Church History of Britain

1. GOD hath always been ambitious to preserve and prefer little things, the Jews the least of all Nations, DAVID their King, least in his fathers family; little Benjamin the Ruler; little Hill of Herman; the Virgin Mary, the lowliness of thy handmaiden: God's children severally are styled his little ones, and collectively make up but a little flock, And surely it renders the work of grace more visible and conspicuous, when the object can claim nothing as due to itself. A pregnant proof hereof we have in Divine Providence, at this time preserving the inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors against most powerful opposition. This handful of men, were tied to very hard duty, being constantly to stand Sentinels against an Army of enemies, till God sent Luther to relieve them, and the work was made lighter, with more hands to do it, as in the sequel of our story, God willing, will appear. Mean time we must remember that Henry Dean succeeded in the place of Arch-Bishop Morton, lately deceased, and enjoyed his honor but two years, then leaving it to William Warham, one well qualified with learning and discretion.

2. Now it is no small praise to Buckingham -shire, that being one of the lesser Counties of England, it had more Martyrs and Confessors in it, before the time of Luther, then all the Kingdom besides: where William Tylsworth was burnt at Amersham, (the Rendezvous of God's children in those days) and Joan his only daughter, and a faithful woman, was compelled with her own hands to set fire to her dear father. At the same time sixty professors, and above, did bear fagots for their penance, and were enjoined to wear on their right sleeves, for some years after, a square piece of clothe, as a disgrace to themselves, and a difference from others. But what is most remarkable, a new punishment was now found our of branding them in the cheek. The manner thus: Their necks were tied fast to a post with towels, and their hands holden that they might not stir; and so the hot Iron was put to their checks. It is not certain whether branded with L for Lollard, or H for Heretic, or whether it was only a formless print of Iron (yet nevertheless painful) this is sure, that they bare in their bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus. And no doubt they had so well learned our Savior's precept, that rather then they would have revenged themselves, by unlawful means, to them that smit them on the one cheek, they would have turned the other also. Surely Ecclesiastical constitutions did not reach thus far, as to impose any corporal torture: and whether there be any Statute of the Land that enjoins, (not to say permits) such punishments, let the learned in the Laws decide. This I am sure, if this was the first time that they fell into this (supposed) Heresy, by the Law they were only to abjure their errors; and if it were the second time, upon relapse into the same again, their whole bodies were to be burnt. Except any will say, that such as by these bloody Laws deserved death, were branded only by the favor of William Smith Bishop of Lincoln, and one may have charity enough to incline him to this belief, when considering the same William (Founder of Brazen-nose College in Oxford ) was generally a lover of learning and goodness, and not cruelly disposed of himsself. However some of God's children, though burnt, did not dread the fire. And Father R • ver, aliàs Reive, though branded at the time, did afterwards suffer at a stake; so that the brand at the first did but take livery and seisin in his cheek, in token that his whole body should afterwards be in the free and full possession of the fire.

3. They who desire further information of the number and names of such as suffered about this time, may repair to the Acts and Monuments of M ^r Fox, only Thomas Chase of Amersham must not be here omitted, being barbarously butchered by bloody hands in the Prison of Wooburne. Who to cover their cruelty, gave it out that he had hanged himself, and in color thereof, caused his body to be buried by the high ways side, where a stake knockit into the grave, is the monument generally erected for Felons de Se. Fear not those (saith our Savior) who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do: But these men's malice endeavored to do more, having killed his body, to murder his memory with slanderous reports; although all in vain. For the Prison itself did plead for the innocence of the prisoner herein, being a place so low and little, that he could not stand upright. Besides the woman that saw his dead hody, (a most competent witness in this case) declared, that he was so loaden with Ma • icles and Irons, that he could not well move either hand or foot. But we leave the full discussing, and final deciding hereof to him, who makes inquisition for blood, at that day, when such things as have been done in secret, shall be made manifest.

4. By this time we may boldly say, that all the arrears of money due to the Pope, for Pardons in the year of Jubilee, five years since were fully collected, and safely returned to Rome, by the officers of his Holiness, the lagging money which was last sent thither, came soon enough to be received there. We wish the sellers more honesty, and the buyers more wisdom. Yet we envy Rome this payment the less, because it was the last in this kind, she did generally receive out of England. Mean time time King Henry the seventh did enter common with the Pope, having part allowed to connive at the rest. Thus whilst Pope and Prince shared the wool betwixt them, the people were finely fleeced. Indeed King Henry was so thristy, I durst call him covetous, not to say fordid, had he been a private man, who knowing what ticklish terms he stood upon, loved a referve of treasure, as being (besides his claims of Conquest, match, and descent) at any time, a good title ad Corroborandum. (And we may the less wonder that this money was so speedily spent by his successor, a great part thereof being gotten by sin, was spent on sin:) Was it then charity or remorse, giving or resstoring, that hereupon King Henry the seventh Founded the rich Holpital of the Savoy in the Strand, with the finishing whereof he ended his own life. And it is questionable whether his body lies in more magnificence in that stately and costly Tomb and Chapel of his own erecting, or whether his memory lives more lastingly in that learned and curious History, which the Lord Bacon hath written of his Reign?

