Church History of Britain
7. Here the ingenuous Reader must acknowledge, that many of these opinions are truths, at this day publicly professed in the Protestant Church. For the rest, what pity is it that we want Wycliffe 's works, to hear him speak in his own behalf. Were they all extant, therein we might read the occasion, intention, and connection of what he spake; together with the limitations, restrictions, distinctions, qualifications, of what he maintained. There we might see, what was the overplus of his passion, and what the just measure of his judgment. Many phrases, heretical in sound, would appear orthodox in sense. Yea, some of his poisonous passages, dressed with due caution, would prove not only wholesome, but cordial truths; many of his expressions wanting, not granum ponderis, but salis, no weight of truth, but some grains of discretion. But now alas! of the two hundred books, which he wrote, being burnt, not a tittle is left, and we are sain to borrow the bare titles of them from his adversaries; from whom also these his opinions are extracted, who winnow his works, as Satan did Peter, not to find the cor •• , but the chaff therein. And how can did some Papists are in interpreting the meaning of Protestants, appears by that cunning Chymist, who hath distilled the spirits of Turkism, out of the books of Calvin himself.
8. Now a Synod was called by Simon Sudbury, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, at Paul 's in London (the Parliament then sitting at Westminster) whither Wycliffe was summoned to appear; who came accordingly, but in a posture and equipage different from expectation. Four Friars were to assist; the Lord Piercy to usher; John, Duke of Lancaster, to accompany him. These Lord's their enmity with the Prelates, was all Wicliffes acquaintance with them; whose eyes did countenance, hands support, and tongues encourage him, bidding him to dread nothing, nor to shrink at the company of the Bishops; for, they are all unlearned (said they) in respect of you. Great was the concourse of people; as in populous places, when a new sight is to be seen, there never lack look is on: and to see this manbaiting, all people of all kinds flocked together.
9. The Lord Piercy, Lord Marshal of England, had much ado to break thorough the crowd in the Church; so that the bustle he kept with the people, highly offended the Bishop of London, profaning the place, and disturbing the Assembly. Whereon followed a fierce contention betwixt them; and left their interlocutions should hinder the entireness of out discourse, take them verbatim in a Dialogue, omitting only their mutual railing; which, as it little became persons of honor to bring; so it was flat against the profession of a Bishop to return; who, by the Apostles precept, must be patient, not a brawler.
Lord Piercy, if I had known before hand, what maisteries you would have kept in the Church, I would have stopped you out from coming hither.
He shall keep such masteries here, though you say nay.
Wycliffe, sit down, for, you have many things to answer to, and you need to repose yourself on a soft seat.
It is unreasonable, that one, cited before his Ordinary, should sit down during his answer. He must, and shall stand.
The Lord Piercy his motion for Wycliffe is but reasonable. And as for you my Lord Bishop, who are grown so proud, and arrogant, I will bring down the pride, not of you alone, but of all the Prelacy in England.
Do your worst Sir,
Thou bearest thyself so brag upon thy parents, which shall not be able to help thee; they shall have enough to do to help themselves.
My confidence is not in my Parents, nor in any man else, but only in God in whom I trust, by whose assistance I will be bold to speak the truth.
Rather then I will take these words at his hands, I'd pluck the Bishop by the hair out of the Church.
These last words, though but softly whispered by the Duke, in the ear of one next unto him, were notwithstanding over-heard by the Londoners; who, enraged that such an affront should be offered to their Bishop, fell furiously on the Lord's, who were fain to depart for the present, and for a while by flight, and secrecy to secure themselves; whilst, what outrages were offered to the Dukes palace, and his servants, Historians of the State do relate.
10. Wonder not that two persons, most concerned to be vocal, were wholly mute at this meeting; namely, Simon the Arch-Bishop, and Wycliffe, himself. The former (rather acted, then active in this business) seeing the brawl happened in the Cathedral of London, left the Bishop thereof to meddle, whose stout stomach, and high birth, made him the meeter match to undertake such noble adversaries. As for Wycliffe, well might the Client be silent, whilst such Council pleaded for him. And the Bishops found themselves in a dangerous Dilemma about him; it being no pity to permit, nor policy to punish, one protected with such potent patrons. Yea, in the issue of this Synod, they only commanded him to forbear hereafter, from preaching, or writing his doctrine; and, how far he promised conformity to their injunctions, doth not appear.
11. In all this Synod, though Wycliffe made but a dumb show, rather seen then heard, yet the noise of his success sounded all over the Kingdom▪ For, when a suspected person is solemnly summoned, and dismissed without censure; vulgar apprehensions, not only infer his innocence, but also conclude, either the ignorance, or injustice of his adversaries. In public assemblies, if the weaker party can so subsist, as not to be conquered, it conquers in reputation, and a drawn battle is accounted a victory on that • ide. If Wycliffe was guilty, why not punished? if guiltless, why silenced? And it much advantaged the propagating of his opinions, that at this very time happened a dangerous discord at Rome, long lasting, for above forty years, and fiercely followed; begun betwixt Urban the 6 th , and Clement the 7 th . One living at Rome, the other residing at Avignon. Thus Peters Chair was like to be broken, betwixt two sitting down at once. Let Wycliffe alone to improve this advantage; pleading, that now the Romish Church, having two, had no legal head; that this monstrous apparition presaged the short life thereof; and these two Anti-Popes, made up one Anti-Christ. In a word, there was opened unto him a great door of utterance, made out of that crack, or cleft, which then happened in this seasonable schism at Rome.
12. Edward, the third of that name, ended his life, having reigned a Jubilee, full fifty years. A Prince no less succesful, then valiant; like an Amphibion, He was equally active on water, and land. Witness his naval-victory nigh Sluce, and land-conquest at Chresce, Poitiers, and elsewhere. Yet his achievements in France, were more for the credit, then commodity; honor, then profit of England. For, though the fair Provinces, he Conquered therein, seemed fat enough to be stewed in their own liquor; I mean, rich enough to maintain themselves; yet we find them to have sucked up much of our English sauce, to have drain'd the money, and men of this land to defend them. This made King Edward, to endeavor to his power, to preserve his people from Popish extortions, as knowing, that his own taxes did burden, and the addition of those other would break the backs of his Subjects. He was himself not unlearned, and a great favourer of learned men; Colleges springing by pairs out of his marriage-bed; namely, Kings-Hall, founded by himself in Cambridge; and Queens-College, by Philippa his wife in Oxford. He lived almost to the age, and altogether to the infirmities of King David, but had not, with him, a virgin- Abishag, a virgin-Concubine, to heat him: but (which is worse) in his decrepit age, kept Alice Pierce, a noted strumpet, to his own disgrace, and his people's disprofit. For, she (like a bad tenant, which, holding an expiring lease without impeachment of waste, cares not what spoil he maketh thereon) sensible of what ticklish terms she stood on, snatched all she could rape and rend, unto herself. In a word, the bad beginning of this King, on the murder of his Father, must be charged on his Mothers, and Mortimers account. The failings at his end may be partly excused, by the infirmities of his age; the rather because whilst he was himself, he was like himself; and, whilst master of his own actions, he appeared worthy of all commendations. Richard the second, his Grand-child by Edward the Black Prince, succeeded him, being about twelve years of age, and lived under his Mothers and Uncle's tuition.
13. A Parliament was called a Westminster, wherein old bandying betwixt the Laity, and the Clergy. The former moving, That no officer of the Holy Church should take pecuniary sums, more or less, of the people, for correction of sins, but only enjoin them spiritual penance, which would be more pleasing to God, and profitable to the soul of the offender. The Clergy stickled hereat, for, by this craft they got their gain; and, no greater penance can be laid on them, then the forbidding them to impose money-penance on others. But here the King interposed, That Prelates should proceed therein as formerly, according to the laws of the Holy Church, and not otherwise. Yea, many things passed in this Parliament in favor of the Clergy; as that, That all Prelates and Clerks shall from henceforth commence their suits against purveyers and buyers disturbing them (though not by way of crime) by actions of trespass, and recover treble damages. Also, That any of the Kings Ministers, arresting people of the Holy Church in doing Divine Service, shall have imprisonment, and thereof be ransomed at the Kings will, and make gree to the parties so arrested.
14. About this time Wycliffe was summoned personally to appear before Simon, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and the rest of the Bishops, in his Chapel at Lambeth. He came accordingly, and now all expected he should be devoured, being brought into the Lions Den. When, in comes a Gentle-man, and Courtier, one Lewis Clifford, on the very day of examination, commanding them, not to proceed to any definitive sentence against the said Wycliffe. Never before was the Bishops served with such a prohibition: all agreed, the messenger durst not be so stout, with a Mandamus in his mouth, but because backed with the power of the Prince that employed him. The Bishops struck with a panic fear, proceeded no farther; the rather because the messenger so rudely rushed into the Chapel, and the person of this John Wycliffe was so saved from heavy censure, as was once the doctrine of his godly name-sake, for they feared the people. Only the Arch-Bishop summoned a Synod at London, himself preaching at the opening thereof. We find nothing of his Sermon, but his Text was excellent, Watch and pray. Four constitutions he made therein, three whereof concerned Confession, grown now much into discredit, and disuse, by Wicliffs doctrine, and therefore conceived more needful, to press the strict observation thereof.
15. In the Parliament, kept at Gloucester this same year, the Commons complained, that many Clergy-men, under the notion of Sylva caedua, lopwood, took tithes even of timber itself: Requesting, that, in such cases, prohibitions might be granted, to stop the proceedings of the Court-Christian. It was moved also, that Sylva caedua (though formerly accounted wood above twenty years old) might hereafter be declared that, which was above the growth of ten years, and the same to be made free from tithes. But this took no effect, the King remitting things to their ancient course. To cry quits with the Commons in their complaints, the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury inveigh'd as bitterly, of the Franchises infringed, of the Abby-Church of Westminster: wherein Robert de Hanley, Esquire, with a servant of that Church, were both despitefully, and horridly slain therein, at the high Altar, even when the Priest was singing high Mass, and pathetically desired reparation for the same.
16. Some of the Lord's rejoined on their parts, that such sanctuaries were abused by the Clergy, to protect people from the payment of their due debts; the aforesaid Hanlay being slain in a quarrel on that occasion. And, whereas upon the oaths, and examination of certain Doctors in Divinity, Canon, and Civil Law, it appeared, that immunity in the Holy Church were only to be given to such, who, upon crime, were to lose life or limb, the same was now extended to privilege people, in actions of account, to the prejudice of the creditor. They added moreover, that neither God himself (saving his perfection) nor the Pope (saving his Holiness) nor any Lay-Prince could grant such privilege to the Church: and the Church, which should be the favourer of virtue, and justice, ought not to accept the same, if granted. The Bishops desired a day to give in their answer, which was granted them: but I find not this harsh string touched again all this Parliament; haply for fear, but to make bad music thereon. Complaints were also made against the extortion of Bishops Clerks; who, when they should take but eight pence, for the probate of a Will, they now exacted greater sums then ever before: to which, as to other abuses, some general reformation was promised.
