to the Bible, she studied the King's disposition, observing him to her utmost: yet sometimes she would presume to dis­course with the King about points of Religion, defending the Protestant Tenets by Scripture, and sometimes would hold up the King very close hard at it. This displeased him, who loved looseness and liberty in his Clothes, Arguments, and Actions, and was quickly observed by Gardi­ner, and others, the Queen's enemies.

Hereupon Gardiner drew up Articles against her, and got them sub­scribed with the King's own hand, to send her to the Tower. But Chancellor Wriothesley put the paper of those Articles in his own bosom, which casually fell out, was taken up by one of the Queen's Servants, and brought to the Queen, who on her sickness and submission to the King, obtained his Pardon, Signed and Sealed unto her with many kisses and embraces. And her enemies that came to attach her, were sent back with the Taunts and Threats of the enraged King against them. King Henry made his Will, and died a moneth after, and was buried at Windsor.

After the Death of King Henry, succeeded King Edward Sir John Hay­ward's Hist. of K. Edw. 6. his Son, being scarce ten years old, full of as much Worth as the model of his Age could hold. He attained not onely commendable Knowledge, but speech in the Greek, Spanish, and Italian Languages, having always great Judgment in measuring his Words by his Matter; his Speech be­ing alike, both fluent and weighty, such as best beseemed a Prince. As for Natural Philosophy, Logick, Musick, Astronomy, and other Libe­ral Sciences; his perfections were such, that the great Italian Philoso­pher Cardan, having tasted him by many Conferences, seemed to be astonished between admiration and delight, and divulged his abilities to be miraculous.

These his acquirements, by industry, were very much enriched and en­larged by many excellent Endowments of nature; for in disposition he was mild, gratious, and pleasant, of an heavenly wit; in Body beauti­ful, but especially in his Eyes, which seemed to have a Starry liveliness and lustre in them. Generally he seemed to be, as Cardan reported of him. A Miracle of Nature.

Because he was young, he was committed to sixteen Governours, the Lord Edward Seimour, Duke of Sommerset, his Unckle, was assigned unto him Protector, by whose endeavour the six bloody Articles fore­mentioned were abolished.

This King restored the holy Scriptures in the English Tongue, he abolished Masses, and such as were banished were received home, as John Hooper, Miles Coverdale, &c. He changed most part of the Bi­shops of Diocesses, and compelled dumb Priests to give place to those that would Preach: he suppressed Idolatry, restored the Gospel and worship of God, encouraged Godly Preachers, sent for Eminent Men, both for Learning and Piety, from beyond the Seas, to Teach in both Universities, viz. Peter Martyr in Oxford, and Martin Bucer, and Paulus Fagius in Cambridge, and was a Refuge to all the Godly that fled for Religion out of other Countries; and therefore is called by Mel­chior Adam, Melch. Adam. in vit. Germ. Theolog. Summae spei Princeps, qui omnibus piis & doctis, Polanis, Germanis, Gallis, Scotis, Italis, Hispanis, hospitium & patrocinium de­derat: A Prince of singular hope, who gave protection and entertain­ment to all Godly and Learned Men, Polonians, Germans, French, Scots, Italians, Spaniards. In consideration whereof an eminent Martyr in Queen Maries days, in an effectionate Speech of His, before a Popish Persecutor, cried out, Blessed be God for King Edward.

This King was much enclined to Clemency, especially in matters of Blood, and most especially if it were for Religion, insomuch, that albeit he was greatly affected to that Religion wherein he had been brought up, yet none were executed in his time for other Religion, but onely two blasphemous Hereticks, Joan Butcher, and George a Dutch-man. And [Page 159] when Joan Butcher was to be burned, all the Council could not procure him to set his hand to the Warrant: wherefore they employed Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, to deal privately with him for his subscription. But the King remained firm in resolution, affirming, That he would not drive her headlong to the Devil. The Archbishop was violent both by perswasions and entreaties: and when with meer im­portunity he had prevaled, the King in subscribing his name said, That he would lay all the charge thereof upon the Archbishop before God.

Then the Professors of the Gospel were in all places relieved, and many Prisoners appointed to die, were enlarged and preserved: Onely Thomas Dobby, Fellow of St. John's in Cambridge, committed to the Counter in Bred-street, and condemned for speaking against the Masse, died of a natural death in Prison; his speedy death prevented the par­don which the Lord Protector intended to send him.

The Lord Protector ordered all in Church and State. The King in his protection, took speedy order for Reformation of Religion, and having chosen Wise, and Learned, Men to be his Commissioners in that behalf, divided them into several Diocesses, to be visited, appointing likewise unto every company one or two Godly Learned Preachers, to instruct the people at every Session in the true Doctrine of the Gospel. To those Commissioners were delivered thirty six Injunctions, and Eccle­siastical Laws, which they should enquire of, and also command in his Majesties name and behalf, all tending to the abolishing of Popish super­stition, and establishing the Truth of the Gospel.

Besides which general Injunctions, for the estate of the whole Realm, there were also certain others particularly appointed for the Bishops onely; whereby they were enjoyned to see the other put in Execution; besides others which did more particulary confirm them. These In­junctions may be seen at large in the first Edition of the Acts and Monu­ments (fol. 684. Fuller. Church History, p. 372 373.) and you may read them in a smoother Abstract in Fuller's Church History. Some Homiles were left with the Parish-Priests, which the Archbishop had composed, not onely for the help of unpreaching Ministers, Dr. P. Helyns History of K. Edw. 6. but for the regulating and instructing even of the Learned Preachers. Besides the points contained in the said Injunctions, the Preachers, above mentioned, were more particulary instructed to per­swade the people from Praying to the Saints, from making Prayer for the Dead, from Adoring of Images, from the use of Beads, Ashes and Pro­cessions, from Mass, Diriges, Praying in unknown Languages, and from other such like things, whereunto long custom had brought a Re­ligious observation.

All which was done to this intent, That the people in all places being prepared by little and little, might with more ease and less opposition, admit the total alteration in the face of the Church, which was intended in due time to be introduced.

While these Commissioners were occupied abroad, the King desirng a Reformation, appointed a Parliament, Novemb. 4. in the first year of his Reign, Anno 1547. wherein all Acts made before against the Professors of the Truth were Abrogated. In the same Parliament al­so it was Decreed, That the Sacrament should be ministred to all under both kinds. Then also were Candles on Candlemas-day forbidden, and Ashes on Ash-wednesday, according to the Popish custom.

About the sa [...] e time also all Images were taken away in most places of the Kingdom.

The first who declared his aversness to the King's proceedings, was Dr. Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, who stomaching his be­ing left out of the list of the Council, appeared more Cross to all their doings than others of his Order: for which being brought before their Lordships, they sent him Prisoner to the Fleet.

Albeit Edmond Bonner, Bishop of London, at first seemed to comply, yet at length he bewraied himself, by suffring daily to be Sung the Apo­stles Mass, and our Ladies Mass, &c. in diverse of his Chappels in Pauls, cloaking them with the name of the Apostles, and our Ladies Communions, whereof the Council being informed, caused him to re­form the abuse.

Sir Anthony Cook, and Sir John Goodsale, Knights; John Goodsal, and Christopher Nevinson, Doctors of the Laws, and John Madew, Doctor of Divinity, the King's Commissioners, called before them the said Ed­mond Bonner, John Royston, Polydor Virgil, and many others of the Dignitaries of the said Cathedral, to whom the Sermon being done, and their Commission openly read, they ministred the Oath of the King's Supremacy, according to the Statute of thirty one of King Hen­ry the eighth, requiring them withal to present such things as needed to be reformed. Which done, they delivered to Bishop Bonner a Copy of the Injunctions forementioned, together with the Homilies set forth by the King's authority, received by him with protestation, That he would observe them, if they were not contrary to the Law of God, and the Ordi­nances of the Church. But afterwards he revoked his protestation, and humbly submitted himself to his Majesties pleasure. Yet for a Terror to others, Bishop Bonner was committed to the Fleet.

During the short time of his restraint ( viz. Septemb. 18.) the Litany was Sung in the English Tongue in St. Paul's Church, between the Quire and the High Altar, the Singers kneeling half on the one side, and half on the other. And the same day the Epistle and Gospel was also read at the High Mass in the English Tongue. And in November next following (Bishop Bonner being then restored to his former liber­ty) the Image of Christ, then called the Rood, and all other Images in that Church, as also in all the other Churches of London were taken down. And in speeding of this work, as Bishop Bonner, together with [Page 161] the Dean and Chapter, did perform their part in the Cathedral of St. Paul; so Bellassere, Archdeacon of Colchester, and Doctor Gilbert Bourn (being at that time Archdeacon both of London and Essex) were no less diligent in doing the like in all the Churches of their re­spective Jurisdictions, according to the charge imposed upon them by his Majestie's Visitors.

The first Translation of the Bible was set forth in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth, Anno 1541. with a Grave and Pious preface of Archbishop Cranmer, and Authorized by the King's Proclamation, Da­ted May 6. Seconded also with Instructions from the King. It was called the Bible of the greater Volume. Few Countrey-parishes could go to the cost of them, though Bishop Bonner caused six of them to be chained in the Church of St. Pauls in convenient places.

The second Translation of the Bible was set forth in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth, and not onely suffered to be read by particu­lar persons, but ordered to be read over yearly in the Congregation, as a principal part of Divine Service. Two Editions there were thereof, one set forth 1549. the other 1541. but neither of them divided into verses.

The third Translation of the Bible was set forth in the second year of Queen Elizabeth. Extant in Sir Tho. Colton. Library. The last Translation was again reviewed by some of the most Learned Bishops (appointed thereunto by the Queen's Com­mission) whence it took the name of the Bishops Bible, and by the Queens sole commandment Reprinted.

Then diverse Proclamations were issued out in the King's name, rela­ting to Ecclesiastical matters, in the four first years of his Reign, among which there was a Proclamation inhibiting Preachers, Anno secundo, Edwardi sexti, whereof this was the occasion. Certain Popish Preachers, disaffected to the King's Government, in their Sermons de­clared, That the King intended to lay strange exactions upon the people. To prevent further mischief, the King ordered by Proclamation, That none should Preach except Licensed under the Seals of the Lord Pro­tector, or Archbishop of Canterbury. At this time many Popish Pul­pits founded the Alarum to Kets Rebellion, and the Devon-shire Com­motion.

There was also a Proclamation for the payment of the late Incumbents of Colledges, and Chanteries lately dissolved.

Anno 3. Edwardi sexti, A Proclamation also for the Inhibition of Players, Aug. 6.

The Parliament not long before, passed an Act for Election of Bi­shops, and what Seals and styles should be used by Spiritual persons: in which it was Ordained.

That Bishops should be made by the King's Letters Patents, and not by the election of the Deans and Chapters.

That all their Processes and Writings should be made in the King's name onely, with the Bishops Teste added to it, and sealed with no other Seal but the King's, or such as should be authorized and appointed by him.

The Intent of the Contrivers of this Act (saith Dr. Heylin H [...]ylin Hist. Edw. 6.) was to weaken the authority of the Episcopal Order, by forcing them from their strong-hold of Divine Institution, and making them no other than the King's Ministers onely. And of this Act such use was made, that the Bishops of those times were not in a capacity of conferring Orders, but as they were thereunto impowered by special License. The Tenour whereof was (if Sanders may be believed) in these words following, viz.

Queen Mary caused this Act to be repealed in the first year of her Reign, leaving the Bishops to depend on their former Claim, and to Act all things which belonged to their Jurisdiction in their own Names, and under their own Seals, as in former times. In which estate they have continued without any legal interruption from that time to this.

Doctor Nicholas Ridley was promoted to the See of Rochester, to which he had been nominated by King Henry the Eighth, a man of great Learning, and well-studied in the Fathers, and an excellent Preacher. Doctor Barlow was preferred to the Bishoprick of Bath and Wells.

The Commissioners authorized to take away Images out of Churches, were in many places entertained with contempt and railing, and the far­ther they went from London the worse they were handled: one of them called Body, as he was pulling down Images in Cornwal, was stabbed in the body by a Priest.

Many there were that then cried down all the observations of Days and Times, and particularly of keeping Lent: complaint whereof be­ing made by Bishop Gardiner in a Letter to the Lord Protector, a Pro­clamation was sent out commanding all people to abstain from Flesh in the time of Lent, and the King's Lenten dyet was set out, and served as in former times.

Hugh Latimer having by the power of Cromwel, and his favour with the King, been made Bishop of Worcester, Anno 1535. continued in that See, till on the first of July 1539. he chose rather to resign the same, [Page 163] than to have any hand in passing the six Articles, then agitated in the Convocation, and confirmed by Parliament: full eight years he betook himself to the retiredness of a private life. On New-years day he Preached his first Sermon at Pauls Cross (the first I mean after his re-admission to his former Ministry) and two Lords-days after again in the same place, and on January 25. such multitudes flocked to hear his Sermon, that being to Preach before the King the first Friday in Lent, a pulpit was placed in the King's privy Garden, where he might be heard of four times as many Auditors, as could have thronged into the Chappel. Which as it was the first Sermon that was Preached in that place, so afterward a fixed and standing Pulpit was erected for the like occasions, especially for Lent-sermons on the Sundays in the After­noon, and hath so continued ever since till these latter times.

At the return of the King's Commissioners, dispatched throughout the Realm, to take a Survay of all Colledges, Free-chappels, Chanteries, and Brotherhoods, in the first place (as lying nearest) came in the free Chappel of St. Stephen, originally founded in the Palace at Westmin­ster, and reckoned for the Chappel Royal of the Court of England. The whole Foundation consisted of thirty eight persons, viz. one Dean, twelve Canons, thirteen Vicars, four Clerks, six Choristers, besides a Verger, and one that had the charge of the Chappel. This Chappel hath been since fit­ted, and employed for an house of Commons in all times of Parliament.

At the same time also fell the Colledge, commonly called St. Martins le Grand, near Aldersgate in London: the King gave the same, with the Liberties and precincts thereof to the Church of Westminster. These two, St. Stephen's and St. Martin's, were the richest of all the rest.

Then the Lord Protector being unfurnished of a Palace proportiona­ble to his Greatness, doubted not to find room enough upon the dissolu­tion of the Bishoprick of Westminster lately erected, to raise a Palace equal to his vast designs. Which coming to the ears of Benson, the last Abbot, and first Dean of Westminster, he was willing to preserve the whole, by parting for the present with more than half of the estate belonging to it. And thereupon a Lease is made of seventeen Mannors, and good Farmes, lying almost altogether in the County of Gloce­ster, for the Term of ninety nine years, which was presented to the Lord Thomas Seymor, to serve as an addition to his Mannor of Sudley. Another present of almost as many Mannors, lying in the Counties of Glocester, Worcester, and Hereford, was made for the like Term to Sir John Mason, for the use of the Lord Protector, which after the Duke's fall came to Sir John Bourn, principal Secretary of Estate, in the time of Queen Mary. The Mannor of Islip was also put into the s [...]ale, conferred upon that Church by King Edward the Confessor, to which two hundred Tenants owed their soile and service, and being one of the best wooded things in those parts of the Realm: [Page 164] was to be granted also without impeachment of waste, as it was according­ly. Thus Benson saved the Deanery, but fell into great disquiet of mind, and died a few moneths after. To whom succeeded Doctor Cox, being then Almoner to the King, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and Dean of Christ-Church.

Bishop Latimer Latimer. Ser. p. 38. 71, 91, 114. in his printed Sermons complaineth, That the Gentry at that time invaded the profits of the Church, leaving the Title onely to the Incumbent; and that Chantery Priests were put by them into several Cures, to save their pensions; that many Benefices were laid out in Fee-farmes, and for making of Gardens: and finally, that the poor Clergy being kept to some sorry pittances, were forced to put themselves into Gentlemens houses, and there to serve as Clerks of the Kitchin, Surveyours, Receivers, &c. All which Enormities, were generally connived at by the Lords and others, who onely had the power to reform the same, because they could not question those who had so miserably invaded the Churches patrimony, without condemning of themselves.

Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, having long lain Prisoner in the Fleet was enlarged, and permitted to return to his Diocess, where contrary to the promise made at his enlargement, he shewed himself cross to the King's proceedings in case of Images and other things, that he was sent Prisoner to the Tower, where he abode till he was set at liber­ty by Queen Mary.

Notwithstanding the King's great care to set forth one uniform order of Administring the holy Communion in both kinds, yet among the in­ferior Priests and Ministers of Cathedral and other Churches in this Realm, there arose variety of Factions in Celebrating the Communion Service, and Administra [...]ion of the Sacraments, and other Rites of the Church. Some followed the Order of the King's proceedings: others patchingly used some part of them onely: but many causelesly contem­ning them all, would still continue in their former Popery. Moreover, many of those who had been licensed, appeared as active in Preaching against the King's proceedings, as any of the unlicensed Preachers had been found to be. Which being made known to the King, and the Lords of the Council, it was advised, that a publick Liturgy should be drawn, and confirmed by Parliament, which was done, An. 1548. and in the next year a penalty was imposed by Act of Parliament on such who should deprave, or neglect the use thereof.

The King caused those Godly Bishops, and other Learned Divines (whom he had formerly imployed in drawing up the order for the holy Communion) to frame a publick Liturgy, containing the order of Mor­ning and Evening Prayer, together with a Form of Ministring the Sacra­ments, and for the celebrating of all publick Offices in the Churches.

This was done acccordingly: Some exception being taken at it by Mr. Calvin abroad, and some zealots at home, the Book was brought [Page 165] under a review, and by Statute in Parliament, it was appointed, it should be faithfully perused, explained, and made fully per­fect.

And here take notice, that those who had the chief stroke in this Af­fair, were before-hand resolved, that none but English Heads or hands should be used therein. Calvin offered his assistance to Archbishop Cran­mer, as himself confesseth, but he refused the offer. And though it was thought necessary, for the better seasoning of both Universities in the Protestant Reformed Religion, that Martin Bucer, and Peter Martyr, two eminent Divines of Forreign Churches, should be invited to come over, yet had the Liturgy passed the approbation of the King and Coun­cil, if not both Houses of Parliament before their coming. Which be­ing finished, they all subscribed it, except Doctor Day, Bishop of Chichester.

Then in Parliament it was enacted, that all such positive Lawes and Ordinances, as prohibited the marriages of Priests, and pains and for­feitures therein contained, should be repealed.

In this Parliament also it was enacted, that no person should from thence-forth take, or carry away any Tithe or Tithes which had been received or paid within the space of fourty years next before the date thereof, &c. under the pain or forfeiture of the Treble value of the Tithes so taken or carried away. To which a clause was also added, enabling the said Parsons, Vicars, &c. to enter upon any man's Land for the due setting out of his Tithes, and carrying away the same without molestation.

There also passed another Act for Abstinence from flesh upon all such days, as had been formerly taken and reputed for fasting-dayes, viz. fall Fridays and Saturdays in the year, the time of Lent, the Ember­days, the Eves or Vigils of such Saints, as had been anciently used for Fasts by the Rules of the Church. On Septemb. 5. 1548. Doctor Farrar's was consecrated Bishop of S. Davids, as Doctor Heylin no­teth, and not in the year 1547. as Mr. Fox makes it, nor in 1549. as Bishop Godwin saith.

The Lord Protector pulled down two Churches, two Chappels, and three Episcopal Houses for the materials of the building of his new in­tended Palace, called Sommerset-house.

About this time there arose a sort of men, who were termed Gospel­lers, against whom Bishop Hooper inveigheth, in the Preface to his Ex­position on the ten Commandments. Some Anabaptists also discovered themselves. Some of the Chiefs of them were convented before the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of Westminster, Doctor Cox Almoner to the King and others: and being convicted of their errours, some of them were dismissed only with an Admonition, some sentenced [Page 166] to a Recantation, and others (among which I find one Champney's) con­demned to bear their Faggots at S. Paul's Cross.

Then brake forth two dangerous Rebellions, one in Devonshire, the other in Norfolk. That of Devonshire was found to be chiefly raised in maintenance of their old Religion. On Whitsun Munday, being next day after the first exercising of the publick Liturgy, some few of the Pa­rishioners of the Parish of Sampford-Courtney, compelled their Parish-Priest, who is supposed to have invited them to that compulsion, to let them have the Latine Mass as in former-times. These being seconded with many others, Henry Arundel Esquire, Governour of the Mount in Cornwal, Winslade and Coffin, Gentlemen, headed them. The seditious exceeding the number of ten thousand, march in a full body to Exeter. They send their demands to the King, among which one more specially concerned the Liturgy. It was demanded by the Rebels, That foras­much as we constantly believe, that after the words of Consecration spo­ken by the Priest being at Mass, there is very really the Body and Blood of our Saviour Jesus Christ God and man, and that no substance of Bread and Wine remaineth after, but the very self-same body that was born of the Virgin Mary, and was given upon the Cross for our Re­demption; Therefore we will have Mass-Celebrated as it was in times past without any man Communicating with the Priests, forasmuch as many presuming unworthily to receive the same, put no difference between the Lord's body, and other kind of meat, &c.

To which demand of theirs the King thus answered, viz. that for the Mass I assure you, no small study nor Travel hath been spent, by all the Learned Clergy therein: and to avoyd all contention, it is brought even to the use that Christ left it, as the Apostles used it, as the Holy Fathers delivered it: indeed somewhat altered from that to which the Popes of Rome, for their lucre, had brought it. And although (saith he) you may hear the contrary from some Popish evil men; Yet we on our Honour assure you, that they deceive, abuse you, and blow these opinions into your Heads to finish their own purposes. But this an­swer satisfying not, they marched with all their forces to the siege of Exeter, carrying before them in their march the Pix or Consecrated Host under a Canopy, with Crosses, Banners, Candlesticks, Holy-bread, and Holy-water, &c. But the Lord Gray and the Lord Russel with forces conjoyned, so strongly charged the Rebels, that they beat them out of their works, and then forced them with great slaughter to raise their siege. After the like success in some following fights, the Lord Russel enters that City on August 6. where he was joyfully received by the half-starved Citizens. Miles Coverdale gave publick thanks to God for the Victory in the view of Exeter, and soon after was made the Bishop thereof.

Arundel, Berry, Winslade, and Coffin were sent to London, and there executed. Six Popish Priests were hanged, and the Vicar of S. Thomas (one of the Grand Incendiaries) hanged on the top of his own Steeple, appar­relled in his Popish Weeds, with his Beads at his Girdle.

The Norfolk Rebellion brake forth on June 20. and that especially for a grievance about Enclosures. The Rebels had gotten one Robert Ket, a rich Tanner of Wimondham for their Leader, and were grown to a Body of twenty thousand, seating themselves at Moushold near Mount Surrey, where they carried a face (as it were) of Justice and Religion, for they had one Coniers, an idle fellow, to be their Chaplain, who read solemn Prayers to them Morning and Evening, Sermons also they had often. And as for Justice, they had a bench under a Tree (which Tree was called by them, and so hath ever since been called, the Tree of Reformation) where Ket usually sate, and with him two Companies of every Hundred, whence their Companies had been raised, to hear com­plaints, and give judgement. They sent certain complaints to the King, requiring he would send a Herrald to them to give them satisfaction. The King returned this answer, that in October following he would call a Parliament, wherein their complaints should be heard, and their grie­vances should be redressed, requiring them in the mean time to lay down Arms, and return to their houses, and thereupon granting them a general pardon. But this not satisfying the seditious, hereupon they first assaulted the City of Norwich, took it, and made Thomas Cod the Mayor of Norwich attend them as their servant. At length He and others of the Gentry detained Prisoners in Ket's Camp, were admitted to the Counsels of the Rebels for the better credit thereof.

Doctor Matthew Parker (afterward Archbishop of Canterbury) getting up into the Oak of Reformation, Preached to the Rebels of their Duty and Obedience, where his life was in danger, many Arrows being Shot at him. Conyers set the Te Deum, during the singing whereof the Doctor withdrew, and went to his own house.

William Par Marquess of Northampton, with the Lords Sheffield and Wentworth, Sir Anthony Denny, Sir Ralph Sadler and other persons of Honour, is sent to quell this Rebellion. But success failed them: the Lord Sheffield was barbarously butchered, Sir Thomas Cornwallis taken prisoner, and the City fired by the Rebels, but the clouds melting into tears pittying the Cities calamity, quenched the flames, and the Marquess quitting the service, returned to London.

Then was John Dudley, Earl of Warwick sent to undertake the task, and was attended by the Marquess of Northampton. Coming to Nor­wich he easily entred the City, and entertained the Rebels with many Sallies with various success, but generally the Earl of Warwick came off with the better.

The Rebels deserted Moushold-hill, and came down into Dussing-dale. [Page 168] Here their superstition fancied themselves sufficiently fenced by the ver­tue of an old prophecy.

In this place was a bloody battel: two thousand of the Rebels were slain in the fight and chase, the Residue of them scattered all over the Countrey: the Principals of them taken, and Executed: Robert Ket hanged on Norwich-Castle, William his brother, on the Top of Wimond­ham steeple, nine of his followers on as many boughs of the Oak where Ket held his Courts. On August xxix. a solemn thanksgiving was made to God for their deliverance, in the City of Norwich, and is An­nually observed. As for the Rebellion at the same time in York-shire, it was soon quelled on the Execution of Omler and Dale, the chief pro­moters thereof.

These things quickned the Lords of the Council to a sharper course against all those whom they suspected not to advance the publick Liturgy. Among whom none was more distrusted than Bishop Bonner of London, who is commanded to attend the Lords of the Council on Aug. 11. by whom he was told, that by his negligence not only many people within his Diocess forgat their duty to God in frequenting the Divine Service than by Law established, but divers others despising the same, did in se­cret places often frequent the Popish Mass. Therefore he is command­ed to Preach against the Rebels at Paul's Cross on Septemb. 1. and there to shew the unlawfulness of taking Arms on pretence of Religion. But on the Contrary, he spent most part of his Sermon in maintenance of the Cross, Carnal and Papistical presence of Christ's body and bloud in the Sacrament of the Eucharist: complaints whereof being made, a Com­mission is Issued out to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of Rochester and Peterborough, Sir Thomas Smith, and Doctor May, before whom he was convented at Lambeth, where after many shifts on his part, and much patience, on theirs, he is taken pro confesso, and in the beginning of October deprived of his Bishoprick. To whom succeeded Doctor Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of Rochester.

There passed an Act of Parliament in the following Session (which took beginning Novemb. 4.) for taking down of such Images, as were still remaining in the Churches, as also for the bringing in of all Anti­phonaries, Missals, Breviaries, Offices, Horaries, Primars and Pro­cessionals, with other Books of false and superstitious worship. The Tenour of which Act signified to the Subject by the King's Proclama­tions, and seconded by the Missives of Archbishop Cranmer to the Suf­fragan Bishops, requiring them to see it diligently put in execution. Also the Bishops were required to punish all those that refused to give [Page 169] to the charge of bread and wine for the Communion. Now was there no further opposition against the Liturgy by the Romish party during the rest of the King's Reign.

But then there started up another faction, as opposite to the pub­lick Liturgy, as were those of Rome. The Archbishop and the rest of Prelates which co-operated with him in the work of Reformation, were resolved now to go forwards with a Reformation in point of Doctrine. And therefore Letters were directed by Archbishop Cramner to Martin Bucer and Peter Martyr, two eminent Divines. Heylin s Hist. Edw. vi. Martyr came over in the end of November, and having spent sometime with the Archbishop in his house at Lambeth, was dispatched to Oxford, where he was made the King's Professour for Divinity, and about two years after made Canon of Christ-Church. His readings were so much disliked by some of that University, that a publick disputation was shortly had betwixt him, and some of those that disliked his doings, about some points in the Sacrament. Doctor Cox, Chancellour of the University, assisted by Mr. Morrison a right learned man, being Moderators, declared that Martyr had sufficiently answered all Arguments which were brought against him by Chadsey the chief of the opponents, and the rest of those who disputed with him.

Bucer came not over till June, and, being, here receives letters from Calvin, Mediis consi­liis vel Au­thorem esse vel Approbatorem, Calvin. Epist. ad Bucer. by which he was advised to take heed of his old fault (for a fault he thought it) which was to run a moderate course in his Refor­mations. The first thing that Bucer did after his coming hither, was to acquaint himself with the English Liturgy, translated for him into La­tine by Alexander Alesius, a Learned Scot, and generally well approved of by him, as to the main Frame and Body of it. Of this he gives an ac [...]ount to Calvin. Having received a courteous entertainment from the Lord Protector, and being heartily well-commed by Archbishop Cran­mer, he is sent to take the Chair at Cambridge. But he had not held that place long, when he left this life, deceasing on January 19. Anno 1550. to the great loss and grief of that University.

Calvin writes to the Protector to this effect, That the Papists would grow more insolent every day than other unless the difference were composed about the Ceremonies. But how? not by reducing the Opponents to Conformity, but by encouraging them rather in their opposition.

John Rogers, Lecturer in S. Paul's, and John Hooper Vicar of S. Se­pulchres were founders of Non-conformity. The Found­ers of Non-conformity. This John Hooper was bred in Oxford, well-skilled in Latine, Greek, and Hebrew, and after­wards travelled over into Switzerland. He was preferred to be Bishop of Glocester by the favour of his Patron, John Earl of Warwick, after­wards Duke of Northumberland.

