Church History of Britain

CENT. XIV.

TO CLEMENT THROCKMORTON, the Elder, OF Haseley in Warwick-shire, Esq

1. AMidst these cruel Wars, betwixt the English and Scots, Pope Boniface the eighth, sent his Letters to King Edward, requiring him to quit his claim, and cease his Wars, and release his prisoners, of the Scotch Nation, as a people exempt, and properly pertaining to his own Chapel. Perchance the Popes right to the Crown of Scotland is written on the back-side of Constantine's Donation. And it is strange, that if Scotland be the Popes peculiar Demeanes, it should be so far distant from Rome, his chief Mansion house; he grounded his Title thereunto, because Scotland was first converted, by the relics of S ^t Peter, to the unity of the Catholic faith. But it seems, not so much ambition in his Holiness, made him at this present to start this pretence, but the secret solicitation of the Scots themselves, who now to avoid the storm of the English, ran under this Bush, and put themselves in the Popes protection.

2. Hereupon King Edward called a Council of his Lord's at Lincoln, where perusing the contents of the Popes prescript, he returned a large answer, where in he endeavored by evident reasons, and ancient predceents, to prove his propriety in the Kingdom of Scotland. This was seconded by another from the English Peerage, subscribed with all their hands, the whole tenor whereof deserves to be inserted, but this passage must not be omitted, being directed to no meaner then his Holiness himself.

The Pope perceived he had met with men, which understood themselves, and that King Edward was no King John, to be frighted or flattered out of his Right, he therefore was loath to clash his Keys against the others sword, to try which was made of the hardest metal; but foreseeing the Verdict would go against him, wisely non-suited himself. Whereas had this unjust challenger, met with a timorous Defendant, it had been enough to have created an undeniable title to him and his successors. The best is, Nullum tempus occurrit Papae, no process of time doth prejudice the Popes due; but whensoever he pleaseth to prosecute his right, Scotland lieth still in the same place where it did before.

3. About this time a subject brought in a Bull of Excommunication against another subject of this Realm, and published it to the Lord Treasurer of England, and this was by the ancient Common-Law of England adjudged Treason against the King, his Crown and dignity, for the which, the offender should have been drawn and hanged, but at the great instance of the chancelour and Treasurer, he was only abjured the Realm forever. And this case is the more remarkable, because he was condemned by the Common-Law of England, before any particular Statute was enacted in that behalf.

4. But the Courage of the King Edward most appeared in humbling and ordering Robert Wincelsey, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. He was an insolent man, hated even of the Clergy, because though their champion to preserve them from Civil and Secular burdens, yet the Popes Broker, to reserve them for his unconscionable exactions, as if keeping Church-men to be wronged by none, but himself. Long had the King looked on him with an angry eye, as opposite to his proceedings, and now at the last had him at his mercy, for plotting Treason with some others of the Nobility, against him, against him, projecting to depose him, and set up his Son Edward in his Room.

5. The Arch-Bishop throwing himself prostrate at the Kings feet, with tears and lamentation, confessed his fault in a posture of cowardly dejection, descending now as much beneath himself, as formerly he had arrogantly insulted over others; some are loath to allow him guilty of the crime objected, others conceive him only to have done this, presuming on the Kings noble disposition for pardon. But such must yield him a Traitor either to the Kings Crown, or to his own innocence by his unworthy acknowledging his offense. Thus that man who confesseth a debt, which he knows not due, hoping his Creditor will thereupon give him an acquittance, scarce deserveth pity for his folly, if presently sent to prison for non-payment thereof. Then he called the King his Master, a term, wherewith formerly his tongue was unacquainted, (whom neither by word or letter he would ever acknowledge under that nation) tendering himself to be disposed at his pleasure.

6. No, Quoth the King, I will not be both party and judge, and proceed against you as I might by the Common-Law of the Land. I bear more respect to your order, whereof you are as unworthy as of my favor: having formerly had experience of your malice in smaller matters, when you so rigorously used my Chaplains attending on me in their ordinary service beyond the Seas; so that though I sent my Letters unto you, you as lightly regarded what I wrote, as what they pleaded in their own behalf. Wincelsey having but one guard for all blows, persisted in his submission, desiring (a president unparalle'd) that the King would give him his blessing: No, said the King, it is more proper that you should give me your blessing. But, well, I will remit you to your own great Master the Pope, to deal with you according to your deserts. But the Arch-Bishop loath belike to-go-to Rome, and staying longer in England, then the Kings command, and (perchance) his own promise, lurk'd in a Covent, at Canterbury, till fourscore Monks were by the Kings command thrust out of their places for relieving him out of their charity; and were not restored till the aforesaid Arch-Bishop was banished the Kingdom.