17. In the next Parliament called at Westminster, one of the greatest grievances of the Land was redressed, namely, foreiners holding of Ecclesiastical benefices. For, at this time the Church of England might say with Israel, Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. Many Italians, who knew no more English, then the difference between a teston and a a shilling, a golden noble and an angel in receiving their rents, had the fattest livings in England by the Pope collated upon them. Yea, many great Cardinals, resident at Rome (those hinges of the Church must be greased with English revenues) were possessed of the best Prebends, and Parsonages in the Land, whence many mischiefs did ensue. First, they never preached in their Parishes: Of such shepherds it could not properly be said, that, he leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; who (though taking the title of shepherd upon them) never saw their flock, nor set foot on English ground. Secondly, no hospitality was kept for relief of the poor: except they could fill their bellies on the hard names of their Pastors, which they could not pronounce; Lord Cardinal of Agrifolio, Lord Cardinal d S t Angelo, Lord Cardinal Veverino, &c. Yea, the Italians genrally farmed out their places to Proctors, their own Country-men; who, instead of filling the bellies, grinded the faces of poor people: So that, what betwixt the Italian hospitality, which none could ever see; and the Latin Service, which none could understand: the poor English were ill fed, and worse taught. Thirdly, the wealth of the Land leak'd out into foreign Countries, to the much impoverishing of the Common-wealth. It was high time therefore for the King, and Parliament, to take notice thereof; who now enacted, that no aliens should hereafter hold any such preferments, nor any send over unto them, the revenues of such Benefices. As in the Printed Statutes more largely doth appear.
18. Whiles at this time Clergy and Laity cast dirt each in others faces, and neither washed their own: to punish both, burst forth the dangerous rebellion of Wat Tiler, and Jack Straw, with thousands of their cursed company. These all were pure Levellers (inflamed by the abused eloquence of one John Ball, an excommunicated Priest) who, maintaining, that no Gentry was Jure Divino, and all equal by nature,
19. As the Philistines came out in three companies, to destroy all the swords and Smiths in Israel: so this rabble of Rebells, making itself tripartite, endeavored the rooting out of all pen-knives, and all appearance of learning. One in Kent, under the aforesaid Wat, and John: the second in Suffolk; the third under John Littstarre, a Dier in Norfolk. The former of these is described in the Latin verses of John Gower, Prince of Poets in his time; of whom we will bestow the following translation.
Oh the methodical description of a confusion! How doth Wat lead the front, and Jack bring up the rere? (For, confusion itself would be instantly confounded, if some seeming superiority were not owned amongst them.) All men without sir-names ( Tiler was but the addition of his trade, and Straw, a mock-name, assumed by himself; though Jack Straw would have been John of Gold, had this treason took effect) so obscure they were, and inconsiderable. And, as they had no sir-names, they deserved no Christian-names, for their heathenish cruelties: though, to get them a name, they endeavored to build this their Babel of a general confusion.
20. Many, and heinous were the outrages by them committed; especially, after they had possessed themselves of London. All shops, and cellers were broken open; and they now rusled in silk, formerly rattling in leather; now soked themselves in wine, who were acquainted but with water before. The Savoy in the Strand, being the Palace of John Duke of Lancaster, was plundered: so was the Hospital of S t John 's; and S r Robert Hales, Lord Prior therein, and Treasurer of England, slain. But, as their spite, was the keenest at, so the spoil the greatest on the Law; well knowing, that, while the banks thereof stood fully in force, the deluge of their intended Anarchy, could not freely overflow. They ransack'd the Temple, not only destroying many present Pleas, written between party and party, (as if it would accord Plaintiff and Defendant, to send them both jointly to the fire) but also abolished many ancient Records, to the loss of Learning, and irrecoverable prejudice of posterity. The Church fared as ill as the Temple; and Simon Sudbury, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, after many indignities offered him, was at last by them beheaded on Tower-Hill, patiently ending his life, and dying a State-Martyr. But most fiercely fell their fury on the Dutch in London (offended, be-like, with them for ingrossing of Trade) and these words, bread and cheese, were their neck-verse, or Shibboleth, to distinguish them; all pronouncing broad and cause, being presently put to death. Of all people, only some Franciscan Friers found favor in their sight, whom they intended to preserve. What quality, to us occult, commended them to their mercy? Was it because they were the most ignorant of other Friers, and so the likest to themselves? But, perchance, these Rebells (if demanded) were as unable to render a reason, why they spared these, as why they spoiled others; being equally irrational in their kindnesses, as in in their cruelties.
21. When I read that passage of Judas in the Counsel of Gamaliel, it seemeth to me plainly to describe the rising, increase, and ruin of these Rebels;
1. Rising. There rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing: so Tiler appeared, and this rebellion was caused by poll-money, heavily imposed by the King, and the arrears thereof more cruelly exacted by his Courtiers that farmed it. And pity it is, so foul a rebellion could pretend so fair an occasion, for the extenuating thereof.
2. Encrease. And drew away much people after him: so the snow-ball increased here. John Gower telleth us in his parallel of the martyring of Simon Sudbury, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, with Thomas Becket, his predecessor.
Nor was this any poetical Hyperbole, but an historical truth, if the several numbers of their three armies were sum'd up together.
3. Ruin. He also perished, and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed: so here, no sooner was Wat Tiler, their General (as I may term him) killed by valiant Wallworth, the Lord Mayor of London, and his assistance (for it was John Cavendish, Esquire, that dispatched him with a mortal wound) in Smithfield; and Jack Straw, their Lieutenant-General, legally beheaded (too brave a death for so base a fellow) but all the rest mouldered away, and vanished.
In memory of S r William Wallworths valor, the Arms of London, formerly a plain Cross, were augmented with the addition of a Dagger, to make the coat in all points complete. Happy, when the Cross (as first there in place) directeth the Dagger, and when the Dagger defendeth the Cross: when Religion sanctifieth power, and power supporteth Religion.
22. But, Alanus Copus (for, he it is, whose Ecclesiastical History of England, goes under the name of Harpsfield) heavily chargeth all this rebellion on the account of Wycliffe 's doctrine. Whose scholars (saith he) to promote their Masters opinions, stirred up this deadly, and damnable sedition, and sounded the first trumpet thereunto. Adding moreover, that Wycliffe 's tenet, that, Dominion is founded in grace: and, that a King guilty of mortal sin, is no longer Lord of anything, was Cos hujus seditionis, The whet-stone of this sedition. But, to what liar the whet-stone doth properly belong, will presently appear.
23. It is no news for the best of God's children, to be slandered in this kind. Jeremy was traduced, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans. S t Paul was accused, We have found this man a pestilent fellow, a mover of sedition. Yea, our Savior himself was charged, that, He made himself a King, and was a traitor to Caesar. But, as these were soul, and false aspersions: so will this appear, if we consider,
1. When John Ball was executed at S t Albans, and Jack Straw at London, not the least compliance with Wycliffe, or his doctrine, is either charged on them, or confessed by them.
2. No wild beast will prey on his own kind. Now, it is certainly known, that John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster was the principal Patron, and supporter of Wycliffe, whose life they sought to destroy, and whose Palace in the Strand they pillaged.
3. Wycliffe himself came within the compass of their destructive principles, designing the death of all, who wore a pen and ink. And, that Wycliffe had both pen and ink, Cope himself doth know, and the Court of Rome, with shame and sorrow will confess.
4. Wycliffe lived some years after, and died peaceably possessed of the Living of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire. Surely, had he been reputed the inflamer of this rebellion, the wisdom of the King, and Council, would have taken another order with him.
5. Amongst the articles laid to the charge of Wycliffe, and his followers, in this Kings Reign, examined at Oxford, and elsewhere, not a tittle of this rebellion is pressed upon them. Which their malicious adversaries would not have omitted, if in any hope to make good that accusation against them.
6. Whereas it is charged on Wycliffe, that he held, that, Dominion was founded in grace, which occasioned this rebellion; we know this, that Huss, his scholar, though he did hold, that a King, being in mortal sin, was only called a King aequivoca denominatione; yet the same Huss confesseth (to use his own words) Ipsum Deum approbare hujusmodi Regem, quoad esse Principem exterius, That God himself allows such a King to be a Prince in all outward matters. So that, leaving him to Divine Justice, he never dreamt of any resistance, or rebellion to be made against him.
7. The modern Protestants (heirs, say the Papists to Wycliffe 's doctrine) so far abominate these Rebels their levelling, and ignorant principles, that they are known, both to maintain distances of people, and to have been the restorers of lost, yea, the revivers of dead learning, and languages: How had the Mathematics measured their own grave? Greek turned barbarism? Hebrew (as it readeth) gone backward, never to return again, had not Protestant Critics, with vast pains and expense, preserved them?
8. It is more suspicious, that this rebellion came out of the Franciscan Covent, because some of these, belike, were the rebels white-boys; and (as is afore mentioned) to be spared in a general destruction.
In a word. I wonder, how many ingenuous Papists can charge Wycliffe of rebellion, in maintaining, Dominion to be founded in grace; when the Grandees of their own Religion, Aquine, Cajetan, Bellarmine, Suarez, maintain, that Dominion is so sounded in grace [in the Pope,] that a King, by him excommunicate, may lawfully be deposed, and murdered.
24. William Courtney, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, (in the place of Simon Sudbury lately slain) made cruel Canons in a Synod at London, against the maintainers of Wycliffe his opinions. And I wonder that in Linwoods Constitutions, no mention at all of any Canons made by this Arch-Bishop, who sat above ten years in the See. As for the heavy persecution which soon after he raised against Robert Rug, Thomas Britwell, Nicholas Herford, Philip Ripiagton, &c. nothing can be added to what M r Fox hath related.
25. In my mind it amounteth to little less then a Miracle, that during this storm on his Disciples, Wycliffe their Master should live in quiet: Strange that he was not drowned in so strong a stream as ran against him; whose safety (under God's providence) is not so much to be ascribed to his own strength in swimming, as to such as held him up by the Chin; the greatness of his Noble supporters. About this time he ended his Translation of the Bible into English, (a fair Copy whereof in Queens College in Oxford, and two more in the University Library) done no doubt in the most Expressive language of those days, though sounding uncouth to our ears, The Knabe of Jesus Christ, for Servant; Acts 8. And Philip Baptized the Gelding, for Eunuch; so much our tongue is improved in our age. As for the report of Polydor Virgil, making him to fly out of England in the time of Edward the third, Et in magno pretio apud Bohemos fuisse, and to have been of high esteem amongst the Bahemians: It is true of Wycliffe 's Writings, but not of his Person, who never departed his Native Country.
26. Not long after, therein he ended his life, at his cure at Lutterworth in Leicester-shire, of the Palsy. Admirable, that a Hare so often hunted with so many Packs of Doggs should die at last quietly sitting in his form. Parsons the Jesuit snarles at M r Fox, for counting Wycliffe a Martyr in his Calender, as so far from suffering violent death, that he was never so much as imprisoned for the opinion he maintained. But the phrase may be justified in the large acception of the word, for a witness of the truth: Besides, the body of Wycliffe was Martyred as to shame, though not to pain, (as far as his adversaries cruelty could extend) being taken up and burnt many years after his death, as God willing we shall show hereafter.
27. William Wickam, about this time finished his beautiful College in Oxford; some have raised a Scandal of him, that he was no scholar at all, from which the very meanest scholar in his foundation can acquit him, by that rule in Logic, Quod efficit tale magis est tale, what maketh the same is more the same. By which his learning must be inferred, whose bounty caused so many learned men. Now because the maxim runneth with a limitation, Si sit tale, if it be the same; the truth hereof also appears from the learned pen, who writing Wickams life, have proved him to have been a sufficient Scholar, skilled in other Arts, as well as in practical Mathematics and Architecture.