But when Hooper came to be consecrated Bishop of Glocester, he [Page 170] scrupled the wearing of certain Episcopal Ornaments (Rochet, Chi­mere, Square Cap, &c.) producing a letter from the Earl of Warwick, that he might be favourably dispensed with therein. The King also thirteen dayes after wrote to Archbishop Cranmer to the same effect. All would not do, Resolute Bishop Ridley stood stiffly to his tackling, and here was bandying of the business betwixt them, and arguments ur­ged on both sides. The Earl of Warwick deserted his Chaplain, and Hooper was sent to prison, and kept sometime in durance, till he con­descended to conform himself in his habit, and so was consecrated Bi­shop of Glocester. After this, Hooper bare a great grudge against Ridley, who enforced him thereunto: but God's providence sanctified their sufferings afterwards into an agreement. We must not forget, that this earnest contest was not about the vocation, but about the vest­ments of Bishops. Thus we have the first beginning of that opposition, which hath continued ever since against the Liturgy, &c. and other Rites and Usages of the Church of England.

About this time John a Lasco, free Baron of Lasco in Poland, with his Congregation of Germans and other strangers, took Sanctuary this year in England, hoping that here they might enjoy that liberty of conscience, and safety for their goods and persons, which their own Countrey had denyed them. The King gratiously vouchsafed to give them both entertainment and protection: assigned them the west part of the Church, belonging to the late dissolved house of Augustine-friars for the exercise of Religious Worship, made them a Corporation, consist­ing of a Superintendent, and four other Ministers, with power to fill the vacant places by a new Succession, whensoever any of them should be voyd by death or otherwise, the parties by them chosen to be approved by the King and Council. He commanded the Lord Mayor of London, the Aldermen and Sheriff; thereof, as also the Archbishop of Canter­bury, and all other Bishops of this Realm not to distrub them in the free exercise of their Religion and Ecclesiastical Government, although they differed from the government and forms of Worship established in the Church of England. All which he granted by his Letters Patents. This John a Lasco quickly publisheth a book, Entitled, Forma & Ratio totius Ecclesiastici Ministerii, wherein he maintains the use of sitting at the Holy Communion, contrary to the custom of the Church of Eng­land, to the encouragement of those who impugned her Orders. A controversie moved by Bishop Hooper touching the Episcopal Habit, was presently propagated among the rest of the Clergy touching Caps and Surplices. And in this quarrel John a Lasco engageth, countenancing those that refused to wear them, Heylin's Hist. Edw. vi. and Writing to Martin Bucer, to de­clare against them. But that Moderate and Learned Man severely re­prehended him, and solidly answered all his Objections. Which be­ing sent to him in the way of letter, was afterward Printed and dispersed [Page 171] for keeping down that opposite humour. This controversie was coun­tenanced by Peter Martyr, for besides his judgement which he gives of these things in some of his Epistles about things of this nature, he hath told us of his own practice in one of his Epistles, Dated at Zurick, Novemb. 4. 1559. being more than five years after he had left this Kingdom. That he had never used the Surplice, when he lived in Oxford, though he were then a Canon of Christ-church, and frequent­ly present in the Quire. While this controversie was on foot between the Bishops and the Clergy, John Rogers (one of the Prebends of S. Paul's, and Divinity Reader of that Church then newly return'd from beyond the Seas) could never be perswaded to wear any other than the round cap when he went abroad. And being further pressed unto it, he thus declared himself: That he would never agree to that point of Conformity, but on this condition, that if the Bishops did re­quire the Cap and Tippet, &c. then it should also be declared, that all Popish Priests (for a distinction between them and others) should be constrained to wear upon their sleeves a Chalice with an Host upon it. Nay, such peccancy of humour began then to break out, that it was Preached at Paul's Cross by one Steven, Curate of Katherine Cree-Church, That it was fit the names of Churches should be altered, and the names of the dayes in the Week changed; that Fish-dayes should be altered, and the Lent kept at any other time, except onely between Shrovetide and Easter. John Stow Stow's Chro. Edw. vi. saith, that he had seen the said Steven to leave the Pulpit, and Preach to the People out of an high Elm, which stood in the midst of the Church-yard, and that being done, to return into the Church again.

The wings of Episcopal Authority had been so clipped, that it was scarce able to fly abroad: the sentence of Excommunication had not been in use since the first year of this King; which occasioned not onely these disorders among the Ministers of the Church but also tended to the great encrease of vitiousness in all sorts of men. So that it was not without cause that it was called for so earnestly by Bishop Latimer in a Sermon Preached before the King. Bring into the Church of England (saith he) the open Discipline of Excommunication, that open sinners may be stricken withal.

Then upon the Complaint of Calvin to Archbishop Cranmer, and Peter Martyr's bemoaning the miserable condition of the Church for want of Preachers, it was ordained by the advice of the Lords of the Council, that of the King's six Chaplains, which attended in Ordina­ry, two of them should be always about the Court, and the other four should travel in Preaching abroad. About this time Sermons at Court were encreased also.

Then followed the taking down of Altars by publick Authority. This being resolved on, a Letter cometh to Bishop Ridley in the name [Page 172] of the King, subscribed by Sommerset, and other of the Lords of the Council, concerning the taking down of Altars, and setting up Tables in the stead thereof. He appointed the form of a right Table to be used in his Diocess, and caused the wall standing on the back-side of the Altar in the Church of S. Paul's to be broken down for an example to the rest. No universal change of Altars was there into Tables in all parts of the Realm, till the repealing of the first Liturgy, in which the Priest is appointed to stand before the midst of the Altar in the Celebration; and the establishing of the second, (in which it is re­quired, that the Priest shall stand on the North-side of the Table) had put an end to the Dispute.

About this time David's Psalms were Translated into English metre, by Thomas Sternhold, Esq and of the Privy Chamber to King Edward the sixth, John Hopkins, Robert Wisdom, &c. and generally permitted to be Sung in all Churches.

Bishop Gardiner having been a Prisoner in the Tower almost two years, the Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Warwick, and some others are sent with certain Articles Signed by the King and Lords of the Council unto him. According to the tenour hereof; he is not only to testifie his consent to the establishing the Holy-dayes and Fasting-days by the King's Authority, the allowance of the publick Liturgy, and the abrogating of the Statute for the six Articles, but to subscribe the confession of his fault in his former obstinacy, after such form and man­ner as was there required. To which Articles he subscribed, but refused to put his hand to the said Confession.

Then a Book of Articles is drawn up, containing all the alteration made by the King and his Father, as well by Act of Parliament as their own injunctions, of all which doings he is required to signifie his ap­probation, to make Confession of his fault with an acknowledgment that he had deserved the punishment which was laid upon upon him: but no such submission and acknowledgment being made as was required, on Feb. 14. 1550. he was deprived, and so remitted to the Tower.

Notwithstanding this severity, yet some of the Bishops were so stiff in their old opinions, that neither terrour nor perswasions could prevail upon them, either to approve of the King's proceedings, or otherwise to advance the King's commands. And some complyed so coldly with the King's commands, as that they were laid open to the spoil, though not to the loss of their Bishopricks: of which last sort were Kitching Bi­shop of Landaff, Salcot Bishop of Salisbury, and Sampson of Coventry and Lichfield, Heylin. Hist. Edw. vi. Heath of Worcester, Voysie of Exeter, Day of Chiche­ster, and Tonstal of Durham would not any way comply. Voisy made such havock of his Lands, before he was brought under a deprivation, that he left but seven or eight of the worst mannours, and those let out into long Leases and those charged with pensions, and not above [Page 173] two houses, both bare and naked. He was deprived a few moneths after Gardiner, but lived to be restored again (as Gardiner also was) in the time of Queen Mary. Day and Heath were both deprived, Octo­ber 10. and were both restored in Queen Maries Reign. Tunstal was cast into the Tower, December 20. and was there kept until the dissolu­tion of his Bishoprick by Act of Parliament.

To Gardiner, in the See of Winchester, succeeded Doctor John Poy­net, Bishop of Rochester. To Voisy, in the See of Exeter, succeeded Doctor Miles Coverdale, one who had formerly assisted Tyndal in trans­lating the Bible into English, and for the most part lived at Tubing, an University belonging to the Duke of Saxony, where he received the de­gree of Doctor. Scory being Consecrated Bishop of Rochester, in the place of Poynet, on the thirtieth of August, in the next year following, succeeded Day of Chichester. Of which Bishoprick he was deprived in the time of Queen Mary, and afterwards preferred by Queen Elizabeth to the See of Hereford, in which place he died. The Bishoprick of Wor­cester was given in Commendam to Bishop Hooper.

The Princess Mary, having been bred up in the Romish Religion, would not change her mind. And although the King and the Lords of his Council, wrote many Letters to her, to take off those affections which she bear to the Church of Rome, yet she keeps up her Mass, with all the Rites and Ceremonies belonging to it, and suffers divers persons (besides her own domestick Servants) to be present at it. By the Em­peror's mediation, her Chaplains were permitted to celebrate the Mass, but with this Restriction, that they should do it in her presence only. For the transgression of which bounds, Mallet and Barkley, her two Chaplains were imprisoned.

Then a Plot is laid to convey the Princess Mary out of the Realm by stealth; but the King being secretly advertised of the design, puts a stop thereunto. She is brought to the King, and appointed to remain with him, but none of her Chaplains permitted to have any access unto her.

And notwithstanding the mediation of the Emperor in her behalf, and his threatening War, in case she were not permitted the free exercise of her Religion, and although the Lords of the Council generally seemed very inclinable thereunto, yet the King would not be perswaded there­unto. And when the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of London, sent by the Lords to the King, used divers Arguments to per­swade him, he declared a Resolution rather to venture life, and all things else that were dear unto him, than to give way to any thing, which he knew to be against the Truth. Then the King burst forth into a flood of tears, and the Bishops, on sight thereof, wept as fast as He.

The Bishops thereupon withdrew, admiring at such great Abilities in so young a King, and blessed God for giving them a Prince of such emi­nent piety.

Then the reviewing the Liturgy, and the composing of a Book of Ar­ticles, were brought under consideration: This last for the avoiding di­versities of Opinions, and for the establishing consent touching true Re­ligion, the other for removing such offences as had been taken by Calvin, and his followers, at some parts thereof. The Liturgy, so reviewed, was ratified by Act of Parliament in the year following. By the learn­ed Writings of Erasmus and Melancthon, together with the Augustan Confession (a Book of Articles being thought necessary to be compo­sed) the Composers of those Articles were much directed, using them as subservient Helps to promote the service.

Now followed the fatal Tragedy of the Duke of Sommerset, and we must recoyl a little to fetch forward the cause thereof. Thomas Seymour, Baron of Sudely, and Lord Admiral, the Protector's younger Brother, had married the Lady Katherine Par, the Relict of King Henry the Eighth. A contest arose between their Wives about place. The Women's dis­cords derived themselves into their Husbands hearts: whereupon, not long after, followed the death of the Lord Thomas Seymour, arraigned for designing to translate the Crown to himself.

Soon after the Lords of the Council accuse the Protector of many high offences; his greatest Enemy and Accuser was John Dudley, Earl of Warwick. Hereupon he was imprisoned at Windsor, yet he was acquit­ted, though outed his Protectorship, restored, and continued Privy Counsellor. But after two years and two months his Enemies assault him afresh. He was indicted of Treason and Felony: he was condemned for Felony, by a new made Statute, for plotting the death of a Privy Counsellor, namely, the Earl of Warwick. Here a strange oversight was committed, that he craved not the benefit of the Clergy, which could not legally be denied him. Not long after he was beheaded on Tower-hill, with no less praise for his piety and patience, than pity and grief of the beholders.

In the beginning of the year 1551. happened a terrible Earthquake at Croydon, and some other Villages thereabouts, in the County of Sur­rey. Afterwards six Dolphins were taken up in the Thames, three at Queenborough, and three near Greenwich, the least as big as any Horse. Their coming up so far, beheld by States-men, as a presage of those storms and Tempests, which afterwards befel this Nation in the death of King Edward, and the tempestuous Reign of Queen Mary. But the saddest presage of all was, the breaking out of a Disease, called the Sweating-sickness, appearing first at Shrewsbury, on April 15. and after­wards spreading by degrees over the Kingdom; wherewith, if any man were attacqued, he died, or escaped, within nine or ten hours: if he slept (as most persons desired to do) he died within six hours: if he took cold, he died within three hours.

Sir Michael Stanhop, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir Ralph Vane, and Sir Miles Partridge, were arraigned, and condemned to dye. The two first were beheaded, and the two last hanged, at what time they solemn­ly protested, (taking God to witness) that they never practised Trea­son against the King, &c. Vane adding, after all the rest, that his Blood would make the pillow of the Earl of Warwick (lately made Duke of Northumberland) uneasie to him.

Then fifty six Articles are drawn up against Robert Farrars, Bishop of St. Davids, and a Commission issued March 9. to enquire into the merit of those Articles charged against him: on the return whereof he is in­dicted of a Praemunire at the Assizes at Carmarthen, committed there­upon to prison, where he remained all the rest of King Edward's time; never restored to liberty till he came to the Stake in Queen Maries Reign.

On the twenty ninth of January, 1552. The Bishoprick of Westmin­ster was dissolved by the King's Letters Patents, by which the County of Middlesex, which had before been laid unto it, was restored unto the See of London.

The Book of Articles made in the Synod at London, may be truly said to be the work of that Convocation, though many Members of it never saw the same till the Book was published: in regard (as Mr. Philpot saith) that they had a Synodical Authority, to make such spiritual Laws, Fox Acts and Monuments. fol. 1282. as to them seemed to be necessary or convenient, for the use of the Church. Moreover the Church of England, for the first five years of Queen Eli­zabeth, retained these Articles and no other, as the publick Tenents of the Church in point of Doctrine; which she had not done, had they been commended to her by a less Authority than a Convocation. These Articles were confirmed and published for such, by the King's Authority, Regiâ authori­tate in lucem editi. as appears further by the Title in due form of Law. And so it is resolved by Philpot, in behalf of the Catechism which came out, Anno 1553. with the approbation of the said Bishops and learned Men.

The Liturgy being setled and confirmed in Parliament, was by the King's command translated into French, for the use of the Isles of Guern­sey and Jersey, and such as lived within the Marches and command of Ca­lais. But no such care was taken for Wales, till the fifth year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, nor of the Realm of Ireland from that time to this, as Doctor Heylin observeth.

Then that which concerns as well the nature, as the number of such Feasts and Fasts, as were thought fit to be retained, were determined and concluded on by an Act of Parliament. Which Statute (though re­pealed in the first of Queen Mary, and not revived till the first year of the Reign of King James, yet) in effect it stood in force, and was more pun­ctually observed in the time of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, than after the reviving of it.

The next care was, that Consecrated places should not be profaned by fighting and quarrelling, as they had been lately since the Episcopal Ju­risdiction, and the ancient Censures of the Church were lessened in Au­thority and reputation.

This Parliament ending on April 15. the Book of Common-prayer was printed and published, which had been therein authorized. And the time being come which was set for the officiating it, there appeared much alteration in the outward solemnities of Divine service, to which the peo­ple had formerly been so long accustomed. For by the Rubrick of that Book, no Copes, or other Vestures were required, but the Surplice on­ly, whereby the Bishops must forbear their Crosses, and the Prebends of St. Paul's leave off their Hoods. To give a beginning hereunto, Bi­shop Ridley, then Bishop of London, did the same day officiate the Di­vine service of the Morning in his Rochet only, without Cope or Vest­ment: he preached also at St. Paul's in the afternoon, the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Companies in their best Liveries in their Companies be­ing present at it, the Sermon tending (for the most part) to the setting forth the said Book of Common-prayer, and to acquaint them with the Reasons of such alterations as were made therein. On the same day the new Liturgy was executed also in all the Churches of London. Not long after, the upper Quire in St. Paul's Church, where the high Altar stood was broken down, and all the Quire thereabout, and the Communion-table was placed in the lower part of the Quire, where the Minister sang the daily Service.

Then publick care was had for the founding and establishing of the new Hospital in the late dissolved House of Gray-Friers near Newgate in London, and that of St. Thomas in the Borough of Southwark: of which ye are to know, that the Church belonging to the said House, to­gether with the Cloysters, and almost all the publick building which stood within the liberties and precincts thereof, had the good hap to escape that ruine, which generally befell all other Houses of that nature. And standing undemolished till the last times of King Henry, it was given by him, not many dayes before his death, to the City of London, toge­ther with the late dissolved Priory, called Little St. Bartholomews. In which Donation there was reference had to a double end: The one for the relieving the poor out of the Rents of such Messuages and Tenements, as in the Grants thereof are contained and specified. The other for con­stituting a Parish-church in the Church of the said dissolved Grey-friers, not only for the use of such as lived within the precincts of the said two Houses, but for the Inhabitants of the Parish of St. Nicholas in the Sham­bles, and of St. Edwin's, situate in Warwick-lane, near Newgate-market. Which Churches, with all the Rents and profits belonging to them, were given to the City at the same time also, and for advancing the same ends, together with five hundred Marks per annum for ever: The Church of [Page 177] the Gray-friers to be from thence-forth called Christ-church, founded by King Henry the Eight. All which was signified to the City, in a Sermon Preached at Paul's Cross, by the Bishop of Rochester, on January 13. being but a fortnight before his death: Mass was said in this Church by the Parishoners that resorted to it according to the King's donation. Af­ter which (in the first year of King Edward) followed the taking down of the said two Churches, and building several Tenements on the ground of the Churches and Church-yards, the Rents thereof to be em­ployed about the further maintenance and relief of the Poor, Living and Loytering, in and about the City.

But these things being not sufficient to carry on the work to the end desired, it hapned that Bishop Rialey, Preaching before King Edward, insisted much upon some constant course for relief of the poor: which Sermon wrought so far upon him, that having sent for the Bishop, he gave him great thanks for his good Exhortation, whose advice was, that Letters should be written to the Lord Mayor and Alderman. By whom it was agreed, that ageneral contribution should be made by all rich and well-affected Citizens, toward the advancement of a work so necessary for the publick good. Every man subscribed according to his ability, and Books were drawn in every ward of the City, containing the sum of that Relief which they had contributed: Which being delivered to Sir Richard Dobbs, Lord Mayor of London, were by him tendred to the King's Commissioners, February 17. The buildings in the Gray-friers were forthwith repaired: The like reparation was also made of the ruinous buildings belonging to the late dissolved Priory of St. Thomas in Southwark, which the Citizens had then newly bought of the King, to serve for an Hospital for such Sick, Wounded, and Impotent per­sons, as were not fit to be intermingled with the sound: on November 23. the Sick and Maimed people were taken into the Hospital of St. Tho­mas; and into Christ-church Hospital, to the number of four hundred Children; all of them to have Meat, Drink, Lodging and Clothes, at the charge of the City; till other means could be provided for their maintenance.

On April 10. this King gave for ever to the City his Palace of Bride­wel (erected by King Henry the Eighth) to be employed for such Va­gabonds and thriftless poor, as should be sent thither to receive chastise­ment, and be forced to labour. He caused the Master and Brethren of the Hospital in the Savoy, founded by King Henry the Seventh, to resign the same into his hands, with all the Lands and Goods thereunto belong­ing: out of which he presently bestowed the yearly rent of seven hun­dred Marks, with all the Beds, Bedding, and other Furniture found there­in toward the maintenance of the said Work-house, and the Hospital of St. Thomas in Southwark; The Grant whereof he confirmed by his Letters Patents, adding thereunto a Mortmain for enabling the City to [Page 178] purchase Lands to the value of four thousand Marks per annum, for the better maintenance of those and the other Hospitals. Thus he was en­titled to the Foundation of Bridewel, St. Bartholomews, and St. Thomas, without any charge to himself.

Nothing else memorable about this time, but the coming of Cardan, the death of Leland, and the preferment of Doctor John Tailor to the See of Lincoln.

Then for raising Money, a Commission was speeded into all parts of the Kingdom, under pretence of selling such of the Lands and Goods of Chanteries as remained unsould, but in plain truth (saith Dr. Heylin) to seize upon all Hangings, Altar-clothes, Fronts, Parafronts, Copes of all sorrs, with all manner of Plate, which was to be found in any Cathe­dral or Parochial Church. Certain Instructions were likewise given to the Commissioners, by which they were to regulate themselves in their proceedings. This was done generally in all parts of the Realm, into which the Commissioners began their Circuits in the moneth of April; which general seizure being made, they were to leave one Chalice, with certain Table-clothes for the use of the Communion-table, as the said Commissioners should think fit; the Jewels, Plate, and ready Money, to be delivered to the Master of the King's Jewels, in the Tower of London; the Copes of cloth of Gold, and Tissue to be brought into the King's Wardrobe; the rest to be turned into ready Money, and that Money to be paid to Sir William Peckham the King's Cofferer, for the defraying the charges of his Majesties houshold.

But some there were, who were as much before hand with the Kings Commissioners in embezeling the Plate, Jewels, and other Furnitures, as the Commissioners did intend to be with the King, in keeping all or most part to themselves.

The King grew Sick, and weak in B [...]y, in which Estate Duke Dud­ley so prevailed upon him, that he consented to a transposition of the Crown, from his natural Sisters, to the Children of the Dutchess of Suffolk.

His dying Prayer, as is was taken from his mouth, was in these words following.

Thus endeth the Reign of that good King Edward the Sixth, suf­ficiently remarkable for the progress of Reformation, but so distracted unto Sides and Factions, that in the end the King himself became a prey to the strongest party, which (saith Dr. Heylin) could not otherwise be safe but in his destruction, contrived on purpose (as it was general­ly supposed) to smooth the way to the advancement of the Lady Jane Gray (newly married to Guilford Dudley, fourth Son to Duke Dudley) to the Royal Throne.

King Edward being dead, the Princess Mary hearing of her Brothers death, and knowing her own right, writeth to the Lords of the Coun­cil, [...]nd challengeth them for their doing, making her claim to the Crown. To whom the Council writeth again, as to a Subject, requi­ring her to rest so contented: The Lady Jane was on the same day that these Letters were dispatched, brought by Water to the Tower, attended by a Noble Train of both Sexes, from Durham-house in the Strand, where she had been entertained, as part of Dudley's Family, ever since her Marriage: When she came into the presence of the two Dukes, her Father and Father in Law, it was signified to Her by the Duke of Northumberland, that the King was dead, and that he had de­clared her for his next Successor in the Crown. After a pithy speech, the poor Lady found her self in a great perplexity. But being wearied at last with their importunities, and overcome by the entreaties of her Husband whom she dearly loved, she submitted unto that necessity which she could not vanquish.

Hereupon the two Dukes, with all the rest of the Lords of the Coun­cil, swore Allegiance to he [...]. And on the same day about five a Clock in the afternoon, they solemnly caused her to be Proclaimed Queen of England, France and Ireland, &c. in many of the principal Streets of London; and after by degrees, in most of the chief Cities, Towns, and places of greatest concourse. In which Proclamation it was signified, That by the Letters Patents of the late King Edward, the Lady Jane Gray, eldest Daughter to the Dutchess of Suffolk, had been declared, to be his true and lawful Successor to the Crown of England, the same to be enjoyed after her decease by the heirs of her Body, &c. Which Proclamation, though it was published in the City with all due solemnities, and that the concourse of the people was great, yet their acclamations were few.

The next day the Lords were advertised, that many persons of quali­ty were drawn together at Kenning-hall Castle in Norfolk, to offer their service and assistance to the Princess Mary; as the Earl of Bath, Sir Tho­mas [Page 180] Wharton, Son of the Lord Wharton, Sir John Mordant, Son of the Lord Mordant, Sir William Drury, Sir John Shelton, Sir Henry Bed­dingfield, Sir Henry Jerningham, Sir John Sulierd, Mr. Richard Higham of Lincolns-Inne. It was advertised also, that the Earl of Sussex, and his Son, were coming towards her with their Forces. Therefore they perswade Duke Dudley to take the conduct of some Forces, that might scatter those small companies before they grew unto an Head. Swelled with vain-glory, he suffered himself to be entreated to an action of such fame and merit as that which they presented to him. So the Duke with the Marquess of Northampton, the Lord Gray, and divers others of note, on July 14. 1553. set forward with eighth thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse. The Duke's March was slow. In the mean time, Edward Hastings, the Earl of Huntingdon's Brother, having an Army of four thousand Foot, committed to him by the Duke of Northumber­land, left his party, and went to the Lady Mary. And six great [...]hips which lay before Yarmouth to intercept her, if she should attempt to fly, now at the perswasion of Mr Jerningham, came to her aid. Upon news hereof, the Lords themselves assembled at Baynards Castle: first the Earl of Arundel, then the Earl of Pembrook, fell to Invectives against Northumberland, and then all the Lords consenting with them, they cal­led for the Lord Mayor, and in London Proclaimed the Lady Mary Queen. She was also Proclaimed by divers other Lords and Knights in divers other Counties; which the Duke (being then at Bury) hearing of, he returneth to Cambridge, and there himself Proclaimeth the Lady Mary Queen: but the next morning he was arrested by Henry Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel, by Order from Queen Mary.

Together with the Duke, his three Sons, John, Ambrose, and Henry, the Earl of Huntingdon, Sir Andrew Dudley, the two Gates, Sir Thomas Palmer, and Doctor Sands, were committed to the Tower: and the next day the Marquess of Northampton, the Lord Robert Dudley, and Sir Robert Corbet. Before which time, the Duke of Suffolk, entring his Daughter the Lady Janes Chamber, told her, she must now put off her Royal robes, which she willingly did.

Doctor Nicholas Ridley, Bishop of London, was also sent to the Tower, on July 27. Sir Roger Cholmley, Chief Justice of the King's Bench; and Sir Edward Mountague, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas; the Duke of Suffolk, were sent also to the Tower; Sir John Cheek, on the morrow after, bringing up the Reer: But the Duke of Suffolk (Father to the Lady Jane) was released within three days after.

The Duke of Northumberland, together with John Earl of Warwick, his eldest Son, and William, Marquess of Northampton, were brought to their Trial, on August 8. before Thomas Duke of Norfolk, then sit­ting as Lord High Steward in Westminster Hall: they all confessed the [Page 181] Indictment, and received Judgment in the usual form. The like Judge­ment passed on the morrow after, on Sir John Gates, Sir Henry Gates, Sir Andrew Dudley, and Sir Thomas Palmer. The Duke was on August 22. beheaded, and professed himself a Papist at his death, whose Recantati­on the Papists published abroad with great rejoycing, with him died also Sir John Gates, and Sir Thomas Palmer: which Palmer confessed the Faith he learned in the Gospel, and lamented that he had not lived more as became the Gospel.

The Queen had dissolved her Camp at Farmingham, consisting of fourteen thousand men, and prepared for her journey toward London. Being met on the way by the Princess Elizabeth, her Sister, attended with a thousand Horse, she entred London on the third of August. Taking possession of the Tower, she was first welcommed thither by Thomas, the old Duke of Norfolk, Anne Dutchess of Sommerset, Ed­ward Lord Courtney, eldest Son to the late Marquess of Exceter, and Dr. Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, all which she lifted from the ground, called them her Prisoners, gratiously kissing them, and restoring them shortly after to their former liberty. Taking the Great Seal from Dr. Goodrick, Bishop of Ely, within two days after she gave it for the present to Sir Nicholas Hare, whom she made Master of the Rolls, and afterwards committed it together with the Title of Lord Chancellor to the said Bishop of Winchester, then actually restored to that See.

Having performed the obsequies of her Brother, on the ninth and tenth, she removes her Court to Whitehal; on September she passeth thence to the Tower by Water, attended by her Sister, and a great Train of Noble Ladies, and made her return through the principal Streets of the same City, on the last of the same moneth, in a most stately man­ner: and the next day proceeded in like pomp to the Abbey-Church at Westminster, where she was met by the Silver Crosses, Dr. P. Heylins History of Queen Mary. and eighty Singing-men, all in rich Coaps (so sudden a recruit was made of these sacred Vestments) among whom went the new Dean of Westminster, Dr. Weston, and diverse Chaplains of her own, each of them bearing in their hand some ensign or other. After them marched ten Bishops (which were all as remained of her perswasion) with their Miters, rich Coaps, and Crosier-staves. The Sermon was preached by Doctor Day, whom she had restored to the See of Chichester. The solemnity of the Corona­tion was performed by the Bishop of Winchester, the new Lord Chan­cellor. Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, being then committed to the Tower. Till this time none was more dear to her than her Sister, the Lady Elizabeth, but after her Coronation she estranged her self from her.

She preferred Henry Ratcliff, Earl of Sussex, to the society of the Garter, which honour she conferred on his Son Thomas after his decease, [Page 182] and to be covered in her presence at all times and places, according to the custom of the Grandees in the Realm of Spain. She also advanced the Earl of Arundel, to the Office of Lord Steward. She made Sir Ed­ward Hastings Master of the Horse, and Knight of the Carter, and af­terwards Lord Chamberlain of the Houshold, and Lord Hastings of Loughborough. She honoured Sir John Williams, with the Title of Lord Williams of Thame. She preferred Sir Henry Jerningham, to be Cap­tain of her Guard: and afterwards Sir Thomas Tresham was created Lord Prior of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. She preferred her old Servants, Hopton, her old Chaplain, to the See of Norwich, Ro­chester, to be Comptroller of her Houshold, Inglefield to be Master of the Wards, and Walgrave to be Master of the Wardrobe.