5. Henry the eighth, his Son, succeeded him, one of a beautiful person, and majestic presence, insomuch that his picture in all places is known at the first sight. As for the character of his mind, all the virtues and vices of all his predecessors from the Conquest, may seem in him fully represented, both to their kind and degree, learning, wisdom, valor, magnificence, cruelty, avarice, fury, and lust; following his pleasures whilst he was young, and making them come to him when he was old. Many memorable alterations in Church and State happened in his age, as God willing, hereafter shall appear.

6. On the third day of June he was solemnly Married to the Lady Katharine Dowager, formerly wife to his brother Prince Arthur deceased. Two Popes took the matter in hand to discuss and decide the lawfulness thereof, Alexander the sixth, and Pius the third; but both died before the business was fully effected. At last comes Pope Julius the second, and by the omnipotency of his dispensation, removed all impediments and obstructions, against the laws of God or man hindering or opposing the said marriage. We leave them for the present wedded and bedded together, and twenty years hence shall hear more of this matter; only know that this marriage was founded in covetous considerations, merely to save money, that the Kingdom might not be impoverished by restoring her Dowry back again into Spain, though hereupon a greater mass of coin was transported out of the Land, though not into Spain, into Italy. Thus such who consult with covetousness in matters of conscience, embracing finister courses to save charges, will find such thrist to prove expensive at the casting up of their audit; howere Divine Providence over-ruling all actions to his own glory, so ordered it, that the breaking off the Popes power, with the banishing of Superstition out of England, is at this day the only surviving issue of this marriage.

7. The beginning of this Kings Reign was but barren (as the latter part thereof, some will say, over-fruitful) with eminent Church-passages. And therefore we will spare when we may, and be brief in his first; that we may spend when we should, in the larger description of his latter years. Cruelty still continued and increased on the poor Lollards (as they call them) after abjuration, forced to wear the fashion of a faggot wrought in thread, or painted on their left sleeves, all the days of their lives; it being death to put on their clothes without that cognizance. And indeed to poor people it was true, Put it off, and be burned; keep it on, and be starved; seeing none generally would set them on work, that carried that badge about them.

8. On this account William Sweeting, and James Brewster were re-imprisoned. In vain did Brewster plead, that he was commanded to leave off his badge, by the Controller of the Earl of Oxfords house, who was not to control the orders of the Bishops herein. And, as little did Sweetings plea prevail, that the Parson of Mary Magdalene 's in Colchester, caused him to lay his saggot aside. These, like Isaac, first bare their fagots on their backs, which soon after bare them, being both burnt together in Smithfield. The Papists report, that they proffered at their death, again to abjure their opinions, the truth whereof one day shall appear. Mean time, if true, let the unpartial but judge, which were most faulty, these poor men for want of constancy in tendering, or their Judges, for want of charity, in not accepting their abjuration.

9. Richard Hunn, a wealthy Citizen of London, imprisoned in Lollards Tower, for maintaining some of Wiclifss opinions, had his neck therein secretly broken. To cover their cruelty, they gave it out, that he hanged himself; but he Coroners inquest sitting on him, by necessary presumptions, found the impossibility thereof, and gave in their verdict, that the said Hunn was murdered. Insomuch that Persons hath nothing to reply, but, that the Coroners Inquest were simple men, and suspected to be infected with Wiclifsian heresies. But we remit the Reader to M ^r . Fox for ssatisfaction in all these things, whose commendable care is such, that he will not leave an hoof of a martyr behind him, being very large in the reckoning up of all sufferers in this kind.

10. Cardinal Bainbrigg, Arch-Bishop of York, being then at Rome, was so highly offended with Rivaldus de Modena, an Italian, his Steward (Others say his Physicain, and a Priest) that he fairly cudgelled him. This his passion was highly censured, as inconsistent with Episcopal gravity, who should be no striker. But the Italian shown a cast of his Country, and with poison sent the Cardinal to answer for his fact in another world, whose body was buried in the English Hospital at Rome.

11. Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester, Founded and endowed Corpus-Christi-College in Oxford, bestowing thereon Lands, to the yearly value of four hundred and one pounds eight shillings and two pence. And, whereas this Foundation is charactred by an Oxford man, to be Ex omnibus minimum, vel certe ex minimis unum, at this day it acquitteth itself in more then a middle equipage amongst other Foundations. Erasmus is very large in the praise thereof, highly affected with a Library, and Study of tongues, which, according to the Founders Will, flourished therein; insomuch that for some time it was termed, The College of the three learned Languages;

So that a President, twenty Fellows, twenty Scholars, two Chaplains, two Clerks, and two Choristers, besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation, are therein maintained, which with other Students, Anno 1634. made up threescore and ten.

12. This Hugh Oldham, in the front of Benefactors, because he was Bishop of Exeter, for names-sake, intended his bounty to Exeter College. But, suffering a repulse from that Society (refusing at his request to make one Atkin a Fellow) diverted his liberality to Corpus-Christi-College: so bountiful thereunto, that, as Founder is too much, so Benefactour is too little for him. He was one of more piety then learning, courteous in his deeds, but very harsh and rugged in his speeches, making himself but bad Orations, yet good Orators, so many eloquent men were bred by his bounty. Nor let it be forgotten, that, as Fox, the Founder of this House, was Fellow and Master of Pembroke-Hall; so Oldham also had his education in Queens College in Cambridge; so much hath Oxford been beholding to her Nephews or Sisters Children. But as once Ephron said to Abraham, what is that betwixt me and thee? so, such their mutual affection, it matters not, what favor one Sister freely bestoweth on the other.