28. Now as Solomon, when about to build his house at Millo, seeing Jeroboam to be an industrious man, made him Master of his Fabric: So Edward the third, discovering the like sufficiency in this great Clerk, employed him in all his stately structures, witness this in Motto at Windsor Castle, This made Wicham; meaning that the building of that Castle gave occasion to his wealth and honor; whereas on this College he might write, This wickam made. The building and endowing thereof, being the effect of his bounty alone; hence it is that this College giveth the Arms of Wickam, viz. two Cheverons betwixt three Roses, each Cheveron alluding to two beams fastened together (called couples in building) to speak his skill in Architecture.
29. This College he built very strong, out of a design that it should be able to hold out a Siege of itself, if need so required it, though may it never have a temptation in that kind, to try the strength of the walls thereof. Indeed this College with Bourges in France, may lay claim to the name of Bituris.
So called from two Towers therein, as this hath the like; one over the Gate, the other over the Porch in the entrance into the Hall; so that it may seem a Castle-College, and made as well for defense as habitation. So that at this present is maintained therein, a Warden, Seventy Fellows and Scholars, Ten Chaplains, Three Clerks, One Organist, Sixteen Choristers, besides Officers and servants of the Foundation, with other Students, being in all One Hundred Thirty Five.
30. Pass we now from his Orchard of grown Trees, to his Nursery of Grafts, the College at Winchester, which few years after the same Bishop finished; not much inferior to the former for building and endowments, as wherein he established One Warden, Ten Fellows, Two School-masters, and Seventy Scholars, with Officers, and Servants, which are all maintained at his charge; out of which School he ordained should be chosen the best Scholars always to supply the vacant places of the Fellows of this College.
31. As his Charity, so his Faith (he that provideth not for his house is worse then an Infidel) appeared in this his Foundation; ordering that his own Kinsmen should be preferred before others. Let their parents therefore but provide for their Nursing when Infants, their breeding when Children, and he hath took order for their careful teaching at Winchester when youth; liberal living at Oxford when men; and comfortable subsistence in their reduced age, in those many and good patronages he hath conferred on the College. And truly as these his Kindred have been happy in him, so Wickam hath been happy in his Kindred; many of them meriting the best preferment, without any advantage of his relation. And as this Wickam was the first in that kind so provident for his Kindred, his practice hath since been precedential to some other Colleges, as the Statutes of this house are generally a direction to other later foundations. To take our leave of this Bishop, whosoever considers the vast buildings, and rich endowments made by this Prelate (besides his expense in repairing the Cathedral at Winchester) will conclude such atcheivements unpossible for a Subject, until he reflect on his vast Offices of preferments, being Bishop of Winchester, Rector of S t Martins Le Grand, holding twelve Prebends in Comendam with it, Lord Privy-Seal, Chancellor, and Treasurer of England; besides other places of meaner consequence.
One may defy the suspicion of flattery, if adding D r Harris, the reverend Warden of Winchester; D r Rich. Zouch, not beholden to his Noble extraction, for his Repute, founded on his own worth, and Books reprinted beyond the Seas; D r Merick, late Judge of the Prerogative; but it is better to leave the characters of their worth to the thankfulness of the next Age to describe.
32. Lately the Popes usurpation was grown so great, in entrenching on the Crown, that there was an absolute necessity, seasonably to retrench his usurpation. For albeit the Kings of England were as absolute in their demeans, their Prelacy and Clergy as learned, their Nobility as valiant and prudent, their Commons as free and wealthy, as any in Christendom; Yet had not some Laws of Provision now been made, England had long since been turned part of S t Peters Patrimony in demeans: Yea, the Scepter wrested out of their Kings hands, her Prelates made the Popes Chaplains and Clerks, Nobility his servants and vassals, Commons his slaves and villains, had not some seasonable Statutes of Manumission been enacted.
33. For now came the Parliament wherein the Statute was enacted, which mauled the Papal power in England, Some former laws had pared the Popes nails to the quick, but this cut off his fingers, in effect, so that hereafter his hands could not grasp and hold such vast sums of money as before. This is called the Statute of PREMUNIRE; and let not the Reader grudge the reading thereof, which gave such a blow to the Church of Rome, that it never rcovered itself in this Land, but daily decayed till its final destruction.
WHereas the Commons of the Realm in this present Parliament, have sued to our redoubted Lord the King, grievously complaining, that whereas the said our Lord the King and all his liege people, ought of right, and of old time were wont to sue in the Kings Court, to recover their Presentments to Churches, prebends, and other benefices of holy Church, to the which they had right to present, the Conisance of Plea of which Presentment belongeth only to the Kings Court, of the old right of his Crown, used and approved in the time of all his Progenitors, Kings of England: And when judgment shall be given in the same Court upon such a Plea and Presentment, the Arch-Bishops, Bishops, and other Spiritual persons, which have Institution of such Benefices, within their jurisdictions, be bound and have made Execution of such Judgments by the Kings commandments of all the time aforesaid, without interruption, (for another Lay person cannot make such execution) and also be bound of right to make execution of many other of the Kings commandments, of which right the Crown of England hath been peaceably seised, as well in the time of our said Lord the King, that now is, as in the time of all his Progenitors till this day. But now of late divers Processes be made by the Bishop of Rome, and censures of Excommunication upon certain Bishops of England, because they have made execution of such commandments, to the open disherison of the said Crown, and destruction of our said Lord the King, his Law, and all his Realm, if remedy be not provided. And also it is said, and a common clamor is made, that the said Bishop of Rome hath ordained, and purposed to translate some Prelates of the same Realm, some out of the Realm, and some from one Bishopric into another within the same Realm, without the Kings assent and knowledge, and without the assent of the Prelates, which so shall be translated, which Prelates be much profitable and necessary to our said Lord the King, and to all his Realm: By which translations (if they should be suffered) the Statutes of the Realm should be defeated, and made void, and his said liege Sages of his Council without his assent and against his will, carried away and gotten out of his Realm, and the substance and treasure of the Realm, shall be carried away, and so the Realm destitute as well of Council, as of substance, to the final destruction of the same Realm, And so the Crown of England which hath been so free at all times, that it hath been in no earthly subjection, but immediately subject to God in all things, touching the reality of the same Crown, and to none other, should be submitted to the Pope, & the Laws & Statutes of the Realm by him defeated, & avoided at his will, in the perpetual destruction of the Soveraigntie of the King, our Lord, his Crown, his Regalitie, & of all his Realm, which God defend.
And moreover the Commons aforesaid say, that the things so attempted be clearly against the Kings Crown and Regality, used and approved of the time of all his Progenitors. Wherefore they, and all the liege Commons of the same Realm, will stand with our said Lord the King, and his said Crown, and his Regalitie, in the cases aforesaid, and in all other cases attempted against him, his Crown, and his Regalitie, in all points, to live and to die. And moreover they pray the King, and him require by way of justice, that he would examine all the Lord's in Parliament, as well Spiritual as Temporal, severally, and all the States of the Parliament, how they think of the cases aforesaid, which be so openly against the Kings Crown, and in derogation of his Regalitie, and how they will stand in the same cases with our Lord the King, in upholding the rights of the said Crown, and Regalitie. Whereupon the Lord's Temporal so demanded, have answered everyone by himself, that the cases aforesaid be clearly in derogation of the Kings Crown, and of his Regalitie, as it is well known, and hath been of along time known, and that they will be with the same Crown, and Regalitie, in these cases especially, and in all other cases which shall be attempted against the same Crown and Regality, in all points with all their power. And moreover it was demanded of the Lord's Spiritual there being, and the procurators of others being absent their advise and will, in all these cases, which Lord's, that is to say, the Arch-Bishops, Bishops, and other Prelates being in the said Parliament, severally examined, making protestations, that it is not their mind to deny nor affirm, that the Bishop of Rome may not Excommunicate Bishops, nor that he may make translation of that if any Execution of Processes, made in the Kings Court (as before) be made by any, and censures of Excommunication to be made against any Bishops of England, or any other of the Kings liege people, for that they have made execution of such commandments, and that if any executions of such translations be made of any Prelates of the same Realm, which Prelates be very profitable and necessary to our said Lord the King, and to his said Realm, or that the sage people of his Council without his assent, and against his will, be removed and carried out of the Realm, so that the substance and treasure of the Realm may be consumed, that the same is against the King and his Crown, as it is contained in the petition before named. And likewise the same procurators everyone by himself, examined upon the said matters, have answered and said in the name, and for their Lord's as the said Bishops have said and answered, and that the said Lord's Spiritual will, and ought to be with the King in these cases, in lawfully maintaining of his Crown, and in all other cases touching his Crown, and his Regalitie, as they be bound by their Liegeance. Whereupon our said Lord the King, by the assnt aforesaid, and at the request of his said Commons, hath ordained and established, that if any purchase, or pursue, or cause to be purchased or pursued in the Court of Rome, or elsewhere, any such translations, processes, sentences of Excommunications, Bulls, Instruments, or any other things whatsoever, which touch the King, against him, his Crown and his Regalitie, or his Realm, as is aforesaid; and they which bring within the Realm, or them receive, or make thereof notification, or any other execution whatsoever within the same Realm or without, that they, their notaries, procurators, maintainers, abbettors, fantors, and councellors, shall be put out of the Kings protection, and their Lands, and Tenements, Goods, and Chattels, forfeit to our Lord the King: and that they be attached by their bodies, if they may be found, and brought before the King and his Council, there to answer to the cases aforesaid, or that process be made against them, by Praemunire facias, in manner as it is ordained in other Statutes of Provisors: and other which do sue in any other Court in derogation of the Regality of our Lord the King.
43. Something of the occasion, name, and use of this Statute; the first is notoriously known from the Papal encroachments on the crown. No Bishopric, Abathie, Dignity, or Rectorie, of value in England was likely to fall, but a successor in reversion was by the Popes provisions, fore-appointed for the same. To make sure work, rather then they would adventure to take the place at the first rebound, they would catch it before it light on the ground. This was imputed to the Popes abundance, yea superfluity of care, 〈◊〉 • etur vacuum in the Church; and rather then a Widow Benefice should mourn itself to death, a second husband had his License for marriage before the former was deceased. But great parishes, where small the profit, and numorous the people; and where indeed greatest care ought to be had of their souls, were past by in the Popes Bulls. His Holiness making no provisions for those Livings, which Livings had no provisions for his Holiness.
35. Some will have it called Praemunire, from fencing or fortifying the Regal power from foreign assaults; as indeed this was one of the best bulworks and sconces of Sovereignty. Others that Praemunire signifieth the Crown fortified before the making of this Statute, as fixing no new force therein, but only declaring a precedent, and forgoing, just right and due thereof. Others conceive the word [Praemonere] turned by corruption of barbarous transcribers, interpreters, and pronouncers into Praemunire. Others allege the figure of the effect for the cause, and the common Proverb, Praemonitus, Praemunitus. Most sure it is that Praemunire sacias, are operative words, in the form of the Writ grounded on the Statute, which may give denomination to the whole.
