The Signal Loyalty and Devotion of Gods Saints Part 2

CHAP. VI.

[Anno 156] THe very first Christian King, professing the Christian Religion under the Gospel, mentioned in History, is Lucius, King of the Britons, reigning in this our Island; this King Anno Christi 156. (as • adulphus Baldoc, the Chronicle of Gisburn, the ancient Manuscript D • primo statu Landavensis Ecclesiae, and Bishop Usher out of them relate) sending two Ambassadors to Pope Elutherius, most earnestly and devoutly entreating him, That by his command and will he might be made a Christian; This Pope thereupon granting his request, Gratias agens Deo sud, &c. giving thanks to his God, and singing, Glory be to God on high, for joy that this King and Nation, who had continued Gentiles from the first peopling of the Island by Brute, did so ardently hasten to the faith of Christ, sending Eluan, and Meduin to convert them. After which this King Lucius in the year 179. or sooner, as some, or in the year 185. or later, as others think it; writing a Letter to Pope Elutherius, to send him a Copy of the Imperial Laws to govern his Nation by them; this Pope in the conclusion of his Epistle (in Answer to the Kings Letter) inserted this devout Prayer unto God in his behalf. Det vobis omnipotence Deus, &c. Almighty God grant you so to rule the Kingdom of Britain, that you may reign forever with him, whose Vicar you are in the Realm aforesaid. If this Pope, (though a foreign Prelate) thus prayed to God for this first Christian King, no doubt his own Christian Bishops & Ministers, (whom he endowed with ample possessions and maintenance) and his Christian Subjects, in their private and public Prayers, and Devotions to God, and in their Epistles and Addresses to him, did much more imitate his example, in pursuit of the Apostles precept, 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. as all the Primitive Christians did even for their Pagan Kings and Emperors, (as I have evidenced in the precedent Chapters) though we find no express mention thereof in our British Histories.

The first Christian Queen in the world was Helena, Daughter of King Coel; whose Son Constantine the Great, born and first created Emperor in our Island of Britain, was the first Roman Emperor, who publicly professed the Christian faith, and instituted public Prayers to be made unto God by his Soldiers, People and Subjects, whether Christians or Ethnics, for himself, his Sons, and his Posterity; who constantly poured forth their Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions and Thanksgivings▪ unto God for his life, health, safety, victories, and successes, as well in this our Island, as in all other places of his Empire; as these passages of Eusebius, who lived in his Court, and flourished under him, will abundantly evide • ce.

This Godly Christian Emperor Constantine, before his Battle with the persecuting Tyrant Licinius, dedicated a certain vacant time to pour forth Prayers to our Savior Christ in the tabernacle of the Cross, which he fixed far remote from his Camp: where afflicting his body with fasting and abstinence, he poured out Prayers & Supplications to God to reconcile him to himself, and become his gracious Protector: In which Duty he employed certain Persons, whom he reputed eminent both for faith and piety, to join with and assist him in the performance thereof, as he usually did upon other occasions before every battle with the enemy. After which having vanquished Licinius, and by his death obtained the sole power, and government over the Roman Empire; Omnes ubique victorem hymnis celebrabant, Tum choreis & hymnis primum Deum, summum omnium regem esse praedicarunt: deinde victorem Constantinum, ejusque filios modestissimos, Deoque charos Caesar's, acclamationibus continuis extulerunt. After which this Godly Emperor to excite his Subjects to Prayers, was portrayed in all his Coins & Statues standing upright with his eyes looking up, and his hands stretched forth and elevated towards Heaven, as if he were praying, & prescribed all his Legions, and Soldiers, as well Pagans as Christians, this set form of Prayer in the Roman tongue, which they were to use and recite every Lord's day, & in their daily prayers, with their hands and eyes lifted up to Heaven unto God the Giver of all good things, and Author of victory. Te solum Deum agnoscimus, &c. We acknowledge thee to be God alone; we profess thee to be King; we invocate thee our helper: by thee we have obtained victories; by thee we have overcome Enemies: from thee we confess we have received present, & hope that we shall obtain future felicity. Tui omnes supplices sumus, abs te petimus, ut Constantinum Imperatorem nostrum, unà cum piis ejus liberis quàm diutissime nobis salvum & victorem conserves: We are all Supplicants unto thee. We all request from thee, that thou wouldest conserve our Emperor Constantine, together with his pious Children, safe and victorious to us, for many generations, or, as long as possible may be, or forever. Ejusmodi fere Sanciebat a Militibus solis die fieri, talesque ab eis voces in diurnis Precibus adhiberi. Which prayers no doubt were used in this our Island of Britain, (where he was born and crowned) by his Soldiers, and other Subjects, for him and his royal posterity, as well as in other places: the Churches and Christians then in Britain, concurring both in their Doctrine and Practice, with the Churches in Rome, Italy, Aphrick, Egypt, Spain, France, Libya, Greece, Asia, Pontus and Silicia, as Constantine himself records in his Epistle to all Churches concerning the affairs of the Council of Nice, Anno 330. But of this more in the next Chapter.

[Anno 313] It is the Observation of Thomas Rudburne, the History of Winton Church, and Bishop Usher out of them, Orationes ac deprecationes justorum assiduae cum multum valeant apud justum judicem Deum; ascenderunt lacrymae suorum fidelium in conspectu conditoris altissimi; & sedatum est gravissimae persecutoris ac percussionis jaculum fulminosum, completo videlicet spatio viginti duorum annorum: unde Christiani qui priùs in sylvis opacissimisque locis se posuerant (within this our Island of Britain, as well as in other places, during the reigns of Dioclesian, Maximinian and Licinius, who grievously persecuted them) in publicum se ostendentes (under Constantine the Great) renovant Ecclesias quae usque ad solum undique erant destructae. Quo in tempore aedificata est Ecclesia Wintoniensis secundo ab Christi fidelium oblationibus. The Christians daily Prayers and tears to God in this our Island, being the principal means to cease their former persecutions under their cruel Pagan Emperors, and to procure them peace and prosperity under this first Christian Emperor Constantine, for whose long life, and prosperous reign they daily Prayed unto God in the Churches they re-edified and repaired during his pious Reign.

[Anno 435] Guithelin, Archbishop of London, in the the year of our Lord 455. being sent by the Christian Britons of our Island, into Britain in France, to crave aid against the barbarous Nations, who invaded, murdered, spoiled, and miserably oppressed them; thereupon Androenus King of the French Britons sent his Brother Constantine with 2000. men unto them, upon condition they should elect and crown him for their King. Which expedition Constantine undertaking, Guithelin thereupon brake out into these gratulatory Acclamations and Prayers unto Christ for him. Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat. Assit igitur gratia Christi Regi Britanniae qui est defensio nostra, ut insulam miserimam ad pristinam reducat libertatem. Christ overcometh, Christ reigneth, Christ commandeth. Therefore let the grace of Christ be present and assistant to the King of Britain, who is our defense, that he may reduce the miserable Island to its pristine liberty. A Prayer as suitable for our miserable exiled King and Island now, as for this their new British King, and Island in that Age, wherein the other Bishops, and Christian Britons made the like Prayers for him both at and after his Coronation, as Guithelin did before it.

[Anno 488] Our famous British King Aurelius Ambrosius, after he had destroyed and burnt the bloody Regicide and Usurper Vortigern, and conquered and exiled the Pagan Saxons, in the year of Christ 488. repaired and new built the Churches they had demolished, placed Priests and Clerks in them, restored divine service to its due state, conferred many Gifts, Rents and Revenues upon Churchmen; Et orare pro Regno et Ecclesiae statu omnibus imperavit: And he commanded all men, to pray for the Realm, and state of the Church; which no doubt they performed accordingly in their Churches, not forgetting to pray likewise for this good King, who repaired them, and restored Christianity.

[Anno 490] To pretermit Saint Patricks Prayers and Petitions to God, for the seven Kings he baptized, and the Irish he converted to the Faith, with his ascending into a Mount, and there fasting forty days, ut oraret pro eis, that he might pray for them.

[Anno 600] Pope Gregory the 1. in his Epistle to Aldeberga (or rather Bertha) wife to King Edilbert before his conversion to the faith of Christ, (who after her conversion was very instrumental to help convert the King and his subjects to the faith;) useth this thanksgiving, and prayer to God on her behalf. Omnipotentem Deum Benediximus, qui conversionem Gentis Anglorum mercedi vestrae dignatus est propitius reservare, &c. Bona vestra non solum jam apud Romanos qui pro vita vestra fortius oraverunt; sed etiam per diversa loca, et usque Constantinopolim, ad Serenissimum Principem pervenerunt: ut sicut nobis de Christianitatis vestrae solatiis laetitia facta est, ita quoque de perfect a operatione vestra Angels fiat gaudium in coelis, &c. Ut et hîc foeliciter cum glorioso filio nostro conjuge vestro regnetis, et post longa Annorum tempora futurae quoque vitae gaudia, quae finem habere nesciunt, capiatis. Oramus autem Omnipotentem Deum, ut gloriae vestrae cor, et ad operanda quae diximus, gratiae suae igne succendat, et aeternae mercedis fructum vobis de placita sibi operatione concedat.

[Anno 601] The same Pope Gregory in his Epistle to Edilbert King of Kent, exhorted him, willingly to hear, devoutly to perform, and studiously to keep in memory what Augustine, then his Bishop should admonish him, for this reason; Quia si vos eum in eo quod pro omnipotenti Deo loquitur auditis, idem Omnipotens Deus hunc pro vobis exorantem celerius exaudiet. Si enim (quod absit) verba ejus postponitis, quomodo eum omnipotence Deus poterit audire pro vobis, quem vos negligitis audire pro Deo? (A clear evidence, that Augustine and other Bishops and Christians in that age devoutly and constantly prayed to God for King Edilbert) Tota igitur mente cum eo vos in fervore fidei stringite, atque adnisum illius virtute quam vobis divinitas tribuit adjuvate, ut regni sui vos ipse faciat participes, cujus vos fidem in regno vestro recipi facitis, et custodiri. After which he concludes his Epistle with this prayer for this Kings spiritual, temporal, and eternal safety, long life, felicity and salvation. Omnipotens itaque Deus in vobis gratiam quam coepit, perficiat, atque vitam vestram et hic per multorum annorum curricula extendat, et post longa tempora in caelestis vos Patriae congregatione recip • at. Incolumem excellentiam vestram gra • ia suprema custodiat Domine fili, 10 Julii, Anno 19. Mauritii Tiberii Augusti.

[Anno 615] Pope Boniface in his Epistle to King Ethelbert (sent by Mellitus Bishop of Lond • n) Anno Dom. 615. prays thus for him, In Christo valeas Domine Fili.

[Anno 616] [Anno 628] Edwin King of Northumberland promised to renounce his Idolatry, and to serve Christ, because Edelburga his Queen (being a Christian) by the prayers of Paulinus Bishop of the Northumberlanders was delivered without much pain of a child; Wherupon Episcopus gratias caepit agere Domino Christo, Regique astruer • , Quod ill precibus suis apud illum obtinuerit, ut Regina sospes absque dolore gravi, sobolem procrearet. But this King deferring his Conversion to Christianity contrary to his promise; Thereupon Pope Boniface writ to Queen Edelburga to use all possible means for her Kings conversion, and amongst others, to make fervent Prayers to God for his illumination and salvation, Unde orationi continuo insistens, a longanimitate coelestis clementiae illuminationis illius beneficia impetrare non definas. Ut videlicet quos copulatio carnalis affectus unum quodammodo corpus exhibuisse ministratur, hos quoque unitas fidei etiam post hujus vitae transitum in perpetua soci • tate conservet. Ad hoc enim misericordiam Dominicae pietatis consecuta es, ut fructum fidei, creditorumque tibi beneficiorum redemptori tuo multiplicem resignares. Quod equidem suffragante praesidio benignitatis ipsius, ut explere valeas, assiduis non desistimus precibus postul • re. After this King Edwin being converted to the Christian Faith, Pope Honorius Successor to Boniface writ an Epistle to this King, in the close whereof there is this Prayer for his safety, Incolumem excellentiam vestram gratia superna custodiat.

[Anno 635] Some few years after cruel King Penda invading Northumberland, and besieging Bebba the royal City; when he could neither take it by arms nor siege, he resolved to fire it, and laying great store of combustible matter to the walls set it on fire, the flames mounting above the walls, being carried into the City with furious winds, Bishop Aidan beholding it from the Island of Farne, whether he retired secretly to pray, fertur elevatis ad coelum oc • lis manibusque cum lacrymis dixisse, Domine, quanta mala facit Penda! Quo dicto statim mutati ab urbe venti, in eos qui accenderant flammam incendia retorserunt, ita ut aliqui laesi, omnes territi, impugnare ultra urbem cessarunt, quam divinitus juvari cognoverunt. [Anno 635] About the same time (Anno 635.) Penda King of Mercians being sent by Cadwallin King of the Britons with a great army into Northumberland, to slay Oswald King thereof; he assaulted him in a place called Hetenfield: whereupon King • swald erecting the sign of the Cross with his own hands, commanded all his Soldiers with a loud voice to cry unto God for him, and themselves in these words. Flectamus genua ad Deum universi, Ipsumque in communi deprecemus, ut Nos ab Exercitu superbi Regis Britanni et ejusdem nephandi Du • is Pendae defendat. Scit enim ipse quia justa pro salute gentis nostrae bella suscipiamus. Fecerunt ergo omnes ut jusserat, & sic in hosts progressi juxtà fidei suae meritum victoria potiti sunt.

[Anno 650] After King Oswald his murder in the year 642. the Freers of the Church of Hexam every year, the day before the said King was slain, used for a long time, Vigilias prosalute animae ejus facere, plurim aque Psalmorum laude celebrata, victimam pro eo mane sacrae oblationis offerre. And if they were thus devout in keeping annual Vigils, and offering Prayers, Psalms, and Sacrifices to God for the salvation of this King and his soul, after his death: (according to the superstition of that and after ages) no doubt they were as loyal and devout in praying and praising God for him during his life.

[Anno 655] King Oswi after his great victory over Penda, and his 30. old Colonels and Army, (all slain in battle) in performance of his vow, consecrated his daughte • Elfleda (scarce one year old) to perpetual virginity, donatis insuper duodecim possessiunculis terrarum, in quibus ablato studio militiae terrestris, ad exercendam militiam coelestem, supplicandumque pro pace Gentis ejus aeterna, devotioni sedulae Monachorum locus facultasque suppeteret. About which year & time (after the unjust martyrdom of K. Oswi by the Pagans) Qu. Eanfled ob castigationem necis ejus injustae postulàvit à Reg • Oswi ut donaret ibi locum quod dicitur Ingethling, monasterio construendo Deifamulo Tumhere, quia propinquus ipse erat Regis occisi. In quo videlicet Monasterio orationes assiduae pro utriusque Regis, id est, occisi, et ejus qui occidere jussit, aeterna salute sierent. A clear evidence, that Monasteries were then purposely instituted to make daily prayers and supplications for the Kings safety, and eternal salvation, and the peace of the Nation.

[Anno 680] Theodorus Archbishop of Canterbury about the year of Christ 680. thus inscribes his Epistle to Æthelred King of Mercians, touching W • lfrid, Archbishop of York. Ethelredo gloriosissimo & excellentiss • mo Regi Merciorum, Theodorus, &c. In Domino perennem salutem, &c. Then subjoins; Oculi mei jucundam faciem tuam videant, & Benedicat tibi anima mea antequam moriar, &c. Praying for his perpetual health in the Lord; and blessing him with his Soul before his death.

[Anno 680] Pope Agatho begins his Epistle to Aethelred King of M • rcians, Anno 680. thus. Agatho, &c. Aethelredo glorioso Merciorum Regi, salutem a Deo, et Benedictionem nostram. And this King the very same and the next year in his Charters of Lands to th • Church of St. Peter of Canterbury, gives Lands; tàm pro salute animae m • ae, ac pro oratione Fratrum; that the Freers therein might pray for him, and for the salvation of his soul.

[Anno 697] [Anno 704] The Synod of Berghamsted under Withred King of Kent, Anno 697. Can. 1. made this decree. Pro Rege preces fiant, mandatisque ejus non urgente necessitate, sed ex sponte obediunto. Let prayers be made for the King, and let his commands be obeyed, not from compelling necessity, but from a voluntary mind.

King Ina in his Charter, Anno 7 • 4. by the Decree and Counsel of his Prelat Adelm, the suggestion of all his Priests, and upon the Petition of all the Monks in the Province of the West-Saxons, granted this Privilege to the Monks of Glastonbury Abby, ut sine impedimento secularium rerum absque tributo fiscalium negotiorum, liberis mentibus sub Deo serviant, & monasticam disciplinam, Christo s • ffragium largiente, regulariter exerceant, et pro statu et prosperitate Regni nostri, et Indulgentia commissorum criminum ante conspectum Divinae Majestatis Preces fundere dignentur, et orationum officia frequentantes, in Eccles • is pro nostri fragilitate interpellare nitantur: Most ancient Monasteries, as well as this, being specially founded and endowed by our Kings and their Successors for this purpose, that they might pray for them and their Realms, their Parents, Children, and Successors temporal, spiritual, and eternal felicity; as the Charters of their foundations and endowments, in Monasticon Anglicanum, pars 1. & 2. and other Authors attest.

[Anno 714] About the year 714. Abbot Ceolfrid writ a large Epistle to Naitan King of Picts, concerning Easter and the Tonsure of Clerks, beginning thus, Domino excellentissimo & gloriosissimo Regi Naitano, Ceolfridus Abbas, In Domino salutem: and ending with this Prayer for him; Gratia te Regis aeterni longiori tempore regnantem ad nostram omnium pacem custodiat incolumem, dilectissime in Christo fili. And if Abbots & Clergy-men then thus prayed for their health, safety, long-life, and the public peace of the Nation, in their Epistles to Kings; much more did they thus pray for them in their private and public Devotions.

[Anno 716] Æthelred King of M • rcians in the year of Christ, 716. in the presence of his Bishops and Nobles, by his Charter gave and granted the whole Island of Croyland to God, the Virgin Mary, and St. Barthollomew, to found an Abby therein for the black Monks, submitting himself wholly to the mercy and piety of Christ, and commending himself, Sanctae matris Ecclesiae precibus, to the Prayers of his holy Mother the Church: and particularly to the Prayers of St. Guthlac the Confessor and Anchorite. Whence a Poet thus writ of him. Ethelbaldus, &c.

A clear evidence that the Churches and Ministers of Christ in England did then constantly pray for their Christian Kings, who specially recommended themselves to their prayers.

[Anno 720] Our venerable and most learned Beda, doth very much p • esse this Duty of Prayer for Kings, (though Pagans and Persecutors,) from sundry Texts of Scripture, on which he comments. In his Expositiones allegoricae in Ezram, l. 2. c. 7. Et offerant oblationes Deo Coeli, Orentque pro vita Regis et Filiorum ejus; He thus comments, Offerunt autem ea Sacerdotes iidem pro vita Regis, et Filiorum ejus, juxta illud Ap • stoli, 1 Tim. 2. Obsecro igitur primo omnium fieri obsecrationes, orationes, postulationes, & gratiarum actiones pro omnibus hominibus, pro Regibus & omnibus qui in sublimitate sunt, ut quietam & tranquillam vitam agamus, &c. And in his Exposition on the 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. Tom. 7. p. 708, 709, 710. he recites and approves the passages of St. Augustine at large (recited in the next Chapter) commanding Prayers, Supplications, Intercessions and Thanksgivings to be made, not only for Christian and pious Kings, but even for Pagans and Idolaters, though vicious, though Persecutors of the Gospel and sincere Professors thereof.

[Anno 747] Our famous Council of Clovesho under Archbishop Cuthbert, Anno Dom. 747. cap. 30. De orando pro Rege, decreed; Ut deinceps per canonicas Orationum horas non solum pro se Ecclesiastici, sive Monasteriales, sed etiam pro Regibus ac Ducibus, totiusque populi Christiani incolumitate, Divinam incessan • er exorent clementiam, quatenus Quietam et Tranquillam Vitam sub eorum pia defensione mereantur agere. Et ut ita post haec unanimes existerent in Deum, fide, spe & caritate, & seipsos invicem diligerent, & etiam post hujus peregrinationis pericula, ad supernam pervenire pariter mereanter patriam.

The reason of making this Canon for incessant Prayers for Kings, Dukes and Princes, is thus expressed in the preceding part thereof, that there was a scandal and suspicion raised amongst the Priests of God & inferior Clergy, that they had an ill opinion of Kings, Dukes and Princes (as too many have now.)

A very good ground to revive and re-enforce this Duty both on Ministers and people now; Ut horis canonicis Preces fiant pro Regibus, as the Margin of this Canon prescribes, as well as the body thereof.

[Anno 750] Boniface Archbishop of Mainz, an Englishman by birth, thus inscribes and begins his 19. Epistle to our King Ethilbald. Domino charissimo & in Christi amore caeteris Regibus praeferendo inclyta Anglorum imperii sceptra gubernanti Ethilbaldo Regi, Boniface, &c. & Wera, & Burckart, & Warbeth, & Abel, & Wilibald Coepiscopi, Perennem in Christo charitatis salutem. Confitemur coram Deo & sanctis Angels, quia quamcumque prosperitatem vestram video, & opera bona, Deo coram & hominilus, per nuncios fidelos audivimus, quod inter gaudentes, et pro vobis orantes, gratias agimus Deo; postulantes et obsecrantes Salvatorem nostrum▪ ut vos sospites et in side stabiles, et in operibus coram Deo rectos in Principatu Christiani populi longo tempore custodiat. And King Ethilbert thus closeth his Epistle to Boniface the Archbishop, who prayed for him in those times, Orantem pro Nobis, beatitudinem tuam longaevam divina pietas faciat. His 14. Epistle to Pippin King of France, begins thus. Colsitudinis vestrae clementiae magnas gratias agamus et Dominum Iesum Christum precantes ut vobis in regno Coelorum aeternam mercedem retribuat. Most of his and Lullus (his Successors) Epistles conclude with Prayers.

Cenewlphus King of the East-Saxons, with his Bishops and Nobles in their Epistle to Lullus, Successor to this Boniface, as they pray for him, so they likewise entreat him, and his Clerks to pray to God for them in their Congregation, Ut pro nostra parvitate, proque pace congregationis nostrae Domino supplicare cum eis qui tecum invocant nomen Domini Jesus, memineris. Omnipotens Deus, qui dispersa congregat & congregata custodit, ipse vos sua gratia protegat, et vestri laboris fructum in aeterna patria nos videre concedat.

The renowned Council of Calchuth held in the year 787. under Alfwold King of Northumberlanders, and Offa King of Mercians, their Prelates and Nobles, and Pope Adrian’s two Legates, Gregory and Theophyla • t, c. 12. De Ordinatione & honor Regum, amongst other things, prescribed constant Prayers for, and subjection to Kings, prohibiting all Treasons and Conspiracies against them, in these words, and from these Scriptures. Scitote quia Dominus dominator est in regno hominum, & ipsius est regnum, & cuicunque voluerit, dabit illud. Ideo Omnes generaliter admonuimus, ut consona voc • et cord Dominum rogent, ut qui eum eligi • in Regnum, ipse ei tribuat regimen Disciplinae sanctae suae, ad regendam plebem suam. Honor quoque eis ab omnibus impendatur, dicente Apostolo; Regem honoroficate: & alibi; five Regi quafi praecellenti, five Ducibus, tanquam ab eo • missis ad vindictam malesactorum, laudem vero bonorum. Item Apostolus, Omnis anima sublimioribus potestatibus subdita sit, quia non est potestas data nisi à Deo. Quae autem sunt, à Deo ordinata sunt. Igitur qui resistit potestati, Dei ordinationi resistit, qui autem resistunt, ipsi sibi damnationem acquirunt. Nullus Regi detrahat, dicente Salomone, in ore tuo ne detraxeris Regi, & in cord tuo ne maledixe • is Principi; quia aves Coeli portant illud, & qui habet pennam annuntiabit verbum. In n • cem Regis Nemo communicare audeat, quia Christus Domini est. Et si quis tali sceleri adhaeserit, si Episcopus est, aut ullus ex Sacerdotali gradu, ex ipso detrudatur, et â sancta haereditate dejiciatur, sicut J • das ex Apostolico gradu ejectus est: & omnis quisquis tali sacrilegio assenserit, aeterno anathematis vinculo interibit, & Judae traditori sociatus, sempiternis cremabitur incendiis, ut scriptum est; Non solum qui faciunt, sed & qui consentiunt facientibus, judicium Dei non effugiunt. Duo namque Eunuchi Asuerum Regem interficere cupieutes, in patibulum suspensi sunt. Animadvertite quid fecerit David praefecto, cum ei Dominus dixerit, Ego tradam Saul in manus tuas; dum inveniet dormientem. Et hortatus à milite ut occideret eum, dixit: Absit à me hoc peccatum, ut extendam manum meam in Christum Domini. Illum autem militem qui post mortem ejus venit ad eum, protestans, quod ipse occiderat Saul, capite truncavit; & reputatum est ei ad justitiam, et semini ejus post eum. Exemplis namque apud vos saepe probatum est, quod quicunque internecionis Dominorum fuêre (culpabiles) in spacio vitam inierunt, et utroque jure caruerunt. This was the Practice, Doctrine, and Loyalty of our Ancestors in this National Great Council and primitive age, fit to be revived by our present Generation.

[Anno 790] Our famous Country-man Flaccus Alchuvinus, ( Scholar to our venerable Beda, Tutor to the Emperor Charles the Great, and the learnedest English-man in that ag • ) hath many memorable rare passages and prayers for Kings and Emperors in his Works and Epistles, not vulgarly known, which I shall trauscribe at large. In his Book De Psa • morum • su. Operum Lutetiae Paris. 1617. col. 152. d. he writes thus, Septem praeterea sunt Psalmi ex quibus, f • unum corpus efficimus, pro omni prorsus corpore oramus Ecclesiae; in his namque memoria Sacerdotum, REGUM-que et Potentatum; populi quoque et plebis simul. Memento Domine David, &c. O • t of which Psalms he frames a Prayer, col. 153. Propitiare Domine, quaeso universae tuae Cacholicae Ecclesiae toto orbe terrarum diffu • ae, &c. Propitiare famulo suo, N Regi, cunctisque Christianis Principibus, & universo exercitui eorum. In his 31. Epistle to Offa King of Mercians, col. 1554. he concludes with this Prayer, for God's Grace and Benediction upon him and his Realm. Divina te, tumnque Regnum coelesti benedictione, comitetur gratia, Domine excellentissime. And Epistle. 84. (written by him to Offa in the name of Charles the Emperor) he thus closeth it, col. 1614. Uita, salus, & prosperitas tibi tuisque fidelibus a Deo Christo detur in aeternum. In his 29. Epistle to Aedilred King of Northumberland, (describing at large the Office of good Kings and Princes) col. 1540. he hath this passage. Ecclesiarum Christi sint defensores & tutores, ut Servorum Dei orationibus, longa vivant prosperitate: And he closeth his 79. Epistle to King Aedilred, with this prayer for him, col. 1554. Deus omnipotence Regni felicitate, morum dignitate, longaeva prosperitate te florere faciat, dilectissime fili. His 48. Epistle to most noble King Egfrid King of Merciaus concludes thus, col. 1562. E. Divina te in omni bonitate pietas florere faciat, fili charissime. But of all his Prayers and Thanksgivings, those in his Epistles to the Christian Emperor Charles the Great, his Scholar, written to him for the most part, under the name of David Rex) are most observable. I shall instance in some of the chiefest. In his Epistle to him, De Ration Septuagesimae, &c. col. 1142. he begins thus,

His Epistles to this Emperor, begin for the most part with wishing him perpetuae pacis & gloriae salutem, perpetuam salutem, &c. His 4. Epistle to him, col. 1476. ends thus, Deprecantes quoque Domini Dei nostri clementiam, qui te undique regat et custodiat, et victorem faciat omnium Inimicorum tuorum, seu visibilium seu invisibilium, quatenus cum corona gloriae, multis feliciter regnaturum annis, ad regnum perpetuae beatitudinis pervenire, cum fidelibus suis concedat. In his 6. Epistle, col. 1480 he and his Monks prayed thus for him, Totum cordis mei affectum, in gratiarum actiones Christo clementissimo Regi effudi; illius Sedula oratione deprecans pie • atem, cum omnibus nostrae Devotionis cooperatoribus, quatenus vestram Pacificam & amabilem potentiam, ad exaltationem sanctae suae Ecclesiae, & sacratissimi gubernacula Imperii, longaeva prosperitate custodire, regere et dilatare dignetur. His 7. Epistle to him begins thus, col. 1487. Gloria & laus Deo Patri, & Dom. nostro Jesu Christo, quia in gratia sancti Spiritus, per devotion • m et ministerium sanctae fidei, & bonae voluntatis vestrae, Christianitatis Regnum atque agnitionem veri Dei dilatavit, & plurimos longe lateque populos ab erroribus impietatis in viam veritatis deduxit, &c. His 9. Epistle ends with Prayers and Thanksgivings; His 10. to him begins thus, col. 1499.

Totum me in gratiarum actiones Domino Deo Jesu Christo contuli, felicia Christiano populo tempora in vestra felicitate, exalt atione & salute certissime scieus; pro qua semper Dominum deprecari gaudeo, eandem semper audire desidero, & quasi optatum, à Deoque destinatum munus, omni gaudio vestram incolumitatem cupiens semper audire. Quis enim est qui non gaudeat sui capitis perfecta integritate, nisi forte furibundus, vel insanus, quem arctissimis Hippocratis vinculis all • gandum esse censero? Et si juxta Apost • li sententiam Nemo carnem suam odio habet; fed etiam fovet & nutrit: Quanto magis in capitis sanitate, in quo est totius corporis perfectio et gloria, omnis membrorum compago gaudere debet? which Epistle he concludes thus,

Epistola 11. col. 1502. he writes, Continuis precibus Domini nostri Jesu Christi clementiam deprecor, quatenus tibi optima quaeque in terrena felicitate conc • ssit, longe meliora aeternae▪ beatitudinis regna tibi aeternaliter concedere dignetur. Concluding it thus,

He concludes his 12. Epistle to him thus, col. 1505.

In his 13. Epistle to him, col. 1507. he assures him, Nos precibus iter vestrum continuis prosequintur, divinam humiliter obsecrantes clementiam, quatenus vos, Vestrosque simul cum omni prosperitate sanos ducat & reducat gaudentes: closing it with this distick,

In his 14. Epistle to him, col. 1508. he writes, Felix populus qui tali Principe gaudet, in cujus prosperitate salus cunctorum consistit, &c. concluding it with a Prayer, and these Verses,

He closeth his 15. Epistle to him thus, col. 1511.

The front of his 17. Epistle to him, col. 1513. begins with an option of perpetuam aeternae gloriae salutem; and ends thus,

In his 18. Epistle to him, he hath this clause, col. 1514. Nec meas Preces pro veftra stabilitate et salute cassatas in conspectu Dei credo, quia libenter divina suscipit gratia Lacrymas quae ex charitatis fonte profluunt. He thus concludes it.

In his 19. Epistle, excusing his non-visiting the Emperor by reason of his infirmity, he intreats him; pia compassione fessum concedat requiescere, orationibusque pro vobis instare, closing it with these verses.

In his 20. Epistle to him, col. 1517. he informs him. Sed & lacrymarum munuscula mearum in orationibus apud S. Martinum, pro desiderantissima authoritatis vestrae prosperitate vobis fideli transmitto sponsione. Ego orabo pro Domino dilectissimo, quomodo sancti spiritus visitatio cor m • um inluminare dignabitur.

He winds up his 22. Epistle to him thus, col. 1521. Ad hujus vero summae b • atitudinis, & indeficientis gloriae, post labores hujus vitae felicitatem, Deus Jesus te pervenire faciat Domine desiderantissime, & omni honor dignissime.

In the Inscription of his 23. Epistle to him, col. 1512. he prayeth for and wisheth to him praesentis & futurae beatitudinis salutem: and begins it with this Thanksgiving. Benedictus Dominus Deus, et benedicta perpetua illius misericordia super servos suos: pro quorum prosperitate et salute v • s, dulcissime David, prosper duxit, et pacifice reduxit, conservavit, honoravit et exaltavit, atque in omni loco adventus vestri lumen justitiae pietatisque ante faciem vestrae beatitudinis splendescere fecit, &c. Which he thus concludes, Hocque Deum assiduis precibus obsecro, ut praesens vita Excellentiae vestrae ejusdem sancti intercessionibus adjuvetur, protegatur & consistat. Et post hanc aeterna cum eodem beatitudine perfrui merearis Domine dilectissime & desideratissime David. His 90. Epistle to him, col. 1618. begins thus. Domine mi dilect • ssime, et dulcissime, et omnium desiderantissime mi David, tristis est Flaccus vester propter infirmitatem vestram. Opto et toto cord Deum deprecor, ut cito convaleatis, ut gaudium nostrum sit pl • num in vobis, et sanitas vestra sit plena anima et corpore. I shall close with his 24. Epistle to him, which hath this Exordium. Gloria & laus D • o omnipotenti, pro salute et prosperitate vestra, dulcissime mi David, atque pro omni honor et sapientia in quil us te specially gratia omnibus supercellere fecit. Perpetua gratiarum actio resonet, et assidua sanctarum Intercessio orationum ad Deum dirigatur, quatenus longaeva prosperitate feliciter vivas, valeas et Regnes ad correctionem et exaltationem sanctae suae Ecclesiae, ut sub protectione tuae venerandae potestatis secura quiet Deo deserviat, &c. And this memorable conclusion. Tu, prosperitas Regni. Tu salus populi. Tu decus Ecclesiae. Tu omnium protectio fidelium Christi. Nobis igitur sub umbra potentiae, et sub regimine pietatis tuae, divina concesset gratia Religiosam ducere vitam, atque summa quiet Deo Christo deservire. Ideo solicita mente, et pia intention, pro tua prosperitate et falute curam habere et intercedere justum et necessarium habemus, Domine desiderantissime, atque omni honor dignissime David Rex. I have at large transcribed these salutations, options, supplications, Prayers, Intercessions and thanksgivings of our famous English-man. Abbot Alchuvinus for 6. reasons. 1. Because they are a most full pregnant evidence of his conscientious observation of the Apostles Exhortation and precept, 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. and of all other Abbots, Prelates, and Clergy-men in that age. 2ly. Because they are a most exact practical commentary upon that Text. 3ly. An excellent president for our imitation, and notable censure of the Apostasy, Disloyalty, and Indevotion of sundry Autimonarchical new Saints, in this degenerate age. 4ly. A most clear demonstration of the Excellency of Kingly Government, of the happiness that Christian Churches, Realms, Subjects enjoy under Pious, Religious Kings & Emperors; and what extraordinary cause they have to pray unto, and to praise and bless God for them. 5ly. Because they are full of Excellent variety, unknown to most, and little taken notice of even by our learnedest Divines. 6ly Because they contain the substance of most other Abbots, Bishops and Clergy-men's salutations, Benedictions, Prayers, Thanksgivings of this kind in their Epistles to our own and other Kings and Emperors, in that and succeeding ages, most of which I shall for brevity pretermit, since presidented in and by these Epistles.