13. John Collet, Dean of Paul's, died this year [in the fifty third year of his age] of a pestilential sweating, at Shene in Surry. He was the eldest (and sole surviving) child, of S ^r , Henry Collet, Mercer, twice Lord Major of London, who with his ten Sons and as many Daughters, are depicted in a glass window, on the North-side of S ^t Anthony's (corruptly S ^t . Antlins ) to which Church he was a great Benefactor. His Son John Founded the FREESCHOOL of S ^t Paul's, and it is hard to say whether he left better Laws for the government, or Lands for maintenance thereof.

14. A Free-School indeed to all Natives or Foraigners of what Country soever, here to have their education (none being excluded by their Nativity, which exclude not themselves by their unworthiness) to the number of one hundred fifty and three (so many fishes as were caught in the net by the Apostles) whereof every year some appearing most pregnant (by unpartial examination) have salleries allowed them for seven years, or until they get better preferment, in the Church or University.

15. It may seem false Latin, that this Collet being Dean, of S ^t Paul's, the School Dedicated to S ^t Paul, and distanced but the breadth of the Street from S ^t Paul's. Church, should not be entrusted to the inspection of his successors, the Dean and Chapter of Paul's, but committed to the care of the Company of the Mercers, for the managing thereof. But Erasmus rendereth a good reason, from the mouth and mind of Collet himself, who had found by experience many Lay-men as conscientious as Clergy-men in discharging this trust in this kind, conceiving also, that whole Company was not so easy to be bowed to corruption as any single person, how public and eminent soever.

16. For my own part, I behold Collets act herein, not only prudential, but something Prophetical, as foreseeing the ruin of Church-lands, and fearing that this his School, if made an Ecclesiastical Appendent, might in the fall of Church-Lands, get a bruise, if not lose a limb thereby.

17. William Lily was the first School-master thereof, by Collets own appointment. An excellent Scholar, born at Odiam, in Hampshire, and afterward he went on Pilgrimage as far as Jerusalem: In his return through Italy he applied himself to his studies, And because some perchance would be pleased to know the Lilies of Lily, (I mean his Teachers and Instructers ) know that John Sulpitius and Pomponius Sabinus, two eminent Critics, were his principal informers. Returning home into his native Country well accomplished with Latin, Greek, and all Arts and Sciences, he set forth a Grammar, which still goes under his name, and is universally taught all over England.

18. Many were the Editions of this Grammar, the first forth Anno 1513. (when Paul's School was Founded) as appears by that instance, Meruit sub Rege in Galliâ, relating to Maximilian the German Emperor, who then at the Siege of Therovenne in Flanders, fought under the banner of Kings Henry the eighth, taking an hundred crowns a day for his pay. Another Edition Anno 1520. when audito Rege Doroberniam proficisci, refers to the Kings speedy journey into Canterbury, there to give entertainment to Charles the fifth Emperor, lately landed at Dover.

19. Formerly there were in England almost as many Grammers as Schoolmasters, children being confounded, not only with their variety, but [sometimes] contrariety thereof, rules being true in the one, which were false in the other. Yea, which was the worst, a boy, when removed to a new School, lost all he had learned before: whereupon King Henery endeavored an uniformity of Grammar all over his Dominions; that so youths, though changing their School-masters, might keep their learning. This was performed, and William Lilies Grammar enjoined universally to be used Astipend of four pounds a year was allowed the Kings Printer for Printing of it; and it was penal for any publicly to teach any other. I have been told how larely Bishop Buckeridge examining a Free-School in his Diocese of Rochester, the Scholars were utterly ignorant of Lilies rules, as used to others; whereat the Bishop exclaimed, what, are there Puritans also in Grammar?

20. I deny not but some since have discovered blasted leaves in out Lily, observing defects and faults therein, and commendable many persons pains in amending them; however it were to be desired, that no needless variations be made, and as much left of Lily as may be; The rather, because he submitted his Syntaxis to the judgment of Erasmus himself, so that it was afterward printed amongst his works. Indeed Quae Genus was done by Thomas Robinson, and the Accidens (as some will have it) by other Authors, after Lily was dead, and Prince Edward born, of and for whom it was said Edvardus is my proper name. And thus we take out leave both of Lily and Paul's-School, flourishing at this day as much as ever, under the care of M ^r John Langly, the able and Religious School-master thereof.

21. King Henry had lately set forth a Book against Luther, endeavoring the confutation of his opinions as novel and unfound. None suspect this Kings lack of learning, (though many his lack of leisure from his pleasures) for such a design; however it is probable, some other Gardner gathered the flowers (made the collections) though King Henry had the honor to wear the posy, carrying the credit in the title thereof.

22. To require his pains, the Pope honored him and his successors with a specious title. A Defender of the Faith. Indeed it is the bounden Duty of every Christian, earnestly to contend for the faith which once was given to the Saints, but it is the Dignity of few men, and fewer Princes, to be able effectually to appear in Print in the Vindication thereof.

