Church History of Britain

SECT. II.

TO Sir GERRARD NAPIER OF Dorcet-shire, BARONET.

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.

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.

Place.	President.	Preacher.	Text.	Money granted the King.	The other Acts thereof.
1. Saint Paul's in London.	The Prior, and Chapter of Canterbury in the Arch-Bishops absence.	William Bishop of Rochester.	Cor meum diligit Principes Israel.	Nothing at this time, but the Clergies prayers required.	The King at the request of the Universities promised to take order with the Popes Provisions, & provensions, that so learned men might be advanced. St Gregory his day made holy.
2. Saint Paul's in London.	Thomas Arundel.		A Tenth, and half. For, a single Tenth was first proffered him, and he refused it.	Nothing else of moment passed, save Sautres condamnation.
3. Ibidem.	Idem.		At the instance of the Earl of Somerset, of Lord Ross the Treasurer, a Tenth was granted.	The Clergy renewed their Petition of Right to the King, that they should not be proceeded aganist by temporal Judges, nor forced to sell their goods, for provision for the Kings Court. No answer appears.
4. Ibidem.	Henry Bishop of Lincoln, the Arch-Bishop being absent in an Embassy.		A Tenth towards the Kings charges in suppressing the late Rebels.	Constituted that the obsequies of every English Bishop deceased, should be celebrated in all the Cathedrals of the Kingdom.
5. Ibidem.	Thomas Arundel.		A Tenth; when the Laity in Parlian t . gave nothing.	Nothing or consequence.
6. Ibidem.	Henry Beaufort Bish. of Winchest. the Arch-Bishop being absent.	Thomas, Bishop of Carlisle.	Magister adest, & vocat te.	A Tenth.	Nothing of moment.
7. Ibidem.	Thomas Arundel.	John Monk of S t Augustine in Canterbury.	Faciet unusquis{que} opussuum.		This Synod was principally employed, in suppressing of Schism; and the following Synod in the same year to the same purpose.
8. Saint Paul's in London.	Idem.	John Botel general of the Franciscans.	Vos vocati estis in uno corpore.
9. Ibidem.	Henry Bishop of Winchester, the Arch-Bishop being abroad in an Embassy.	John Langdon, Monk of Canterbury.	Stellae dederunt lumen.	A Tenth, and a Subsidy granted, saith Matthew Parker; but, others say, the Clergy accused themselves, as drained dry with former payments. Also the Popes Agent, progging for money, was denied it.	Little else save some endeavors against Wicliffs opinions.
10. Ibid.	Thomas Arundel.	John God-mersham Monk of Canterbury.	Diligite lumen sapientiae omnes qui praeestus.	A Tenth. The Clergy compained to the King, of their grievances, but received no redress.	The Popes Rents sequestered into the Kings hands, during the Schism betwixt Gregory the 12 t h, and Benedict.

We will not avouch these all the 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.

S t David's.	Landaffe	Bangor	S t Asaph.
Guido de Dona.	Thomas Peberell.	Richard Yong.	John Trebaur.
Or of Anglesey. A true Briton by birth, witness'd by his Name. He was at the present Lord Treasurer of England. In whom the King much confided, though T. Walsingham be pleased to dash his Memory, that he was the cause of much mischief.	His Sir-Name speaks him English by extraction, and he was of no remarkable activity.	He might be English or Welch by his Name, but I believe the latter. A man of merit sent by the King into Germany, to give satisfaction of King Henries proceedings.	Second of that Christian and Sirname, Bishop of that See, a Welchman no doubt, he was sent (saith T. Walsangham ) to Spain to give account of the Kings proceedings. Very loyal at the present, but after his return home, he sided with Owen Glendowre.

But though the 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.

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.

Afterwards the King confirmed the same, with the consent of the Lord's and Commons in Parliament, as in the Tower Rouls doth plainly appear.

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.

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.

Rectors.Anno Regis. Hen. 5▪ 8. 1. M r . Gul. Chamberlen. 2. M r . John Beke. 3. M r . Jo. Tristrope. 4. D r . Geo. Srangwayes. 5. M r . Gul. Betham. 6. M r . Tho. Bank. 7. M r . Tho. Drax. 8. D r . Jo. Cottisford. 9. M r . Hugo Weston. 10. M r . Christ. Hargrave. 11. D r . Fra. Babington. 12. M r . Hen. Henshaw. 13. M r . John Bridgter. 14. M r . John Tatam. 15. D r . John Underhill. 16. D r . Rich. Kilbie. D r . Paul Hudd.

Bishops.Anno Dom. 1421. Jo. Underhill Bp. of Oxford.

Benefactors. 1. John Forest Dean of Wells. 2. John Southam Arch-Deacon of Oxford. 3. William Findern Esquire. 4. Henry Beauford Cardinal Bp. of Winchester. 5. John Bucktot. 6. Joh. Crosly Treasurer of Linc. 7. William Batz. 8. Edward Darby. 9. Will. Dagril Maj. of Oxford. 10. Will. Bish. 11. Edmund Audley. 12. Joan Traps. 13. Rich Kilbie late Rector.