36. It may seem strange such a Statute could pass in Parliament, where almost sixty Spiritual Barons, (Bishops and Abbots) Voted according to Papal Interest; except any will say, that such who formerly had much of a Pope in their bellies, had now more of Patriots in their breast, being weary of Rome's exactions. Indeed no man in place of power or profit, loves to behold himself buried alive, by seeing his successor assigned unto him, which caused all Clergy-men to hate such superinductions, and many friends to the Pope, were foes to his proceedings therein.
37. This Law angered all the veins in the heart of his Holiness, the Statute of Mortmain put him into a sweat, but this into the sit of a fever. The former concerned him only mediately in the Abbeys his darlings, this touched him in his person; and how choleric he was, will appear by the following Letter, here inserted (though written some fifty years after) to make the story entire.
MArtinus Episcopus, servus servorum Dei, Dilecto filio nobili viro Jobanni, Duct Bedsord, Salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Quamvis dudum in regno Anghae, jurisdictio Romanae Ecclesiae, & liberatas Ecclesiastica suerit oppressa, vigore illius Execrabilis Statuti, quod omni divinae, & humanae rationi contrarium est: Tamen adhuc non suit ad tantam violentiam prolapsum, ut in Sedis Apostolicae, nuncios & Legatos manus temere mitterentur; sicut • evissime sactum est in persona dilecti filii Johannes de Oisis Palatii Apostolici causarum auditoris, & in praesato regno Nunlii, & collectoris nosiri, quem audivimus ex hâc sola causa, quod literas Apostolicas nostro nomine praesentabat, fuisse per aliquos de ipso regno carceribus mancipatum. Quae injuria nobis, & Apostolicae sedi illata, animum nostrum affecit admiratione, turbatione, & molestia singulari: Miramur enim, stupescimus & dolemus, quod tam FOEDILM, & TURPE FACINUS in illo regno commissum sit, contrà sedem B. Petri, & Nuntios ejus, praesertim cum literae illae nostrae, nil aliud quam salutem animarum, honorem regni, & per omnia paternas, & sanctas admonitiones continerent. Fuit enim semper etiam apud gentiles, qui nullam tenebant verae fidei rationem inviolabile nomen Nuncii; at • Legati etiamsi ab hostibus mitterentur semper salvi, & hodie apud Saracenos, & Turcos, à quibusciam tute destinantur, legationes & literae; etiamsi illis ad quos deferuntur molestae sint & injuriosae. Et nuncius noster, vir humanus & moderatus, & continua conversatione notissimus in regno Angliae, quod devotione fidei, & cultu divino se jactat omnes alias Christianas rations superare turpiter captus est, nihil impium, nec hostile deferens, sed literas salutares & justas. Sed revereantur aliquando illi qui sic contumaciter & superbe Ecclesiam Dei contemnent, & Sedis Apostolicae authoritatem, ne super ipsos eveniat justa punitio ex Christi judicio, qui cam instituit, & fundavit: Caveant ne tot cumulatis offensis Deum irritent, ad ultionem & tarditatem supplicii gravitate compensent. Non videbatur eis satis offendisse Deum Statuta condendo contra vicarium ejus, contra Ecclesiam & Ecclesiae caput, nisi pertinaciter perseverantes in malo proposito, in Nuntium Apostolicum violentas manus injicerent? Quod non dubitamus tuae Excellentiae, quae Ecclesiae, & regni honorem diligit displicere, & certi sumus quod si fuisses in Anglia, pro tua naturali prudentia, & pro side, & devotione, quam geres erga nos, & Ecclesiam Dei illos incurrere in hunc furorem nullatenus permisisses. Verùm cum non solum ipsis qui hoc fecerunt, sed toti regno magna accederit ignominia, & dietim si perseverabit in error, accessura sit major: generositatem tuam, in qua valde confidemus, exbortamur, & affectuose rogamus, ut circa haec provideas, prout sapientiae tuae videbitur, honori nostro, & Ecclesiae, ac saluti regni convenire. Datum Romae apud Sanctos Apostolos, VI Kal. Junii Pontificatus nostri Anno 12 mo .
Give Winners leave to laugh, and Losers to speak, or else both will take leave to themselves; The less the Pope could bite, the more he roared, and as it appears by his language, he was highly offended thereat. This penal Statute as a Rod was for many years laid upon the desk, or rather locked up in the cupboard. No great visible use being made thereof, until the Reign of King Hen. 8. whereof hereafter.
38. Since the Reformation, the professors of the Common-Law have taken much advantage out of this Statute, threatening therewith such as are active in the Ecclesiastical jurisdictions, as if their dealings tended to be the disherison of the Crown. A weapon wherewith they have rather flourished then struck, it being suspicious, that that appearing sword is but all Hilt, whose Blade was near drawn out, as this charge hath never been driven home against them; but herein let us hearken to the Learned judgment of S r Thomas Smith, Secretary of State, who well knew the interest of his Sovereign therein.
39. Because the Court, which is called Curia Christianitatis, is yet taken for an extern and foreign Court, and differeth from the Politie and manner of Government of the Realm, and is another Court (as appeareth by the Act and Writ of Praemunire, then Curia Regis aut Reginae; yet at this present this Court as well as others, hath her force, power, authority, rule, and jurisdiction from the Royal Majesty, and the Crown of England, and from no other foreign Potentate or power, under God; which being granted (as indeed it is true) it may now appear by some reason, that the first Statute of Praemunire, whereof I have spoken, hath now no place in England, seeing there is no pleading alibi quam in Curia Regis ac Reginae. All I will add of this Statute is this; That it hath had the hard hap not to be honored with so many Readings therein, as other Statutes. Perhaps because not bringing in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , in proportion to the pains which must be laid out thereon; and therefore I would invite some ingenious in our Common-Law, (and with such no doubt it aboundeth) to bestow their learned endeavors thereon, to their own honor, and advancement of the truth in so noble a subject.
40. Many poor souls at this time were by fear or flattery moved to abjure the truth, and promise future conformity to the Church of Rome. In proof whereof, let not the Reader think much to peruse the following Instruments; First, for the authentickness thereof, being truly copied out of the Originals of the Tower. Secondly, because it contains some extraordinary formalities of abjuration. Lastly, because the four persons mentioned therein, have escaped M r Fox his observation, seeing no drag-net can be so carefully cast, as to catch all things which come under it.
Memorand. quod primo die Septembris, Anno Regni Regis Richardi Secundi post Conquestum decimo-nono Will. Dynet, Nic. Taillour, Nic. Poucher, & Will. Steynour de Notyngham, in Cancellar. ipsius Regis personaliter constituti sacra divisim prestiterunt sub eo qui sequitur tenore.
I WILLIAM DYNET, be-for yhow worshipefull father and Lord Archbishop of Yhorke, and Yhother Clergy with my free will and full avysede swear to God and to all his Saints upon this holy Gospel's yat fro this day forward I shall worship images with preying and offering unto hem in the worschep of the saints that yey be made after. And also I shall never more despise pygremage ne states of holy Chyrche, in no degree. And also I shall be buxum to the laws of holy Chyrche and to yhowe as myn Archbishop and to myn oyer Ordinares and Curates and keep yo laws upon my power and meynten hem. And also I shall never more meynten, ne tochen, ne defenden errors, conclusions, ne techynges of the Lollards, ne swych conclusions and techynges that men clepyth Lollards doctryn, ne I shall her books. Ne swych books ne hem or any suspeict or diffamede of Lolardery resceyve, or company withal wittingly or defend in yo matters, and if I know ony swich, I shall with all the haste that y may do yhowe or else your ner officers to wyten, and of her books. And also I shall excite and stir all you to good doctryn yat I have hindered with myn doctryn up my power, and also I shall stonde to your declaracion wych es heresy or error and do thereafter. And also what penance yhe wool for yat I have don for meyntenyng of this false doctryn in mind me and I shall fulfill it, and I submit me yer to up my power, and also I shall make no othir gloss of this my oth, bot as ye words stonde, and if it be so that I come again or do again this oath or eny party thereof I yhelde me here cowpable as an heretyk and to be punished be the law as an heretyk, and to forfeit all my godes to the Kynges will withowten any othir process of Law, and yerto I require ye notarie to make of all this, ye which is my will, an instrument agayns me.
Et ex habundanti idem Will. Dynet eodem die voluit & recognovit quod omnia bona & Catalla sua mobilia nobis sint forisfca in casu quo ipse juramentum praedictum seu aliqua in eodem juramento contenta de cetero contravenerit ullo modo.
41. We have here exemplified this Abjuration just according to the Originals, with all the faults, and Pseudographie thereof. For I remember in my time an under-Clerk at Court, threatened to be called before the Green-Cloath for an Innovation from former Bills, though only writing. Sinapi with an S. contrary to the common custom of the Clerks of the Kitchen, formerly writing of it with a C. so wedded are some men to old orders, and so dangerous in their judgment is the least deviation from them.
42. The Arch-Bishop of York mentioned therein, was Tho. Arundell then Chancellor of England, and in all probability this Instrument was Dated at York. For I find, that at this very time Tho. Arundell, to humble the Londoners (then reputed disaffected to the King) removed the Termes and Courts to York, where they continued for some short time, and then returned to their ancient course. Whereas he is enjoined point-blank to worship Images, it seemeth that the modern nice distinction of worshipping of Saints in Images, was not yet in fashion. It appeareth herein that Relaps after Abjuration, was not as yet (as afterwards) punishable with death, but only with forfeiture of goods to the Crown.
43. This year a Godly, Learned, and Aged Servant of God ended his days, viz. John de Trevisa, a Gentleman of an ancient Family, (bearing Gules, a Garbe, OR) born at Crocadon in Cornwall, a Secular Priest, and Vicar of Berkeley; a painful and faithful Translator of many and great Books into English, as Policronicon, written by Ranulphus of Chester, Bartholomeus de rerum proprictatibus, &c. But his master-piece was the Translating of the Old and New Testament, justifying his act herein by the example of Bede, who turned the Gospel of S t John in English.
44. I know not which more to admire, his ability, that he could, his courage, that he durst, or his industry that he did perform so difficult and dangerous a task, having no other commission, then the command of his Patron, THOMAS Lord BERKELEY. Which Lord, (as the said Trevisa observeth) had the Apocalypse in Latin and French (then generally understood by the better sort as well as English) written on the roof and walls of his Chapel at Berkeley; and which not long since, (viz. Anno 1622.) so remained, as not much defaced. Whereby we may observe, that midnight being past, some early risers, even then began to strike fire, and enlighten themselves from the Scriptures.
45. It may seem a Miracle, that the Bishops being thus busy in persecuting God's servants, and Trevisa so obnoxious to their fury, for this Translation, that he lived and died without any molestation. Yet was he a known enemy to Monkery, witness that, (among many other) of his Speeches, that he had read how Christ had sent Apostles and Priests into the world, but never any Monks or begging Friers. But whether it was out of reverence to his own aged gravity, or respect to his Patrons greatness, he died full of honor, quiet, and age, little less then ninety years old. For,
1. He ended his Translation of Policronicon, (as appeareth by the conclusion thereof) the 29 th of Edward the third, when he cannot be presumed less then 30. years of age.
