Church History of Britain

The Sacrament of the Altar.

Fourthly, As touching the Sacrament of the Altar, We will that all Bishops & Preachers shall instruct and teach Our people committed by Us unto their spiritual charge, that they ought, and must constantly believe, that under the form & figure of bread & wine, which We there presently do see & perceive by outwards senses, is verily, substantially & really contained and comprehended the very self-same body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, which was born of the Virgin Mary, and suffered upon the Cross for our redemption. And, that under the same form and figure of Bread and Wine, the very self-same body and blood of Christ is corporally, really and in the very substance exhibited, distributed, and received unto, and of all them which receive the said Sacrament. And, that therefore the said Sacrament is to be used with all due reverence and honor; and, that every man ought first to prove and examine himself, and religiously to try and search his own conscience before he shall receive the same, according to the saying of S. Paul, Whosoever eateth this body of Christ unworthily, or drinketh of this blood of Christ unworthily, shall be guilty of the very body and blood of Christ. Wherefore let every man first prove himself, and so let him eat of this bread, and drink of this drink; for, whosoever eateth, or drinketh it unworthily, he eateth and drinketh to his own damnation, because he putteth no difference between the very body of Christ, and other kinds of meat.

Justification.

Fifthly, As touching the order and cause of our Justification, We will, that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and teach our people committed by Us to their spiritual charge, that this word Justification signifieth remission of our sins, and our acceptation or reconciliation into the grace and favor of God, that is to say, our perfect renovation in Christ.

Item, That sinners attain this justification, by contrition and faith joined with charity, after such sort and manner as we before mentioned and declared. Not, as though our contrition, or faith, or any works proceeding thereof, can worthily merit or deserve to attain the said justification: for the only mercy and grace for the Father promised freely unto us for his Sons sake Jesus Christ, and the merits of his blood and passion, be the only sufficient and worthy causes thereof. And yet, that, notwithstanding, to the attaining of the same justification, God requireth to be in us, not only inward contrition, perfect faith and charity, certain hope and confidence with all other spiritual graces and motions; which, as we said before, must necessarily concur in remission of our sins, that is to say, our justification: but also he requireth and commandeth us, that after we be justified, we must also have good works of charity and obedience towards God, in the observing and fulfilling outwardly of his laws and commandments. For, although acceptation to everlasting life be conjoined with justification, yet our good works be necessarily required to the attaining of everlasting life. And, we being justified be necessarily bound, and it is our necessary duty to do good works, according to the saying of S. Paul, We be bound not to live according to the flesh, and to fleshly appetites; for if we live so, we shall undoubtedly be damned. And contrary, if we will mortify the deeds of our flesh, and live according to the spirit, we shall be saved. For, whosoever be led by the spirit of God, they be the children of God: And Christ saith, If you will come to heaven, keep the commandments. And Saint Paul, speaking of evil works, saith, Whosoever commit sinful deeds, shall never come to heaven. Wherefore, We will, that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct & teach Our people committed by Us unto their spiritual charge, that God necessarily requireth of us to do good works commanded by him, and that not only outward and civil works, but also the inward spiritual motions and graces of the Holy Ghost: that is to say, to dread and fear God, to love God, to have firm confidence and trust in God, to invocate and call upon God, to have patience in all adversities, to have sin, and to have certain purpose and will not to sin again, and such other like motions and virtues. For Christ saith, Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven: that is to say, We must not only do outward civil good works, but also we must have these foresaid inward spiritual motions, consenting and agreeable to the law of God.

Articles concerning the laudable Ceremonies used in the Church of Christ; and first of Images.