7. Not long after he appeared before Pope Clement the fifth, at Burdeaux, where having been so great a stickler for his Holiness, (insomuch that his present disfavour with the King was originally caused by his activity for the Pope) he might rationally have expected some courtesy. But though he had used both his hands to scrape treasure for the Church of Rome; the Pope would not lend his least finger to his support, but suspended him from office and benefit of his place, till he should clear himself from the crime of Treason wherewith he was charged. Whether done to procure reputation to the Justice of the Court of Rome; where, in public causes, men, otherwise privately well deserving, should find, no more favor there, then they brought innocence thither: Or because (which is most probable) the Pope loved the Arch-Bishopric, better then the Arch-Bishop; and knew during his suspension, both to increase his profit, and improve his power in England, by such cunning Factors, as he employed in the business; namely, William de Testa, and Peter Amaline, both strangers, to whom the Pope committed the sequestration of Canterbury, whilst the cause of Wincelsey did as yet depend undetermined.

8. These by Papal Authority, summoned before them John Salmon Bishop of Norwich, for exacting the first-fruits of vacant Benefices, from the Clergy of his Diocese. The case was this. Some sixty years since, Pandulph, an Italian, and Popes Legat (a perfect Artist in progging for money) being Bishop of Norwich, pretending his Church to be in debt, obtained of his Holiness the first-firuits of vacant Benefices in Norfolk, and Suffolk, to discharge that engagement. This Grant to him, being but personal, local, and temporary, was improved by his Successors to a constant revenue; yea (covetousness being an apt Scholar, and profit an easy lesson) this example was followed by other English Bishops in their respective Dioceses. Behold here a piece of exemplary Justice. Who could have looked for less (the illegality of these payments appearing) but that the Clergy should be eased of them? Whereas these foreign Sequestrators did order, that generally throughout England, the first-fruits of all spiritual promotions falling void next, for three years should be paid over to the Popes Chamber at Rome; only Cathedral, and Conventual-Churches were excepted herein. No reason is rendered, why the burden fell on Parish-Churches; except any will say, that the Ass must bear more then the Horse; and the load is best laid on that beast, which hath least mettle to kick it off, and throw it down: the poor Parochial Clergy being most unable to resist the usurpation of his Holiness.

9. Afterwards, this William Testa, who according to his name, came over an empty shell, but departed with the kernel of the English wealth, complained of, for his extortion to the Parliament, was called home, and Peter a Spanish Cardinal sent in his room; where he concluded and celebrated a marriage, betwixt Prince Edward and Isabel, the King of France his Daughter. Towards the bearing of his charges, this Cardinal required twelve mark of all Cathedrals, and Convents; and of Parish-Churches eight pence out of every mark of their yearlie revenue. But the King made him content with the moity of his demand.

10. Mean time intolerable were the taxes, which the English Clergy paid to Rome. The Poets fain Arethusa, a River in Armenia, to be swallowed up by the earth, and running many miles under the Ocean, in Sicily (they say) it vents itself up again. But (without any fiction) the wealthy streams, flowing from a plentiful spring in England, did suddenly disappear, and being insensibly conveyed in invisible channels, not under, but over the Sea, were found far off to arise afresh at Rome, in the Popes Treasury; where the Italians, though (being themselves bred in a clear and subtle Climate) they scorned the dullness of the wits, and hated the gross air of this Island, yet hug'd the heaviness of the gold thereof; this Kingdom being one of the best places for their profit. Although proud Harding saith, that the Popes yearly gains out of England were but as a GNAT to an ELEPHANT. Oh the over-grown Beast of Rome's Revenues!

11. The death of King Edward the first, gave a great advancement to the Popes encroaching. A worthy Prince he was, fixed in his generation betwixt a weak Father, and son; as if made wise and valiant by their Antiperistasis. Equally fortunate in drawing, and sheathing the sword; in war, and peace: having taught the English loyalty, by them almost forgotten; and the Welsh, subjection, which they never learned before. In himself religiously disposed; founded the famous Abbey of Val-royal for the Cistercians in Cheshire, and by Will bequeathing thirty two thousand pounds to the Holy War. Obedient, not servile to the See of Rome. A soe to the pride, and friend to the profession of the Clergy: whom he watered with his bounty, but would not have to spread so broad, as to justle, or grow so high as to overtop the Regal Authority; Dying in due time for himself, almost seventy year old; but too soon for his Subjects, especially for his Son, whose giddy youth lack'd a guide to direct him. In a word, As the Arm of King Edward the first was accounted the measure of a yard, generally received in England: so his actions are an excellent model, and a praise-worthy platform for succeeding Princes to imitate.

12. Edward his Son, by Letters to the Pope, requested, that Robert Wincelsey might be restored to his Arch-Bishopric, which was done accordingly, though he returned too late to Crown the King; which solemnity was performed by Henry Woodlock, Bishop of Winchester. Here let the peaceable Reader part two contrary reports from fighting together, both avowed by Authors of credit. Some say, Wincelsey, after his return, received his profits maim'd and mangled, scarce amounting to half; and that poor pittance he was fain to bestow to repair his dilapidated Palace. Others report, his revenues not less'ned in quantity, and increased in the entireness, were paid him all in a lump; insomuch, that hereby (having learned thrift in exile to live of a little) he speedily became the richest of all his Predecessors; so that he gained by losses; and it was his common Proverb, that, There is no hurt in adversity, where there hath been no iniquity; and many make his future success, and evidence of his former innocence.