2. He added to the end thereof, fifty (some say more) years of his own historical observations.
46. We may couple with him, his contemporary, Geffery Chaucer, born (some say) in Berke-shire, others in Oxford-shire, most and truest in London. If the Grecian Homer had seven, let out English haven three places contest for his Nativity. Our Homer (I say) only herein he differed.
Whereas our Chaucer left behind him a rich and worshipful estate.
47. His Father was a Vintner in London; and I have heard his Arms quarrelled at, being Argent and Gules strangely contrived, and hard to be blazon'd. Some more wits have made it the dashing of white and red wine (the parents of our ordinary Claret) as nicking his fathers profession. But, were Chaucer alive, he would justify his own Arms in the face of all his opposers, being not so devoted to the Muses, but he was also a son of Mars. He was the Prince of English Poets; married the daughter of Pain Roëc, King of Arms in France, and sister to the Wife of John of Gaunt, King of Castile.
48. He was a great Refiner, and Illuminer of our English tongue (and, if he left it so bad, how much worse did he find it?) witness Leland thus praising him,
49. I find this Chaucer fined in the Temple two shillings, for striking a Franciscan Frier in Fleet-street, and it seems his hands ever after itched to be revenged, and have his penniworths out of them, so tickling Religious-Orders with his tales, and yet so pinching them with his truths, that Friers in reading his books, know not how to dispose their faces betwixt crying and laughing. He lies buried in the South-Isle of S t Peters, Westminster, and since hath got the company of Spencer and Drayton (a pair-royal of Poets) enough (almost) to make passengers feet to move metrically, who go over the place, where so much Poetical dust is interred.
50. Since the Abjuration last exemplified, we meet in this Kings Reign no more persecution from the Bishops. We impute this not to their pity, but other employment, now busy in making their applications to the new King, on the change of government, King Richard being now deposed.
51. He was one of a goodly person, of a nature neither good nor bad, but according to his company, which commonly were of the more vicious. His infancy was educated under several Lord Protectours successively, under whom his intellectuals thrived, as babes battle with many nurses, commonly the worse for the change. At last he grew up to full age, and empty mind, judicious only in pleasure, giving himself over to all licentiousness.
52. As King Richard was too weak to govern; so Henry Duke of Lancaster, his Cousin-germane, was too willful to be governed. Taking advantage therefore of the Kings absence in Ireland, he combined with other of the discontented Nobility, and draws up Articles against him; some true, some false, some both; as wherein truth brought the matter, and malice made the measure. Many misdemeanors (mo misfortunes) are laid to his charge. Murdering the Nobility, advancing of worthless Minions, sale of justice, oppression of all people with unconscionable taxations. For, such Princes as carry a forke in one hand, must bear a rake in the other; and must covetously scrape to maintain, what they causelessly scatter.
53. Looseness brings men into straits at last, as King Richard may be an instance thereof. Returning into England, he is reduced to this doleful Dilemma; either, voluntarily, by resigning, to depose himself; or violently, by detrusion, to be deposed by others. His misery, and his enemies ambition admit of no expedient. Yea, in all this Act his little judgment stood only a looker-on, whilst his fear did what was to be done, directed by the force of others. In hopes of life he solemnly resigneth the Crown, but all in vain. For, cruel thieves seldom rob, but they also kill; and King Henry his Successor could not meet with a soft pillow, so long as the other wore a warm head. Whereupon, not long after, King Richard was barbarously murdered at Pomfret-Castle. But of these transactions, the Reader may satisfy himself at large, out of our civil Historians.
54. Only we will add, that the Clergy were the first that led this dance of disloyalty. Thomas Arundel, now Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, in the room of William Courtney deceased, made a Sermon on Samuel's words, Vir dominabitur populo. He shown himself a Satirist in the former, a Parasite in the later part of his Sermon, a Traitor in both. He aggravated the childish weakness of King Richard, & his inability to govern; magnifying the parts and perfections of Henry, Duke of Lancaster. But, by the Arch-Bishops leave, grant Richard either deservedly deposed, or naturally dead without issue, the right to the Crown lay not in this Henry, but in Edmond Mortimer, Earl of March, descended, by his mother Philippa, from Lionel, Duke of Clarence, elder son to Edward the third. This the Arch-Bishop did willingly conceal. Thus in all State-alterations, be they never so bad, the Pulpit will be of the same wood with the Council-board. And thus ambitious Clergymen abuse the silver trumpets of the Sanctuary; who, reversing them, and putting the wrong end into their mouths, make, what was appointed to sound Religon, to signify Rebellion.
55. But whilst all other Churches in England rung congratulatory peals to King Henry his Happiness, one jarring bell almost mar'd the melody of all the rest, even Thomas Merks, Bishop of Carlisle. For, when the Lord's in Parliament, not content to Depose King Richard, were devising more mischief against him, up steps the aforesaid Bishop, formerly Chaplain to the King, and expresseth himself as followeth:
56. Here, if ever, did the Proverb take effect, Truth may be blamed, but cannot be shamed, for although the rest of the Bishops, being guilty themselves, condemned him, as discovering more Covent-devotion (who originally was a Monk of Westminster) then Court-discretion, in dissenting from his Brethren; Yet generally he was beheld as Loyalties a Confessor, speaking what became his calling, in discharge of his conscience. Yea, for the present, such the reverence to his integrity, no punishment was imposed upon him.
57. Merks was conceived in the judgment of most moderate men, abundantly to have satisfied his conscience with his speech in Parliament. But how hard is it to stop an active soul in its full speed? He thought himself bound, not only to speak, but do, yea, and suffer too, (if called thereunto) for his Sovereign. This moved him to engage with Henry Hot-spur, and other discontented Lord's, against King Henry, on whose defeat this Bishop was taken prisoner, and judicially arraigned for high Treason.
58. This is one of the clearest distinguishing characters, betwixt the Temporal, and Spiritual Lord's; that the former are to be tried per pares, by their Peers, being Barons of the Realm; the later are by Law and custom allowed a Trial only by a Jury of able and substantial persons. Such men found Bishop Merks guilty of Treason, for which he was condemned and sent prisoner to S t Albans.
59. The King would gladly have had a fair riddance of this Bishop, whom he could not with credit keep here, nor send hence. As to deprive him of life it was dangerous in those days, when some Sacredness was believed inherent in Episcopal persons. Here his Holiness helped the King with an handsome expedient, to salve all matters, by removing Merks to be Bishop of Samos in Grecia. I find three Grecian Islands of the same name, and a critic complaineth they are often confounded. The best is, it is not much material, of which of them Merks was made Bishop, having only a Title (to starve in state) without a penny profit thereby. But before his translation was completed, he was translated into another world.
SECT. II.
TO Sir GERRARD NAPIER OF Dorcet-shire, BARONET.
I Have read that a Statute was made to retrench the number of great men's keeping their Reteiners, in the Reign of King Hen. 7 th ; and that politically done in those nutinous times, to prevent Commotions, lest some popular person should raise a little Army, under the covert of his great Attendance.
A Law improved to Rigor, though certainly (as all other penal Statutes intended but to terror) insomuch that the Earl of Oxford (more meriting of King Hen. 7 th then any other subject) was even delivered to the Kings Attorney, and (as report saith) Fined fifteen thousand Marks for exceeding the proportion legally allowed.
I confess we live in as dangerous days, and affording as great jealousies as those: But I have cause to be right glad (as deeply concerned therein) that though a Statute hath forbidden many to depend on one, none hath prohibited one to depend on many Patrons: But any Author of a Book may multiply them Sance-number, as driving on no hurtful design, but only the protection of his own endeavors.
On this account I tender these my Labors unto you, knowing the very Name of NAPIER acceptable to all Scholars, ever since the Learned Laird of Marchistowne (no stranger to your blood, as I am informed) by his Log-arithmes, contracted the pains (and so by consequence prolonged the time and life) of all employed in Numeration.
1. KIng Henry being conscious that he had got and did keep the Crown by a bad Title, counted it his wisest way, to comply with the Clergy, whose present power was not only useful, but needful for him. To gain their favor, he lately enacted bloody Laws, for the extirpation of poor Christians, under the false notion of Heretics, condemning them to be burnt. A torment unheard of in such cases till that time: and yet it appeareth, that the Pope, in this Age, was not possessed of so full power in England (whatsoever the Catholics pretend;) but that this politick Prince kept the reins, though loose, in his own hand. For in this time it was resolved, that the Popes Collector, though he had the Popes Bull for that purpose, had no jurisdiction within this Realm; and that the Arch-Bishops and Bishops of England, were the Spiritual Judges in the Kings behalf. As it was also enacted, if any person of Religion, obtained of the Bishop of Rome, to be exempt from obedience, regular or ordinary, he was in a premunire. Yea, this very Statute, which gave power to a Bishop in his Diocese to condemn an Heretic, plainly proveth, that the King by consent of Parliament directed the proceedings of the Ecclesiastical Court, in cases of Heresy; so that the Pope, even in matters of Spiritual cognizance, had no power over the lives of English subjects.
2. The first on whom this cruel Law was hanselled, was William Sautre, formerly parish Priest of S t Margaret, in the town of Lin, but since of S t Osith in the City of London. This was he, whose Faith fought the first Duel with Fire itself, and overcame it. Abel was the first Marry of men, S t Stephen the first of Christian men; S t Alban the first of British Christians, and this Sautre the first of English Protestants, as by Prolepsis I may term them. Scriveners use with gaudy flourishes to deck and garnish the initial characters of Copies, which superfluous pains may be spared by us, in adorning this leading letter in the pattern of patience, seeing it is conspicuous enough in its self, died red with its own blood. Some charge this Sautre with fear and fickleness, because formerly he had abjured those Articles, (for which afterwards he died) before the Bishop of Norwich. But let those who severely censure him, for once denying the truth, and do know, who it was that denied his Master thrice, take heed they do not as bad a deed more then four times themselves. May Sautre 's final Constancy be as surely practiced by men, as his former Cowardliness no doubt is pardoned by God. Eight Errors were laid to his charge in order as followeth.
1. Imprimis, He saith that he will not worship the Cross, on which Christ suffered, but only Christ that suffered upon the Cross.
2. Item, That he would sooner worship a temporal King, then the aforesaid wooden Cross.
3. Item, That he would rather worship the bodies of the Saints, then the very Cross of Christ, on which he hung if it were before him.
4. Item. That he would rather worship a man truly contrite, then the Cross of Christ.
5. Item, That he is bound rather to worship a man, that is predestinate, then an Angel of God.
6. Item, That if any man would visit the Monuments of Peter and Paul, or go on Pilgrimage to the Tomb of S t Thomas, or any whither else, for the obtaining of any temporal benefit, he is not bound to keep his vow, but may distribute the expenses of his vow upon the alms of the poor.
7. Item, That every Priest and Deacon is more bound to preach the word of God, then to say the Canonical hours.
8. Item, That after the pronouncing of the Sacramental words of the body of Christ, the bread remaineth of the same nature, that it was before, neither doth it cease to be bread.