[Anno 794] About the year of Christ 794. K. Offa praying to God to give him Grace, according to his former Vow, to find out a place wherein, and a Saint to whom he might dedicate a Monastery; thereupon turning about to Archbishop Humbert, of Canterbury, Unwona Bishop of Winton, and other just & wise men by whom he was governed, he entreated them with tears, and hands joined together, with all earnestness, quatenus sinceramente, totaque devotione Deum • mnipotentem deprecemini, ut ad beneplacitum suum, honorem et gloriam ad effectum meum perducat d • fiderium. Et cum omnes hoc gaudentes concessiss • nt, they with other Clerks whom they had called together, entered into an Oratory that was near, Super hoc propensius Oraturi. Et praemisso hymno, Veni Creator Spiritus, Oraverunt devotissioni ut Dominus Iustum Regis desiderium ad effectum duceret gloriosum. Et cum prolixius orassent, ecce lux • missa caelitus totam cellulam illam à summo tecti sastigio • sque ad pavimentum perlustravit. In quafavor Dei manifest significabatur. After which by the revelation of an angel, whiles this King lodged in the City of Ba • h, the place of St. Alban the Martyr his interment was revealed unto him; where he built a Monastery to him.

[Anno 820] Pope Leo the 3d. in his Epistle to Kenulphus King of M • rcians, concerning the restitution of the see of Canterb. to its ancient Metropolitical Jurisdiction, hath this thanksgiving to God for him; Omnipotenti Deo referimus grates qui vestram prudentissimam Excellenciam in omnibus exornavit et decoravit, &c

[Anno 821] Cenulsus King of the Mercians Anno 821▪ by his Charter granted and confirmed sundry Privileges to the Abby of Abbendune; Maxim ut ipsi diebus Dominicis 7. Missas pro Nobis saluberrime offerant, et armis Spiritualibus centum Psalteriis contra invisibiles hosts dimicare non cessant.

[Anno 833] W •• lasius King of Mercians being enforced to hide himself 4. months space from King Egberts Captains, who sought his, life in St. Ethildritha the Anchorites cell wit •• n the Abby of Croyland▪ till by the mediation of Abbot Siward he had made his peace with Egbert; thereupon in the year 833. of our saviors incarnation, he by his Charter confirmed and enlarged the Lands and Privileges of this Monastery, and most holy Church of Croyland; wherein he stiles it; Turris ad coelum ascendens, quae viligiis et orationibus▪ Psalms & lectionibus, disciplinis & afflictionibus, la • hrymis et singultibus, eleemosynis et innumeris aliis Devotionibus, pietatisque operibus pro seculo peccatore fortissimam violentiam Regno coelorum ingerit Die et Nocte. And by whose Prayers and tears, God who had in his wrath humbled him for his Sins even to the earth, and levelled him to the dust, iterum in misericordia sua suscitans de pulvere egenum, & destercore erigens pauperem, ut sedeam cum Principibus et solium gloriae teneam.

[Anno 841] As King Offa King of Mercians in the year 780. by his Charter gave sundry Lands to St. Peters Church of Worcester built by his G • andfather, (as he did to other Monasteries) Sciens cum his transitoriis aeterna mercari posse, pro mea, meorum{que} priorum & propin • uiorum perpetua animae salute, So King Bertwulf his Successor in the year 841▪ by his Charter, exempting this Monastery as long as the Catholic faith and baptism of Christ should continue in Britain, from some secular services; thereupon Abbot Edmond and his Congregation of Breodune (by way of retaliation) decantaverunt duodecim vicibus C. Psulteria, & 120. Missas pro Rege Bertwolso, et pro illius charis amicis, et pro omni Gente Merciorum, ut eorum libertas firmior ac stabilior permaneat in aevum, et ut illius Regis memoria et amicorum ejus, qui hanc pietatem in eleemosynam sempiternam omnibus Mercils illis, in Congregatione Breodune donaverat, in eorum sacris Orationibus jugiter permaneat usque in a vum.

[Anno 844] Pope Sergius the 2. closeth his Epistle to Æthelred, Alfred and Adulfus, Kings of the English, with this option and prayer. Optamus ergo, quo misericordia solita Dominus noster Jesus Christus faciat Vos inestabiliter Ministerii ac Regi culminis Honore sublimari, et in examine futuri Iudicii reservari.

[Anno 854] King Aethelulph, Anno 854. granted the Tenth part of his Realm (that is, the Tithe of the profits of all Lands, as Mr. Selden rightly expounds it) to God, the Clergy and Monks, free from all exactions, tributes and secular services: ut eo diligentius pro Nobis preces ad Deum sine cessatione fundant; that thereupon they might the more diligently pour forth prayers unto God for him without ceasing. Whereupon Elhstan Bishop of Salisbury, and Swithin Bishop of Winchester, with the Abbots, Priests, Monks and Nonns under them, decreed; Omni Hebdomade die Mercurii in unaquaque Ecclesia cantent Psalmos 50. et unusquisque Presbyter duas Missas pro Rege, et aliam pro Ducibus ejus, in hunc modum consentientibus, pro salute et refrigerio Delictorum suorum; (whiles they lived:) postquàm autem defuncti fuerimus, pro Rege desuncto singulariter, & pro Ducibus communiter. Et hoc sit firmiter constitutum omnibus diebus Christianitatis quemadmodum libertas constituta est, quamdiu fides crescit in gente Anglorum: The end of this gift being thus expressed by the King in the Chartularies of the Abbot of Abingdon, Vt Deus omnipotence nobis, et nostris posteris propitiari dignetur, by the Bishops, Priests, and Monks Prayers and Intercessions for him in every Church.

Burgred King of Mercians confirmed all the Lands given by former Kings to the Church of Gloucester: Et cum consensu, Concilio, et licentia omnium Optimatum suorum, fecit eandem Ecclesiam liberam & quietam, et omnia Monasteria et loca quae eidem Ecclesiae obediunt, et pertinent, ab omni terreno negocio et servicio, ea duntaxat conditione statuta, ut orationes illorum, deprecationesque pro ipso, et pro justis haeredibus suis, jugiter in illa Ecclesia nocte et die memoriter servarentur. This being the principal end of our Kings in founding and endowing Churches and Monasteries, and exempting them from all secular businesses and services, that they might continually pour out Prayers, Supplications, Deprecations and Intercessions unto God for themselves, their just Heirs, Posterities, Queens, Successors and Realms, day and night without ceasing.

To pretermit the Charter of▪ King Edward the elder of Husbourn to the Church of Peter and Paul in Winchester, pro aeterna libertate animae meae, et omnis successive posteritatis meae, Adulfi Regis, et Alfredi Regis, necnon et Antecessorum suorum, by the Prayers of the Monks and Clergy of that Church.

At the Coronation of King Aethelston Anno 924. the joys, acclamations, prayers and well-wishes of the Nobles, Prelates and People towards him, are thus poetically expressed

[Anno 928] The Council of Exeter▪ under King Aethelston, and his Laws made Anno 928. c. 12. prescribed in pursuance of the Clergies recited decree An. 854. Singulis quoque diebus Veneris decantent Omnes Dei Ministri in omnibus Caenobiis, 50. Psalmos pro ipso Rege: which was accordingly executed.

[Anno 941] King Edmund by his Charter An. 941. gave to Aedric and his Successors, two tenements in Stock, Quat • nus temporalium rerum mobili praesentia utens, Fidelem obedientiam ac pacem laudabilem erga Regni sceptra nostri et regale nostrum solium a • ternabiliter impetret et benigni • er servet: et post praesentis vitae excessum illis quibuscunque voluerit subsequentibus hoc donum commendet, ut in omnibus Paternae obedientiae exemplis circa Regiam dignitatem fideles invenianiur.

[Anno 981] The Abby of Tavistoc founded in time of the Danish wars, which long interrupted it, in the Regn of K. Edgar, was finished & confirmed in the reign of K. Æthelred, Anno Christi 981. Quando omnipotentis gr • tia it misericord •• Angl▪ patria, Sanctorum in ea degentium meritis et precibus pacificata est, qui die et nocte clamaverunt ad Dominum in prosperis et in adversis cum iribularentur, et de necessitatibus eorum libertavit eos, The Abbot and Monks of this Monastery of Tavistoc giving themselves to reading and prayer for the safety of the Souls, and Bodies of our Kings, and good of the Kingdom, as their Charters enjoined them.

[Anno 996] King Æthelred, Anno 996. by his Charter gave certain Lands to the Monastery of St. Alban, and confirmed the Lands and Privileges formerly granted them by King Offa, ut inili Deo famulantes, tàm pro meis, quàm pro omnibus Praedecessorum meorum deliquiis sine ulla terreni potestatis molestia, Quotidie saluberrima Missarum solennia omnipotenti Deo celebrent, et dulcissimas Psalmorum modulationes ore et cord decantantes, armis spiritualibus, contra visibiles et invisibiles hosts pro Nobis et pro omni Populo. Christiano dimicare non cessent, Quatenus ejusdem beati Martyris intercedentibus meritis, sive in praesenti, sive in futura; sive in utraque vita, Christo pro Nobis virtutem facienti, [Anno 1009] victoriam quandoque de Inimicis nostris, voti compotes adipisci mereamur.

[Anno 1030] King Cnut in the year 1009. by his Charter, exempted the Church of St. Mary and All Saints in Excester, and the Lands thereof: Ab omni regali et seculari gravedine majori aut minori, exceptis assiduis orationibus (which they were daily to make for him and his Realm) nisi sola expeditione et pontis constructione. [Anno 1012] This King about the same year by his Charter, granted to the Monks of the Monastery of St. Edmunds, that they should be exempted from all Episcopal domination, Ut in eo Domino servientes Monachi sine ulla inquietudine pro statu Regni Dominum prevaleant precari: and that he by their and St Edmunds prayers, might obtain a portion of his beatitude after this life was ended.

The Council of Habam, An. Dom. 1012. decreed, Vt in omni Congregatione eantetur quotidie communiter pro Rege una missa, ad matutinalem missam, quae inscripta est, contra Paganos. Et in omni caenobio celebret omnis Presbyter Sigillatim 30. Missas pro Rege et Populo, et omnis Monachus dicat 30. Psalmos: By virtue whereof in every Monastery there were Masses, and Psalms sung, and prayers made both commonly and specially for our Kings, which every Priest and Monk used every day, without Intermission throughout the Realm, and in all parish Churches, during the times of Popery and Monasteries, by virtue of these recited Canons; as all our ancient Missals and Psalters evidence.

Our Historians record, that about the year 1030. Bryghtwold a monk of Glastonbury, (first Bishop of Wilton • ) when King Cnut had banished and almost extirpated the whole royal Progeny of the English race, to establish himself and his posterity in the Throne, so as there seemed little probability of their restitution; this Bishop falling into a serious meditation of the forlorn condition of the Royal race, and the English Nation under the Danish usurpers, entered into Glastenbury Abby, where (as Abbot Ailred relates) for the restitution of the exiled King and royal issue, and deliverance of his Native Country from Danish Tyranny, maerens et tristis, orationibus vacabat et Psalms. Qui cum aliquando pro Regis, plebisque liberatione preces lacrymasqus profunderet, quasi in haec verba prorumpens. Et tu, inquit, Domine usque quo? usque quo avertis faciem tuam, obliviscens inopiae nostrae & tribulationis nostrae? Sanctos tuos occiderunt, altaria tua suffoderunt, & non est qui redimat, neque qui salvum faciat. Scio Domine, scio, quia omnia quae fecisti nobis, in vero judicio fecisti: sed nunquid in aeternum projiciet Deus, & non opponet & complacitus sit adhuc? erit ne Domine Deus meus, erit ne finis horum mirabilium? aut in aeternum tuus in nos mucro desaeviet, & percutias usque ad intern • cionem? Inter preces tandem & la • brymas fatigatum sopor suavis excepit; viditque per somnium caelestem chorum cum lumine, beatissimumque Petrum in eminenti loco constitutum, dignum tantae majestati habitum praeferentem. Videbatur ante eum vir praeclari vultus in forma decenti, regalibus amictus insigniis, quem cum propriis manibus Apostolus consecrasset & unxisset in Regem, monita salutis adjecit, praecipueque caelibom vitam commendans, quot esset annos regnaturus aperuit. Obstupefactus Praesul tanti novitate miraculi, petit sibi à sancto visions hujus mysterium revelari: de statu insuper regni & instantis fine periculi apostolicum exegit oraculum. Tun • sanctus vultu placido intuens intuentem. Domini, inquit, o Praesul, Domini est regnum, ipse dominatur in filiis hominum. Ipse transfert regna, & mutat imperia, & propter peccata populi regnare facit hypocritam. Peccatum peccavit populus tuus Domino, & tradidit eos in manus Gentium▪ & dominati sunt etiam qui oderunt eos. Sed non obliviscitur misereri Deus, nec continebit in ira sua misericordias suas. Erit enim, cum dormis cum patribus tuis sepultus in senectute bona, visitabit Dominus populum suum, & faciet redemtionem plebis suae. Eliget enim sibi virum secundum cor fuum qui faciet omnes voluntates suas; qui me opitulante regnum adeptus Anglorum, Danico furori finem imponet. Erit enim acceptus Deo & gratus hominibus, amabilis civibus, terribilis hostibus, utilis Ecclesiae. Qui cum praescriptum terminum regnandi in justicia & pace compleverit, laudabilem vitam sancto fine concludet. Quae omnia in beato Edwardo completa rei exitus comprobavit; Expergefactus Pontifex rursus ad preces lacrymasque convertitur, et licet faelicita tem suae gentis non esset ipse visurus, de malorum tamen fine certus effectus, gratias agens Deo plurimum gratulabitur: Factus igitur animaequior, populis poenitentiam praedicabat, quibus Deus misericordiam non defuturam constantissime pollicebatur.

Most of our Historians record, That St. Peter in this vision shown Edward the Confessor to Bryghtwold whiles he was an exile in Normandy, and anointed him King in his sight, declaring to him the honesty of his life and peaceableness of his Reign, which should continue for 22. years space. After which he inquiring of St. Peter who should succeed him? received this comfortable Answer from him worthy our consideration, REGNUM ANGLIAE EST REGNUMDEI, & IPSE SIBI REGES PROVIDEBIT: as he hath done ever since; and that especially by the constant Prayers, Supplications and Intercessions of the Ministers, Clergy, and people of the Realm in all Ages.

[Anno 1050] Queen Emma (Mother of King Edward the Confessor) being falsely accused of Incontinency with Aldwin Bishop of Winchester, and other crimes, and enforced to make her purgation in Winchester Church, by going barefoot over 9. plough-shares red hot; the King her Son, Nobles, Bishops, and People resorting thither upon this occasion. When the Queen was led to this torment between 2. Bishops only, Totius populi, clerique quasi una voice ululantis, S. Swithinum invocantis & exclamantis, S. Swithine libera eam: maximus fletus paene ad coelos elatus est, tantusque clamoris sonitus vocibus viribusque omnium factus est, ut S. Swithinus vel ilico sine mora, vel nunquam occurreret, ut tonitrua reboantia superavit, credebant enim illa sua vociferatione Deum ipsum vim pati, coactumque servum suum Suithinum quasi violenter extractum e coelo, ad liberandam Reginam dimissurum. After which strong fervent united Prayers and cries of the People and Clergy to God for her, the Queen miraculously passed over all these Plough-shares, which she pressed with the weight of her whole Body, without seeing the Iron, or feeling the burning, or receiving the least hurt thereby.

[Anno 1066] King Edw. the Confessor, having founded and endowed the Church of St. Peter of Westminster with sundry Lands and privileges amongst other ends, pro animabus Regum tam Successorum quam Praedecessorum meorum, & omnium parentum meorum, et pro pace ac tranquillitate Regni mei, et prosperitate totius Anglorum Populi; for all which the Monks thereof were to make continual Prayers, Supplications, and Intercessions unto God: Pope Nicholas thereupon confirmed by his Bull, the privileges which the King had granted to this Church by his Charters; which Bull begins with this Salutation, and proceeds with this Thanksgiving and Prayer for him unto God.

This King in his Epistle to this Pope, to confirm these privileges (recorded by Ailredus) hath this passage concerning Peter-pence, which engaged the Pop • particularly to pray for him and his Realm. Ego quoque pro modulo meo, augeo & confi • mo donationes & consuetudines peouniarum quas sanctus Petrus habet in Anglia, & ipsas pecunias collectas cum Regalibus donis mitto vobis, ut oretis pro me, et pro pace Regni mei, et continuam et sollempnem memoriam iusti • uatis totius Gentis Anglicae coram corporibus sanctorum Apostolorum: And if the Pope thus prayed continually for this King, his Realm and People, upon this account, no doubt his own Bishops, Clergy, and other Subjects did much more do it.

[Anno 1096] King William the first in his Charter of confirmation of Lands and Liberties to the Church of Derherst, Anno 1069. granted them by King Edward the Confessor his Predecessor, that they might pray, pro salute animae meae, omniumque liberorum nostrorum, Quatenus Nos & Soboles nostri ipsius sancti (Dionysii) precibus, sociorumque ejus, adipisci mereamur prosperum praesentis vitae statum & aeternae stationis portum.

[Anno 1096, &c.] King William Rusus by several Charters granted and confirmed Lands and Liberties to the Abbeys and Priories of Bermondesey, Tavystock, and Saint Mary Magdalene in Barnestable, pro salute animae meae, et Antecessorum meorum, pro anima Patris mei Willielmi Regis, et matris meae, ipsiusque mei; to be obtained by the Prayers of the Monks, and religious persons in these Houses.

King Henry the first by sundry Charters during his reign granted and confirmed sundry Lands and Liberties to the Abbi • s, Priories, and Churches of Malverne, Colum, Bermondsey, Lenton, Thetford, Mountacute, St. Andrew's, Northampton, Barnstaple, and others besides, to pray,

To which end they constantly made Prayers for them. And William Peverel, one of his Subjects, pro divini cultus amore & communi remedio animarum Dominorum meorum Willielmi Regis, et uxoris ejus Matildis Reginae, et filii eorum Willielmi Regis, et omnium parentum suorum et meorum; Necnon et pro salute Domini mei Henrici Regis, et uxoris ejus Matildae Reginae, et filii eorum Willielmi, et •• liae eorum Matildis, pro statu quo{que} Regni sui; Necnon et pro salute animae meae et uxoris meae, et filii mei Willielmi, et omnium liberorum meorum, pia devotione et devota largitione, • ffero Deo et Ecclesiae Cluniacensi, &c. It being usual both in tha • and succeeding Ages for Subjects and Officers to our Kings, to endow Monasteries and Churches with Lands, to pray for the spiritual and temporal prosperity of the Persons, Souls, and Realms of their Kings, Queens, their Sons, Children and Successors in the first place, as well as for their own Souls, Wives, Children's, and Posterities, mentioned only in the second and last place in their Charters and Endowments, of which there are many Presidents in the first and second parts of Monasticon Anglieanum, collected by Mr. Roger Dodsworth and Mr. William Dugdale, to whom I refer the Reader for fuller satisfaction.

[Anno 1108] * Pope Pascal the first, in his Epistle to K. Henry the 1. touching the Liberties of the Church of Eli, as he begins his Epistle with, Salutem et Apostolicam benedic. so he thus ends it, Omnipotens Deus Apostoiorum suorum precibus et vos et prolem vestram custodiat, et caeleste post terrenum vobis regnum concedat. The like he doth in his Epistles to him concerning Archbishop Anselm: concluding one of them in these words,

Amen. He closeth other of his Epistle to him thus, Amen. Again,

[Anno 1100] Goffridus Abbas Vindocinensis in France, in his Epistola • um l. 5. Epist. 17. to King Henry the 1. of England, hath this prayer for, and profession of his constant fidelity to him. Clarissimo Duci Normannorum, et praecelleutissimo Regi Anglorum Henrico, carissimo Domino & praecordiali amico, Frater Goffridus Vindocinensis Abbas, in praesenti prosper semper et feliciter vivere, et in suturo manere cum Rege Angelorum. V • strae magnitudini, dulcissime Pater et Domine, significavi iter nostrum; Et quia vobis sensi esse contrarium, itineris statim mutavi propositum. Vester itaque servus, testis est mihi Deus, in vestra Fidelitate remaneo; in qua, quandiu vixero, Indesinenter permanebo. Quod quando et quomodo Excellentiae vestrae placuerit, secundum meum posse, operibus compr • bab • . Valeat Dominus meus Rex et vigeat; quem omnipotence Deus ab omni adverse • tate defendat, et tribuat ei quod been desiderat.

Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury begins his Epistles to this King Henry during his exile thus, Suo reverendo Domino Henrico Regi Anglorum Anselm. Cantuariensis Archiepiscopus, fidele Servicium, cum orationibus: & fideles orationes cum fideli servicio. And concludes them thus; Omnipotens Deus sic regnet in cord vestro ut vos per • undem regnetis in gratia ejus. Omnipotens Deus sic in • oc et in aliis actibus vestris dirigat a • vestrum secundum voluntatem suam, ut post hanc vitam perducat Vos ad gloriam suam. Amen. In his Commentary and Exposition on the 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. He presseth the Duty of praying for Kings, though Pagans and Persecutors, in these words,

Idcirco debet orate pro pace eorum, quia in pace eorum erit illis pax: utique interim temporalis, quae b • nis malisque communis est. Utimur ergo et nos pace Babylonis, ex qua per fidem et coelestis patriae desiderium ità populus D • i laetabitur, ut apud hanc interim peregrinetur. Pax antem nostra propria et hîc cum Deo est per fidem, & in aeternum cum illo per speciem. Orate (inguit) pro pace Principum, et pro salute omnium, quia hoc agere est bonum, id est, utile Ecclesiae, & acceptum, id est, gratum atque placitum coram Deo salvatore nostro: qui sicut nos salvat, ita & omnes homines vult salvos fieri, & ad agnitionem veritatis venire, &c. Omne genus hominum intelligamus per quascunque differentias distributum, Reges▪ Principes, Nobiles, ignobiles, sublimes, humiles, &c. Hoc enim bonum est coram Salvatore, id est, ut pro talibus oretur. Hoc quipp • Deus bonum judicavit, ut oratione humilium dignaretur salutem praestare sublimibus. This was the received Doctrine of this great learned Arch-bishop of Canterbury, Anselm, both under King W • ll. Rufus, and H. the I.

[Anno 1140] Queen Maud his daughter and heir to the Crown, by her Charter, founded and granted to the Abby of Bardesley, sundry Lands, Pro Dei amore, & pro anima H. Regis Patris mei, Et M. Reginae, Matris meae, & parentum & antecessorum meorum; & pro salute G. Comitis Andegaviae Domini mei, & mea, & H. Haeredis mei, et aliorum filiorum meorum; et pro pace et stabilitate Regni Angliae. In her Charters of confirmation and grant to the Abbyes of Kingeswood, Stoneley, Cogeshale, and St. Frideswide in Oxford, she hath the like expressions: for all which the Monks there were obliged to pray.

[Anno 1142] [Anno 1154] King Stephen by his respective Charters, of grant and confirmation to the Monasteries of Feversham, Billewas, Sibeton and other Abbeys, gave and confirmed Lands and Liberties to them, pro salute animae meae, & Mathildis Reginae uxoris meae, & E. filii mei, et aliorum puerorum meorum, et antecessorum meorum Regum Angliae, et nominatim pro anima Regis Henrici et fratrum meorum; by prayers to be made in them by the Monks therein for that purpose.

King Henry the II. by his Charters of grant and consirmation of Lands and Liberties to the Abbeys and Monasteries of St. Mary's in York, Eton, Abberbury, Feversham, Quarrera, St. Mary's, near Dublin in Ireland, Miraval, Flexley, Croxden, Witteham and Tavystock, granted sundry Lands and Franchises to them, Pro Dei amore, pro salute animae meae et reginae meae, et haeredum meorum, et pro anima Regis Henrici avi, & pro animabus antecessorum nostrorum, et omnium parentum majorum, et antecessorum meorum Regum Angliae, et Successorum nostrorum, et matris meae Imperatricis, et puerorum meorum: to be obtained by their Prayers, inserting this Clause into his Charter of Confirmation to St. Mary's in York, Ne aliquis baeres vel successor quaerat relevamen vel aliquod Dominium praeter orationes et preces, et eleemosynam animae suae de beneficiis vel eleemosynis quas aliquis dedit praedictae Abbathiae.

[Anno 1154] King Henry the 2d. coming into England to be crowned after King Stephens death, ut decebat tantum & tàm beatum virum, cum summa laetitia et multis prae gaudio lachrymantibus, in Regem benedictus est, in throno Regni splendidiffime collocatus est. De cujus temporis beatitudine sic diximus heroice: writes Henry Huntingdon.

[Anno 1166] [Anno 1171] Anno 1166. there falling out a difference between this King and Thomas Becket Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Alexander thus begins all his Epistles to the King on Beckets behalf. Alexander, &c. Dilecto filio Henrico illustri Regi Anglorum, Salutem et Apostolicam benedictionem. Advising him so to govern his Realm to the honor of God, and tranquility and peace of his Church, Ut Regnum temporale conservet, et p • st illud det tibi Deus sine fine mansuram. And Archbishop Becket, though in exile, begins his Epistle to the King the same year in these words: Reverendissimo Domino suo Henrico Dei gratia, illustri Anglorum Regi, &c. Salutem, et utinam per omnia benefacere. And ends it thus, Bene valeat semel et semper Dominus meus, Anno 1171. Robert Abbot of Wallatia, and 4. other Ambassadors of King Henry sent to Rome about Reckets Business, began their Epistle to the King with Charissimo Domino Henrico illustr. Angliae Regi, &c. Salutem, & facile in omnibus et ubique servitium. Closing it thus, Valeat et vigeat sublimitas vestra, confortamini in Domino, & exultet cor vestrum. Reginald elect Bishop of Bath begins his Epistle from Rome to this King, with Salutem in eo qui dat salutem Regibus. And Manuel Emperor of Constantinople, thus salutes him in the beginning of his Epistle to him. Salutem et omne bonum. Pope Lucius in his Epistle to him, Anno 1185. wisheth him, Salutem et Apostolicam benedictionem. The Pat • iark of Antioch begins his Epistle to him with this option, in illo regnare per quem Reges regnant. The Master of the Temple Tricius, in his Epistle wisheth him, Salutem in eo qui dat salutem Regibus. Stephanus Tornacensis Episcopus inscribes his first Epistle to this King, thus. Hen • ico Regi Anglorum cum omni prosperitate gloriam sempiternam. Petrus Blesensis Arch-deacon of Bath, thus begins his 12, 41, 42, 62, and 153. Epistles to him. Henrico Dei gratia, illustrissimo Anglorum Regi, &c. Salutem in eo per quem Reges regnant. His 41. Epistle to him is thus concluded. Bene valeat charissimus Dominus meus, diuque ac faeliciter vivat et regnet Richard Archbishop of Canterbury his Epistle to him begins with Salutem, et in Regno temporali, Regni Coelestis memoriam et am • xem. And the Archbishop of Rhoane (the 153. Epistle of Petrus Blesensis beginning with the Salutation used in his 1. Epistle) ends with this Prayer. Bene valeat altissimus Dominus, et Deus qui se contra eum in superbia et abusione erigunt, reportet in virtute altissimi gloriam et triumphum.

King Richard the 1. by his respective Charters granted and confirmed several Lands, Liberties, and Privileges to the Monasteries and Churches of Stratford, Haliwel, Frampton, Wells, Budesley, Revefly, Boxele and Homecoltram, pro amore Dei, et pro salute nostra, et A. Reginae matris nostrae, in liberam et perpetuam elemosynam; for which the Monks were to pray.

King John by several Charters granted and confirmed several Lands and Liberties to the respective Monasteries of • ossa, St. Katherine near Fxeter, Thik • hued, St. N • th D • re, Farendon, Shaftesbury, and Wolfraughauton, pro salute animae H. Regis avi Patris nostri, pro salute nostra et Haeredum nostrorum et omnium ancecessorum et successorum nostrorum, & pro salute animae H. Regis patris nostri, et matris sui Imperatricis, et antecessorum et haeredum nostrorum: Which the Monks in all these Monsteries were obliged constantly to pray for, in all their public and private Masses and Devotions.

[Anno 1218, &c.] King Henry the 3d. granted and confirmed several Lands and Privileges to the Abbeys and Monasteries of Danington, Fossa, Flamsted, Cesthont, Wilburtosse, Lillichurch, Wotton, New-Minster near Morpeth, Parcolude, Kemmer, Jorevall, Holmcoltram, Bynedone, Letselege, Lenton and Tarente, pro salute animae nostrae, et H. Regis et haeredum nostrorum et omnium Regum Angliae, et omnium fidelium, et animarum antecessorum nostrorum, et patris mei, et matris meae, et pro totius nostri progen. in remis • ionem peccatorum et salvationem, et pro statu Regni mei. Which the Abbots, Priors and Monks in these respective Churches, were constantly to pray for both in public and private.

[Anno 1235] The Prior and Covent of St. Alba • , in their Letters to King Henry the 3d. touching the Election and presentation of a New Abbot, Anno 1235. used this style and prayer. Excellentissimo Domino suo & in Christo Reverendissimo, Henrico Dei gratia Regi Angliae, &c. E. Prior Sancti Albani & ejusdem loci Cenventus, cum omni humilitate & devotione, aeternam in Domino salutem.

[Anno 1242] The Prior and Covent of Bath, Anno 1242. begin and end their Letters to King Henry the 3d. and his Queen, concerning the Election of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, in this form, and with these Prayers for them. Serenissimo Domino Henrico Dei gratia Regi Angliae, &c. devoti sui humilis Th. Prior & conventus Bathoniae, Salutem et debitam cum orationibus assiduis reverentiam et fidelitatem, &c. In omnibus quae nostrae erunt possibilitatis vestris parati sumus affectuose parere mandatis. Valeat et vigeat Dominatio vestra per tempora longa. Valeat Regia Excellenti • vestra semper in Domino. Conservet vos Ecclesiae et populo suo Altissimus per tempora longiora. Valeat et vigeat Serenitas vestra et filiorum vestrorum per tempora longa. Valeat Serenitas vestra semper in Domino. Which were their daily prayers for the, in their public and private Devotions, in their Churches and Cells as well as in their Letters. And likewise for King Adelstan, Edward, Edgar, Æthelred, Kenulphus, Henry the I. and King Stephen, Benefactors to the Priory of Bath, whose Anniversaries they solemnized every year, with Solemn prayers and Alms, as the Leger book records.

[Anno 1247] In the Vigil o • St. Matthew, Anno 1247. when Prince Edward eldest son and heir of King Henry the 3. was sick, the said King writ to all the religious persons remaining within the circuit of London, where the said Edward lay sick, ut devote orarent pro Pueri incolumitate; that they should devoutly pray for the recovery and health of the child. Whereupon, amongst others, he writ specially to the Abbot and Covent of St. Alban, ut pro ipso orantes, that praying for him, all the Monks should solemnly sing a Mass, whose first Collect should be of St. Alban, but the second for the sick Prince: namely, Omnipotens & sempiterne Deus salus aeterna credentium, &c Which being done, per Dei gratiam, puero sanitas est restituta. Haec idcirco dixerim (writes the Historian) propter murmur populi dicentis eccelaici orant Dominum et exaudiuntur; et quare non orat Papa & facit pro causa sua, imo nostra & universalis Ecclesiae Orare: imo rapinis inbiat pecuniae indefessus. Dictumque est & affirmatum, quod non sine lachrymis scribo; plus confidit in pecuniae thesauris, quam fidelium precibus vel Eleemosynis.

[Anno 1249] The Abbots of the Order of Black Monks, assembling at the Abby of Bermond • shy, in the year 1249. Ordained by Common-Council, Quod ipse Dominus Rex ab ipsis omnibus impetravit, ut pro ipso et Regina dicatur quotidie in missa quae in veneratione beatae Virginis canitur in eorum Ecclesiis, Collecta eelebis, Deus in eujus manu; For the preservation and welfare of the King and Queen.

[Anno 1270] King Henry the 3d. being very sick at Westminster in the Lent, Anno 1270. and despairing of his recovery, se orationibus Ecclesiae commendavit, recommended himself to the Prayers of the Church. Whereupon the Monks of Westminster fearing to lose such a Patriot, went in Pilgrimage bare-foot, in a rainy season to the new Temple, and there singing a Mass for the King, and returning thence in the same manner as they went, it was told them, that the king had recovered of his sickness. Whereupon he commanded the Monks by his Mandates, that they should sing Gandeat in coelis, quod convaluit precibus monachorum.

George Cassandar in his ^h Preces Ecclesiasticae, hath sundry forms of Prayers for Christian King • , Emperors, Princes, and Kingdoms, collected out of several ancient Liturgies, Missals, Litanies, and Canonical Houres (used anciently in most Monasteries and Churches as well in England as in other Kingdoms., during the reign of King Henry the 3 ^d . and in the Kings reigns preceding and succeeding him) which I shall here insert.

Deus qui populis tuis virtute consulis, & amore dominaris, da huic f • mul • tuo spiritum sapientiae cum regimine disciplinae, ut tibi toto cord devotus, in Regni regimine maneat semper idoneus; tuoque munere ipsius temporibus securitas Ecclesiae dirigatur, ut in tranquillitate devotio Christiana permaneat, ut in bonis operibus perseverans, ad aeternum Regnum te duce valeat pervenire, per eundem Dominum.

Omnipotens sempiterne Deus qui famulum tuum Regni fastigio dignatus es sublimare, tribue ei quaesumus ut ita in hujus seculi cursu in commune salutem disponat, quatenus a tuae veritatis tramite non recedat. Per eundem Dominum nostrum.

Deus qui scis humanum genus nulla virtute posse subsistere, concede propicius, Ut famulus tuus N quem populo tuo voluisti praeferri, ita tuo sulciatur adjutorio quatenus quibus potuit praeesse, valeat & prodesse Per Dominum.

Om • ipotens sempiterne Deus coelestium terrestrium{que} moderator, qui famulum tuum N. ad Regni fastigium dignatus es provehere, concede propitius, ut a cunctis adversitatibus libertatus, & Ecclesiasticae pacis dono muniatur, & ad aeternae pacis gaudia te donante pervenire mereatur. Per Dominum nostrum.

Quaesumus Omnipotens Deus, ut famulus tuus N. qui tu • miseratione suscepit Regni gubernacula, virtutum etiam omnium à re percipiat increment • , quibus decenter armatus, & vi • iorum monstra devitare, & hostem superare, & ad te qui via, veritas & vita e • , gratiosus valeat pervenire. Per Dominum nostrum.

Deus in cujus manu corda sunt Regum, inclina ad preces humilitatis nostrae aures misericordiae tuae, & famulo tuo Imperatori nostro regimen tuae appone sapientia, ut • austis de tuo fonte • onfiliis, & tibi placeat, & super omnia Regna praecellat. Per Dominum nostrum.

D • us cujus Regnum est omnium seculorum, supplicationes nostras clementer exaudi, & Christianorum Regnum tibi subditum protege, ut in tua virtute fidentes, & tibi placeant, & super omnia Regna praecellant. Per eundem Dominum nostrum.

Deus qui providentia tua coelestia simul & terrena moderaris, propiciare Christianorum rebus & Regibus; ut omnis hostium fortitudo te pro nobis pugnante frangatur. Per eundem Dominum nostrum.

Propiciare Domine precibus famulorum tuorum: & propter Nomen tuum Christiani nominis defend Rectores: ut salus ser vientium tibi Principum, pax tuorum possit esse populorum. Per eundem Dominum.