13. The calamitous Reign of King Edward the Second, afforded little history of the Church, though too much of the Common-wealth except it had been better. A debauched Prince this Edward was; His beauty being the best (not to say only) commendable thing about him: He had an handsome man-case, and better it had been empty with weakness, then (as it was) ill filled with vitiousness. Pierce Gaveston first corrupted him, maugre all the good counsel that Robert, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and all his good friends, could give him. And, when Gaveston was killed and taken away, the Kings badness was rather doubled, then diminished; exchanging one pandor to vice for two, the two Spencers. In a word, the Court was turned Tavern, Stews, Stage, Play-house: wherein as many vain and wanton Comedies were acted before the King in his life time, so a sad, and sorrowful Tragedy was acted by him a • his death.

14. Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, encouraged by the laziness of King Edward, thought this a sit time to recover his Country, and which the English detained from him. Wereupon he regained Berwick, inroaded England, invaded Ireland. King Edward in wrath advanceth against him, with an Army rather dancing then marching, fitter for a Masque, then a Battle: their horses rather trapped then armed: In all points it appeared a triumphant Army, save that no field as yet was fought by them. Thus, excluding all influence of Divine Providence, and concluding 'twas Fortunes duty to favor them, at Sterling they bid the Scots battle, wherein ten thousand of our men are by our own Authors confessed to be slain. There fell the flowere of the English Nobility, the King with a few, hardly saving himself by flight. Thus, as Malleus Scotorum, the Hammer, or mauler of the Scots, is written on the Tomb of King Edward the first, in Westminster: Incus Scotorum, the Anvil of the Scots, might as properly be written on the Monument (had he any) of Edward the second.

15. But leaving these fights, we proceed to other Polemical Digladiations, more proper for our Pen; namely the disputes of SCHOOL-MEN, which in this Kings Reign were heightened to perfection; Formerly those were termed Scholastici, who in the Schools were Rethoricians, making therein Declamatory Orations. Such Exercises ceasing in this Age, the Terme was Translated to signify those who bused themselves in Controversial Divinity, though some will have them so called, from Scolion a Commentary, their studies being generally nothing else then illustrations of the text of Peter Lombard, the Master of the Sentences. Take them here together at one view, intending to resume them again in their several Characters.

Besides, many other School-men of inferior note, which we pass by in silence; Now we may safely dare all Christendom besides to show so many Eminent School-Divines, bred within the compass of so few years; insomuch that it is a truth what a foreign writer saith, Scholastica Theologia, ab Anglis, & in Anglia, sumpsit exordium, fecit incrementum, pervenit ad perfectionem. And although Italy falsely boasteth that Britain had her Christianity first from Rome; England may truly maintain, that from her (immediately by France) Italy first received her School-Divinity.

16. Of these School-men, Alexander Hales goeth the first, Master to Thomas Aquinas, and Bonaventure, whose livery in some sort, the rest of the School-men may be said to wear, insisting in his foot-steps. At the command of Pope Innocent the fourth, he wrote the body of all School-Divinity in four Volumes. He was the first Franciscan whoever took the degree of Doctor in the University (who formerly counted the height of a degree inconsistent with the humility of their order) as appeareth by the close of his Epitaph.

So great an honorer of the Virgin Mary, that he never denied such who sued to him in her name: As since our M ^r Fox is said never to have denied any who begged of him for Jesus Christ.

17. Roger Bacon succeeds. O what a sin is it to be more learned then ones Neighbors in a barbarous age! being excellently skilled in the Mathematics (a wonder-working Art, especially to ignorant eyes) he is accused for a Conjurer by Hieronymus de Esculo, Minister general of his Order, and afterwards Pope, by the name of Nicholas the fourth. The best is, this Hieronymus before he was a Pope was not Infallible, and therefore our Bacon might be scandalized by him; however he was committed to Prison at Rome, by Pope Clement the fourth, and remained in durance a considerable time, before his own innocence, with his friends endeavors, could procure his enlargement.