Sir John Gage (a zealous Papist) was made Lord Chamberlain of her Houshold, when she came first to the Tower. Bishop Bonner was dis­charged of the Marshalsey, and Bishop Tunstal from the King's Bench, within two days after. Bonner is restored to his See of London, and Tunstal to Durham, and an Act of Parliament procured for the restoring of the Church of Durham to all its Lands, and Jurisdictions, of which it stood divested by the late Act of Dissolution, made in the last year of the deceased King.

Coverdale was displaced from the See of Exeter, Scory from that of Chichester, and Hooper from the Commendatory of the See of Worcester: to which Sees Voisy, Day, and Heath, were again restored. The like course also followed for the depriving of all Deans, Dignitaries, and Pa­rochial Ministers, who had succeeded into any of those preferments, during the Reign of the two last Kings.

Doctor Cox was on August 5. brought to the Marshalsey, and spoi­led of his Deaneries of Christ-church and Westminster, to make room for Doctor Richard Marshal in the one, and Doctor Hugh Weston in the other.

Peter Martyr coming from Oxford to London, where for a time he was commanded to keep his House, but was soon after suffered to return into his own Countrey.

A Letter was sent at the same time to the Mayor of Coventry, to set at liberty Hugh Simons, if he would recant his Sermon, or else to stay him.

A little before Mr. Bradford, Mr. Vernon, and Mr. Beacon, Preachers were committed to the Tower: A Letter was sent to the Sheriffs of Buck­ingham and Bedford, for the apprehending Mr. Fisher, Parson of Amer­sham: Another Letter was sent to the Bishop of Norwich, not to suffer any to Preach or Expound openly the Scriptures, without special License from the Queen. Mr. John Rogers, Preacher, was confined to his own house.

Hooper and Coverdale being cited to appear before the Lords of the Council, did appear. Hooper was committed to the Fleet, and Cover­dale commanded to attend the pleasure of the Lords.

Fisher of Amersham, and Hugh Sanders, Vicar of St. Michaels in Co­ventry, appeared also before the Council.

Hugh Latimer appeared also, and was committed to the Tower.

Doctor Bourn, Archdeacon of London, Preaching at Pauls Cross, in favour of Bishop Bonner (there present at the Sermon) inveighed against some proceedings in the time of the late King Edward,: which so in­censed the people, that a great tumult arose upon it, some pelting with Stones, others crying aloud, Pull him down; and one (who could never be known) flinging a Dagger at his Head, which after was found sticking in a post of the Pulpit. The Preacher with difficulty was secu­red in a School adjoyning: By reason of which tumult the Lords of the Council with the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, took order, that every Housholder should cause their Children and Apprentices to keep their own Parish-churches upon Holidays: order was taken for preventing the like Tumult on the Sunday following. A Sermon was Preached at the Cross by Doctor Watson, who (afterwards was Bishop of Lincoln) for whose security many Lords of the Council were there present, and Jerningham, Captain of the Guard with two hundred of his Yeomen, standing round about the Pulpit with their Halberts.

Then care was taken, that nothing should be Preached in private Churches, contrary to the Doctrine which was, and should be Taught at the Cross, by them which were appointed to it. It was further ordered, that every Alderman in his Ward should send for the Curates of every Church within their Liberties, and warn them not onely to forbear Preaching themselves, but also not to suffer any other to Preach, or make any open reading of Scripture in their Churches, unless the said Preachers were severally Licensed by the Queen.

For eight weeks after the Proclaiming of Mary Queen, Protestan­tism and Popery were together set on foot, the former hoping to be continued, the latter labouring to be restored. Seeing by the fidelity of the Norfolk and Suffolk Protestant Gentry, the Queen was much ad­vantaged for the speedy recovering of her Right, they conceived, 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 Queens private practice, and publick counte­nance.

The Queen on August 18. puts forth a Proclamation, declaring her self for the Popish Religion, which she resolves to observe for her self, wishing her Subjects to follow her example, yet that she mindeth not to compel any thereunto, until such time as further order by common Assent may be taken therein: forbidding all her Subjects to move Sediti­ons [Page 184] at their perils; and the Printing of any Book, Rhyme, Enterlude, or Treatise, without her special License for the same: and likewise to Preach, or by way of reading in Churches, or other publick or pri­vate places (except in Schools of the Universities) to Interpret or Teach any Scripture, or any points of Doctrine concerning Re­ligion.

Hereupon many of the people in divers places, received their old Religion, erected again their Altars, and used the Mass, and Latin Ser­vice, as was wont to be in King Henrie's time.

In Cambridge the Vice-chancellor chalenged one Peirson, on Octob. 3. for officiating the Communion, in his own Parish Church, in the English Tongue: and on the 26. displaced Doctor Madew, Master of Clare­hall, for being Married. In like manner, some of the Popish party in King's Colledge, on the 28th of the same moneth, officiated the Divine Service in the Latin Tongue.

At Oxford, John Jewel was chosen to pen the first gratulatory Let­ter to the Queen, in the name of the University, an Office imposed on him by his Enemies. Doctor Tresham, a Van-currier, before au­thority, repaired the great Bell in Christ-church and named it Mary.

Harley, Bishop of Hereford, and Taylor of Lincoln (two of the last of King Edward's Bishops) were present at the opening of the Par­liament, Octob. 10. But no sooner was the Mass begun (though not then restored by any Law) than they left the Church. For which the Bishop of Lincoln, being first examined, and making profession of his Faith, prevented the malice of his enemies by a timely Death. And Harley (upon information of his Marriage) was presently excluded from the Parliament-house, and not long after from his Bishoprick also.

Hereupon Bishop Barlow of Wells, and Scory of Chichester, pas­sed beyond the Seas, followed not long after by Bishop Poinet of Winchester.

On November 3. Archbishop Cranmer was arraigned at the Guild­hall in London, with the Lord Guilford Dudley, the late Queen Jane, his Wife, and others, all of them being attainted and condemned of Treason.

After Peter Martyr had quit the Realm, his Wive's Body having been buried in the Church of St. Frideswid, was afterward by pub­lick order taken out of the Grave, and buried in a common dung­hill.

John a Lasco, was forced to dissolve his Congregation, and He with his Strangers to quit the Countrey: The like hast made the French Protestants also. At which time many of the English (as well Stu­dents as others) departed also. The principal of those were Katherine, [Page 185] the last Wife of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, Robert Berty Esq Husband to the Dutchess, the Bishops of Winchester and Wells (as before was said) Sir Richard Morison, Sir Anthany Cook, and Sir John Cheek, Doctor Cox, Doctor Sands, and Doctor Grindal.

The News of Queen Maries succeeding her Brother to the Crown of England, posted to Rome, and was very welcome to Pope Julius the Third, because it gave him some assurance of his re-admission into the Power and Jurisdiction of his Predecessors in the Realm of England; in pursuance of which hopes, it was resolved, that Cardinal Pool should be sent Legate into England, who being of the Blood-royl, and a man of eminent Learning and of exemplary life, was looked on as the fittest Instrument to reduce that Kingdom.

The Parliaments first Act was to take away all Statutes passed by the two last Kings, wherein certain Offences had been made High Treason, and others brought within the compass of a Pramunire. This was done especially for Pool's security; that neither He by exercising his au­thority, nor the Clergy by submitting to it, might be entangled in the like snares, as Cardinal Wolsey, and the whole Clergy of his time had be­fore been caught.

Then an Act was passed for repealing certain Statutes of King Ed­ward: thereby they took away all former Statutes for administring the Sacraments in both kinds, for establishing the first and second Litur­gy, &c. In a word! by this one blow the Queen cut down all that had been done in the Reformation in seven years before. And then for want of Canonical Ordination on the one side, and under colour of Uncanonical Marriages on the other, there was presently such a remove among the Bishops and Clergy, as it is not any where to be paralelled in so short a time.

An Act was passed likewise, Entitled, An Act against offenders of Preachers, &c which two Acts were seconded by the Queen, with two Proclamations, December 5. By one of which it was declared, that all Statutes made in the time of the late King Edward, which concerned Religion, were repealed by Parliament: and therefore that the Mass should be said as formerly, to begin on the twentieth of that moneth. And by the other it was commanded, that no person should dare from thenceforth to disturb any Priests in saying Mass, or executing any other Divine Office. Accordingly the Mass was publickly officiated in all parts of the Kingdom, and so continued during the Reign of the Queen without interruption.

Another Act was passed, wherein it was Enacted, That the Marriage between King Henry the Eighth, and Queen Katherine, his first Wife, was lawful, and to stand with God's Laws and his Holy Word, &c. That the Decree of Divorce heretofore passed between the said King Henry, and the said Queen, by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, [Page 186] should be reputed to be void and null, with a Repeal of all such Statutes, wherein the Queen had been declared to be Illegitimate.

There also past another Act, in which there was a clause for the in­validating of all such Commissions as had been granted in the time of the late Queen Jane, and one in confirming the Attainders of the late Duke of Northumberland, Thomas Archbishop of Canterbu­ry, &c.

Together with this Parliament the Queen summoned a Convocation, that all matters of Religion might first be debated and concluded in a Synodical way, before they were offered to the Parliament. In the Writs of which Summons, Heylin. Hist. of Q. Mary. she retained the Title of Supreme Head on Earth of the Church of England, &c. the want whereof in those of the present Parliament occasioned dispute among some of the Members; Whether they might lawfully proceed, or not, in such publick business as were to be propounded to them in that Session. The Presidentship of the Convocetion was transferred upon Bishop Bonner, priviledged in re­spect of his See to preside in all such Provincial Synods, which were either held during the vacancy of the See of Canterbury, or in the neces­sary absence of the Metropolitan.

The lower House of the Clergy also was fitted with a Prolocutor of the same affections, Doctor Hugh Weston, Dean of Westminster, in the place of Doctor Cox. So partially had the elections been returned from the several Diocesses, that we find none of King Edward's Cler­gy among the Clerks; and but six of the Deans and Dignitaries to have suffrage in the Convocation, viz. James Haddon, Dean of Exeter; Walter Philips, Dean of Rochester; John Philpot, Archdeacon of Win­chester; John Elmer, Archdeacon of Stow, in the Diocess of Lincoln; Richard Cheiney, Archdeacon of Hereford; one more mentioned by Mr. Fox, without a name, joyned himself to the other five in the dispu­tation.

The Prolocutor would admit of no more, though desired by Philpot, that some of the Divines which had the passing of the Book of Articles, in King Edward's time, might be assembled with them in the defence thereof.

The main point in debate, concernded the manner of Christ's pre­sence in the Sacrament: It was not denied by Philpot, and his Brethren, That Christ was present in the Sacrament rightly administred, according to his Institution, but onely that He was not present in the gross and carnal manner, which They of the Popish party had before subscribed unto. Six dys the disputation lasted, but to little effect At length Weston put an end to the dispute, saying, It is not the Queen's pleasure, that we should spend any longer time in these debates, and yet are well enough already: For you (saith He) have the Word, and we have the Sword.

After the end of the Evensong on St. Katherine's day, Bonner caused the Quire of St. Paul's to go about the Steeple, singing with lights af­ter the old custom. And on St. Andrew's day, next following, he be­gan the Procession in Latin himself, with many Parsons and Curates, and the whole Quire, together with the Lord Mayor and divers of the Aldermen, the Prebendaries of the Church, attired in their old gray Amises (as they used to call them) in which manner they continued it for three days after: on January 14. he restored the solemn Sunday's procession about the Church, with the Mayor and Aldermen, the Preach­er taking his Benediction in the midst of the Church, according to the antient custom; likewise he sent out his Mandates to all Parsons and Curates within his Diocese; for taking the names of all such as would not come the Lent following to Auricular Confession, and receive at Easter: he likewise enjoyned the blotting out of all such paintings, and sentences of holy Scripture, as had been pensiled on the Church-walls in King Edward's days.

Mr. Jewel continued some weeks in Broad-gates Hall, whither his Scholars repaired unto him, whom he instructed in Learning and Reli­gion: He had not long lived there, Fuller. Church History of Q. Mary. but being perswaded by the Popish Inquisitors to subscribe, he took a pen in his Hand, and smiling said, Have you a mind to see how well I can write? and thereupon under-writ their Opinions.

The Papists trusted him not any whit the more for this his subscripti­on. His life being way-laid for, with great difficulty he escaped into Germany. But on a Sunday after his Forenoon-sermon (by the ad­vice of Dr. Edwin Sandys, afterwards Archbishop of York, Mr. Cham­bers, and Mr. Sampson, his bosom Friends) in the Congregation of Franckfort, he bitterly bewailed his fall, and heartily requested pardon from God and his people, whom thereby he he had of­fended.

On November 20. the Mayor of Coventry sent up to the Lords of the Council, one Baldwin Cleark, John Careless, Thomas Wilcocks, and Richard Estlin; Careless and Wilcocks were committed to the Gate-house, and Cleark and Estlin to the Marshalsey.

In the moneth of December the Parliament broke up, in which there was a Communication of Marriage betwixt the Emperor's Son Philip, and the Queen. In th mean-while Cardinal Pool hasteneth toward England. The Emperor invites him to come into Germany by his way, and entertains him with great shew of Honour, Petri. Church Hist. Cent. 16. untill by his Ambassador he had finished a Contract of Marriage between his Son Philip and Queen Mary.

This match was generally distasted. To hinder it Sir Thomas Wyat, a Kentish Knight, took Armes with a great party assisting him. But albeit he wanted neither, Wit, Wealth, Learning, yet all were ill-employed [Page 188] about him. Wyat demandeth the Person of the Queen, the Tower of London to be committed unto him, with power to displace evil Counsellors; his demands were refused with scorn. Queen Mary came to Guildhall, and there made a long Oration, which secured the affections of the Citizens unto her.

Wyat came up to London. He was taken at Temple-bar, carried thence be examined, and thence to the Tower to be committed. Some days after, he suffered penitently and patiently on the Scaffold, condemning his own Act.

Of his complices were hanged fifty persons, and four hundred more led through the City with halters about their necks to West­minster, where they were all pardoned in the Tilt-yard by the Queen.

Doctor Crome, for his Preaching without License on Christmas day, was committed to the Fleet; Thomas Wotton Esquire, was for matters of Religion committed also to the Fleet.

The Duke of Suffolk, Father to the Lady Jane, but lately par­doned of life in the midst of the Kentish tumult, secretly departeth into Leicester and Warwick-shires, instigating the people to withstand the Queen's Marriage agreed upon with Philip. Speeds Chron. in Q. Mary. The Duke was be­trayed by one Ʋnderwood, his Servant, in Ashley-park, with his Bro­ther John Lord Gray, unto the Earl of Huntington, whence they were by him convayed prisoners to the Tower of London. This seem­ed to hasten the death of the Lady Jane and the Lord Guilford her Husband, who were both beheaded, February 12. 1554. he was be­headed on a Scaffold on Tower-hill, and she upon the Green within the Tower. Two days before her death Mr. Fecknam was sent unto her, by the Queen, to reduce her to the Popish Religion, whom she constantly, and with great power of God's Spirit, resisted. Eleven days after, her death, her Father the Duke of Suffolk, was beheaded on Tower-hill.

And on April 23. his Brother, the Lord Thomas Gray suffered death in the same place.

Now for putting the Affairs of the Church into a posture, Articles are sent into every Diocese, and Letters writ unto their several and respective Bishops on the third of March, to see them carefully put in execution: the substance whereof were,

• 1. That the Ecclesiastical Laws of King Henry the Eighth, should be put in practice, being not directly against the Laws and Statutes of the Realm.
• 2. That no Bishop do use the Clause (in any of their Ecclesiastical wri­tings) Regia authoritate fulcitus.
• 3. That no Sacramentary be admitted to Benefice.
• [Page 189]4. That all Bishops do labour to suppress Heresies, especially in the Clergy.
• 5. That they should suppress all unlawfull Books and writings.
• 6. The next Article was against Priests Marriages, and that such as would depart from their Wives, should be admitted to the same function.
• 7. That for want of Priests, one Priest should serve two places.
• 8. That Processions be used.
• 9. That Holy-days and Fasts be frequented.
• 10. That the Ceremonies be used, and Confirmation of Children be put in practice.

In the same moneth of March the Lord Courtney (whom the Queen at her first entry delivered out of the Tower) and the Lady Eliza­beth also, the Queen's Sister, were both (by the suggestion of Ste­phen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester) suspected to have been of Wyat's Conspiracy, and for the same were apprehended and sent to the Tower, although Wyat at his death cleared them both, as unacquainted with the matter. Many trains were laid to ensnare the Lady Elizabeth; And being on a time asked, what she thought of the swords of Christ, This is my Body; whether she thought, it is the true Body of Christ? it is said, that after some pausing, she thus An­swered.

One Elizabeth Crofts, about eighteen years old, was by practice put into a Wall (and therefore called, The Spirit in the Wall) who with a whistle made for that purpose, whistled out many Seditious words against the Queen, the Prince of Spain, the Mass, Confes­sion, &c. for which she did Penance, standing upon a Scaffold at Pauls Cross, all the Sermon-time, where she made open Confession of her fault.

Queen Mary altereth her stile, leaving out the latter part of her Title, which is, Supreme Head of the Church of England and Ireland, because in this Parliament holden at Westminster in April, the Supre­macy being given away from the Crown of England to the Pope, there­upon this Parcel of the Title was also taken away.

Then followed a communication between Bishop Ridley, and Secre­tary Bourn, Mr. Fecknam and others at the Lieutenants Table in the Tower, (described at large by Mr. Fox) touching the Sacrament. [Page 190] On April 10. Archbishop Cranmer, Bishop Ridley, and Latimer were sent down to Oxford by the Lord Williams of Thame, there to dispute with the Divines of both Universities, about the presence, substance, and sacrifice of the Sacrament. Of Oxford, Dr. Weston prolocutor, Dr. Tresham, Dr. Cole, Dr. Oglethorp, Doctor Pie, Doctor Harpsfield, Mr. Fecknam. Of Cambridge, Dr. Young Vice-Chancellor, Doctor Glyn, Dr. Seaton, Dr. Watson, Dr. Sedgwick, Dr. Atkinson. The Questi­ons whereon they should Dispute, were these, 1. Whether the na­tural body of Christ be really in the Sacrament after the words of Consecration be spoken by the Priest? 2. Whither any substance do remain after the words, saving the body and blood? 3. Whither the mass be a sacrifice propitiatory? The order and manner of the di­sputation against these three worthy Martyrs, the disordered usage of the University men, the rude tumult of the multitude, the fierceness and interruption of the Doctors, the full pith and ground of all their Arguments the Censure of the Judges, the railing Language of the Prolocutor, with his blast of triumph in the latter end, is set forth fully by Mr. Fox

The disputation being ended, on April 20. they were again brought upon the stage, and then demanded, whether they would persist in their opinion, or else recant? And affirming that they would persist, they were all Three adjudged Hereticks, and condemned to the fire, but their execution was respited to a longer time.

May 19. the Lady Elizabeth was brought out of the Tower, and committed to the custody of the Lord of Thame, who gently en­treated her: afterwards she was had to Woodstock, and there committed to the keeping of Sir Henry Bennefield, who dealt hardly with her.

Prince Philip arriveth at Southampton, July 20. 1554. and on the twenty third came to Winchester, where the Queen met him, and on the twenty fifth day the marriage between them there was openly So­lemnized. At which time the Emperour's Ambassadour presented to the King a donation of the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, which the Emperour, his Father had resigned unto him. Which presently was signified, and the Titles of the King and Queen Proclaimed by sound of Trumpet in this following Style. Philip and Mary by the Grace of God, King and Queen of England, France, Naples, Jerusalem, Ire­land, Defenders of the Faith, Princes of Spain and Sicily, Archdukes of Austria, Dukes of Milan, Burgundy and Brabant, Counts of Au­spurg, Flanders, and Tirrol, &c. At the Proclaiming of which Style (which was performed in French, Latine and English) the King and Queen shewed themselves hand in hand with two Swords born before them for the greater State, or in regard of their distinct capacity in the Publick Government. From Winchester they removed to Basing, [Page 191] and so to Windsor, where Philip on August the fifth was Installed Knight of the Garter: On the eleventh of the same Moneth they made a Magnificent Passage through the Principal Streets of the City of London. The King prevailed with the Queen for discharge of such Prisoners as stood committed in the Tower, either for matter of Reli­gion, or on the account of Wyat's Rebellion, or for engaging in the practice of the Duke of Northumberland: which was done according­ly, among which were the Arcbishop of York, ten Knights, and many other persons of name and quality. He also procured the enlargement of the Lady Elizabeth, and of the Earl of Devonshire, who travel­led through France into Italy, and died at Padua, Anno 1556. the eleventh and last Earl of Devonshire of that Noble Family of the Courtneys.

Marriage and Heresie were the crimes of Holgate, Archbishop of York, for which being deprived during his imprisonment in the Tower, Dr. Nicholas Heath succeeded him in the See of York, and leaves the Bi­shoprick of Worcester to Doctor Richard Pates, who had been nomi­nated by King Henry VIII. Anno 1534. and having spent the in­tervening twenty years in the Court of Rome, returned a true servant to the Pope. Goodrick of Ely died April. 10. leaving that Bishoprick to Dr. Thomas Thurlby, Bishop of Norwich. And Dr. John Hopton is made Bishop of Norwich, Doctor Gilbert Bourn, Heylin's Hist. of Q. Mary. Archdeacon of Lon­don, is made Bishop of Wells, Harley of Hereford is succeeded by Pure­fay of S. Asaph; Old Bush of Bristol, and Bird of Chester (the two first Bishops of those Sees) were deprived also. The first succeeded to by Holiman, once a Monk of Reading: the last by Coles, Master of Ba­liol Colledge in Oxford. Dr. Randolph Bayn, who had been Hebrew Reader in Paris in the time of King Francis, was Consecrated Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield.

The Parliament began Novemb. 12. where a way was opened for Cardinal Poole's Reception by preparing a Bill, whereby he was to be discharged of the Attainder which had passed upon him, Anno 1539. restored in Blood, and rendred Capable of all those Rights and Privi­ledges, of which he had stood possessed in this Kingdom. This Bill was quickly passed into an Act, and on Novemb. 24. the Cardinal came first to London. Then it was concluded, by both Houses of Par­liament, that a petition should be made in the name of the Kingdom, wherein should be declared, how sorry they were, that they had with­drawn their obedience from the Apostolick See, and consenting to the Statutes made against it, promising to endeavour hereafter, that the said Lawes and Statutes should be repealed, beseeching the King and Queen to intercede with his Holiness for their Absolution. Then the Cardinal having read his Authority given him from the Pope, they all kneeled upon their knees, and imploring the mercy of God, received [Page 192] Absolution for themselves and the rest of the Kingdom; Which Abso­lution was pronounced in these words ‘Our Lord Jesus Christ, which with his most pretious blood hath redeem­ed us from all our sins, &c. and whom the Father hath appointed Head over all his Church, absolve you. And we by Apostolick Au­thority given unto us (by the most holy Lord Pope Julius the third, His Vicegerent here on earth) do absolve and deliver you, and eve­ry of you, with the whole Realm and the Dominions thereof, from all heresie and schism, and from every judgement, censure, and pain, for that cause incurred. And also we do restore you again unto the unity of Our Mother the Holy Church. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.’

Which words of His being seconded with a loud Amen, by such as were present, he concluded the dayes work with a solemn Procession to the Chappel, for rendring thanks to God. Then did the Cardinal dispence with much irregularity in several persons, confirming the In­stitution of Clergy-men in their Benefices, legitimating the Chi [...]dren of forbidden Marriages, ratifying the processes and sentences in matters Ecclesiastical: and his dispensations were confirmed by Acts of Parlia­ment. Then was Anthony Brown, Viscount Montacute, Thursby Bi­shop of Ely, and Sir Edward Carn, sent on a gratulatory Embassie to Pope Paul IV. to tender England's thanks for the favours conferr'd thereon.

The Convocation that then was held, knew that the Cardinal was to be entreated, not to insist upon the restoring of Church-lands, rather to confirm the Lords and Gentry in their present possessions. And to that end a Petition is presented to both their Majesties, Heylin. Hist. of Q. Mary. that they would be pleased to intercede with the Cardinal concerning it: Which Petition was offered to the Legate in the name of the whole Convocation by the Lord Chancellor, the Prolocutor, and six others of the Lower House. Concerning which the Legate was not ignorant, that a Message had been sent to the Pope in the name of the Parliament, to desire a confir­mation of the Sale of all the Lands belonging to Abbies, Chanteries, &c. or otherwise to let him know, that nothing could be granted on his be­half. And it is likely, they received some fair promises to that effect, in regard that on New-years day next following, the Act for restoring the Pope's Supremacy was passed in both Houses of Parliament. The whole matter being transacted to the content of all parties (the poor Protestants excepted only) on January 25. there was a solemn proces­sion throughout London, to praise God for their Conversion to the Ca­tholick Church: wherein were ninety Crosses, an hundred and Sixty Priests and Clerks, each of them attired in his Cope, and after them [Page 193] eight Bishops in their Pontificalibus, followed by Bonner carrying the Popish Pix under a Canopy, and attended by the Lord Mayor and Com­panies in their several Liveries. Which Procession being ended, they all returned to S. Paul's Church, where the King and Cardinal, together with all the rest, heard Mass, and the next day the Parliament and Convo­cation were dissolved.

The English Ambassadours came to Rome on the first day of the Papacy of Pope Paul IV. and in the first consistory after his Inauguration they were brought before him, who granted the pardon desired, and lo­vingly embraced the Ambassadours, and as an over plus, the Pope con­ferred the Title of King's of Ireland on their Majesties. In his private discourses with the Ambassadours, he said that the Church-goods ought to be wholly restored, saying also that his Authority was not such, as to profane things dedicated unto God. He also told them, that the Peter­pence ought to be paid as soon as might be, and that according to the cu­stom, he would send a collector for that purpose. He closed his di­scourse with this, that they could not hope, that S. Peter would open to them the Gates of Heaven, as long as they usurped his goods on earth.

A rumour was spread of the Queen's being with Child, and that she was quick, and thereupon Letters were sent from the Lords of the Coun­cil to Bonner Bishop of London, that prayers and thanksgivings should be made in all Churches. The Parliament also while it was sitting, pas­sed an Act, desiring the King that if the Queen should fail, he would be pleased to take upon him the Education of the Child. Set forms of prayer were also made for her safe delivery. Great preparations were also made of all things necessary against the time of her delivery. And upon a sudden rumour of her being delivered, the Bells were rung, and Bonfires made in most parts of London. But it proved in fine that the Queen neither was with Childe for the present, nor had any hopes of be­ing so for the time to come.

A Gun was shot at one Doctor Pendleton, as He Preached at Paul's Cross, June 10. 1554, the pellet whereof went very neer him, but the Gunner was not to be heard of. Upon which the Queen published a Proclamation prohibiting the shooting with hand-guns, and the bearing of weapons. A little before this, some had caused a Cat to be hanged upon the Gallows, near the Cross in Cheapside, with her head shorn, the likeness of a vestment cast upon her, and her two feet tyed toge­ther, holding between them a piece of Paper, in form of a Wafer, tending to the disgrace of the Popish Religion. Then were some Antient Statutes revived that were made in the time of King Richard the second, Henry the fourth, and Henry the fifth, for the severe punishment of ob­stinate Hereticks, even to death it self, and an Act was passed for that purpose.

Hereupon followed, that Inquisition for Blood, which raged in Lon­don, and more or less was exercised in most parts of the Kingdom. Mr. John Rogers, a Learned man, and a great companion of that Tyn­dal, by whom the Bible was translated into English in the time of King Henry, after whose Martyrdom, he retired to Wittenberg in the Duke­dome of Saxony, where he abode till King Edward's coming to the Crown, and was by Bishop Ridley presented to the Lecture of S. Paul's, and made one of the Prebendaries. He was convented, and condemned, and publickly burnt in Smithfield on Feb. 4 He was the first Martyr in Queen Mary's dayes: On the nineth day of which moneth John Hooper late Bishop of Glocester, was burnt in that City. The like course was taken with Bishop Farrar, Bishop of S. David's, but that I do not find him restrained from speaking his mind unto the people as the other was. He was cast into prison by the Protestants in King Edward's days. Being continued in prison in Queen Mary's dayes, and called before Bishop Gardiner, he gave such offence, that he was sent back again to prison, and being sent back into his own Diocess, he there received the sentence of condemnation at the hand of Morgan, who had supplanted and succeeded him in the See of S. David's. He desisted not till he had brought him to the Stake.

On Feb. 8. Laurence Saunders, an excellent preacher, was burnt at Coventry, where he had spent the greatest part of his Ministry. On Feb. 9. Anno 1555. Doctor Rowland Tailor was burned at Hadley, the Town whereof he was Pastor, where calling on the name of God, he endured the Torment, till one Soice with an Halbert struck him on the Head, that the brains fell out; and the dead Corpse fell into the fire. Thomas Tomkins on March 16. suffered in Smithfield. William Hunter an Apprentice of nineteen years of age was burnt at Burntwood in Essex.

Speeds Chron. of Q. Mary.Within the compass of less than four years there died for the testimo­nial of their conscience for the truth, no less than two hundred seventy and seven persons.

In the heat of the fire were consumed five Bishops, one and twenty Divines, eight Gentlemen, eighty four Artificers, one hundred Hus­band-men and Labourers; twenty six Married-women, twenty wi­dows, nine Virgins, two Boys, and two Infants, one of them whip­ped to death by Bishop Bonner, and the other springing out of his mo­ther's womb from the stake as she burned, was by the Serjeants thrown again into the fire.