Deus Regnorum omnium Regumque Dominator, qui nos & percutiendo sanas, & ignoscendo conservas, praetende misericordiam tuam, ut tranquillitate pacis tua potestate fi • mata, ad remedia correctionis utamur. Per Dom. nostrum.

These were the constant public and private Prayers and Devotions of the Clergy and people for their Kings, Princes, and their Kingdoms heretofore, not unseasonable for our present •• mes.

In my perusal of the Clause Rolls in the Tower of London, I have observed sundry Memorable Writs and Mandates issued by King Edward the 1, 2, 3. Richard the 2. and other of our Kings, to their Bishops, Clergy, Abbots, Freers Predicants, Minors, and other Religious Orders, upon sundry emergent occasions, requiring and commanding them, to make frequent and fervent Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and Thanksgivings unto God alone, (not Saints, or Angels) in times of War, danger, Treaties, and the like, for his special assistance, direction, protection, blessing, and favor, upon the King, Queen, Prince of Wales, the Royal issue, kingdom, Nobles, Armies, the Kings Counsels, Treaties, affairs of all sorts, and for public peace and prosperity: Which Writs, because very rare, pious, pertinent to my present Theme, suitable to the state of our affairs, and never hitherto published in print, I shall here insert the chiefest of them at large, pretermitting all others of like nature for brevity sake, those here transcribed comprehending in them the form and substance of the residue, except only Writs for Masses, Dirgees, and Prayers for deceased Kings, Queens, and Princes, of which there are many Presidents (heterogeneal to my Subject matter) which I shall totally pass by.

Claus. 22 E. 1. m. 11. dorso. Rex Archiepiscopo Eborum, &c. salutem. Cum inter magnificum Principem Dominum Regem Franciae illustrem Consanguineum nostrum, et Nos, aliqua sint exorta propter quae ad partes intendimus transmarinas personaliter Nos confer, cum dicto Rege super hiis habituri colloquium et tractatum. Credentes firmiter et sperantes, quod felicior votis nostris effectus adveniret si devotorum intercessionibus adjuvemur, Paternitatem vestiam affectuose requirimus et rogamus, quatenus apud Deum preces devotas suppliciter effundatis, et à vestris Subditis illud idem fieri injungatis, ut in hujusmodi negotio prosequendo, tractando ac etiam ordinando, sic Deus & Dominus regat et dirigat actus nostros, quod cooperante unigenito Dei filio Jesu Christo, labor noster in hac parte ita possit fructuosus haberi, quod cedat ad laudem sui nominis, ac statum quietum & prosperum Regni nostri pariter & honorem, necnon ad totius Christianitatis commodum & profectum. T. R. apud Sanctum Albanum, decimo die Febr.

Consimiles literae diriguntur A. Dunolm. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur J. Epo. Karli • l.

Consimiles literae diriguntur O. Line. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur W. Elyen. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur R. Norwyc. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur J. Wynton. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur G. Cicestr. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur J. Roffen. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Th. Exon. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur N. Sarum. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur R. London. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur W. Bath. & Well. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur R. Coventr. & Lichf. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur G. Wygorn. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur. Assavin. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Th. Heref. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Bangor. Epo.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Custod. Spiritualitatis Archiepiscopatus Cant. seed vacante, mutatis tamen mutandis, viz. ubi paternitatem, &c. ibi devotionem, &c.

Consimiles literae Custodi Episcopatus Landaven. seed vacante diriguntur.

Consimiles literae diriguntur M. Meneven. electo.

Claus. 24 E. 1. dorso m. 10. Rex Venerabili in Christo Patri R. eadem gratia Cant. Archiepo. totius Angli • Primati salutem. Evidentem Causae nost • ae justiciam quam vos latere non credimus, ferventi studio hactenus prosecuti, et adhuc summo opere prosequentes, pro recuperatione et defensione terrae nostrae Vascon. tanquam Coronae Regiae et honori Regni nost • i Angliae hereditario jure annexae, de qua Rex • ranciae nos unjust exhaeredare conatur, ad partes ips •• s Ducatus, gentes nostras nuper cum potentia quam tunc commode potuimus, et nunc demum Edmundum frat • em nostrum cum honorabili comitiva Nobilium dicti Regni duximus destinand. Sane cum in homine non sit auxilium sed e coelo, ac propter hoc, oporteat impotentiam nostram divinae manus praesidiis sustentari, Paternitatem vestram requirimus & rog • m • s, quatenus non solum nostram set vestram justitiam intuentes, & c • rda vestra sursum habentes ad Dominum, apud eum, ut haec & alia quae negotio expedire cognoveritis antedicto, procedant salubriter & in manibus nostris prosper dirigantur, devotis supplicationibus insistatis. Cumque ob reverentiam sedi • Apostolicae, et ad venerabilium Patrum S. Albanem & S. Penestren. Episcoporum Sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalium requisitionem instantem, ad tractandum de tree • gis et pace cum Rege praedicto super guerris, dissensionibus & discordiis quibuscun{que} inter ipsum & Nos exortis & motis, sollempnes Nuncios nostros ad partes miserimus transmarinas ad praesentiam Cardinasium praedictorum, piam affectionem vestram excitet quaesumus debitum caritatis, ad divinam misericordiam vestris intercessionibus implor. ut praesentis temporis tempestuoso • rocellarum turbine quiescente, uberiora tempora subtranquillioris aur ae serenitate succedant, quod{que} ad feliciter haec & alia peragenda, quae cepimus, dextera Regis Regum potenter adjuti, ea ad laudem ipsius et honorem nostrum, ac commodum regni nostri ad optatum • ffectum deducere valeamus, Praemissa vero omnibus vestris Subditis in vestra Dioc. constitutis specialibus orationibus facienda, per vos injungi petimus & mandari. T. R. apud Sanctum Albanum primo die Januarii.

Consimiles literae diriguntur J. Eborum, Archiepo. Angl. Primati, et Episcopis subscriptis, videlicet,

• J. Episcopo Roffen.
• R. Epo. London.
• O. Epo. Lincoln.
• R. Epo. Norwycen.
• W. Epo. Elyen.
• G Epo. Cicestr.
• J. Epo. Wynton.
• Th. Exon. Epo.
• N. Epo. Sarum.
• W. Bathon. & Wellen. Epo.
• G. Wygorn. Epo.
• R. Hereford. Epo.
• A. Epo. Bangor. Assaven. Epo.
• J. Electo Landaven.
• J. Karleolen. Epo.
• A. Epo. Dunolmen.
• Custod. Spiritualit. Covent. & Lychf. seed vacante.
• Electo Meneven. vel ejus Vices gerenti, ipso agent in partibus transmarinis.

Claus. 24 E. 1. m. 10. dorso. Rex dilecto sibi in Christo Abbati sancti Augustini Cantuar. salutem. Evidentem Causae nostrae justiciam, &c. ut supra usque ibi praesidiis sustentari: et tunc dicitur, Vos requirimus & rogamus quatenus, &c. ut supra. Praemissa vero omnibus vestris subditis specialibus orationibus facionda, per vos injungi petimus & mandari. T. Rege apud Crucem Roes vii. die Januar.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Abbatibus subscriptis, videlicet,

Abbati de sancto Albano.	Exempti.
Abbati de Waltham.
Abbati de sancto Edmundo.	Exempti.
Abbati de Evesham.
Abbati de Furneys.	Cisterc.
Abbati de Salley.
Abbati de novo Monasterio.
Abbati de Jeroval.
Abbati de Fontibus.
Abbati de Bella landa.
Abbati de Melsa.
Abbati de Neuhous.	Premostrat.
Abbati de Croxton.
Abbati de Alnewyck.
Abbati de Eyleston.
Abbati de sancta Agatha.
Magistro ordinis de Sempingham
Fratri Williemo de Hotham Priori provinciali de ordine Fratrum Praedicatorum in Angl.
Ministro ordinis fratrum Min or in Angl. &c.
Quod ipsi in singulis domibus specialibus orationibus, &c.

Claus. 27 E. 1. m. 7 dorf. Rex religioso viro in Christo sibi dilecto. Priori principiali ordinis fratrum Praedicatorum in Angl. salutem. Qualiter pro tranquillitate & pace regni nostri, ad proterviam & maliciam Scotorum reprimendam qui regnū nostrum hostiliter invaserunt, hactenus sumus Nos ipsi in periculis expositi, & jam ad partes praedictas cum comitiva Nobilium dicti regni nostri, ad praesens proponimus Deo d •• te, dirigere gressus nostros, non credimus vos latere. Et quia in homine non est auxilium sine Deo, ac propter hoc oportet impotentiam nostram divinae manus praesidiis sustentari, vos affectuose requirimus & rogamus, quatenus consratribus vestris singularum domorum vobis subditarum dare velitis in mandatis, ut Deum & Dominum nostrum Protectorem pro Nobis suppliciter exorent. Ita quod per ipsorum orationum devotarum suffragia, gratiam Nobis adaugeat, Nosque ac Liberos nostros & Regnum nostrum sua pietate ab omnibus adverfitatibus tueatur. Dat. apud Langele xxx die Octobr.

Confimiles literae diriguntur pro Rege Generali Ministro fratrum Minorum in Angl. T. ut supra.

Claus. 32 E. 1. dorso. m. 7. Rex religiosis viris in Christo sibi dilectis fratribus de ordine Minorum ad generale Capitulum apud Nottingham proximo conventuris salutem, & spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis.

Per breve de privato sigillo.

Ibid. m. 16.

Eadem m. 16.

Claus. 34 E. 1. m. 16. Rex Religiosis viris & fibi in Christo dilectis magistro ordinis fratrum praedicatorum ac diffinitoribus fratribus universis in generali Capitulo suo Paris proximo conventur. salutem & spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Dum conditionem humanae fragilitatis attendimu, & qualiter omni creaturae quam sublimi qu • m humili, praetereuntibus suo • ursu diebus praesentis vitae finis appropriate, attenta consideratione pensamus, sic praevenire cupimus quantum Nobis ex alto permittitur, diem mortis, ut aeterni clemencia Judicis dignetur nostri de suae gratiae plenitudine misereri. Verum cum devotarum orationum suffragia inter alia pietatis opera multum prosint ad divinam misericordiam impetrandam, de vobis quorum ordinem benevolentiae specialis favore prosequimur, ut salutem nostram zelemini, & pr • Nobis, consorte nostra, et liberis nostris, ac statu prospero regni nostri preces devotas offeratis, plenam fiduciam optinentes, devotion • m vestram requirimus & rogamus quatenus nunc & in futurum dignam sollicitudinem impendatis, et insistatis assiduis supplicationibus et intercessionibus apud Deum, ut hîc sua pietate no • dirigat per suorum semitam mandatorum, et post diem extremum, salvationis locum Nobis dignetur misericorditer indu • gere, statumque regni nostri conservare prosperum et tranquillum. Vniversitatem vestram religiosam diu conservet altissimus in caritate continua et perfecta. Dat. apud Wolneseyae viii. die Aprilis.

Claus. 35 E. 1. m. 9. dorso. Rex religiosis viris & in Christo sibi dilectis Priori Provinciali ac fratribus universis ordinis sancti Augustini in generali Capitulo suo apud Lincoln proximo conventuris, salutem, & spiritu sacro dirigi in agendis. Fidelium devotio ad Religiosorum s • ffragia impl • randa eo f • rventius excitatur, quo speratur preces e • rundem religiosorum apud altissimum gratiosius exaudiri, et exinde fidelibus sic implorantibus de supernis majora commoda provenire. Considerantes itaque Nos rebus mundialibus quorum dispositioni vacare Nos oportet u • dique involutos, quominus saluti animae nostrae prout nobis expediret intendere valeamus, firmaque credulitate tenentes, per preces et orationes vestras summum bonum gratiae coelestis posse facilius impretrari, devotionem vestram attentis precibus requirimus et rogamus, quatenus Nos, Reginam consortem nostram & liberos nostros, ac statum Regni nostri ei qui mensurae termino non arctatur sedulis intercessionibus commendetis, ipsius clemenciam suppliciter implorantes, ut Nobis concedat sic regnum temporale regere, negociaque Nos et statum regni et aliarum terrarum nostro dominio subjectarum sua mediante ineffabili gratia ordinare, quod in regno coelesti partem haereditariam consequamur, quodque actus nostri ad laudem sui nominis, et ad nostrum, regnique nostri et terrarum praedictarum cedere valeant commodum et honorem. T. R. apud Carliolum xx. die Maij. Per breve de privato sigillo.

Claus. 35 E. 1. m. 15. dorso. Rex religiosis viris in Christo sibi dilectis fratribus de ordine Minorum ad generale Capitulum suum apud Toles conventur. salutem, & spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Attendentes beneficia sancta, orationumque devotarum suffragia, ad divinam misericordiam impetrandam multum humanae conditionis fragilitati prodesse inter alia opera pietatis, Considerantesque Nos pro curis et rebus mundialibus quibus circa regni nostri regimen involuti sumus, saluti nostrae spirituali prout nobis expediret intendere non valere, devotionem vestram requirimus et rogamus quatinus Nos, Margaretam Reginam Angliae consortem nostram carissimam, Edwardum P • incipem Walliae primogeuitum nostrum, caeterosque liberos nostros, ac populum Nobis commissum beneficiorum et suffragiorum vestrorū fore participes concedentes, pro Nobis & ipsis, ac statu regni nostri, expeditioneque negociorum Nobis incumbentium supplicationes assiduas et orationes devotas Altissim • • ff • ratis, ut hîc sua pietate Nos et ipsos dirigat per suorum s • mitam mandatorum, et post diem extremum salvationis locum Nobis et ipsis dignetur misericordites indulgere, statumque regni nostri conservare prosperum et tranquillum. T. R. apud Lauretost. 4 to die Febr.

Claus. 35 E. 1. m. 17. dorso. Rex dilectis sibi in Christo Magistro ordinis fratrum praedicatorum, ac diffinitoribus & fratribus universis in generali Capitulo suo apud Argentem in Aleman. in festo Pentecostes proximo futur. conventuris salutem, & spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Inter caetera quae fructum salutis repromittere credimus, hoc praecipue in spei nostrae fulcimentum accedit, quod Nos assiduarum deprecationum justorum fulti praesidio divinam propitiationem facilius consequemur. De vobis itaque ut Nostram ac Reginae Consortis nostrae liberorumque nostrorum salutem, necnon statum prosperum Regni nostri & expeditionem felicem negotiorum nobis incumbentium hiis diebus zelemini, plenam in Domino fiduciam optinentes, devotionem vestram affectuo • e requirimus & rogamus, quatinus apud illum qui est ve • a salus et qui temporalitatis e • perpetuae felicitatis tribuit largitatem, Nos, Reginum, Cons •• tem nostram, et liberos nostros, ac statum regni nostri devote supplicationis studio commendetis, ipsius clemenciam qui mensurae termino non artatur suppliciter exorantes ut sic regnum temporale regere, negociaque nostra p • aedicta expeditioni felici pro suae subventionis dexteram mancipare possimus, quod hoc ad laudem sui nominis, et ad nostrum regnique nostri commodum cedere valeat & honorem: quodque Nos post supremum vitae nostrae exitum in regno coelesti partem haereditariam consequamur. Dat. apud Lauretost. primo die Decembris.

To pretermit the Charter of King Edward the first to the Abby of Aberconewey, pro salute animae nostrae & animaru • omnium Antecessorum & Haeredum, seu aliorum nostrorum Successorum. And his Charter of Translation of Demhall to the Abby of Ualle-royal, pro salute animae nostrae, & pro salute animae celebris memory Domini Henrici Patris nostri, & animarum Haeredum & Successorum nostrorum. Which the Monks in these Houses were constantly to pray for.

Claus. 1. Edw. 2. m. 17. dorso. Rex Venerabili in Christo Patri W. eadem gratia Eborum Archiepiscopo, Angliae Primati salutem. Quanto in magnis et arduis peragendis neg • tiis divinum praesidium instanciùs & devotiùs imploratur, tanto exinde speratur successus prosperior & felicior pr • venire. Hinc est, quod eum inclytae memory Domino Edwardo nuper Rege Angl patre nostro viam universae carnis ingresso, de quo mentis amaritudine intime premimur et turbamur, onus regiminis Regni Angl. Nobis incumbat Jure haereditario, sicut scitis, vires nostras ad on • s hujusmodi portand. absque devotarum orationum suffragiis cernimus penitus impotentes: Vestramigitur paternitatem aff • ctuosis precibus requirimus et rogamus, quatinus apud eum per quem Reges regnant, & Principes dominantur preces devotas suppliciter effundatis, & illud idem à Religiosis et aliis vestris Subditis universis fieri injungatis, ut regnum nostrum et alias terras Nobis subditas, semper in statu prospero & pacifico conservare; Nosque ea sub ipso sic regere & tueri per suorum semitas mandatorum ad nostri et ipsius regni dictarum{que} terrarum honorem, commodum et quietem concedere dignetur, quod pro temporali regno in regn • caelesti partem haereditariam consequamur, &c. Teste Rege apud Westm. xxviij. die Octobr.

Eodem modo scribitur subscriptis, viz.

• J. Karl. Episcopo.
• A. Dunel • ▪ Episcopo & Patriarch. Je • lm.
• J. Lincoln. Episcopo.
• R. Elien. Episcopo.
• J. Norwych. Episcopo.
• R. London. Episcopo.
• T. Roff. Episcopo.
• J. Cistercien. Episcopo.
• H. Winton. Episcopo.
• W. Bath. & Well. Episcopo.
• R. Hereford. Episcopo.
• W. Coventr. & Lych. Episcopo.

Abbati sancti Augustini Cantar.	Vestram igitur Devotionem, &c. & illud idem toti Conventui, & subditis vestris universis, &c.
Abbati Westm.
Abbati de sancto Albano.
Abbati de sancto Edmundo.
Abbati de Evesham.
Magistr. ordinis de Sempringham.

Ministro generali ordinisfratrum Minorum in Angl. quod, &c. & à gardianis fratribus & subditis suis, &c.

Priori Provinciali ordinis fratrum praedicatorum in Angl. &c. & à singulis Prioribus fratribus et subitis, &c.

Ibid. Rex venerabili in Christo patri W. eadem gratia Ebor. Archiepiscopo Angliae Primati salutem. Deus redemptor omnium et creator, qui hominem ad imaginem et similitudinem suam fecit, cla • ae memory Dominum Edwardum dudum Regem Angliae progenitorem nostrum pacis et justiciae fervidum zelatorem, quem aliàs constat magnis fuisse virtutum insigniis et meritorum praeconiis decoratum, nuper ab hac luce prout sibi pla •• it evocavit, de quo co • dis amaritudinem, angustias et dolores intrinsecus non immerito sustinemus. Cum itaque opus sanctum et salubre apud Altissimum censeatur pro defunctis ut a suorum mole peccaminum liberentur, devote et suppliciter exorare; Paternitatem vestram affectuose requirimus et rogamus, quatinus ipsius Patris nostri exequias sollempniter celebrantes, animam ejus cum Missarum decantatione et aliis Ecclesiasticis suffragiis Deo vivo et vero qui aufert Spiritum Principum specialiter commendetis, ac ab omnibus Religiosis et aliis subditis vestris in Dioc. vestra per Missarum decantationes et alia hujusmodi suffragia faciatis similiter commendari, ut vestris et ipsorum patrociniis et precibus adjuta, coelestis Regni solium ingredi et in aeterna beatitudine citius valeat collocari. T. Rege apud Westm. xxx. die Octobr. anno, &c. primo.

Eodem modo scribitur Episcopis, Abbatibus, Magistro de ordinis Sempryngham, Ministro generali ordinis fratrum Minorum in Angl. Priori Provinciali Ordinis fratrum Praedicatorum in Angl. superius nominatis.

Claus. 9 E. 2. m. 15. dorso. Rex Religiosis viris et in Christo sibi dilecti • Magistro Ordinis fratrum praedicatorum ac diffinitoribus et fratribus universis in Capitulo suo generali ad Tholosam in proximo celebrand. salutem et spiritus sancti gratia in favore caritatis dirigi in agendis. Quanto in • ffabilis divinae miserationis praesidium in urgentibus necessitatibus seu agendis quibuslibet humilius et devotius imploratur, tanto ut nostra tenet fiducia, successus prosperior et eventus felicior subsequuntur. Quamobrem de vestra devotione et sincera in Domino caritate specialiter confidentes, ac spera • tes quod eo Nostram ac Isabellae Reginae Angliae consortis nostrae, necnon et Edwardi primogeniti nostri salutem, statumque prosperum et tranquillum Regni nostri Angliae, aliorumque terrarum nobis subditarum, ac felicem expeditionem negotiorum nobis incumbentium hiis diebus tenerius diligatis, quo Nos ad vestram praecipue ordinem nostros affectus hactenus direximus, & devotione fratrum ejusdem ordinis fiduciam gessimus ampliorem, firma etiam creduli • ate tenentes per orationum vestrarum suffragia Nobis inestimabile bonum coel • stis munific • ntiae in nostris dirigendis et peragendis negotiis uberius affuturu • ; caritatem vestram sinceris affectibus requirimus et • ogamus, quatinus Domino nostro Jesus Christo qui est omnium vera salus, et per quem Reges regnant et Principes dominantur, Nos, Reginam consortom nostram, et Dominum Primogenirum nestrum sedulis precibus et devotis Orationibus commendetis; ipsius •• ementiam suppliciter exorantes, ut sic Regni temporalis regimen, quod ipso disponente suscepimus, dictaque negotia nostra prosper exp • dire per suae suventionis potentiam valeamus, quod ad laudem sui nominis, nostrique ac Regni, et aliarum terrarum nostrarum utilitatem cedere valeant et honorem. Dat. apud Westminst. xxiiii. die Aprilis.

Claus. Anno 20 E. 2. m. 10. dors. Rex dilectis sibi in Christo Cancellario, magistris & scholaribus Universitatis Oxford salutem. Bene novit, ut credimus, vestra discretio, qualiter pro bono pacis & reformatione concordiae inter nos & Regem Franc. de consilio & assensu Praelatorum & Aliorum Magnatum regni nostri, Uxorem nostram sub magna amoris confidentia ad ipsum Regem nuper transmisimus, sperantes sicut Nobis certitudinaliter per nuncios domini summi Pontificis, qui tam ad ipsum Regem quam ad Nos pro tractatu concordiae fuerant destinati, & etiam per nostros nuncios tunc in partibus Franciae existentes promissum extitit, quod ipsa à praefato Rege fratre suo posset quaecumque peteret impetrare, & quod ejus interventu firma pax & amoris integritas inter Nos & ipsum Regem, absque amissione juris seu patrimonii nostri, seu alicujus personae de nostris reformari debuissent, Et post haec dicto negocio non secundum promissa, set alium totaliter exitum, sicut nostis, fortiente, cum parati essemus in portu Dover. ad transfretandum versus partes Franc. de consilio Praelatorum & Magnatum praedictorum ac dictorum nunciorum, prae • ato etiam Rege ad hoc assensum praebente, dictum Ducatum nostrum & omnes terras nostras quas habuimus in regno Franc. Edwardo filio nostro primogenito donavimus, sub certa forma habendum, ipsumque ad dictum Regem Franc. transmisimus pro homagio suo pro Ducatu & terris praedictis faciendo. Et ecce quae amoris dulce dine pro pace egimus u • guerrarū discrimina vitarentur, Nobis in felle conversa sunt amaritudinis & guerrae materias habundantius administrant. Detinuit siquidem idem Rex & adhuc detinet dictos nost • os uxorem & filium, ac magnam partem Ducatus praedicti, quanquā homagiū ipsias filii nostri pro integro receperit, & jam residuum missis exercitibus satagit occupare. Receptat insuper inimicos & rebels nostros & eos fovet, & quasdam naves quorundam mercatorum nostrorum nuper per gentes suas supra mare cepit hostiliter, & interfectis mercatoribus & marinariis in eis inventis infra Regnum Franc. abduci fecit, aliasque nos de guerra multipliciter persequitur tam per terram quàm per mare. Propter quod Nos pro defensione Regni nostri navigium nostrum mifimus supra mare, ad refraenand. maliciam gentium ipsius Regis si qui forte ingredi vellent Regnum nostrum. Verùm quia Nobis relatum est, quod aliqui fautores, ut credimus, dictorum inimicorum veritatem nostram in praemissis falsis relationibus satagentes depravare, sinistra de Nobis & aliquibus fidelibus nostris praedicare non verentur, ut avertant à Nobis corda subditorum nostrorum, qui ex simplicitate frequenter falsis narratoribus fidem praebent. Nos ipsorum maliciis obviare & veritatem reigestae cunctis patefieri cupientes, vobis in fide & dilection quibus Nobis tenemini firmiter injungen do mandamus, quod ad confutandam hujusmodi malevolorum audaciam, praemissa omnia & singula in publicis sermonibus & aliis congregationibus vestris recitari, & palam exponi faciatis, ut series gestarum rerum universis & singulis nota fiat. R • gamus etiam vos quatinus vos et quilibet vestrum pro Nobis et prospero statu regni nostri missarum solempniis, eleemosynarum largitionibus, et aliis operibus pie • atis ac jugis et devotis precibus jugiter instatis apud Altissimum creatorem, quatinus ipse sua pietate Nos regat et dirigat in mundi hujus turbinibus per suorum semitam mandatorum, st • tu • regni nostri conservet incolumem, et sua ineffabili potentia a malignorum incursibus tueatur. Teste Rege apud Porcester. v. die September.

Eodem modo mandatum est Cancellar. magistris & scolaribus Universitatis Cantebrig.

Ibid. eadem m. 11. dors. Rex venerabili in Christo patri W. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Cantur. totius Angliae Primati salutem. Bene novit vestra discretio, nec potest vobis ut credimus in memoriam non veni • e, qualiter pro bono pacis & reformatione concordiae inter Nos & Regem Franc. de vestro & aliorum Praelatorum ac Magnatum consilio & assensu, uxorem nostram sub magna amoris confidentia ad ipsum Regem nuper transmisimus, sperantes s • cut nobis certitudinaliter per nuncios Domini summi Pontificis, qui tam ad ipsum Regem quàm ad Nos pro tractatu concordiae fuerant destinati, ac etiam per nostros nuncios tunc in partibus Franc. existentes promissum extitit quod ipsa à praefato Rege fratre suo posset quaecumque peteret impetrare, & quod ejus interventu firma pax & amoris integritas inter Nos et ipsum Regem absque amissione juris seu Patrimonii nostri, seu alicujus personae de Nostris reformari debuissent: & post haec dicto negotio non secundum promissa, sed alium totaliter exitum sicut nostis sortiente, cum parati essemus in portu Dovor. ad transfretandum versus partes Franciae, de consilio vestro ac aliorum Praelatorum & Magnatum praedictorum ac dictorum nunciorum, praefato etiam Rege ad hoc assensum praebente, dictum Ducatum nostrum & omnes terras nostras quas habuimus in Regno Franciae Edwardo filio nostro primogenito donavimus sub certa forma habendum, ipsumque ad dictum Regem Franciae transmisimus pro Homagio suo pro Ducatu & terris praedictis faciendo. Et ecce quae amoris dulcedine pro pace egimus, ut guerrarum discrimina vitarentur, Nobis in felle conversa sunt amaritudinis, et guerris materias habundantius administrant. Detinuit siquidem idem Rex et adhuc detinet dictos nostros Uxorem et Filium, ac magnam partem Ducatus praedicti, quamquam homagium ipsius filii nostri pro integro reciperit, & jam residuum missis exercitibus satagit occupare. Receptat insuper inimicos et rebels nostros et eos fovet, et quasdam naves quorundam mercatorum nostrorum nuper per gentes suas supra mare cepit hostiliter, et interfectis mercatoribus et marinariis in eis inventis, infra Regnum Franc. abduci fecit, aliasque Nos de guerra multipliciter prosequitur tam per terram quàm per mare. Propter quod Nos pro defensione Regni nostri, navagium nostrum misimus supra mare ad refraenandam maliciam gentium ipsius Regis, si quae forte ingredi vellent Regnum nostrum. Verum quia Nobis relatum est, quod aliqui fauto • es, ut credimus, dictorum inimicorum, veritatem nostram in praemissis falsis relationibus satagentes depravare, finistra de Nobis et aliquibus fidelibus nostris praedicare non verentur, ut avertent à Nobis corda subditorum nostrorum, qui ex simplicitate frequenter falsis narratoribus fidem praebent. Nos ipsorum maliciis obviare, et ve • itatem • ei gestae cunctis patefieri cupientes, vobis in fide et dilection quibus Nobis tenemini firmiter injungendo mandamus, quod ad confutandam hujusmodi malevolorum audaciam, praemissa omnia prout gesta fuerunt in publicis sermonibus et aliis congregationibus per totam Dioc. vestram recitari et palam exponi faciatis, ut series gestarum rerum universis et singulis nota fiat, et contra hujusmodi falsa et finistra de Nobis et fidelibus nostris praedicantes tales et tam rigidas censuras promulgare studeatis, ut hujusmodi saltim timor • à suis temeritatibus compescantur. Rogamus insuper vos quatinus clerum et populum vestrae diocaesis salubribus exhortationibus commoneatis, ipsosque Praelatos inferiores, Religiosos et alios, ac Rectores Ecclesiarum in singulis Ecclesiis per totam Dioces. vestram commoneri et exhortari faciatis, ut ipsi pro Nobis et prospero statu Regni nostri missarum solempniis, eleemosynarum largitionibus et aliis operibus pietatis, ac jugis et devotis preribus jugiter insistant apud altissimum creatorem, quatinus ipse sua pietate Nos regar et dirigat in mundi hujus turbinibus per suorum semitam mandatorum, statum Regni nostri conservet incolumem, et sua ineffabili potentia a malignorum incursibus tueatur. Et universis et singulis vestris suffraganeis injungatis, quod ipsi et eorum quilibet praemissa omnia et singula per singulas Ecclesias suorum Dioces. praedicari et exponi faciant, et clerum et populum ut orationibus et aliis pietatis operibus ut praemittitur, jugiter insistant, studeant salubriter exhortari. Et Nos de eo quod inde duxeritis faciendum per vestras literas distinct et aperte cum celeritate qua poteritis certificare curetis. T. R. apud Claryndon xii. die Augusti.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Archiepiscopo Eborum Angliae Primati.

Claus. 20 E. 2. m. 11. dorso. Rex religiosis viris et sibi in Christo dilectis Priori et fratribus ordinis fratrum praedicatorum ad Capitulum generale apud Oxford celebrandum conventuris, salutem et Spiritu sancto dirigi in agendis. Dum conditionem humanae fragilitatis atrendimus, et qualiter omni creaturae tam sublimi quàm humili praetereuntibus suo cursu diebus praesentis vitae finis apropriat, attenta consideratione pensamus, sic praevenire cupimus quantū Nobis ex alto permittitur, diem mortis, ut aeterni clementia Judicis dignetur nostri de suae gratiae plenitudine misereri. Verum cum devotarum orationum suffragia inter alia pietatis opera multum prosint ad divinam misericordiam impetrandam, de vobis, quorum ordinem benevolentiae specialis favore prosequimur, ut salutem Nostram zelemini, et pro Nobis ac statu prospero Regni nostri preces devotas Domino offeratis, plenam fiduciam optinentes, devo • ionem vestram requirimus et r • gamus, quatinus nunc et in futurum dignam sollicitudinem impendatis, et insistatis assiduis supplicationibus et intercessionibus apud D • um, ut hic sua pietate Nos dirigat per suorum semitam mandatorum, et post diem extremum salvationis locum Nobis dignetur misericorditer elargiri, statumque praedicti Regni nostri conservare prosperum et tranquillum. Vniversitatem vestram religiosam diu conservet Altissimus in caritate continus et perfecta. T. R. apud Porcestr. vi. die Septembr.

King Edward the 3d. granted and confirmed by his Charters to the respective Abbyes and Monasteries of St. Denny, Lyllye, Gratia Dei, St. Julian, Charter-House London, sundry Lands and Revenues, ad missas, orationes, & alia divina servicia facienda pro anima nostra, et matris nostrae et pro animal us Antecessorum & Succ • ssorum nostrorum, Primogenito nostro & Haeredum suorum, &c. which the Ab • ots and Monks were daily and constantly to perform in these Abbyes and Monasteries without intermi • sion. And Cl. 7 E. 3. part 1. m. 4. dors. he issued his Writs for a public Thanksgiving and victory over the Scots.

Rex venerabili in Christo Patri S. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuariensi, totius Angliae Primati salutem. Sedens in trono gloriae qui sui dispositione non fallitur, dilectos suos in oportunitatibus visitat uberius quàm creatae rationis intentio sciat aut valeat invenire: ipse quidem dominantium Dominus misericordiam suam nobiscum licet inmeritis magnifice mirificans hiis diebus, funestam Scotorum inimicorum nostrorum rabiem et ipsorum perfidam feritatem qui partes Regni nostri boreales nuper coadunatis viribus hostiliter invadentes, depraedationes, strages et incendia, necnon & alia mala quae poterant crudeliter perpetrarunt, ordini, aetati vel sexui non parcentes, & demum contra Nos et Nostrum exercitum prope Berewycum die Lunae prox. ante festum sanctae Margaretae Virginis proximo praeterit. videlicet decimo nono die Julii, in induratae spiritu superbiae & antiquatae suae maliciae ad. Praeliū se parantes virtutis suae potentia mirabiliter dissipavit, ipsos in manu nostra victorioso praesidio concludendo; quos in eo qui dat salutem Regibus, ac de nostra justicia confidentes in timore Domini, licet in perdicione hominum non laetemur, in campo certaminis devicimus absque laesione magna, laudetur altissimus, gentis nostrae, et Castrum ac Villam Berewici Nobis reddi • a favente Domino jam ha • emus, de quibus gratiarum omnium largitori laudes exsolvimus, ut possimus humiles et devotas, ineffabilem ipsius clemenciam implorantes, ut signum quod nobiscum fecit in bonum incrementis faciat felicibus faecundare, pacis firmandae misericorditer spem conceptam, quae vobis ad vestri recreationem et publicam Regni nostri saet •• iam divina contemplando magnalia nunciamus. Et quia inter caetera humanae reparationis remedia humilem apud Deum o • a • ionis instantiam d • vinae gratiae credimus multipliciter inductivam, Paternitatem vestram affectuose requirimus et rogamus, quatinus Salvatoris nostri clementiam pro concessa Nobis cae • itus victoria, devotis laudibus attollatis, et a vestris subditis faciatis ut convenit, devotione celebri venerari; ipsos salutaribus monitis inducentes, ut intentis Orationum suffragiis Nos miserationi divinae sedulo recommendent, recommendareque velitis vosmetipsi, quod commissum Nobis Regimen ad Dei beneplacitum, defensionem Ecclesiae, Regni nostri honorem, commodum et quietem, conservationem, augmentum ac redintegrationem jurium nostrorum Regalium, ac Nostri et subdi • orum nostrorum salutem animarum agere, et in justicia roborari nostris temporibus feliciter valeamus. T. R. apud Berewicum super Twedam xxii. die Julii.

Consimiles literae diriguntur Archiepiscopo Eborum & singulis Episcopis Angliae & Walliae, ac Episcopis subscriptis, videlicet

• Archiepiscopo Burdegal.
• Episcopo Aquen.
• Episcopo Agenen.
• Episcopo Brion.
• Episcopo Basaten.
• Episcopo Adduren.