Learned Writers. William Harris, whose Writings are much esteemed by the Papists Richard Thornton

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 Sienna, except for sureness both of them joined in the same cruel edict.

56. Here I cannot omit what I read in a Popish Manuscript (but very lately printed) about the subject of our present discourse.

58. It is strange that this Popish Priest alone, should light on his Recantation, which, I believe, no other eyes, before or since, did behold. Besides, if, (as he saith) Wycliffe was sufficiently reconciled to the Roman Faith, why was not Rome sufficiently reconciled to him? using such cruelty unto him so many years after his death. Cold encouragement, for any to become Romist's Converts, if (notwithstanding their reconciliation) the bodies must be burnt so many years after their death.

59. But though Wycliffe had no Tomb, he had an Epitaph, such as it was, which a Monk afforded him, and that it was no worse, thank his want, not of malice, but invention, not finding out worse expressions.

Surely He with whose Name this Epitaph beginneth and endeth, was with the maker clean thorough the contrivance thereof.

59. Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester, Cardinal Sancti Eusebij, but commonly called, Cardinal of England, was by consent of Parliament made one of the Kings Council, with this condition, that he should make a Protestation to absent himself from the Council, when any matters were to be treated betwixt the King and Pope, being jealous belike, that his Papal would prevail over his Royal interest. The Cardinal took the Protestation, and promised to perform it.

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

61. Great at this time was the want of Grammar Schools, and the abuse of them that were even in London itself; for they were no better then Monopolize, it being penal for any (to prevent the growth of Wicklivism) to put their Children to private Teachers; hence was it that some hundreds were compelled to go to the same School, where, to use the words of the Records, the Masters waxen rich in money, and learners poor in cunning.

Whereupon this grievance was complained on in Parliament by four eminent Ministers in London, viz.

• M ^r .
  • William Lichfield Parson of All-Hallow's the More.
  • Gilbert, Parson of St. Andrew's Holbern.
  • John Cote, Parson of St. Peter's Cornhill.
  • John Neele, Master of the House of St. Thomas Acre's, and Parson of Colchrich.

To these it was granted by the Advice of the Ordinary, or Archbishop of Canterbury to erect five Schools (Neele the last named having a double license for two places) in their respective Parishes, which are fitly called the five vowels of London, which Mute in a manner before, began now to speak and pronounce the Latin Tongue. Know that the house St. Thomas Acres was, where Mercers Chapel standeth at this day.

About this time the Lady Eleanor Cobham, so called from the Lord Cobham her Father, (otherwise Elianour Plantagenet by her Husband) was married unto Humphrey the Kings Uncle Duke of Gloucester. She was it seems a great Savourer and Favourer of Wycliffe his Opinions, and for such Mr. Fox hath ever a Good word in store. Insomuch that he maketh this Lady a Confessor, Sr. Roger Only, (alias Bolignbroke) her Chaplain, a Martyr, assigning in his Calendar, the eleventh and twelfth of February for the days of their commemoration.

But Alanus Copus, (namely Harpsfield under his name) falls foul on Mr. Fox for making Sr. Roger a Martyr, who was a Traitor, and Elianour this Dutchess a Confessor, who by the consent of our Croniclers Robert Fabian, Edward Hall, &c. was condemned (after solemn penance and carrying a Taper barefoot at Paul's Cross) to perpetual banishment, for plotting with Only his Chaplain, (an abominable Necromancer) and three others by witchcraft to destroy the King, so to derive the Crown to her Husband, as the next heir in the Line of Lancaster. But Cope-Harpsfield pincheth the Fox the hardest, for making Margaret Jourdman (the witch of Eye) a Martyr, who was justly burnt for her witchcraft. Other small errors we omit, where of he accuseth him.

In answer hereunto, Mr. Fox makes a threefold return, ingeniously confessing part of the charge, flatly denying part, and fairly excusing the rest. He confesseth, and take it in his own words, that the former Edition of his Acts and Monuments, was HASTILY RASHED up at the present in such shortness of time, (fourteen months, as I remember, too small a term for so great a Task) that it betrayed him to many mistakes, as when he calleth Sir Roger Only a Knight, who was a Priest by his profession. Adding moreover, that had he thought no imperfections had passed his former Edition, he would have taken in hand a second recognition thereof.

He flatly denieth that his Martyr-making of Margaret Jourdman the Witch of Eye,

He excuseth the aforesaid Dutchess Elianour, alleging ten Conjectures (as he calleth them) in her vindication.

1. Sir Roger Only took it upon his death, that He and the Lady were innocent of those things for which they were condemned.

2. It was usual for the Clergy in that Age, to load those who were of Wycliffe his persuasion (such this Dutchess) with no less false then feule aspersions.