23. There is tradition, that King Henry's Fool (though more truly to be termed by another name) coming into the Court, and finding the King transported with an unusual joy, boldly asked of him the cause thereof, to whom the King answered, it was because that the Pope had honored him with a style more eminent then any of his Ancestors; O good Harry (quoth the Fool) let Theu and I defend one another, and let the faith alone to defend itself. Most true it is, that some of his Successors more truly deserved the Title, then he to whom it was given: who both learnedly, then solidly engaged their pens in the asserting of true Religion.

24. At this time, though King Henry wore the sword, Cardinal Wolsey bare the stroke, albo're the Land; being Legate de Latere, by virtue whereof he visited all Churches and Religious Houses, even the Friers Observants themselves, notwithstanding their stoutness and stubbornness, that first opposed him. Papal and Royal power met in him, being the Chancellor of the Land, and keeping so many Bisshopricks in Commendam, his yearlie income is said to equal, if not exceed the Revenues of the Crown.

25. The more the pity, that having of his own such a flock of preferment, nothing but the poor man's Ewe-lamb would please him, so that being to Found two Colleges, he seised on no fewer then forty small Monasteries, turning their inhabitants out of house and home, and converting their means principally to a College in Oxford. This alienation was confirmed by the present Pope Clement the seventh, so that in some sort his Holiness may thank himself, for the demolishing of Religious Houses in England.

26. For the first breach is the greatest in effect: And Abbeys having now lost their Virginity, (diverted by the Pope to other ) soon after lost their Chastity, prostituted by the King to ordinary uses. And now the Cardinal was busied in building his College, consisting of several Courts, whereof the principal is so fair and large, it would have equaled any Princes Palace, if findished according to the design, all the Chambers and other Offices being intended suitable to the magnificent Hall and Kitchen therein.

27. Indeed nothing mean could enter into this man's mind, but of all things his structures were most stately. He was the best Harbinger that ever King Henry had, not only taking up beforehand, but building up beautiful houses for his entertainments, which when finished [as white-Hall, Hampton-Court &c.] he either freely gave them to the King, or exchange'd them on very reasonable considerations.

28. Some say he intended this his College, to be an University in an University, so that it should have therein by itself professors of all Arts and Sciences: but we may believe that all there go but by guess, as not knowing the Cardinals mind, (who knew not his own) daily embracing new designs of magnificence, on the emergency of every occasion. Yet let not the greatness of his buildings swallow up in silence the memory and commendable devotion of Simon Islip Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, who Founded Canterbury College, taken in with the Cardinals unfinished Foundation.

29. However too tart and bitter was the expression of Rodulphus Gualterus a Germane, who comparing the Cardinals project with his performance, said of him. instituit Collegium & absolvit Popinam, he began a College and built a Kitchen: For had he not been civilly defunct, before naturally dead, not a pane of glass, not peg of wood had been wanting in that Edifice.

30. More Wit then Truth was in another return, who being demanded what he thought concerning the ampleness of this Foundation, made this homonymous answer, Fundatione nihil amplius, there is nothing more, [or more stately] then this Foundation: whereas indeed had not he himself been unexpectedly stripped of his estate, he had left more and better lands to this house, then King Henry confer'd upon them, who conceiving Churchmeans fittest for Christ-Church, exchange'd many of their best Manors for Impropriations.

31. This College did thrice change its name in seven years, accounting it no small credit thereunto, that it always ascended, and was advanced in every alteration,; first called Cardinals College, then Kings College, and at last Christ's Church, which it retaineth at this day.

32. King Henry took just offense that the Cardinal set his own Arms above the Kings, in the Gate-house, at the entrance into the College. This was no verbal but a real Ego & Rex meus, excusable by no plea in Manners or Grammar; except only by that (which is rather Fault then Figure) a harsh down right Hysterosis; but to humble the Cardinals pride, some afterwards set up on a window, a painted Mastiff-dog, gnawing the spate-bone of a shoulder of Mutton, to mind the Cardinal of his extraction, being the Son of a Butcher, it being utterly improbable (that some have fancied) that that picture was placed there by the Cardinals own appointment, to be him a monitour of humility.

Here I omit the many eminent Writers still surviving, D ^r Merick Casaubon, and D ^r George Morley, both no less eminent for their found Judgments; then patient sufferings; D ^r Barton Holiday, and D ^r Jasper Main, who have refreshed their severer studies with Poetry, and sallies into pleasant learning, with many more in this numerous Foundation. Beholding, as for his wealth to King Heary the eighth, so for a great part of the Wit and Learning thereof to his Daughter Queen Elizabeth, whose School-boys at Westminster become as good School-men here, sent hither (as to Trinity College in Cambridge ) by her appointment; so that lately, there were maintained therein, One Dean, Eight Canons, Three public Professors of Divinity, Hebrew, and Greek, Sixty Students, Eight chaplains, Eight Singing-men, an Organist, Eight Choristers, Twenty four Almsmen; at this present Students of all sorts, with Officers and Servants of the Foundation, to the number of two hundred twenty three.

33. Know that John Higdon, first Dean of this College, was a great Persecutor of poor Protestants, as by the ensuing Catalogue will appear.

All these were questioned for their Religion, being cast into a prison in a deep Cave under ground, where the salt fish of the College was kept, the stench whereof made some of them to die soon after, and others escaped with great difficulty. Taverner was excellently skilled in Music, on which account he escaped, though vehemently accused, the Cardinal pleading for him, that he was but a Musician, though afterward he repented, to have set tunes to so many Popish ditties

34. We must not forget that all in the foresaid Catalogue, whose Christian names are expressed, were originally Cambridge men, and invited by the Cardinal on promise of preferment, to plant his new Foundation; besides Florence, Dominican, John Akers, and many more famous for their Learning, which at this time removed to Oxford, seasonedboth with good Learning and true Religion.