3. These were the opinions, wherewith Sautre is charged in their own Registers, which if read with that favor, which not charity but justice allows of course to human frailty, will be found not so heinous, as to deserve Fire and Fagot, seeing his expressions are rather indiscreet, then his positions damnable. But Thomas Arundel Arch-Bishop of Canterbury; before whom Sautre was convented, in the Convocation, at S t Paul's in London, principally pinched him; with the last, about Transubstantiation in the Sacrament. Thus their cruelty made God's Table a Snare to his servants: when their other Nets broke, this held; what they pretended a Sacrifice for the living and dead, proved, indeed, the cause of the sacrificing of many innocents, and cavils about the corporal presence, was the most compendious way to dispatch them: for the denial whereof, the aforesaid Arch-Bishop solemnly pronounced Sautre an Heretic convicted.
4. Here happened a passage in Sautre, which I must not omit; which either I do not understand, or cannot approve in him. For being demanded whether or no, he had formerly abjured these opinions he denied the same, whereas, his formal abjuration of them, the last year, before the Bishop of Norwich, was produced in presence; an action utterly inconsistent with Christian sincerity, to deny his own deed; except any will say that he was not bound to accuse himself, and to confess in that Court, (what he had done elsewhere) to his own prejudice. Thus offenders, which formerly have confessed their fact, in their private examinations before a Justice of Peace, yet plead not Guilty, when they are brought before the Assizes, accounting themselves innocent, in that Court, till, by the verdict of the Jury, they are proved otherwise. However I am rather inclined to suspect my ignorance, then condemn his innocence, conceiving there is more on his side, then appeareth in his behalf.
5. The Reader. I presume will pardon our largeness, (which we will recompense, with brevity in the rest) in relating the proceedings against this first Martyr, who being, as I may say, the eldest, and the Heir in our History, may justly challenge a double portion thereof. Yea, the Arch-Bishop, who in his condemnation did not follow, but make a president therein, was very punctual and ceremonious in his proceedings, that he might set the fairer copy, for the direction of posterity; and that the formality of his exemplary justice, might, for the terror of others, take the deeper impression in all, that did see it, or should hear thereof. And now his former abjuration plainly appearing, Arundel, by a second sentence, adjudged him refallen into Heresy, and incorrigible, and therefore to be degraded and deposed.
6. For lest Priest-hood should suffer in the person of Sautre, (and all the Clergy present, out of a religious sympathy, were tender of the honor of their own profession) he was there solemnly degraded in order as followeth.
-
From the
order of
- 1. Priest.
- 2. Deacon.
- 3. Sub-Deacon.
- 4. Acolyte.
- 5. Exorcist.
- 6. Reader.
- 7. Sexton.
-
By taking
from him
- 1. The Patin, Chalice, and plucking the Chasule from his back.
- 2. The New Testament and the Stole.
- 3. The Alb, and the Maniple.
- 4. The Candlestick, Taper, Urceolum.
- 5. The Book of Conjurations.
- 6. The Book of Church-Legends.
- 7. The Key of the Church door and Surphee.
How many steps are required to climb up to the top of Popish Priest-hood! but, as when a building is taken down, one would little think, so much timber and stone, had concurred thereunto, until he sees the several parcels thereof, lie in ruinous heaps; so it is almost incredible, how many trinkets must be had to complete a Priest? but that here we behold them solemnly taken asunder in Sautres degradation. And now he no longer Priest, but plain Layman, with the tonsure, on his crown rased away, was delivered to the Secular power, with this complement, worth the nothing: Beseeching the Secular Court, that they would receive favourably the said William unto them thus recommitted. But who can excuse their double-dealing herein from deep hypocrisy, seeing the Bishops, at the same time, (for all their fair language) ceased not to call upon the King, to bring him to speedy execution.
7. Hereupon the King in Parliament issued our his Warrant to the Major and Sheriffs of London, that the said William being in their custody, should be brought forth into some public or open place, within the liberty of the City, and there really to be burned to the great horror of his offense, and manifest example of other Christians; which was performed accordingly. Thus died this worthy man; and though we be as far from adoring his Relics, as such adoration is from true Religion, yet we cannot but be sensible of the value of such a Saint: Nor can we mention his memory, without paying an honorable respect thereunto. His death struck a terror into those of his party, who hereafter were glad to enjoy their conscience in private, without public professing the same. So that now the ship of Christ tossed with the tempest of persecution, had all her sails took down; yea, her mast cut close to the deck, and without making any visible show, was fain to lie poor and private, till this storm was over-passed: the Arch-Bishop Arundel being most furious and cruel, in detecting and suppressing all suspected of piety.
8. Synods of the Clergy were never so frequent before or since, as in his time, when scarce a year escapted without a Synod called, or continued therein. Most of these were but Ecclesiastical meetings for secular money. Hereupon, a covetous ignorant Priest, guilty of no Greek, made this derivation of the word Synodus (far fatch'd in itself, but coming close to him) from Crumena sine nodo, because at such assemblies, the purse ought ever to be open, whthout knots tied thereon, ready to disburse such sums, as should be demanded. Indeed the Clergy now contributed much money to the King, having learned the Maxim commended in the Comedian, Pecuniam in loco negligere maxumum interdum est lucrum. And perceiving on what ticklish terms their state stood, were forced to part with a great proportion thereof to secure the rest, the Parliament now shrewdly pushing at their temporal possessions. For, although in the first year of King Henry, the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland came from him to the Clergy with a complement, that the King only desired their prayers, and none of their money (Kingdoms have their honey-moon, when new Princes are married unto them) yet how much afterwards he received from them, the ensuing draught of Synods summoned in his days doth present.
conventions of the Clergy in this Kings Reign, (who had many subordinate meetings in reference to their own occasions) but these of most public concernment. Know this also, that it was a great invitation (not to say an enforcement ) to make them the more bountiful in their contributions to the King, because their leaders were suspicious of a design now first set on foot, in opposition to all Religious Houses (as then termed) to essay their overthrow. Which project now, as a Pioneer, only wrought beneath ground, yet not so insensibly, but that the Church-Statists got a discovery thereof, and in prevention, were very satisfying to the Kings Pecuniary desires. Insomuch, that it was in effect but ask and have, such their compliance to all purposes and intents. The rather because this King had appeared so zealous to arm the Bishops, with terrible Laws, against the poor naked Lollards, as then they were nick-named.9. Now we pass from the Convocation to the Parliament, only to meddle with Church-matters therein: desiring the Reader to dispense in the Margin with a new Chronology of this Kings Reign; assuring him that whatsoever is written, is taken out of the Authentic Records of the Parliament in the Tower.
10. It was moved in Parliament, that no Welch-man, Bishop or other, be Justice, Chamberlain, Chancellor, Treasurer, Sheriff, Constable of a Castle, Receiver, Escheator, Coroner, or chief Forester, or other Officer whatsoever, or Keeper of Records, or Lieutenant in the said Offices, in any part of Wales, or of Council to any English Lord, not withstanding any Patent made to the contrary. Cum clausula non obstante, Licet Wallicus natus.
11. It was answered; that the King willeth it except the Bishops, and for them and others, which he hath found good and loyal lieges towards him, our said Lord the King will be advised by the advise of his Council.
12. Such as wonder why the Parliament was so incensed against the Welch, (seeing Henry Prince of Wales, was their own Country-man born at Monmouth ) may consider, how now, or very lately, Owen Glendowre, a Welch Robber, (advanced by the multitude of his followers into the reputation of a General ) had made much sepoil in Wales. Now commendable was the King's charity, who would not return a national mischief for a personal injury, seeing no man can cause the place of his Nativity, though he may bemoan and hate the bad practices of his own Nation.
13. The Kings courteous exception for the Welch Bishops, putteth us upon a necessay enquiry, who and what they were, placed in Sees at this time.
English at this time, were so severe against the Welch, King Henry the seventh (born in the bowels of Wales at Pembroke, and assisted in the gaining of the Crown by the valor of his Country-men ) some years after plucked down this partition-wall of difference betwixt them; admitting the Welch to English Honors, and Offices, as good reason, equality of merits, should be rewarded with equality of advancement.14. Sir John Tiptoff (made afterwards Earl of Worcester ) put up a Petition to the Parliament, touching Lollards, which wrought so on the Lord's, that they joined a Petition to the King, according to the Tenour following.
To our most redoubted and gracious Sovereign the King.
YOur humble Son, HENRY PRINCE OF WALES, and the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal in this present Parliament, humbly show, That the Church of England hath been, and now is, endowed with temporal possessions, by the gifts and grants as well of your Royal Progenitours, as by the Ancesters of the said Lord's Temporal, to maintain Divine Service, keep Hospitality, &c. to the Honor of God, and the souls health of your Progenitors, and the said Lord's Temporal.
Yet now of late, some, at the instigation of the Enemy, against the foresaid Church and Prelates, have as well in public Sermons, as in Conventicles, and secret places called Schools, stirred and moved the people of your Kingdom to take away the said temporal Possessions from the said Prelates, with which, they are as rightly endowed, as it hath been, or might be, best advised or imagined, by the Laws and Customs of your Kingdom, and of which they are as surely possessed, as the Lord's Temporal are of their inheritances.
Wherefore in case that this evil purpose be not resisted by your Royal Majesty, it is very likely that in process of time, they will also excite the people of your Kingdom, for to take away from the said Lord's Temporal, their possessions and heritages, so to make them common to the open commotion of your people.
There be also others, who publish, and cause to be published evilly and falsely among the people of your Kingdom that Richard late King of England, (who is gone to God, and on whose soul, God thorough his Grace have mercy) is still alive. And some have writ and published divers false pretended prophecies to the people; disturbing them, who would to their power live peaceably, Serve God, and faithfully submit and obey you their Liege Lord.
Wherefore may it please your Royal Majesty in maintenance of the honor of God, conservation of the Laws of the holy Church, as also in the preservation of the estate of You, your Children, and the Lord's aforesaid, and for the quiet of all your Kingdom, to ordain by a Stature, in the present Parliament, by the assent of the Lord's aforesaid, and the Commons of your Kingdom, that in case any man or woman, of what estate or condition they be, preach, publish, or maintain, hold, use, or exercise, any Schools, if any Sect or Doctrine hereafter against the Catholic faith, either preach, publish, maintain, or write a schedule, whereby the people may be moved to take away the Temporal Possessions of the aforesaid Prelates, or preach, and publish, that Richard late King, who is dead, should still be in full life, or that the Fool in Scotland is that King Richard who is dead; or that publish or write, any pretended Prophesies to the commotion of your people.
That they and every of them, be taken, and put in Prison, without being delivered in Bail, or otherwise, except by good and sufficient mainprise, to be taken before the Chancellor of England, &c.
15. See we here the Policy of the Clergy, who had gained Prince Henry (set as a Transcendent by himself in the Petition to their side, entering his Youth against the poor Wicklivites, and this Earnest engaged him to the greater Antipathy, against them, when possessed of the Crown.
16. Observe also the Subtilty of the Clergy in this medley Petition, interweaving their own interest with the Kings, and endeavoring to possess him, that all the Adversaries to their Superstitions, were Enemies also and Traitors to his Majesty.
17. Now as Conventicles were the Name of disgrace cast on, Schools was the term of Credit owned by, the Wicklivists for the place of their meeting. Whether because the School of Tyrannus, wherein S t Paul disputed, was conceived by them Senior in Scripture to any material Church; Or that their teaching therein was not in entire discourses, but admitted (as in the Schools ) of interlocutory opposition on occasion.