3. Sir Roger Only wrote two Books, (mentioned by Bale) the one of his own innocence, the other Contra Vulgi Superstitiones. It is not therefore probable he should be so silly a Necromancer, who had professedly confuted Popular Superstitions.

4. The Accusation of this Dutches began not until after the Grudges betwixt the Duke her Husband, and the Cardinal of Winchester, about the year 1440.

5. It is not probable if the Dutchess intended such Treason against the Kings life, (as to consume him by burning a wax candle) that she would impart a plot of such privacy to four persons, viz. Sir Roger, Margaret Jourdman, Mr. Thomas Southwell, and John Hume; seeing five, may keep counsel, if four be away.

6. So heinous a treason against the Kings person, if plainly proved, would have been more severely punished, with death no doubt of all privy thereunto. Whereas this Lady escaped with Exile, and John Hume had his life pardoned, which being so foul a fact, would not have been forgiven, if clearly testified against Him.

7. She is accused in our Chronicles, (Harding, Polycronicon, &c.) for working Sorcery and Inchantments AGAINST the Church and the King. Now how can Inchantments be made AGAINST the Church, which is a Collective Body, consisting of a Multitude of Christians? and reader in my weak opinion this Conjecture carrieth some weight with it, Balaam himself can tell us, There is no Sorcery against Jacob, not Southsaying against Israel. If any interpret Against the Church, that is, the Laws and Canons of the Church, the Sence is harsh and unusual. This rendereth it suspicious that her Inchantments against the Church, was only her disliking and distasting the errors and Superstitions thereof.

8. This Witch of Eye (saith Fabian) lived near Winchester, a Presumption (as Mr. Fox conjectureth) that the Cardinal of Winchester had a hand in packing this accusation.

9. Polydore Virgil maketh no mention thereof, otherwise sufficiently quick-sighted in matters of this nature.

10. Why may not this be false, as well as that King Richard the third, his accusing of Jane Shore for bewitching of his withered arm.

These conjectures are not Substantial enough severally to subsist of themselves, yet may they be able to stand in complication (in the whole Sheaf, though not as single Arrows) and conduce not a little towards the clearing of her innocence.

For my own part, it is past my Skill to seour out stains, inlayed in the memory of one diseased more then two hundred years ago. I see her credit stands condemned, by the generality of Writers; and as it is above the power of the present Age, to pardon it, so it is against all pity, cruelty to execute the same, some after-evidences appearing with glimmering light in her vindication. Let her Memory therefore be reprieved till the day of Judgment, when it is possible, that this Lady, bearing here, the indignation of God for her sins, may in due time have her cause pleaded, and judgment executed for her, and her righteousness be brought into light. Sure I am she fared no whit the better, for her surname of Cobbam, odious to the Clergy of that Age on the account of Sir John Oldcasile Lord Cobham, though these two were nothing of kin. The best is she left no issue to be ashamed of her faults, if she were guilty, the best evidences of whose innocence are in the Manuscript Books of J. Leyland, which as yet I have not had the happiness to behold.

At this time William Heiworth sat Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, being translated thither from being Abbot of St. Albans. Wonder not that he should leave the richest Abbey of England (where he took place of all of his Order) and exchange it for a middle-sized Bishopric. For first, even those who most admire the holiness and perfection of Monasticallife, do grant the Episcopal Function above it in all Spiritual respects. Secondly, in Temporal Considerations the poorest Bishop was better (and might be more beneficial to his Kindred) than the richest Abbot, seeing he by will might bequeath his estate to his Heirs, which no Abbot, (incapable in his own / person of any Propriety) could legally do, whose goods belonged to his Convent in common.

This Bishop Heiworth deserved not ill of his Cathedral Church of Litchfield. Indeed the body of the Church was built by Roger de Clinton Bishop thereof, in the reign of King Henry the first, who increased the number of the Prebends, and surrounded Litchfield with a ditch bestowing, much cost on the invisible Castle, which now is vanished out of sight. Afterwards Walter de Langton his successor in the reign of King Edward the first was a most munificent Benefactor thereunto, laying the foundation of the Chapel of the Virgin Mary, and (though dying before it was finished) bequeathing a sufficient sum of money for the finishing thereof. He also fenced the Close of the Church about with a high wall, and deep ditch, adorning it with two beautiful gates, the fairer on the west, the lesser on the South side thereof. He expended no less then two thousand and pound in beautifying the shrine of Saint Chad his predecessor.

65. But now in the time of the aforesaid William Heyworth, the Cathedral of Litchfield was in the vertical height thereof, being (though not augmented in the essentials) beautified in the Ornamentals thereof. Indeed the West front thereof is a stately Fabric, adorned with exquisite imagery, which I suspect our age is so far from being able to imitate the workmanship, that it understandeth not the History thereof.

66. Surely what Charles the fifth is said to have said of the City of Florence, that it is pity it should be seen save only on Holy-days; as also that it was fit that so fair a City should have a Case and Cover for it to keep it from wind and weather, so in some sort, this Fabric may seem to deserve a shelter to secure it.