35. Know also this, John Higdon, first Dean, was he, of whom Cardinal Wolsey (when fallen into distress) did borrow two hundred pounds, therewith to pay and reward some of his poorest servants, giving them money on this condition, that hereafter they should serve no subject, but only the King himself, as if this had been suscipere gradum Simeonts, for those who so long had attended on a Lord-Cardinal. But this happened many years after; we return to this proud Prelate, while he flourished in the height of his Prosperity.

36. Their heads will catch cold, which wait bare for a dead Popes Tiple-Crown. Wolsey may be an instance hereof, who, on every avoidance of S ^t Peters Chair, was sitting down therein, when suddenly some one or other, clapt in before him. Weary with waiting, he now resolved to revenge himself on Charles the Emperor, for not doing him right, and not improving his power, in preferring him to the Papacy, according to his promioses and pretences. He intends to smite Charles through the sides of his Aunt, Katharine Queen of England, endeavoring to alienate the Kings affections from her. And this is affirmend by the generality of our Historians, though some of late have endeavored to acquit Wolsey as not the first persuader of the King divorce.

37. Indeed he was beholding, for the first hint thereof, to the Spaniards themselves. For, when the Lady Mary was tendered in marriage to Philip, Prince of Spain, the Spanish Ambassadors seemed to make some difficulty thereof, and to doubt her extraction, as begotten on a mother formerly married to her husbands elder brother. Wolsey now put this scruple into the head of Bishop Longlands, the Kings Confessor, and he insinuated the same into the Kings conscience; advising him hereafter to abstain from the company of his Queen, to whom he was unlawfully married. Adding moreover, that after a divorce procured (which the Pope in justice could not deny) the King might dispose his affections where he pleased. And here Wolsey had provided him a second Wife, viz, Margarite, Countess of Alenzon sister to Francis King of France; though heavens reserved that place, not for the Mistress, but her Maid, I mean Anna Bollen, who (after the return of Mary, the French Queen for England, attended in France for some time on this Lady Margarite.

38. Tunder needs no torch to light it, the least spark will presently set it on flame. No wonder if King Henry greedily resented the motion. Male issue he much wanted, and a young Female more on whom to beget it. As for Queen Katharine, he rather respected, then affected; rather honored, then loved her. She had got an habit of miscarrying, scarce curable in one of her age, intimated in one of the Kings private papers, as morbus incurabilis. Yet publicly he never laid either fault or defect to her charge; that, not dislike of her person or conditions, but only principles of pure conseience, might seem to put him upon endeavors of a Divorce.

39. The business is brought into the Court of Rome, there to be decided by Pope Clement the seventh. Bnt the Pope at this time was not sui juris, being a prisoner to the Emperor, who constantly kept a guard about him.

44. As for the Queens Council, (which, though assigned to her, appear not dearly accepted by her, as chosen rather by others for her, then by her for herself) I find at this present little of moment pleaded, or performed by them. Only Bishop Fisher affirmed, that no more needed to be said for the validity of the marriage, then, Whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. A most true position in itself, if he could have cleared the application thereof to his Royal Client, but Hoc restat probandum; the contrary, that God never joined them together, being vehemently urged by her adversaries.

45. Notwithstanding the Queens absence, the Court proceeded: And first the Kings Proctors put in their exceptions against both Bull, and Breve of Pope Julius the second, dispensing with the Kings marriage with his brothers wife: viz.

46. After this, many witnesses on the Kings side were deposed: and though this favor is by custom indulged to the English Nobility, to speak on their Honors; yet the Canon-Law taking no notice of this their municipal privilege, and for the more legal validity of their restimonies, required the same on oath, though two Dukes, one Dutchess, one Marquess, many Lord's and Ladies gave in their depositions. These attested,

The beds of private persons are compassed with curtains, of Princes veiled also with canopies, to conceal the passages therein, to which modesty admitteth no witnesses. Pitty it is, that any, with Pharaoh, should discover what is exchanged betwixt Isaac and Rebekah; all which are best stifled in secrecy and silence. However, such the nature of the present cause, that many privacies were therein discovered.

47. Observe by the way, that, whereas it was generally alleged in favor of the Queen, that Prince Arthur had not carnal Knowledge of her; because, soon after his marriage, his consumptionish body seemed unfit for such performances; this was retorted by testimonies on the Kings side, his witnesses deposing, that generally it was reported and believed, the Prince impaired his health, by his over liberal payment of due benevolence.

48. It was expected that the Cardinals should now proceed to a definitive sentence, according as matters were alleged, and proved unto them. The rather because it was generally reported, that Campegius brought over with him a Bull Decretal, to pronounce a nulsity of the match, if he saw just cause for the same. Which rumor (like the silken fly wherewith Anglers cheat the fishes) was only given out to tempt King Henry to a longer patience, and quiet expectation of the event. But by this time Queen Katharine had privately prevailed with the Pope, to advoke the cause to Rome, as a place of more indifferency for a plea of so high concernment. Whereupon Campegius took his leave of the King, and returned into Italy.