18. For mine own part, I behold the name of Bacon in Oxford, not as of an Individual man, but Corporation of men; No single Cord, but a twisted Cable of many together. And as all the Acts of Strong men of that nature are attributed to an Hercules: All the predictions of Prophecying women to a Sibyll; So I conceive all the achievements of the Oxonian Bacons in their liberal studies, are ascribed to ONE, as chief of the name. And this in effect is confessed by the most learned and ingenious Orator of that University. Indeed we find one Robert Bacon who died Anno, One thousand two hundred forty eight, a Learned Doctor, and Trithemius styleth John Baconthorpe, plain Bacon, which addeth to the probability of the former assertion. However this confounding so many Bacons in one, hath caused Anticronismes in many Relations. For how could this Bacon ever be a reader of Philosophy in Brasen-Nose College, Founded more then one Hundred years after his death; so that his Brasen head (so much spoken of, to speak) must make time past to be again, or else these inconsistences will not be reconciled. Except any will salve it with the Prolepsis of Brasen-Nose Hall, formerly in the place where the College is now erected. I have done with the Oxford Bacons, only let me add, that those of Cambridge, Father and Son, Nicholas and Francis, the one of Bennet, and the other of Trinity College, do hold [absit in vidia] the Scales of desert, even against all of their name in all the world besides.

19. John Duns Scotus succeeds, who some will have called Scotus, ob profundi ssimam dicendi obscuritatem, from his profound obscurity in writing: Indeed there was one Heracletus, to whom cognomen Scotinon fecit orationis obscuritas, but others conceive him so called, either from Scotland his Country, or John Scott his father. Nor was he called Duns, as some will have it contractedly from Dominus, but from the place of his Nativity, though three Kingdoms earnestly engage to claim him for their Country-man.

I doubt not but the Reader will give his verdict, that the very Scotiety of Scotus belongeth to England as his Native Country, who being born in Northumberland, which Kingdom in the Saxon Heptarchie extended from Humber to Edinburgh Frith; it was a facile mistake for Foreigners to write him a Scotch-man on his Monument. As for the name of Scotus, it is of no validity to prove him that Country-man; as a common-Sir-name amongst us, as some four years since, when the Scotch were enjoined to depart this Land, one M ^r English in London, was then the most considerable Merchant of the Scotch Nation. The sad manner of Scotus his death is sufficiently known, who being in a fit of a strong Apoplexy, was by the cruel kindness of his over-officious friends, buried whilst yet alive, and recovering in the grave, dashed out his brains against the Coffin, affording a large field to such wanton wits in their Epigrams, who could make sport to themselves on the sad accident of others.

20. I had almost over-seen John Baconthorpe, being so low in stature, as but one remove from a Dwarfe, of whom one saith,

21. William Occam sided with Lewis of Bavaria against the Pope, maintaining the Temporal power above the Spiritual; he was fain to fly to the Emperor for his safety, saying unto him,

22. Robert Holcot was not the meanest amongst them, who died of the Plague at Northampton, just as he was reading his Lectures on the seventh of Ecclesiasticus; wherein as many Canonical truths, as in any Apocrypha chapter; and although as yet in his public reading he was not come to the last verse thereof (so proper for mortality) we may charitably believe he had seriously commented thereon, in his private meditations. Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss.

23. Thomas Bradwardine bringeth up the rear, though in learning and piety (if not superior) equal to any of the rest, witness his worthy book against Pelagianism, to assert the freeness of God's grace in man's conversion, which he justly intituleth, De causa Dei, of God's cause; for as God is a Second in every good cause, so he is a Principal in this, wherein his own honor is so nearly concerned. And though the Psalmist saith, plead thine own cause O Lord; yet in this age (wherein Miracles are ceased) God pleadeth his cause, not in his Person, but by the proxie of the tongues, and pens, hands, and hearts, of his Servants. This Bradwardine was afterwards Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and how highly esteemed, let Chaucer tell you.

This testimony of Chaucer by the exact computation of time, written within forty years after Bradwardines death, which addeth much to his honor, that in so short a time his memory was in the peaceable possession of so general a veneration, as to be joined in company with S ^t Augustine and Boethius, two such eminent persons in their several capacities.

24. The School-men principally employed themselves in knotty and thorny Questions of Controversial Divinity; Indeed as such who live in London, and like populous places, having but little ground for their foundations to build houses on, may be said to enlarge the breadth of their houses in height (I mean increasing their room in many stories one above another; so the School-men in this age, lacking the latitude of general learning and languages, thought to enlarge their active minds by mounting up. So improving their small bottom with towering Speculations, though some of things mystical, that might not, more of things difficult, that could not, most of things curious that need not be known unto us.

25. Their Latin is generally barbarous, counting anything Eloquent that is Expressive, going the nearest way to speak their own Notions, though sometimes trespassing on Grammar, abusing if not breaking Priscians head therein: Some impute this their bald and thread-bare language, to a design that no vermin of Equivocation should be hid under the • ap of their words; whilst others ascribe it to their want of change, and their poverty in learning, to procure better Expressions.

26. Yet these School-men agreed not amongst themselves in their judgments. For Burley being Scholar to Scotus, served him as Aristotle did Plato his Master, maintaining a contrary faction against him. Ocham his Scholar, father of the Nominals, opposed Scotus the founder of the Reals; which two sactions divided the School-men betwixt them; Holcot being a Dominican, stiffly resisted the Franciscans, about the conception of the Virgin Mary, which they would have without any original sin. However the Papists, when pressed that their Divisions Mar their Viritie, (a mark of the Church whereof they boast so much) evade it, by pleading that these poines are not de side only, in the out skirts of Religion, and never concluded in any Council to be the Articles of faith.