67. But alas it is now in a pitiful case indeed, almost beaten down to the ground in our civil dissensions. Now lest the Church should follow the Castle; I mean, quite vanish out of view, I have at the cost of my worthy friend here exemplified the Portraiture thereof: and am glad to hear it to be the design of ingenious persons to preserve ancient Churches in the like nature, (whereof many are done in this, and more expected in the next part of Monasticon) seeing when their substance is gone, their very shadows will be acceptable to posterity.

68. The Commons in Parliament complained to the King, that whereas they had sold great wood of twenty years growth and upwards, to their own great profit, and in aid to the King in his wars and shipping, the Parsons and Vicars impleaded such Merchants as bought this Timber, for the Tithes thereof, whereby their estates were much damnified, the King and the Kingdom disserved.

69. They also complained, that when such Merchants troubled in the Courts Christian addressed themselves for remedy to the Chancery, and moved therein for a Prohibition, which in such cases is to be granted unto them, by virtue of a Statute made in the forty fifth year of King Edward the third, yet such a writ of Prohibition and attachment, was against all law and right denied them. Wherefore they humbly desired the King to ordain by authority of the present Parliament, that such, who shall find themselves grieved, may hereafter have such writs of Prohibition and upon that Attachments as well in the Chancery as in the Kings and Common-Bench at their choice. And that the said Writs of Prohibition and Attachment issuing out of the said Benches, have the said force and effects, as the Original writs of Prohibition and Attachment so issuing out of the Chancery of our Lord the King.

70. To this it was returned, the King will be advised, the civilest expression of a Denial. However we may observe that for a full hundred years (viz. from the middle of King Edward the third, to and after this time) no one Parliament passed wherein this Grievance was not complained on. So that an Acorn might become an Oak, and good Timber in the term, wherein this molestation for the Tithes of wood, (under the pretence of Silva Cedua) did continue. But it seems it was well Ordered at last, finding future Parliaments not complaining thereof.

71. At this time William Linwood finished his industrious and useful work of his Constitutions. He was bred in Cambridge, first Scholar of Gonvile, then Fellow of Pembroke-Hall. His younger years he spent in the study of the Laws, whereby he gained much wealth, and more reputation. Afterwards (quitting his practice) he betook himself to the Court, and became Keeper of the Privy-Seal unto King Henry the fifth, who employed him on a long and important Embassy into Spain and Portugal.

72. Linwood being no less skillful in Civil than Canon Law, performed the place with such exemplary industry and judgment, that had not the Kings sudden death prevented it, he had been highly advanced in the Commonwealth. Afterwards he reassumed his Officials place of Canterbury, and then at spare hours collected and digested the Constitutions of the fourteen latter Archbishops of Canterbury, from Stephen Langton to Henry Chicheley, unto whom he dedicated the Work, submitting the censure thereof to the Church.

73. A worthy Work, highly esteemed by foreign Lawyers not so particularly Provincial for England, but that they are useful for other Countries, his Comment thereon being a Magazine of the Canon-Law. It was printed at Paris, 1505. (but at the cost and charges of William Bretton, an honest Merchant of London) revised by the care of Wolfgangus Hippolius, and prefaced unto by Jodocus Badius. This Linwood was afterward made Bishop of Saint David's, whose works (though now beheld by some as an Almanac out of date) will be valued by the judicious whilst Learning and Civility have a being.

CENT. XV.

1. THis year began the smart and active Council of Basil, to which our Ambassadors were to represent both their Sovereign, and the English Nation; where they were received with honor and respect, the reputation of King Henry his Holiness adding much to their credit; Foraigners there being very inquisitive of them, to be satisfied in the particulars of his devotion, which by them was represented much to their Masters advantage. But it is worth our pains to peruse the Commission they carried with them.