Rot. Parl. An. 37 Ed. 3. n. 9. Entre les petitions des Comones & les respons sur les ainsi ensint.

Premerement priant les dites Comones, que pleze a lour dite Seigneur lige prier as Ercevesqes Euesqes, et a toute la Clergy pur prier pur son estate, et la pees et bon government de la terre, et pur la continuance de sa bone volente diverseses dites Comones.

R. Il plest au Roi de les prier.

Clause 8. R. 2. m. 33. dorso. Rex venerabili in Christo Patri W. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. totius Angliae Primati, salutem. Ut praevisa jacula minus laedant, et gravissimis nostri & nostrorum periculis salubrius obvietur, inimicorum fallaces insidias, & malicias mortiferas satis expedit esse not • s. Super quo vos scire volumus, quod ab annis teneris quibus Deo volente Regni gubernacula suscepimus, semper in votis gessimus praecipuis ut subditi nostri in quorum uti{que} quiet • quiescimus, in pace firma sub nostro regimins ponerentur; et propterea tractatus per inclitae memory Dominum E. nuper Regem Angliae avum nostrum, cum tunc adversario suo Franciae inchoatos, continuare fecimus, facientes adversario nostro Franciae jam praesenti diversas vias pacis multociens offerri, cum detrimento non modico juris nostri, ad finem evitandi subditorum nostrorum gravamina, ac justificandi coram Rege Regum cui nihil est absconditum, causam nostram, et finaliter ut nihil in nobis deesset, quin praedicta pace habenda poneremus ultimum posse nostrum, Johannem Regem Castellae et • egionis, Ducem Lancastr. primo per se, et deinde ipsum et Thomam Comitem Buk. Patruos nostros carissimos ad diversos tractatus pacis cum nonnullis aliis Praelatis, Proceribus et Consiliariis nostris, cum potestate plenaria fecimus destinari. Set pars Adversarii praedicti videns praefatos patruos nostros ad omnem pacem rationabilem prout eis injunximus inclinatos, dictum tractatum pacis et quamplures ipsius articulos quibus antea consenserant, per cavillationes et subterfugia declinarunt, et tanquam aspides surdae obturantes aures suas nolentes intelligere ut been agerent, ea quae pacis erant audire adeo contempserunt, quod patrui dicti adversarii, Du • ces viz. Butricen. et Burgundiae qui soli potestatem tractandi ab eodem receperant, cum praefatis patruis nostris in loco medio inter Cales et Boloniam ubi partes extiterant primitus conventuri et promisso, pro praedicto tractatu, licet multociens requisiti, convenire penitus recusabant; jactantes se, ut dicitur, nedum haereditatem nostram ultramarinam, set R • gnum nostrum Angliae se vello hostiliter invadere, et Nobis locum et gentem auferre, ac totam linguam Anglicanam absque consideratione status, aetatis, sexus, aut personae destruere, ipsumque Regnum (quod absit) imbuere nova lingua: set non placeat pietati divinae quod ea Nobis accidant quae minantur, unde merit dicere possumus, quod quaesivimus pacem, et ecce turbacio, et pro tanto dilectionem estram atttente requirimus et rogamus, quatinus praefatas inimicorum malicias induratas clero • t populo vestrae Dioc. exemptis et non exemptis, clare intimari et inter eos publicari debite fa • iatis, ipsos vobis quantum ex alto permittitur inducentes, ut ad propulsandam tantam inimicorum proterviam in causa Regni communi et justissima spiri • um forti • udinis assumant, et pro nostri nostrorumque fidelium, totiusque Regni salvatione et tutela, piis apud Doum orationum suffragiis intercedant. T. Rege apud Westm. xxi. die Octobr.

Consimilia Brevia diriguntur Episcopis subscriptis sub eadem dat. videlicet,

• A. Archipiscopo Eborum Angliae Primati.
• R. Episcopo London.
• W. Episcopo Wynton.
• Tho. Episcopo Elien.
• H. Episcopo Norwycen.
• W. Episcopo Cicesir.
• J. Episcopo Bathon & Wellen.
• R. Episcopo Coventr. & Lich.
• Joh. Episcopo Dunolm.
• Tho. Episcopo Karliol.
• R. Episcopo Sarum.
• Tho. Episcopo Exon.
• J. Episcopo Hereford.
• Tho. Episcopo Reffen.
• H. Episcopo Wygorn.
• J. Episcopo Lincoln.
• A. Episcopo Meneven.
• J. Episcopo Bang • ren.
• Tho. Episcopo Landaven.
• L Episcopo Assaven.

Claus. 10. R. 2. m. 11. dors. Rex venerabili in Christo patri W. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Cantur. totius Angliae Primati, salutem. Cum nuper considerantes qualiter inimici nostri Franc. & alii quamplures sibi adhaerentes, regnum nostrum Angliae pluribus locis saepius invaserunt, mala intolerabilia tam per terram quàm per mare perpetrantes, & insuper de hoc minime contenti Ecclesiam sanctam populumque, & ligeos nostros subvertere, & penitus destruere de die in diem totis viribus suis se parant, & conantur; de assensu Consilii nostri ordinaverimus dilectum Consanguineum & fidelem nostrum Ricardum Comitem Arundel Admiralum nostrum Angliae, ad proficiscendum in obsequi • m nostrū super mare, una cum nonnullis Magnatibus & aliis fidelibus nostris in Comitiva sua, ad maliciam & proterviam praedictorum hostium nostrorum (gratia mediante divina) propulsandam, ac Ecclesiam & Regnum praedicta protegenda & salvanda. Verum quia ad praemissa peragenda & complenda absque devotarum orationum suffragiis vires nostras cernimus penitus impotente • ; Ac sperantes indubie quod quanto in magnis & peragendis negociis divinum praesidium instantius & devotius imploratur, tanto exinde successus prosperior & felicior proveniat & sequatur; Vestram Paternitatem & devotionem affectuosis precibus requirimus & rogamus, quatinus tam grandibus periculis quae Ecclesiae & Regno praedictis oculata fide indies suo ju • e conspicitis debite consideratis, suff • aganeos vestros ac Religiosos & alios subditos vestros universos vestrae provinciae, ad devotionem suam e • ga summum Regem elevandam, eo specialius quo magis sciveritis vel poteritis juxta possibilitatem tanta necessitate causante indicatis cum effectu, ut ipsi apud • ltissimum de quo omnis gratia procedit, tota mentis solicitudine preces & orationes devotissimas effundant & devotis precibus & intercessionibus ac processionibus & missarum celebrationibus ad gratiam Dei impetrandam pro Nobis statuque Ecclesiae & Regni praedictorum, & specialiter praedicto consang • ineo nostro ac aliis Magnatibus & fidelibus nostris praedictis qui corpora sua propter salvationem Ecclesiae sanctae ac Regni & totius populi praedictorum periculis exponere non evitant assidue infistant apud Deum ut ipse Deus statum nostri Ecclesiaeque & regni praedictorum conservare dignetur prosperum & tranquillum dictoque Consanguineo nostro ac aliis Magnatibus & fidelibus nostris praedictis in actibus suis expeditionem felicem pro sua magna mi • ericordia gratiosius tribuat & concedat. Teste Rege apud Westm xx. die Martii.

Consimilis breve dirigitur A. Archiepiscopo Ebor. Angliae Primati sub eadem data.

R • x venerabili in Christo patri R. eadem gratia Episcopo London salutem. Cum nuper, &c. ut semper usque ibi debite considerantes; Et tunc sic universos & singulos clericos & subditos vestros tam regulares quam seculares vestra dioc. ad devotionem, &c. ut supra T. ut supra.

Consimilia brevia diriguntur Episcopis subscriptis sub eadem data, viz.

• W. Episcopo Wynton.
• Th. Episcopo Elien.
• H. Episcopo Norwicen.
• Th. Episcopo Cicestr.
• I. Episcopo Dunolm.
• Th. Episcopo Karliol.
• R Episcopo Sarum.
• Th. Episcopo Exon.
• I. Episcopo Hereford.
• Th. Episcopo Roffen.
• H. Episcopo Wigorn.
• I. Episcopo Lincoln.
• A. Episcopo Meneven.
• I. Episcopo Bangoren.
• W. Episcopo Landaven.
• L. Episcopo Assaven.
• W. Episcopo Bathon & Well.
• R. Episcopo Covent. & Lich.

Claus. 15. R. 2. m. 36. dors. Rex venerabili in Christo patri W. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. totius Angliae Primati salutem. Cum Ecclesia Catholica seu populus Regni nostri cujus regimen nobis à Domino praestatur, in pace & prosperitate absque devotarum orationum suffragiis altissimo reddendis, aliquandi • persistere non valeat. Et quia speramus indubie quod quanto divinum praesidium instantius et devocius imploretur, tanto exinde successus prosperior & felicior proveniet & succedet. Vestram paternitatem & devotionem affectuosis precibus requirimus & rogamus, quatinus praemissis devote & condign consideratis, universos & singulos clericos & subditos vestros tam regulares quàm seculares vestrae dioc. ad devotionem suam erga summum Regem elevandam eo specialius quo magis sciveritis vel poteritis juxta possibilitatem inducatis cum effectu, ut ipsi apud Altissimum de quo omnis gratia procedit, tota mentis solicitudine preces & orationes devotissim▪ eff • ndant, & devotis precibus & inte • cessionibus ac processionibus & Missarum celebrationibus ad gratiam Dei impetrandam pro Nobis, ac statu Ecclesiae sanctae, paceque & tranquillitate Regni praedicti assid • e insistant apud Deum: U • ipse Deus, statum Ecclesiae nostrique & Regni praedicti conservare dignetur prosperum & tranquillum, & Nobis ac populo nostro regni praedicti actibus nostris gratiam & expeditionem felicem pro sua magna misericordia gratiosius tribuat & concedat. Teste Rege apud Westm. xxvii. die Aug. Per Ipsum Regem.

Consimilia brevia diriguntur subscriptis sub eadem data, viz.

• Th. Archiepiscopo Ebor. Angliae Prim.
• R. Episcopo London.
• W. Episcopo Wynton.
• I. Episcopo Elien.
• H. Episcopo Norwicen.
• R. Episcopo Cicestr.
• W. Episcopo Dunolm.
• Th. Episcopo Karliol.
• I. Episcopo Sarum.
• Th. Episcopo Exon.
• I. Episcopo Hereford.
• W. Episcopo Roffeu.
• H. Episcopo Wygorn.
• I. Episcopo Lincoln.
• I. Episcopo Meneven.
• I. Episcopo Bangoren.
• E. Episcopo Landaven.
• A. Episcopo Assaven.
• R. Episcopo Bath. & W • llen.
• R. Episcopo Covent. & Lich.

Claus. Anno 18. R. 2. m. 35. dors. Rex venerabili in Christo patri W. eadem gratia Archiepiscopo Cantuar. totius Angliae Primati, salutem. Cum propter bonum regimen ac prosperam & felicem gubernationem terrae nostrae Hiberniae ac fidelium ligeorum nostrorum ibidem, necnon propter castigationem & justificationem inobedientium & rebellium contra ligeanciam fuam in terra nostra praedicta, si qui fuerint, simus ad partes illas personaliter jam profecti. Et quia ad onus regiminis regni nostri Angliae & terrae nostrae praedictae quod Nobis ab alto committitur supportandum, & ad Ecclesiam sanctam ac Regnum & terram nostra praedicta, nec non legeos nostros eorundem protegendos, & debite gubernandos absque summo Dei praesidio ac devotarum orationum, suffragiis pro Nobis efflu entius Altissimo reddendis, vires nostras cernimus penitus impotentes; ac sperantes indubie, quod quanto in magnis & peragendis negotiis nostris divinum adminiculum instantius & devotius imploratur, tanto exinde successus prosperior & felicior proveniat & fequatur. Vestram paternitatem & devotionem affectuosis precibus requirimus & rogamus, quatinus praemissis condign & devote consideratis, suffraganeos vestros ac religiosos, & ali • s •• ibditos vestros universos vestrae provinciae ad devotionem suam erga summum Regem elevandam, eo specia lius quo magis sciveritis vel poteritis juxta possibilitatem tanta necessitate causante inducatis cum effectu, ut ipsi apud Altissimum de quo omnis gratia procedit, tota mentis solicitudine preces & orationes devotissime infundant, & devotis precibus & intercessionibus ac Processionibus & Missarum celebrationibus ad specialem gratiam Dei impetrandam pro expeditione Nostra ac aliorum Magnatum & fidelium nobiseum in excercitu nostro in partibus praedictis existentium, qui corpora nostra propter salvation • terrae illius pericusis ponere non evitamus, assidue infistant apud Deum, ut ipse Deus statum nostrum Ecclesiaeque & Regni, ac terrae praedictorum conservare dignetur prosperum & tranquillum, Nobisque & fidelibus nostris in actibus nostris in terra nostra praedicta & alibi expeditionem felicem pro sua magna pietate misericorditer tribuat & concedat. Teste Edmundo Duce Eborum Custode Angliae apud Westm. xv. die Octob.

Consimile breve dirigitur Th. Episcopo Eborum Angliae Primati sub eadem Data.

Rex venerabili in Christo patri R. eadem gratia Episcopo London salutem. Cum propter bonum regimen, &c. ut suprae usque ibi consideratis, et tunc sic; universos & singulos clericos & subditos vestros tam regulares quam seculares vestrae dioc. ad devotionem suam erga summum Regem, &c. ut super, Teste ut supra.

Consimilia brevia diriguntur subscriptis sub eadem data, viz.

• W. Episcopo Wynton.
• I. Episcopo Lincoln.
• I. Episcopo Sarum.
• R. Episcopo Bath. & Well.
• R. Episcopo Covent. & Lich.
• I. Episcopo Elien.
• W. Episcopo Dunolm.
• Th. Episcopo Karliol.
• R. Episcopo Cicest.
• W. Episcopo Roffen.
• I. Episcopo Hereford.
• H. Episcopo Wygorn.
• Th. Episcopo Exon.
• I. Episcopo Meneven.
• H. Episcopo Norwicen.
• I. Episcopo Bangoren.
• T. Episcopo Landaven.
• Custodi spiritual. Episcopatus Assaven.

King Richard the 2d. in the 22. year of his reign, confirmed by his Charter to the Abby of Graces near the Tower of London, founded by King Edward his Grand-Father, sundry Lands and Tenements, in respect of the various dangers to which he and the Kingdom were in human reason exposed to, by Land and Sea, beyond recovery. Ad Missas et alia divina officia singulis diebus celebrandas et faciendas in Abbatia praedicta pro salubri statu et prosperitate Nostra dum vixerimus, Et pro anima nostra dum ab hac luce migraverimus, & pro anima ejusdem A • i nostri specialiter, & animabus omnium aliorum Progenitorum Haeredum & Successorum nostrorum & omnium fidelium defunctorum in perpetuum. And Michael de la Poole, founded the Monastery at Kingston upon Hull, confirmed by King Richard the 2d. granting sundry Lands to the Prior, Monks and their successors upon this condition; Volumus itaque & ordinamus, quod praefati Prior & Monachi & eorum successores habeant specialiter in Missis, orationibus, & aliis divinis serviciis recommendatum, statum nobilissimi Domini Regis Ricardi praedicti, & nostrum, (and of several others particularly mentioned) dum vixerimus, & cum ab hac luce migraverimus, orent, celebrent & celebrari facient pro animabus nostris, ac specialiter et continue pro anima dicti Domini nostri Regis Edwardi defuncti, and of several others particularly mentioned, & pro quibus orare tenemur, et omnium fidelium defunctorum.

I could add many more Writs and Mandates, of the former nature, upon extraordinary Occasions, out of the Clause Rolls of King John, Hen. the 3d. Edw. the 3d. Henry the 4, 5, & 6. Edward 4. H. 7, 8. Edward 6. Queen Elizabeth, King James, and King Charles; which because they would rather surfit than delight or instruct the Readers, I shall wholly pretermit.

King Henry the 5th. founded a Monastery at S • ene, the grounds and ends whereof he thus expressed in his Charter. C • m excelsae Majestatis exennia quae gloriam nostri regiminis de die in diem ubertim, ut ipsi videmus, extollant, rite à Nobis gratiarum vendicant actiones, justissimum credimus ut eo •• dio in a • ctor • m tendant quo nobis ab auctore fl ••• runt, nomine Salvatoris; ut sicut per M • diatorem Deiet hominum Dominum Jesum ad Nos indignos, depatre luminum, bon • cuncta procedunt, ità nostrae laudes quamvis inutiles per eundem Jesum Christum et datorem gratiarum, & omnis boni principium revertantur. Whereupon he granted and confirmed for him and his Heirs sundry Lands to this Monastery free from all secular exaction and service, Pro orationibus et aliis divinis Officiis inivi faciendis pro salubri statu nostro dum vixerimus, ac anima nostra cum ab h • c luce migraverimus, & animabus parentum & progenitorum nostrorum & omnium fidelium defunctorum: Necnon pro pace, tranquillitate et quiet populi et Regni nostri: ac insuper pro aliis pietatis operibus ibidem sustinendis, ministrandis, et supportandis juxta ordinationem nostram, haereredum et executorum nostrorum in hac parte plenius faciendam; which was accordingly executed.

King Edward the 4th. by his Charter of 17 Febr. in the first year of his Reign, granted the Priory of Shirburn to the Hospital of St. Julian called Domus Dei in the Town of Southampton, In augmentationem divinae cultus infra hospitale nostrum sancti Juliani, &c Necno • ut dilect • Nobis in Christo Magister Jahannes P • reason, nunc Custos Hospitalis praedicti, ac nunc Capellani et Fratres ejusdem Hospitalis, ac successores sui, pro salubri statu nostri et Haeredum et Successorum nostrorum dum agimus in humanis, Necnon pro animabus nostris cum universae carnis viam ing • essi fuerimus, necnon pro animabus recolendae memory Principis Ricardi nuper Ducis Eb • rici Patris nostri, &c. Et omnium aliorum Primogenitorum nostrorum Imperpetuum specialiter exorare teneantur.

King Henry the 7th. appropriated the Churches of Potterspiry and Eggemond to the Priory and Covent of St. Anne by Coventre founded by his Ancestors, Ut iidem Prior & Conventus, Pro bono statu nostro, ac Consortis nostrae, liberorumque nostrorum, ac carissimae matris nostrae, Deum altissimum deprecentur indies et exorent; ac missam de Spiritu sancto pro Nobis semel in ebdomade durante vita nostra faciant celebrari, et quendam solempnem annualem obitum pro anima nostra cum ab hac luce migraverimus, custodiant et observent.

[Anno 1519] [Anno 10 H. 8.] In the Book entitled Horae beatissimae Mariae, ad ligituum. Ecclesiae Salisburiensis ritum, printed Parisiis, 1519. (the 10. year of King Henry the 8th. but generally used throughout England some hundreds of years before) f. 12. there is this set form of Prayer for the King of England for the time being.

Deus regnorum et Christiani maxim Protector Imperii, Da Servo tuo H. Regi nostro de Hoste triumphum, ut qui tua providentia extitit Coronatus, tuo semper munimine tutus sit et securus, per Christum Dominum nostrum.

[Anno 1545] And in Process •• ale ad usus insignis Ecclesiae Sarum, P • risiis 1545. f. 6. 124, 208. I meet with these short Prayers & ejaculations then and formerly publicly used in all Processions for our successive Kings. Domine salvum sac Regem. Regem nostrum ac Principes, &c. in omni sanctitate custodi. Salvum fac Regem n • strum Famulum tuum: Et exaudi nos in die quo invocav • rimus te. All our ancient Missals, Offices, Howers, Primers, in times of Popery, containing the like Prayers, and such as I have formerly recited out of Cassander his Preces Ecclesiasticae, together with Prayers for their Souls after their deaths: which according to the modern use of the Church of Rome are popish, vain, sinful, superstitious, implying and presupposing a Purgatory: but according to their primitive use and institution, pious and religious, importing no purgatory at all, as learned Bishop Usher proves at large in his Answer to the Jesuits Challenge, of Prayers for the Dead, p. 194. to 264. to which I refer the Reader for fuller satisfaction herein, and concerning the forementioned Prayers for, and Charters of our Kings to Monasteries to pray for their own, their Ancestors, Successors, Heirs, and others Souls when departed out of this World.

I'could add many Prayers made for King Henry the 8th. in sundry Epistles and Dedications of Books unto him, but for brevity I shall omit all but 3. The 1. is Pope Leo the 10th. his Bull to him in the 22. year of his Reign, subscribed with all the Cardinals Hands; wherein he conferred on him the Title of Defender of the Faith, for writing a Book against Luther, in defense of Pardous, the Papacy, and 7. Sacraments, which Bull begins thus.

Leo Episcopus, Servus servorum Dei. Charissimo in Christo filio, Henrico Angliae Regi, Fidei defensori, salutem et Apostolicam benedictionem; And is closed with this Benediction and Prayer for him and his Posterity. Perpetuum hoc & immortale gloriae tuae monumentum Posteris tuis relinquere, illisque viam ostendere, ut si tali titulo ipsi quoque insigniri optabunt, talia etiam opera efficere, praeclaraque Majestatis tuae vestigia sequi studeant, quam prout de Nobis & dicta seed optime merita est, unâ cum uxore & filiis, ac omnibus qui à te & ab illis nascentur Nostra Benedictione in nomine illius à quo illam concedendi potesta • ▪ Nobis data est, larga & liberali manu benedicentes, Altissimum illum qui dixit; Per me Reges regnant, & Principes imperant, & in manu sua corda sunt Regum, rogamus et obsecramus, ut eam in suo sancto proposito confirmet, ejusque devotionem multiplicet, ac praeclaris pro sancta fide gestis ita illustret, ac toti Orbi terrarum conspicuam reddat, ut judicium quod de ipsa fecimus eam tàm insigni titulo decorantes, à nemine falsum aut vanum judicari possit. Demum mortatis • ujus vitae finito curriculo sempiternae illius gloriae consortem atque participem reddat.

The 2 is William Wraghton (an acute Protestant Writer) who in his Epistles to King Henry the 8th. before his two Books, entitled, The Hunting of the Romish Fox, printed at Basyl, 1543. And his Rescuing of the Romish Fox, against Stephen Gardner, printed 1545. Wisheth him prosperity both of Body and Soul, closing his last Epistle to him with this Prayer. God grant you health both of Body and Soul, victory over your Enemies, and Grace to do in this our matter of Religion as shall be most to the Glory of God, and the profit of the Common-wealth, Amen; And he closeth his last Treatise with this Prayer, God save the King.

The third is our learned Protestant Divine, Thomas Beacon, who in his Path-way unto Prayer (dedicated to the Lady Anne Grey) ch. 55. hath this Godly exhortation to all private Christians. • et us flee to God at all times with humble O • secrations and hearty Requests. Let our Prayers be continual. Let us in all our Prayers seek the glory of God, the advancement of his most blessed word, and the health of our own Souls. Let us pray for the prefervation of the Kings most excellent Majesty (H. 8.) and for the prosperous success of his entirely-beloved Son, Edward, our Prince, that most Angel-like Impe. Let us pray for all the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal: specially for those that have the regiment of the Public-weal under the Kings Graces Highness. Let us pray for the Ministers of God's Word, that they may freely speak the truth of Christ's Gospel, as it becometh them. Let us pray for all men universally, chiefly for the Inhabitants of this Realm of England, That they may all bear a faithful heart both towards God and our King.

[Anno 1557] Upon the Reformation of Religion, and abolishing of Popish Missals, Psalters, Howers, Processionals, and Portuasses by King Edward the sixth in his Parliament, 2. & 3 Edw. 6. ch. 10. the King by advice of his Convocation and Parliament, commanded A Book of Common-prayer and Administration of the Sacraments in the English Tongue, to be used in all Churches and Chapels throughout the Realm, by the Statutes of 2 E. 6 c. 1. & 5, & 6 E. 6. c. 1. Wherein there was not only a Prayer for the King in the Litany, but in a special Collect, agreeing in substance with those in our later Books of Common-Prayer, hereafter cited. In this pious Kings reign, the Bishops and Ministers in their Epistles and Dedications to him, and in their Prayers before & after their Sermons, usually prayed most heartily and particularly for his long life, religious and prosperous reign, and spiritual, temporal, and eternal felicity. And John Bale Bishop of Ossery, in his Image of both Churches, or Paraphrase upon St. Johns Revelation, printed 1550. in the last page thereof, exhorts all God's meek-spirited Servants in their daily Prayer, afore all other to remember that most worthy Minister of God, King Edward the sixth, which hath so sore wounded the Beast, that he may throw all his Superstition into the bottomless • lake again, (from whence they have come) to the comfort of his People.

Our learned Thomas Beacon in his Preface to The Flower of Godly Prayers, dedicated to Anne Duchess of Somerset, as he doth exceedingly bl • sse God for the extraordinary zeal and piety of King Edward the 6th. in delivering his Realm from Antichristian Tyranny and Popery, reforming the Church, propagating true religion, and in giving us this most worthy Prince to be our King: So he hath this particular Prayer for the King, to be used by all private Christians daily in their respective Families and Closets with zeal and devotion.

Amen.

Next after this, follows one Prayer for the Kings Council. And after that, a Prayer for the common peace and quietness of all Realms: very seasonable for our times. And in his Pomaunder of Prayer, he hath this Prayer of Subjects or Commons.

As it is thy godly appointment, O Lord God, That some should bear rule in the world to see thy Glory set forth, and the common peace kept, so is it thy pleasure again, that some should be Subjects and Inferiors to others in their vocation, although before thee there is no respect of Persons. And for as much as it is thy good will, to appoint me in the number of Subjects, I beseech thee to give me a faithful and an obedient heart unto the High Powers, that there may be found in me no Disobedience, no Vnfaithfullnesse, no Treason, no Falsehood, no Dissimulation, no Insurrection, no Commotion, no Conspiracy, nor any kind of Rebellion in Word or Deed against the Civil Magistrates: But all Faithfulness, Quietnesse, Subjection, Humility, and whatsoever else becometh a Subject; That I living her • in all lowlynesse of mind, may at the last day, through thy favor be lifted up into everlasting Glory, where thou, with the Father and the Holy Ghost liv • st and reignest very God forever. Amen.

These were the Godly, Loyal, fervent, daily public and private Prayers of Protestant Ministers and Subjects for King Edward the 6th. in that Age.

[Anno 1554] Queen Mary, a Popish Prince, succeeding King Edward, set aside the Book of Common-prayer, and introduced Popish M • ssals, Processi • nals, Howers, Prim • rs, and Popery again, wherein they publicly prayed for her in the forecited manner under our Popish King • ; her zealous Protestant Bishops, Ministers, and Subjects likewise making • ervent constant Prayers for her: But some over-zealous, Anabaptistical Fanatics using some unchristian expressions in their Prayers against her, That God would cut her off, and shorten her days, of which there was complaint made in Parliament; Whereupon there was this special Act made against such Prayers, Anno 1555. 1, & 2 Phil. & Mar. ch 9.

[Anno 1555]

These prayers were much against and directly contrary to the Judgment of Archbishop Cranmer, Bishop Farrer, Bishop Hooper, Rowland Taylor, John Philpot, John Bradford, Edward Crome, John Rogers, Laurence Saunders, Edward Laurence, Miles Coverdale Bishop of Fxon, and other of our godly Protestant Bishops and Ministers, who soon after suffered as Martyrs; they in their Letter the 8. of May Anno Dom. 1554. professing, That as obedient Subjects we shall behave ourselves towards Queen Mary, and all that be in Authority, and not cease to pray to God for them, that he would govern them all, generally and particularly, with the spirit of wisdom and grace, and so we heartily desire, and humbly pray all men to do, in no point consenting to any kind of rebellion or sedition against our Sovereign Lady the Queens Highness: but where they cannot obey, but they must disobey God, there to submit themselves with all patience and humility, to suffer as the will and pleasure of the higher powers shall adjudge: as we are ready through the goodness of the Lord, to suffer whatsoever they shall • djudge us unto. And Bishop Hooper writ an Apology against the slanderous Report made of him, that he should encourage and maintain such as cursed Qu. Mary, printed 1552. wherein his innocence and loyalty to the Queen, in praying for her, are vindicated at large.

In this Parliament there being a general opinion that Queen Mary was with child by King Philip her husband, there was a special Act made, that in case Queen Mary should die, during her child's Minority, that King Philip should have the education and protection of him: In which Act, The Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons assembled in Parliament, have firm hopes and confidence by the goodness of Almighty God, that he will of his infinite goodness give the Queens Majesty and Highness strength, the rather by our continual prayers, so pass well the danger of deliverance of Child, &c. Upon this occasion, the Popish Bishops, Clergy, and Churchmen, made many Processions, Masses, Collects and Prayers, to be daily said in all Churches for Qu. Mary's safe deliverance and her issue, recorded at large by Mr. Fox, where you may peruse them: in one of which prayers there were these expressions. Give unto our Queen thy servant, a little infant in fashion and body, comely and beautiful, in pregnant wit, notable and excellent. Grant the same to be in obedience like Abraham, in chastity and Brotherly love like Joseph, in meekness and mildness like Moses, in strength and valor like Sampson: let him be found faithful as David, after thy heart; let him be wise among Kings, as the most wise Solomon; let him be like Job, a simple and an upright man, fearing God and eschewing evil; let him finally be garnished with the comliness of all virtuous conditions, and in the same let him wax old and live, that he may see his Children's Children to the third and fourth generation. And give unto our Sovereign Lord and Lady King Philip, and Queen Mary, thy blessings, and long-life upon earth, and grant that of them may come kings and Queens, which may steadfastly continue in faith, love and holiness. And blessed be their seed of our God, that all Nations may know, thou art only God in all the earth, which art bl • ssed forever and ever. Amen.

[Anno 1550] After Queen Mary's decease, Anno 1558. Masses and Popish Prayers being again abolished, and the Book of Common Prayer restored by the Parliament of 1 Eliz. ch. 2. there were the same prayers publicly used for the Queen, both in the Litany and Collects, as were formerly used for King Edward; and in sundry Books dedicated to her Majesty, and Prayers published during Her reign, there were many loyal and zealous Prayers, Supplications and Intercessions, made to God for her long life and Prosperous reign, over-tedious to recite at large, and vulgarly known; and in all or most Prayers, Morning and Evening, for Private Families and Christians, there were special Petitions to God for her Majesty, some of them being Printed with the Bibles themselves, then in use; and likewise at the end of most Quarto Bibles under King James, and King Charles. I shall touch only upon some few presidents of many.

[Anno 1564] In the 2. year of her reign, John Veron, (Divinity Lecturer at Paul's) in the close of his Dedicatory Epistle to Her Majesty, before his Fruitful Treatise of Predestination, prays thus. Christ Jesus of his tender mercy and goodness, vouchsafe to defend and preserve your most Gracious Highness, from all your Enemies, and with his holy Spirit, so to fill, strengthen and comfort your Princely heart, that ye may at all times boldly set forth his glory, and maintain it to your lives end. Which the Lord long continue to his Honor.

[Anno 1569] In the 7th. year of Queen Elizabeth, there was a Collection of Prayers in Latin, entitled Preces privatae, printed by William Seres, and published by the Queens special Privilege and Authority; wherein not only the Duty of Subjects is set down, out of Mat. 22. 17. Rom. 13. 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. Tit. 3. 1. & 1 Pet. 2. but these special Prayers, Psalms and Hymns made to God, to be used daily in private Closets and Families for the Queen.

Domine Pater coelestis, Rex Regum & Dominus Dominantium, omnium Principum gubernator & rector, intimis votis te suppliciter quaesumus Reginam nostram Elizabetham, benigno vultu respicias, eique singulari gratia & spiritu sancto ità semper assistere digneris, ut voluntatem tu • m ubique exequatur, & secundum saluberimam normam mandatorum tuorum, omnem vitam transigat. Accumul • in illam coel • stia tua dona, ut diu feliciter Nobis imperet, Hosts sortiter devincat, tandemque in Coelesti gloria vivat in aeternum, qui vivis & regnas Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. After which follow the same Prayers for her in Latin in the Litany, as in the English Litany in the Book of Common-prayer: And the same Collects for her in Latin, as for her and the King in English. Then there ensue, Psalmi selecti & peculiares pro Rege vel Regina, to wit, Psalm 20, & 21, & 72. applied to the King and Queen literally, with Domine salvum fac Regem, & exaudi nos in die in qua invocaverimus. After that Precatio ad exemplum orationis Salomonis, pro Regina.

Amen.

Salvam fac Domine Reginam, nec unquam avertas faciem tuam ab ea. Vitam longaevam tribus illi: et sub umbra tuarum alarm protege eam. Amen.

After these follow this Prayer, Pro Christianis Magistratibus.

Misericors Deus ac Coelestis pater, in cujus manu est omnis terrena potestas & Magistratus, per te constitutos, ad supplicium malorum, & defensionem bonorum; in cujus potenti dextera fita sunt omnia jura & leges imperatorum, Te supplices oramus pro Principe nostro, proque eis qui sunt ei à consiliis, & qui rempublicam administrant, ut gladium ipsis per te commissum, in side vera & timore Dei recte gerant, eoque pro tua voluntate & jussu utantur. Obumbret eos virtus & sapientia Altissimi. Illuminet & conservet eos in amore Dei divina tua gratia. Da illis ô Domine sapientiam & intellectum. Concede quietam gubernationem, ut omnes subditos in veritate sidei, dilection & justitia, quae tibi cordi sit, regant, & dicto audientes conservent. Proroga ipsis Dies vitae suae, et annos multos largire, ut prospera & laudata ipsorum functione, nomen tuum & sanctificetur & laudetur in omne aevum. Amen.

Towards the end of the Book follow certain Latin Prayers and Graces to be used before and after meals, to which there is this Conclusion added. Gratiarum actiones à Cibo, semper concludantur hac precatiuncula: Deus servet Ecclesiam, Regem vel Reginam custodiat, Consiliarios ejus regat, populum universum tueatur, & pacem Nobis donet perpetuam. Amen. In imitation whereof this Prayer was commonly used in all Colleges, Schools, Hospitals, Families throughout the Realm, in their Graces after every Meal. GOD SAVE his Church, our King, Queen, (Prince, the rest of the Royal Issue, when there were such living) and Realms. God send us Peace in Jesus Christ our Lord. Am • n.

The like Prayers in English for the Queen to be used in i • Christian Families, were published by John Field, in his Prayers and Meditations for the use of private Families, 1581. The Kings Psalms, and Queens Prayers, 1590. in Christian private prayers by Edw. Deering 1590. in the Manuel of Prayers, set out by John Rogers, Anno 1591. in • hristian Prayers set out by Henry Bull, Anno 1592. in Tho. Samson's Prayers 1592. with sundry others. But I shall close up all with Bishop Jewels Prayer for the Queens Majesty, in his Epistle to her prefixed to his Apology of the Church of England, printed 1570. and after re-printed.

Amen. And with the Prayer of Doctor Thomas Bilson, in the close of his Epistle to her Majesty before his Books of, The true difference between Christian Subjection and Unchristian Rebellion, (A very learned and seasonable Treatise, wherein he produceth some Testimonies of Fathers praying for Heretical and persecuting Emperors.) The King of Kings and Lord of Lord's bless and preserve your Majesty; and as he hath begun a good and glorious work in you, and in the Realm by you, so continue the same by lightening you with his holy Spirit, and defending you with his mighty Arm, as he hath done from the day that he chose you to be the Leader and Guider of his People, that you may long keep them in truth and peace by the assistance of his Grace, to the praise of his glory, increase of the Godly, and grief of his and your Subjects. Even so Lord Jesus.