18. By Lollards all know the Wicklivites are meant, so called from Walter Lollardus one or their Teachers in Germany; (and not as the Monk alluded, quasi lolia in ar â Domini ) flourishing many years before Wycliffe, and much consenting with him in judgment. As for the word Lollard retained in our Statutes since the Reformation, it seems now as a generical name, to signify such who in their opinions oppose the settled Religion of the Land, in which sense, the modern Sheriffs are bound by their Oath to suppress them.
19. The Parenthesis concerning King Richard [Who is gone to God, and on whose Soul God through his Grace have Mercy ] is according to the Doctrine of that Age. For they held all in Purgatory, gone to God, because assured in due time of their happiness; yet so that the suffrages of the Living were profitable for them. Nor feared they to offend King Henry by their charitable presumption of the final happy estate of King Richard his professed Enemy, knowing he cared not where King Richard was, so be it, not living and sitting on the English Throne.
20. As for the report of King Richards being still alive, it is strange any should believe it; if it be true, that his Corps for some days, were at London exposed to open view: understand it done at distance, lest coming too near, might discover some violence offered on his person. It is probable that the obscurity of his burial (huddled into his grave at Langley in Hertford-shire ) gave the luster to the report, that he was still alive, believed of those who desired it.
21. Whereas this Law against Lollards, extended to Women, though many of the weaker Sex, were in trouble upon that account; Yet on my best enquiry, I never found any one put to death. Anna Ascough being the first, who in the reign of King Henry the Eight, was burnt for her Religion.
22. A Scotch Writer tells us, that King Richard fled disguised into Scotland, discovered himself to, and was honourably entertained by Robert the King thereof. Adding that Richard who would no more of the world, gave himself wholly to Contemplation, livd, died. and bury'd at Sterling, possibly some Mimick might personate him there, and is the Fool mentioned in this Petition.
23. Hereupon it was, that the poor Lollards were prosecuted, with such cruelty, that the prisons were full of them; many forced to abjure, and such who refused, used without mercy, as in M r Fox is largely related.
24. Thomas Arundel, Arch-Bishop. of Canterbury, came to Oxford, with a pompous train, accompanied with many persons of Honor, and particularly with his Nephew, Thomas Fitz-Allen, Earl of Arundell; His intent was juridically to Visit the University, expecting to be solemnly met, and sumptuously entertained, according to his place and dignity.
25. But see the spite of it, Richard Courtney, the Chancellor of Oxford, (whom by his Sir-name and high Spirit, I should guess descended from the Earls of Devonshire) with Benedict Brent, and John Birch, the two Proctors, denied the Arch-Bishop entrance into the University under the notion of a Visitor, though as a Stranger, great Prelate, and Privy Counselor, all welcome was provided for him and his Retinue. Arundell was angry with the affront, and finding force both useless (the Scholars siding with the Chancellor ) and inconsistent with his gravity, was fain fairly to retreat, re infectâ, to London; the rather because the Chancellor had submitted the cause in controversy to the hearing and determining of his Majesty.
26. King Henry at the joint instance of both parties, summoned them to Lambeth, to hear and determine the controversy; the Chancellor of Oxford produceth an Army of large Bulls of the Pope: Arch-Bishop Arundell brought forth one Champian, viz. An Instrument in the Reign of King Richard the second, wherein the King adjudged all their Papal Privileges void, as granted to the damage of the Crown, and much occasioning the increase of Lollards; not that it was so done intentionally by his Holiness (for who can suspect the Pope turn Lollard? ) but accidentally it came to pass, that thy University of Oxford freed from Archiepiscopal Visitation, by virtue of those Bulls, the Wicklivists therein escaped from Consistorian censure. Hereupon King Henry pronounced sentence on the Arch-Bishops side, as by the ensuing Instrument will plainly appear.
ET ulterius tam anctoritate sua regia, quàm virtute submissionis praedictae sibi factae adtune ibidem arbitratus fuit, ordinavit, consideravit, decrevit, & adjudicavit, quod Praedictus Archiepiscopus & Successores sui in perpetuum habeant Visitationem & Jurisdictionem in Vniversitate praedictâ, tam Cancellarii Commissariorum, quàm Procuratorum ejusdem Vniversitatis, qui pro tempore fuerint, nec non omnium Doctorum, Magistrorum, regencium & non-regencium, ac Scholarium ejusdem Vniversitatis quorumeunque, eorumque Servientium, aliarnmque personarum cujuscunque status & condicionis extiterint, & etiam ejusdem Vniversitatis ut Vniversitatis, & quod Cancellarius, Commissarii, Procuratores Vniversitatis praedictae, qui pro tempore fuerunt, eorumque Successores, & omnes alii in dicta Vniversitate pro tempore, commorantes futuris temporibus eidem Archiepiscopo, & Successoribus suis in visitatione & Jurisdictione Vniversitatis praedictae etiam ut Vniaersitatis, in omnibus pareant & obedient. Et quod nec dictus Cancellarius, Commissarii, nec Procuratores Vniversitis praedictae, nec eorum Successores, nec aliquis alius in Vniversitate praedicta aliquod privilegium seu beneficium exemptionis ad excludendum praefatum Archiepiscopum seu Successores suos de Visitatione & Jurisdictione praedictis, in Vniversitate antedicta color alicujus Bullae seu alterius tituli cujuscun{que} erg a praedictum Archiepiscopû seu Successores suos, clament, habeant, seu vendicent, ullo modo in futurū. Et quod quotiens Cancellarius, Commissarii, vel locum-tenens ipsorum, vel alicujus ipsorum, vel Procuratores dictae Vniversitatis qui pro tempore fuerint, vel eorum Successores, sive aliquis eorum impedierint vel impedierit, praefatum Archiepiscopum vel Successores suos, aut Ecclesiam suam praedictam; aut ipsorum vel alicujus ipsorum Commissarium, vel Commissarios, de hujusmodi Visitatione sive jurisdictione dictae Vniversitatis vel in aliquo contravenerint, vel aliquis eorum contravenerit, dictis, arbitrio, ordinacioni, sive judicio per praefatum Ricardum nuper Regem factis, sive arbitrio, judicio, decreto, considerationi vel ordinacioni, ipsius Domini nostri Regis Henrici in hoc casu, vel si aliquis dictae Vniversitatis in futurum impedierit dictum Archiepiscopum, vel Successores suos, aut Ecclesiam suam praedictam, aut ipsorum, vel alicujus ipsorum Commissarium, vel Commissarios, de Visitatione sua aut jurisdictione antedicta, vel in ali • uo contravenerit dictis, arbitrio, ordinacioni, sive judicio per praefatum Ricardum nuper Regem in forma praedictâ, factis, vel arbitrio, judicio, decreto, considerationi vel ordinationi ipsius Domini nostri Regis Henrici. Et quod Cancellarius, Commissarii vel Procuratores Vniversitatis praedictae tunc non fecerint diligentiam & posse eorum ad adjuvandum dictum Archiepiscopum vel Successores sous, aut Ecclesiam suam praedictam, seu Commissarium vel Commissarios suos in hujusmodi casu, ac etiam ad puniendum hujusmodi impediments & resistenets. Quod totiens omnes Franehesiae, libertates, & omnia privilegia ejusdem Vniversitatis in manus Domini Regis vel haeredum suorum seisiantur, in eisdem manibus ipsorum Domini Regis vel haeredum suorum remansura, quousque praedictus Archiepiscopus vel Successores sui pacificam Visitationem & jurisdictionem in sorma praedicta, in dicta Vniversitate habuerit vel habuerint, & etiam tociens Cancellarius, Commissarii, & Procuratores ejusdem Vniversitatis, qui pro tempore fuerint, & eorum Successores, ac Vniversitas praedicta solvant, & teneantur folvere ipsi Domino nostro Regi Henrico & haeredibus suis mille Libras legalis Monetae Angliae.
GULIELMUS RYLEY.
27. See we here the grand difference, betwixt the Popes power in England, before and after the Statute of Praemunire. Before it, his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was authentical, and his Bulls received next to Canonical Scripture. Since, that Statute hath broken off their best Seals, wherein they cross the Royal Power; and in all things else, they enter into England mannerly with, good King by your leave Sir, or else they were no better then so much waste Parchment.
28. This doth acquaint us with a perfect Character of King Henry the fourth, who though courteous, was not servial to the Pope. And S r Edward Cook accounteth this his Oxford action (though unwilling to transcribe the Instrument for the tediousness thereof) a noble act of Kingly power in that Age, and so we take our farewell of King Henry the fourth, not observed (as all English Kings before and after him) to have erected and endowed any one entire house of Religion, as first or sole Founder thereof, though a great Benefactor to the Abby of Leicester, and College of Fotheringhay in Northamptonshire; his Picture is not so well known by his Head as his Hood, which he weareth upon it in an antick fashion peculiar to himself.
29. At the Commons Petition to the King in Parliament, that all Irish begging-Priests, called Chaumberdakyns should avoid the Realm before Michaelmas next, they were ordered to depart by the time aforesaid, upon pain of loss of goods and imprisonment during the Kings pleasure.
30. I had almost forgotten, that just a month before the death of King Henry the Fourth, Thomas Arundel, Arch-Bishops of Canterbury expired; famished to death, not for want of food, but a throat to swallow it, such the swelling therein, that he could neither speak nor eat for some days. I may safely report, what others observe, how he, who by his cruel Canons, forbad the food to the soul, and had pronounced sentence of condemnation, on so many innocents, was now both starved, and strick dumb together. Henry Chichely succeeded him in the place, whose mean birth interrupted the Chain of Noble Arch-Bishop, his two predecessors and successors, being Earls sons by their extraction.
31. The Prelates and Abbots especially, began now to have the activesoul of King Henry in suspicion; For working heads are not so willing to follow old ways, as well-pleased to find out new ones. Such a meddling soul, must ne sent out of harms-way: If that the Clergy found not this King some work abroad, he would make them new work at home. Had his humor happend to side with the Lollards, Henry the fifth would have saved King Henry the Eight much pains in demolishing of Monasteries.
32. Hereupon the Clergy cunningly gave vent to his Activity, by divertting it, on a long war upon the French, where his Victories are loundly sounded forth by our State Historians. A war of more credit then profit to England in this Kings Reign, draining the Men and Money thereof. Thus Victorious Bayes bear only barren Berries (no whit good for food, and very little for Physic ) whilst the Peaceable Olive drops down that precious liquor, making the face of man to shine therewith. Besides, what this King Henry gained, his Son as quickly lost in France. Thus though the Providence of Nature hath privileged Islanders by their entire position to secure themselves, yet are they unhappy in long keeping their acquisitions on the Continent.
33. Now began the Tragedy of Sir John Oldcastle, so largely handled in Mr. Fox, that his pains hath given Posterity a Writ of Ease herein. He was a vigorous Knight, whose Martial Activity, wrought him into the affections of Jone D: la Pole Baronesse of Cobham, the Lord whereof he became, (sed quaere, whether an Actual Baron ) by her Marriage.
34. As for the Opinions of this Sir John Oldcastle, they plainly appear in his Belief, which he drew up with his own hand, and presented it first to the King, then to the Archbishop of Canterbury, wherein some things are rather coarsely then falselie spoken. He knew to speak in the Language of the Schools (so were the meetings of the Wicklivists called) but not scholastically; and I believe he was the first that coined, and last that used the distinction of the Church Militant, divided into Priest-hood, Knight-hood, and Commons, which had no great harm therein, as he explained it. As for Persons his charging him with Anabaptistical Tenets, it is pity that the words of a plain meaning man should be put on the Wrack of a Jesuits malice, to extort by deduction what never was intended therein.