THe King to all whom &c. Greeting. Know that according to the Decrees of [the late] Council of Constance, the present Council of Basil is actually celebrated under the Most Holy Father, Lord Eugenius the fourth Pope. We being often instigated to be present at the same Council, not only on the behalf of the same Council, by their Orators, especially dispatched to us, for that purpose, but also by the Letters Apostolical and Imperial, and the Letters of very many other Fathers of the Holy Mother Church, and of Secular Princes. And we desiring to be present thereat, to the praise of God, prosperity of the Holy Mother Church, and her desired Honor, and chiefly for the exaltation of the Catholic Faith, being on just reason hindered with many and several occasions, cannot (as we would) be personally present thereat. Wherefore by these presents we constitute, make, and depute, the venerable Fathers, Robert Bishop of London, Philip Bishop of Lisieux, John Bishop of Rochester, John Bishop of Baieux, & Bernard Bishop of Aix, and our most dear Cousin Edmund Earl of Morton, our beloved Nicolas Abbot of Glasto, William Abbot of S ^t Mary's in York, and William Prior of Norwich, and our beloved and trusty Henry Broumflete, Knight, M ^r Thomas Broun Doctor of Laws Dean of Sarum, John Colluelle, Knight, M ^r Peter Fitz-Maurice D. D. and M ^r Nicholas David Arch-Deacon of Constance, & Licentiat in both Laws, our Ambassadors, Orators, true and undoubted Proctors, Actors, Factors, and special Messengers; Giving, and we give to them, and the greater part of them, Power and Command, as well general, as special, in our Name, and for Us, to be present in the same Council, to treat, debate, and conclude as well of these things which may concern the support of the Orthodox Faith, the Pacification of Kings and Princes, as also upon either a perpetual Peace, or else a Cessation from War, betwixt Us and Charles of France our Adversary. Impowring them also to treat, commune, and appoint, moreover to consent, and if need be, dissent, in those things which shall happen there to be established and ordained according to the deliberations of the aforesaid Council. Promising, and we do promise, on good faith, that whatsoever shall be acted, done, or managed, in the premisses, and everyone of them by our aforesaid Ambassadors, Orators, and Proctors, or the greater part of them, we shall have and account for ratified, welcome, and firm forever. And when we shall be certified of and upon the same, we shall care to command the due execution, so far as appertaineth to Us, and a Christian Prince. In witness whereof, We have made these our Letters Patent.

Given under our Great Seal, being our witness, in our Palace at Westminster, July 10.

So eminent an Instrument of so great importance must not pass without some of our observations thereupon.

2. The Council of Basil is said to be assembled according to the Decrees of the late Council of Constance, wherein it was constituted, that within so many years a General Council should be called. For seeing the Church was subject to contract Rust in Doctrine and manners, frequency of Councils, was conceived the best way to scour the same. But the Pope lately hath willingly forgotten this Canon, no General Council being called since that of Trent, wherein all the Power and profit of the Pope was secured under the Notion of Articles of the Faith: since which time his Holiness thought it not safe to tamper with a new Council, as which might impair, but could not improve his condition.

3. See we here fourteen Ambassadors sent to Basil, Bishops 5. Earl 1. (not that he was to vote in the Council, but only behold the transactions thereof) Abbots 2. Prior 1. Knights 2. Doctor in Divinity 1. Doctors of Law 2. all Interests being in them represented; When therefore we read in Roger Howden and others, ad generale Concilium Domini Papae, quatuor Episcopy de Anglia tantùm Romam mittendi sunt, only four English Bishops are to be sent to Rome to a general Council of the Pope; understand it, that such a number is sufficient. England needed to send but so many, though, if pleased, might send more, confined by no other command save the Kings free discretion. And seeing Basil was little above the half way to Rome, the journey being shorter, the more messengers were employed.

4. The three French Bishops sent by the King, speak the great Command, which King Henry as yet had in France, especially (if as I take it) by Aquensis, Aix be mentioned, scited in the furthermost parts of Provence, though even now the English power in France was a waning.

5. John, Bishop of Rochester, here mentioned, was John Langdon, intruded by the Pope into that Bishopric, to the apparent prejudice of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. For the Bishop of Rochester was accounted Canterburies Chaplain, to whom he owed his Spirituals, and Temporals as his Patron, and founder; though now the Pope, contrary to the Arch-Bishops will and right forced this Langdon into the place. But indeed he was a learned man (dying this year in his Embassy at Basil) and deserved far better preferment then the poor Bishopric of Rochester. But yet as some observe of Tailors, that they make the largest garments, when they have the least clothe allowed them; so the poor Bishopric of Rochester, hath fared better then many richer Sees, seeing Sacrilege would never feed on so bare a pasture.

6. Observe the Method in the Nomination of these Commissioners, wherein no wonder if the Bishops precede so great an Earl; was it not fit that reverend Fathers should be placed before a dear Cousin? besides the employment being of Church concernment, Spiritual persons carried it clear in the race of dignity. More strange it is to find herein a Knight [Henry Broomflete] put before a Doctor of both Laws, and yet John Colevil, another Knight placed after the same Doctor. I confess the contest very ancient about priority betwixt a Knight and a Doctor of Law, ever since the comparison which Tully made betwixt Lucius Murena, a Knight of Rome, and Pub. Sulpitius a Lawyer, either of them standing for the Consulship. Though now in England the precedency of the Knight be indubitable, since preferment is taken from Civil Law, and the professors thereof shut up, as it were, in a narrow corner of their own faculty. But we leave the Critical Decision thereof, to his pen who hath wrote a just Tract of the Glory (in truth of the Vanity) of this world, and exactly stated this particular, with all the circumstances thereof.

7. Whereas the King impowreth those his Commissioners to meddle in the point of his right of the Realm of France, with King Charles his competitor, submitting his Title to be discussed in the Council, it carrieth with it a confidence of his own right, and charitable desire to save the effusion of Christian Blood; But this was not Council, but Camp-work; and we meet not with the mention hereof once touched on in this great Assembly. However, so wary was King Henry (or rather his Council) as not absolutely to tie up his title, to the decision of this Council, but to give his Commissioners a negative voice, in case they see cause to dissent.