The Clergy of England assembled in Convocation, Anno 1603. the first year of King James his Reign, in their Constitations and Canons Ecclesiastical then agreed upon by them, ratified and published by the Kings Authority under his Great Seal, did thus evidence to the world their loyalty to the King and his Royal posterity. Can. 1.

As our Duty to the Kings Most excellent Majesty requireth, we first decree and ordain, That the Arc • bishop of Canterbury, (from time to time) all Bishops of this Province, or Deans, Archdeacons, Vicars, and all other Ecclesiastical persons, shall faithfully keep and observe, and (as much as in them lieth) shall cause to be observed and kept of others, all and singular Laws and Statutes made for the restoring to the Crown of this Kingdom, the ancient Jurisdiction over the State Ecclesiastical, and abolishing of all foreign power repugant to the same. Furthermore, all Ecclesiastical persons having cure of Souls, and all other Preachers, and Readers of Divinity Lectures, shall to the uttermost of their wit, knowledge and learning, purely and sincerely (without any color or dissimulation) teach, manifest, open, and declare four times every year (at the least) in their Sermons and other Collations and Lectures, That all usurped and foreign power, (forasmuch as the same hath no establishment nor ground by the Law of God) is for most just causes taken away and abolished: and that therefore no manner of obedience and subjection within his Majesty's Realms and Dominions, is due unto any such foreign power: but that the Kings power within his Realms of England, Scotland and Ireland, and other his Dominions and Countries, IS THE HIGHEST POWER UNDER GOD, to whom all men as well Inhabitants as born within the same, do by God's Laws owe most loyalty and obedience, afore and above all other Powers and Potentates in the earth.

Whosoever shall hereafter affirm, that the Kings Majesty hath not the • ame authority in causes Ecclesiastical, that the godly Kings had among the Jews, and Christian Emperors in the primitive Church, or impeach in any part his Regal Supremacy in the said causes restored to the Crown, and by the Laws of this Realm therein established, let him be excommunicated ipso facto, and not restored but only by the Archbishop after his repentance and public revocation of those his wicked errors.

No person shall hereafter be received into the Ministry, nor either by Institution or Collation admitted to any Ecclesiastical living, nor suffered to preach, to Chatechize, or to be a Lecturer, or Reader of Divinity in either Universities, or in any Cathedral or Collegiate Church, City, or Market-Town, Parish-Church, Chapel, or in any other place within this Realm, except he be licenced by the Archbishop, or by the Bishop of the Diocese, (where he is to be placed) under their Hands and Seal, or by one of the two Universities under their Seal likewise, and except he shall first subscribe to these three Articles following, in such manner and sort as we have here appointed.

1. That the Kings Majesty under GOD, is the only supreme Governor of this Realm, and of all other his Highness Dominions and Countries, as well in all Spiritual or Ecclesiastical things or causes, as Temporal: and that no foreign Prince, Person, Prelate, State, or Potentate, have or ought to have Jurisdiction, Power, Superiority, Preeminence, or Authority Ecclesiastical or Spiritual, within his Majesty's said Realms, Dominions and Countries, &c.

And Can. 55. They prescribed this form of prayer to be used by them in their prayers before all their Ser-Lectures, and Homilies.

Also ye shall pray for the whole Commons of this Realm, that they may live in true Faith and Fear of God, in humble obedience to the King, and brotherly charity one to another. Which all Ministers and Preachers duly observed; usually adding this clause thereunto; That God out of his infinite mercy, would grant so to bl • sse the Kings Majesty, and his Royal issue with a perpetual Posterity, that there might never want a Man of that Royal race to sway the Scepter of these Realms, so long as the Sun and Moon should endure, and till all Scepters and Kingdoms should be resigned at the last day into the hands of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.

[Anno 1603] The Lord's Spiritual, Temporal and Commons of the Realm of England, assembled in Parliament, in the first year of King James, do thus express and declare their own and the whole Kingdoms unspeakable joys, acclamations and thanksgivings unto God, and their own and their posterities Signal Loyalty, affection, and Devotion to King James, his Heirs and Royal progeny forever, in the Statute of 1 Jacobi ch. 1. entitled, A most joyful and just Recognition, of the immediate, lawful, and undoubted succession, descent and Right of the Crown.

Great and manifold were the benefits (most dread and most gracious Sovereign) wherewith almighty God blessed this Kingdom and Nation, by the happy union and conjunction of the two Nobles houses of York and Lancaster, thereby preserving this noble Realm, formerly • orn and almost wasted with long and miserable dissention and bloody Civil War. But more inestimable and unspeakable blessings are thereby poured upon us, because there i • derived and grown from and out of that union of those two Princely families, a more famous and greater union, (or rather a re-uniting) of two Mighty, Famous, and ancient Kingdoms, (yet anciently but one) of England and Scotland, under one Imperial Crown, in your most Royal Pers • n, who is lineally, rightfully, and lawfully descended of the body of the most excellent Lady Margaret, eldest daughter of the most renowned King Henry the 7th. and the high and noble Princesse Queen Elizabeth his wife, eldest daughter of King Edward the 4th. The said Lady Margaret being eldest sister of King Henry the 8th. father of the high and mighty Princesse of famous memory, Elizabeth late Queen of England.

In consideration whereof, albeit we your Majesty's loyal and faithful Subjects of all Estates and Degrees, with all possible public Joy and Acclamation, by open Proclamations within few hours after the decease of our late Sovereign Queen, acknowledging thereby, with one full voice of tongue and heart, that your Majesty was our only, lawful and rightful Liege Lord and Sovereign, and by our unspeakable and general rejoicing, and applause at your Majesty's most happy inauguration, and Coronation: by the affectionate desire of infinite numbers of us of all degrees, to see your Royal Person, and by all possible outward means have endeavored to make demonstration of our inward love, zeal, and devotion to your most excellent Majesty, our undaubted rightful Liege Sovereign Lord and King: yet, as we cannot do it too often or enough, so can there be no means or way, so fit both to sacrifice our unfeigned and hearty thanks to Almighty God, for blessing us with a Sovereign, adorned with the rarest gifts of mind and body, in such admirable peace and quietness, and upon the knees of our hearts to agnize our most constant faith, obedience, and loyalty to your Majesty, and your Royal Progenie, as in this high Court of Parliament, where all the whole body of the Realm, and every particular Member thereof, either in Person or Representation (upon their own free Elections) are by the Laws of this Realm, deemed to be personally present.

To the present acknowledgment whereof to your Majesty, we are the more deeply bounden and obliged, as well in regard of the extraordinary care and pains, which with so great wisdom, knowledge, experience, and dexterity, your Majesty (since the Imperial Crown of this Realm descended to you) have taken for the continuance and establishment of the blessed peace both of the Church of England in the true and sincere Religion, and of the Common-wealth, by due and speedy administration of justice, as in respect of the gracious care and inward aff • ction, which it pleased you on the first day of this Parliament so lively to express by your own words, so full of high wisdom, learning, and virtue, and so replete with Royal and thankful acceptation of all our faithful and constant endeavors, which is▪ and ever will be to our inestimable consolation and comfort.

We therefore your most humble and loyal Subjects, the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal, and the Commons in this present Parliament assembled, do from the bottom of our hearts, yield to the divine Majesty, all humble thanks and praises, not only for the said unspeakable, and inestimable benefits, and blessings above mentioned, but also that he hath further enriched your Highness with a most Royal Progenie, of Most rare, and excellent gifts and forwardness, and in his goodness is like to increase the happy number of them. And in most humble and lowly manner, do beseech your most Excellent Majesty, that (as a memorial to all posterities, amongst the Records of your high Court of Parliament forever to endure, of our Loyalty, Obedience, and hearty and humble Affection) it may be published and declared in this high Court of Parliament, and enacted by authority of the same, That we (being bounden thereunto, both by the Laws of God and Man) do recognize and acknowledge, (and thereby express our unspeakable Ioyes) That immediately upon the dissolution and decease of Elizabeth late Queen of England, the Imperial Crown of the Realm of England, and of all the Kingdoms, Dominions, and Rights belonging to the same, did by inherent Birthright, and lawful and undoubted Successien, descend and come to your most Excellent Majesty, as being Lineally, Justly and Lawfully, next and sole Heir of the Blood Royal of this Realm, as is aforesaid. And that by the goodness of God Almighty, and lawful Right of descent, under one Imperial Crown, your Majesty is of the Realms and Kingdoms of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, the most Potent and migh • y King, and by God's goodness, more able to protect, and govern us your loving Subjects, in all Peace and Plentie, than any of your noble Progenitors. And thereunto we most humbly, and faithfully do submit, and oblige ourselves, our heirs and posterities forever, until the last drop of our Bloods be spent, And do beseech your Majesty to accept the same, as the first fruits in this high Court of Parliament, of our Loyalty and faith to your Majesty and your Royal Progenie, and posterity forever. Which if your Majesty shall be pleased (as an argument of your gracious acceptation) to adorn with your Majesty's Royal Assent, (without which, it can neither be complete and perfect, nor remain to all posterity according to our most humble desire, as a memorial of your Princely and tender affection towards us) we shall add this also to the rest of your Majesty's unspeakable and inestimable benefits.

In which Act there are these particulars, very seasonable and observable, in respect of the present posture of our public affairs.

1. That the happy union and conjunction of our divided Kingdoms, formenly torn and wasted, with long and miserable dissensions and bloody civil wars, between Competitors for the Crown, and the King and Subjects, is a great and unspeakable benefit and blessing to the Kingdom and Nation, bestowed on them by God himself.

2. That the re-uniting not only of the two, but three mighty, famous and ancient Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, under one Imperial Crown, and Heredirary King, is a far more inestimable and unspeakable blessing to all 3. Kingdoms and Nations.

3. That there is no Interregnum in Law in the Realm and Crown of England, but that immediately upon the decease of the King thereof; the Imperial Crown of the Realm of England, and of all the Kingdoms, Dominions, and Rights belonging to the same, do by inherent birth-right, and lawful and undoubted Succession, Lineally, Justly, and lawfully descend to the next heir of the blood Royal, before he be publicly crowned King. A • this Act in direct Terms declares, and all the Judges of England, unanimously adjudged in the case of Watson, and Cleark, 2. Popish Priests, (who held King James no lawful King, before he was Crowned, and thereupon conspired to imprison him in the Tower, &c. for which they were both condemned and executed as Traitors) Hill. 1. Jacobi; as had been oft adjudged before in the first 7. years of King H. 6. and in the cases of Queen Jane, the Dukes of Northumberland and Suffolk, the Lord Rochford, Sir John Gates, Sir, Thomas Palmer and others, condemned, in levying War against her, and executed 1 Mariae, for Treason against Qu. Mary, before she was Crowned, to deprive her of the Crown; which both the Peers and Judges of the Realm, and the Parliament of 1 Mariae, ch. 16. adjudged Treason within 25 E. 3. against the mistaken Doctrine of Mr. Thomas Scot, and some temporizing Lawyers of late years.

4. That it is the duty and practice of all loyal and faithful Subjects, of all estates and degrees, with all possible public joys, unspeakable general rejoicings, acclamations, applauses, affectionate desires, & by other means to proclaim, acknowledge and Crown their lawful hereditary Kings, after the decease of their Ancestors, and to make all possible demonstrations of their cordial loyalty, love, zeal and affection to them both in and out of Parliment, being obliged thereunto both by the Laws of God and Man.

5. That this Act of Parliament, and the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance, do both in point of Law, Loyalty, Justice, Conscience, oblige the whole English Nation, their heirs and posterities forever, to be true, faithful, loyal and obedient to King James, his heirs and post • itie forever, (and so to our present King) till the last drop of their blood be spent, as to their undoubted, lawful, and hereditary Kings and Sovereigns.

6. That a numerous hopeful royal Progeny, likely to continue and perpetuate the hereditary succession of the Crown in the true Regal line, is an extraordinary blessing and happiness to the Kingdom, for which they are all bound both in and out of Parliament, to render all humble thanks and praises unto God.

To this I shall subjoin the Statute of 3 Iacoli, ch. 1. entitled,

Upon this occasion there was a special Book of Prayers and Thanksgivings, compiled by the Bishops and Clergy, prescribed by Authority to be annually read in all Churches and Chapels, on the 5th. of November, wherein (amongst others) there were four remarkable prayers and thanksgivings relating to the King, Queen, Prince, all the Royal posterity, Nobility, and Magistrates, which I shall here insert.

After this Deliverance from this horrid Powder-plot, there were these 2. forms of Prayers used in the Commons House by the Speak • rs during the Parliaments session, very seasonable for our times, wherein they expressed their Loyalty and Devotion to the King and his Royal Progeny.

In the Lord's House, the Collects and Prayers in the Common Prayer Book and Litany for the King, Queen, Prince, and Royal Posterity, with other prayers were daily used by the Bishops, and Peers during their Session.

To mention all the particular Prayers for the King, Queen, and Royal posterity, comprised in Books of private Prayers and Devotion (as the Practice of Piety, and the like) and Epistles Dedicatory, perfixed to hundreds of B • oks, and Sermons, dedicated to King James, by Bishops, Ministers, and others of all sorts, and in usual Graces before and after meals, would be both infinite, and nauseous, being commonly known, and obvious to all, and therefore I shall wholly pretermit them, the substance of them being comprised in those Prayers already mentioned.

[Anno 165] I shall now proceed to the reign of our late King Charles; who as he had constant Supplications and Prayers made for him in all Cathedral and Parish Churches, Chapels, Colleges, most private families, and in our Parliaments themselves, by name, during all King James his reign, as Duke of York and Prince of Wales; so after his coming to the Crown March 27. 1625. till January 1648. he had the like public and private Prayers, Intercessions, and Supplications, made for him throughout his 3. Realms, as King, and for his Queen and royal Posterity, not only by our preaching Ministers, in their prayers before their Sermons, and by most others in their morning and evening family and closet prayers, & Graces before or after meals, as our own experience attests, but likewise these special set Prayers, Petitions and Collects in our Litany, and common Prayer Book, which I shall here transcribe, because almost quite forgotten, by above 12. whole years discontinuance in most Churches & Families too. In the public L • tany, ordered to be read thrice every week, or oftener upon occasion, there are these several Prayers, and Petitions to God,

That it would please thee to keep and strengthen in the true worshipping of thee, in righteousness and holiness of life, thy servant Charles, our most gracious King and Governor. That it may please thee to rule his heart in thy faith, fear and love; and that he may evermore have affiance in thee, and ever seek thy honor and glory. That it may please thee, to be his defender and keeper, giving him the victory over all his Enemies. That it may please thee to bless and preserve our gracious Queen Mary, Prince Charles, and the rest of the Royal Issue. After every of which several Prayers, and Supplications, all the People severally answered; We beseech thee to hear us good Lord. After which followed these two Prayers, for the Kings Majesty, the Queen, Prince and Royal Issue, and read twice every day in most places.

O God our heavenly Father, high and mighty, King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's, the only Ruler of Princes, which dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth, most heartily we beseech thee with thy favor to behold our most Gracious Sovereign Lord King Charles; and so replenish him with the grace of thy holy Spirit, that he may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way; endue him plentifully with heavenly gifts, Grant him in health and wealth long to live, strengthen him that he may vanquish and overcome all his Enemies; and finally, after this life, he may attain everlasting joy and felicity, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Almighty God, the Father of thine elect and of their seed (which Bishop Laud changed into, the fountain of all goodness) we humbly beseech thee to bless our gracious Queen Mary, Prince Charles, and the rest of the royal issue: Endue them with thy holy Spirit, enrich them with thy Heavenly grace, prosper them with all happiness, and bring them to thine everlasting Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

In the Prayer for the whole Estate of Christ's Church, there is this Clause, relating to Kings in general, and King Charles in particular. We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian Kings, Princes, and Governors, and Specially thy servant Charles our King, that under him we may be godly, and quietly Governed.

When these Prayers and Collects with the Book of Common-Prayer, were suspended, by the Directory of the public worship of God, in most places throughout the 3, Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, Printed by order of both Houses, 13 Martii 1644. yet the substance of them was still continued by the very Directory itself, during the heat of the late Wars, between the King and Parliament: witness p. 10, 11. of public Prayer before the Sermon, wherein all Ministers are directed, To pray for all in Authority, especially for the Kings Majesty, that God would make him rich in blessings, both in Person and Government, establish his Throne in Religion and righteousness, save him from all evil Counsel, and make him a blessed and glorious Instrument for the Conservation and Propagation of the Gospel, for the Encouragement and Protection of those that do well, and the terror of all that do evil, and the great good of the whole Church, and of all his Kingdoms, for the Conversion of the Queen, the Religious education of the Prince, and the rest of the Royal seed, for the comforting of the afflicted Queen of Bohemia, sister to our Sovereign, and for the Restitation and Establishment of the Illustrious Prince Charles, Elector Palatine, (much more then now of our Illustrious long-exiled King CHARLES) to all his Dominions and Dignities.

To pretermit all Prayers made for King Charles, in Epistles perfixed to hundreds of Books, of all sorts, dedicated to him whiles Prince of Wales, and King of England, Scotland, and Ireland; I shall Conclude only with 3. short Prayers of this Nature, in 3. of our learnedest late deceased Antiquaries Dedicatory Epistles to his Majesty, being of 3. several professions.

The first is Mr. John Seldens, in the cloze of his Dedicatory Epistle to His Mare clausum, Londini 1635. Inexuperabilem Tibi felicitatem, sanctissima illa Majestas, quae Tuae • rchetypa est, praestet conservetque.

The 2. is Sir Henry Spelmans in the end of his Dedicatory Epistle before the first Tome of his Councils Londini 1639. Dei Vicario, Ecclesiae Nutricio, Fidei Defensori Carolo, Dei gratia Magnae Britaniae, Franciae, & Hiberniae Regi, &c. Magno, Pio, Augustissimo, Deus optimus maximus, Regiam vestram Majestatem, sobolemque Serenissimum, Ecclesiae et Britaniis Imperpetuum sospitet beatissime.

The 3, is, most learned, renowned and pious Archbishop Usher, who thus winds up his Epistle to King Charles, perfixed to his Britannicarum Ecclesiarum Antiquitates, Dublini, 1639. Deus optimus maximus, Regum suorum custos et vindex, vitam tibi det prolixam, imperium sccurum, domum tutam, exercitus fortes▪ Senatum fidelem, populum probum; Veteris Ecclesiae pro Imperatoribus suis vota haec solemnia, pro tua et tuorum salute Redintegrat et toto animi affectu numini divino nuncupat, Serenissimae Tuae Majestatis servus humilimus, Jacobus Armachanus.

The very next day after the most illegal Trial, Condemnation and bloody Execution of our late Sovereign Lord King Charles by that Prodigy of Lawyers John Bradshaw, and his Assessors, in the new created High Court of Injustice, against the Votes and Protests of the Secluded Lord's, and Secured Commons, one of the then secured Members (out of his Loyalty to his Majesty, and his royal Heir and Successor whose rights he strenuously asserted in his Speech in the House, for which he was seized and imprisoned by the Army Dec. 6. 1648.) at his own charge Printed, 350. of the ensuing Proclamations, which he caused to be sent to most Sheriffs and May • rs throughout England and Wales, and some of them to be pasted up at Westminster, and elsewhere in and about London, notwithstanding the Anti-Parliamentary, and Antimonarchical Junctoes strict Proclamation to the contrary, under pain of High Treasons and the most Capital Punishments; which deterred others both from crowning and proclaiming their Hereditary Sovereign, according to their former Oaths, Covenants, and printed Remonstrances.

This short ejaculatorie Prayer and Acclamation GOD SAVE THE KING, subjoined to this Proclamation, was not only used at the Corouations, triumphs, and public Receptions in Cities, Colleges, Villages, Corporations, of all our own, & foreign Kings, as I have elsewhere touched; but constantly annexed at the end all our Statutes at large, printed after every Session of Parliament from 19 H. 7. till 1 Caroli, and at the close of all our Kings, & Queens public Proclamations, yea ecchoed out by our Sheriffs, Heralds, Criers, Officers, who proclaimed them, and by the generality of the people present at such Proclamations; And it was likewise constantly used by all Criers of all public Co • rts of Justice, Assizes, S • ssions of the peace, Eyres and Gaol Deliveries upon sundry occasions, yea by every Malefactor, acquitted or admitted to his Clergy, who usually cried, GOD SAVE THE KING; neither could our Kings enter into any City, Town, Village, College, School, or House within their Dominions, but their Ears were filled with the joyful sound of this Prayer and Loyal Acclamation. Which c • stom I trust will gr • w into common practice again, after its over-long Dis-continuance, through the treachery, and disloyalty of those who above all others had most obliged themselves to continue it, by their respective old oftreiterated Oaths of Fealty, Homage, Supremacy, Allegiance, Justices, Mayors, Recorders, Serjeants at Law, Freemen; & their new Protestations, Solemn National League and Covenant, Commissions, Trusts, Offices, Callings; obliging them both in point of Conscience and Duty to bear Faith and true Allegiance to the Kings Majesty, his Heirs and lawful Successors, and to maintain and defend his and their Persons, Crowns, and all Jurisdictions Rights, Privileges, and Royal Prerogatives, united, annexed and belonging to the Imperial Crown of their Realms, against all Powers, Persons, Invasions, Plots and Conspiracies whatsoever, without any Apostasy, defection or detestable Neutrality. Which I hope they will now at last remember so far as to expiate all former violations of them, by their future sincere, cordial, constant, inviolable Observations, by their daily public and private fervent Prayers, Supplications, Intercessions, Thanksgivings, to God for his Majesty's restitution, long life, and prosperous Reign; and by • cchoing out this usual Acclamation upon all occasions, according to its pristine frequent use throughout our Realms and Dominions.

I have thus at large by Histories, Records and Presidents of all times & sorts, (to which sundry more might be accumulated) irrefragably evidenced the constant un-interrupted practical loyalty of our Christian Predecessors, in making public and private Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions and Thanksgivings for our Christian Kings in this Island, whether of the British, Sax • n, English, Danish, Norman, or Scottish Race, and for their Queens, their Royal Posterity, and Kingdoms, in their public and private Devotions, and in their Epistles, Addresses, and Dedications to them; to the inrent they may now at last excite, encourage, provoke, and enflame our degenerated disloyal, undutiful, Men-fearing, Time-serving Generation conscientiously to revive, and constantly to practice this long neglected Christian Duty, as being the principal means prescribed by God himself, and pu • sued by his Saints in all Ages, to produce that public peace, unity, prosperity and settlement which we h •• e all so long expected and longed for, but could never yet obtain by any carnal policies, fastings, humiliations, prayers, since we gave over this enjoined D • ty, and can never probably hope for, much less actually enjoy, till we return to the cordial un-interrupted performance thereof, and to our pristine Allegiance, Loyaltie, Obedience and Subjection to our undoubted hereditary Sovereign Lord and King, according to our multiplied Oaths, Protestations, Covenant, the Laws both of God and the Land, the only rules of our Consciences and Practises, both as Christians and Subjects. And if all these with the precedent and subsequent Presidents, Scriptures, Examples, Authorities, our own present Pressures, Dissensions, Confusions, decay of Trade, hopes of settlement, peace and prosperity, will not persuade our whole 3. Kingdoms to this their bounden Duty, that black Character which the Apostle gives to the obstinate hard-hearted Jews, upon whom wrath was come to the uttermost, will be ours too, 1 Thes. 2. 15. who both killed the Lord Jesus Christ (their KING) and their own Prophets, and have persecuted us, and they please not God, and are contrary to all men.

CHAP. VII.

I Have heretofore (in the 4th. Chapter) presented you with sundry Presidents of the Primitive Christians signal Loyaltie and Piety to their very persecuting Heathen Emperors, in making fervent public and private Prayers, Supplications and Intercessions unto God for their long life, health and prosperity. To which I shall add two Presidents more.

[Anno 180] The first out of the Annals of Eutychius Patriarch of Alexandria (translated out of Arabic into Latin by learned Mr. Pokock) printed Oxoniae 1656. who relates this of the Christians under Marcus Antonius Severus, (a great Persecutor of them) Magnae hic calamitatis & tristitiae diuturnae Christianis author fuit, multis sub illo Martyrium passis. Ejus tempore magna fuit fames, siccitasque & pestis, dum per biennium non plueret, adeo ut par • m abesset, quin Rex & populus Imperio ipsius subditus fame & peste perirent; Qui ergo Christianos rogarunt, ut Precibus a Domino suo pluviam impetrarent: illis igitur Preces ad Dominum nostrum fundentibus magnam pluviae copiam demisit, quo pacto sublata est et fames, et pestis, both from this persecuting Emperor and his Subjects.

[Anno 304] The second is the memorable story of the Emperor Maximinianus, who was smitten by God with several Discases for persecuting the Christians, so that his flesh did rot away, and worms crept out of his Bowels, and he lay prostrate on the earth, stinking in such sort that no man could come nigh unto him; All his Companions admiring, and his very Enemies pitying him for what had thus befallen him. Whereupon Ipse vero ad se reversus; Hoc forsan quod patior (inquit) inde mihi accidit, quod Christianos interfecerim. Literas ergo ad omnes provincias suas dedit, ut Christianos quicunque in carceribus essent, dimitterent, eosque honor afficerent, nec ullum iis damnum inferrent; Rogarent autem ut inter precandum pro Imperatore vota funderent; orantibus ergo pro Imperatore Christianis ac preces fundentibus, Deus ipsi sanitatem restituit, adeo ut viribus et sanitate melius quam antea gauderet, as Eutichyus: or, Addit praetereà mandatum, ut statas solitasque pro Imperatore preces ad Deum funderemus: Christianos Christiana sua templa exaedificare, rem maturare, consueta Officia in illis facere, Preces pro Imperii statu fundere, he publishing 2. Edicts in the Christians behalf. Unde Christiani hac indulgentia concessa devincti, Debent Deo suo obnixe supplicare pro nostra, pro Reipublicae, pro sua ipsorum salute, ut quovis modo cum publicus rerum status integer & incolumis retineatur, tum ipsi in suis familiis absque cura & sollicitudiue vitam traducere queant, as Eusebius & Nicepborus, record the story. Lo here this persecuting bloody Pagan Emperor restored to his perfect health, by the Prayers of the Christians whom he slew, imprisoned, persecuted in his health; yet behold his desperate ing • atitude both to God and them. Ille vero ubi sanitati restitutus convaluisset, ad majorem impietatis gradum quàm antea prolapsus, in omnes ditiones suas scribens, Christianos occidi jussit, & ne professionis ejus quispiam in Imperio ejus relinqueretur, neve urbem aut oppidum incolere sinerentur, sed penitus extirparentur. Interfecti sunt ergo e Christianis, qua viri, qua feminae, qua pueri, plures quàm numerari possint, adeo ut prae occisorum multitudine Plaustris delati in mari, & in deserto projicerentur. But God soon after smote him with an ulcer in his Bowels, which tortured him extremely, corroded and eat out his Bowels, caused his very eyes to fall out of his head upon the ground, burnt up his Flesh which was severed from his bones, so as he perished by a most miserable death, confessing that God had deservedlie punished him in this sort, for his madness and rashness against Christ and his Members.

[Anno 310] Constantine the Great (born and declared Emperor first of all in this our Island of Britain, the first professed Christian of all the Roman or other Emperors in the World) about the year of our Lord 310. having conquered this Tyrant Maximinianus in the field, he and the Christians sang praises unto God for his great victory, in the words of Moses and the Israelites after Pharaoh his overthrow, Exodus 15. 1, to 22. After which entering into Rom • in triumph with great pomp, he was there received by all the people, both men, women and children, Senators and other Noble persons running out by Troops to meet him with joyful countenances, willing minds, happy acclamations, and insatiable joy, as their Deliverer, the Conservatour of their Country, and most benign Patron. But he as one having the fear of God naturally residing in his mind, not puffed up with these triumphant acclamations and popular applauses, nor yet with the Proclamation of his praises, yet very conscious of the aid given him from God, commanded immediately, that the Banner of our Savior's passion should be fet in the hand of his statue. Which being set up in the most famous place in Rome, holding the sign of the Cross in his right hand, he commanded this following Insc • iption to be engraven thereon in Roman Letters; In this wholesome sign, the true cognizance of Fortitude, I have delivered the City from under the Tyrants yoke, and set the Senate and People of Rome at liberty, and restored them unto their pristi • e Greatness and Splendor.

After Maximinianus the Tyrants death, an utter Enemy to all Piety and Godliness, through the Grace of Almighty God Churches were re-edified, and erected from the Foundations, the Gospel of Jesus Christ freely preached, professed and propagated; Maximinianus by public Edicts, proclaimed the chiefest and most deadly Enemy, the most impious, wicked, pernicious and malicious Tyrant, and most excerable hater of God. All Tables and Inscriptions set up in every City to his and his Children's honor, were either thrown down from aloft to the ground, or obliterated, or blotted out with a deformed & black color: In like manner all Statues erected to his honor being tumbled down, were broken in pieces, and exposed to the laughter and derifion of such who would abuse them. All his persecuting Instruments, Favorers and Partisans, were in like manner disgraced, disofficed, and some of them slain. The Christian Bishops, Ministers, and Professors of the Gospel, made and sang special Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving unto God Almighty, the King and Governor of all things, and to Jesus Christ his Son, the Redeemer of their Souls, and Author of their internal and external peace, enjoyed under their Christian Emperor; whose Prayses they extolled, as you may read at large in Eusebius, Ecles. Hist. l. 10. c. 1, 3, 4, 6, 9. And De Uita Constantini, l 2, 3, & 4. After which Constantine prescribed to all his Soldiers and Subjects as well Pagans as Christians, a set form of Prayer to God for himself and his Sons, to be said ev • ry day, or Lord's Day at least; recited in the former Chapter. [Anno 325] This first Christian Emperor, in the first General Council of Nice, Anno 325. when he dismissed the many Bishops there assembled by him from all parts (whereof 3. came from our Isle of Britain) with a grave exhortation, to pres • rve mutual concord; added this request to them in the close thereof, Ut pro ipso ad Deum preces obnixe funderent, That they would earnestly pour forth Prayers for him unto God. Eusebius further records of him, That whereas he esteemed that the Prayers of Pious men, were of great moment to him, and to the safety and preservation of the whole Common-wealth, towards which seeing he reputed them necessary, he did not only upon all occasions throw himself down as a Supplicant unto God, Uerum etiam ut pro se ab Ecclesiae Praes • dibus supplicaretur, mandavit, but likewise commanded that Supplications should be made for him by the Rectors of the Church; which they accordingly performed.

[Anno 336] In the 30th. year of his reign, when a certain Priest praised him to his face, as worthy to enjoy the chief Power of all things in this life, & to reign together with the Son of God in the life to come; He signifying his dislike thereof, exhorted him, not to use such flattering words concerning him for time to come; but rather to contend for him with Prayers from God, that he might seem worthy to be the servant of God both in this life, and that which is to come. The same year this Emperor having assembled a very great Synod of Bishops and Priests to Jerusalem to the Dedication of the Temple he had there built; some of them adorned that solemnity with Prayers and Disputations, others with elegant Orations, Sermons and Interpretations of obscure places of Scripture: others who could do none of these, Supplices Deo preces, &c. Offered up humble Prayers and Supplications unto God for common peace, for the Church of God, and for the Emperor himself, the Author of these most excellent things, and for his Children who were dear to God.

In his Expedition against the Persians, communicating his design unto the Bishops, and desiring some of them to be always present with him who were most fit to discharge the Duties of Piety, they readily promised to follow and not to depart one step from him, but to go on warfare with him, Et apud Deum supplicibus vovotis se pugnaturos, and that they would fight with God for him against his Enemies with Supplications and Prayers: whereupon being greatly delighted with this expression of their Wills and Endeavors, he caused a magnificent Tabernacle to be made in form of a Church, in quo Deo victoriarum datori ipse cum Episcopis supplicaret. Wherein he with his Bishops might make Supplications to God the giver of Victories.

[Anno 337] When he lay upon his Death-bed, his Centurions, and Captains of the Army coming to his Chamber, deploring his Condition, Longioremque ei vitam optarent, and wishing him a longer life: he answered them, He had now obtained true life, (after his Baptism) and that he only understood of what felicity he was made partaker; and therefore he would hasten and not procrastinate his migration unto God. Upon the tidings of his death, all his Guards renting their Cloaths, casting their Bodies upon the Ground, and knocking their Heads against it, sending forth mournful Voyces with great sorrow and clamours, calling him their Lord, Prince, Emperor and in the interim bewailing him not as a Lord and Tyrant, but as pious and natural Children do their Father. The Centurions and other Officers and Soldiers predicated him their Savior, Keeper, Benefactor; the whole Army with all reverence desired him as Flocks of Sheep their Shepherd; all the People throughout every City running up and down manifested the secret wound and grief of their minds by outcries and clamours, and the rest walked with dejected Countenances as if they were astonished; everyone reputing that this calamity had principally happened to himself, and miserably afflicting themselves, as bereaved of the common safety of human life. All the Dukes, Earls, and Assembly of Princes, who were formerly accustomed to reverence and bow down unto him, observing their pristine use and custom, going in at set times saluted the Emperor lying in his Herse, as if he were alive even after his death, bowing themselves to the ground; the Sena • e, with all the rest of the Magistrates and People doing the like reverence to him. Upon which Eusebius hath this memorable Observation, Solus vero iste beatus Imperator etiam mortuus regnavit, cum ei soli post hominum memoriam, vel ipso Deo author, omnes qui solebant, honores tanquàm superstiti tribuerentur. Nam cum is solus ex omnibus Imperatoribus, Regem omnium Deum & Christum ejus omnibus vitae actionibus, pie sancteque coluerit, jure sane etiam hunc honorem solus adeptus est, ut Dei voluntate, quod in eo morte sepultum erat, tamen apud homines regnaret, ut ista scilicet ration nobis Deus significaret, animarum Regnum, his qui non prorsus obduruerunt, nunquàm consenescere, nunquàm entori. His two Sons being absent when he died, there were some select Captains out of the whole Army, eminent for their Fidelitie, sent to acquaint them with his death, the News whereof being spread throughout all the Legions, they all with one mind and consent presently resolved, as if great Constantine himself were alive, Neminem praeter ejus Filios Romani Imperii Principem agnituros; and soon after all resolved, that they should not only be called Caesar's, but likewise Augusti, which being a Title of the greatest Dignity of all sorts, is the Proper note of the greatest Empire. The Senate, People, and whole City of Rome exceedingly lamented this Emperors death, did the same reverence to his Pictures, as to himself whiles living; and painting the Effigies of Heaven in its proper colors, pictured him above the Celestial Orbs, resting in the Heavenly Assembly. At his Funeral the Soldiers, Priests and People standing round about his Herse expressed their Affections and Devotions towards him in every kind they could: • quibus Divinus per Preces cultus exhibitus est. Whose Prayses when they gloriously predicated; Jam populus frequens unà cum Saverdotibus non sinc lachrymis, et sane magno cum gemitu, pre • es pro anima Imperatoris fundebant (to wit, that it might speedily b • united to his body again at last by a most joyful resurrection, not delivered out of purgatory) in quo & illi gratum atque optatum pro Principe officium praestabant: & Deus ipse singularem benevolentiam ergà famulum suum ostendit, Quod post mortem charis ejus ac Germanis Filiis, Patris sui Successoribus, Imperium donasset. This was the signal loyalty, piety and devotion of the Christian Bishops, Priests, Nobles, Senators, Soldiers and People of all sorts, in that Age, to this first Christian Emperor Constantine, both living and after his decease, and to his royal Posterity after him, worthy our imitation.