27. All of these School-men were Oxford, most Merton College men. As the setting up of an eminent Artist in any place of a City, draws Chapmen unto him to buy his wares, and Apprentices to learn his Occupation. So after Roger Bacon had begun School-Divinity in Merton College, the whole Gang and Genius of that house successively applied their studies thereunto, and many repaired thither from all parts of the Land for instruction in that nature. Mean-time Cambridge men were not Idle, but otherwise employed, more addicting themselves to preaching, whereof though the world took not so much notice, possitive Divinity not making so much noise as controversial (where men engage more earnestness) yet might be more to God's glory, and the saving of the souls of men.

28. Some will wonder, seeing School-Divinity was so rise in Oxford in this Age, for some hundred years together (viz. from towards the end of Henries, to the end of Edwards Reign, both the third of their names) how the study thereof, should sink so suddenly in that University, which afterwards produced not such eminent men in that kind. But hereof several reasons may be assigned:

28. Return we now to the Common-wealth which we left bad, and find amended, as an old fore without a plaster in cold weather; King Edward rather wilsul then weak, (if wilsulness be not weakness, and sure the same effects are produced by both, ruin and destruction) slighted his Queens company, and such a Bed, if left (where Beauty without Grace) seldom standeth long empty. Queen Isabel blinded with fury, mistook the party who had wronged her, and revengeth her husbands faults on her own conscience, living incontinently with R. Mortimer; a man martial enough, and of much merit otherwise, save that an Harlot is a deep pit, therein invisibly to bury the best deserts. The two Spencers ruled all at pleasure, and the King was not more forward to bestow favors on them, as they free to deal affronts to others their superiors in birth and estate. Thus men of yesterday, have Pride too much to remember what they were the day before; and providence too little to fore-see what they may be tomorrow. The Nobility (then petty Kings in their own Countries) disdained such Mushrooms should insult over them; and all the Spencers insolencies being scored on the Kings account, no wonder if he (unable to discharge his own engagements) was broken by suretyship for others.

29. I find it charged on this King, that he suffered the Pope to encroach on the dignity of the Crown, to the great damage, and more dishonor of the Nation. Indeed his father left him a fair stake, and a winning hand, (had a good Gamester had the playing thereof) having recovered some of his privileges from the Papal usurpation, which since it seems his Son had lost back again, though the particulars thereof in History do not so plainly appear. Only it is plain, that to support himself, and supply his necessities, he complied with the Clergy (a potent party in that age) favourably measuring out the causes of their cognizances; for although in the Reign of his Father, an hedge was made by an Act in that nature, betwixt the Spiritual and Temporal Courts; yet now a Ditch (an new act) was added to the former scene. So that hereafter (except willfully) they could not mutually trespass on each others Jurisdictions.

1. COlledges, yet, were few, and Students now many in Oxford: whereupon Walter Stapleton, (Bishop of Exeter) founded and endowed one therein, by the name of Stapletons Inn, since called Exeter College. This Bishop was one of high Birth and large Bounty, being said to have expended a years revenues of his (this rich) Bishopric in the Solemnity of his instalement. He also founded Hart-Hall in Oxford. But oh the difference betwixt the Elder and Younger Brother, though Sons to the same Father! the one carrying away the whole Inheritanoe, whilst the other sometimes hath little more than himself left unto Him, as here this Hall is altogether unindowed.

2. This worthy Bishop had an unworthy and untimely death some ten years after. For being Lord Treasurer, and left by the King in his absence, to govern, the (then mutinous) city of London, the Citizens, (not without encouragement from the Queen) furiously fell upon him, and in Cheapside most barbarously butchered him, and then (as hoping to bury their murder with his body) huddled him obscurely into a hole. But afterward to make his Ghost some reparation and stop the clamour of the Clergy, the Queen ordered the removing and interring of his Body and his Brothers (a valiant Knight slain on the same account) in the Cathedral of Excter. One would wonder this Bishop was not made a Martyr and Sainted in that Age, save that his suffering was of civil concernment, and not relating to Religion.

3. This House hath since found two eminent Benefactors, first, Sir William Petre (born of honest Parentage in Exeter) principal Secretary to four successive King and Queens. One who in ticlish and turning times, did good to himself, (got a great estate) injurious to none, (that I ever heard, or read of) but court • us to many, and eminently to this College, wherein he bestowed much building, and augmented it with eight Fellowships.

4. The other George Hackwel Doctor of Divinity, late Rector thereof, who though married, and having children, (must it not be a quick and large fountain, which besides filling a Pond, had such an over flowing stream?) bestowed more than one thousand pounds in building a beautiful Chapel. This is He who wrote the Learned and Religious Apology for Divine Providence, proving that the World doth not decay. Many begin the reading thereof with much prejudice, but few end it, without full satisfaction, converted to the Authors Opinion, by his unanswerable Arguments.