Ridley and Latimer were both degraded on Octob. 15. and brought unto the stake in the Town-ditch in Oxford, over against Baliol-colledge on the morrow after, where with great courage and constancy they en­dured that death, to which they had been precondemned before they were heard. Cranmer was a prisoner at that time in the North-gate of [Page 195] the City, called Bocardo, from the top whereof he beheld that most doleful Spectacle, and casting himself down on his Knees, he humbly entreated the Lord to give them strength of faith and hope, which he also desired for himself, whensoever he should Act his part on that bloody Theater.

When Ridley understood Hooper (before his Execution) to have been marked out for the slaughter, he remembred that controversie which had been between them in the time of King Edward about the Episcopal Habit, and thought it not enough if he left not to the world some testi­mony of their mutual Charity, as well as their consent in Doctrine. Con­cerning which he wrote to him in this manner following.

Comforted with Reciprocal Letters of this holy nature, they both prepared themselves for death, in which Hooper had the honour to lead the way, as hath been shewn.

It is memorable, that the same day in which Bishop Ridley, and La­timer were burnt at Oxford, Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, would not go to dinner till four oClock in the afternoon, though the old Duke of Norfolk was come to dine with him. The reason was, because he would first hear of their being burnt. And as soon as word of that was brought unto him, he presently said, now let us go to dinner: where sitting down, and eating merrily, upon a sudden he fell into such extremity, that he was fain to be taken from the Table, and carried to his bed, where he continued fifteen dayes without voyding any thing [Page 196] by Urine, or otherwise, which caused his Tongue to swell in his Mouth. He died at Whitehall, November the twelfth, from whence conveyed by water to his house in Southwark, his body was first lapt in Lead, kept for a season in the Church of St. Saviours and afterwards solemnly in­terred, under a fair and goodly Monument, in his Cathedral. The cu­stody of the Great Seal, with the Title of Lord Chancellor, was, upon New-years-day, conferred upon Doctor Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York. But the Revenues of the Bishoprick were appropriated to the use of the Cardinal-Legat. But Doctor John White, Bishop of Lincoln, having been born at Winchester, and educated in that School, of which he was afterward chief Master, and finally Warden of that Colledge, so far prevailed, by his Friends at Court, that, on the promise of an an­nual Pension of a thousand pounds, to the use of the Cardinal, he was permitted to enjoy the Title, with the rest of the profits. But he was not actually translated till the next year following. Voisy, Bishop of Exeter dies, and Doctor James Turbervil succeedeth him.

Queen Mary caused that clause of Prayer [ That God would deliver the Kingdom from sedition, Thuan [...] Histor. lib. 13. and tyranny of the Church of Rome] to be blotted out of the Litany: and would not suffer her Father's name to be mentioned in publick Prayers, because he had made Apostasie from the Church.

She restored all Ecclesiastical Livings, assumed to the Crown, saying, That she set more by the salvation of her Soul, than she did by ten King­doms.

And shortly after John Fecknam, late Dean of St. Paul's, was made Abbot of Westminster, and had possession delivered him, and with him fourteen Monks received the Habit at the same time.

Doctor Henry Cole was made Dean of St. Paul's.

Besides those that suffered in the flames for the Gospel, in this Queens dayes, sixty four more were persecuted for their Faith and Profession, whereof seven were whipped, Fuller. Church History. sixteen perished in prison, and were bu­ried in dunghils: many lay in captivity condemned, but were released by the happy entrance of Queen Elizabeth, and many fled the Land in those dayes of distress; among whom were many persons of Quality, as Katharine, Dutchess of Suffolk, last Wife of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, with her Husband, Richard Berty Esquire, Sir John Cheeke, Sir Richard Morison, of Caishobury in Hertford-shire, Sir Francis Knol­lys, afterwards Privy Counsellor to Queen Elizabeth; Sir Anthony Cook, Father-in-law to Cecil, after Lord Burghley, and famous for his learned Daughters; Sir Peter Carew, renowned for his Valour in Ireland, where he died, Anno 1576. Sir Thomas Wroth, of Middlesex, the Lady Dorothy Stafford, afterwards of the Bed-chamber to Queen Elizabeth, and the Lady Elizabeth Berkley.

Some of the English Exiles seated themselves at Emden in East-Friz­land, a Staple Town of English Merchants. John Scory, late Bishop of Chichester, was Superintendent of the English Congregation in Emden.

Some setled themselves at Weasel, then in the Dominions of the Duke of Cleve, but bordering on the Low Countries in the King of Spain's possession: but they quickly left this place: some of them went to Ar­row, a small City in Switzerland, on the banks of the River Arrola, belonging to Bern. The most eminent English seated themselves at Stras­burgh, as James Haddon, Edwyn Sandys, Edmond Grindal, John Hun­tington, Guido Eaton, John Geoffry, John Peader, Thomas Eaton, Mi­chael Raymuger, Augustine Bradbridge, Arthur Saule, Thomas Steward, Christopher Goodman, Thomas Lakin, Humfrey Alcocson, Thomas Crafton. Some went to Zuric, stiled the Students at Zuric, viz. Robert Horn, Richard Chambers, Thomas Leaver, Nicholas Carvil, John Mullings, Thomas Spencer, Thomas Bentham, William Cole, John Parkhurst, Roger Kelk, Robert Beaumont, Laurence Humfrey, Henry Cockcraft, John Pretio.

At Franckford on the Meine was the most conspicuous English Church beyond the Seas, consisting of John Bale, Edmond Sutton, John Make­bray, William Whittingham, Thomas Cole, William Williams, George Chidley, William Hammon, Thomas Steward, Thomas Wood, John Staun­ton, William Walton, Jasper Swift, John Geoffry, John Gray, Michael Gill, John Fox, Laurence Kent, William Kethe, John Hollingham, John Samford, John Wood, Thomas Sorby, Anthony Carier, Hugh Alford, George Whetnal, Thomas Whetnal, Edward Sutton.

Besides these (the first Founders of these Congregations) many ad­ditional persons, coming afterward out of England, joyned themselves thereunto.

Now followed the sad troubles of Frankford, rending these Exiles in­to divers Factions: The English had a Church granted unto them in co­parcenie with the French Protestants, they one day, and the English another. Which was granted them with this proviso, That they should not dissent from the French in Doctrine or Ceremony, lest thereby they should minister occasion of offence.

The English constituted their new Church, chusing a Minister and Deacons for a time, and, out of conformity to the French, abrogated many things, formerly used by them in the Church of England.

1. They concluded there should be no answering aloud after the Mi­nister.

2. That the Litany, Surplice, &c. should be omitted.

3. Instead of the English Confession, they used another, framed ac­cording to the state and time.

[Page 198]4. The same ended, the people sang a Psalm in metre in a plain tune.

5. That done, the Minister prayed for the assistance of God's Spirit, and so proceeded to the Sermon.

6. After Sermon a general Prayer for all States, and particularly for England was devised.

7. Then followed a Rehearsal of the Articles of Belief, which ended, the people sang another Psalm.

8. Lastly, The Minister pronounced the Blessing, and so the people departed.

Thus setled in their Church, they write Letters to all the English Con­gregations at Strasburgh, Zuric, Emden, &c. to invite them with all convenient speed to joyn with them at Franckford. This occasioned se­veral reiterated Letters from Franckford, requiring those of Zurich, to weigh the necessity of joyning themselves in one Congregation. Those of Zurich, by many dilatory Letters, excused themselves from coming thither. But the main reason was, those of Zurich were resolved to recede no whit from the Liturgy used in England under King Edward the sixth; and unless, coming thither they might be assured, they should have the full and free use thereof, they utterly refused any Communion with their Congregation.

Then came Mr. John Knox from Geneva, and was chosen by the Con­gregation at Frankford for their Pastor. At which time Mr. Chambers, and Mr. Edmond Grindal, came thither as Agents, with a Letter from the Congregation of Strasburgh. Troubles of Frankford. p. 24. These made a motion, that they might have the substance of the Common-prayer-book, though such Ceremonies, and things, which the Country could not bear, might well be omitted. But Knox and Whittingham were as much bent against the substance of the Book, as against any of the Circumstantials which belonged to it. Here­upon Grindal and Chambers return back again to Strasburgh.

Knox, and others in Frankford, drew up, in Latin, a platform of the English Liturgy, and sent it to Geneva, tendring it to the judgment of Mr. John Calvin: who answereth, that in the English Liturgy he had observed multas tolerabiles ineptias, many tolerable fooleries, adding, that there wanted that purity which was to be desired in it, that it con­tained many Relicks of Popish dregs; that seeing there was no manifest impiety in it, it had been tolerated for a season, because at first it could not otherwise be admitted. But howsoever! though it was lawful to begin with such beggarly rudiments, yet it behoved the learned, grave, and godly Ministers of Christ, to endeavour further, and set forth some­thing more refined from filth and rustiness.

This being sent unto Knox and Whittingham, those who formerly ap­proved, did afterwards dislike the English Liturgy. But in the end it [Page 199] was agreed on, that a mixt form, consisting partly of the order of Geneva, and partly of the Book of England, should be digested, and received till the first of April.

In this condition of affairs, Doctor Richard Cox, the late Dean of Christ-church, and Westminster, first School-master, and afterward Al­moner to King Edward the Sixth, putteth himself into Frankford, March 13. accompanied with many English Exiles. Being a man of great learning, of great authority in the Church, and one that had a principal hand in drawing up the Liturgy by Law established, he could not patiently bear these innovations in it. He thereupon first begins to answer the Minister, contrary to the order there agreed on, and the next Lord's-day after causeth one of his company to go into the Pulpit, and read the Litany. Against which doings of his Knox, in a Sermon the same day, inveigheth most bitterly, affirming many things in the Eng­lish book to be imperfect, and superstitious: for which he is both rebu­ked by Cox, and forbidden to preach. Hereupon Whittingham procureth an Order from the Magistrates, requiring that the English should conform themselves to the Rules of the French.

Cox his party being depressed, they accuse Knox to the State, for high Treason against the Emperor, in an English book of his, entitled, An Admonition to all Christians, first privately preached in Buckingham­shire, and now publickly printed to the world, wherein he called the Emperor no less an enemy to Christ, than Nero. Hereupon the State of Frankford willed Knox to depart the City, who on March 25. to the great grief of his Friends, left the Congregation, and retireth himself to Geneva. Whittingham and the rest of his party were commanded to receive the Book of England, against which Order Whittingham, for a time, opposeth, encouraged therein by Goodman; but finding Cox and his party too strong for them, they also left Franc [...]ford shortly after.

Then Doctor Cox and his Adherents proceed to elect Officers in the Congregation. Mr. Whitehead is chosen their Pastor, yet so, as two Ministers, four Elders, and four Deacons were joyned to assist him. And because this was then an University, as [...]ell as a Congregation, of the English, Mr. Robert Horn was chosen to be Hebrew Reader, Mr. Mullings to read the Greek Lecture, and Mr. Trahern the Lecture in Divinity.

Here a moderate motion was made, that the difference might be com­premised, and referred to Arbitrators; which should be equally chosen on both sides.

To this Doctor Cox his party would in no wise consent, and lost much reputation by the refusal.

The Names of those who separated themselves from this Congre­gation were as followeth.

• William Williams.
• William Whittingham.
• Anthony Gilby.
• Christopher Goodman
• Thomas Cole.
• John Fox.
• Thomas Wood.
• William Kethe.
• John Kelk.
• John Hilton.
• Christopher Scothous.
• Nicholas Purfote.
• John Escot.
• Thomas Grafton.
• William Walton.
• Laurence Kent.
• John Hellingham.
• Anthony Carier.

Of these Mr. Fox, with a few more, went to Basil: the rest setled themselves at Geneva, where they made choice of Knox and Goodman for their constant Preachers, under which Ministry they reject the whole frame and fabrick of he Reformation made in England, conformed themselves wholly to the fashions of the Church of Geneva.

It was not long after the setling of the Liturgy at Franckford, before Whitehead left the Ministry of the English Congregation, which Cox obtained for Mr. Horn. That being done, he withdrew himself to Stras­burg, there to enjoy the company of Peter Martyr, with whom he was well acquainted, while he lived in Christ-church.

By Doctor Cox his departure a new gap is open for another dissention. Some words had passed, at a Supper, between Horn the Pastor, and Ash­ley, a Gentleman of note, intended rather for increase of charity, than breach of friendship. Ashley is three dayes after cited to appear at the house of one of the Elders, to answer for some words he had spoken in contempt of the Ministry. But, from the Elders, he appeals to the Con­gregation, among whom he prevails so far, that they send a Message, by two of their company, to the Pastor, and Elders, to proceed no fur­ther in the cause. Horn being backed by Chambers, the publick Trea­surer, excepts against thi [...] [...]essage, as not decreed by the whole Con­gregation, and resolves to maintain that authority, which had been con­ferred on him and the rest o [...] the Elders, Ashley, and his party, on the other side, protest against the Pastor and Elders, as an adverse party, and therefore not in a capacity to sit as Judges in the present case, and do consult about the making of a Book of Discipline for the curbing the ex­orbitant power (for so they thought it) of the Pastors and Elders. Thereupon the Pastor and Elders forsake their Offices, and on the next day of publick meeting take place among the rest as private persons. The Congregation full, but the Pulpit empty, which put the rest upon a hu­mour of electing others to take the Pulpit charge upon them. The noise [Page 201] of these disorders awakens the Magistrates, who command Horn and Chambers to forbear the Congregation until further order, and after­wards restoring them to their former authority, by publick edict, were contradicted in it by Ashley's party, who, having got some power into their hands, were resolved to hold it.

In the mean time a Book of Discipline had been drawn, and tendred to the Congregation, according to the Rules, whereof the Supreme power, in all Ecclesiastical causes, was put into the hands of the Congre­gation, Heylin's Hist. of Q. Mary. and the disposing the publick moneys committed to the trust of certain Officers, by the name of Deacons. This makes the breach wider than before. The Magistrates write their Letters to Strasburg, desiring Doctor Cox, Doctor Sandys, together with Robert Berty Esquire, to undertake the closing of the present Rupture. To their arbitrament each party is content to submit the controversie. In the end a form of Recon­ciliation is drawn up by some of the English, who really sought the peace of the Church. But those, who stood for the new discipline, refused to submit themselves to any establishment, by which the power of the diffusive body of the Congregation might be called in question. Where­upon Horn and Chambers depart to Strasburg, from whence Chambers writ his Letters to them twice, but to no effect. They had before elect­ed some new Ministers, and though Horn, and his party, opposed it, yet they concluded it for the present, and now they mean to stand to the con­clusion, let Horn and Chambers go or tarry, as best pleased themselves. Such were the troubles and disorders in the Church of Frankford, occa­sioned first by a dislike of the publick Liturgy, before which they pre­ferred the nakedness and simplicity of the French and Genevian Churches, (saith Doctor Heylin) and afterwards continued by the opposition made by the general body of the Congregation, against such who were ap­pointed to be Pastors and Rulers over them.

And now it is time to return to England, and look back upon Cran­mer, who had been cited to the Court of Rome; for nothing could be done against the person of a Metropolitan, before the Pope had taken cognisance of the cause, and eighty dayes had seemingly been given to Cranmer, for making his appearance in the Court of Rome. And though the Pope knew well enough, as well the Archbishop's readiness to appear before him, if he were at at liberty, as the impossibility of making any such appearance, as the case then stood; yet at the end of the said eigh­ty dayes he is pronounced by the Pope, to be contumacious, and for his contumacy to be degraded, excommunicated, and finally delivered over to the secular Magistrate. According unto which Decree a Commission is directed unto Edmond Bonner, Bishop of London, and Thomas Thurl­by, Bishop of Ely, to proceed in the Degradation of the said Archbi­shop, who caused him to be degraded. After this, and before his death, great pains was taken by a Spanish Frier, in the University, to perswade [Page 202] him to a retraction of his former Opinions, by whom it was suggested to him, How acceptable it would be to the King and Queen, how gain­ful to himself, in regard both of his foul and of his temporal being, put­ting him in good hope, that he should not only have his life, but be re­stored again to his ancient Dignity, &c. if he would but subscribe his name to a piece of Paper, which was made ready for his hand.

By these and the like alluring temptations he was prevailed upon to sign the Writing, in which were briefly comprehended the chief points of Doctrine defended in the Church of Rome, and by him formerly con­demned, both in publick and in private. But all this could not save him from being made a Sacrifice to revenge and avarice.

The Queen had still a vindicative spirit against him, for the injury which she conceived had been done to her Mother: and the Cardinal (who hitherto had enjoyed the profits of the See of Canterbury as an Usufructuary) was altogether as solicitous for getting a right and title to them as sole proprietary. No way to pacifie one, and to satisfie the desires of the other, but by bringing him (when he least looked for it) to the fatal Stake. And thither they brought him; and first he retracts his retraction, and after punisheth that hand which had subscribed it, by holding it forth into the flame, and suffering it to be consumed before the rest of his body had felt the fire. The residue of his body being burnt to ashes, his heart was found entire and untouched in the midst of the cin­ders: which possibly may serve as a witness for him, that his heart stood fast unto the Truth, though with his hand he had subscribed some Popish errors.

Cardinal Pool received Consecration to the See of Canterbury, the ve­ry next Sunday after Cranmer's death.

No fewer than two hundred are reported to have been burnt by bloody Bonner, the most eminent of all which number was Mr. John Philpot, Archdeacon of Winchester, who, though of Gardiner's Diocess, was condemned by Bonner, Gardiner being well enough contented to find out the Game, and leave it to be followed by that bloody Hunter. Dr. John Christopherson, Bishop of Chichester, is recorded to have burnt ten in one fire at Lewis; and seventeen others at several times in sundry places, among which was Richard Woodman, of Warbleton in Sussex, that nota­ble Martyr, and four at Mayfield, viz. John Hart, Thomas Ravensdal, a Shoomaker, and a Collier. Harpfield, Archdeacon of London, and Thornton, the Suffragan of Dover, are said to have poured out blood like water. The same is said of Griffin of Rochester, and Downing, Chancellor of Norwich. The same character is given of Bishop Bayn of Coventry and Litchfield, who burned many faithful Ministers and others.

In all the Province of York I find none brought to the Stake but George Marsh of Chester, condemned thereto by Bishop Coles. Besides [Page 203] the burning of Bishop Farrar, at Carmarthen, by Bishop Morgan, and of Rawlins, and White, at Cardiff, by Bishop Kitching: No great cru­elty seems to have been acted in the four Welsh Diocesses. In the Diocess of Exeter, Wells, Peterborough, and Lincoln (though this last the great­est in the Kingdom) I find mention but of one a piece: of two in that of Ely, and of no more than three apiece in that of Bristol, and Sarisbury; for at Newbury were burnt that famous Julius Palmer, with two others. Doctor Tunstal, Bishop of Durham, was in Queen Maries time no great persecutor, his Bishoprick had dayes of quiet under him. When Mr. Russel, a Preacher was brought before him, and Doctor Himner, his Chancellor, would have had him examined more strictly, the Bishop stayed him, saying, Hitherto we have had a good report among our Neigh­bours, I pray you bring not this mans blood upon my Head. The Bishop of Carlisle also was a man of a moderate temper.

The Pope had published a Bull in print, Anno 1556. in which he threatened excommunication to all persons that kept any Church-lands unto themselves, as also all Princes and Magistrates, that did not put the same in execution. Which though it did not edifie much in the Realm of England, yet it found more obedience in that of Ireland, in which a Parliament being called, in June 1557. there passed an Act for repealing of Statutes, Articles, and Provisions made against the See of Rome, since the twentieth year of King Henry the Eighth, and for abolishing of se­veral Ecclesiastical possessions, conveyed to the Laity, as also for the ex­tinguishment of First-fruits and Twentieth parts (no more than the year­ly payment of the Twentieth part, having been laid by Act of Parliament upon the Clergy of Ireland) in the first and last clause whereof, as they followed the example of the Realm of England, so possibly they might have given a dangerous example to it in the other point, if by the Queens death, which followed shortly after, King Philip, and the Popes, had not lost all their power and influence on the English Nation; by means whereof there was no farther progress in the Restitution of the Abbey­lands, no more re-edifying the old Religious houses, and no intention for the founding any new.

Cardinal Poole, having visited his own Diocess, and given out divers printed Articles, to shew his great care for the suppressing the growth of Heresie, sent his Commissioners to Cambridge, who interdicted the two Churches, wherein Martin Bucer, and Paulus Fagius, had been inter­red; and the Writ being taken out de comburendo Haeretico, and being come down, and sent to the Mayor of Cambridge, on February 6. the two dead Bodies were taken out of their Graves, and being laid in their Coffins, on mens shoulders, were carried to the Market-place with a guard of men, well armed and weaponed, chained unto several posts, as if still alive, the wood and fire put to them, and their Bodies burned, to­gether with so many of their Books as could be gotten, which were cast into the same flames also.

Queen Mary now engageth in her Husband's quarrel, and King Philip having made up an Army of thirty five thousand Foot, and twelve thou­sand Horse, besides a thousand Horsemen, four thousand Footment, and two thousand Pioners sent out of England, under the command of the Earl of Pembrook, sate down before St. Quintin, the chief Town of Piccardy. On August the tenth the Battels joyn, in which the French were vanquished, and their Army routed, the Constable of France, the Prince of Mantua, the Duke of Montpensier and Longueville, with six others of the prime Nobility, and many others of less note, being taken prisoners. The Duke of Anguien, the Viscount Turin, most of the Foot-Captains, and the common Souldiers, to the number of two thou­sand five hundred, were slain upon the place. King Philip stormed St. Quintin on the eighteenth day. After which service, the English finding some neglect from King Philip, desired to be dismissed into their Country, which was indulged unto them. By whose dismission King Philip could do no action of importance in the rest of the War.

But the Queen shall pay dearly for this Victory. The English were then possessed of the Town of Calais, with many other Forts therea­bout, as Guisness, Hames, Ardres, &c. together with the whole Ter­ritory, a Town situate on the mouth of the English Chanel, opposite to Dover, and distant not above twenty five miles from it. King Edward the Third, after a Siege of more than eleven months, became Master of it, Anno 1347. by whom it was first made a Colony of the English Na­tion, and after one of the Staple-Towns for the sale of Wooll: kept with great care by his Successors, who, as long as they had it in their hand, were said to carry the Keys of France at their Girdle: a Town which, for more than two hundred years had been in possession of the English. The Queen had broke the peace with France, and taken no care to fortifie this place in this time of War. Then the Duke of Guise, one of the best Souldiers of that Age, now called back out of Italy, being inform­ed by the Governor of Bulloign, that the Town was neither so well for­tified, nor so strongly garrisoned, but that it might easily be taken, on New-years-day sate down before it, and on Twelfth-day had it surrendred up unto him, by the Lord Deputy Wentworth, who had the chief go­vernment of it. Guisnesse, Hames, and all the other Forts in the Coun­ty of Oye were reduced under the power of the French within few dayes after.

The Pope is displeased with Cardinal Pool, by whose perswasion, it was thought, that the Queen had broke her League with France, to take part with her Husband: therefore he deprives Pool of the Legantine power, confers the same upon Friar Peitow, an English-man by birth, and of good descent, whom he designs also to the See of Sarisbury, then void by the death of Capon. Karn, the Queens Agent with the Pope, advertiseth her of these secret practices. Pool layes by the Cross of his [Page 205] Legation, and abstains from the exercise of his Bulls and Faculties. Peitow, the new Cardinal-Legat, puts himself on the way to England, when the Queen commandeth him, at his peril, not to adventure to set foot on English ground. Peitow died in April following, the rupture was made up again, and Pool was confirmed in the possession of his for­mer powers. And thereupon followed the burning divers persons in the Diocess of Canterbury, whereof two suffered at Ashford, and six in his own Metropolitan City. These Godly Martyrs, in their prayers which they made before their Martyrdom, desired God, that their blood might be the last that should be shed, and so it came to pass.

The number of prohibited Books increasing every day more and more, a Proclamation was set forth on June the sixth, to hinder the conti­nual spreading of so great a mischief. Which Proclamation, though it were very smart, yet not so full of rigour as another, which came out at the burning of seven persons in Smithfield, published both at Newgate, where they were imprisoned, and at the Stake where they were to suffer, whereby it was straitly charged and commanded, That no man should ei­ther pray for, or speak to them, or once say, God help them. Which Proclamation notwithstanding, Bentham, the Minister of one of the London Congregations, seeing the fire set to them, turning his eyes unto the people, and cried, We know they are the People of God, and therefore we cannot chuse but wish well to them, and say, God strengthen them. And so he said, Almighty God, for Christ's sake strengthen them. With that all the people, with one consent, cried, Amen, Amen.

It was very admirable, that the Protestants should have a Congre­gation under Bonner's nose, yet so it was: and in one of those Congre­gations, whereof Bentham was Minister, there assembled seldom under forty, many times an hundred and more: the Ministers whereof succes­sively were Mr. Edward Scambler, after Bishop of Peterborough, Mr. Tho­mas Foule, Mr. John Rough, convented and condemned by Bonner, and burnt for the Truth. After whom followed Mr. Augustine Bernher, a moderate and learned man, and finally Mr. Thomas Bentham forementi­oned, who continued in that charge till the death of Queen Mary, and was by Queen Elizabeth preferred to the Sea of Lichfield, Anno 1589.

And notwithstanding all the care of the Queens Inquisitors, many good Books of true Christian Consolation, and good Doctrine, did ei­ther find some Press in London, or were sent over to their Brethren by such learned men as had retired themselves to their several Sanctua­ries.

Then raged a contagious Fever in most parts of the Land, and no for­mer Plague was thought to have destroyed a greater number, so that di­vers places were left void of Justices, and men of worth, to govern the Kingdom. At which time died also so many Priests, that a great number [Page 206] of Parish-Churches, in divers places, were unserved, and no Curates could be gotten for money. Much corn was also lost in the field for want of Workmen to get it in. Physitians died as well as the Patients, two of the Queens Doctors dying of it a little before the death of the Queen. It spared the Prelat no more than the Priest, insomuch, that within less than the space of twelve months almost one half of the English Bishops had made void their Sees.

Now God put an end to those calamities of his Children by the death of Queen Mary, who died of a Dropsie, November the seventeenth, 1558. Within few hours after her death, died Cardinal Pool, Archbishop of Canterbury. He procured of the Queen the Patronage of nineteen Be­nefices unto his See, promised, and intended, to repair the Palace at Canterbury. He was buried in his own Cathedral, with this short and modest Epitaph upon his plain Monument, DEPOSITƲM CARDI­NALIS POLI.

The Parliament sate at Queen Maries death, after which they only continued so long, as joyntly and publickly to proclaim Elizabeth Queen, and then they were dissolved: Queen Maries body was enterred in the Chappel of King Henry the Seventh, in the Isle on the North side thereof.

ELIZABETH, the only Child then living of King Henry the Eighth, succeeded her Sister in the Throne, on November the seventeenth, Anno 1558. She was proclaimed by the King at Arms, first before West­minster-hall door, in the presence of the Lords and Commons, and, not long after, at the Cross in Cheapside, and other places in the City, in the presence of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and principal Citizens, to the great joy of all peaceable and well-affected people.

The news whereof, being brought unto her by some of the Lords, she removes from Hatfield on the nineteenth of that month, and with a great and royal Train sets forward to London. At Highgate (four miles from the City) she was met by all the Bishops then living, who presented themselves before her upon their knees. In which address, as she ex­pressed no small contentment, so she gave to each of them particularly her hand to kiss, except only unto Bonner of London. At her first coming to the City, she took her lodging in the Charter-house, where she staid some dayes, till all things in the Tower might be fitted for her reception. Attended by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, with a stately Train of Lords and Ladies, she entreth by Cripple-gate into the City, passeth along the Wall till she came to Bishops-gate, where all the Companies of the City, in their several Liveries waited her coming, in their proper and di­stinct ranks, reaching from thence until the further end of Mark-lane, where she was entertained with a peal of great Ordinance from the Tower. At her entrance into which place she rendred her most humble [Page 207] thanks to Almighty God, for the great and wondrous change of her condition, in bringing her from being a prisoner in that place, to be the Ruler of her people, and now to take possession of it as a Royal Palace. Here she, emained till December the fifth, then next following, and from thence removed by water to Sommerset-house. In each remove she found such infinite throngs of people, which flocked from all parts to see her, both by land and water, and testified their publick joy, by such loud ac­clamations, as much rejoyced her heart to hear, and could not but ex­press it in her words and countenance.

As she passed through London, the Bible was presented to her at the lit­tle Conduit in Cheapside, which she received with both her hands; and kissing it, laid it to her breast, saying, That the same had ever been her delight, and should be the rule by which she meant to frame her Govern­ment.

She was crowned by Owen Oglethorp, Bishop of Carlisle, Camden's Hist. of Q. Elizab. on January the fourteenth, for that the Archbishop of York, and the rest of the Bi­shops refused to perform that office, suspecting her Religion, who had been first bred in the Protestants Religion, and also for that she had very lately forbidden the Bishop, in saying Mass to lift up the Host to be ado­red, and permitted the Li [...]any, with the Epistle and Gospel, to be read in the vulgar tongue.