[Anno 3.0.] Constantine the 2d. Son of Constantine the Great, degenerating from his Fathers Faith and Piety, favored the Arian Heresy, and very much persecuted the Orthodox Bishops, who maintained the Deity of our Savior Jesus Christ; yet they and the Orthodox Christians ceased not to make constant servant public and private Prayers unto God for his long life, health and prosperous reign. Among others Athanasius Bishop Alexandria, (the chiefest Champion against the Arians) though exceedingly persecuted, injured, deprived and banished by him, merely for his zeal in defending the Orthordox Faith, and the Godly Christians under his charge, were very loyal and conscientious in discharge of this Duty, as is evident by these notable passages in his Apologia ad Constantinum Imperatorem, against the Arians calumnies, who falsely accused him, for holding intelligence with Magnentius (the Murderer of his Brother Constance) who wipes off that Calumny by this Argument, That he made Prayers for this Prince in the open Assembly of the People, and likewise for the Emperors safety, Pro salute tua vota facio. Quapropter dum te contemplatus fuissem in illo (Constante Imperatore) illumque in te, quî fieri potuisset ut illi malidieere sustinerem, aut hosti illius literas mittere, ac non potius pro tua salute voces precesque funders, quod et feei. Hujus rei testis est praecipuus Dominus, qui exaudivit te, & largitus tibi est integrum à majoribus tuis relictum Imperium: Testesque sunt qui tam affuerunt Philicesumus qui fuit Dux Aegypti, Ruffinus, item & Stephanus, (and four more there named) agents in rebus. Nihil enim aliud dixi, quàm precemur pro salute religiosissimi Imperatoris Censtantii; & statim, universus Populus una voice acclamavit, Christ auriliare Constantio, et magna cum perseverantia has preces continuavit. After which excusing the Peoples meeting in the great Church of Theona built by the Emperor, before it was consecrated by his Order, because the multitude of the people was so great, that the other Churches could not hold them; he adds, Festum erat Paschae, & tanta vis populorum aderat, quantum Christianorum in urbe esse Christicola Principes optarunt. Cum igitur & Ecclesiae paucae parvaeque essent, magnoque tumultu posceretur ut in magna Ecclesia conventus celebrarentur, atque ibidem Preces pro tua salute fierent, quod et factum est, egone adhortationibus, &c. Nec tamen celebrata sunt à nobis Encaenia, sed tantummodo precationum Synaxis habita est. Tu autem religiosissime Imperator, ubinam malles populum manus extendere, et pro te orare, ibine, ubi Ethnici oberrabant? an in loco tuum nomen titulumque referrente? quem cum in praesenti Dominicum universi appellarent, &c. Ecce Domine Jesu Christ Rex Regum, veri Fili Dei unigeniti, verbum & sapientia Patris reus agor. Quia tuam misericordiam Populus suis orationibus convenit, & per te, Patrem Deum omnium imprecavit, idque pro salute Famuli tui pientissimi Constantii. Sed tamen gratiae sunt tuae lenitati, quod de precibus Populi & de tuis ritibus in crimen vocari. Tu tamen interim Deo dilectissime Auguste vivas per multos Annorum recursus, & solemnia dedicationis perficias. Preces enim omnium pro tua salute factae nihil impediunt Encaeniorum festum, &c.

If then this Godly Orthodox Bishop, and all other Orthodox Bishops and Christians thus constantly prayed to God for this cruel persecuting Arian Emperor, that Christ would be propicious to him, that he might continually live in safety, and reign in peace, and live many years; and styled him, most religious and gracious Emperor, and Prince; I shall thence infer, with our learned Doctor Thomas Bilson against the Jesuits, in The true Difference between Christian Subjection, and Unchristian Rebellion part 1. p. 378, 379.

I beseech you let truth take place with you▪ and leave not this suspicion upon the Catholic Church, as though any such things were written or thought of by Christians, and especially by Bishops.

[Anno 356] [Anno 359] St. Hilary Bishop of Poyctiers wrote thus to this Arian Emperor Constantius, not long after Athanasius, in the Orthodox Christians behalf. We beseech your clemency to permit, that the people may have such Teachers as they like, such as they think well of, such as they choose, and let them solemnize the divine mysteries, and make Prayers for your safety and prosperity.

The godly Western Bishops assembled by this Arian Emperor Constantius to the Council of Ariminum, and there long detained by him from their Cures, writ two Epistles to him from thence, to dismiss them to their Bishop-pricks before the cold winter approached. In the first they w • ite thus. We beseech you that you cause us not to be banished, nor stayed from our Churches, but that the Bishops, together with the people may live in peace and tranquil • ity, and may humb • y pray for your Health, Kingdom and sa • ety, in which the Divine Majesty long preserve you: • ro. tua s • lute, Imperio, & pace orantes, quam tibi Divinum numen largiri dignetur prolixam; so Nicephorus renders it; but others thus, Supplicantes Deo pro pace tui Imperii pariter & salutis, quam tibi Dominu • in perpetuum largiatur. They conclude their second Letter to him in these words. For this cause we beseech your clemency the second time, most religious Lord and Emperor, that you command us to depart to our Churches, if it so please your Godliness, before the sharpness of Winter come, That we may make our accustomed Prayors together with the People, to the Almighty God, and our Lord and Savior Christ for your Empire (or Reign) as we have always accustomed in times past, and yet cease not to do, and now wish to continue. Here we have a most pregnant double Testimony of all these Godly Bishops assembled in full Council, of their own and the Peoples constant and continual Custom, both for time past, present, and to come, to pour forth fervent public Prayers, Supplications and Thanks givings to God, for the Health, Reign, Safety and Prosperity of their Christian Emperors, though Arians and Persecutors of them; much more then was it their constant usage when Orthodox and Protectors of them, thus to do.

[Anno 370] St. Cyril Bishop of Hier • s • lem thus recites the practice of the Christians in his Age in this particular: We pray to God for the common peace of the Church throughout the world, For our Kings, their Forces and Adherents.

[Anno 370] St. Ambrose Bishop of Milan flourishing in the year of Christ 370. in his Book, De Uocatione Gentium, l. 1. c. 4. reciting the 1 Tim. 2, 1, 2, 3. thus descants upon it. De hac ergo doctrinae Apostolicae regula qua Ecclesia universalis imbuitur ne in diversum intellectum nostro evagemur arbitrio, quid in ipsa universalis Ecclesia s • ntiat, requiramus, quia nihil dubium esse poterit in praecepto si obedientia concordat in studio. Praecepit itaque Apostolus, imo per Apostolum Dominus qui loquebatur in Apostolo, Fieri obsecrationes, & postulationes, gratiarum actiones pro omnibus hominibus, pro Regibus, ac pro iis qui in sublimitate sunt. Quem legem supplicationis ita omnium Sacerdotum et omnium Fidelium devotio concorditer tenet, ut nulla pars mundi sit, in qua hujusmodi Orationes non celebrantur a populis Christianis: Supplicat ergo ubique Ecclesia Deo non solum pro sanctis, & in Christo jam regeneratis, sed etiam pro omnibus infidelibus, & inimicis crucis Christi; pro omnibus Idolorum cultoribus, pro omnibus qui Christum in membris suis perfequuntur; pro Judaeis, quorum caecitati lum • n Evangelii non refulget; pro haereticis & Schismaticis qui ab unitat • fidei & charitatis alieni sunt. Quid autem pro istis petat, nisi ut relictis erroribus suis convertentur ad Deum, accipiant fidem, accipiant charitatem, & de ignorantiae tenebris liberati in agnitionem veniant veritatis, &c. Which he thus prosecutes in his Commentary on 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3.

To pretermit all other passages of this kind, in his Funeral Oration,

This Godly Emperor Theodosius (as Eutychius Patriarch of Alexandria records) was by the joint and servant Prayers of the Christians in Constantinople (who spent the whole night in Supplications, and beseeched God and our Lord Jesus Christ, ut nobis Regem eligat, & quem • unque ipse elegerit nobis Regem praeficiamus) miraculously elected and chosen Emperor, beyond all human expectation, being of a very poor and mean condition, as he there relates.

[Anno 380] Gregory Bishop of Nyssa in his excellent Book De Oratione, p. 6. hath this memorable passage. Oratio corporum robur est, abundantia domus, recta Iuris ac Legum in Civitate constitutio, Regni vires, belli Trophaeum, pacis securitas, dissidentium conciliatio, conjunctorum conservatio, &c. Therefore it was certainly used by all Christians, Churches, Bishops, Ministers, Subjects, for their Kings and Kingdoms to effect these public ends, especially in times of war and danger.

[Anno 381] The 150. Godly Bishops assembled together in the first General Council of Constautinople, Anno 381. in their Epistle to the Emperor Theodosius, not only render public Thanks to God for advancing him to the Empire for the peace of the Church, and maintenance of the Orthodox Faith, but likewise pray to God for the establishment of his Empire in peace and righteousness for many Generations, and his temporal and eternal joy and beatitude, in these ensuing words, Initio quidem nostri ad tuam Poetatem scripti, Gratias agamus Deo, qui tuae Pietatis Imperium constituit ad communem pacem Ecclesiarum, & sanae fidei confirmationem; agents autem DEO DEBITAS GRATIAS, necessaria quoque ea, quae acta sunt in sancto Concilio, ad tuam referrimus pietatem, &c. Dominus autem Imperium tuum in pace et Iustitia stabiliat, transmittatque et producat in multas et infinitas usque generationes, atque ad terrenam potentiam caelestis quoque Regni gaudium et fructum adjiciat. Gratificetur Deus orbiterrarum, ut te, qui reverà pietatis studiosissimus, Deique amantissimus Imperator es, valentem, omnibusque praeclaris rebus Florentem et excellentem videat, id quod sancti etiam ab illo praecibus et votis petunt et orant. This being the general usual Prayer of all Bishops, Saints and Christians for him under his Empire, both in their Churches, Closets & Epistles to him.

[Anno 383] The Bishops assembled in the Council of Aquileia, whereof St. Ambrose was one, in their Epistle to Gratian, Valentinian and Theodosius the Emperors, use this Benediction and thanksgiving for their advancement to the Empire. Benedictus Deus Pater Domini nostri Jesu Christi qui vobis Romanum Imperium dedit; Et Benedictus Dominus noster Jesus Christus, Unigenitus Dei Filius, Qui Regnum v • strum sua pietate eustodit, apud quem gratias agimus vobis clemencissimi Principes quod & fidei vestrae studium probavistis, &c. concluding with this prayer and option for them, Ut vos, Deo Praestante, triumphetis, qui paci Ecclesiarum quietique consulitis.

[Anno 390] St. Jerome in his Commentary (and Caelius S • dulius too in his Exposition on the 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3.) press the duty of Praying for Kings, though Pagans, and persecutors; in the same words and manner almost, as St Ambrose, & Chrysostom, Theodoret, Primasius and Rhemigius (hereafter cited) And Comment. in Danielem c. 6. v. 21. Tom. 4. p. 509. upon Daniel's words to King Nebuchadnezzar; Rex in aeternum vive; he thus paraphraseth: Honorat honorantem se, et ei vitam Impreca • ur aeternam, though cast into the Lions den by his command.

[Anno 400] St. Chrysostom Archbishop of Constantinople, though very much persecuted by the Emperor and Empresse for his zeal and piety, yet zealously presseth the duty of Prayer for Kings, and all in Authority, though Infidels, and wicked, Homilia 33. in Epistolam ad Corinthios 1. c. 13. Quod oporteat orare pro Infideli, audi quid dicat Paulus. Obsecro primum omnium fieri obsecrationes, orationes, postulationes, gratiarum actiones pro omnibus hominibus. Quod autem non essent omnes fideles est cuivis perspicuum. Et rursus, pro Regibus, & omnibus qui in sublimitate constituti sunt. Quod autem ii essent impii & iniqui, hoc quoque est perspicuum. Deinde causā quoque orationis dicens, subjung it. Hoc enim bonum est & acceptum coram Deo Salvatore, qui omnes homines vult salvos fieri, & ad agnitionem veritatis venire. In his Homilia 6. in Epist. 1. ad Timotheum, c. 2. he thus comments on these words of Paul. Quasi communis quidam totius orbis Pater, Sacerdos est: dignum igitur est ut omnium euram agat, omnibusque provideat, sicut et Deus cujus Ministerio servit & fungitur vice; ideircoait, obsecro igitur primum omnium fieri obsecrationes & orationes, &c. Quid autem sibi vult quod ait, primum omnium? In obsequio scilicet quotidiano, perpetuoque divinae religions ritu. Atque id noberunt Fideles quomodo diebus singulis mane et vespere Orationes sunduntur ad Dominum pro omni mundo et Regibus, et omnibus qui in sublimitate sunt positi, obsecrationes ab Ecclesia fiant. Sed forte quis dixerit, pro omnibus quod ait, tantum fideles intelligi voluisse. At id verum non esse, quae sequuntur ostendunt. Denique ait, pro Regibus: Neque enim tunc Reges Deum colebant, verum multis postea temporibus in infidelitate quàm per seriem successioni▪ acceperant, perstiterunt. Deinde ut omnis assentationis suspicio tolleretur, cum praemisisset, pro omnibus, tunc demum, pro Regibus, addidit: si enim tantum pro Regibus dixisset, fortassis non deessent qui adulationis gratia illum ita scripsisse putarent. Quoniam vero consequence esse cernebat, ut Christiani animus ad ista torpesceret, neque hujusmodi admitteret monita, siquidem pro Gentili Sacramentorum tempore Preces oporteret offerre, vide quid secutus adjunxit, ut ex consideratione lucri admonitionem facilius, libentiusque susciperent; ut quietam inquit & tranquillam degamus vitam. Ac si diceret, in eorum salute securitas vestra consistit. Deus enim pro utilitate communi hujusmodi Principatus instituerit. Quàm igitur absurdum est, cum illi idcirco militant, & arma circumferant, ut nos in tranquillitate atque ocio simus, nos pro periclitantibus, ac nostri causa labores suscipientibus Preces effundere detrectemus? Non igitur assentandi gratia hujusmodi mandatum dedit, verum Iustitiae lervavit Leges: nifi enim illi servarentur, atque inter bella & hosts prosper agerent, necessario & nostra omnia turbis tumultibusque plena essent. Nam nos aut militare opus fuisset, ac per nosmet eadem subire pericula concisis illis, aut fugere vagosque per orbem terrarum ferri. Sunt enim, inquit, hujusmodi veluti obices quidam hostibus oppositi per quos nos in pace serven • ur. Bellorum tria sunt genera, unum quod à Barbaris excitatur. Bellum quod a Barbaris ingruit, Regum industria atque virtus sedat; quibus et nos orationibus succurrere opus est, &c. Deprecationes inquit, orationes, interpellationes, gratiarum actiones. Deo quippe oportet refer gratias etiam pro sucessionibus aliorum; quod scilicet solemn oriri faciat super malos & bonos, & pluit super justos & injustos. Vides ut ill non modo per orationis studium, verum etiam per gratiarum actiones nos conjungat atque conglutinat? Qui enim necessario cogitur Deo refer gratias pro felicibus proximorum successibus, ipsum quoque amore compellitur sibique samiliarius jungi. He adds much more in the Moral or use, to like effect. In his Homilia 5. De incompraehensibili Dei natura, he hath this memorable passage touching Prayer in general, & for a sick King in special. Minime igitur agendum & pro his (insanis & haereticis) Preces agamus supplicemusque Domino. Aptissima enim arma oratio est, thesaurus cert • perpetuus, divitiae inexhaustae, portus quietus, occa •• o tranquillitatis, denique author, parens, fons, & radix bonorum omnium & innumerabilium oratio est, atque etiam Regia ipsa facultate potior & superior. Saepius itaque evenit, ut cum Rex ipse aegrotet, cubet, fcbriat, ardore laboret, & adsint medici, adsint clientes familiares, Proceres, Milites, Duces; non ars medicorum, non amicorum praesentia, non familiarium administratio, non medicamentorum copia, non apparatus magnificentia, non pecuniarum facultas, non aliud quicquam rerum humanarum possit reddere infestantem morbum leviorem. At si quis valens familiaritate apud Deum accesserit, ac corpus languidum duntaxat tetigerit, et sincere pro eo oraverit, languorem omnem expellet; & quod non divitiae, non numerus Ministrorum magnus, non medecinalis scientia, non Regius fastus efficere possit, hoc unius pauperis atque egeni oratio potuit. Oratiouem dico, non tamen illam & desidiosam, sed eam quae intenta ex amino dolente, & cord contrito proficiscatur. Haec enim est quae in coelum scandere valeat. To pretermit all passages to this effect in his 15, 17, & 20. Homilies Ad Populum Antiochiae, and in his two Homilies De Davide & Saul, I shall conclude with these set forms of Prayers for Kings in the Liturgy or Mass, which is attributed to Chrysostom, and printed with his works. Memento Domine Augustissimorum et Dei observantium Regum nostrorum. Diaconus. Pro Augustissimis et Deo deditis Regibus nostris, toto palatio, et exercitu illorum Dominum rogemus. Populus. Domine miserere. Diaconus. Ut illos in bello adjuvet, & subjiciat pedibus illorum omnem hostem & inimicum. Dominum rogamus. Populus. Domine miserere. Adhuc te invocamus pro fidelissimis et Christum amantibus nostris Regibus, omni palatio et exercitu illorum. Da illis Domine pacificum robur, ut & nos in tranquillitate illorum pacatam & quietam vitam agamus in omni pietate & religione. Pacem mundo tuo da, Ecclesiis tuis, Sacerdotibus, Regibus nostris, exercitui, & omni populo tuo, &c. Amen.

St. Augustine de Civitate Dei l. 19. c. 26. thus presseth this duty, and the reasons of it. Quoniam quamdiu permixtae sunt ambae Civitates, utimur & nos pace Babylonis. Ex qua ita per fidem Dei populus liberatur, ut apud hanc interim peregrinetur. Propter quod & Apostolus admonuit Ecclesiam, ut oraret pro Regibus ejus atque sublimibus, addens, & dicens, ut quietam & tranquillam vitam agamus cum omni pietate & charitate. Et Propheta Jeremias quum populo veteri Dei venturam praenunciaret captivitatem, & divinitus imperaret, ut obedienter in Babyloniam irent, Deo suo etiam ista patientia servientes, monuit & ipse, ut oraretur pro illis, dicens, Quia in pace ejus erit pax vestra; utique interim temporalis, quae bonis malisque communis est. Pax autem nostra propria, & hic est cum Deo per fidem, & in aeternum erit cum illo perspeciem. In his book De Catechezandis rudibus, He prosecutes this more largely. Extiterunt Reges Babyloniae subquibus illi serviebant, qui ex eorum occasion commoti quibusdam miraculis cognoscerent & colerent & coli juberent unum verum Deum, qui condidit universam creaturam. Jussi sunt autem pro cis orare, a quibus captivi tenebantnr, & eorum pace pacem sperare ad gignendos filios, & domos aedificandas, & plantandos hortos & vinea • . Post septuaginta autem anos promittitur eis ab illa captivitate liberatio. Hoc autem totum figurat • significat Ecclesiam Christi in omnibus sanctis ejus qui sunt cives Jerusalem coelestis servituram fuisse sub Regibus hujus seculi: Dicit enim & Apostolica doctrina; ut omnis anima sublimioribus potestatibus subdita sit, & ut reddantur omnibus omnia, cui tributum tuibutum, cui vectigal vectigal, &c. Quae salvo Domini nost • i cultu constitutionis humanae Principibus • edditur. Quando & ipse Dominus, ut nobis hujus sanae doctrinae praebe et exemplum, pro capite hominis quo erat indutus, tributum luere non dedignatus est. Jubentur autem etiam servi Christiani & boni fideles, Dominis suis temporalibus aequammiter fideliterque servire, quos judicaturi sunt, si usque in sinem iniquos invenerint, aut cum quibus aequalicer regnaturi sunt, si & illi ad verum Deum conversi fuerint. Omnibus autem praecipitur servire humanis potestatibus atque ter • enis quousque post tempus praefiuitum, ab istius saeculi confusion tanquam de captivitate Babyloniae sicut Jerusalem liberetur Ecclesia. Ex cujus captivitatis occasion, ipsi etiam terreni Reges relictis idolis, pro quibus persequebautur Christianos, unum verum Deum & Christum Dominum cognoverunt & colunt. Pro quibus Apostolus Paulus jubet orare, etiam cum persequerentur ecclesiam. Sic enim dicit (1 Tim 2. 1, 2, 3.) Obsecro, &c. Itaque per ipsos data est Pax Ecclesiae, quamvis temporalis tranquillitas temporis ad aedificandas spiritualiter domos, & plantandos hortos & vineas. Nam ecce modo per istum sermonem aedisicamus atque plantamus, & hoc fit per totum orbem terrarum, cum pace Regum Christianorum, sicut idem dicit Apostolus: Dei agricultura, Dei Ecclesia estis. In his Book Ad Paulum Episcopum, paraphrasing upon the 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. showing the differences between Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions and Thanksgivings, He adds, Pro omnibus hominibus, pro Regibus, &c. ne quisquam sicut se habet humanae cogitationis infirmitas existimaret ista non esse facienda pro his à quibus persecutionem patiebatur Ecclesia, cum membra Christi ex eorum essent hominum genere colligenda. Unde addit & adjungit, Hoc enim bonum est & acceptum coram Salvatore nostro Deo; qui omnes homines vult salvos fieri, & in agnitionem veritatis venire.

[Anno 430] Theodoret Bishop of Cyrene, in his Interpretation in 1 Tim. 1. 2, 3. pro Regibus, omnibus qui in sublimitate sunt: thus descants, Valde sapienter hominum commune p • aeposuit, ne quis orationem pro Regibus assentationem existimaret. Quia enim erant Impii, qui tunc Dominatum obtinebant, & pietatis aperti hosts, docet Iustam esse causam cur pro eis oretur. Vt quietam & t • anquillam vitam agamus in omni pietate & castitate. Si enim illi in pace degant nos quoque sumus tranquillitatis participes, ac in quiet ac silentio leges pietatis adimplemus Ita e • iam captivi Judaei qui erant Babyloniae, ad eos qui in Judea relicti erant, scripserunt, ut pro Nebuchadnezzar et Baltasar ejus filio Deo preces funderent. Dominus autem Apostolus non solum ubi est causa praecipit pro eis fieri orationes, sed etiam ut ab impietate cessantes, ediscant pietatem: as he proves by the subsequent words. Sanctorum enim deprecatio est commune omnium malorum remedium: non solum autem medetur aegritudinibus corporis, sed etiam animis convenientem exhibet curationem; as he adds in the life of Maco. In his Interpretation upon Daniel, c. 5. 10. And the Queen said, O King live forever: Rex in secula vive, Rex in ae • ernum vive. He writes, Haec autem erat praefatio qua subjecti Regibus, eos tunc salutabant, & ad hoc usque tempus mos invalu • t: quid • m enim imperiti, Reges eos, qui nunc sunt ae •• rnos vocare consueverunt: in syngraphis quoque commerciorum hoc quidam ascribunt, stultitiae magis quàm impietatis damnandi. And c. 6. v. 21. Da •• el respondet, dicens, Rex in secula vive, &c. usitatam praefationem sermonibus praeponit, videlicet, Licet et t • bi Rex diutissime vivere.

[Anno 432] The Bishops assembled in the Great Synod of Ephesus▪ held about the year 432. in their 4th. Epistle, Pientissimis ac Deo dilectissim is Theodosio & Valentiniano Victoribus, triumphatoribus & semper Augustis, made this prayer for them: Deus autem omnium, Reguum vestrum mult • s annorum Revo utionibus cus • odiat pientissimi Victores ac semper Augusti. And in their 6. Epistle to these Emperors, the business being ended for which they were convened, they prayed the Emperors to dismiss them from Ephesus. Ut ordinationi futuri Episcopy incumbamus, & in fide jam & pietate confirmata nos obl • ctemus, purasque et synceras pro Dominatione vestra preces Domino Christo destinemus.

Primasius Bishop of Utica in Africa, in his Commentary, on 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. comments thus, Obsecratio firmior oratione est. U • l aliter. Obsecrationes sunt pro peccatis praeteri • is vel prae, entibus; Orationes, pro adipiscendis quae speramus; Postulationes cum pro aliis intervenimus; Gratiarum actiones, cum ea quae poss • mus, impetramus, velc • rt • , pro universis Dei beneficiis gratias laudesque referimus. Gratiarum actiones, Gratias agamus ei qui nos dignos fecit pro aliis impetrare. Pro omnibus hominibus, etiam pro persecutoribus. Pro Regibus omnibus qui in sublimitate sunt, ut quietam & tranquillam vitam agamus in omni pietate & castitate. Ut cognoscant Deum, sive ut subjectas habeant gentes: in eorum enim pace nostra consistit: si enim Christiani sunt c • ssabit persecutionis impetus.

[Anno 450] Pope Leo the 1. flourishing about the year of Christ, 450. in his 24. Epistle to the Emperor Theodosius, writes thus: Ecce ego Christianissime Imperator cum Consacerdotibus meis implens erga reverentiam elementiae vestrae synceri amoris • fficium, cupiensque vos per omnia placere Deo, cui pro vob • s ab Ecclesia supplicatur: & Epistola 25. to the same Emperor, he hath the same passage. In his 59. Epistle to the Emperor Martian he writes thus, Unde ineffabiliter Deo gratias ago, qui eo tempore quo oboritura Haereticorum scandala praesciebat, in Imperii fastigio c • llocavit; in quibus ad totius mundi salutem, & regia potentia, & Sa • erdotalis vigeret industria. Epist. 60. to the Empresse Pulc • eria, he thus expresseth himself: Per quam significationem clementiae vestrae, absolute me gaudere, & incessabilibus a Deo precibus postulare; ut vos et Romanae Reipublicae, et Catholicae Ecclesiae in omni prosperitate conservet. In his Epist. 74. to the Emperor Leo, he writes, Non d • sinimus gratias agere, & providentiam Dei in fidei vestrae fervore Benedicere, qui sancto & Catholico Spiritu, ita Haereticor • m impudentiae restitistis, &c. His Epistola 78. to the same Emperor, begins thus, • ulto gaudio men's mea exultat in Domino, & magna mihi est ratio gloriandi, cum clementiae vestrae excellentissimam fidem ingeri per omnia donis gratiae caelestis agnosco, &c. And Epist. 99. to the same Emperor Leo, he informs him, Sciat igitur clementia vestra omnes Ecclesias Dei cum laude vestra exu • tare pariter et laetari. Inveniemur impares in gratiarum action, s • nostri tantum oris angustiis universalis Ecclesiae gaudia celebremus, &c.

[Anno 451] In the General Council of Chalcedon, Anno 451. consisting of no less than 630. Bishops and Fathers of the Church, they all unanimously cried out several times with this acclamation, Multi anni Imperatoribus, Multi Anni Augustae (Placidiae) Multi Anni Imperatoribus; Multi Anni Imperatoribus; Deus qui hoc fecit; Multi Anni Imperatorum; Magnorum Imperatorum Multi Anni; Multi Anni Senatus; Multi Anni Judicum; Orthodoxorum multi anni. Haec integra adunitio, haec pax Ecclesiarum. P • iss •• is & Christi amantibus nostris, nostris Imperatoribus, Flavio Valentiniano & Flavio Martiano, victoribus ac triumphatoribus semper Augustis, Multi Anni. After which divers Archimandratae (or Abbots) in their Epistle to the Emper • r Martianus, pray thus for him, Ut iterum per sanctos Patres sancta fi • le confirmata, poss • mus reliquum tempus vitae nostrae caste & pie vivere, & in pace incessanter con • ue • as orationes offerre Domino nostro Christo pro diutur • ita • e aeterni vestri Imperii, qui et sua bona voluntate invisibiliter nobis donavit Imperium divinissimi Augusti. After this Actio 6. Martianus the Emperor making 2. Orations to the Council, the one in Latin, the other in Greek, recorded in the Acts thereof, All the whole Council at the end of both his Orations cried out, Omnes clamaverunt; Multi Anni Imperatori; Multi Anni Augustae; Orthodoxis Multos Annos; Martiano novo Constantino Multos Annos; Imperatori. Multos Annos; Augustae Orthodoxae Multos Annos; Martiano amatore Christi, vestrum nobis duret Imperium, semper nobis Imperatis, digne ex Orthodoxa fide. Amatoribus Christi pr • cul invidia. After this having tendered a Confession of their Faith to the Emperor, Omnes clamaverunt. Omnes sic credimus, &c. Martiano novo Constantino, novo Paulo, novo David multos Annos. David Imperatori pro Domino vitam ci. Novo Constantino, novo Martiano. Vos estis pax orbis, pie Domine. Dominus vitam ei conservet. Vos, fides nostra. Christus quem honoras, ipse te custodiet. Orthodoxam fidem tu roborasti. Sicut Apostolici ità creditis. Augustae mu tos Annos. Uos lumina Orthodoxae fidei. Propter haec ubique pax est. Linnina pacis, Domine tu custodi. Lùminaria mundi, Domine tu custodi. Perpetua memoria novo Constantino. Quae ex genere Orthodoxa est, Deus eam custodiat. Eam quae semper pia est Deus custodiat. Pia Orthodoxa, quae contraria est Haereticis, Deus eam rustodiat. Omnes Haereticos tu fugasti, Nestorium & Eutichen tu persecuta es. Absit invidia a vestco Imperio. Fideles Imperatores sic honorantur. Deus custodiat Potestatem vestram. Deus paci • icet Imperium vestrum. Martianus novus Constantine. Pulcheria nova Helena. Z • lum Helenae tu sectaris. Vestra vita, muninem cunctorum est, vestra fides, Ecclesiarum gloria est. After which the Emperor rendering public thanks to God for composing the manifold discords of those who had erred concerning the Faith, and that now, in unam eandemque Religionem omnes nunc una voluntate convenerimus, sperantes celerimam vestris ad Divinitatem Precibus, & curae omnia pacem Nobis a Deo donari. Omnes clamaverunt. Haec digna vestro Imperio. Haec propria vestri Regni, &c. Coelestis Rex, terrenum custodi. Per te firmata fides est. Coelestis Rex Augustam custodi. Per te fides firmata est. Unus Deus qui hoc fecit. Coelestis Rex Augustam custodi, dignam paci, &c. Per vos fides, per vos pax. Haec oratio Ecclesiarum: Haec oratio Pastorum. After this again, Omnes clamaverunt, multos Annos Imperatori; Multos Annos Augusto pio et Christiano, Augustae Orthodoxae multi Anni. Multos Annos piae et matri •• Christi. Imperium vestrum Deus custodiat, &c. In perpetuum maneat vestrum Imperium. After which in this Council, Actio xi. Bassianus Bishop of Ephesus humbly petitioned the Emperors Valentinian and Martian to be restored to his Bishop • ick, & Goods, of which he was forcibly dispossessed by Soldiers without hearing, ut iis potitus, consuetas orationes referam incessanter Deo pro vestrae Potestatis Imperio. It being the custom of that and former Ages for Bishops and People to make Supplications, Prayers and Intercessions for the Emperors in all their public Churches and Assemblies.

[Anno 490] Rhemigius Bishop of Reims in his Explanatio, in Epist. 1. ad Tim. c. 2. 1, 2, 3. makes this abridgement of the Contents of this Chapter, Vult pro Regibus & Magistratibus, fleri orationes, et gratiarum actiones. Then explaining the Precept, Obsecro, &c. Beatus Apostolus dirigens haec verba Timotheo, in illo tradidit omnibus Episcopis & Presbyteris, omnique Ecclesiae formam, quomodo debent Missarum solemnia celebrare, & pro omnibus hominibus orare: Quam formam, id est, Exemplum omnis Ecclesia modo tenet, &c. Ne forte diceret aliquis, Non debemus orare pro Regibus infidelibus, & Judicibus ac Ducibus, Quia Pagani s • nt; praecepit Apostolus pro omnibus hominibus orare: eodem spiritu afflatus quo & Hieremias Propheta; qui misit Epistolam Judaeis, qui erant in Babylon, ut orarent pro vita Regis Nebuchadonozor Filiorumque e • us, & pro pace Civitatis, ad quam ducti erant Captivi; inquiens, Ideo debetis orare pro eis, quia in pace eorum erit pax vestra: similiter & Apostolus reddit causam quare talia praecipiat: ut tranquillam & quietam, id est Pacificam, vitam agamus in omni pietate & castitate. Pietas est cultus, & Religio Omnipotentis Dei. Ideo ergo orandum est se • vi • Dei, Pro vita Regis, et pace Regni, ut ipsi liberius possint dedi • i esse in cultu et Religion Dei. Quia plerumque dum hosts fugant servos Dei à propriis sedibus, & discurrerent bella & seditiones per Regna, ut non possint in cultura Dei esse intenti per omnia sicut tempore pacis. Pietas etiam est mise • icordia, quàm debemus impendere pauperibus & indigentibus. Si ergo depraedamur ab hostibus, non possumus opus misericordiae exercere, quia non valet impendere alteri, qui non habet unde semetipsum sustentet. Sed ut habeamus, unde eleemosynam tribuamus, Orandum est pro vita Regis ac Principum, et pro pace Regni, & ut agamus vitam nostram in omni castitate corporis tempore pacis; utcumque & nimia difficultate servari potest castitas. Quando vero depraedatur Regnum à p • aedonibus & hostibus, nequaquam potest servari, quia Domini qui depraedati sunt captivos, expleant voluntatem & immunditiam suam cum eis, ut libet, nec valent resistor. Quapropter orandum est pro salute et vita Fidelium Regum et Principum, ut longo tempore conservati pacem habeat Regnum, et magis ac magis proficiant in melius. Pro infidelibus quoque orandum est ut proficiant in melius et transeant ad fidem, &c.