5. This College consisteth chiefly of Cornish and Devonshire men, the Gentry, of which latter, Queen Elizabeth used to say, were Courtiers by their birth. And as these Western men do bear away the Bell for might and sleight in wrestling, so the Scholars here have always acquitted themselves with credit in Palaestra literarie. The Rectors of this House anciently were annual, (therefore here omitted) fixed, but of latter years, to continue the term of their lives.

So that lately therein were maintained, one Rector, twenty three Fellowes, a Bible-Clerk, two Pensioners, Servants, Commoners and other Students to the number of two hundred.

6. Clergy-men began now to complain, that the Lay-Judges entrenched on their Privileges, and therefore they presented a Petition to the King in his Parliament at Lincoln, requesting the redress of sixteen grievances. To most of them the King returned a satisfactory answer, and so qualified his denials to the rest, that they could not but content any reasonable disposition.

7. These Concessions of the King were digested into Laws, and are printed at large in the Statutes known by the title of Articuli Cleri. Whereon Sir Edward Coke in the second part of his Institutes, hath made no less learned then large Commentary. So that though the Law of circumspecte agatis had stated this difference; Yet it seems this Statute (as Circumspectivus agatis) was conceived very requisite.

8. Moreover, these Statutes did not so clearly decide the difference betwixt the Spiritual and Temporal Jurisdictions, but that many contests happened afterwards betwixt them, no longer ago then in the fifth of King James, when the Doctors of the Commons under Richard Bancroft (Arch-Bishop of Canterbury their General) opposed the Judges about the indeterminable controversies of Prohibitions. Add hereunto, that the Clergy claimed to themselves the most favorable interpretation of all Statutes in their own behalf, whilst the Temporal Judges (in the not sitting of Parliaments) challenged that privilege to themselves.

9. The most lasting Monument of the memory of woeful King Edward the second, was the building of Orial College in Oxford. Indeed some make Him, and others Adam Brown his Almoner Founder thereof, and both perchance truly, the King allowing, his Almoner issuing money for the building and endowing thereof. Others will have it, that his Almoner persuaded him on conscientious Principles to this good work, pertinently all eadging and pressing this instance, to prove that the Kings nature not bad in itself, but too yielding to the impressions of others. Now whereas the other Alms of this King were perishing, as relieving only poor for the present, these, as more lasting, have done good to many Generations.

10. I meet with no satisfactory reason of the name which some will have to contain something of Easternes therein: So situated comparatively to some more ancient Foundation. Others deduce it from Criolium an eminent room in Monaesteries, and I cannot but smile at such who will have O Royal, as a Pathetical admiration of Princely Magnificence.

11. However, I do not deny, but that the Kings of England have been very indulgent to this Foundation. For besides, King Edward the second the Founder thereof, his Son King Edward gave unto them the Hospital of Saint Bartholomew's nigh Oxford, with Lands to maintain eight poor people, subject to the government of the Provost and Fellows of this College. Besides, King James being informed of some Legal defects in this Foundation, granted them a new Corporation Cavil-proof against all exceptions.

12. This College being much decayed, Anthony Blencow late Provost, bequeathed twelve hundred pounds to the new building of a Front thereof: Which being done, lest it should be a disgrace to the rest of the Fabric, the whole College is rebuilt in a most decent manner.

So that lately were maintained therein, one Provost, eighteen Fellows, one Bible-Clerk, twelve Exibitioners, with Commoners and College Officers amounted to one hundred and sixty.

13. Let us cast our eye on the Common-wealth only, as it is the Ring wherein the Diamond of the Church is contained, and that now full of Cracks, caused by the several state-factions. The two Spencers ruled all things till the Queen and her Son (who politiquely had got leave to go beyond the Seas) returned into England with a Navy and Army landing in Suffolk; She denounceth open war against her Husband, unlessse he would presently conform to her desires.

14. The King proclaimed that a thousand pound should be given to Him that brought the head of Roger Mortimer. The Queen proclaimed (such who had the better purse may give the greater price) that whosoever brought the head of the young Spencer (it seems his Father was not so considerable) should have two thousand pounds. The Queens party gave out that the King of France had sent over a vast Army for her assistance, and the Kings side Anti-rumoured (who could raise reports easier then Armies) that the Pope had excommunicated all such who sides against him: now though both reports were false, they made true impressions of hope in such hearts as believed them.

15. Three ways were presented to King Edward, Fight, Flight, and Concealment, the first he was unable to do, having no effectual Forces, only able for a time to defend the Castle of Bristol, till many of his Complices were taken therein: a Tower therein (given out to be undermined) being indeed undermonied with bribes to the defenders thereof. Here the elder Spencer was taken and executed.

16. Flight was no less unsafe then dishonorable, For his Kingdom being an Island, the Sea would quickly put a period thereunto. Indeed there was some thoughts of his Flight into Ireland, which was no better then out of a dirty way, into a very Bogg, besides great the difficulty to recover the Sea, and greater to pass over it, all Ports and passages were so way-laid.