35. But a worse accusation is charged on his Memory, that he was not only guilty of Herese but Treason. But by the way, it appeareth that Lolardisme then counted Heresy was made Treason by Statute, and on that account Heresy and Treason, signify no more then Heresy, and then Heresy according to the abusive language of that Age was the best serving of God in those days. But besides this, a very formal Treason is laid to this Lord's account in manner following.
It is laid to his charge, that though not present in the person with his Council, he encouraged an Army of Rebels, no fewer then twenty thousand, which in the dark thickets (expounded in our Age into plain pasture) of S t Giles Fields nigh London, intended to seize on the Kings Person, and his two Brothers, the Dukes of Bedford and Gloucester. Of this numerous Army, thirty six are said to be hanged and burnt, though the Names of three are only known, and S r Roger Acton Knight, the only person of quality named in the design.
36. For mine own part, I must confess myself so lost in the Intricacies of these Relations, that I know not what to assent to. On the one side, I am loath to load the Lord Cobhams memory with causeless crimes, knowing the perfect hatred the Clergy in that Age bear'd unto him, and all that look d towards the reformation in Religion. Besies, that 20000 men should be brought into the field, and no place assigned whence they were to be raised, or where mustered, is clogged with much improbability. The rather because only the three persons, as is aforesaid, are mentioned by name of so vast a number.
37. On the other side, I am much startled with the Evidence that appeareth against him. Indeed I am little moved with what T. Walsingham writes, (whom all later Authors follow, as a flock the Belweather) knowing him a Benedictine Monk of S t Albanes, bowed by interest to partiality; but the Records of the Tower, and Acts of Parliament therein, wherein he was solemnly condemned for a Traitor as well as Heretic, challenge belief. For with what confidence, can any private person, promise credit from Posterity to his own Writings, if such public Monuments, be not by him entertained for authentical: Let M r Fox therefore, be this Lord Cobhams Compurgator, I dare not; and if my hand were put on the Bible, I should take it back again. Yet so, that, as I will not acquit, I will not condemn him, but leave all to the last day of the Revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
38. This is most true, that the Lord Cobham made his escape out of the Tower, wherein he was imprisoned; fled into Wales, here he lived four years, being at last discovered, and taken, by the Lord Powis. Yet so, that it cost some blows and blood to apprehend him, till a Woman at last with a Stool broke the Lord Cobham 's Leggs, whereby being lame he was brought up to London in a Horse-litter.
39. At last he was drawn upon a hurdle to the Gallows, his Death as his Crime being double, hanged and burned, for Traitor and Heretic. Hence some have deduced the Etymology of Tyburne, from Ty and burn, the necks of offending persons being tied thereunto, whose legs and lower parts were consumed in the flame.
40. Stage-Po • t; have themselves been very bold with, and others very merry at, the Memory of S r John Oldcastle, whom they have fancied a boon Companion, a jovial Royster, and yet a Coward to boot, contrary to the credit of all Chronicles, owning him a Martial man of merit. The best is, S r John Falstaffe, hath relieved the Memory of S r John Oldcastle, and of late is substituted Buffoone in his place, but it matters as little what petulant Poets, as what malicious Papists have written against him.
41. Richard Fleming Doctor of Divinity, designed by the Pope Arch-Bishop of York, but (to please King Henry the fifth) contented with the Bishopric of Lincoln, about this time founded a College, named Lincoln-College in Oxford. It fared the worse because he died before it was fully finished, and the best Guardian to an Orphan-foundation comes far short of the Father thereof. Yet was this House happy in two bountiful Benefactors, Thomas Beckington Bishop of Bath and Wells, who (according to the ingenuity of that Age) hath left his Memory in a Beacon with a Tun on the Walls, and Thomas Rotherham Arch-Bishop of York, adding five Fellowships thereunto.
42. Here I wonder what made Nicholas Pont, Fellow of Merton College, and Scholar enough) to be such a back-friend to this College in the infancy thereof, enveying bitterly against it. This is that Pont whose Faith many distrust, for his violent writing against Wycliffe, but whose Charity more may dislike, for his malice to this innocent College, except it was, that he foresaw it would produce in time, worthy Champions of the Truth, Opposers of his erroneous Opinions, as indeed it hath, though I be unable to give a particular Catalogue of them.
43. Indeed I could much desire (were it in my power) to express my service to this foundation, acknowledging myself for a quarter of a year in these troublesome times (though no member of) a dweller in it. I will not complain of the dearness of this University, where seventeen weeks cost me more then seventeen years in Cambridge (even all that I had) but shall pray that the students therein be never hereafter disturbed upon the like occasion.
44. Amongst the modern worthies of this College still surviving, D r Robert Saunderson (late Regius Professor) moveth in the highest Sphere; as no less plain and profitable, then able and profound Casuist (a learning almost lost amongst Protestants) wrapping up sharp thorns in rosie leaves, I mean hard matter in sweet latin and pleasant expressions.
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So that at the present are maintained, one Rector, fourteen Fellows, two Chaplains, four Scholars, which with Servants and other Commoners, lately made up, seventy two.
43. We must not forget John Williams, Bishop of Lincoln, bred in Cambridge, related only to this House as Visitor thereof. Here finding the Chapel, (built by John Forest Dean of Wells in the Reign of King Henry the sixth) old, little, and inconvenient, he erected a far fairer Fabric in the room thereof. He had a good Precedent of a Cambridge man's bounty to this House, even Thomas Rotherham Fellow of Kings College, and Master of Pembroke Hall therein, whom Bishop Williams succeeded, as in the Bishopric of Lincoln, and the Archbishopric of York, so in his Liberality to this Foundation.
44. On the last of August, King Henry the fifth ended his life, in France; one of a strong and active body, neither shrinking in cold, not slothful in heat, going commonly with his head uncovered, the wearing of Armor was no more cumbersome unto him then a Cloak. He never shrunk at a wound, nor turned away his Nose for ill favor; nor closed his eyes for smoke or dust; in Diet none less dainty, or more moderate: his sleep very short, but sound, fortunate in fight, and commendable in all his Actions, verifying the Proverb, that an ill Youth, may make a good Man. The Nunnery of Zion was built and endowed by him; and a College was by him intended in Oxford, had not death prevented him.
45. As for Katherine de Valois, Daughter to Charles the sixth King of France, widow of King Henry, she was afterward married to, and had issue by, Owen ap Tudor a noble we • chman, and her body lies at this day, unburied in a loose Coffin at Westminster, lately showed to such as desire it, and there dependeth a story thereon.
46. There was an old prophesy among the English (observed by foreigners to be the greatest Prophecy-mongers, and whilst the Devil knows their diet, they shall never want a dish to please the Palate) that an English Prince born at Winsor, should be unfortunate in losing what his Father had acquired. Whereupon King Henry forbad Queen Katherine, (big with Child) to be delivered there; who out of the corrupt principle, Nitimur in vetitum, and affecting her Father, before her Husband, was there brought to bed of King Henry the sixth, in whose Reign the fair victories woven by his Fathers valor, were by Cowardice, Carelessness, and Contentions, unraveled to nothing.
47. Report, the greatest (though not the truest) Author avoucheth, that sensible of her faultindisobeying her Husband, it was her own desire and pleasure, that her body should never be buried, If so, it is pity but that a Woman, (especially a Queen) should have her will therein. Whose dust doth preach a Sermon of duty to Feminine, and of Mortality to all Beholders.
48. But this story is told otherwise by other authors, namely, that she was buried near her Husband King Henry the fifth, under a fair Tomb, where she hath a large Epitaph, and continued in her grave some years, until King Henry the Seventh laying the foundation of a new Chapel, caused her Corps to be taken up; but why the said Henry, being her Great Grand-Child, did not order it to be re-interred, is not recorded; if done by casualty and neglect very strange, and stranger if out of design.
49. In the minority of King Henry the sixth, as his Uncle, John Duke of Bedford, managed martial matters beyond the seas; so his other Uncle, Humphery Duke of Gloucester, was chosen his Protector at home, to whom the Parliament then sitting appointed a select number of privy Counselors, wherein, only such as were spiritual persons fall under our observation.
- 1. Henry Chichley Archbishop of Canterbury.
- 2. John Kempe Bishop of London.
- 3. Henry Beauford Bishop of Winchest. lately made Lord Cardinal.
- 4. John Wackaring Bishop of Norwich, privy seal.
- 5. Philip Morgan; Bishop of Worcester.
- 6. Nic. Bubwith Bishop of Bath and Wels, Lord Treasurer.
So strong a party had the Clergy in that Age, in the privy Council, that they could carry all matters at their own pleasure.
50. It was ordered in Parliament, that all Irishmen living in either University, should procure their Testimonials, from the Lord Lievetenant or Justice of Ireland, as also find sureties for their good behavior, during their remaining therein. They were also forbidden to take upon them, the Principality of any Hall or House, in either University, but that they remain under the discipline of others.
51. Hitherto the Corpse of John Wycliffe had quietly slept in his grave, about one and forty years after his death, till his body was reduced to bones, and his bones almost to dust. For though the Earth in the Chancel of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire, where he was interred, hath not so quick a digestion with the Earth of Acheldama, to consume Flesh in twenty four hours, yet such the appetite thereof, and all other English graves, to leave small reversions of a body after so many years.
52. But now such the Spleen of the Council of Constance, as they not only cursed his Memory, as dying an obstinate Heretic, but ordered that his bones (with this charitable caution, if it may be discerned from the bodies of other faithful people) to be taken out of the ground and thrown far off, from any Christian burial.
53. In obedience hereunto Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincoln, Diocesan of Lutterworth, sent his Officers (Vultures with a quick sight scent at a dead Carcase) to ungrave him accordingly. To Lutterworth they come, Sumner, Commissary, Official, Chancellor, Proctors, Doctors, and the Servants (so that the Remnant of the body would not hold out a bone, amongst so many hands) take, what was left, out of the grave, and burnt them to ashes, and cast them into Swift a Neighbouring Brook running hard by. Thus this Brook hath conveyed his ashes into Avon; Avon into Severn; Severn into the narrow Seas; they, into the main Ocean. And thus the Ashes of Wycliffe are the Emblem of his Doctrine, which now, is dispersed all the World over.
54. I know not whether the Vulgar Tradition be worth Remembrance, that the Brook into which Wycliffe his Ashes were poured, never since overflowed the Banks. Were this true (as some deny it) as silly is the inference of Papists attributing this to Divine Providence, expressing itself pleased with such severity on a Heretic, as simple the collection of some Protestants, making it an effect of Wycliffe his sanctity. Such Topical accidents are good for Friend and Foe, as they may be bowed to both; but in effect good to neither, seeing no solid Judgment will build where bare fancy hath laid Foundation.
55. It is of more consequence to observe the differences betwixt Authors, some making the Council of Constance to pass this sentence of condemnation as Master Fox doth, inserting (but by mistake) the History thereof, in the Reign of King Richard the second, which happened many years after. But more truly it is ascribed to the Council of