Pope Gregory the 1. in his Epistles written to Emperors Kings and Queens, hath many Prayers unto God for them, some of them recited in the precedent Chapter, relating to England, I shall insist only upon some others, Epist. l. 4 Epist. 62 Mauricio Augusto, he hath this passage. Tunc magis Dominorum exercitus contra hosts crescit, quanto Dei exercitus ad orationem creverit; by their Prayers, Tears and Fastings for the Emperor, Epist. l. 4. Epist. 31. Mauricio Augusto, he concludes with this Prayer for him. Inter haec ergo omnia incerta ad solas lachrymas redeo, petens, ut idem Omnipotens Deus piiss •• um Dominum nostrum et sua hic manu regat, et in illo judicio liberum ab omnibus delictis inveniat. Epist. l. 4. Epist. 34. Constantinae Augustae: he hath this passage. Et in Redemptoris nostri largitate confido, quia bonum hoc in serenissimo Domino (Mauritio) & piissimis filiis in Coelestis quoque patriae retributione recipietis. In omnipotenti autem Domino confido, quia longam piissimis Dominis vitam tribuet; Lib. 5. Epist. 16. Mauritio Augusto, he concludes thus. Quatenus Deus omnipotence, qui placitam sibi Catholicae rectitudinis integritatem clementiam vestram amare cernit atque defendere, Et hic devictis hostibus pacatae vos Imperare Reipublicae, et cum sanctis in aeterna faciat vita regnare. The like expressions he useth Epist. 59. Brunichildae Reginae Francorum. He begins his 63. Epistle Mauricio Augusto, with, Inter annorum curas, & innumerabiles sollicitudines quas indefesso studio pro Christianae Reipublicae regimine sustmetis, magna mihi cum universo mundo Laetitiae causa est, quod pietas vestra custodiae fidei, quà Dominorum fulget Imperium, praecipua solicitudine semper invigilat. Unde omnino confido quia sicut vos Dei causas religiosae mentis amore tuemini, Ita Deus vestras Majestates sua gratia iuetur et adjuvat. Lib. 6. Epist. 6. Mauricio August • ; he begins thus. Omnipotens Deus, qui pietatem vestram pacis Ecclesiasticae fecit esse custodem, ipsa vos fide servat, &c. Pro qua re totis Precibus deprecamur, ut bonum hoc Omnipotens Deus serenitati Dominorum, piaeque eorum soboli, et in praesenti s • culo, atque in perpetua remuneratione retribuat. Epist. 31. Mauritio Augusto, he concludes with this Prayer for him. Omnipotens autem Deus serenissimi Domini nostri vitam, et ad pacem sanctae Ecclesiae, et ad utilitatem Reipublicae Romanae per tempora longa custodiat. Certi enim sumus quia si vos vivitis, qui Coeli Dominum timetis, nulla contra veritatem superbia praevalere permittetis, Lib. 7. Epist. 5. Brunichildae Reginae Francorum: he ends with this Prayer for her. Omnipotens Deus sua vos protections custodiet, atque a perfidis Gentibus Regnum vestrum sui Brachii extensione defendat. Vosque post longa Annorum curricula ad gaudia aeterna perducat. The like prayer he makes Epist. 42. Theodelindae Longobardarum Reginae, videlicet, Dei nostri misericordiam deprecamur, ut bonorum vicem & retributionem in corpore & in anima, hîc & in futuro compenset, &c. Epist. 102. Theoderico & Theoberto Regibus Franciae, he begins and ends thus: Summum in Regibus bonum est, justiciam colere, ac sua cuique jura servare, & subjectis non sinere quod potestatis est fieri, sed quod aequum est custodire, &c. Quatenus per hoc aequitatem Sacerdotibus custoditis, Eorunt Precibus ante Dei semper occulos florcatis. Epistola 128. Richaredo Regi Wisigothorum, he is very copious in rendering Thanks to God for him, as being a chief instrument in converting the Goths to the Christian Faith, concluding with this Prayer for him. Omnipotens Deus in cunctis Actibus vestris, Coelestis Brachii extensione vos protegat, vobisque et praesentis vitae prospera, et post multa annorum curricula gaudia concedat aeterna. Lib. 8. Epist. 2. Mauritio Augusto; he and the Clergy thus prayed for him. Pro qua re lachrymabili Prece omnes deposcimus, ut omnipotence Deus qui Clementiae vestiae corda compunxit, incolume in amoris sui constantia Dominorum servet Imperium, ut victorias eorum in cunctis Gentibus auxilio suae Majestatis extendat. See his Epistola 53, 54, 55, 56, 59, 60, 64. to several Kings and Queens, wherein he renders thanks and makes Prayers for them unto God, Lib. 11. Epist. 1. he recites the murder of the Emperor Maurice, with all his 5. Sons, Brother, and some of his Nobles by Phocas; after which Phocas who usurped the Empire, and Leontia his Empresse sending their Statues to Rome, 7 Kal. Maij, Acclamatum est eis in Lateranis in Basilica Julii, Ab omni clero vel Senatu, Exaudi Christ, Phocae Augusto et Leontiae Augustae vita: So much did they flatter this bloody Murderer of his Sovereign Lord and his Royal Issue, and Invader of his Crown. And Epist. 45. Phocae Augusto, Pope Gregory himself thus courts and prays for him. Considerare cum gaudiis & magnis gratiarum actionibus libet, quantas Omnipotenti Domino laudes debemus, quod remoto jugo tristitiae ad libertatis tempora sub Imperialis benignitatis vestrae pietate pervenimus, &c. Sancta itaque Trinitas vitam vestram per longa tempora custodiat, ut de bono vestrae pietatis quod tarde suscepimus, Diutius gaudeamus. Lib. 11. Epist. 8. Brundechildae Reginae Francorum; He concludes with this Prayer for her, Omnipotens Deus excellentiam vestram in suo timore semper custodiat, atque ita vestra vota ad filiorum Excellentissimorum Regum nepotum vestrorum sospitate adimpleat, ut stabile vobis gaudium de eorum semper incolumitate sicut cupitis, habere con •• dat. And Epist. 9. Theodorico Regi Francorum, De pace in republica facienda, (fit for our Age and Condition) he prays thus for him. Sancta Trinitas in suo semper faciat vos timore proficere, & ita cor vestrum placita sibi moderation disponat, ut & subjectis vestris de vobis, & postmodum vobis de se gaudium sine fine concedat. I shall conclude with his Epist. l. 11. Epist. 46. Leontiae Augustae f • aught with Thanksgivings, Gratulations and Prayers for her Quae lingua loqui, quis animus cogitare sufficiat, quanta de serenitate vest • i Imperii Omnipotenti Deo gratias debemus, quod tam dura longo tempore pondera cervicibus nostris amota sunt, & Impe • ialis culminis leve jugum subiit, quod libeat portare subjectis. Reddatur ergo creatori omnium ab Hymnidicis Angelorum choris gloria in coelo, persolvatur ab hominibus gratiarum actio in terra, quia universa Respublica quae multa maeroris pertulit vulnera, nunc consolationis vestrae juvenit fomenta. Vnde nobis necesse est Omnipotentis Dei misericordiam enixius exorare, ut cor v • strae pietatis sua semper dextera teneat, ejusque cogitations Coelestis gratiae ope dispenset; Quatenus tranquillitas vestra tanto rectius valeat sibi servientes regere, quanto dominatori omnium noverit, minus deservi • e. In amore Catholicae Fidei faciat Desensores suos, quos f • cit ex benigno opere Imperatores nostros. In undat in vestris mentibus zelum simul et mansuctudin • m, ut semper pro fervore valeatis, et quidquid in Deo exceditur non inultum relinquere, et si quid vobis delinquitur parcendo tolerare. Det vobis in vestra pie • ate P • lcheriae Augustae clementiam, quae pro zelo Catholicae Fidei in sacta Synodo H • lena nova vocata est. Omnipotens Dei misericordia largiora vobis cum piissimo Domino spacia vivendi concedat, ut quo vestra longius vita extenditur, subjectorum omnium, consolatio validius confirmetur, &c. Ipse ergo sit vestri custos Imperii, sit vobis Protector in terra, sit pro vobis Intercessor in Coelo; ut per hoc quod relevatis duris ponderibus in vestro Imperio subjectos gaudere facitis, post multa Annorum tempora in Caelesti Regno gaudeatis.

[Anno 600] The 1. Council of Toledo Anno 600 under King Reccaredus; thus extol and pray for him. Cui à Deo aeternum meritum; Cui aeterna corona; Cui praesens gloria & aeterna nisi vere Catholico, Orthodoxo Reccaredo Regi? Ipse sit Deo & hominibus amabilis, qui tàm mirabiliter glorificavit Deum in terris.

[Anno 610] [Anno 681] Marculfus a Monk flourishing about the yeat of our Lord, 610. in his Formularum, l. 1. c. 2. Con • essio Regis ad Privilegium granted to an Abby: makes this the only usual form in that Age of Kings Confirmations of Lands, and Privileges to Monasteries, expressed in their Charters: Ut pro aeterna salute, vel faelicitate Regis, constanster delectet ipsis Monachis, immensam Domini pietatem jugiter implorare. And c. 35. Confirmatio Regis, de omni corpore facultatis Monasterii: Ut vos & successores vestri, uti necessitas fuerit, in conditionibus ipsius Monasterii, Pro salute nostra crebrius exorare valeant. And cap. 5. Praeceptum de Episcopatu: There is this clause in the usual form of Kings Grants of any vacant Bishopprick: Quatenus dum Ecclesiam sibi à dispensatione divina commissam, strenue regere atque gubernare videtur, Nobis apud aeternum retrilutor • m mercedem suffragia largiantur, & ill pro peccatorum nostrorum mole, indesinenter immensum Dominum debeat deprecari. This being one principle end of Kings erecting and endowing Monasteries, Bishoprics and Churches, that the Abbots, Monks, Bishops, Priests and People might therein constantly pray for the safety, prosperity and felicity of them, their Royal Families, Posterity, and Realms; as all their Charters, Confirmations, and Instruments evidence.

The 2. Council of Toledo, Anno 681. under King Sisenandus: as it denounced this solemn Excommunication thrice one after another, against all Traitors who should attempt to murder or dethrone the King, or usurp his Crown, against their Oath of Allegiance to him. Quicunque ergo ex nobis, vel totius Hispaniae populis qualibet conjuratione, tractatu vel studio, Sacramentum sidei suae quo pro Patriae Gentisque Gothorum statu vel conservatione Regiae salutis pollicitus est, temeraverit, aut Regem nece attractaverit, aut potestate Regni exuerit, aut praesumpsione tyrannica Regni fastigium usurpaverit, anathema sit in conspectu Dei Patris & Angelorum, atque ab Ecclesia Catholica, quam perjurio prophanaverit, efficiatur ex traneus, & ab omni Coetu Christianorum alienus, cum omnibus impietatis suae sociis. Anachema Maranatha, hoc est, perditio in adventu Domini sint, & cum Judah Scarioth partem habeant ipsi & socii eorum. Amen. So also they made this devout Prayer for this King. Pax, & Salus, et Diuturnitas piissimo & amatori Christi Domino nostro Sisenando Regi. Corroboret ergo Christi gratia Regnum illius Gentisque Gothorum in Fide Catholica Annis et meritis, protegat illum usque ad ultimam senectutem summi Dei gratia, & post praesentis Regni gloriam ad aeternum Regnum transeat, sin • fine regnet, qui in seculo feliciter imperat, ipso praestante, qui est Rex Regum et Dominus Dominorum, cum Patre & Spiritu sancto in secula seculorum. Amen.

[Anno 684] The 5th Council of Toledo under King Chintilla, Anno 684 as it provides for the safety of the Kings person, the Royal Issue, and their possessions; prohibiting all calculation of their Nativities, or aspiring after their Crowns, and reviling of them, under pain of Excommunication: So all the Bishops and Nobles in it concluded with this Prayer for their King. Donet ei Dominus & de inimicis triumphum, & de beatudine gaudium: Custodiat eum protectione assidua, muniat bonae voluntatis suae circumspectione tutissima, cujus Regnum manet in Secula Seculorum.

[Anno 684] The 6. Council of Toledo under King Suintilla, Anno 684. as it provides for the safety of the Kings person, and of the Royal Posterity: with a Quis ferat, aut quis Christianus toleranter videat Regiam sobolem aut potestatem expoliari rebus, aut privari dignitatibus, &c? cap. 16, 18. So it concludes with this Prayer for the King, cap. 19. Donet ei Dominus optimo Principi Diuturnum in saeculo praesenti triumphum, & in parte Justorum perpetuum Regnum, felicibusque Annis felix ipse in longa felicitate fruatur, et divinae dexterae protectione ubique muniatur.

[Anno 686] In the 6. general Council of Constantinople under Constantine Pogonatus, Pope Agatho, and the Synod of Rome consisting of 125. Bishops, prayed thus for him in their several Epistles to him, Pro incolumitate atque exaltatione fortissimi vestri Imperii unanimiter incessabiles Domino preces effundentes. Dei majestatem fideliter obsecrare pro longevitate atque perfecta prosperitate vestrae fortitudinis Imperio divinitus concedenda, &c. And this whole general Council thus unanimously cried out with loud joyful Voyces, and prayed to God for him Sancta Synodus exclamavit: Multos Annos Imperatori: Christo dil • cto Imperatori multos Annos. Pium & Christianum Imperatorem Domine conserva; aeternum permaneat vestrum Imperium. Orthodoxam fidem tu confirmasti. After which this whole Council in their Gratulatory Oration to him, pray thus for him, Omnes unanimi • er atque consonanter acclamamus; Domine Salvum fac Regem nostrum, cui post te corroboravit fidei fundamentum: benedicito vitam ejus, dirige gressus cogitationum ejus, conterat virtutem inimicorum suorum, et resistentes ei continuo corruant, quia fecit judicium & justitiam sempiternam, &c. This Emperor dying before this General Council dissolved, and Justinian succeeding in the Empire, all the Fathers assembled therein in their Oration to him, close it with this Prayer for him, Dominus Imperium tuum stabiliat ac confirmet in pace et justitia, et generationum generationibus transmittat, et terrenae quoque potentiae adjiciat, et etiam coelesti r • gno fruaris.

[Anno 690] The 7. Council of Toledo under King Chindasiundus, and the 38. Bishops in it, make this Prayer for him. Ut memorato Principi cum prosperitate praesentis regni, futuri etiam largiant • r praemia gaudii, ipso praestante qui in Trinitate unus Deus vivit et gloriatur in saecula saeculorum.

[Anno 693] In the 8 Council of Toledo K. Recesuinthus presented him • elf amongst the Prelates, Abbots, Priors, Earls then present, that they they might commend him in their Prayers to Almighty God, which they did.

[Anno 694] The 9. Council of Toledo held in the 7th. year of his Reign, made this Prayer for him, Obsecrantes ejus misericordiam largam ut serenissimo Domino et amabili Christo Recesuintho Principi glorioso, ita praesentis vitae felicitatem impeudat, ut Angelicae beatitudinis gloriam, post longaeva tempora concedat: atque ita nos ejusdem felicitate laetos semper efficiat, ut in terra viventium remunerandos attollat.

[Anno 713] The 11 Council of Toledo in the 8. year of King Recesuinthus, as it provides for the safety of his Person, an Crown in subjecting all Clergymen and Monks, who shall wittingly violate their general Oaths made for the safety of his Royal Person and Realm, to deprivation, and the Kings Justice, c. 2. So. c. 6. all present in it pray thus to God for him. A quo petimus et optamus, ut porrecta in longitudine felicium Dierum sacratissimi Principis vita, eam • mni gloriarum decore perpetua faciat pollere salute.

[Anno 713] The Council of Cavailon under King Clodoveus assembled in the Church of St Vincent, pray the intercession of this holy Martyr, ut longaevitatem supradicti Principis suo suffragio mereamur.

[Anno 723] The 11. Council of Toledo in the 8th. year of King Uuambanus (or Bamba) made this Prayer for him, Det ergo eidem Principi D • minus, et cursum praesentis vitae in pace transire, et post diuturna tempora, ad se in pace, remissis iniquitatibus pervenire: qualiter et hîc felicia tempora ducat, et felix cum omnibus, quibus principatur, ad Christum sine confusion perveniat: ut, quia per eum corona nos • ri ordinis in melius restauratur, coronam futuri regni capiat ex hoc in regione vivorum regnans cum Christo insaecula saeculorum. Amen.

[Anno 686] The Council of Bracara in the same year, concludes with this prayer for King Bamba, Sit pax, salus et diuturnitas, piissimo & amatori Christi Domino nostro Vuambano Regi: Divinam postulantes clementiam, ut gloria Christi Regnum ejus corroberet usque ad ultimam senectutem, praestante ipso qui cum Patre & Spiritu sancto vivit & gloriatur in Trinitate Deus, in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

[Anno 719] The 12. Council of Toledo under King Evingius, c. 13. is closed up with this Prayer for him: Sanctae Trinitatis poscimus inenarrabile numen & gloriosam ineffabilis potentiae Majestatem, ut det amatori Christi serenissimo Domino nostro atque amantissimo Evingio Principi, imperare clementer, Regnare feliciter, habere de elementis fructum, obtinere de Justitia premium, de pietate trop • aeum, quo & hic invictus victor hostium semper appareat; & post diuturna hujus seculi curricula, ad Regnum aeternum cum suis omnibus coronandus pervenire, praestante Deo & salvatore nostro Jesu Christo Domino nostro, qui cum Patre & Spiritu sancto in Trinitate vivit & regnat Deus, in secula seculorum. Amen.

[Anno 794] The Synod of Frankford on the Mene under Charles the Great, thus prayed for him. Catholicum atque clementissimum semperque inclytum Dominum Carolum Regem, Omnipotens & sancta Trinitas sua cum gratia circumcingat, suaque dextra semper protegat et defendat, ut faciat semper quae illi sunt placita, quatenus coelestibus fretus armis inimicos nominis Christi auxilio fultus de caelo, ad terram prosternat. Barbaras etiam Nationes, infinita Deus Omnipotens ditioni ejus potentia subdat, ut ex hac occasion ad agnitionem perveniant veritatis, et cognoscant verum et unum Deum Creatorem suum, &c. Multipliceter pax in diebus ejus, ut sit sancta Ecclesia libera, et ab omni strepitu mundi secura qua libertate Christus eam liberavit, &c. indulgeat miseratus captivis, subveniat oppressis, dissolvat fasciculos deprimentes: sit consolatio viduaarum, miserorum refrigerium: sit Dominus et Pater; sit Rex et Sacerdos, fit omnium Christianorum moderantissimus gubernator, auxiliante Domino nostro Jesu Christo, qui cum Patre et Spiritu sancto vivit et regnat Deus in Trinitate perfecta per omnia secula seculorum. Amen.

The judgments and practices of this kind of our venerable Beda; Of Boniface Archbishop of Mainz, and Lullus his Successor; Of the Council of Clovesho and Calchuth; and of Abbot Alchuvinus and others: from the year 714, to 796. you have already cited in the precedent Chapter.

[Anno 813] The Synod of Towers in France, under Charles the Great, c. 1. decreed: Primo omnium admonuimus generaliter cunctos, qui nostri conventui interfuêre, ut obedientes sint Domino excellentissimo Imperatori nostro, et fidem quam ei promissam habent inviolabiliter conservare studeant. Orationes quoque assiduas intent fundere pro ejus stabilitate ac incolumitate omnes se velle secundum. nostram admonitionem unanimiter professi sunt, ut misericordia divina longiori aevo illius mansuetudinem conservare dignetur, &c.

[Anno 813] The Council of Mainz about the same time under Charles the Great, c. 1, &c. made this Prayer for him and his Posterity: In nomine Patris et Filii, et Spiritus sancti; Gloriosissimo et Christianissimo Imperatori Carolo Augusto, verae Religions Rectori, ac Defensori Dei Ecclesiae, una cum prole sua, ejusque Fidelibus, vita et salus, honor et benedictio, cum victoria sine five mansura.

[Anno 813] The Council of Cavailon the same year under this Charles the Great, thus decreed: Omnis iste Conventus gratissima deliberatione decrevit, ut ab omnibus indesinenter orationes fiant pro vita et incolumitate, pro salute animae et corporis Domini Imperatoris prolisque ejus; pro statu Regni, &c.

The Synod of Reims the same year under the same Emperor decreed: Ut pro Domino Imperatore suaque Nobilissima prole, Orationes et Oblationes, quae pro ipsis hactenus Deo Omnipotenti oblatae sunt augeantur, ut eos suis temporibus in praesenti seculo cum omni saelicitate custodiat, et in futuro cum sanctis Angels suis pia miseratione gaudentes efficiat.

[Anno 823] The like is decreed in Capitularia Caroli Magni & Ludovici, l. 7. c. 7. Fredericus Lindebrogus Codex Legum Antiqu. p. 1663. The Synod of Paris under Lewis & Lotharius, Anno 829. l. 1. c. 8. as it presseth all Obedience, Subjection, and Loyalty to Kings, so it prescribes constant Prayers for them, from the 1 Tim. 2. concluding thus: Si enim Hieremias Propheta Dei, pro vita Idololatrae Regis Nebuchadonozor orare admonet, quanto magis pro salute Christianorum Regum de omnibus ordinibus Deo est humiliter supplicandum?

The Synod of Paris under Bishop Odo made this Decree: Praecipitur district omnibus Presbyteris ut pro Domino Rege faciant specialem commemorationem quando poterunt.

[Anno 830] Theodulphus Abbas Floriacensis, et Aurelianensis Episcopus in his Poems to Ludovicus the Emperor thus prays for him. Inclite Caesar ave, Ludovice serene, valeque,

Et tibi cunctipotens det bona cuncta Deus.

Orbis te totus laudat, veneratur, amatque,

Et monitis paret, sedulus unde tuis, &c.

Grates pro vestrâ summa pietate rependam.

Aeterno Patri, qui vos regnare potenter,

Et mores sanctos servare salubriter egit,

Prospera multigenis concedens cuncta triumphis, &c.

Vos pater, et gnatus, Sanctus quoque Spiritus omni

Tempore concedat Domino praestante valere.

In his Poem, In Adventu Caroli filii Augustorum, he hath this Salutation, and Prayer for him.

Salve Regum sancta proles.	Salve Regum sancta proles,
Nullus ordo, nulla rerum,	Chare Christo Carole.
Men's & lingua, cor, voluntas,	Nunc silescat vastitas,
	Laudem dando personet.
Salve Regum sancta proles,	Chare Christo Carole, &c.
	Clerus ipse primitus,
Dicat omnis plebis agmen,	Consonent in laudibus.
Dives, pauper, sospes, aeger,	Chare Christo Carole, &c.

Which Salve is 7. times more repeated in that Poem, with other Prayers for Prince Charles.

In his Poem, In adventu Lotharii Imperatoris, he useth these Prayers for and Acclamations to him.

• Imperator magne vivas.
• Gaudeat totum tuorum,
• Omnis aetas, omnis ordo,
• Imperator magne vivas,
• Sancta Lothari, Maria virgo,
• Et simul cum Patre magno,
• Imperator magne vivas,
• Et Valens junctis beatis,
• Vestra pax in pace cunctos,
• Intus, extra, longe, juxta,
• Britto cedat, atque Bulgar
• Vita, virtus et potestas,
• Fama felix te sequatur
• Summa summae Trinitati,
• Quae gubernet et coronet,
• Imperator magne vivas.
• Semper et feliciter, which is ten times repeated.
• Agmen hic fidelium,
• Corde dicens intimo,
• Semper et feliciter,
• Te cum Fratribus,
• Servet, armet, protegat,
• Semper et feliciter.
• Hoc Precetur omnibus,
• Firmet apta subditos,
• Fulgeat concordia,
• Omnis ardor Hostium,
• Robur et victoria,
• Atqu • vitae praemia,
• Sit per oevum Gloria,
• Te per omne seculum,
• Semper et feliciter.

[Anno 840] Walafridus Strabus Abbot of St. Gall, in his Poem to Ludovicus the Emperor makes this expression of his Loyalty to, and prays thus for him.

In his Verses to the Empresse Judeth, he prays thus for her, and hers.

In another (b) Poem to her, in reference to her name Judeth, he prays thus for her.

In his other Verses to her, he prays thus.

And in his Poem to Charles the Emperors Son by Judeth, he prays thus for him.

[Anno 840] Haymo Bishop of Halberstat in Germany, Interpretatio. in 1 Epist. Tim. c. 2. v. 1, 2, 3. hath the self-same Commentary, and Words, pressing the duty of praying for Kings, as Remigius forecited.

[Anno 810] Hincmarus Archbishop of Reims in France, flourishing under Charles the Great, and Lewis his son, one of the learnedest Scholars in that age, in his Epistola 1. ad Ludovic • m Balbum Regem, who desired his advice, how he might settle and govern his distracted Kingdom in peace, in such a time of confusion, as we now are in; returns him this answer, in an Epistle thus directed. Domino Ludovico Regi glorioso, Sit semper Salus et Vita. 1. That he should elect good Counsellers of State, quia boni Reges constituti bonos sibi Consiliarios adhibuerunt, & per bonos Reges & bonos Consiliarios regimen populi multa bona habuerunt. 2ly. Vt Seniores et Regni sui Primores convocaret, ut omnes Communi Concilio de Communi Necessitate et Vtilitate tractetis: (the best means of public peace and settlement, as he proves by sundry former presidents;) nec in exordio Regni vestri inter Primores Regni de vestro Regimine oriatur • discordia, quae non sine impedimento possit esse sedata. Et Regni Primores qui vobiscum sunt, sic seipsos & suas voluntates contemperent, ne alios istius Regni Primores ad scandalum per suam cupiditatem, aut negligentiam provocent. 3ly That when this Great Parliamentary Council of the Nobles, and Great men of the Realm should assemble, they should treat of these 6. Heads, very pertinent and seasonable for our times.

Primo, qualiter vos in regimine Regni cum honor & salvamento, ac supplemento de his quae necessaria sunt, cum Regno ac domo vestro possitis insistere. Secundo▪ ut Capitulum, de honor • sanctae Ecclesiae & Sacerdotum & Servorum Dei debito privilegio ad effectum perduci possit; ut & Ecclesiae in isto Regno per occasionabiles cicadas & per indeletas consuetudinarias exactiones, quae tempore Pipini, Caroli & Ludovici non fuerunt, ante annos viginti impositas, non affligantur. Tertio, qualiter Regni Primores cum debita sereniate & honor ergà vos consistere possint, & caeteri Nobiles homines in Regno securitatem habeant, ne per diversa ingenia a suis opibus, quas habere potuerint, despolientur: quia postquam radix omnium malorum cupiditas in Regno isto exarsit, ut nullus, aut poene nullus honorem, aut aliquod bonum sine precio possit adquirere, aut tenere, aut securitatem habere; pax, & consilium & justicia, atque judicium, sicut necesse fuerat, locum in isto Regno non habuerunt. Quarto, ut inveniatis cum Deo & vestris fidelibus, qualiter istae rapinae & depraedationes in isto regno cessent, & miser iste populus, qui jam per plures annos perde praedationes diversas & continuas & per exactiones ad Normannos repellandos affligitur, aliquod remedium habeat, & justitia & judicium quae quasi emortua apud nos sunt, reviviscant: quia usque modo, jam ante plures annos locum in isto regno defensio non habent, sed redemptio & tributum, & non solum paupers homines, sed & Ecclesias quondam divites tàm emarciatas habent. Quinto, ut concordiam quae secundum Deum est, inter fideles Dei & vestros haberi, & vigere quantum potueritis, satagatis; & vos talem ergà eos praeparetis, ut verum consilium vobis dare possint & audeant, &c. Sexto, ut inveniatis cum Deo & vestris sidelibus, qualiter pacem & amicitiam secundum Deum cum vestris sobrinis, patrui vestri filiis & juvenum adjutorium vobis ad Dei voluntatem, & sanctae Eccles • ae ac vestrum honorem, at communem fidelium vestrorum Salvationem exhibeatis. Caeterum qualiter haec ad effectum perveniant, et caetera necessaria inveniantur, et assequautur, Deus est exorandus, &c. Faciendum est judicium pro iniquorum correctione, et pro injuriam sustinentium directione, non pro malevolentiae ultione, nec pro justam causam habentium oppressione, &c. Sollicite unicuique ambulandum est cum Deo suo, et Regi precipue, qui sub tantis erit in poenis in futuro seculo, si malus fuerit, super quantos fuerit in isto seculo, in quo se à malitia non correxit, et non fecit judicium et justitiam, et non ambulavit solicit cum Deo suo.

In the front of his 2d. Epistle to the Emperor Charles the Gresse, Praesentem et futuram optat prosperitatem et gloriam; advising him: Ut Ecclesiam Gallicanam poene collapsam restituat, Regni dissidia tollat, Justitiae leges apud Primores aeque ac subditos sartas tectas conservare, Divinum auxilium per preces crebro imperare, impios et sceleratos coercere; orphanorum et pupillorum patrocinium suscipere; humilitatem, caritatem, mansuetudinem erga omnes sectari, improborumque societatem et samiliaritatem defugere: as the readiest way to public peace, unity and prosperity. His 3d. and 4th. Epistles are full of excellent instructions for young Kings: and his 5th. very pertinent to our Condition. The Emperor Louis the 2d. being dead, Charles the Bald King of France went into Italy to obtain the Imperial Crown from the Pope: which his Brother Louis, King of Germany, taking in ill part, attempted in his absence to invade the Realm of France. Whereupon divers Bishops and Nobles of France being doubtful what to do in this difficult Cause, craved the advice of their Metropolitan, Hincm • rus Archbishop of Reims; who in this Epistle adviseth them at large: In tanta discrimine, confugiendum esse ad arma spiritualia orationum, jejuniorum, aliorumque id genus p • aesidiorum; et in fide proprii Regis Caroli, licet absit, forti • er persistendum; nec oves ulla ration, quantum vis Ludovicus vi invadat regnum, deserendas, Ipsosque Reges libere de suis erratis commone faciendos, ac si parere nolint, etiam à corpore Christi abscindendos; quod multorum S. Patrum exemplis fuse probat. After his debate of the difficulties and dangers on both sides in resisting the unjust Invador of his Brothers Realm, and deserting Charles their absent lawful King, he resolves thus: Nos Episcopy Domini nostri Caroli, si acciderit ut consulere ei non possimus, sicuti cupimus in temporali sui Regni defensione atque tuitione, et consulamus ei in debitae Fidei ob • ervatione. Consulamus et Nobis Dei cooperatione in pia Dei erga illum, observatione, et continua mentis devotione atque pro eo apud Deum et Sanctos ejus obsecratione, &c. Consulamus et nobis ne pro quacunque cupiditate vel temporali emolumento ab illius debita fide exorbitantes, quenquam in illius regnum missis Episcopis, vel quibuscunque internunciis, invitemus, nec pro Abbatiis, vel hono • ibus temporalibus, atque rebus, vel facultatibus nos venundemus, Iudae similes effecti, qui abiens ad Iudaeos dixit; Quid vultis mihi dare, & ego vobis eum tradam? Est etiam, quoniam ab alio quocunque juste & rationabiliter credi non poterimus neque debemus, si quocunque terreno lucro vel illata injuria, salva in Deum fide, seniori nostro (Regi) Fidem non servaverimus, &c. Consulamus etiam quantum adjuvante Domino poterimus, Sociis & commilitonibus nostris, exhortantes eos, ut fidem debitam apud eum observent, &c. Consulamus etiam ei, si sort quis fuerit, qui in absentia ejus Regnum ipsius moliatur subripere, ut moneamus eum de Sacramentis inter se, et Seniorem nostrum factis, quae Rex noster se servare velle fatetur, et proponemus ei sententiam Domini prolatam per Jeremiam Prophetam contra Sedechiam, qui juravit Nebuchadonozor Gentili Regi in Nomine Domini Ezech. 17. & Jerome. ibid. (whose severe) judgment on him for this Perjury he recites at large out of 4 King 25. together with the danger of Perjury out of St. Augustine, Epist. 89. who stiles it, Gravissimum peccatum) Si autem & contra Praepositum suum agentibus consulere non potuerimus; secundum verba sancti Ambrosii, consulamus Nobis, ne faciamus quacunque cupiditate, vel adulatione, vel deceptione, vel communicatione unde vituperetur Ministerium nostrum, & perdamus nomen bonum, &c. Et non solum in vectigalibus stipendiariis militiae, & Ecclesiis debitis, et Regibus deservire jubemur, verum et in Orationibus, sicut Augustinus in libro De Civitate Dei ostendit, (whose words he recites at large.) After which he thus winds up this most learned and seasonable Epistle, worthy reading. Si denique Rex noster fuerit, annuente Deo reversus, recipiamus eum cum ga • dio, & de sibi ac Ecclesiae atque Regni necessariis in postmodum procurare Episcopaliter illum commoneamus, et prosperitati suae congaudeamus; si vero, quod non optamus, aliter judicio Dei contigerit, Devotionem ac fidem debitam erga illum sinceriter custodientes, sicut scriptum est, dicamus cord, dicamus & ore Domino, exultaverunt filiae Iudae, id est, confessionis humillimae, in omnibus judiciis tuis Domine. This was the advice of that learned loyal Bishop in that Age upon this occasion.

[Anno 1000] Gerbertus Archbishop of Reims, afterwards Pope Sylvester the 2d. as he hath this expression of his Loyalty to the Emperor Otho, Epist. 1. Non dicatur reus, cui pro Caesare stare semper fuit gloria, contra Caesarem ignominia. So in his his 20. Epistle, Adelaidi Imperatrici, he concludes thus: M • asententia haec est, quam fidem filio Dominae meae (Imperatori) asservavi, eam matriservabo; si nequeo praesens, saltem absens, been loquendo, been optando, been orando. He begins his 154. Epistle Othoni Imperatori thus. Domino & glorioso Othono semper Augusto Gerbertus gratia Domini Remorum Episcopus, quicquid tanto Imperatori dignum. And in his 31. Epistle to Diedericus the Bishop, in the person of Prince Charles the Emperors Nephew, he thus brands him for his perjury and treachery to the Emperor, and the Republic. Diederico Hypocritarum ideae, Imperatorum infidelissimo, prolisque parricidae, ac in communi hosti Reipublicae. Tu divina & humana confundisti jura. Cur pastorali officio mi • as intendis? quasi vero tu pastor, & non lupus rapax, & non potius alter Judas Apostolus, qui Dominum suum 30. perdidit argenteis, & tu Episcopus qui Dominum tuum Regem Haeredem Regni Regno privasti spe famostssimi quaestus, &c.

[Anno 1010] Fulbertus Carnotensis Episcopus, inscribes his 3, 4, & 13, & 93. Epistles to Robert King of France thus. Domino suo Regi Roberto lonignissimo, Fulbertus Dei & sui gratia Carnotensis Episcopus, in gratia Regis Regum semper manere; statu plenae felicitatis; in perpetuum regnare. Cursum honesti continuum ad beatitudinem finis. He concludes his 76, 77, 78, & 92 Epistles to this King, with Valete regaliter; Vale nunc & semper. Vigeat excellentia vestra. He inscribes his 96. Epistle with this option: Aeterni Regis consortium; and ends it thus: Omnipotens Deus dilatet Imperium vestrum, et dextra vos semper protegat ad pacem sanctae Ecclesiae; Vitam vobis longae • am tribuat, et sua vos benedictione in omnibus exornet. His 97. Epistle is thus directed: Nobilissimo Regi Danemarchiae Cnuto, Fulbert. Dei gratia Carnotensium Episcopus, cum suis Clericis et Monachis Orationis suffragium. In which he writes: Te non modo Christianum, verum etiam erga Ecclesias atque Dei servos benignissimum largitorem agnoscimus. Unde gratias agents Regi Regum, ex cujus dispositione talia descendunt; Rogamus ut ipse Regnum tuum in vobis prosperari faciat, et animam tuam a peccatis absolvat, per aeternum & consubstantialem sibi unigenitum Christum Dominum nostrum in unitate Spiritus sancti. Amen. And his 150 Epist. is thus directed, Dilectissimo Domino suo Roberto, Regi ac Reginae Constantiae, Verum in Domino constantissimo Fulbertus humilis Carnot. Episcopus Fidelitatis obsequium et orationum suffragium, quantum scit et potest. I pretermit his other prayers and options of this kind, Epist. 89, 90, 91, &c.

[Anno 1050] Oecumenius in his Enarratio in 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2. useth the self-same words and passages touching prayers, intercessions and supplications for Kings, as St. Chrysostom and Theodoret, forcited, p. 111, 112, 116, &c.