As touching Images, truth it is, that the same have been used in the Old Testament, and also for the great abuses of them, sometime destroyed and put down. And in the New Testament they have been also allowed, as good Authors do declare. Wherefore We will, that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and teach Our people committed by Us to their spiritual charge, how they ought and may use them. And first, that there be attributed unto them, that they be representers of virtue and good example. And, that they also be by occasion, the kindlers and stirrers of men's minds, and make men oft to remember and lament their sins and offenses, especially the images of Christ and our Lady. And, that therefore it is meet that they should stand in the Churches, and none otherwise to be esteemed. And, to the intent that rude people should not from henceforth take such superstition as in time past, it is thought, that the same hath used to do. We will, that Our Bishops and Preachers diligently shall teach them, and according to this doctrine reform their abuses: for, else there might fortune idolatry to ensue, which God forbid. And as for sensing of them, and kneeling and offering unto them, with other like worshippings, although the same hath entered by devotion, and fallen to custom, yet the people ought to be diligently taught, that they in no wise do it, nor think it meet to be done to the same images; but only to be done to God and in his honor, although it be done before the images, whether it be of Christ, of the Cross, of our Lady, or of any other Saint beside.

Of honoring of Saints.

At touching the honoring of Saints, We will, that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and teach Our people committed by Us unto their spiritual charges, that Saints, now being with Christ in heaven, be to be honored of Christian people in earth, but not with that confidence and honor which are only due unto God, trusting to attain at their hands that which must be had only of God. But, that they be thus to be honored, because they be known the elect persons of Christ, because they be passed in godly life out of this transitory world: because they already do reign in glory with Christ: and, most speically to laud and praise Christ in them for their excellent virtues, which he planted in them, for example of, and by them, to such as yet are in this world, to live in virtue and goodness: and also not to fear to die for Christ and his cause, as some of them did. And finally, to take them in that they may, to be the advancers of our prayers and demands unto Christ. By these ways, and such like, be Saints to be honored and had in reverence, and by none other.

Of Praying to Saints.

As touching Praying to Saints, We will, that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and teach Our people committed by Us unto their spiritual charge, that albeit, grace, remission of sin and salvation cannot be obtained, but of God only, by the mediation of our Savior CHRIST, which is only sufficient Mediator for our sins; yet, it is very laudable to pray to Saints in heaven everlastingly living, whose charity is ever permanent to be Intercxessors, and to pray for us, and with us, unto Almighty God, after this manner:

All holy Angels and Saints in heaven, pray for us, and with us, unto the Father, that for his dear son Jesu Christ his sake, we may have grace of him, and remission of our sins, with an earnest purpose, (not wanting ghostly strength) to observe and keep his holy commandments, and never to decline from the same again unto our lives end. And in this manner we may pray to our blessed Lady, to Saint John the Baptist, to all, and every of the Apostles, or any other Saint particularly, as our devotion doth serve us: so that it be done without any vain superstition, as to think that any Saint is more merciful, or will hear us sooner than CHRIST; or that any Saint doth serve for one thing more than another, or is parrone of the same. And likewise we must keep Holy-days unto God, in memory of him and his Saints, upon such days as the Church hath ordained their memories to be celebrate, except they be mitigated and moderated by the assent and commandment of Us the Supreme Head, to the Ordinaries, and then the Subjects ought to obey it.

Of Rites, and Ceremonies.

As concerning the Rites and Ceremonies of Christ's Church; as to have such vestments in doing God's service, as be, and have been most part used: as sprinkling of Holy water to put us in remembrance of our Baptism, and the blood of Christ sprinkled for our redemption upon the Cross: Giving of Holy-bread to put us in remembrance of the Sacrament of the Altar, that all Christian men be one body mystical of Christ, as the bread is made of many grains, and yet but one loaf; and to put us in remembrance of the receiving of the holy Sacrament and body of Christ, the which we ought to receive in right charity, which in the beginning of Christ 's Church men did more often receive, than they use nowadays to do: Bearing of Candles on Candle-mas-day, in memory of Christ the spiritual Light, of whom Siemeon did prophecy, as is read in the Church that day: Giving of Ashes on Ash wednesday, to put in remembrance every Christian man in the beginning of Lent, and penance, that he is but ashes and earth, and thereto shall return, which is right necessary to be uttered from henceforth in our Mother-tongue always on the Sunday: Bearing of Palms on Palm-Sunday, in memory of the receiving of Christ into Jerusalem a little before his death; that we may have the same desire to receive him into our hearts: Creeping to the Cross, and humbling ourselves to Christ on Good Friday before the Cross, and there offering unto Christ before the same, and kissing of it in memory of our redemption by Christ made upon the Cross: Setting up the Sepulture of Christ, whose body after his death was buried: The hallowing of the Font, and other like exorcisms and benedictions by the Ministers of Christ's Church, and all other like laudable Customs, Rites and Ceremonies, be not to be contemned and cast away, but to be used and continued, as things good and laudable, to put us in remembrance of those spiritual things that they do signify, not suffering them to be forgotten, or to be put in oblivion, but renewing them in our memories from time to time; but none of these Ceremonies have power to remit sin, but only to stir and lift up our minds unto God, by whom only our sins be forgiven.