17. Concealment was at the last resolved on, not as the best; but only way of his security, for a time he lay hid amongst the Welsh (not able to help, but willing to pity him as a Native of their Country) concealed in the Abby of Neath, till men are sent down with money (no such ligh: as the shine of silver wherewith to discover a person inquired for) and soon after he was betrayed into their hands. The younger Spencer taken with him, is hung on a Gallows fifty foot high, and the promised two thousand pounds were duly paid, and equally parted betwixt several persons employed in his apprehension.

18. Many Persons of quality were sent down from the Parliament then sitting, to King Edward, to Kenelworth Castle, to move (alias to command) him to resign the Crown, which at last he sadly surrendered. Sir William Trussel a Lawyer of great [abused] abilities (being rather to make then find a precedent in this kind) improved his wits in the formalities thereof. Soon after, Prince Eward his Son is Crowned King, whose Father is now no more then plain Edward of Caernarvon, though his mother (whose title was Relative to, and a Derivative from her Husband the dethroned King) was now more Queen Isabel then ever before. Thus the degradation of a Knight (as some have informed me) extendeth not to his Wife, who by the courtesy of England, if once, is ever a Lady.

19. Edward late King, with many Letters Solicited to be admitted into the Queens company. All in vain, she found embraces at a less distance, dearer unto her, preferring the society of a Lord, who, in effect, had deposed a King, before a King, who had deposed himself: She made many excuses of sickness, and indisposition to enjoy him. So easily can that Sex make plausible pretences, that they cannot, what they will not do.

20. Roger Mortimer, whose lust and revenge was equally insatiable, could not be quiet whilst King Edward was alive: he feared King Edward was might play an after game of affection in his Subjects, in order therefore to his death, he is removed from Kenelworth (where the Earl of Leicester his Keeper was suspected too, sympathising with his sorrow) unto Berkley Castle, where he was barbarously butchered, being struck into the Postern of his body with a hot spit, as it is generally reported.

21. Nothing now remaineth in this Kings reign, save to take notice, how the Clergy (understand such who were Active (for Newters, shall pass for none) stand affected in this great State-difference. I find not enough to call a number of the Bishops cordial to the King. For besides Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter (of whom before) only John Stratford Bishop of Winchester heartily adhered unto him, and yet this Stratford was employed on a message from the Parliament to the King at Kenelworth, to persuade him to resign sign the Crown, though having no other design, then the Kings safety therein. He hoped that in this tempest the casting out of the Lading, would save the Hulke of the Ship, and the surrendering of the Scepter, secure the Kings person.

22. With John Stratford let me couple Robert de Baldock (though no Bishop, a Bishops mate) as a Priest and Chancellor of England. This man unable to assist, resolved to attend the King, and was taken with him in Wales. Hence was he brought up to London, and committed to Adam Tarleton Bishop of Hereford. Here the shadow of Tarleton Miter, (if pleased to put forth his power) might have secured this his Guest-prisoner from any danger, whereas on the contrary, it is more then suspicious that he gave a signal, to the tumultouous people to seize his person. For he was dragged to Newgate, and there paid his life for his Loyalty: yet was never heard to complain of the dearness of his penyworth. If any violence was secretly offered unto his person, he might endure it the more patiently, having read, that the Disciple is not above his Master, nor the servant better then his Lord. This Baldock was a good Justicer, nor charged in our Chronicles with any misdemeanor, save faithfulness to an unfortunate Master, and his Memory will travers his Innocence, as confessing the Fact, but denying any fault therein.

23. But we have more then a good number of such Bishops, which ungratefully sided with the Queen, against her Husband, and their Sovereign. Walter Reynolds Arch-Bishop of Canterbury leads their Van, preferred to that See, at the Kings great importunity, and by the Pope his Power of Provision. On the same token that, a Far better Man, Thomas Cobham by name, Dean of Salisbury, (so learned and pious a person, that he was generally called the good Clergy-men) legally elected by the Commons, was put by, by the Pope, to make room for this Reinolds. He afterwards complied with the Queen, (his new Mistress) against his old Master, active to perform his desires. This some seek in vain to excuse, by pleasing Her imperious spirit, and this Arch-Bishops fearfulness, alleging, that cowardliness is rather a defect in nature, then default in Morality.

24. A word by the way of the nature of the Popes provisions (lately mentioned) which now began to be a general grievance of our Nation. When any Bishopric, Abbots place, Dignity or good Living (Aquila non capit muscas) was like to be void, the Pope (by a profitable Prolepsis to himself) predisposed such places to such successors as he pleased. By this devise he defeated (when so pleased) the Legal election of all Convents, and rightful presentation of all Patrons. He took up Churches before they fell, yea, before they ever stumbled: I mean, whilst as yet no suspicion of sickness, in Incumbents younger and healthier than his Holiness himself. Yea, sometimes no Act of Provision, was entered in scriptis in the Court, only the Pope was pleased to say by word of mouth, (and who durst confute him?) he had done it. So that Incumbents to Livings, who otherwise had a rightful Title from their Patrons, were, (to purchase their peace) glad to buy of the Popes provisions. Yea, his Holiness sold them aforehand to several persons, so that not he who gave the first, but the most Money, carried away the preferment.