49. The Papists tell us, that Cardinal Campegius sent over before him some amatorious Letters, which passed written with the Kings own hand, betwixt him and his dear Nan, as he termed her. These are said to import more familiarity then chastity betwixt them, and are carefully kept, and solemnly shewn in the Vatican to strangers, especially of the English Nation, though some suspect them to be but forged. For though the King had wantonness enough to write such Letters, yet Anna Bollen had wit and warmess too much, to part with them. It would more advance the Popish project, could they show any return from her to the King accepting his offers, which they pretend not to produce. Our Authors generally agree, her de •• alls more inflamed the Kings desires. For though perchance nothing more then a woman was wished by his wild sancy, yet nothing less then an husband would content her conscience. In a word, so cunning she was in her chastity, that the farther she put him from her, the nearer she fastened his affections unto her.

50. Still was the Kings cause more delayed in the Court of Rome. If a melancholic School-man can spin out a speculative controversy with his Pro's and Con's, to some quires of paper, where the profit is little to others, and none to himself, except satisfying his curiosity, and some popular applause; no wonder if the Casuists at Rome (those cunning Masters of Defense ) could lengthen out a cause of so high concernment, and so greatly beneficial unto them. For, English silver now was current, and out gold volant in the Popes Courts, whither such masses of money daily were transported, England knew not certainly what was expended, nor Rome what received herein. Yea, for seven years was this suit depending in the Popes Court; after which Apprenticeship, the Indentures were not intended to be cancelled, but the cause still to be kept on foot, it being for the interest, to have it always in doing, and never done. For, whilst it depended, the Pope was sure of two great friends; but, when it was once decided, he was sure of one great foe, either the Emperor, or our King of England.

51. It was a Maxim true of all men, but most of King Henry, Omnis mora properanti nimia. He (who would have not only what, but when he would himself) was vexed with so many delayings, deferrings, retardings, prorogations. prolongations, procrastinations, betwixt, two Popes (as one may say) Clement that was, and Wolsey that would be. So that all this while, after so much ado, there was nothing done in his business. which now was no nearer to a final conclusion, then at the first beginning thereof. Yea, now began Cardinal Wolsey to decline in the Kings favor, suspecting him for not cordial in his cause, and ascribing much of the delay to his backwardness herein. More hot did the displeasure of Queen Katharine burn against him, beholding him as the chief engine, who set the matter of her Divorce first in motion.

52. Be it here remembered, that in persuading the Kings Divorce, Wolsey drave on a double design; by the recess of the Kings love from Queen Katharine, to revenge himself of the Emperor; by the access of his love to Margaret of Alenson, to oblige the King of France. Thus he hoped to gain with both hands, and presumed, that the sharpness of his two-edged policy should cut on both sides: when God, to prevent him, did both blunt the edges, and break the point thereof. For, instead of gaining the love of two Kings, he got the implacable anger of two Queens; of Katharine decaying, and Anna Bollen increasing in the Kings affection. Let him hereafter look but for few fair days, when both the Sun-rising, and setting, frowned upon him.

SECT. II.

KKnow now in the next year, the Lord's in Parliament put in a Bill of forty four particulars against Wolsey. The most material was his exercising of power-Legative, without leave, to the prejudice of the Kings Crown and Dignity. The Bill is brought down into the House of Commons, where M ^r Cromwell, then Servant to the Cardinal, chanced to be a Burgess. Here he defended his Master with such wit and eloquence, that even those who hated the Client, yet praised the Advocate who pleaded in his behalf. This was the first time, that public notice was taken of Cromwell his eminent parts, and advantageous starting is more then half the way in the race to preferment, as afterwards in him it came to pass. As for Wolsey, though at this time he escaped with life and liberty, yet were all his goods, of inestimable value, confiscated to the King, and he outed of most of his Ecclesiastical promotions.

2. Court-favorites, when it is once past noon, it is presently night with them, as here it fared with wolsey. His enemies, of whom no want, follow the 〈◊〉 given unto him. For they beheld him, rather in a Sown, then as yet dead in the Kings favor, and feared if his submission should meet with 〈◊〉 remembrance of his former services, they might produce his full 〈◊〉 to power and dignity. The rather because the Cardinal was cun 〈◊〉 to improve all to his own advantage, and the King (as yet) not cruel, 〈◊〉 too perfect in that lesson afterwards. His enemies would not trust the Cardinal to live at London, (nor at Winchester within fifty miles thereof) but got the King to command him away to York, sending him thither, whither his conscience long since should have sent him, namely to visit his Diocese, so large in extent, and reside therein.

3. Indifferent men thought that he had enough, his Foes that too much, only himself that too little was left unto him. Pride accounts the greatest plenty, if without Pomp no better then Penury. Yet he had the whole revenues of York Arch-Bishopric (worth then little less then four thousand pounds yearly) besides a large Pension paid him out of the Bishopric of Winchester. Was not here suel enough, had thee not been too much fire within, such his covetousness and ambition?

4. Earthly Kings may make men humbled, God alone humble. Wolsey began to state it at York as high as ever before, in proportion to his contracted revenues. Preparation is made in a Princely equipage for his Installation, attracting envy from such as beheld it. All is told unto the King, and all made worse by telling it, complaining Wolsey would never leave his pride, till life first left him. His old faults are revived and aggravated, and the King incensed afresh against him.