[Anno 1070] The like doth Theophylact, upon the 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2. whom they both follow.

[Anno 1130] St. Bernard Abbot of Clarevall thus begins and proceeds in his Epistola 45. ad Ludovicum Regem Francorum (written in the name of all the Cistercian Abbots and Monks) Eximio Regi Francorum Ludovico, Stephanus Abbas Cisterciensis, totusque Conventus Abbatum et Fratrum Cisterciens • um, salutem, sospitatem et pacem in Christo Jesus. Rex coeli et terrae regnum vobis in terra donavit, donaturus et in coelo, si quod accepistis juste & sapienter amministrare studueritis. Hoc est quod Vobis optamus, et pro Vobis oramus, ut et hic fideliter, et illic feliciter regnetis. Caeterum vos quonam consilio, Eisdem Nostris pro Vobis orationibus, quas, si recolitis, olim tàm humiliter requisistis, modo tàm acriter repugnatis? Qua enim fidueia manus pr • Vobis levare possumus ad sponsum Ecclesiae, quam ita et fine causa, ut putamus, ausu inconsulto contristaris? Gravem siquidem adversum vos apud eundem sponsum, et Dominum suum querimoniam deponit, dum quem acceperat defensorem, sustinet oppugnatorem, &c. Alioquin si non meremur exaudiri, sed contemnimur, et nos, fratres et amici vestri, et qui quotidie oramus pro Vobis, et Filiis Vestris, et Regno; ex hac jam noveritis parvitatem nostram, &c. He begins his 170 Epistle, ad Ludovicum Juniorem Regem Francorum, with this loyal preface, and seconds it with his constant prayers day and night. Si totus orbis adversum me conjuraret, ut quippiam molirem adversus regiam Majestatem, ego tamen Deum timerem, & ordinatum ab eo Regem offender temere non auderem. Nec enim ignoro ubi legerim; Qui potestati resistit, Dei ordinationi resistit, &c. Non contristabit per illum & de illo Ecclesiam suam, in quem et de quo in tantis plura laetificavit: Quem suo munere contulit, sua longanimitate servabit; et si quid aliter sapitis, et hoc ipsum vobis revelabit, et erudiet corda in sapientia. Hoc optamus, hoc oramus die et nocte. He begins his 220 Epistle to this King thus, Libenter quidem sicut ipse fateri dignamini, etiam propria testante conscientia, quae ad honorem vestrum et regni vestri utilitatem spectant, pro nostro exiguo posse et quaerimus & quaeremus: though he sharply reprehends him therein: In his 221 Epistle to this King (who oppugned the Church) he writes thus. Profecto stabimus & pugnabimus usque ad mortem, si ita oportuerit, pro matre nostra, armis quibus licet, non scutis et gladiis, sed precibus fletibusque ad Deum. Et ego quidem qui me memini praeter Quotidianas preces, quas pro Pace et Salute vestra, atque Regno coram Domino supplex ipso teste fundebam. And why so? Insuper et fratri vestro, ejusque militibus balastariisque Domos Episcopales contra jus et phas inhabitandas, et res Ecclesiae in hujusmodi nefarios usus profligandas audacter nimium exponitis. Dico vobis non erit diu inultum, si haec ita facere pergitis, &c. His 255 Epistle begins thus, Ludovico Dei gratia excellentissimo Regi Francorum, Bernardus Clarevallis vocatus Abbas, fidelis suus, salutem à Rege Regum, & Domino dominantium Ipsi, et Dilectae ejus, et Filiis ejus. Regna terrae & jura Regnorum tun • sane sana suis Dominis atque illaesa persistunt, si divinis ordinationibus ac dispositionibus non resistunt, &c. He adds, Colligitur Concilium. Quid in hoc detrahitur Regiae gloriae, regni utilitatibus? Ibi Vniversae Ecclesiae commendabitur ac rememorabitur Excellentiae vestrae prompta et specialis Devotio, qui Regum primus, aut certe inter primos rabiei persequentium eandem matrem vestram strenuissime, et christianissime defendendo obviastis. I • i glorious ab ingenti illa multitudine debitae gratiae referentur vobis: Ibi a Millibus Sanctorum orabitur pro vobis et vestris. He begins his 138 Epistle, thus. Henrico illustrissimo Regi Anglorum, B. Abbas dictus de Clarevalle, honorem, sospitatem & pacem. And his 139 Epistle, thus. Lothario Dei gratia Imperatori Augusto, B. Abbas de Clarevalle. Si quid potest peccatoris Oratio, Benedictus Deus, qui vos elegit, et erexit cornu salutis Nobis ad Laudem et Cloriam Nominis sui, et reparandum Imperii decus, ad subveniendum Ecclesiae suae in tempore malo, Postremo, ad operandum etiam nunc salutem in medio terrae. From all which passages it is most apparent, that this devout Abbot, with all the Abbots, Monks, Clergy, and Councils in that age, did constantly pray for their own Christian Kings, their Queens, Sons, Posterity, and other Kings & Emperors, wishing all health, safety, happiness, prosperity to them, and their Realms, for the Churches happiness, and did bless God for their reigns, exaltations, successes, Piety, Zeal, and Government.

[Anno 1140] Petrus Abbas Cluniacensis, Epist. l. 2. Epist. 7. Sigivardo Norwegiorum Regi, prefaceth his Epistle with this salutation; in praesenti faeliciter, in futuro, faelicissime cum Christo regnare: & begins it with this Thanksgiving to God: Omnipotenti et aeterno Regi toto cordis affectu gratias agimus, qui menti vestrae favorem et amorem suum inspirare dignatus, in vobis amorem coelestium terrenis affectibus praevaluisse ostendit, &c. And thus closeth it, Ipsi omnium bonorum largitori grates quas possumus agimus; et ut hoc ad effectum perducere satagatis, votis omnibus exoramus. Epist. 39. Glorioso Principi et magnifico Constantinopolitanae urbis Imperatori, John ui Calo, he wisheth, Salutem ab eo qui dat salutem Regibus: beginning with this Thanksgiving. Gratias omnipotenti Regi Regum, cujus Regnum Regnum est omnium seculorum, qui Imperatoriam Majestatem vestram super omnes Christiani nominis Principes exaltavit, et ad tenendam toto orbe Ecclesiam suam, velut in medio Orientis, Occiedentis, Aquilonis constituit, &c. Et ut aliquid beneficii spiritualis vobis istud facientibus, rependamus, sicut Praedecessores nostri ac nos ipsi, Reges Francorum, Reges Anglorum, Reges Hispanorum, Reges Romanorum, ipsos Imperatores, ac vicinos vobis Reges Ungarorum confratres et comparticipes omnium beneficiorum Cluniacensis congregationis fecimus (by their daily Prayers for them) it à sublimitatem vestram, ex parte omnipotentis Dei, &c. in eisdem et spiritualibus beneficiis, plene et perfect, in quantum licet, suscipimus: ut omnipotence Salvator et hîc temporale Regnum vobis adaugeat et conservet, et in futuro, cum sanctis Regibus vos ad sempiternum perducat. Amen. He begins his 46. Epistle to the King of • rusalem with the like Salutation and Thanksgiving to God. Epistola l. 3. Epist. 3. Illustri et religioso Regi Siciliae, Domino et amico Rotgerio, he useth the very same Salutation, blesseth God for him, and ends with this prayer for him: Inde laetamur, inde in domino gloriamur, inde Celsitudinem vestram, etsi vultu incognitam, verae dilectionis brachiis amplectimur: et ut ad honorem nominis sui, et ad salutem populi sui omnipotence Salvator vestram regalem potentiam magnificet et con • ervet, humiliter et frequenter precamur. Epist. l. 4. Epist. 37. to the same King Rotgerio: he wisheth, Bonorum Regum dignitatem et honorem: beginning it with Gratias omnipotenti Regi Regum, qui sublimitatem vestram inter universos Christiani orbis Reges ac Principes quadam specialis magnificentiae gloria insignivit, quadam gloriosi nominis fama singulariter exaltavit. Adding, Personam vestram Regnumque Omnipotenti Deo, Religiosisque tam nostris, quam aliis congregationibus, studicsissime commendavi. Epistola 36 Illustri ac magnifico Principi, Domino Ludovico Regi Francorum, is prefaced with this option: Feliciter hic regnare, Regemque Regum in Regno ac decore suo videre: and begins with, Licet Regis aeterni militiam, quam per te Regem terrenum contra inimicos crucis suae armare disposuit, ad peregrina euntem comitari non valeam: Devotione tamen, oratione, consilio, et auxilio, quali quantoque potero, prosequi concupisco, &c. I shall only add, Epist. l. 6. Epist. 16. Magnifico Principi, domino Rotgero, Regi Siciliae, Frater Petrus humilis Cluniacensium Abbas, Salutem praesencem et Regnum sempiternum. Audientes obitum • iliorum, vestrorum valde doluimus, et t • m pro sosyitate vestra, quàm pro omnibus illorum, Missas celebrari, orationes ad Deum sundi, eleemosynas fieri, in conventu nostro praecepimus. Non solum autem nunc sed et saepe diebus solempnibus et majoribus capitulis nostris, inter alios Reges amicos et Benefactores nostros, vestri memoriam frequentamus.

[Anno 1160] Stephanus Tornacenfis Episcopus, thus ends his Epistola 39. Illustri, R. Hungariae Regi: Valeat sanctitas vestra et Regnum vestrum coram Domino. And he inscribes his 170 Epistle thus. Canuto Illustri Dacorum Regi, Salutem, vitam et victoriam, and concludes it in this manner, Valeat et crescat in dies semper Magnificentia vestra.

I could draw down a continual series of Authorities almost every year, from the year of our Lord 1200. till this present, pressing and practicing this duty of Prayer for Kings, in public and private, in their Commentaries, Epistles, and other writings; but to avoid Prolixity, I shall refer the Readers to Hugo de sancto victor, Petru • Lombardus, Nicholaus Gorran, Anselmus Laudensis, Petrus Commestor, Hugo Cardinalis, Dion. Carth • sianus, Nicholaus Lyranus, Hugo de sancto victor, Isiodor Clarius, Vitus Theodorus, Johannes Sarisburiensis, Alexander Alesius, Jo. Arbor • us, Jo. Bradmyllerus, Tho. de Vio Cajetan, Calvin, Bulinger, Gualther, Hemmingius, Arrias Montanus, Nic. Hemingius, And. Hyperius, And. Scaynus, Nic. Selneccerus, Dan. Tossanus, Fran. Titeburamus, Jo. Brand myllerus, Jo. Faber, Egidius Hunnius, Jo. Miyer, Alf. Salmeron, Guil. Estius, Jo. Gagneius, Claud. Guilliandus, Cornelius a Lapide, Junius, Beza, Marlorat, Lamb. Danaus, Cl. Espencaeus, Ant. Fayus, Phil. Melancthon, Wolf. Musculus, Jo. Piscator, Frid. Balduinus, Deodatus, Georg. Dibuadius, Georg. Wenirichius, Adam. Sasbout, Pet. Steuartius, Jodoc. Willichius, Hugo Grotius, Dr. Hamond, and others in their Commentaries, Explanations, and Annotations on the 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2, 3. the Harmony of Confessions, Chapter of the Civil Magistrate, who all press this duty in point of precept and practice, as well for Pagan as Christian, vicious and tyrannical, as Virtuous and Gracious, Heretical and Popish, as well as Orthodox and Protestant Kings and Emperors. As for the Forms of public and private Prayers for them, I shall refer you to all ancient and modern Missals, Processionals, Pontificals, Ceremonials, Psalters, Primers, Litanies, Manuals, Books of Prayers and Devotions, which are almost infinite in all Popish and Protestant Kingdoms throughout the World. I shall only recite a few public Prayers of this Nature, for Example sake.

The 1. is Missa Aethiopum, Or the usual Forms of Common Prayers used in all the Ethiopian Churches: wherein there are these, Preces pr • Rege Da Domine pacem, Regi nostro Claudio, et Principibus ejus, & Judicibus ejus, & subditis ejus, orna eos omni genere pacis, Rex pacis pacem da Nobis, quoniam omnia dedisti Nobis.

The 2. is the ancient Prayers used for the Roman Emperors in Churches Deus Regnorum omnium & Christiani maxim Protector Imperii: Da servo tuo Imperatori nostro R. triumphum virtutis tuae scienter excolere, ut qui tua constitutione est Princeps, tuo munere sit Potens, Per eundem Dominum nostrum.

Deus qui ad praedicandum aeterni Regis Evangelium, Romanorum Imperium praeparasti, praetende famulo tuo Imperatori nostro R. arma coelestia, ut pax Ecclesiarum nulla turbetur tempestate bellorum, Per eundem Dominum nostrum.

These two Forms of public Prayers are still retained in Missal Romanum ex decreto Concilii Tridentini, Princed Salamanticae, 1588. Orationes ad diversa, p. 81, 82. and Missal Romanum ex decreto Pii quinti Antuerpiae 1630. Orationes ad diversa, p. 76, 77. to which there are these two Prayers, pro Rege subjoined.

Quaesumus omnipotence Deus ut famulus tuus, N. Rex noster, qui tui miseratione suscepit Regni gubernacula, virtutum etiam omnium percipiat incrementa: quibus decenter ornatus, & vitiorum monstra devitare, & ad te qui via, veritas & vita es, gratiosus valeat pervenire. Per Dominum.

Munera quaesumus Domine, o • lata sanctifica, ut & nobis Vnigeniti tui corpus fiant, Et Regi nostro ad optinendam animae corporisque salutem; et ad peragendum injunctum officium, te largiente, usquequaque proficiant. Pereundem Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum.

What other Prayers have been used for them, I have before transcribed, p. 40. To which I shall add, that in most Litanies, there is this Prayer inserted. Et Regibus, et Principibus Christianis pacem et veram concordiam donare digneris; te rogamus. Never more seasonable to be used than now.

In the Pontificale Romanum, restored and published by command of Pope Clement the 8. printed Antuerpiae 1627. p. 486, 487. There is this set Form of receiving the Emperor, when he comes to any City, or notable Town, by the Clergy thereof in way of Procession, entitled, Ordo ad Recipiendum Processionaliter Imperatorem. Quando Imperator venit ad aliquam urbem vel oppidum insigue, Clerus ur • is o • viam venit ei Processionaliter, extrà portam, &c. Imperator, ex equo descendens, &c. sub baldachino ducitur usque ad Ecclesiam. Processio praecedit immediate Imperatorem, &c. Whiles they go in procession towards the Church, divers Anthems and Hymes are sung; and when the Emperor enters into the Church, the Bishop or chief Minister, turning towards the Emperor, saith, Deum judicium tuum Regi da: and the Chorus answer, Et justitiam tuam filio Regis, V. salvum fac N. Imperatorem nostrum Domine. R. Deus meus sperantem in te. V. mitte ei auxilium Domine de sancto. R. Et de Zion tueri eum. V. Nihil proficiat Inimicus in eo. R. Et filius iniquitatis non opponat nocere ei. U. Fiat pax in virtute tua. R. Et abundantia in turribus ejus. U. Dominus exaudiorationem meam. R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. U. Dominus vobiscum. R. Et cum spiritu tuo. Oremus.

Deus in cujus manu sunt corda Regum, inclina ad preces humilitatis nostrae aures misericordiae tuae, Et Imperatori nostro famulo tuo N. Regimen tuae sapientiae appone, ut haustis de tuo fonte consiliis, et tibi placeat, et super omnia regna praecellat.

Praetende Domine quaesumus, famulo tuo N. Imperatori nostro dexteram caelestis auxilii, ut te toto cord perquiret, et quae digne postulat assequi mereatur. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

After which follows p. 487, 488. Ordo ad recipiendum processionaliter Regem; almost in the self-same words with some variation only in the Anthem; and this Prayer.

Deus, cui omnis potestas & dignitas famulatur, da huic famulo tuo Regi nostro N. prosperum suae dignitatis effectum, in qua te semper timeat, tibique jugiter placere contendat. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Ibidem p. 489. follows, Ordo ad recipiendum processionaliter Principem magnae potentiae, little different from that of Kings. And p. 491. Ordo ad recipiendum processionaliter Imperatricem vel Reginam. Where the responsory is fitted to these Persons; and then this Prayer ensues. Oremus.

Deus, cujus providentia insua dispositione n • n fallitur, ineffabilem clementiam tuam supplices exoramus, ut sicut Esther Reginam, Israeliticae plebis causa salutis, ad Regis Assueri thalaemum, regnique sui consortium transire fecisti: ità hanc famulam tuam Christianae plebis salutis gratia, ad gratiam tuam transire facias; ut tibi super omnia jugiter placere desideret, et te inspirante, quae tibi placita sunt, toto cord perficiat, et dextera tuae potentiae illam semper hic et ubique circumdet. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

I shall cloze up this Chapter with the Decree of the Synod of Towers in France, Anno 1584. Imprimis, Deo optimo maximo haec Synodus referendas gratias cenfuit, (prout refert) Quod divini ejus spiritus afflatu, Christianissimus Rex noster, Ecclesiae Dei statum ac ordinem modis omnibus Roborare disponens; Conciliorum Provincia lium in universo Galliae regno celebrationem gratam non solum habuerit, sed eam etiam indici procuraverit: hinc futurum sperans, ut quae summo nostro malo diutius grassatae sunt Heresies, radicitus extirpentur, & quibus turpiter Ecclesia deformatur, prorsus abo • eantur abusus, ac toti Galliae mul • is jamdudum seditionibus, ac perturbationibus afflictae, omnium bonorum votis desiderata pax plenissime restituatur. Idcirco summopere exoptat, et humilibus a Deo precibus obnixe contendit haec Synodus, ut Regem tam pium, tamque Religiosum fidei suae conservatione stabiliat, aequa justitiae rogatione muniat, pacem ei locupletem reddat, misericordiae fulciat affectibus, virium fortitudine roboret, commissa sibi Regni Gubernacula discreto moderamine tenere concedat, ut commissos sibi populos benign regat, aeque judicet, et ad pietatis jura modificetur, illum et piissimam Religiosamque ejus sponsam virili prole fructuosoque Regni successore locupletet, ejusque optimam matrem, quam diutissime conservet. Itaque cum sancta sit et Augusta Regum Majestas, sitque ut Sacrilegus et parricida, qui vel re vel verbo tenus Regem violat; Quod priscis cautum est Conciliis, quodque praesertim in Synodo apud Lauriacum pagum Andegavensem habita pridem fuit constitutum, renovans haec Synodus statuit. Quandoquidem Religioni inimicum, & hominibus constat esse perniciosum, futura curiosius perscrutari, & fata Principum eorumque casus inquirere, cum scriptum sit; Non est vestrum nosse momenta, vel tempora, quae Pater posuit in sua potestate: hoc Decreto censemns, ut quisquis inventus fuerit talia perquisivisse, et vivente Principe de alio Regni successore habendo consilium intisse, sibique hac in re socios conciliasse, a conventu Catholicorum excommunicationis sententia expellatur.

Quin etiam pro perversis hominum moribus emendandis salubri deliberatione c • ns • mus, Ne quis in Principem maledicta congerat: Scriptum est enim a Legislatore; Principem populi tui ne maledi • eris. Quod si quis fecerit, excommunicatione Ecclesiastica plectatur. Nam si maledici Regnum Dei non possidebunt; Quanto magis talis ab Ecclesia necessario pellitur, qui divinae sententiae violator, atque in Principem peccans, invenitur?

Si quis contra Regiam dignitatem dolose, callide et perniciose machinari comprobatus fuerit, nisi dignissime satisfecerit, anathematizetur.

Si quis potestati Regiae (quae non est nisi a Deo) contumaci ac inflato Spiritu, contra anthoritatem et rationem pertinaciter contradicere praesumpserit, et ejus justis Imper • is obtemperare noluerit, anathema sit.

CHAP. VIII.

[Anno 565] I Now proceed in the last place to the Solemn public Prayers, Acclamations, Supplications, Thanksgivings, Collects, usually made at the Solemn Coronations of Christian Emperors, Kings and Queens, and the Homage and Oaths of Allegiance and Fidelity then commonly sworn to them by their Prelates and Nobles, especially in England.

I shall begin with Corippus, who poetically relating the manner of the Coronation of the Emperor Justin, and his Empresse Sophia, Anno 565, (he living in that Age) brings in the Patriarch of Constantinople, thus praying for him, and the People supplicating and praying for their happiness, long life, and prosperous Reign, with united reiterated Shouts and Acclamations.

[Anno 1330] Cautachuthenus, Histor. l. 1. c 41. recording at large the Ceremonies used at the Coronation of the Emperors of Constantinople, and particularly of the inauguration of Andr • nicus the younger, Anno 1330. informs us, That the Patriarch of Constantinople ascending upon a Scaffold: Patriarcha precationes ad Imperatorum unctionem compositas, alias submissa, alias clara voice, omnibus audientibus ordine recitat, ac Deum, ei qui ungendus est propitiat, &c. Patriarcha vero ad soleam consistens, pro Imperatore, Imperatrice, et eorum populis Preces pronunciat. After which Diaconus sublata voice inquit, Memor sit Dominus Deus potentiae Imperii vestri, in Regno suo ubique, nunc et semper, et in secula seculorum, addens, Amen. Deinceps et reliqui Diaconi ac Sacerdotes adeuntes, idem comprecantur. After his Consecration he ascends into the Catechumeum, where he may be seen of all, where there is a Hymn Sung to his Praise, et sanctis Acclamationibus ab omnibus excipitur.

As touching the Ceremonies used at the Coronations of the Roman Emperors, and the several Prayers, Collects, Oaths made at them, you may consult at leisure, Hieromymus Balbus de Coronatione ad Carol. 5. c. 6, & 31. Gunther. lib. 1. Onuphrins de Comitiis Imperatoriis, c. 10, 11. Bartholomeus Chassaneus, Catalog. Glor. Mundi pars 5. consid. 27. Krantzius Saxoniae Hist. l. 4. c. 37. Sigonius de Regno Ital. l. 1, 3, 4, 7. Aventinus Annal. Boyorum, l. 6. Antonius Sabinus, Georgius Flammin. Grimstones Imperial History and others in the lives of the Emperors Charles the 5th. Maximilian 1, & 2. Matthias & Ferdinand. The form of the Emperors coronation in Italian, printed 1558 and above all others Melchior Goldastus Politica Imperialia: Part. 3. Discurs. 3.

[Anno 800] The old Ordo Romanus Antiqu▪ de divinis Catholicae Ecclesiae Officiis et Ministeriis, compiled about 800. years after Christ, as Iodocus Coccius, and others apprehend, prescribes this form of Consecration, Prayers, and Collects at the Emperors Coronation, which I shall recite, because omitted by Mr. Selden; it begins thus,

To this I shall subjoin the Ceremonies and Prayers made at the Coronation of the Emperor of Russ •• , recorded both in Latin and English in the Marginal Authors.

The Solemities used at the Russe Emperors Coronation, are on this manner. In the great Church of Precheste (or our Lady) within the Emperors Castle is erected a Stage, whereon standeth a Screen, that beareth upon it the Imperial Cap and Robe of very Rich stuff. When the day of the Inauguration is come, there resort thither, first, the Patriarch with the Metropolitans, Abchbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and Priors, all richly clad in their Pontificalibus. Then enter the Deacons with the Qier of Singers. Who so soon as the Emperor setteth foot into the Church, begin to sing: Many years may live Noble Theodore Juanowich, &c. whereunto the Patriarch and Metropolitan, with the rest of the Clergy, answer with a certain Hymn, in form of a Prayer, singing it altogether with a great noise. The Hymn being ended, the Patriarch with the Emperor mount up the Stage, where standeth a Seat ready for the Emperor. Whereupon the Patriarch willeth him to sit down; and then placing himself by him upon another. Seat provided for that purpose, boweth down his head towards the ground and saith this Prayer: O Lord God, King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's, which by thy Prophet Samuel diddest choose thy Servant David, and anoint him for King over thy People Israel, hear now our Prayers, and look from thy Sanctuary upon this thy Servant Theodore, whom thou hast chosen, and exalted for King over these thy holy Nations; anoint him with the Oil of gladness, protect him by thy Power, put upon his Head a Crown of Gold and precious Stones, give him length of days, place him in the seat of Justice, strenthen his Arm, make subject unto him all the barbarous Nations. Let thy fear be in his whole heart; turn him from an evil Faith, and from all error, and show him the salvation of thy holy, and universal Church, that he may judge thy People with justice, and protect the children of the poor, and finally attain everlasting life. This Prayer he speaketh with a low voice, and then pronounceth aloud: All praise and power to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Prayer being ended, he commandeth certain Abbots to reach the Imperial Robe, and Cap: which is done very decently, and with great solemnity, the Patriarch withal pronouncing aloud: Peace be unto all. And so he beginneth another Prayer to this effect: Bow yourselves together with us, and pray to him that reigneth over all. Preserve him (O Lord) under thy holy protection, keep him, that he may do good and holy things, let Justice shine forth in his days, that we may live quietly without strife and malice. This is pronounced somewhat softly by the Patriarch, whereto he addeth again aloud: Thou art the King of the whole world, and the Savior of our Souls; to thee the Father, Son, and the holy Ghost, be all praise forever and ever. Amen. Then putting on the Robe and the Cap, he blesseth the Emperor with the sign of the Cross: saying withal, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost. The like is done by the Metropolites, Archbishops and Bishops: who all in their order come to the Chair, and one after another bl • sse the Emperor with their two fore-fingers. Then is said by the Patriarch another Prayer, that beginneth: O most holy Virgin Mother of God, &c. After which a Deacon pronounceth with a high loud voice: Many years to Noble Theodore, good, honorable, beloved of God, great Duke of Volodemer, of Mosko, Emperor and Monarch of all Russia, &c. whereto the other Priests and Deacons, that stand somewhat far off by the Altar or Table, answer singing, Many years, Many years to the Noble Theodore; The same note is taken up by the Priests and Deacons that are placed at the right and left side of the Church, and then altogether they chaunt and thunder out, singing: Many years to the Noble Theodore, good, honorable, beloved of God, great Duke of Volod • mer, Mosko, Emperor of all Russia, &c. These Solemnities being ended, first cometh the Patriarch with the Metropolites, Archbishops and Bishops, then the Nobility and the whole Company in their Order, to do homage to the Emperor, bending down their heads, and knocking them at his feet to the very ground.

To these Prayers and Acclamations used at the Coronations of Christian Emperors, I shall only annex the Prayer of the very Turks themselves, at the Coronation of their Mahometan Emperors (which they doubtless derived from the Christians) thus briefly related by Leunclavius. When Selim the 2d. after the death of his Father Soliman was placed in the Imperial Throne, Inde per urbem, proclamationes more majorum factae, quibus, vota primum concipiebant • r ut anima Solimanis in paradiso foelix aevum ageret, ac in perpetua gloria quiesceret: deinde, multos ut annos viveret Sultanus Selimes Chan, prosperique status incremento continuo frueretur.

I now proceed to the Prayers and Benedictions used at the Coronation of Christian Kings and Queens, beginginning with those in foreign parts.

Ordo Romanus Antiquus, de divinis Ecclesiae Catholicae Officiis, contains and relates them in this manner,

To these I shall subjoin the Prayers for and Benedictions of Christian Kings and Queens at their Coronation, in Pontificale Romanum Clementis VIII. Pontif. Max. jussu Restitutum atque Editum, Antuerpiae 1627. fol. 163. &c.

These forms of Prayers and Ceremonies are used in most foreign Kingdoms, as Spain, Hungary, Bohemia, Poland, &c. with some little variation relating only to their particular Kingdoms.

M. Paulus Stranskie Reipub. Bohemiae, Lugd. Bat. 1634. c. 5. sect. 12, to 20. p. 572, &c. describing at large the manner of the Coronation of the Kings of Bohemia in later times, informs us, That after the Supreme Burgrave of Prague hath in the name of the most blessed and undivided Trinity pronounced such a one to be elected and accepted King of Bohemia, all the multitude hearing this, presently cry out, Vivat, vivat, vivat N. Bohemiae Rex: After which having taken his Oath, the Archbishop and Bishops use several set Prayers for him; and all the People, as well those who are present as absent at the Coronation feast, cry out with ingeminated joyful shouts, Vivat, vivat, vivat, Triumphatis Reipublicae Hostibus N. Bohemiae Rex.

In France they have a particular Pontifical or form of Prayers, Benedictions and Ceremonies used at the Consecration of their Kings, written and used in the year 1365. the first year of Charles the 5th. King of France, by his special command, and thus subscribed.

Ce liure du sacre des Roys de France est a nous Charles le v▪ de nostre nom Roy de France; & le fimes corriger, ordeiner, escrier & istorier l' an 1365. agreeing for the most part with that in Laurentius Bochellus, Decretorum Ecclesiae Gallieanae, lib. 5. Tit. 2. De Consecratione & Coronatione Regis Franciae, c. 1. p. 701, to 755.

Having given you this Account of the Ceremonies and Prayers used at the Coronations of Forein Christian Emperors and Kings; I shall next present you with the Order, Prayers, Ceremonies and Solemnities used at the Coronations of our ancient Saxon and English Kings; especially with those in later ages, since our Kings and Queens became Protestants, never formerly published in print.

For the manner and ceremonies of the Unction, Benediction and Coronation of the Kings of England, the Oaths then taken by them, with the Oaths and Homages made by the Prelates & Nobles to them, mentioned in our Histories, (being not so pertinent to my Theam) I shall refer the Readers to peruse them at their leisu • e, in Mat. W • stm. Flores Hist. part 1. Anno 435, 445, 454, 465, 498, 516. Galfridus Monumetensis, Histor. Regum Brit. l. 9. c. 7, 8. &c. during the British Kings reigns. Wilhelmus Malmesburiensis, de Gestis Regum Angl: l. 2. c. 4. 6. 9. 13. Mat. Westminster, Flores Hist. pars 1. Anno 855, 871, 924, 940, 946, 959, 973, 974, 975, 979, 1016, 1035, 1042. Leges Edwardi Confessoris, Lex 17. in Mr. Lam • ards Archaion, Fox Acts and Monuments, London 1641. Vol: 1. p. 214. for our Saxon and Danish Kings. Malmesburiensis, Howden, Brompton, Mat: Paris, Mat: Westminster, Tho. Walsingham, Speed, Holinshed, Grafton, Stow, in the Lives of King William 1, 2. Henry 1. King Stephen, Henry 2. Rich. 1. King John, H. 3. Edw. 1, 2, 3. R. 2. H. 4, 5, 6. Edward 4. Richard 3. H. 7, & 8. Edward 6, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and King James, whose respective Coronations, Oaths, and Solemnities they recite. To which I shall add Rot. Parl. anno 1 R. 2. n. 44. & 1 H. 4. n. 17 53. to 62. and Robertus H • lcot in lib: Sapientiae, Lectio 74. fol. 73. A. B. where he mentions both the Oath, Uncti • n, C • r • monies, and some prayers used at our Kings Coronations. I shall present you 1: With the ancient Form of our Saxon Kings Coronations, and the prayers used at them; recorded by Mr: Selden out of the old Saxon Ceremonial. 2ly: With the Ceremonies and prayers used at the Coronation of King Richard the 2. 3ly: With the u • ual Form of the Coronation of the Kings of England, and their Queens, and of the Prayers used thereat (never hitherto published, and omitted by M: 〈◊〉 , in his Titles of Honor) extracted out of Liber Regulis, being the • orm used at the Co • opations of Henry the 7, & 8. and their Queens, King James, and Queen Ann • , and our late King Charles. 4ly: With the Form of the Co • onation of the Kings of Scotland, • sed at the Coronation o • our late King Charles, ann • 1633.

For the 1: A • r: Selder (our most learned Antiquary) informs us; That there remain • in an old imperfect Pontisical of the Saxon times, a piece of a Ceremonial for the Coronation of the Kings and Queens of England, or of the English-Saxons, wherein after divers Prayers and Benedictions, this sollows for the Anointing.

The Rubrique to this Prayer, is thus; Consecratio Regis ab Episcopo qui arcem tenuerit super eum dicenda, which I understand for the Archbishop: And after the prayer follows this Rubrique. Hic unguatur oleo & haec cantetur Antiphona, the Anthem being thus,

There the Copy is defective; nor hath it more that concerns Anointing the King. But after the Ceremonies that belong to the whole Coronation of the King, follows the form of the crowning the Queens also of that age, who were likewise anointed.

The words used at their anointing were,

Then it goes on thus, in the Kings Coronation.

Which are the same almost in a Syllable that in the latter Ceremonials of the English Coronation, are appointed for the particular time of the putting on the Crown.

By the same old Ceremonial also, the Queen after her Unction and receiving the Ring, is to be Crowned with these words, which are also in the latter Forms.

Thus much for the Saxon Kings & Queens coronations.

I find this Note of the principal Officers used at the Coronation of our King Richard the first.

For the 2d. it is thus related by Thomas of Walsingham, Hist. Angliae, p. 193, to 197.

For the third, I shall present you with the Ceremonies and Prayers used at King James, Queen Annes, and our late King CHARLES their Coronations at Westminster, (of which I have two Authentic Copies) never formerly Printed.

The King passing up the body of the Church, and so through the Choir goeth up the Stairs unto his Throne of Estate, and there reposeth himself.

The King set in his Throne, the Archbishop going to every of the four sides of the Stage, viz. North, South, East and West, (the Marshall of England, going before him to all the said places) asketh the people if they be willing to accept of the King as their Sovereign, that he may be Anointed and Crowned? His verbis.

The people demanded if they be willing.

Sirs, here I present unto you King James, the rightful Inheritor of the Crown of this Realm, wherefore all you that be come this day to do your homage, service, and bounden duty, be ye willing to do the same?

Or thus,

Sirs, here present is James rightful and undoubted Inheritor by the Laws of God and Man, to the Crown and Royal dignity of England, with all things thereunto annexed and appertaining, elect, chosen and required by all three Estates of this same Land, to take upon him this said Crown and Royal dignity, whereupon you shall understand that this day is fixed and appointed by all the Peers of the Land, for the consecration, enunction and Coronation of the said most excellent Prince James. Will you serve him at this time, and give your wills and assents to the same Consecration, Enunction, and Coronation?

Or thus,

Will you take this worthy Prince James, right Heir of the Realm, and have him to your King, and become Subjects to him, and submit yourselves to his Commandments?

This while, the King standing up, turneth himself to every of the four sides, as the Archbishop is at every of them speaking to the people.

The people signifying their willingness, by answering all in one voice, Yea, Yea, God save King James. The Choir singeth the Anthem.

While the Choir singeth the Anthem, the Archbishop goeth down to the Altar, and revesteth himself there.

The Archbishop being there ready, the King, supported by the two Bishops, (as before) and attended by the Abbot of Westminster, goeth down from his Throne to the Altar.

The Kings Offering, and the Sermon.

There he maketh his first Oblation, which is, Pallium unum, & una libra auri.

After the King hath Offered, he kneeleth down at his Fald-stool.

The Archbishop saith the Prayer.

Then doth the Sermon begin, which the King heareth in his Chair of Estate by the Altar on the South fide of it.

The Sermon being done, the Archbishop goeth to the King, and a • keth his Majesty concerning his willingness to take the Oath, usually taken by his Predecestors.

The King (showing himself willing therewithal) ariseth and cometh to the Altar.

The Archbishop ministereth the three first questions, and the King answereth them severally. Scilic • t.