For the first six weeks things stood in their former state, without the least alteration. She being now twenty five years of age, and taught by Experience and Adversity, had gathered wisdom above age; the proof whereof she gave in chusing her Counsellors, which were as follow.

• Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York.
• William Pawlet, Marquess of Winchester, Lord Treasurer.
• Henry Fitz-Alan, Earl of Arundel.
• Francis Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury.
• Edward Stanley, Earl of Darby.
• William Herbert, Earl of Pembrook.
• Edward, Lord Clinton, Lord Admiral of the Sea.
• William, Lord Howard of Effingham, Lord Chamberlain.

• Sir Thomas Cheiney.
• Sir William Peter.
• Sir John Mason.
• Sir Richard Sackvill.
• Nicholas Wotton, Dean of Canterbury.

All these were Papists, and of Queen Maries Council.

To these she joyned of her own,

• William Par, Marquess of Northampton.
• Francis Russel, Earl of Bedford.
• Edward Rogers.
• Ambrose Cave.
• Francis Knollys.
• William Cecil, who had been Secretary to King Edward the Sixth, and soon after Nicholas Bacon, whom she made Lord Keeper of the Great Seal.

All these were of the Protestants Religion, and had been in no place under Queen Mary.

Proclamations came forth, that Preachers should abstain from questions controverted in Religion. Then care was taken for sending new Com­missions unto such Ambassadors, as resided in the Courts of several Princes, both to acquaint them with the change, and to assure those Princes of the Queen's desire to maintain all former leagues between them and the Crown of England.

To her Agent in the Court of Spain, it was given in charge, to re­present to the King the dear remembrance which she kept of those many Humanities received from him in the time of her Troubles.

Instructions are sent also to Sir Edward Karn, the late Queen's Agent with the Pope, and now confirmed by her in the same employment, to make the Pope acquainted with the death of Queen Mary, and her succession to the Crown, not without some desire, that all good Of­fices might be reciprocally exchanged between them. But the Pope answered, ‘ Heylin. Hist. of Q. Elizab. An. Reg. 1.That the Kingdom of England was held in Fee of the Apostolick See: That she could not succeed, being Illegitimate. That He could not contradict the declaration of Clement the Seventh, and Paul the Third. That it was a great boldness to assume the Name, and Government of it, without him: yet being desirous to shew a Father­ly affection, if she would renounce her pretensions, and refer her self wholly to his free disposition, He will do whatsoever may be done with the Honour of the Apostolick See.’

The new Queen having performed this office of Civility to him, as she did to others, expected no answer, nor took much thought of it when she heard it.

Many who were imprisoned for Religion, she restored to liberty at her first coming to the Crown: which occasioned Rainsford, a Gentle­man of the Court, to make a sute to her in the behalf of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, who had been long imprisoned in a Latin Tran­slation, that they also might walk abroad (as formerly) in the English Tongue. To whom she made answer, That he should first endeavour to know the minds of the prisoners, who perhaps desired no such liberty as he demanded.

King Philip fearing least he should lose the strength and title of the Kingdom of England, and that the Kingdom of England, Scotland, and Ireland, would by Mary Queen of Scots be annexed unto France, dealt seriously with Queen Elizabeth, about a Marriage to be contracted with her, promising to procure a special dispensation from the Bishop of Rome. The Queen weighing in her mind the unlawfulness of such a Marriage, puts off King Philip by little and little, with a modest answer, but in­deed out of scruple of Conscience. And now she thought nothing more pleasing to God, than that Religion should be forthwith be altered. Thereupon the care of correcting the Liturgy, was committed to Doctor Matthew Parker, Bill, May, Grindal, Whitehead, and Pilkinton, Learned and moderate Divines, and to Sir Thomas Smith Knight; the matter being imparted to no man, but the Marquess of Northampton, the Earl of Bedford, Sir John Grey of Pyrgo, and Sir William Cecil.

A Parliament was summoned to begin on January 25. which opened with an Eloquent and Learned Sermon, Preached by Dr. Cox. In the House of Commons there were some furious Spirits, who eagerly oppo­sed all propositions, which seemed to tend unto the prejudice of the Church of Rome. Of which number none so violent as Scory, Doctor of the Laws, and a Great Instrument of Bonner's Butcheries in Queen Mary's Reign: who being questioned for the cruelty of his Executions, declared himself to be sorry for nothing more, That instead of lopping off some few boughes and branches, he did not lay his Ax to the Root of the Tree: Yet passed He unpunished for the present, though Divine Vengeance brought him in the end to his just reward.

In this Parliament passed an Act for recognizing the Queen's just Title to the Crown, but without any Act for the validity of her Mother's Mar­riage, on which her Title most depended.

There passed an Act also for restoring the Tenths, and first Fruits, to the Crown; first setled thereon in the time of King Henry the Eighth, and afterwards given back by Queen Mary to the Pope.

They passed an Act also for the dissolution of all such Monasteries, Convents, and Religious Orders, as had been Founded and established by Queen Mary. By vertue of which Act Queen Elizabeth was repos­sessed of all those Lands, which had been granted by her Sister, to the [Page 210] Monks of Westminster and Shen, the Knights Hospitallers, the Nuns of Sion, together with the Mansion houses re-edified for the Observants of Greenwich, and the Black-friers in Smithfield.

In passing the Act of the Supremacy there was some trouble; it seemed to be a thing even abhorrent in Nature and Polity, that a Wo­man should be declared to be the Supreme Head on Earth of the Church of England. But the Queen declined the Title of Head, and assumed the name of Governor of the Church of England. This Act having ea­sily passed the House of Commons, found none of the Temporal Lords in the House of Lords to oppose it, save onely the Earl of Shrewsbury, and Anthony Brown Viscount Montacute. As for the Bishops, there were but fourteen, and the Abbot of Westminster, then alive: of whom four being absent, the rest could not make any considerable oppo­sition.

In the Convocation of the Clergy there passed certain Articles of Re­ligion, which they tendered to the Parliament, which were these.

• I. That in the Sacrament of the Altar, by the vertue of Christ assist­ing, after the word is duly pronounced by the Priest, the natural Body of Christ, conceived by the Virgin Mary is really present, under the Species of Bread and Wine, also his natural Blood.
• II. That after the Consecration, there remains not the substance of Bread and Wine, nor any other substance, save the substance of God and Man.
• III. That the true Body of Christ, and his true Blood is offered a pro­pitiatory Sacrifice for the quick and dead,
• IV. That the supreme power of feeding and governing the Militant Church of Christ, and of confirming their Brethren, is given to Peter the Apostle, and to his lawful Successors in the See Apostolick, as unto the Vicars of Christ.
• V. That the Authority to handle and define such things which belong to Faith, the Sacraments, and Discipline Ecclesiastical, hath hither­to ever belonged, and onely ought to belong unto the Pastors of the Church, whom the Holy Spirit hath placed in the Church of God, and not unto Lay-men.

This Remonstrance exhibited by the lower house of Convocation to the Bishops, was, according to their Requests, presented by Edmond Bonner, Bishop of London, to the Lord Keeper of the Broad-seal of England in the Parliament.

Both Universities did concur to the truth of the foresaid Articles, the last onely excepted.

This Declaration of the Popish Clergy hastened the disputation ap­pointed on the last of March, in the Church of Westminster, wherein these Questions were debated.

• I. Whether Service and Sacraments ought to be celebrated in the vulgar Tongue?
• II. Whether the Church hath not power to alter Ceremonies?
• III. Whether the Mass be a propitiatory Sacrifice for the living and the dead.

Popish Disputants.

• White Bishop of Winchester.
• Watson Bishop of Lincoln.
• Baynes Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield.
• Scot Bishop of CHESTER.

Protestant Disputants.

• John Scory late Bishop of Chichester.
• David Whitehead.
• Robert Horn.
• Edmond Gwest.
• Edwyn Sandys.
• John Elmer.
• Edmond Grindal.
• John Juel.

Moderators.

Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York, Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal.

Besides the Disputants, there were present many of the Lords of the Queens Council, with other of the Nobility, as also many of the lower House of Parliament. For the manner of their conference, it was agreed it should be performed in writing, and that the Bishops should deliver their Reasons in writing first. Many differences arose between them, so that the conference broke off, and nothing was determined. The Bishops of Lincoln and Winchester thought meet, that the Queen and the Authors of this defection from the Church of Rome, should be Excommunicated, who for this cause were imprisoned.

Then a Peace being made, was Proclaimed over all England, betwixt the Queen of England, the King of France, the Daulphin, and the Queen of Scots. The Parliament being dissolved, by Authority of the same the Liturgy was forthwith brought into the Churches in the Vulgar Tongue; the Oath of Supremacy offered to the Popish Bishops, and [Page 212] others of the Ecclesiastical profession, which most of them had sworn unto, in the Reign of King Henry the Eighth. All the Bishops refused, except Anthony Bishop of Landaff.

As many as refused, were turned out of their Livings, Dignities, Bishopricks.

In the Sees of the Prelates removed were placed Protestant Bishops: Matthew Parker was made Archbishop of Canterbury, who was Conse­crated by three that formerly had been Bishops, namely, William Bar­low of Bath and Wells, John Scory of Chichester, and Miles Coverdale of Exeter. And being Consecrated himself, he afterward Consecrated Ed­mond Grindal Bishop of London, Richard Cox Bishop of Ely, Edwyn Sandys Bishop of Worcester, Rowland Merick Bishop of Bangor, Thomas Young Bishop of St. David's, Nicholas Bullingham Bishop of Lincoln, John Juel Bishop of Salisbury, Richard Davis Bishop of St. Asaph, Ed­ward Guest Bishop of Rochester, Gilbert Barkley Bishop of Bath and Wells, Thomas Bentham Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, William Alley Bishop of Exeter, John Parkhurst Bishop of Norwich, Robert Horn Bishop of Winchester, Richard Cheiney Bishop of Glocester, Edmond Scambler Bishop of Peterborough, William Barlow Bishop of Chichester, John Scory Bishop of Hereford, Thomas Young Archbishop of York, James Pilkinton Bishop of Durham, John Best Bishop of Carlile, and William Dounham Bishop of Chester.

Nicholas Health Archbishop of York, lived privately many years in his Mannor of Chobham in Surrey, never restrained to any one place, and died in great favour with the Queen, who bestowed many gratious visits upon him, during his retirement. Tonstal of Durham spent the remain­der of his time with Archbishop Parker, by whom he was kindly enter­tained, and honourably buried. The like civility was afforded to Thurl­by Bishop of Ely in the same house, and unto Bourn of Wells, by the Dean of Exon, in which two houses they both died about ten years af­ter. White, though at first imprisoned for his faults, after some cooling himself in the Tower of London, was suffered to enjoy his liberty, and to retire himself to what friend he pleased: Which favour was vouch­safed unto Turbervil also, who being a Gentleman by extraction, wan­ted not friends to give him good entertainment. Watson of Lincoln, af­ter a short restraint, spent the remainder of his time with the Bishops of Rochester and Ely; till having practised against the State, he was shut up in the Castle of VVisbich, where at last he died. Oglethorp died soon after his deprivation, of an Apoplexy, Bayn of the Stone, and Mor­gan in December following. Pool enjoyed the like freedom, and died in a good old age. Christopherson lived on his Estate. Bonner alone was doomed to a perpetual imprisonment; the prison proving to that wretch (saith Dr. Heylin) his greatest Sanctuary, whose horrid Butcheries had otherwise exposed him to the popular fury.

We find no more to have been deprived of their preferments, than fourteen Bishops, six Abbots, Priors, and Governors of Religious Or­ders, twelve Deans, and as many Archdeacons, fifteen Presidents or Masters of Colledges, fifty Prebendaries of Cathedral Churches, and about eighty Parsons or Vicars. The whole number not amounting to two hundred men, which in a Realm consisting of nine thousand Parishes, and twenty six Cathedral Churches, could be no great matter.

But there was not a sufficient number of Learned men to supply the Cures, which filled the Church with an Ignorant Clergy, Dr. P. Heylins History of Queen Eliz. whose Lear­ning went no further than the Liturgy, or the Book of Homilies, but otherwise conformable (which was no small felicity) to the Rules of the Church. And on the other side many were raised to great prefer­ments, who having spent their time of exile in such Forreign Churches as followed the platform of Geneva; returned so disaffected to Episcopal Government, unto the Rites here by Law established, as not long after filled the Church with most sad disorders: On which account we find the Queens Professor in Oxford, among the Non-conformists, and Cart­wright the Lady Margaret's in Cambridge. VVhittingham the Ring-lea­der of the Franckfort dividers, was preferred to the Deanery of Dur­ham: Sampson to the Deanery of Christ-church, and within few years after turned out for a rigid Non-conformist. Hardiman, one of the first twelve Prebendaries of the Church of VVestminster, deprived soon after for throwing down the Altar, and defacing the Vestments of the Church.

Whether it were by the Pope's instigation, or by by the ambition of the Daulphin who had then Married the Queen of Scots, the Scottish Queen assumeth unto her self the Style and Title of Queen of England, quartereth the Armes thereof upon all her Plate, and in all Armories and Eschutcheons as she had occasion. A folly that Queen Elizabeth could never forget nor forgive; and this engaged her the more resolute­ly in that Reformation so happily begun. And to that purpose she sets out by advice of her Council a certain Body of Injunctions, accommo­dated to the temper of the present time: wherein severe course was taken about Ministers Marriages, the use of Singing, and the Reverence in Divine Worship to be kept in Churches; the posture of the Commu­nion-table, and the Form of Prayers in the Congregation.

By the Injunctions, she made way to her Visitation, Executed by Commissioners in their several Circuits, and regulated by a Book of Articles printed and published for that purpose. Proceeding by which Articles, the Commissioners removed all carved Images out of the Church, which had been abused to Superstition, defacing also all such Pictures, Paintings, as served for the setting forth feigned Miracles. They enquired also into the life and doctrine of Ministers, their dili­gence in attending their several Cures; the decency of their apparel, [Page 214] the respect of the Parishioners toward them; Heylin's Hist. of Q. Elizab. the reverent behaviour of all manner of persons in God's Worship, &c. by means whereof the Church was setled and confirmed in so good an Order, that the work was made more easie to the Bishops, when they came to Govern, than otherwise it could have been.

In London, the Visitors were Sir Richard Sackvil, Father to Thomas Earl of Dorset; Robert Horn, soon after Bishop of VVinchester; Doctor Huick, a Civilian; and one Salvage, a Common Lawyer; who calling before them divers Persons of every Parish, gave them an Oath to en­quire and present upon such Articles and Injunctions as were given unto them. In pursuance whereof they burnt in St. Paul's Church-yard, Cheapside, and other places of the City, all the Roods and other Images which had been taken out of the Churches. And in some places the Copes, Vestments, Altar-cloathes, Books, Banners, Sepulchres, and Rood-lofts were burned altogether.

A Peace being concluded betwixt England and France, although Queen Elizabeth had just cause to be offended with the young King Francis the Second, for causing the Queen of Scots his Wise, to take upon her self the Title and Armes of England, yet she resolved to bestow a Royal obsequy upon the King deceased, which was performed in St. Paul's Church on the eighth and nineth of September in most solemn manner.

Kellison the Jesuite, and Parsons from him, slaunderously affirmed, That Archbishop Parker was consecrated at the Nags-head Tavern in Cheapside. This slaunder was raised on this occasion: In order to his Consecration, the first thing to be done after the passing the Royal As­sent for ratifying the election of the Dean and Chapter, was the con­firming it in the Court of the Arches, according to the usual form in that behalf; Mason's Con­secration of Bishops in the Church of England, lib. 3. cap. 4. Which being accordingly done, the Vicar General, the Dean of the Arches, the Proctors and Officers of the Court, whose presence was required at this Solemnity, were entertained at a Dinner provided for them at the Nags-head Tavern in Cheapside, for which though Archbishop Parker paid the shot, yet shall the Church be called to an after-reckoning. But the Records of the Archbishoprick de­clare, that he was Consecrated in the Chappel, within his Mannor of Lambeth.

These slaunderers knew right well, that nothing did more justifie the Church of England in the eye of the World, than that it did preserve a Succession of Bishops, and consequently of all other sacred Orders in the Ministration; without which as they would not grant it to be a Church, so could they prove it to be none by no stronger Argument, than that the Bishops (or the pretended Bishops rather in their Opinion) were either not Consecrate at all, or not Canonically Consecrated as they ought to be.

And now we may behold the face of the Church of England, as it was first setled and established under Queen Elizabeth. The Govern­ment of the Church by Archbishops and Bishops. These Bishops nomi­nated and elected according to the Statute in the twenty sixth of King Henry the Eighth, and Consecrated by the Ordinal, confirmed by Parliament, in the fifth and sixth year of King Edward the Sixth, never appearing publickly but in their Rotchets, nor Officiating otherwise than in Copes of the Altar: the Priests not stirring out of doors in their square Caps, Cowns, or Canonical Coats, nor Executing any Di­vine Service but in their Surplice. Heylin. Hist. of Q. Elizab. The Doctrine of the Church reduced unto it's antient purity, according to the Articles agreed upon in Con­vocation, Anno 1552. The Liturgy conform to the Primitive paterns. The Festivals preserved in their former dignity, observed with their di­stinct Offices peculiar to them; the weekly Fasts, the time of Lent, the Embring weeks, and Rogation severely kept, not now by vertue of the Statute, as in the time of King Edward, but as appointed by the Church in her publick Calendar before the Book of Common-Prayer. The Sa­crament of the Lord's Supper celebrated in a Reverend manner, the Table seated in the place of the Altar.

In the Court the Liturgy was officiated every day, both Morning and Evening, not onely in the publick Chappel, but the private Closet, cele­brated in the Chappel with Organs, and other Musical Instruments, and the most excellent voices both of men and children that could be got in all the Kingdom. The Gentlemen and Children in their Surplices, and the Priests in Copes as oft as they attended the Divine Service at the Altar. The Altar furnished with rich Plate, two fair gilt Candlesticks with Tapers in them, and a Massy Crucifix in midst thereof: Which last remained there for some years. The antient Ceremonies customa­bly observed by the Knights of the Garter in their Adoration toward the Altar were by this Queen retained as formerly in her Father's time. The solemn Sermons Preached upon each Wednesday, Friday, and Lords­day in the time of Lent, Preached by the choycest of the Clergy, she devoutly heard, attired in black, according to the custom of her Pre­decessors.

The Bishoprick of Carlile was first profered to Bernard Gilpin, Fuller. Church History of Britain Rector of Houghton in the North, but Mr. Gilpin refused the offer, not that he had any disaffection to the Office, but because he had so much kinred about Carlile, at whom He must either connive in many things, not with­out hurt to himself, or else deny them, not without offence to them. It was afterward given to Dr. John Best, as was shewed before. As for Miles Coverdale, formerly Bishop of Exeter, he hever returned to his See, but remained a private Minister to the day of his death.

Such of the Scots as desired a Reformation of Religion, taking ad­vantage by the Queen's abscence, and want of power in the Queen Re­gent to suppress their practices, had put themselves into a Body. Headed by some of the Nobility, they take unto themselves the name of the Congregation, managing their own Affairs apart from the rest of the Kingdom. They petition the Queen Regent, and the Lords of the Council, that the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper might be administred in both kinds. That divine Offices might be celebrated in the vulgar Tongue, and that they might have the choice of their own Ministers. The chief of the party well backed by the common people, put them­selves into Perth, the news whereof occasioneth Mr. Knox to leave Geneva, and joyn himself to the Lords of the Congregation. At Perth he Preacheth against Images, Idolatry, and other Superstitions of the Church of Rome so bitterly, that the people in a popular fury deface all the Images in that Church, and presently demolish all Religious Houses in that City. Those of Couper hearing of it, forthwith destroyed all Images, and pulled down the Altars in that Church also. The like was done after his Preaching at Craile and St. Andrews, in those places. They burnt down the rich Monastery of Scone, and ruined that of Cambusken­neth, demolished all the Altars, Images, and Covents of Religious per­sons in Sterling, Lithgow, Glascough, Edenburgh, which last they possess, and put up their own Preachers into all the Pulpits of that City, not suf­fering the Queen Regent to have the use of one Church onely for her own devotions. They alse deprive the Queen Regent of all place and power in the publick Government. But she gathering Forces recovereth Eden­borough, and the chief key of all that Kingdom garisoned by the French. In their extremity Maitland and Melvin being dispatched to the Court of England, imploring aid from Queen Elizabeth. And an Army is sent into Scotland of six thousand Foot and three thousand Horse, command­ed by the Lord Gray. Some Ships were also sent to block up the haven, and hinder all Relief which might come by Sea to the Town of Leith. At length after divers Articles signed and confirmed for both Kingdoms, the French take their leave of Scotland, and the English Army was dis­banded at Berwick.

As the Congregation was by the Queen put upon a present confidence of going vigorously on in their Reformation, so it concern'd them to proceed so carefully in pursuance of it, as might comply with the de­pendance which they had upon her.

First, Therefore they bound themselves by their subscription to em­brace the Liturgy, with all the Rites of the Church of England, which for a time remained the onely form of Worship for the Kirk of Scot­land.

In the next place, They cause a Parliament to be called in the moneth of August: for the Boroughs there appeared the accustomed number, [Page 217] but of the Lords Spiritual no more than six Bishops of thirteen, with thirteen Abbots and Priors: and the Temporal Lords to the number of ten Earls, and as many Barons.

Three Acts were passed to the advantage of the Reformation.

The first, was for the abolishing the Pope's Jurisdiction and Authority within the Realm.

The second, for annulling all Statutes made in former times for maintenance of Idolatry and Superstition.

The third, for the punishing the Sayers and Hearers of the Mass.

To this Parliament also some of the Ministers presented a Confession of the Faith and Doctrine to be believed and professed by the Protestants of the Kirk of Scotland: which being put to the Vote, was opposed but by three of the Temporal Lords. The Popish Prelates were silent in it: which being observed by the Earl Marshal, he broke out into these words, Seeing (saith He) that my Lords the Bishops, who by their Learn­ing can, and for the zeal they should have to the Truth, ought, as I suppose, to gainsay any thing repugnant to it, say nothing against the Confession we have heard, I cannot think but that it is the very Truth of God, and that the contrary of it is false Doctrine.

The Queen was now as active in advancing the Reformed Religion in Ireland, as she had been in either of the other Kingdoms. A Parlia­ment is therefore held on January 12. where past an Act restoring to the Crown the ancient Jurisdiction over all Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Persons. By which Statute were established both the Oath of Supre­macy, and the High Commission, as before in England. There past also an Act for the Uniformity of Common-Prayer, Heylin's Hist. of Q. Elizab. &c. with a permission for saying the same in Latin, in those Churches where the Minister had not the knowledge of the English Tongue. The people by that Sta­tute are required, under several penalties, to frequent their Churches, and to be frequent at the reading the English Liturgy, which they understand as little as the Mass; by which means the Irish were kept in ignorance, as to the Doctrines and Devotions of the Church of England.

There also past another Statute for restoring to the Crown the first­fruits, and twenty parts of all Ecclesiastical promotions within that Realm, as also of all Impropriate Parsonages. The like Act passed for restoring all such Lands belonging to the Knights of St. John of Jeru­salem. An Act was also past for the recognition of the Queen's just Title to the Crown, as before in England. The Queen left the prosecution of the work to her Bishops and Clergy: But they so dissipated the Re­venues of their several Bishopricks, by long Leases, Fee-farmes, and plain Alienations, that to some of their Sees they left no more than a Rent [Page 218] of five Marks per annum, to others a bare yearly Rent of forty shillings, to the great dishonour of God, disservice of the Church, and the perpe­tual Ignominy of themselves.

Now Return we again to England, where we find Reverend Jewel, newly consecrated Bishop of Salisbury, to have Preached a Sermon at Paul's Cross, on 1 Cor. 11.23. That which I delivered to you, I received of the Lord, &c. on March 30. 1560. There he published that memo­rable Challenge, which so much exercised the Pens and Studies of the Romish Clergy.

This Chalenge being published in so great an Auditory startled the English Papists both at home and abroad. The business was first agitated by the-exchange of friendly Letters betwixt Bishop Jewel, and Dr. Henry Cole, the late Dean of St. Pauls; more violently followed in a Book of Rastals; followed therein by Dorman and Marshal: Dorman was well answered and foiled by Nowel, and the other by Calfhil. But the main encounter was between the Chalenger himself and Dr. John Harding, who had the better of the day will easily appear to any that consults their Writings: But these Discourses came not out till some years after.

Pope Paul the Fourth dying, Pope Pius the Fourth succeedeth him, who being moved to Excommunicate Queen Elizabeth, by the Count of [Page 220] Feria, takes a more moderate course, by sending Vincent Parpalia, Ab­bot of St. Saviour's, with courteous Letters unto her. Parpalia was in­structed to offer in the Name of the Pope, That the English Liturgy should be confirmed, the use of the Communion in both kinds allowed of: And that all sentences passed, in the Court of Rome, against her Mo­ther should be rescinded, upon condition she would own the Pope's Pri­macy, and cordially unite her self to the Catholick Church: yea some thousands of Crowns (but all in vain) were promised to the effecters thereof. But for all this the Abbot came no nearer than Bruxels with his Bulls and Faculties, not being suffered to set Foot on English ground.

Now another Enemy quarrels at the Rites and Extrinsecals of the Church: Those that for Religion fled to Frankford in Queen Marie's days, after her death hastened into England: followed not long after by the Brethren of the Separation, which retired from thence unto Geneva. Some Friends they had about the Queen, and Calvin make's use of all his power and credit, both with the Queen and Cecil (as appears by his Letters unto both) to advance their ends. And he was seconded therein by Peter Martyr. But the Queen resolved to keep up the Church in such outward splendor, as might make it every way considerable in the eye of the World: when therefore they saw the Liturgy imposed by Act of Parliament, and so many Episcopal Sees supplied with able Pa­stors, they began to revive the quarrels raised in King Edward's time, about Caps, and Surplices, &c. saith Dr. Heylin. And herein they were seconded (as before in King Edward's time) by the same Peter Martyr, as appears by his Letters to a nameless friend, bearing date at Zurich, November 5. 1560. to which he added his dislike in another of his Letters, touching the Cap, the Episcopal Habit, the Churche's Patri­mony: the manner of proceeding to be held against Papists; the Peram­bulation used in the Rogation week, &c. in which his judgement was desired.

But these helps being too far off, another project was set on foot. Gryndal, the new Bishop of London, was known to have a great respect to Calvin; the business therefore is so ordered, that by Calvin's Letters to Gryndal, and the friends they had about the Queen, way should be given to such of the French Nation, as had repaired hither, to enjoy the freedom of their own Religion, to have a Church unto themselves, and in that Church not onely to erect the Genevian Discipline, but to set up a Form of Prayer (saith Dr. Heylin) which should hold no conformi­ty with the English Liturgy. This was effected. And now there is another Church in London, as different from the Church of England in Government and Forms of worship, as that of John Alasco was in the Augustine Friars.

Upon the news of which success, divers both French and Dutch came into England, planted themselves in the Sea-Towns, and openly profes­sed the Reformed Religion. But some of them proved to be Anabap­tists, and others infected with corrupt Opinions of as ill a nature; which being made known to the Queen, she commands them all by Pro­clamation to depart the Kingdom, whether they were Aliens, or natural-born English, within twenty days upon pain of imprisonment, and loss of all their goods; yet notwithstanding many of them lurked in Eng­land without fear of discovery, especially after the erecting of so many French and Dutch Churches in the Maritime parts. The French and Dutch Churches in London were infected with their frenzies; and such disputes were among them on that account, that Peter Martyr interpo­sed his Authority with them, to the composing of those differences which had grown among them: for which see his Letter bearing date at Zurich, on February 15. next following after the date of the said Proclamation (which seemeth to have been about September 16.) and superscribed, Ʋn­to the Church of Strangers in the City of London.

By another Proclamation she labours to restrain a sacrilegious kind of people, which under pretence of abolishing Superstition, demolished antient Tomb [...]s, razed the Epitaphs, and Coat-armors of most Noble Familes, and other Monuments of venerable Antiquity, took the Bells out of Churches, and pluckt off the Lead from the Church-roofs.

The Abbey of Westminster, most renouned for the Inauguration of the Kings of England, their Sepulture, and the keeping of the Regal En­signes, she converted to a Collegiat Church: and there she instituted a Dean, twelve Prebendaries, a School-master, an Usher, forty Scholars (called the Queen's Scholars, whereof six or more are preferred every year to the Vniversities) Petit Canons and others of the Quire to the number of thirty, ten Officers belonging to the Church, and as many Servants belonging to the Colledge-diet, and twelve Almes-men, besides many Officers, Stewards, and Collectors for keeping Courts, and bringing in of their Revenue. The principal of which (called the High Steward of Westminster) hath ever since been one of the prime Nobility. The Dean intrusted with keeping the Regalia, ho­noured with a place of necessary service at all Coronations, and a Com­missioner for the peace within the City of Westminster, and the liber­ties of it by Act of Parliament. The S holars annually preferred by election either to Christ-church in Oxford, or Trinity Colledge in Cam­bridge. Since this new Foundation of it, it hath given breeding and pre­ferment to four Archbishops, two Lord Keepers of the Great Seal of Eng­land, twenty two Bishops, and thirteen Deans of Cathedral-churches, besides Archdeacons, Prebendaries, and other Dignitaries in the Church to a proportionable number.