5. The Earl of Northumberland by the Commission from the King, Arrested him of high-Treason, in his own chamber, at Cawood, By slow and short journeys he setteth forward to London, meeting by the way with contrary messages from the King; Sometimes he was tickled with hopes of pardon and preserment, sometimes pinched with fears of a disgraceful death, so that he knew not how to dispose his mind, to Mirth or Mourning. Age and anguish, brought his disease of the dysentery, the pain lying much in his guts, more in his heart. Especially aftger S ^r William Kingston was sent unto him, who being Lieutenant of the Tower seemed to carry a restraint in his looks. Coming to Leicester he died, being buried almost as obscurely as he was born.

6. I know not whether or no it be worth the mentioning here, (however we will put it on the adventure) that Cardinal Wolsey, in his life time was informed by some Fortune-tellers, that he should have his end at Kingston. This his credulity interpreted of Kingston on Thames, which made him always to avoid the riding through that Town, though the nearest way from his house to the Court. Afterwards understanding that he was to be committed by the Kings express order to the charge of S ^r Anthony Kingston, it struck to his heart, too late perceiving himself deluded by that Father of Lies in his homonymous prediction.

7. Anna Bollen did every day look fairer and fiarer in the King's eyes, whilst the hopes of his marriage with her, seemed every day farther and farther from him. For, the Court at Rome meddled not with the merits of the causse, but fell upon by-points therein of lesser concernment. Yea, they divided his case into three and twenty particulars; whereof the first was, Whether Prince Arthur had carnal knowledge with the Lady Katharine? This bare about a years debate; so that according to this proportion, King Henry would be, not only past marrying, but past living, before his cause should be decided. This news put him into a passionate pensiveness, the rather, because meeting with sadness here, many populous places in England, and Cambridge particularly, being at the present visited with the sickness.

8. But, it is an evil plague which brings nobody profit. On this occasion D ^r Cranmer retired to Waltham with two of his Pupils, the sons of M ^r Cressey (a name utterly extinct in that Town where God hath fixed my present habitation) long before the memory of any alive. But, consulting Weavers Funeral-Monuments of Waltham -Church (more truly then nearly by him composed) I find therein this Epitaph,

It seems paper sometimes in more lasting then brass; all the ancient Epitaphs in that Church being defaced by some barbarous hands, who perchance one day may want a grave for themselves.

9. The King coming to Waltham, D ^r Fox his Chaplain and Almoner (afterwards Bishop of Hereford ) is lodged in M ^r Cressy 's house: Discoursing about the Kings Divorce; Cranmer conceived that the speediest course was to prove the unlawfulness of his Match by Scripture; whence it would follow, that the Pope at first had no power to dispence therewith; and that the Universities of Christendom would sooner and truer decide the case, then the Court of Rome. This passage Fox reports to the King; who, well pleased thereat, professes that this man had the Sow by the right ear: An ear which the King never left worrying, till he had got it off, and effected his will therein: Cranmer being sent for, comes to the King, who very lovingly entertains him. Indeed he was a most comely person, having an amiable eye (and as the soul sees much by the eye, so is it much seen in them) and pleasing countenance, as by his lively Picture doth appear. Glad was the King to see, more to hear him enlarge himself on the former subject, that it was above the Popes power to dispense with God's work in the Kings case. And now what fitter Nurse for the Child, then the own Mother; what person more proper to manage this matter then Cranmer himself, who first moved it. The King resolves, and Cranmer consents he should be sent to the Pope, there to make God his possition. Leave we Cranmer for a time, preparing himself for his long journey; and come briefly to state the Kings Controversy out of God's Word, and several Authors who have written thereof.

10. It plainly appears that a marriage with a Brothers wife is unlawful, because expressly forbidden.

Such marriages are again forbidden in another Text. Nor can I render other resson of this Duplicate, whereas others are but once, that this should be twice prohibited; save, that God, foreseeing in his providence men's corrupt inclinations, prone here to climb over, did therefore think fit to make a double fence.

11. Such as inquire into the nature of this Law find it founded in Nature itself, being only declaratory of what true reason doth dictate to man. God in making this Law did not imprint a new writing in men's hearts, but only rub off some old rust from the same; wherefore it is added, Levite. 18. 27, 28. For all these abominations have the men of the Land done, which were before you, and the Land is defiled; that the Land spew not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spewed out the Nations that were before you. Surely the Land would never have vomited out the Heathen for not observing a positive precept, never immediately delivered unto them, which plainly shows it was imprinted in nature, though partly obliterated by their corrupt customs to the contrary; and their consciences in their Lucid Intervals were apprehensive thereof. This would make one the more to admire, that any should maintain, that this Law, the breach whereof made the Country to avoid her Pagan Inhabitants, should be only lex imposititia & Ecclesiastica, an imposed and Church-Law. To hear of a Church-Law amongst the Canaanites, is a strange Paradox.

12. It is objected this could not be a Law of Nature, because almost at the beginning of nature, men brake them by the consent and permission of the God of heaven: For Cain and Seth with the elder sons of Adam must be allowed to have married their own sisters, far nearer in nature then their Brothers Wife.