8. The general History of the Church reporteth the Acts of this Council, how they deposed Pope Eugenius, and substituted Felix in his room; for which, and other decisions therein, Rome beholds this Council but with bad eyes unto this day. We will only meddle with a difference therein, which concerned our own Nation. The Orators of several Kings began to take their places, according to their birth-rights; dating their age from their Nations first receiving of Christianity. Here arose the controversy of course, about precedency, betwixt the English and Castile Ambassadors: the former alleging Britain's conversion by Joseph of Arimathea; which Alphonsus Garsias de Sancta Maria, Dean of Compostella and Segovia, Doctor of Law, and Ambassador for Castile, with a Speech more tedious then his name and titles, much endeavored to disprove, and his arguments may be reduced to these four heads:

• 1. First, he denied Josephs arrival in Britain, and imposed the proof thereof on the English who affirmed it, challenging them to produce any authentic Record for the same.
• 2. Secondly, he urged probability to the contrary, out of the Golden Legend, or Flores Sanctorum, where it is reported, how Titus, taking Jerusalem, caused a thick wall to be digged thorough, and therein found an aged man, who confessed himself to be Joseph Or Arimathea, there imprisoned by the Jews for burying of Christ; and that ever since he had been fed with-meat from heaven. Hence he inferred, that if Joseph were in durance all this while in the wall, he could not, as the English pretended, come over into Britain to plant the Gospel.
• 3. Thirdly, grant that Joseph, after his enlargement by Titus, preached in Britain, which must needs be after the year of our Lord, seventy and two, Spain long before had received the Gospel by the preaching of James the Apostle.
• 4. Fourthly, Be it granted, that Joseph did preach in England, it was but in a corner thereof, the grand body of Britain remaining pagan many hundred years after.

These arguments he uttered with such an affected gravity, as if he could have made the matter the more by pronouncing the words the longer.

9. The English easily answered these exceptions, proving James to be slaughtered at Jerusalem by Herod, before his pretended preaching in Spain: seeing their own Country-man, and an Arch-Bishop of Toledo confesseth as much. They produced many ancient testimonies for the preaching of Joseph in Britain, the fond fable of his being kept in a wall being beneath confutation, as attested only by a worthless Author, Joannes de Voragine. Their allegation, that Britain was but partially converted, by his preaching, was but impertinent to the present purpose; the point controverted not being of the universality, but the antiquity of first receiving the Christian Faith. Besides, neither James, nor any other Disciple, ever converted a Kingdom totally, and entirely to Christianity. However, nothing was concluded in this controversy, always agitated, never decided.

• 1. In the Council of Pisa, Anno 1409.
• 2. In the Council of Constance, 1417. betwixt the Ambassadors of England and France.
• 3. In the Council of Sienes, before Martin the fifth, Pope: wherein Richard Fleming, Bishop of Lincoln, encountered France, Spain, and Scotland, about precedency.

10. Henry Chichely, Doctor of Law, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, Founded a College in Oxford, by the Name of All-Souls, for a Warden, and forty Fellows; which number by Statute was never to be augmented, or impaired; and all void places (by death, or otherwise) once in a year to be supplied.

Wardens.Anno Dom. 1437. 1. M r Rich. Andrew's. 2. M r Rog. Keys. 3. Mr Gul. Kele. 4. M r Gul. Poteman. 5. M r Jo. Stokie. 6. Tho. Hobbys. 7. M r Gul. Brooke. 8. M r Jo. Coale. 9. M r Rob. Woodward. 10. M r Rob. Stokelie. 11. M r Jo. Warner. 12. M r Seth Holland. 13. M r Jo. Pope. 14. M r Rich. Bar • er. 15. M r Rob. Hovenden. 16. D r Mocket. 17. D r Ashley. D r Shelden. D r Palmer.

Bishops.Anno Regis Hen. 6. 15. James Gouldwel, Bishop of Norwich, 1472. Gilbert Bourn, Bish. of Bath and Wells, 1554. Glyes Tomson, Bish. of Gloucester, 1611. Brian Duppa, Bish. of Sarum, Fellow of this House.

Benefactors. King Henry the 6 th at the procurement of the Founder, gave four Priories Alians, viz. Alberbury, Rumney, Weeden-Pinkeney, and Languenith. Queen Elizabeth confirmed the Parsonage of Stanton Harcourt. Reginald Poole, Card. Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. S r William Peter, Fellow of this College, and Secretary to four Kings and Queens.

Learned Writers. S r Clement Edmond's. D r Gentilis an excellent Civilian. D r Steward. M r Diggs.

So that at this present this College hath one Warden, forty Fellows, two Chaplains, three Clerks, six Choristers, besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation, with other Students, the whole number being seventy. The Fellows of this College are bound by their Statutes to be been nati, spendide vestiti, & mediocriter docti in plano cantu.