25. Next we take notice of Henry Burwash Bishop of Lincoln, lately restored to the favor of King Edward, and by him lately esteemed. Yet no sooner did the Queen appear in the field, with an army, against him, but this Bishop was the first, and for wardest, who publicly repaired unto Her. This Burwash was he, who by mere might, against all right and reason, took in the Land of many poor people, (without making also the least reparation) therewith to complete his Park at Tinghurst. These wronged persons, though seeing their own Bread, Beef, and Mutton, turned into the Bishops Venison, durst not contest with him who was Chancellor of England, though neither Law, nor equity in this his Action; only they loaded him with curses and execrations. This mindeth me of a Modern accident, when, (some twenty years since) a Knight went about injuriously to inclose the Commons of a Town, and demanded of his Builiffe what the railing in of the same would amount to; to whom his servant answered, that if he would take in the Commons, the Country would find him railings, as here they did this injurious Bishop. Otherwise let me say, that enclosures made without oppression, are a grand enriching both to private persons and to the Commonwealth.

26. Here let the Reader smile or frown, I am resolved to write what I find recorded in a Grave Author, deriving it no doubt from good intelligence. This Bishop Burwash is said after his death, to have appeared to one of his former familiar friends, appareled

27. This pretended Apparition seems inconsistent with the nature of Purgatory, as usually by Papists represented to people. Surely the smoke thereof would have sooted his Green suit, and the Penance seems so slight and light for the offense, as having so much liberty and pleasure in a place of Command. Some Poets would have fancied him rather conceived himself turned Acteon-like, into a Deere, to be daily hunted by his own Hound; (guilt of Conscience) until he made restistution. But it seems there be degrees in Purgatory, and the Bishop not in the Prison itself, but only within the Rules thereof, privileged to go abroad, (whether on his Parel, or with his Keeper, uncertain) till he could procure Suffrages for his Plenary relaxation.

28. Adam Tarlton Bishop of Hereford, is the last we will insist on, born in that City, where afterward he became Bishop, yet not honored, but hated, and feared in the place of his Nativity. He was the grand Engineer, and contriver of all mischief against the King. Witness the Sermon preached by him at Oxford, before the Queen (then in hostile pursuit after her Husband) taking for this Text the words of the sick Son of the Shunamite) My head, my head. Here his wit and malice endeavored to reap, what God's Spirit did never intentionally sow, and urged that a bad King (the distempered head of a State) is past Physic, or Chirurgery to be cured by Receits or Plasters, but the only way is to cut it off from the Body.

29. His writing was worse then his Preaching: For when such Agents set to keep King Edward in Berkley Castle, were (by secret Order from R. Mortimer) commanded to kill him, they by letters addressed themselves for advice to this Bishop (then not far off at Hereford) craving his Counsel, what they should do, in so difficult and dangerous a matter. He returned unto them a Ridling Answer, altogether unpointed, which carried in it Life and Death, yea, Life or Death, as variously construed, resolved to be guided and governed wholly by his direction, not to dispute, but do what from him was recommended unto them, as knowing him able both in Conscience and Policy to advise them.

30. This Adam Tarlton was afterwards accused of Treason, in the beginning of the reign of King Edward the third, and arraigned by the Kings Officers, when in the presence of the King, he thus boldly uttered himself,

Three Arch-Bishops were there present in the place, Canterbury, York, and Dublin, by whose intercession, Tarlton escaped at that time.

31. Not long after, he was arraigned again at the Kings Bench, the news whereof so startled the Clergy, that the foresaid Arch-Bishops erected their standards, I mean, set up their Crosses, and with ten Bishops more, attended with a numerous train of well-weaponed servants, advanced to the place of judicature. The Kings Officers frighted at the sight, fled away; leaving Tarlton the Prisoner alone at the Bar; whom the Arch-Bishops took home into their own custody, denouncing a curse on all such who should presume to lay violent hands upon him.

32. The King offended hereat, caused a jury of Lay-men to be impannelled, and to inquire according to form of Law, into the actions of the Bishop of Hereford. This was a leading case, and the first time that ever Laymen passed their verdict on a Clergy-man. These Jurors found the Bishop guilty, whereupon the King presently seized on his Temporals, he proscribed the Bishop, and despoiled him of all his moveables. However, afterwards he came off, and was reconciled to the King, and by the Pope made Bishop of Winchester, where he died, a thorough old man and blinded with age, many envying so quiet a death, to one who living had been so turbulent a person. But these things happened many years after.

BOOK IV.