The death of Francis the second, the young King of France, who had married Mary Queen of Scots, encouraged the Scots to proceed boldly with their Reformation.

The Duke of Guise laboured with the Pope to fulminate his Excom­munications against Queen Elizabeth, as one that had renounced his au­thority, apostatized from the Catholick Religion, and utterly exter­minated the profession of it out of her Dominions. But the Duke sped no better in his negotiation than the Count of Feria did be­fore.

About this time one Geoffrys was committed Prisoner to the Marshal­sey in Southwark, and More to the house of Mad-men (commonly cal­led Bethlem) without Bishop's-g [...] in London. More professed himself to be Christ: Geoffrys believed him to be such, and reported him so. Having remained a whole year in prison, without shewing any sign of their repentance, Geoffrys was whipt, on April 10. 1561. from the said Marshalsey to Bethlem, with a paper bound about his head, which signi­fied, That this was William Geoffrys, a most blasphemous Heretick, who denied Christ to be in Heaven At Bethlem he was whipt again in the presence of More, till the lash had extorted from him a confession of his damnable error. After which More was stript and whipt in the open Streets, till he had made the like acknowledgment, confessing Christ to be in Heaven, and Himself to be a vile, sinful man. Which being done, they were again remitted to their several prisons for their fur­ther cure.

On June the fourth, a lamentable fire about four a Clock in the after­noon, first shewed it self near the top of the Steeple of St. Paul's Church in London, and from thence burnt down the Spire, to the Stone-work and Bells, and raged so terribly, that within the space of four hours the Timber and Lead of the whole Church, and whatsoever else was combustible in it, was miserably consumed, to the great terror of all Be­holders: Which Church said to be the largest in all the Christian World for all dimensions, contains in length seven hundred and twenty foot, in breadth one hundred and thirty foot, and in height from the pavement to the top of the roof one hundred and fifty foot. The Steeple from the ground to the Cross or Weather-cock, contained in height five hundred and twenty foot, of which the square Tower onely amounted to two hundred and sixty, the Pyramide or Spire to as many more; which Spire being raised of massy Timber, and covered over with sheets of Lead, as it was the more apt to be enflamed, so was the mischief more incapable of a present remedy.

The Queen hereupon directed her Letters to the Lord Mayor and City of London to take care therein. In obedience to whose Royal Pleasure the Citizens granted a Benevolence, and three Fifteens to be speedily paid, besides the great bounty of particular persons, &c. The Queen [Page 223] also sent in a thousand Marks in ready money, and Warrants for one thousand load of Timber to be served out of Her Majesties Woods. The Clergy of the Province of Canterbury contributing to this work the fortieth part of their Benefices which stood charged with first-fruits, and the thirtieth part of those which had paid the same. The Clergy of the Diocess of London bestowed the thirtieth part of such of their livings as were under the burden of that payment, and the twentieth part of those which were not. To which the Bishop added at several times the sum of nine hundred pound one shilling eleven pence, the Dean and Chapter one hundred thirty six pound thirteen shillings four pence. By all which, and some other little helps, the work was carried on so fast, that before the end of April 1566. the Timber-work of the Roof was not onely fitted, but compleatly covered.

And now the Pope's Nuncio being advanced already in his way to Eng­land as far as Flanders, expecteth the Queen's pleasure touching his admittance: for the Pope could not be taken off from sending his Nuncio to the Queen, with whom he conceived himself to stand upon termes of Amity. But the Queen persevered in her first intent, affirming she could not treat with the Bishop of Rome, whose authority was excluded out of England by consent of Parliament. The greatest obstacle to the Nun­cio's coming was partly laid by the indiscretion of some Papists in Eng­land, and partly by the precipitancy of the Pope's Ministers in Ireland; for sundry ill-disposed persons upon the noise of the Nuncio's coming, not onely brake the Laws made against the Pope and his Authority, but spread abroad slaunderous reports, that the Queen was at the point to change her Religion, and alter the government of the Realm. Some also had practised with the Devil by Conjurations, Charms, and casting of Figures, to be informed in the length of her Majesties Reign. And on the other side the Pope's Legate being at the same time in Ireland, joyned himself to some desperate Traitors, who stirred up rebellion there, and as much as in him was had deprived the Queen of all Right and Title to that Kingdom. Upon which grounds it was carried clearly at the Coun­cil-boord against the Nuncio, notwithstanding the Intercession of the French, the Spaniard, or the Duke of Alva.

Yet notwithstanding the Emperor Ferdinand sends to perswade the Queen to return to the old Religion, at least that she would set apart some Churches to the use of the Catholicks. To whom she answered, That she had setled her Religion on so sure a Bottom, that she could not easi­ly be changed, And for granting Churches to the Papists, it did not con­sist with the Polity and good Laws of the Land.

Then divers abuses arising in the Church, Archbishop Parker found it necessary to have recourse unto the power which was given to him by the Queen's Commission, and by a clause of the Act of Parliament, For the Ʋniformity of Common-Prayer and service in the Church, &c. As one of [Page 224] the Commissioners for causes Ecclesiastical, he was authorized with the rest of his Associates, To reform, redress, order, correct and amend all such Errors, Heresies, Schismes, Abuses, Offences, Contempts, and Enormities whatsoever, as might from time to time arise in the Church of England.

And in the passage of the Act forementioned it was provided, That all such Ornaments of the Church and the Ministers thereof should be re­tained, as were in the Church of England, by Authority of Parliament, in the second year of King Edward the Sixth, untill further order should be taken therein from the Queen's Majesty, &c. And also if there shall happen any contempt or irreverence to be used in the Rites of the Church, by the misusing of the Orders of the said Book of Common-Prayer, the Queen might by the advise of the Commissioners or Metro­politan, ordain or publish such further Ceremonies or Rites, as should be most for the advance of God's glory, the edifying the Church, &c. Hereupon the Archbishop, by the Queen's consent, and the advice of some of the Bishops, sets forth a certain Book of Orders to be dili­gently observed, and executed by all persons whom it might con­cern.

Heylin. Hist. of Q. Elizab. An. Reg. 3.In which it was provided, That no Parson, Vicar, or Curate of any exempt Church, should from thenceforth attempt to conjoyn, by solem­nization of Matrimony, any not being of his or their Parish-church, without good Testimony of the Bains being ask'd in the several Churches where they dwell, or otherwise were sufficiently Licensed. That no other days should be observed as Holy-days and Fasting-days, but onely such as be expressed in the Calendar, lately set forth by the Queen's Authori­ty. That neither the Curates or Parents of Children which are brought to Baptism, should answer for them at the Font, but that the antient use of Godfathers and Godmothers should still be retained; and that in all such Churches in which the steps to the Altar were not taken down, the said steps should remain as before they did. That the Communion-Table should be set in the said place where the steps then were, or had formerly stood: and that the Table of the Decalogue should be fixed upon the wall over the said Communion-Table.

This year the Merchants Tailors School in London was founded, first by the Master, Wardens, and Assistants, of the Company of Merchants Tailors, whence it had the name, and by them founded for a Seminary to St. John's in Oxford, built and endowed at the sole costs of one of their Livery. But of a far more private nature was the Foundation of another Grammar School in the Town of Sandwich, built at the charge of Sir Roger Manwood, and endowed with forty pound per annum.

The Council of Trent being now opened, it was said in that Council, that i [...] was good to let the Protestants alone, and not name them, alledg­ing [Page 225] the danger of moving ill humors in a Body which was then quiet. To give a safe conduct to the English-men, which neither They nor any of them did require, were a great indignity. They were content it should be given to the Scots, because their Queen would demand it, but so as that the demand should first be made. But the English Protestant Bishops would not venture themselves into that Council on such weak assurance, considering how ill the safe conduct had been formerly kept to John Hus, and Jerom of Prague, at the Council of Constance. And the Queen kept the Papal party safe from gadding thither.

Then Scipio, a Venetian Gentleman (formerly acquainted with Master Jewel, whil'st he was a Student at Padua) wrote now an expostulating Letter unto him, being lately made Bishop of Sarisbury, in which he much admireth, that England should send no Ambassador, nor Letter, nor Message, to excuse their Nation's absence from the General Appear­ance of Christianity in that Council, &c. Bishop Jewel returned him such an Answer, that neither Scipio himself, nor any other of that party durst reply upon him. The Answer is to be found at large at the end of the History of this Council, Translated by Sir Nathanael Brent.

At this time it was advised, by Lewis Prince of Conde, the Cardinal Chastilion, and other principal leaders of the Protestant party in France, that they should put themselves under the protection of the Queen of England, who had not long before so seasonably relieved the Scots in the like distress.

The Queen had been secretly advertised of all passages there by Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, her Majestie's Resident in that Kingdom.

It being agreed on between them, that the Queen should supply the Prince of Conde, and his Associates with a sufficient quantity of Money, Corn, and Ammunition, for the service of the French King, against the practices of the House of Guise, and that the Town of New-haven should be put into her Majestie's hands, to be garrisoned by English Souldiers. Immediately a manifest was published in the name of the Queen, where­in was declared, that she had observed, how the Guisian Faction, in the names of the Queen-Mother of France, and the young King, had en­deavoured to root out the Professors of the Reformed Religion, and what massacres had been made at Vassey, Paris, Sene, Tholouse, Bloys, Touers, Angier, and other places; that there were thought to be Butchered no less than an hundred thousand of the natural Franch, between the first of March and the twentieth of August then last past: that with the like violence they had caused to be spoiled and imprisoned such of her Ma­jestie's Subjects as Traded in the Ports of Bretaign, and such as sought to preserve themselves, to be killed, their goods and Merchandize to be seized, without charging any other crime upon them but that they were Hugonots; and that in consideration of the premises she could do no less [Page 226] than endeavour the preserving the Reformed Religion, from an universal destruction, and the maintaining her own Subjects and Dominions in peace and safety. The ayd amounting to six thousand men, was divided into two equal parts, of which the one was destined to the defence of Roven and Deep, then being in the hands of the Confederates, the other to take possession of the Town of New-haven, which by the Inhabitants was joyfully surrend [...]ed to the English. The Lord Ambrose Dudley, the eldest Son then living of the late Duke of Northumberland, she sent to command that place, whom on Decemb. 26. She had created Lord Lisle, and Earl of Warwick, where he was solemnly received with a peal of Ordnance.

A petit Rebellion hapned in Merton-colledge in Oxford. The War­denship of that house being voyd by the death of Gervase, one Man is chosen to the place; one Hall and his Popish faction opposed his ad­mission, and raised such a persecution, that it was poenal for any to be a Protestant. Archbishop Parker hearing of it, summoneth Hall to appear before him, but the seal of the citation was torn off by some of that party. Hereupon the Archbishop made a solemn visitation of that Colledge, wherein all were generally examined, Man confirmed Warden, Hall justly expelled, his party publickly admonished; the young Scholars relieved, Papists curbed and suppressed, Protestants countenanced, and encouraged in the whole University.

Now many strange whispers were abroad, and no small hopes con­ceived by those of the Popish faction, for suppressing the Protestants in all parts of the Kingdom, and setting up their own Religion as in for­mer times: of the plot were Arthur Pool, younger brother to Reginald Pool the late Cardinal Legate, and Geoffry Fortescue, who had married his sister, and others. The substance of their charge was, a design of levying War against the Queen, &c. with a particular intention of ad­vancing the Queen of Scots to the Crown of England, and Pool himself unto the Title of Duke of Clarence. All which they Confessed upon the Indictment, and did all receive the sentence of death; but were all afterwards pardoned by the Queen, out of that great respect which she bare to their Royal Extraction.

Then was that elegant discourse published by Bishop Jewel, Entitled, The Apology of the Church of England, first writ in Latine, translated presently into English, French, Italian, Dutch, and at last in Greek, to the publishing whereof he was much encouraged by Peter Martyr, with whom he had spent the greatest part of his time when he lived in exile. But Martyr lived onely to see the Book which he so much longed for, dying at Zurich on the twelfth of November following, and laid into his grave by the Magistrates and people of that City with a solemn funeral.

The five Bishopricks erected by King Henry the eighth, were so [Page 227] impoverished in this Queen's Reign that the new Bishops were necessi­tated to require the benevolence of their Clergy at their first coming to them, to furnish their Episcopal houses, and to enable them to maintain some tolerable degree of Hospitality in their several Diocesses.

The Parliament called January 12. 1562. passed an Act for Assu­rance of the Queen's Royal power over all Estates and Subjects in her Do­minions. In which it was provided, That no man Residing in the Queen's Dominions, should from thence-forth either by-word or wri­ting, &c. endeavour willingly to maintain the power and jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome heretofore usurped within this Realm. It was also enacted, that none should be admitted unto Holy Orders, or to any Degree in either of the Universities, or to be Barrester, or Bencher in any of the Inns of Court, or to Practise as an Attourney, &c, till He or They should first take the Oath of Supremacy on the Holy Evan­gelists; with a power given to every Archbishop and Bishop within this Realm and the Dominions of the same, to Minister the said Oath to all and every Spiritual Person in their proper Diocesses, as well in places exempt as els-where; It had been declared by the Bishops and Clergy assembled at the same time in their Convocation, To be a thing plainly repugnant to the word of God, and the Custom of the Primi­tive Church, to have publick Prayer in the Church, or to administer the Sacraments in a Tongue not understood by the People: therefore it was En­acted, That the Bishops of Hereford, S. David's, Bangor, Landaff and S. Asaph, should take care for Translating the whole Bible with the Common-prayer book, into the Welch Tongue: The like care was also taken for Translating the Books of Homilies.

Then were the Nine and thirty Articles (composed in the Convocation at London) published soon after both in English and Latine with this fol­lowing Title, The 39. Arti­cles compiled in Convoca­tion. viz. Articles agreed upon by the Archishops and Bi­shops of both Provinces, and the whole Clergy in the Convocation holden at London, Anno 1562. for the avoyding of Diversities of opi­nions, and establishing consent touching true Religion.

These Articles came forth much about the time that the Decrees of the Council of Trent were published. Many of which Decrees begin with lying, and all end with Cursing, threatening Anathema's to all dissenters. Anno 1571. the Parliament confirmed these Articles so far, that every Clerk should before Decemb. 25. next following sub­scribe the same. And hereafter every person promoted to an Eccle­siastical living, should within a time prefixed, in the time of Divine Service publickly read and profess his consent to the same, on pain of deprivation ipso facto, if omitted. This subscription was extended only to men of Ecclesiastical Function.

After the return of the Queen of Scots out of France into Scotland, [Page 228] Besides the Ratifying the Act of Oblivion, (formerly condescended to in the Treaty at Edenburgh) there were also past some other Acts, viz. one Act for repairing and upholding Parish Churches, and the Church-yards of the same for burial of the dead. Another against letting Parsonages, Gleabes, or Houses, into long Leases or Fee. But on the other side no safety or Protection could be found for the Queen's own Religion, no not so much as the Chappel Royal, or the Regal City. In contempt whereof a force was violently committed in the moneth of August in the Chappel of the Palace of Holy-rood house, where certain of the Queen's servants were assembled for their own devotions, the doors broke open, some of the Company haled to the next prison, and the rest dispersed, the Priest escaping with difficulty by a private pas­sage, the Queen being then absent in the North.

In France the City and Castle of Cane besieged by the confederate forces both French and English, was finally surrendred to the Admiral Chastilion to the use of the Princes. After which followed the surrendry of Baieux, Faleise, S. Lod's, and divers other Towns and Castles. The Town of Hareflew on the Seine was gallantly taken by the help of the English of Newhaven on the tenth of March, and garrisoned by such Souldiers and Inhabitants as were sent from thence. These successes amazed the Guisian faction, that they agreed, unto an Edict of Pacifi­cation, by the which the French forces were restored to the King's Favour, the Hugonots to the free exercise of their own Religion. But they must buy this happiness by betraying the English, whom they had brought into the Countrey, and joyn their forces with the rest to drive them out of New-haven, if they would not yield it on demand. The French closely besiege the Town, and the Plague raging sore among the English, they capitulate, and leave the Town to the French on July the twenty ninth, and carry the Plague with them into England.

The Pope was so incensed against Queen Elizabeth, that he dispatch­ed a commission to the Fathers of Trent, Hist. Concil. Trident. to proceed to an excom­munication of the Queen of England. But the Emperour Ferdinand wrote Letters both to the Pope and to the Legates, in which he signi­fied unto them, That if the Council would not yield that fruit which was desired, at least they should not give occasion to the Hereticks to unite themselves more; which certainly they would do, in case they proceeded so against the Queen of England, by means whereof they would undoubtedly make a league against the Catholicks. Hereupon the Pope desisted at Rome; and revoked his Commission sent before to the Legates at Trent.

The Plague brought out of France by the Garrison Souldiers of New-haven, had so dispersed it self, and made such desolation in many parts of England, that it swept away above twenty thousand of the [Page 229] City of London, which was the greatest at that time which any man li­ving could remember. Soon after this the Queen makes peace with France.

Then the Queen went in progress to take the pleasures of the Coun­trey, and visited the University of Cambridge, where being with all kinds of honour received by the Students, and delighted with Come­dies, Tragedies, and Scholastical disputations, she survayed every Col­ledge: and in a Latine Oration takes her leave of Cambridge, giving them encouragement to pursue their Studies.

The English Bishops being impowered by their Canons, began to shew their Authority in urging the Clergy of their Diocesses, to sub­scribe to the Liturgy, Rites, and discipline of the Church; and such as refused the same were branded with the name of Puritans.

The Non-conformists in this Age were divided into two Ranks: some mild and moderate, contented onely to enjoy their own conscience. Others fierce and fiery, to the disturbance of Church and State, saith Fuller. Among the former was Father John Fox (for so Queen Eliza­beth termed him) summoned to subscribe by Archbishop Parker. The old man produced the New Testament in Greek, To this (saith he) will I subscribe. But when a subscription to the Canons was subscribed of him, he refused it, saying; I have nothing in the Church save a Pre­bend at Salisbury: and much good may it do you, if you will take it away from me. However such respect did the Bishops (most formerly his fellow-exiles) bear to his Age, parts, and pains, that he continued his place till the day of his death. With Mr. Fox we may joyn his dear friend Laurence Humfery, who was Regius Professor of Divinity in Oxford. But such w [...]s his quiet carriage, that notwithstanding his non­subscribing, he kept his Professors place, and Deanery of Winchester as long as he lived.

A second sort of Non-conformists were fierce sticklers against Church-discipline, we will begin with Anthony Gilby bred in Christ's Colledge in Cambridge. His fierceness against the Ceremonies take from his own pen, They are (saith he) known Liveries of Antichrist, accursed leaven of the blasphemous popish Priest-hood, cursed patches of Popery and Idolatry &c. William Whittingham succeeds, who after his return from his exile in Germany, was made Dean of Duxham. Christopher Good­man is the third, who wrote a book stuffed with much dangerous Do­ctrine, wherein he maintained, That Sir Thomas Wait was no Traitor, that his cause was God's, &c. These three (saith Mr. Fuller) were the Antesignani of the fierce Non-conformists: for David Whitehead is not mentioned with them. Yet find we none of them silenced; Onely we meet with Thomas Sampson Dean of Christ-church in Oxford, who was displaced out of his Deanery for his Non-conformity. This Deanery was then conferred on Dr. Thomas Godwin, Chaplain in Ordinary to the [Page 230] Queen who was after advanced to the Bishoprick of Bath and Wells, who was Father to Francis Godwin, late Bishop of Landaff, the Author of the Catalogue of the English Bishops.

Bullinger and Gualter, two Divines of Switzerland, men eminent in all points of Learning being sollicited by some zealous brethren to signi­fie their judgement in the present controversie about the Habit of the Clergy, return an approbation of it, but send the same enclosed to San­dy's, Horn, and Grindal.

Now the Queen thought fit to make a further signification of Her Royal Pleasure, legally declared by Her Commissioners for causes Ec­clesiastical, according to the Acts and Statutes made in that behalf. The Archbishop is thereupon required to consult together with such Bishops and Commissioners as were next at hand upon the making of such Rules and Orders as they thought necessary for the peace of the Church, with reference to the present estate thereof. Which being accordingly per­formed, presented to the Queen, and by her approved, the said Rules and Orders were set forth, and published in a certain Book Entitled, Advertisements, partly for due Order in the publick Administration of the Common-prayers, and using the holy Sacraments; and partly for the Apparel of all Persons Ecclesiastical, by vertue of the Queen's Majestie's Letters Commanding the same, January fifteenth, &c.

In this year 1564. died the Emperour Ferdinand, and Mr. John Calvin. What Peter Lombard was esteemed to be in the Schools at Rome, the same was Calvin reckoned to be in all those Churches which were Reformed according to the Zuinglian Doctrine in the point of the Sacrament. Heylin's Hist. of Q. Elizab. Yet the Royal and Prelatical Divines conceived otherwise of him (saith Dr. Heylin) and the learned Adrian Seravia (though by birth a Dutchman) Yet being once preferred in the Church of England, could not endure to be called Calvinian.

About the middle of February the Lord Darly came to the Court of Scotland, who being not fully twenty years old, of lovely person, sweet behaviour, and a most ingenuous disposition, exceeding­ly prevailed in short time on the Queen's affections. About the middle of July the Marriage-Rites were celebrated in the Royal Chappel by the Dean of Restalrig, and the next day (the Queen having made him before Earl of Rosse, and Duke of Rothsay) the new Duke was proclaimed King by sound of Trumpet, and declared to be associated with the Queen in the publick government. The news whereof being brought unto Queen Elizabeth, she seemed more offended than indeed she was. But never was marriage more calamitous to the parties them­selves, or more dishonourable to that nation, or finally more scanda­lous to both Religions: in nothing fortunate but in the birth of James the sixth, born in the Palace of Edenburgh on July 19. Anno 1566. Solemnly Crowned King of the Scots on the same day of the Month, [Page 231] Anno 1567. and joyfully received to the Crown of England on March 14. 1602.

Of such a temper were the devotions of the Church of England at this time, that generally the English Papists, L. Coke's charg given at Nor­wich Assizes, 1606. and the Ambassadours of For­reign Princes still resorted to them. For the first ten years of Her Ma­jestie's Reign, the Papists in general came to our Churches. In the be­ginning of the eleventh year of her Reign, Cornwallis, Beddingfield and Selyard were the first Recusants.

Now we are come to the setling the Episcopal Government by as good Authority as could be given to it by the Lawes of the Land. By a Statute made in the last Parliament for keeping Her Majestie's Subjects in their due obedience, a power was given unto the Bishops to tender and receive the Oath of Supremacy of all manner of persons residing and dwelling in their several Diocesses. Bonner was then Prisoner in the Marshalsey, which being within the Borough of Southwark, brought him within the Jurisdiction of Horn Bishop of Winchester, by whose Chancellor the Oath was tendred to him. On the refusal of which Oath he i [...] Indicted at the King's Bench upon the Stature, to which he appeared in some Term in the year foregoing, and desires that Coun­cil be assigned to plead his cause. The Court assigns him Christopher Wray, afterwards Chief-justice of the Common-Pleas, that famous Lawyer Edmond Ploydon, and one Mr. Lovelace.

But the business came under consideration in the following Parlia­ment; which began on September thirty, where the Legality of Horn's Episcopacy (which was objected against in the behalf of Bonner) was cleered by Statute, by which the Parliament did only publish, notifie, and declare the Legal Authority of the English Bishops, whose call and Consecration to their place was formerly performed.

In the year 1566. Queen Elizabeth came to Oxford, Honourably attended with Robert Dudley, lately made Earl, of Leicester, and Chan­cellor of Oxford, the Marquess of Northampton, the Lord Burleigh, and the Spanish Ambassadour. She was lodged in Christ-Church, where many Comedies were acted before Her. Many Acts were kept before Her in Philosophy, and one most eminent in Divinity. She con­cluded all with a Latine Oration, which you may read in Fuller's Church History, as it was taken by Dr. Laurence Humfrey, and by him Printed in the Life of Bishop Jewel. Having stayed seven dayes, she took Her leave of the University.

Anno 1567. Another Generation of Active Non-conformists succeed­ed the former. Of these Coleman, Button, Benson, and Halingham, were the chief, inveighing against the established Church-discipline, endeavouring to conform the English Church in all things to that of Geneva. To these three more may be added, viz. William White, Thomas Rowland, Robert Hawkins, all Beneficed within the Diocese of [Page 232] London. This year these three were cited to appear before Edmond Grindal Bishop of London: one who was not very forward to press Conformity. The Bishop asked them this question,

Have we not a godly Prince? speak is she evil?

To which they made their several answers in manner following.

What a question is that? the fruits do shew.

No, but the servants of God are persecuted under Her.

Why, this question the Prophet answereth in the Psalms, How can they have understanding that work iniquity, spoiling my people, and that extol vanity?

The Queen proceeded severely against some of them, commanding them to be put in prison, though still their party daily encreased.

And now to strengthen the Romish party, two most Active fugitive Papists, Thomas Harding, and Nicholas Saunders, return into England. Very earnest they were in advancing the Catholick Cause, and perverted very many to their own erroneous opinions.

A moneth or two after the Prince of Scotland's baptizing, the King her Husband in the one and twentieth year of his age was in the dead time of the night, by bloody & barbarous hands, was strangled in his bed, and thrown forth into an Orchyard, the house being blown up with Gun-powder. The Queen afterwards marrieth Earl Bothwel, but he is forced to fly out of Scotland. And the Queen is thrust in prison at Loch-levin. But what should be done with Her the Conspirators could not agree among themselves. At length they extort from her a re­signation of her Kingdom to her Son, who was scarce thirteen moneths old. But she being ill-used at home by her own Subjects, made an escape into England, and landed at Wirkington in Comberland, and the same day wrote a letter in French to Queen Elizabeth. The Countess of Lenox complaineth against her to Queen Elizabeth, [...] [...]list. Cent. [...]. and besought her, that she might be brought to her trial for the murther of her Son. The Queen of Scots wrote a letter to the Pope, to manifest her devotion to the See of Rome, written from Castle Boulton, Novemb. 30. 1568.

Then Thomas Piercy Earl of Northumberland, and Charles Nevil Earl of Westmorland brake out into open Rebellion against the Queen. Their [Page 233] first valour was to fight against the English Bible and Service-book in Durham, tearing them to pieces. They set up Mass in most places where they came, Richard Norton an aged Gentleman carrying the Cross before them, and others bearing in their banners the five wounds of Christ, or a Chalice, according to their different devices. But the Earl of Sussex advancing out of the South with an Army to oppose them, they fled Northwards, and mouldered away to nothing. Nor­thumberland fled into Scotland, lurked there awhile, was betrayed to Earl Murrey, sent back into England, and beheaded at York. West­morland fled into Flanders, where he long lived very poor, on a small pension. Many were executed by Sir Seorge Bowes Knight Marshal, in every Market-town betwixt New-castle and Witherby. Leonard Dacres the next year laboured to raise a New Rebellion, but by the valour and vigilancy of the Lord Hunsdon, his de [...] was seasonably defeated.

Commissioners were appointed by Queen Elizabeth to take cognizance of the cause of the Queen of Scots, Murrey cometh to York being the City appointed for that purpose, and with him seven of his Inwardest friends as Delegates for the Infant-King; and for the Queen of Scots Delegates also appeared. After Lidington's admonition to the Scots, and the Scots Protestation, the Delegates for the Queen delivered a De­claration in Writing. Some few dayes after Murrey the Regent, and the Delegates for the Infant-King gave in their Answer. To this the Queen of Scots Delegates renewing again their former Protestation, op­posed their Replication. Murrey refuseth to yield reasons for deposing the Queen. Then were the English Commissioners Revoked, and their Authority abrogated to the great rejoycing of the Duke of Norfolk, who had ever favoured the Queen of Scots Title to the Succession to the Crown of England.

New Commissioners were appointed to hear and examine the matter: but the matter cometh to nothing. Murrey propoundeth to Norfolk a Marriage with the Queen of Scots, yet spreadeth rumours against her. The Queen of Scots was committed to the Earl of Shrewsbury. Camden's Hist. of Q. Elizab. Queen Elizabeth relieveth the Protestants in France, Edicts being published there, whereby the exercise of the Reformed Religion was utterly for­bidden, the Professors thereof removed from Publick Offices, and the Ministers of the word commanded to depart the Realm within a pre­fixed time. She also gratiously received the Netherlanders, of whom a great multitude had withdrawn themselves into England as into a San­ctuary, from the cruelty of the Duke of Alva.

John Story, Doctor of the Lawes, a great persecutor in Queen Mary's dayes, being allured by a wile into a Ship, which was reported to have brought over English Merchandises and Heretical Books, the Master of the Ship presently set Sail, and brought him into England, where after­wards [Page 234] he was executed as a Traytor to his Countrey, at Tyburn. Then were the English Merchants in the Netherlands and Spain, drawn into the Inquisition, and condemned to the Galleys, and their goods confiscate.

The old store of Papists in England began now much to diminish, prisons consumed many, Age more of their Priests, and they had no place in England whence to recruit themselves. Hereupon they resol­ved to erect Colledges beyond the Seas for English youth to have their education therein. This project begun Anno 1569. was so effectually prosecuted, that within the compass of fifty years nine Colledges were by them founded, and furnished with Students, and they with main­tenance. Doway-colledge in Flanders was founded 1569. by Philip the second King of Spain; all the Recusants in E [...]gland were Benefactors to it. The first Rec [...]r was William Allen, afterwards Cardinal He died Anno 1594. The second Thomas Worthington, Rector Anno 1609. The third Matthew Kellison, Rector 1624. Whereas the government of all other English Colledges belongs to Jesuites; this onely is ruled by Secular Priests.