Know Reader, I was promised by my respected friend, D ^r Jeremy Taylor, (late Fellow of this house) well known to the world by his worth, a Catalogue of the Eminent Scholars thereof; but it seems the Press, (like Time and Tide) staying for no man, I have not been so happy seasonably to receive it.

11. Six years did this Arch-Bishop survive the first Founding of this College. He was a worthy man in his generation, had not his vassalage to the Pope (the epidemical disease of those days) engaged him in cruelty against the poor professors of the truth. Most of the Synods, called by him toward the latter end of his life, effected only the advance of money, the Clergy being very desirous to buy off the penalty of a Praemunire (so pernicious to their proceedings) but could not completely compass the same. I have nothing else to observe of Arch-Bishop Chichely, save the common tradition, how King Henry the sixth, acted herein by some misoclere-Countries (otherwise in himself friend enough to Church-men) sent this Arch-Bishop, for a New-years-gift, a shred-pie indeed, as containing pieces of clothe and stuff, of several sorts and colors, in jeer, because his father was a Taylor at Higham-Ferrars in Northampton-shire. The Arch-Bishop thankfully received the gift, even after he had seen the entrails thereof, and courteously entertained the messenger, requesting him to return to his Grace, If my Lord the King do but as far exceed Henry the fifth (whom God assoil) his Father, as my meanness hath gone beyond my poor father, he will make the most accomplished Monarch that ever was in Christendom. John Stafford, one of noble parentage, succeeded in the place of Chichely deceased.

12. This good precedent of the Arch-Bishops bounty, may be presumed a spur to the speed of the Kings liberality; who soon after Founded Eaton College, incorporate by the name of Praepositi & Collegii Regalis Col. Beatae Mariae de Eaton juxta Winsor. It seemeth these words Beatae Mariae, are so necessary, that being left out in a Lease (wherein all the other Titles of the Foundation were inserted at large) the said Lease was adjudged void for that omission. But know, this verdict passed in Queen Mary's days, when Regina Maria made the mention of Beatae Mariae, so essential thereunto.

13. Indeed it was high time some School should be founded, considering how low Grammar-Learning ran then in the Land, as may appear by the following Verses made for King Henry the Founder; as good no doubt as the generality of that Age did afford, though (scarce deserving Translation) so that the worst scholar in Eaton College that can make a Verse, can make a better.

14. This College consisteth of one Provost, Fellows, a Schoolmaster and Usher, with Kings Scholars; Besides many Oppidanes, maintained there at the cost of their friends; so that were Eaton, as also Winchester -School removed into Germany, they would no longer be accounted Scholae, but Gymnasia, a middle term betwixt a School, and an University. The Provostship of Eaton is accounted one of the Gentilest, and intirest preferments in England, the Provost thereof, being provided for in all particulars, to the very points of his hose (my desire is one tag of them may not be diminished) and as a pleasant Courtier told King Henry the eighth, an hundred pound a year more then enough. How true this is I know not, this I know, if some Courtiers were to stint the enough of Clergy-men, even the most industrious of them should (with Solomon's slothful man) have poverty enough. But take here a Catalogue of the Provosts of Eaton.

• 1. Henry Seilver D. D. Almoner to King Henry the sixth.
• 2. William Wainflet, B. D. afterwards Bishop of Winchester.
• 3. John Clerk, B. D. died Provost, the 7 ^th Novemb. 1447.
• 4. William Westbury, B. D. chosen Provost, Anno 1448.
• 5. Hen. Bost, B. D. he gave an hundred Marks, and twenty pounds per an. to the College, died the 7 ^th Feb. 1503.
• 6. Roger Lupton, B. D.
• 7. Robert Aldridge, afterwards Bishop of Carlisle.
• 8. S ^r Tho. Smith, Doct. of Law, of Queens College in Cambridge, chosen, Anno 1554.
• 9. Henry Colle, D. D. and Law, chosen in the same year, 1554.
• 10. William Bill, D. D. Almoner to Queen Elizabeth, chosen July 5. 1559.
• 11. William Day, B. D. Dean also of Windsor, chosen Jan. 5. 1561. afterwards Bishop of Winchester.
• 12. Sir Henry Savile, Warden of Merton College in Oxford, chosen, 3 June 1596. eminent to all posterity for his magnificent Edition of Saint Chrysostom in Greek.
• 13. Tho. Murrey, Esq Tutor and Secretary to King Charles, whilst Prince.
• 14. S ^r Henry Wotton, famous for several Embassies, chosen 1625.
• 15. Steward, Doct. of Law, and Dean of S ^t Paul's.
• 16. Francis Rouse, Esabque;

This Eaton is a nursery to Kings College in Cambridge. All that I will add, is, to wish, that the prime Scholars in this School may annually be chosen to the University, and when chosen, their places may fall accordingly, not by the death of those in Kings College, but their advancement to better preferment in the Church and Common-wealth.