13. It is answered, when God first created man-kind, it was his pleasure all men should derive their original from Eve, as she from Adam. For had he made (as one may say) two distinct houses of Man-kind, what falling out and fighting, what bickering and battleing would have been betwixt them. If men nowadays descended from the loins of one general Father, and womb of one mother, are full of so fierce hatred, how many and keen may their differences be presumed, had they sprung from several Fountains, and then all their hatred would have been charged, not on their corruption, but on their Creation? God therefore (as the Apostle saith) Acts 17. 26. hath made of one blood all nations. Now in the beginning of Mankind absolute necessity gave Brethren liberty to marry their own sisters. Yea, God himself, interpretatively, signed and sealed the same with his own consent, because, his wisdom had appointed no other means without miracle, for the propagation of man-kind. But when men began to be multiplied on the earth, that necessity being removed, the light of Nature dictated unto them the unlawfulness of such marriages, and of some others more remote, as coming within the compss of Incest; though the corrupt practices of Pagans sometimes trespassed in that kind. God therefore being to give his Law to the Jews, cleared and declared that light of Nature, by his positive Law unto his people, to whom his Goodness gave a Garden, and sorbad a Tree, so inconsiderable were those few prohibited, to the many persons permitted them in marriage. For whereas there came out of Egypt and six hundred thousand men, besides children, fifty persons at the most (counting those forbidden, as well by consequence as expressly) were interdicted unto them; amongst whom one was the Marriage with a Brothers Wife. For although God Permitted this by a judicial Law ro his own people in case of raising up seed to a Brother deceased childless (the Will of God being the Law of Laws; ) yet otherwise it was utterly unlawful, as whereon God had stamped (as is aforesaid) a double Note of natural uncleanness.

14. The Law then of forbidding marriage with a Brothers Wife, being founded in nature, it was pride, and presumption in the Pope to pretend to dispense therewith. Indeed we read that the dispensation of the Gospel (to see it dealt and distributed to several persons) was committed to S ^t Paul (whose joint successor, with S ^t Peter, the Pope pretends to be) but a Dispensation from the Law of God, to free men from the same, neither Paul nor Peter ever pretended unto. Let the Pope make relaxations of such Church Canons, which merely Ecclesiastical Authority hath made, there he may have the specious power to remit the rigor thereof at sometimes, places and persons, as he apprehendeth just occasion. But let him not meddle to grant liberty for the breach of God's Law. The first Dispensation in this kind is what Satan in the Serpent gave our first Parents in Paradise, you shall not surely die; and whether the Granter had less power therein, or the receivers less profit thereby, we their woeful posterity have little comfort to decide.

15. Nor doth it anything alter the case, (what was so much controverted in the Court of Rome ) whether or no Prince Arthur had carnal knowledge of his Wife, seeing we may observe, that in the Court of Heaven Marriages bear date, not from their Copulation, but solemn Contact; And they thenceforward are esteemed Man and Wife before God. For it is provided, that if a Damsel be betrothed to Husband still remaining a Virgin, and shall be lain with by another man, both of them shall be stoned to death, and she punished for an Adulteress he for humbling his Neighbors wife. Be then the Lady Katharine known or unknown by Prince Arthur, due Benevolence is the effect, not the cause of Marriage, which was completed before God, and they two made one flesh, when solemnly joined together in the face of the Congregation.

16. Such a Marriage with a Brothers wife, thus appearing against the Law of God, it is strange that any should maintain that Publica honestas, public honesty, was the only obstacle of this marriage, which obstruction (say they) by the Popes dispensation was removed, because Publica Utilitas, the Public Profit was greater, that redounded by permitting this match, Now suppose this all the obstacle, the Position is dangerous and unfound; For, first, Christians are not sensible of utility (as falsely so called) which stands at distance with Public Honesty. Secondly, the publikness of the Profit was not adequate to the publicness of the Scandal. The Profit or State-benefit thereby, only extended to the Crowns of England and France as concerned therein; whilst the Scandal dilated itself to the People of all Christian Provinces, justly offended thereat. And although we confess, that in this respect the world is narrower to Princes then to private persons, as not affording so fit matches unto them; yet Kings have no Commission to enlarge themselves herein, by the actual breach of God's Commandment.

17. Thus far the sum of the sense of Protestants and others, no fewer then an hundred Authors, writing at this time against this Marriage, all which were produced by the King in the next Parliament. Yet very many Papists professed their judgments in print, on the contrary side, both English and outlandish Divines: and (to give them their due) brought very plausible Arguments. Of all these,

• John Holiman
• John Clerke
• Cuthbert Dunstall
• Nicholas West
  • Bishop of
    • Bristol.
    • Bath & Wells.
    • London.
    • Eli.
      • Thomas Abel
      • Edward Powel
      • Richard Featherstone Ridley
        • Englishmen, and Canonists.

• Francis Royas
• Alphonse de Veruez
• Alphonse de Castro
• Sepulveda
  • Spaniards.
    • Cardinal Cajetan
    • Louis Nugrola
      • Italians.
        • Egwinarus Baro
        • Franciscus Duarenus
        • Convanus
          • Celtae.
  • Alvarus Gometius
  • John Cochlaeus
    • Portuguese.
    • High-German.
      • Ludovicus à Schora, a Low-Countryman.

Erasmus, a greater Scholar then Divine, was very doubtful in his judgment herein. He is made by some modern Apocalyptical Commentaries to be the Angel flying