The second Colledge was at Rome, founded Anno 1579. Pope Gre­gory the thirteenth exhibited maintenance, first to six, then to four­teen, at last to threescore Scholars therein, to the yearly value of four thousand Crowns. The Welch Hospital in Rome, founded and endowed many hundred years since by Cadwallader King of Wales for Welch Pilgrims, with the Rich Lands thereof, were conferred by the said Pope on this Colledge. Now whereas Anno 1576. there were but thirty old Priests remaining in this Realm, these two Colledges alone within two years sent above three hundred Priests into England. The first Rector was Dr. Maurice. The second Ferdinando, a Neapolitan Jesuite. The third Robert Parsons. The fourth Thomas Fitz-herbert. 1623.

The third Colledge was founded by Philip the second, King of Spain at Valladolit in old Castile. Donna Luysa de Caravaial, a rich Widow Lady in Spain, gave all her estate (being very great) to this Colledge, and came over into England, where she died. Father Walpool by pre­tending to have gained Mr. Pickering Wotton (Son and Heir to the Lord Wotton) to the Romish Church, got above five hundred pounds to this Colledge. Sir Francis Inglefield, Privy Counsellor to Queen Mary, forsaking his fair estate in Berk-shire in the first year of Queen Elizabeth, was a bountiful Benefactor to this Col­ledge.

The fourth Colledge was of Sivil, founded by Philip the second, King of Spain, Anno 1593.

The fifth was at S. Omers in Artois, founded 1596. by Philip the se­cond, who gave them a good Annuity, for whose soul they say every [Page 235] day a Mass, and every year an Obitum. Their Rector generally is a Fle­ming, though this Colledge be of English only.

The sixth Colledge is at Madrid, in new Castile, founded 1606. Joseph Creswel, the Jesuite, with money of the two Colledges, of Valladolit and Sivil, bought an House here, and built a Colledge thereon.

The seventh, a Colledge of Lovain in Brabant, founded 1606. by Philip the third, King of Spain, who gave a Castle, with a Pension, to the English Jesuits, to build them a Colledge therewith.

The eighth Colledge was at Liege in Lukeland, founded 1616. The Archbishop of Collen (being at this time also Bishop of Liege) gave them a Pension to live on, and leave to build a fair Colledge here. Many of the English Nobility and Gentry, under pretence of passing to the Spaw to recover their healths, dropped here much of their Gold by the way.

The ninth Colledge was of Gaunt in Flanders, founded 1624. by Philip the Fourth, who gave them a Pension.

The Colledge of St. Omers generally is for Boyes to be taught in Grammar: Rome for Youths studying the Arts; All the rest for Men (Novices or professed Jesuits) save that Doway is for any, of what age or parts soever. It is incredible what a mass of money was yearly made over out of England for the maintenance of these Colledges: having here their Provincials, Sub-provincials, Assistants, Agents, Coadjutors, Fa­miliars, &c. who collected vast sums for them.

The solemn Oath which each Student (arrived at man's estate) cere­moniously sweareth, when admitted into one of these Colledges is as fol­loweth:

Now Pope Pius the Fifth thunders out his Excommunication against Queen Elizabeth, and the Hereticks (as he calleth them) adhering to her: wherein also her Subjects are declared absolved from the Oath of Allegiance, and every other thing due unto her whatsoever: and those, which from henceforth obey her, are innodated with the Anathema. [Page 236] The news thereof flying over into England, variously affected the Ca­tholicks, according to their several dispositions. John Felton, who fa­stened the Pope's Bull to the Palace of London, being taken, and refu­sing to fly, was hanged on a Gibbet before the Pope's Palace.

Then Hugh Price, Doctor of the Civil Law, procured the foundati­on of Jesus Colledge in Oxford, on a Ground where White hall had been formerly situated; which with Edifices and Gardens thereto belonging, being then in the Crown, Queen Elizabeth gave to so pious an use, and therefore is stiled the Foundress in this Mortmain.

In the year 1570. Murray sueth to have the Queen of Scots delivered unto him. But soon after he was shot with a leaden Bullet, beneath the Navil, at Lithguo, as he rode in the street. Hamilton, the murtherer, escaped into France. Then Matthew Lenox, the young King's Grand­father, was made Regent of Scotland.

Now began Popery to encrease, and the word [Recusant] to be born and bred in mens mouths.

A Parliament sate at Westminster, which acted against Papists, That to write, print, preach, or affirm, that the Queen was an Heretick, Schis­matick, &c. should be ad [...]udged Treason. Also, That it should be so ac­counted, and punished, to bring, and put in execution, any Bulls, Writings, Instruments, &c. from the See of Rome from the first of July follow­ing.

A severe Act was made also against Fugitives (who being natural born Subjects of this Realm, departed the same without license. Against Non conformists it was provided, That every Minister should, before December the twenty fifth next following, in the presence of his Diocesan, or his Deputy, declare his assent to all the Articles of Religion, agreed on in the Convocation 1562. upon pain of deprivation on his refusal thereof. Against covetous Conformists it was provided, That no Spiritual person, Colledge, or Hospital shall let, lease, other than for the term of one and twen­ty years, or three lives; the usual rent, or more, reserved payable yearly, during the said Term.

Now began Queen Elizabeth's favour to decline toward the Queen of Scots, principally for practising with the Pope and forreign Princes.

Anno 1571. Queen Elizabeth went in Royal state to see a most beau­tiful Burse, which Sir Thomas Gresham Knight, Citizen of London, had built for the use of Merchants, and by the voice of the Crier, and the sound of Trumpets, as it it were by way of Dedication, she named it, The Royal Exchange.

A little before that, Florentine Ridolpho, who had for the space of fif­teen years exercised Merchandise at London, secretly conveyed Letters from the Pope to the Queen of Scots, wherein he promiseth all kindness, and aid for advancing the Catholick Religion, and Her, &c. Ridolph [...] also, by his own Letters apart, prayeth the Queen to acquaint the Duke of Norfolk with these things, &c.

Anno 1572. died William Alley, Bishop of Exeter, a diligent Preacher, and John Jewel, Bishop of Satisbury.

The Canons made in 1563. were not for nine years after confirmed by Act of Parliament: but now being ratified by Parliamentary Autho­rity, the Bishops began the urging of them more severely than before; which many dissenters keep their private meetings in Woods, Fields, their Friends Houses, &c. And now Thomas Cartwright (chief of the Non-conformists) presents the Parliament with a Book called, An Admonition. This was seconded with another more importunate to the same effect. Great bandying there was of Books between two eminent Authors of opposite parties.

• 1. The Admonition first and second made by Mr. Cartwright.
• 2. The Answer to the Admonition by Doctor John Whitgift.
• 3. The Reply to the Answer, by Mr. Thomas Cartwright.
• 4. The Defence of the Answer, by Doctor John Whitgift.

This last kept the field, and received no solemn refutation.

The Non-conformists, after the dissolution of the Parliament, The first Presbytery in England. pre­sumed to erect a Presbytery at Wandsworth in Surrey. Eleven Elders were chosen therein, and their Offices, and general Rules (by them to be ob­served) agreed upon, and described, as appears by a Bill endorsed with the hand of Mr. Field, Lecturer (it is supposed) of that place, but living in London: Mr. Smith of [...] Micham, and Mr. Crane of Roughampton, are mentioned for approving all passages therein. This was the first-born of all Presbyteries in England.

Here were two sorts of Ministers.

First Mr.

• 1. Field.
• 2. Wilcox.
• 3. Standen.
• 4. Jackson.
• 5. Bonham.
• 6. Seintloe.
• 7. Crane.
• 8. Edmonds.

Afterwards Mr.

• 1. Chark.
• 2. Travers.
• 3. Barber.
• 4. Gardiner.
• 5. Cheston.
• 6. Crook.
• 7. Egerton.

The former of these were principally against Ministers Habits, and the Common-prayer-book.

The latter endeavouring the modelling of a new Discipline.

But it was not long before both Streams uniting together, Non-con­formity began to bear a great Channel in the City of London.

Then Ross, the Queen of Scots Ambassador, and the Duke of Nor­folk, were sent to the Tower, for plotting against Queen Elizabeth. The Duke of Norfolk was arraigned and condemned by his Peers, and beheaded on Tower-hill.

This year happened a cruel Massacre in Paris, the Queen of Navar, and all the choicest of the Protestants being bidden thither to a Marriage, between Henry of Navar, and Madam Margarite, the King's Sister. No sooner was the Marriage solemnized, but there followed bloody Butcherings, committed upon men of all estates, throughout all the Ci­ties of France. And Admiral Coligny (the Pillar of the Reformed Church) was slain in his Bed on Bartholomew-eve.

In November following a new Star was seen in the Constellation of Cassiopeia, which continued full sixteen months, being carried about with the daily motion of the Heaven, Theodor, Beza wittily applyed it to that Star, which shone at the Birth of Christ, and to the murthering of the Infants under Herod, and warned Charles the ninth, King of France, who had confessed himself to be the Author of the Massacre at Paris, to beware, in this Verse.

And he was not altogether deceived in his belief: for the fifth month, after the vanishing of this Star the said Charles, after long and grievous pains, died of exceeding bleeding.

Now begin the Anabaptists to encrease in England: On Easter-day was disclosed a Congregation of Dutch Anabaptists, without Aldgate in London, whereof twenty seven were taken, and imprisoned, and four bearing Faggots at Paul's-cross, solemnly recanted their Opinions. In the next month one Dutch-man, and ten Women, were condemned: of whom one Woman renounced her errors; eight were banished the Land: Two more so obstinate, that command was issued out for their burning in Smithfield, where they died in great horror, with crying and roar­ing.

Anno 1573. one Peter Burchet, who had perswaded himself, that it was lawful to kill any that had opposed the truth of the Gospel, drew his Dagger upon Hawkins, that famous Navigator, in the open street, and wounded him, supposing him to be Hatton, who was then in great favour with the Queen, whom he had heard to be one of the Innovators. Being cast into the Tower of London, he slew one of his Keepers with a Billet, which be snatched up out of the Chimney, for which he was con­demned of murther, had his right hand cut off, and nailed to the Gal­lows, and then he was hanged.

In the year 1574. certain Ministers of London were deluded by a Maid, which counterfeited her self to be possessed of the Devil.

So powerful was the party of the Non-conformists grown at this time, that Doctor Humfrey, then President of Maudlins, and Mr. John Fox himself (both which scrupled subscription in some particulars) were de­serted by them as luke-warm and remiss in the cause. Coleman, Burton, Hallingham, Benson, out-did all of their own Opinions. Then died Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury, an excellent Antiquary, a great Benefactor to Bennet-colledge in Cambridge, on which he bestow­ed many Manuscripts. Edmond Grindal succeeded him in his place.

Not long after died James Pilkinton, Bishop of Durham. He was (as appeareth by many of his Letters) a great conniver at Non-con­formity.

The same year died Edward Deering, an eminent Divine, born of an ancient Family in Kent, bred Fellow of Christ's-colledge in Cambridge, a pious and painful Preacher, but disaffected to Bishops and Cere­monies

Rowland Jenkes, a Popish Bookseller, was indicted, at the Summer-Assizes in Oxford, for dispersing of scandalous Pamphlets, defamatory to the Queen and State.

Then the Queen laboureth to compound the Netherland differences; but it had little effect. She relieveth the Estates and the Prince of Orange with twenty thousand pounds of English money, upon condition they should neither change their Religion, nor their Prince, nor receive the French into the Netherlands.

Then one Cuthbert Mayn, a Priest, was drawn, hanged, and quar­tered at Launston in Cornwal, for his obstinate maintaining of the Papal power: and Trugion, a Gentleman of that Countrey, which had har­boured him, was turned out of his Estate, and condem ed to perpetual imprisonment.

In this year 1577. died Nicholas Bullingham, Bishop of Worcester. And the same year died William Bradbridge, Bishop of Exeter, and Edmond Guest, Bishop of Salisbury.

Anno 1579. died Richard Cheiney, Bishop of Bristol. Robert Horn, Bishop of Winchester, succeeded. Thomas Centham, Bishop of Coven­try and Litchfield, followed him. And not long after died Richard Cox, Bishop of Ely.

Now the Sect (called The Family of Love) began to grow so nu­merous, that the Privy Council thought fit to endeavour their suppressi­on. They perswaded their followers, That those only were elected, and to be saved, which were admitted into that Family, and all the rest Repro­bates, and to be damned: and that it was lawful for them to deny, upon their Oath, before a Magistrate, whatsoever they list. Of this Fanatical vanity they dispersed Books among their followers, translated out of the [Page 240] Dutch Tongue into English, which they entitled, The Gospel of the King­dom; Documental Sentences; The Prophesy of the Spirit of Love; The publishing of Peace upon Earth: The Author was Henry Nicholas of Leyden, who blasphemously said, That he did partake of God, and God of his Humanity. This Man came over into England in the Reign of King Edward the Sixth, joyned himself to the Dutch Congregation in London, where he seduced many Artificers, and silly Women, among whom two Daughters of one Warwick (to whom he dedicated an Epi­stle) were his principal Perverts. The Abjura­tion may be read in Fu [...]ler. church Hist. ad An. 1580. Mr. Martin Micronius, and Mr. Ni­cholas Charineus, then the Ministers of the Dutch Congregation, zeal­ously confuted his errors, but it seems their Antidotes pierced not so deep as his Poysons. The Privy Council now tendred unto them an Ab­juration; but with what success we find not. The Queen commanded by Proclamation, That the Civil Magistrate should be assistant to the Ec­clesiastical, for the timely suppressing of them, and that their Books should be burnt.

Then divers Seminary Priests were sent forth into several parts of England and Ireland, to administer (as they pretended) the Sacraments of the Romish Religion, and to preach. But the Queen, and her Coun­cil found, that they were sent under-hand, to withdraw the Subjects from their Allegiance, and Obedience, due to their Prince, to bind them, by Reconciliation, to perform the Pope's Commandements, to raise in­testine Rebellion under the Seal of Confession, and flatly to execute the Sentence of Pope Pius the Fifth against the Queen.

To these Seminaries, for as much as there were sent daily out of Eng­land, from the Papists, very many Boys, and young Men of all sorts, and admitted into the same, making a Vow to return; and others from thence crept secretly into England, there came forth a Proclamation in the month of June, That whosoever had Children, Pupils, Kinsmen, or others, in the parts beyond the Seas, should, after ten dayes, deliver their names to the Ordinary; and to those which returned not, they should not di­rectly, or indirectly; supply any money. That no Man should entertain in his house, or lodge, Priests sent forth of the Seminaries, and Jesuits, or cherish and relieve them: And whosoever did the contrary, should be account­ed a favourer of Rebels, &c.

Camden's Hist. of Queen Eli. Anno 1580.But Robert Parsons, and Edmond Campian, Jesuits, living at Rome, obteined of the Pope license to come over into England. Parsons was born in Sommerset-shire, of Baliol-colledge in Oxford, a man of a fierce nature, and rude behaviour, he professed openly the Protestants Religi­on, until he was, for his dishonesty, expelled the University, then fled he to the Papists. Campian was born in London, and bred in St. John's-colledge in Oxford, one of a sweet nature, and fluent tongue. These two notably advanced the Roman cause, travelling up and down the Countrey secretly, and, to Popish Gentlemens houses, in disguised ha­bit, [Page 241] sometimes of Souldiers; sometimes of Gentlemen; sometimes of Ministers of the Word; sometimes of Apparitors. Campian, by a Writing set forth, challenged the Ministers of the English Church to a Disputation, and published a Book in Latin, of ten Reasons, for main­tenance of the Doctrine of the Church of Rome; and Parsons another virulent Book, in English, against Chark, who had written soberly against Campian's challenge. But to Campian's Reasons Whitaker answer­ed soundly. He was taken a year after, and put to the rack, and after­wards being brought forth to dispute, hardly maintained the expectati­on raised of him. Parsons hardly escaping at Norwich in Cheshire, po­litickly returneth to Rome.

This year Edmond Grindal, Archbishop of Canterbury, groaning un­der the Queens displeasure, was forbidden access to the Convocation. But a Petition was drawn up, in the name of the whole Convocation, for the restitution of the Archbishop, by Toby Matthew, Dean of Christ-church.

This Petition, after delayes, ended in a final denial; it being daily suggested to the Queen, that Grindal was a great Patron of Prophecy­ings (now set up in several parts of the Land) which, if permitted, would in fine prove the bane of the Church and State.

These Prophecyings were thus modelled.

1. The Ministers of the same Precinct, by their own appointment, Fuller. Church Hist. An. 1580. met at the principal place therein.

2. The Junior Divine went first into the Pulpit, and for about half an hour treated upon a portion of Scripture, formerly by a joynt agreement assigned unto him. After him four or five more observing their seniority, successively dilated on the same Text.

3. At last a Grave Divine made the closing Sermon, somewhat larger than the rest, praising the pains of such who best deserved it, and mild­ly reproving the mistakes of such of those, if any were found in their Sermons. Then all was ended (as it was begun) with a solemn Prayer. And at a publick refection of those Ministers, together (with many of the Gentry repairing to them) the next time of their meeting was ap­pointed, Text assigned, Preachers deputed, a new Moderator elected, or the one continued, and so all were dissolved.

But some incoveniences were seen, and more foreseen, if these Pro­phecyings might generally take place in the Land. However the Arch­bishop, to vindicate himself, wrote a large Letter to the Queen. But all in vain, for the Earl of Leicester had so filled the Queens ears with com­plaints against him, that there was no room to receive his Petition. In­deed Leicester cast a covetous eye on Lambeth-house, and maliced him, because he stoutly opposed the alienating this his principal Palace.

Now began Priests and Jesuits to flock faster into England than ever before, having exchange of clothes, names, and professions. Hereupon [Page 242] the Parliament, now met at Westminster, enacted severe Laws against them. John Pain, a Priest, was executed at Chelmsford, Thomas Ford, John Shert, and Robert Johnson, Priests, were executed at London.

This year died Gilbert Berkley, Bishop of Bath and Wells.

The Presbyterian party met at Cockfield (Mr. Knewstub's Cure) in Suffolk, even sixty Ministers of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge-shire, to confer of the Common-prayer-book, what might be tolerated, and what refused in every point of it, apparel, matter, form, dayes, fast­ings, injunctions, &c. whilst the severity of the State was at this time great against Jesuites, some lenity of course fell to the share of the Non-conformists.

The City of Geneva being now reduced to great extremities by the Duke of Savoy, Beza addressed himself by Letters to Mr. Walter Tra­vers, one of the chief of the Presbyterian party, then Chaplain to the Lord Treasurer: in which Letter may be seen much of the secret sympa­thy betwixt England and Geneva about Discipline; Geneva helping England with her Prayers, England aiding Geneva with her purse.

The Duke of Anjou came into England, and was an earnest Suitor to Queen Elizabeth. A Book was set forth against the Marriage, entitled, The Gulps wherein England will be swallowed by the French Marriage. The Queen, by open Proclamation, commended the Duke of Anjou's affection towards her, and the Protestants Religion, sorrowed that so great an injury was offered to so high a Prince, she condemned the Au­thor of the Book, as a publisher of Sedition, and commanded the Book to be burnt before the Magistrates face. From this time she began to be more incensed against the Innovators, from whom she believed that these things proceeded. And within few dayes after, John Stubs, of Lin­colns-Inn, (whose Sister Mr. Cartwright, formerly mentioned, had mar­ried) the Author of this Book, William Page, who dispersed the Copies, and Singleton, the Printer, were apprehended. Stubs and Page had their right hands cut off with a Cleaver driven through the wrist with the force of a Beetle, upon a Scaffold, in the Market-place at Westminster. The Printer was pardoned. Stubs having his right hand cut off, put off his hat with his left, and said with a loud voice, God save the Queen.

The Queen also, to take away the fear which had possessed many mens minds, that Religion would be altered, and Popery tolerated, permit­ted that Edmond Campian, Jesuite, Ralph Sherwin, Luke Kirby, and Alexander Briant, Priests, should be arraigned they were condemned and executed for Treason. This was done during the abode of Anjou in England.

The Earl of Leicester improved his power (at this time very great with the Queen) to obtain great Liberty for the Non-conformists. Hence it was, that many Bishops active in pressing subscription in their Diocess, when repairing to Court, were checked by this great Favou­rite, [Page 243] to their great discouragement. Hereupon the Brethren (who hi­therto had no particular platform of Discipline among themselves, The form of Discipline by the Brethren considered of in a solemn Synod with the Decrees thereof, may be read in Fuller. church Hist. Cent. 16. Anno 1582. as universally practised by their party) began, in a solemn Council held by them, to conclude on a certain form, as may be seen in their Decrees, faithfully translated out of their Latin Copy. The Title thereof, These be the things that (do seem) may well stand with the peace of the Church.

This year died three that seemed Pillars in the Romish Church. Frist Richard Bristow, born in Worcester-shire, bred at Exeter-colledge in Ox­ford, whence he fled beyond the Seas, and by Cardinal Allen was made Overseer of the English Colledge, first at Doway, then at Rhemes. For the recovery of his health, he returned into his native Land, and died quietly near London.

The second Nicholas Harpsfield, bred first in Winchester-school, then in New-colledge in Oxford, where he proceeded Doctor of Law, and after became Archdeacon of Canterbury: Under King Edward the Sixth he banished himself: Under Queen Mary he returned, and was advanced: Under Queen Elizabeth imprisoned, for denying her Supremacy. Yet such was his mild usage in his Restraint, that he wrote much therein and among the rest his Ecclesiastical History. He wrote also six Dialogues in favour of his own Religion. He set it forth under the name of Alan Cope. Yet caused he these Capital letters to be engraven at the end of his Book.

Hereby mystically meaning.

The third Gregory Martin, born at Mayfield in Sussex, bred with Campian at St. John's-colledge in Oxford, Tutor to Philip, Earl of Arun­del, eldest Son to Thomas, Duke of Norfolk. Afterwards he went over beyond Sea, and became Divinity Professor in the Colledge of Rhemes, and died there.

Now as touching the Controversie of Church-government, the Mini­sters of Kent, having been called to subscribe to certain Articles pro­pounded to them by the Archbishop of Canterbury se [...]d their Petition to the Privy Council: Subscribed thus; Your Honours daily and faithful Orators, the Ministers of Kent, which are suspended from the execution of their Ministry.

The Lords of the Council sent this Petition, with another Bill of complaint, exhibited unto them, against Edmond Freak, Bishop of Nor­wich, [Page 244] unto the Archbishop of Canterbury. What his Answer was there­unto, may be seen at large in Fuller's Church History.

Doctor John Whitgift was now Archbishop of Canterbury, Anno 1583. who wrote a Letter to the Lord Treasurer, complaining of Mr. Beal, Clerk of the Council, who brought these Letters to him, his insolent carriage towards him.

Now that the Presbyterian party were befriended at the Council-board, who endeavoured to mittigate the Archbishop's proceeding against them, appeareth also from the Privy Counsellors Letter to the Archbi­shop, in favour of the Non-conformists. Signed W. Burleigh, G. Shrews­bury, A Warwick, R. Leicester, C. Howard, J. Croft, Ch. Hatton, Fr. Walsingham. But albeit Sir Chr. Hatton subscribed among the Privy Counsellors for moderation to Non-conformists, yet that he was a great countenancer of Whitgift's proceedings against them, appeareth in an immediate Address of the Archbishop unto him. As for the Lord Burgh­leigh, he was neither so rigid, as to have Conformity prest to the height, nor so remiss, as to leave Ministers at their own liberty: He would ar­gue the case, both in D [...]scourse and Letters, with the Archbishop; and one Letter he wrote to the Archbishop for some Indulgence to the Mini­sters; Mr. Travers seems to have an hand in all this, who being the Lord Burghleigh's Chaplain, by him much respected, and highly affected to the Geneva Discipline, was made the mouth of the Ministers, to me­diate to his Lord in their behalf. But the Archbishop's unmoveableness appeared by his Letter sent to the Lord Treasurer, at some passages where­of he took exception, and sends a smart Letter to the Archbishop.

That which concerneth the Non-conformists therein is this.

The Archbishop writes a calm Letter in answer to the Lord Treasurer's Letter, sending him enclosed therein certain Reasons to justifie the man­ner of his proceedings, praying his Lordship not to be carried away, ei­ther from the cause, or from the Archbishop himself, upon unjust sur­mises, and clamours, lest he be the occasion of that confusion which here­after he would be sorry for. Professing that in these things he desired no further defence, neither of his Lordship, nor of any other, than Justice and Law would yield unto him.

Sir Francis Walsingham was a good Friend to Non-conformists, he wrote a Letter to the Archbishop, to qualifie him for a Semi-Non-confor­mist, one Mr. Leverwood.

Grindal being sensible of the Queens displeasure, had desired to re­sign his place, and confine himself to a yearly Pension. This place was proffered to Whitgift, but he, in the presence of the Queen, refused it: yet what he would not snatch, suddenly fell into his hands by Grindal's death, who out of his contempt of the world, left not much wealth be­hind him. That little he had, as it was well gotten, was well bestowed in pious uses in Oxford and Cambridge, with the building and endowing of a School at St. Bees in Cumberland, where he was born: yea he may be held as a Benefactor to this Nation, by bringing in Tamarix first over into England, that Plant being very excellent in mollifying the hardness of the Spleen.

Now Robert Brown, a Cambridge-man, and young Student in Divinity (of whom the Separatists in those dayes, and long after, were called Brownists) born in Rutland-shire of an ancient Family, near allied to the Lord Treasurer Cecil, began, with one Richard Harison, a School­master, to vent their Opinions. They set forth Books in Zealand, whither they travelled. Brown returning home, disperseth these Books all over England. But their Books were suppressed by the Queens Au­thority, confuted by Learned men; and two of his followers were exe­cuted one after another at St. Edmonds-bury. Brown coming to Norwich, there infected both Dutch and English, for which he was confined.

The Lord Treasurer writes a Letter to the Bishop of Norwich in his be­half. Brown being thus brought up to London, was wrought to some tolerable compliance, and being discharged by the Archbishop, was by the Lord Treasurer sent home to his Father, Anthony Brown, at Tolethorp in Rutland Esquire. But, it seems, Brown's errors 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.

He, and Harison, inveighed against Bishops, Ecclesiastical Courts, Ceremonies, Ordination of Ministers, fancying here on earth a plat­form of a perfect Church. Doctor Fulk learnedly proveth, that the Brownists were, in effect, the same with the ancient Donatists.

Nicholas Saunders (more truly Slanders) died this year 1583. being starved to death among the Bogs and Mountains in Ireland. Near the same time one John Lewis was burnt at Norwich for denying the Godhead of Christ, and holding other detestable Heresies. At this time the Jesuites set forth many slaunderous libels against her Majesty; one of their prin­cipal Pamphlets, was a Treatise of Schism. William Carter, the Stationer, was executed at Tyburn for publishing it. Soon after five Seminaries, John Fen, George Haddock, John Munden, John Nutter, and Tho. Hem­merford, were hanged, bowelled, and quartered for Treason at Tyburn, and many others about the same time executed in other places. Yet at the same time the Queen by one Act of Grace pardoned seventy Priests, some of them actually condemned to die, all legally deserving death.

Among these were, 1. Gasper Haywood, Son to that eminent Epi­grammatist, the first Jesuite that ever set foot in England.

2. James Bosgrave.

3. John Hart a zealous disputant.

4. Edward Rushton, an ungrateful wretch, who afterwards railed on the Queen in Print, who gave him his life.

In the year 1584. Two conferences were kept at Lambeth, about the Discipline and Ceremonies of the Church. For the same were the Arch­bishops of Canterbury and York, and Cooper, Bishop of Winchester. Un­conforming Ministers against it. The Lords of the Privy Council, and some other Honorable persons, Auditors thereof. This conference ef­fected nothing on the Disputants as to the altering their Opinions. Some of the Lords afterwards secretly acted against the Archbishop in favour of the other party.

The Archbishop now take's another course, enjoyning all admitted to the Ecclesiastical Orders and Benefices, the subscription of the follow­ing Articles.

• I. That the Queen had supreme Authority over all persons born within her Dominions, of what condition soever they were. And that no other Prince, Prelate, or Potentate, hath, or ought to have, any Jurisdiction, Civil or Ecclesiastical, within her Realms, or Do­minions.
• II. That the Book of Common-Prayer, and the Ordination of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, containeth nothing contrary to the Word of God, but may lawfully be used; and that they will use that, and none other.
• III. That the Articles of Religion agreed in the Synod holden at Lon­don, Anno 1562. and published by the Queens Authority they did allow of, and did believe them to be consonant to the word of God.

Now came forth the Rhemish Translation of the New Testament, every where bespeckled with hard words, which transcend common ca­pacities; taxed by our Divines as full of abominable errors.