15. If we cast our eyes on the Civil estate, we shall find our Foraign Acquisitions in France, which came to us on foot, running from us on horse-back. Nulla dies sine Civitate, fierce a day escaping wherein the French regained not some City or place of importance; so that the English, who under King Hen. 6. had almost a third of France, besides the City of Paris (another third in its self for Wealth and Populousness;) soon lost all on the Continent, to the poor pittance of Calais, and a little land, or (if you will) some large suburbs round about it.

16. Yet let not the French boast of their Valor, but (under God's providence) thank our sins, and particularly our discords, for their so speedy recoveries. There were many Clefts and Chaps in our Council-board; factions betwixt the great Lord's present thereat, and these differences descended on their Attendants and Retainers; who putting on their Coats wore the Badges, as well of enmities, as of the Arms of their Lord's and Masters: but behold them how coupled in their Antipathies.

Deadly feud betwixt Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York. Humbhrey Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester, Henry Beaufort Cardinal, Bishop of Winchester.

Deadly feud betwixt William Delapole, Duke of Suffolk. John Holland, Duke of Exeter. Humphrey Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. Richard Nevill, Earl of Warwick.

Betwixt the three last there was as it were a battle Royal in this Cockpit, each of them hating and opposing another. In all these contests their ambition was above their covetousness; it being every ones endeavor not so much to raise and advance himself, as ruin and depress his adversary.

17. Two of the aforesaid principal persons left the world this year, and in the same month. First, Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, Son to King Henry the fifth; Uncle and Guardian to King Henry the sixth: A great Housekeeper. Hospitality being so common in that Age, none were commended for the keeping, but condemned for the neglecting thereof: He was much opposed by Queen Margaret (who would have none rule the King her husband, save herself) and accused of a treacherous design; insomuch that at a packed Parliament at Bury, he was condemned of high Treason, and found dead in his bed; not without rank suspicion of cruel practices upon his person.

18. His death is suspended betwixt Legal execution and murder; and his memory pendulous betwixt Malefactor and Martyr. However the latter hath most prevailed in men's belief, and the Good Duke of Gloucester is commonly his character: But it is proper for some Oxford man to write his just Vindication. A Manuel in asserting his memory being but proportionable for him, who gave to their Library so many and precious voluminous Manuscripts. As for those, who chewing their meat with their feet, whilst they walk in the body of S ^t Paul's, are commonly said to Dine with Duke Humphrey; the saying is as far from truth as they from dinner, even twenty miles off: seeing this Duke was buried in St Albans, to which Church he was a great Benefactor.

19. The same Moneth with the Duke of Gloucester, died Henry Beaufort, Bishop of Winchester, and Cardinal; One of high descent, high spirit, and high preferments; hardly to be equalled by Cardinal Wolsey (otherwise but a pigmy to him in birth) for wealth and magnificence. He lent King Henry the 5 ^th at once twenty thousand pounds, who pawned his Crown unto him. He built the fair Hospital of St Cross, near Winchester; and although Chancellor of the University of Oxford, was no grand Banefactor thereunto, in proportion to his own wealth (commonly called the Rich Cardinal) or the practices of his predecessors, Wickham, and Wainesleet.

20. The Bishops assembled in Parliament, labored the recalling of the Act of Praemunire, and no wonder if galled horses would willingly cast off their saddles, but belike they found that statute girt too close unto them. The Lord's and Commons stickling stoutly for the continuance thereof. And because this is the last time we shall have occasion to mention this Statute, and therefore must take our farewell thereof; it will not be amiss to insert the ensuing passage, as relating to the present subject, though it happened many years after.

21. One Robert Lalor, Priest, a Native of Ireland, to whom the Pope had given the titulary Bishopric of Kilmore, and made him Vicar-general of the See Apostolic, within the Arch-Bishopric of Dublin, &c. boldly and securely executed his pretended jurisdiction for many years, was indicted at Dublin, in Hillary Terme, Quarto Jacobi, upon this Statute of Praemunire, made two hundred years before, being the sixteenth of Richard the second. His Majesty's learned Council did wisely forbear to proceed against him upon any latter Law (whereof plenty in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth) because Recusants (swarming in that Kingdom) might have their judgments convinced. That long before King Henry the eighth banished the Usurpation of the Pope, The King, Lord's and Commons in England (though for the most part of the Romish Religion) made strict Laws for the maintenance of the Crown against any foreign Invasion. Whereupon after the party indicted had pleaded at large for himself, The Jury departed from the Bar, and returning within half an hour, found the prisoner guilty of the contempts whereof he was indicted; whereupon the Solicitor General moved the Court to proceed to judgment, and S ^r ' Dominick Sarsfield (one of the Justices of his Majesty's chief Pleas) gave judgment according to the form of the Statute, whereupon the Endictment was framed. Hence it plainly appears, that such Misdemeanours of Papists are punishable at this day, by virtue of those Ancient Statutes, without any relation to such as were enacted since the Reformation.

22. About this time Jack Cade raised his Rebellion, like and unlike to the former commotion of Jack Straw. Like,