Secretary Walsingham soliciteth Mr. Thomas Cartwright to undertake to refute this Rhemish Translation; and sent him an hundred pounds out of his own purse, the better to enable him for the work. Walsingham's Letters, to Cartwright, were seconded by another from the Doctors and Heads of Houses (and Dr. Fulk among the rest) at Cambridge, besides the importunity of the Ministers of London, and Suffolk, to the same purpose. Cartwright prepares for the work. But Archbishop Whit­gift having notice thereof, prohibiteth his further proceeding therein. Cartwright hereupon desisted. But some years after, encouraged by an honourable Lord, he resumed the work, but prevented by death, he per­fected no further than the fifteenth Chapter of the Revelation. Many years lay this worthy work neglected, and the Copy thereof Mouse-eaten in part, at last came forth (though late Anno 1618. a Book to which the Rhemists never durst return the least answer. But whilst Cartwrights work lay retarded, Dr. William Fulk, Master of Pembrook-hall in Cam­bridge, entred the list against the Rhemists, and Judiciously and Learned­ly performed his undertaking therein.

This year came forth the Exposition of Mr. Thomas Rogers, on the Articles of the Church of England; not onely the two extremes, Papists and Schismaticks, but many Protestants of a middle temper were offen­ded thereat. Mr. Rogers his restrictive Comment, shut out such from their concurrence with the Church of England, which the discreet laxity of the Text admitted thereunto.

On November 23. 1585. The Parliament was begun and holden at Westminster, wherein the Statute against Jesuites and Priests, their de­parting out of England, and not returning thither, was made, with penalty for relieving them. A Convocation was kept in St. Pauls Church in London; and from hence removed to St. Peter's in Westminster, where William Redman D. D. was chosen and presented Prolocutor. An As­sembly of Ministers met at the same time: but the certain place of their meeting not known, being Clandestine, Arbitrary, and changeable, as advised by their Conveniences. Some Agents for them were all day at the door of the Parliament-house, and some part of the night in the Chambers of Parliament-men, effectually solliciting their business with them.

What impression was made by the Agents of the Ministers, may ap­pear by an ensuing Letter sent to her Majesty, by Archbishop Whitgift, wherein he complaineth of several Bills that had, the day before the da­ting of his Letter, passed in the House of Commons, in favour of the Non-conformists, about Marrying at all times in the year, concerning [Page 248] Ecclesiastical Courts, and Episcopal Visitations, which (saith he) may reach to the overthrow of Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, and study of the Civil Law. But the Queen would alter nothing material to Church-government.

The Parliament being dissolved, the Convocation ended the next day after, having effected nothing of moment, save that in the ninth Session thereof John Hilton Priest, made a solemn Abjuration of his blasphe­mous Heresies.

The Non-conformists now missing their mark, abated much of their former Activity; insomuch as that Mr. Cartwright began to make by the mediation of the Earl of Leicester (who now design'd to make him Master of his new-built Hospital in Warwick) compliance with the Archbishop, though he not over-fond of his friendship, warily kept him at distance, as appears by the Earl of Leicester's Letter to the Archbishop, in Cartwright's behalf, and the Archbishop's answer thereto.

Now the Earl of Leicester went over into the Low Countries, com­manding a great Army, with the Title of General of the Auxiliaries of the Queen of England; and the Non-conformists lost their best friend in Court. And afterwards the Archbishop being sworn one of the Privy Council, it fared worse with them.

Three Protestant Bishops died this year, viz. Richard Curteys, Bishop of Chichester; Nicholas Robinson, Bishop of Bangor; and John Scory, Bishop of Hereford. The same year also died John Fecknam, late Abbot of Westminster.

The Jesuites began now to possess their English Proselites, with high Opinions of the Spanish power, as the Nation designed by God's pro­vidence to work their restitution in England: and they sent into England (as Pasquier saith) one Samier, a man of their Society, to draw Noble­men, and Gentlemen to the Spaniards party, and to thrust forward the Queen of Scots to dangerous practices, by telling her, That if she were refractory, neither She nor her Son should Reign: and by exciting the Guises her kinsmen to new stirs, against the King of Navar and the Prince of Conde, that they might not be able to ayd her.

In the year 1586. a firm League of Amity was concluded and ratified betwixt the Queen of England and James King of Scot­land.

A dangerous conspiracy against the Queen of England (begun by John Savage, but prosecuted by Anthony Babington and others) was discovered. The chief discover of this Conspiracy was one Gifford, a Gentleman of a good house at Chellington in Stafford-shire, not far from Chartley, where the Queen of Scots was kept prisoner. He was sent by the English fugitives in France, under the counterfit name of Luson, to put Savage in mind of the vow which he had made, to kill Queen [Page 249] Elizabeth, and to convey Letters between them and the Queen of Scots. Gifford revealed the plot to Secretary Walsingham, who sent him down into Stafford-shire to do the work he had under­taken.

Here Gifford bribing the Brewer of the house where the Queen of Scots lay, so contrived the matter with him, that by a hole in the wall, in which a loose stone was put, he should give in, and receive forth Letters, the which, by Messengers purposely laid by the way, came ever to Wal­singham's hands, who broke them open, copied them out, and by the cunning of Thomas Philips, found out the meaning of the private Cy­phers: and by the Art of Arthur Gregory sealed them up again, so neat­ly, that no man could have imagined them to be opened, and ever sent them to the parties to whom the superscription directed them. In like manner were the former Letters from the Queen of Scots to Babington in­tercepted; as also other Letters written at the same time to Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador, Charles Paget, the Lord Paget, the Archbishop of Glasco, and Francis Englefied. Then Ballard was apprehended. Babington seeks to escape, and is taken. The Queen of Scots hath her Closets broken open, and her Boxes searched. Fourteen of the Con­spirators were Arraigned, Condemned of High-treason and executed. Afterwards in the Star-chamber sentence was pronounced against the Queen of Scots. And in a Parliament presently following, the Lords pe­tition the Queen, that the sentence passed against her may presently be promulged. The King of Scots and the King of France sollicit for her life. But when this would not prevail, L' Aubespine, the French Am­bassador thinks no way so effectual, for saving the Queen of Scots life, as to take away the life of Queen Elizabeth. The plot was discovered. And at length the Sentence against the Queen of Scots was put in execu­tion, and she ended her doleful life at Fothringhay Castle. She was bu­ried in the Quire of Peterborough, and Doctor Wickham Bishop of Lin­coln Preached her Funeral-sermon. Some twenty yaars after 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.

The Earl of Leicester having raised great offence, is called home again into England by the Queen, giveth over his Government, and the free Administation of his Government is left to the States.

Now Conformity was pressed to the height. Fuller. Church Hist. in An. 1587. The power of the High Commission began to extend far, and penalties to fall heavy on offen­ders: whereupon the favourers of Non-conformists 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 the most general exception against the High Commission was this, [Page 251] That proceeding, Ex Officio mero, by way of enquiry against such whom they suspected, they tendred 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.

Because many did question the Legality and Authority of the High Commission, Archbishop Whitgift so contrived the matter, that the most sturdy Non-conformists (especially if they had any visible Estates) were brought into the Star-chamber, the power whereof was above dispute; where some of them besides imprisonment, had very heavy fines imposed on them. And because most of the Queens Coun­cil were present at the Censures, this took off the odium from the Archbishop.

This year died Mr. John Fox, the Industrious compiler of the Acts and Monuments of the Church, and was buried at St. Giles near Cripple­gate in London. It is said he foretold the destruction of the Invincible (so called) Spanish Armado, in the year 1588. which came so to pass though he survived not to see the performance of his own pre­diction.

Camd Brit. in Kent.About this time Mr. William Lambert finished his Hospital at Green­wich, founded and endowed by him for poor people. He was the first Protestant who erected a charitable house of that nature, saith Camden: But King Edward the Sixth, founded Christ-church and St. Thomas Hospital.

Now the sticklers against the Hierarchy appeared more vigorous, though for a time they had concealed themselves.

The Parliament now sitting at Westminster, the House of Commons presented to the Lords a petition, complaining how many Parishes, espe­cially in the North of England and Wales, were destitute of Preachers, and no care taken to supply them. Sixteen were the particulars, where­of the six first were against in sufficient Ministers. Of all the particulars the House fell most fiercely on the debate of pluralities, and Non-resi­dents.

The Arch-bishop pleads for Non-residency in divers cases. He affir­med (whatever was pretended to the contrary) that England then flourished with able Ministers, more than ever before, yea had more than all Christendom besides. The Lord Grey rejoyned to this Asserti­on, saying, That England had more able Ministers than all the Churches in Christendom, was onely to be attributed to God, who now open­ed the hearts of many to see into the truth, and that the Schools were better observed. The Lord Treasurer seemed to moderate betwixt them. Matters flying thus high, the Archbishop with the rest of the Clergy Petition the Queen: To the Petition were annexed a Catalogue of those inconveniences to the State present, State to come, Cathedral [Page 250] Churches, Universities, to her Majesty, to Religion, in case pluralities were taken away. Nothing was effected in relation to this matter, but things left, in statu quo prius, at the dissolution of this Parli­ament.

This year died Richard Barnes Bishop of Durham.

In the year 1588. when there was a Treaty of Peace between Eng­land and Spain, out cometh their Invincible Navy and Army, perfectly appointed for both Elements, Land and Water, to Sayl and March com­pleat in all Warlike Equipage: but that great Fleet was wonderfully defeated by the English, and dissipated by stormy Winds: and many of the Spaniards were Barbarously butchered by the Irish.

For the happy success of this action Queen Elizabeth appointed Prayers and Thanksgivings over all the Churches in England: and she with a great Train of the Nobility came into St. Pauls Church, (where the Banners taken from the Enemy were placed in view) and there in most humble manner gave thanks to Almighty God the giver of all Victory. About this time many Papists were committed to custody in Wisbych Castle.

At this time many Libels flew abroad, thus named.

• 1. The Epitome.
• 2. The Demonstration of Disci­pline.
• 3. The Supplication.
• 4. Diotrephes.
• 5. The Minerals.
• 6. Have ye any work for the Cooper.
• 7. More work for the Cooper.
• 8. Martin Senior Mar-prelate.
• 9. Martin Junior Mar-prelate.

The main drift of these Pamphlets was to defame the English Prelates, scoffing at them for their Garb, Gate, Apparel, Vanities of their Youth, natural Defects, and personal Infirmities. It is strange how secretly they were Printed, how speedily Dispersed, how generally Bought, how greedily Read, how firmly Believed, especially of the Common sort. Some precise men of that side, thought these jeering pens well employed: but these Books were disclaimed by the more descreet and devoutsort of men.

And how highly the State distasted these Books, will appear, by the heavy censures inflicted on such as were but accessary thereunto. To pass by John Ʋdal and John Penry Ministers accused for making some of them, together with the Printers, and Humfry Newman a Cobler, chief disperser of them. The Star-chamber deeply fined Sir Richard Knightly, and Sir [...] Wigston, for entertaining and receiving the press Gentlemen. But upon their submission they had their liberty, and were eased of their fines.

A Synod of the Presbyterians of the Warwick-shire Classis was called at Coventry, wherein the questions brought the last year from the Bre­thren of Cambridge-Synod, were thus resolved.

• Bp. Bancroft's Book, called, Englands Sco­tizing for Discipline by practice.
  I. That private Baptism was unlawful.
• II. That it is not lawful to read Homiles in the Church.
• III. That the sign of the cross is not to be used in Baptism.
• IV. That the faithful ought not to communicate with unlearned Mini­sters, although they may be present at their service, &c.
• V. That the calling of Bishops is unlawful.
• VI. That as they deal in Causes Ecclesiastical, there is no duty belonging unto, nor any publickly to be given them.
• VII. That it is not lawful to be Ordained Ministers by them, or to de­nounce either Suspensions, or Excommunications sent from them.
• VIII. That it is not lawful to rest in the Bishop's deprivation of any from the Ministry, &c.
• IX. That it is not lawful to appear in a Bishop's Court, but with prote­station of their unlawfulness.
• X. That Bishops are not to be acknowledged either for Doctors, Elders, or Deacons, as having no ordinary calling.
• XI. That touching the restauration of their Ecclesiastical Discipline, it ought to be taught to the people as occasion shall serve.
• XII. That (as yet) the people are not to be solicited (publickly) to the practice of the Discipline, (till) they be better instructed in the know­ledge of it.
• XIII. That men of better understanding are to be allured privately to the present embracing of the discipline, and practice of it, as far as they shall be well able, with the peace of the Church.

Likewise in the same Assembly, the aforesaid Book of Discipline was approved to be a draught essential and necessary for all times. And cer­tain Articles (devised in approbation, and for the manner of the use thereof) were brought forth, treated of, and subscribed unto by Ma­ster Cartwright and others, and afterwards tendred far and near to the several Classes for a general ratification of all the brethren.

After a solemn humiliation of the Ministers at Northampton, one Mr. Johnson, formerly a Non-conformist, but afterwards falling from that side, discovered many passages to their disadvantage in the High­commission Court.

Watson. Quod­ [...]ibus.This year also the Popish Clergy set forth a Book, called the Admoni­tion, d [...]spersed among the Papists, and much cried up. But the Spanish Navy presently miscarying after it's publishing, Parsons procured the whole impression to be burnt (save some few sent abroad aforehand to his friends) that it might not remain a monument of their falshood.

This year died Edwyn Sandys, Archbishop of York, an excellent Preacher, and of a pious Life: and Dr. Laurence Humfrey, President of Magdalen Colledge.

On September 1. 1596. Mr. Cartwright was brought before the Queen's Commissioners, there to take his Oath, and give in his positive answer to divers Articles objected against him. The Articles were ten­dred to him in the Consistory of St. Paul's before John Elmar Bishop of London, the two Lord Chief Justices, Justice Gawdy, Serjeant Pucker­ing, (afterward Lord Keeper) and Attorney General Popham. The Commissioners assured him on their credits, that by the Laws of the Realm he was to take his Oath, and to answer as he was required. But Mr. Cartwright pleaded, That he thought he was not bound by the Laws of God so to do. Hereupon he was sent to the Fleet unto the rest of his Brethren.

Now the main pillars of the Presbyterian party, being some in Prison, more in Trouble, all in Fear, applied themselves by their secret solici­tors to James King of Scotland, and procured his Letter to the Queen in their behalf. But this Letter prevailed little. But Archbishop Whitgift, on Mr. Cartwright's general promise to be quiet, procured his dismission out of the Star-chamber and prison wherein he was confined. And hence­forward Mr. Cartwright became very peaceable.

Then one Hacket, born at Owndle in Northampton-shire undertook to be a discoverer of, and Informer against Recusants, a confident Fellow, one that was great with Wigginton and that Faction. Always Inculca­ting, that some extraordinary course must be presently taken with the obstructors of the Genevian discipline. Once he desperatley took his dagger, and violently struck it into the picture of the Queen. He pre­tended also Revelations, Immediate Raptures, and Discourses with God, as also to Buffetings of Satan, attesting the truth thereof with most direful Oathes and Execrations. He raised also against Archbishop Whitgift, and Chancellor Hatton, with other privy Counsellors, pre­tending himself sent from Heaven to reform Church and State. He gave it out, that the principal Spirit of the Messias rested in him, and had two Attendants. Edmond Coppinger (the Queen's Servant, and one of good descent) for his Prophet of Mercy. And Henry Arthing­ton, a York-shire Gentleman, for his Prophet of Judgment. These Pro­claimed in Cheap-side, That Christ was come in Hacket, with his fan in his hand, to purge the godly from the wicked, &c. They cried Repent, Repent, &c. The next day all three were sent to Bridewel. Hacket was arraigned, drawn, hanged, and quartered, continuing even at his death his blasphemous assertions. Coppinger starved himself to death in prison, Arthington made his Recantation in a publick writing, and be­came the object of the Queen's mercy.

This accident was unhappily improved against the Non-conformists, and rendred them so hated at Court, that for many months together, no favourite durst present a petition in their behalf to the Queen, being loth to lose himself to save others.

Fuller. Church Hist. Cent. 16. l. 9.The same day wherein Hacket was executed, Mr. Stone, Parson of Warkton in Northampton-shire, by vertue of an Oath tendred him the day before by the Queen's Attorney, and solemnly taken by him, was examined by the Examiner for the Star-chamber in Grays Inn, from six a clock in the morning untill seven at night, to answer unto thirty three Articles, but could onely effectually depose to some of them: but by his confession he discovereth the meetings of the Brethren, with the circum­stances thereof, the Classes more formally setled in Northampton-shire, than any where else in England. When the news of Mr. Stone's answer was brought abroad, he was generally censured by most of his party: So that he found it necessary, in his own vindication, to impart the rea­sons of his Confession to such as condemned him, if not for a Traitor, at least for a coward in the cause. What satisfaction this gave to his party I know not. Certainly the Bishop till his dying day beheld him as an ingenuous man, carrying his conscience with the reason thereof in his own breast. He was permitted peaceably to possess his Parsonage (being none of the meanest) though he continued a stiff Non-conformist, one­ly quietly enjoying his own opinion. He died an old man at Warkton, Anno 1617.

Stone's discovery marred for the future all their formal meetings, as Classically or Synodically methodized.

Then began the foundation of an University in Dublin in Ireland. Hen­ry Ʋsher, then Archdeacon of Dublin (afterwards Archbishop of Ar­magh, and Unckle to James Ʋsher late Archbishop thereof) took a journey into England, and procured the Mortmain from Queen Eliza­beth, who graciously granted it, naming the corporation, Collegium Sanctae ac Individuae Trinitatis, ex fundatione Reginae Elizibethae, juxta Dublin. The Lord Burgley is appointed first Chancellor of the Univer­sity. Sir William Fitz-Williams, Lord Debuty of Ireland, issued out his Letters to all the Counties in Ireland to advance so good a design. The Irish Papists were very bountiful thereunto. The Mayor and Alder­men of Dublin: Sir Warham St. Leger, Sir Francis Shane, Robert D'eu­reux Earl of Essex, afterwards Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and second Chancellor of this University, were Benefactors to it. King James con­firmed the revenues of this Colledge in perpetuum, endowing it with good Lands in the Province of Ʋlster. Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin, and Chancellor of Ireland, was the first Master of the Colledge. Mr. Luke Chaloner received and disbursed the moneys, had the over­sight of the Fabrick, which he faithfully procured to be finished. The first stone in this foundation was laid, March 13. 1591. and in the [Page 255] year 1593. Scholars were first admitted: and the first of them James Ʋsher, since Bishop of Armagh, that mirrour of Learning and Re­ligion.

Now began a sad contest betwixt Mr. Richard Hooker, Master, and Mr. Walter Travers, Lecturer of the Temple. Hooker was born in Devon­shire, bred in Oxford, Fellow of Corpus Christi Colledge: one of a solid Judgment, and great Reading. A great defender both by Preaching and Writing of the Discipline of the Church of England, yet never got (nor cared to get) any eminent dignity therein. Mr. Travers was bred up in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge. Travers travelling to Geneva, contracted familiarity with Beza, and other forreign Divines. Then re­turned He, and commenced Batchelor of Divinity in Cambridge, and after that went beyond Sea again, and at Antwerp was ordained Mini­ster by the Presbytery there, where he continued some years and Preached (with Mr. Cartwright) unto the English Factory of Mer­chants, untill at last he came over into England, and for seven years to­gether became Lecturer in the Temple (refusing all presentative prefer­ment to decline subscription) and lived Domestick Chaplain in the house of the Lord Treasurer Cecil, being Tutor for a time to Robert, his Son, afterwards Earl of Sarisbury.

Yea now so great grew the credit of Mr. Travers, that (by the ad­vice of Mr. Andrew Melvin) he and Mr. Cartwright were solemnly sent for, to be Divinity-professors in the University of St. Andrews. This proffer being joyntly refused, Travers quietly continued Lecturer in the Temple, till Mr. Hooker became the Master thereof. Mr. Hooker's voice was low, stature little, gesture none at all, standing still in the Pulpit. His stile was long and pithy, so that when the copiousness of his stile met not with proportionable capacity in his Auditors, it was unjust­ly censured for tedious and obscure. His Sermons were for the most part on Controversies, and deep points of School-divinity.

Mr. Travers his utterance was graceful, gesture plausible, matter pro­fitable, and method plain. But these two Preachers acted with different Principles, and clashed one against another: so that what Mr. Hooker de­livered in the Fore-noon, Mr. Travers confuted in the After-noon. Here Archbishop Whitgift interposed his power, and silenced Travers from Preaching in the Temple or any where else; Travers Petitions the Lords of the Council: his Petition is publickly extant in Print, with Master Hoooker's answer thereunto. But Mr. Travers, notwithstanding his friends at Court, was over-born by the Archbishop.

Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin, and Chancellor of Ireland, in­vited him over to be Provost of Trinity Colledge in Dublin. Embracing the motion, he accepted the place, and continued some years therein, till for fear of their Civil Wars he returned into England, and lived here many years after very obscurely.

In the year 1592. In London more than ten thousand died of the Plague, and among them Reverend Mr. Richard Greenham. He was one that always bitterly inveighed against Non-residents, he ended his days at Christ Church in London.

Mr. Ʋdal was indicted, and arraigned at Croidon, for defaming the Queen her Government, in a Book by him written and entitled, A De­monstration of the Discipline which Christ hath prescribed in his Word for the Government of his Church in all times and places unto the World's end. But the mortal words (as they may be termed) are in the Preface of the Book, written, To the supposed Governours of the Church of England, Archbishops, Bishops, &c. and are inserted in the Body of his indictment.

To this Indictment he pleaded Not guilty, denying himself to be the Author of the Book. Next day he was cast by the Jury, but was re­manded to the Marshalsey; March following he was brought again to the bar before the Judges, to whom he had privatelp presented a Petiti­on with all advantage, but it found no entertainment, insomuch that in this moneth of March, he at the Assizes held in Southwark, was there condemned to be executed for a Felon.

Various were mens Censures on these proceedings against him. The proof was not pregnant (saith Mr. Fuller) and it is generally be­lieved, that he made onely the Preface, out of which his indictment was chiefly framed) and not the body of the Book laid to his charge. But without any other sickness, save heart-broken with sorrow, he died peaceably in his bed. The Ministers of London flocked to his Funeral, and he was decently interred in the Church-yard of St. George in South­wark, not far from Bishop Bonner's grave. He was Father to Ephraim Ʋdal, a pious and solid Divine, but in point of Discipline differing in Opinion from his Father.

Anno 1593. Henry Barrow Gentleman, and John Greemood Clerk, were condemned, and executed at Tyburn, for writing certain Seditious Pamphlets. And not long after, John Penry, a Welch-man, was ar­raigned and condemned of Felony, at the King's Bench Bar, for being a principal penner, and publisher of a Libellous Book, called Martin­mar-prelate, and executed at St. Thomas Waterings.

Sir John Ha­ringt. addit. supply to Bish. Godwin. p. 134.This year Queen Elizabeth took her last farewel of Oxford, where a Divinity-Act was kept for her. Next day her Highness made a Latin Oration to the Heads of Houses, in which she gave a check to Dr. Rai­nolds for his Non-conformity.

The same year died John Piers, Archbishop of York, highly esteemed by Queen Elizabeth:, whose Almoner he was many years; and John El­mar, Bishop of London. He was one of a low stature, but stout spirit, a witty man, a stiff-champion of the Church-discipline, on which account none was more mocked by Ma tin-mar-prelat, or hated by Non-confor­mists.

Of the Papists died, Anno 1594. two principal pillars beyond the Seas: first William Rose, bred in Winchester-school, then in New-colledge in Oxford. He went to Rome, and there solemnly abjured the Prote­stant Religion: from Rome he removed to Rhemes in France, where he became Professor of Divinity and Hebrew in the English Colledge: He died at Antwerp in the fiftieth year of his Age, as he was making a Book, called Calvino-Turcismus, which after by his dear friend, William Gifford, was finished, set forth, and dedicated to Albert Duke of Austria. Car­dinal William Allen died also the same year. The King of Spain bestow­ed on him an Abbey in the Kingdom of Naples, and nominated him to be Archbishop of Machlin: but he died, Pitraeus de il­lustr. Angl. script. p. 793. and was buried in the Church of the English Colledge at Rome. His loss was much lamented by the Catholicks: for he had done many good offices in composing the grudg­ings which began to grow between the Secular Priests and Jesuites. Untill this time the prime Catholicks in Wisbich Castle, had lived there in restraint, with great concord. And the Papists do brag, that then and there the English Church was most visible, untill one Father Weston, a Jesuite coming thither, erected a Government among them, making certain Sanctions and Orders, which all were bound to observe, claim­ing a superiority over all the Catholicks there. Besides those of his own society, many of the Secular Priests submitted unto him, though the greatest number and Learned sort of the Secular Priests resisted his superiority. If any Order might pretend to this Priority, it was most proper for the Benedictines, extant in England above a thousand years ago: one might admire why Father Weston should so earnestly desire so silly a Dominion, having his power, as well as his own person con­fined within the walls of Wisbich Castle.

Anno 1595. Began throughout England the more solem and strict observation of the Lord's day, occasioned by a Book then set forth by P. Bound. D. D. and enlarged with additions.

Anno 1606. Hereupon the Lord's day (especially in Corporations) began to be precisely kept, people forbearing such sports as yet by Sta­tute permitted; yet Learned men were much divided in their Judgments about the Sabbatarian Doctrines. The first that publickly opposed Dr. Bounds Opinions, was Mr. Thomas Rogers of Horninger in Suffolk, in his Preface to the Book of Articles: yet notwithstanding were these Sabbatarian Doctrines published more generally than before. The price of the Doctor's Book began to be doubled, as commonly Books are then most called on, when called in. Yea six years after Bounds book came forth, with enlargements publickly sould.

Now also began some Opinions about Predestination, Free-will, Per­severance, which much troubled the Schools and Pulpit. Wherein Archbishop Whitgift caused a solemn meeting of many Learned Di­vines at Lambeth, where (besides the Archbishop) Richard Bancroft, [Page 258] Bishop of London; Richard Vaughan, Bishop of Bangor; Humfrey Tyndal, Bishop of Ely; Dr. Whitaker, Queen's Professor in Cambridge, and others were assembled. These after a serious debate, resolved on the now following Articles.

• Fuller. Church Hist. An. 1595.
  I. God from eternity hath Predestinated certain men unto life, &c.
• II. The moving cause of Predestination unto life, is not Faith and good Works foreseen, &c. but onely the good will and pleasure of God.
• III. There is predetermined a certain number of the predestinate, &c.
• IV. Those who are not predestinated to Salvation, shall be necessarily damned for their sins.
• V. A true, living, justifying Faith, &c. is not extinguished, vanish­eth not away in the elect either finally or totally.
• VI. A man truly faithful, i. e. such a one who is endued with justifying Faith, is certain with the full assurance of Faith of the Remission of his sins, and of his everlasting Salvation by Christ.
• VII. Saving Grace is not given, granted, communicated to all men, by which they may be saved if they will.
• VIII. No man can come unto Christ, Ʋnless it shall be givenll unto him, and unless the Father shall draw him. And as men are not drawn by the Father, that they may come to the Son.
• IX. It is not in the will or power of every one to be saved.

Matthew Hutton, Archbishop of York, did also fully and freely in his judgement concur with those Divines, as appeareth by a Letter of his sent to a most Reverend Prelate. Mountague in his Appeal. p. 55.56, 71, 72.

When these Articles came abroad into the World, some had an high Opinion of them; others valued them at a low rate. Some flatly condemned both the Articles and the Authors of them. One affirmeth, that these Articles were forbidden by publick Authority, but when, where, and by whom, he saith nothing.

Forreign Divines raised, or decryed, the esteem of these Articles just as they were biassed in judgment. Some Printed, set forth, and cited them, as the sence of the Church of England; others as fast slighted them as the narrow positions of a few private and partial persons. Although those Learned Divines be not acknowledged as competent Judges to pass definitive sentence in those points, yet their testimony is an infallible evidence, what was the general and received Doctrine of England, in that Age, about the forenamed Con­troversies.

This year died first Dr. William Wickham, bred in King's Colledge in Cambridge, first Bishop of Lincoln, after of Winchester. Secondly, Worthy Dr. William Whitaker.

And among the Romanists, Daniel Halesworth. More infamous was the death of Robert Southwel, a Jesuite, who was executed for a Traitor at London.

In the year 1596. died Bishop Fletcher of London, who died sud­denly, and John Coldwel, Bishop of Sarisbury.

About this time also died Doctor Laurence Humfrey, a moderate Non-conformist, Dean of Winchester, and Master of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford.

Master Baltazar Zanchez, a Spaniard, born in Estremadura, foun­ded an Almes-house at Totnam-Highcross in Middlesex, for eight single people, allowing them competent maintenance.

Thomas Stapleton this year ended his life at Lovain: he was born at Henfield in Sussex, and was a Learned assertor of the Romish Re­ligion.

This year also died Richard Cosins, Doctor of the Law, and Dean of Arches, one of the greatest Civilians which our Nation hath pro­duced.

The death of Robert Turner was now much lamented by the Papists. He was born at Barstable in Devonshire, bred for awhile in Oxford, whence flying beyond the Seas, he became Canon of Breslaw in Sile­sia, and at the same time Privy Councellor to the Duke of Bavaria. Fer­dinand of Gratz (afterwards Emperor) took him from the Duke to be his own Secretary in the Latin Tongue. He lieth buried at Gratz under a handsom Monument.

In the year 1599. died Richard Hooker, of whom largely before. He was much lamented by Protestants.

Anno 1600. died two eminent Roman Catholicks; John Saunderson, born in Lancaster, bred in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge, from whence he fled to Cambray in Artois. The other Thomas Case of St. Johns in Oxford, Doctor of Physick; always a Papist in heart, but never ex­pressing the same, till a little before his Death.