Of Purgatory.

Forasmuch as due order of charity requireth, and the Book of Macca bees, and divers ancient Doctors plainly shown, That it is a very good and charitable deed to pray for Souls departed; and, forasmuch also as such usage hath continued in the Church so many years, even from the beginning: We will, that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and teach Our people committed by us unto their spiritual charge, that no man ought to be grieved with the continuance of the same; and, that it standeth with the very due order of charity, a Christian man to pray for Souls departed, and to commit them in our prayers to God's mercy, and also to cause other to pray for them in Masses and Exequies, and to give alms to other to pray for them, whereby they may be relieved and holpen of some part of their pain. But, forasmuch as the place where they be, the name thereof, and kind of pains there also, be to us uncertain by Scripture, therefore this, with all other things, we remit to Almighty God, unto whose mercy it is meet and convenient for us to commend them; trusting that God accepteth our prayers for them, referring the rest wholly to God, to whom is known their estate and condition. Wherefore it is much necessary that such abuses be clearly putaway, which under the name of Purgatory. hath been advanced, as to make men believe, that through the Bishop of Rome 's Pardons, Souls might clearly be delivered out of Purgatory, and all the pains of it. Or, that Masses said at Scala coeli, or otherwhere in any place, or before any Image, might likewise deliver them from all their pain, and send them straight to heaven. And other like abuses.

SECTION IV.

CReat the Kings profit at this time from the Office for the 'Receipt of Tenths and First fruits, which was now first set up in London, and something must be observed of the original thereof: Such moneys formerly were paid to the Pope, who, as Pastor Pastorum, claimed Decimas Decimarum. Entituling himself thereunto, partly from Abraham, (a Priest) paying Tithes to Melchizedek the high Priest; partly from the Levites in the Mosaical Law, paying the Second Tithes, that is, the Tithes of their Tithes to the Priest: Thus shall you offer an heave offering unto the Lord, of all your Tithes, which ye receive of the children of Israel, and ye shall give thereof the Lord's heave-offering to Aaron the Priest. Hereupon, the Pope had his Collectors in every Diocese, who sometimes by Bills of Exchange, but generally in specie, (to the great impoverishing of the Land) yearly returned the Tenths and First-fruits of the English Clergy to Rome.

2. But the Pope being now dead in England, the King was found his Heir at Common Law, as to most of the power, and profit, the other had usurped. But now as the Clergy changed their Land lord, so their Rents were new rated (and, I believe somewhat raised) Commissioners being employed in all Counties, (the Bishop of the Diocese being always one of them) to value their yearly revenue, that so their Tenths and First-fruits may be proportioned accordingly. These Raters were the chiefest persons in all Counties under the degree of Barons, and I had a project to presence their names, as of men of unquestionable extraction, none as yet standing on the ruins of Abbeys to heighten their mean birth into the repute of Gentility.

But my design failed, when I found the return of the Commissioners names into the Office so defective, that in most Counties they are wholly omitted.

3. These Commissioners were impowered by the King, to send for the Scribes and Notaries of all Bishops and Arch-Bishops and Arch-deacons, to swear the Receivers and Auditors of Incumbents, to view their Register-books, Easter-books, and all other writings, and to use all other ways to know the full value of Ecclesiastical preferments, with the number and names of Persons enjoying the same. They were to divide themselves by Three and Three, allotting to every number so many Deaneries, and to inquire the number and names of all Abbeys, Monasteries, Priories, Brotherships, Sisterships, Fellowships, &c. Houses religious and conventual, as well CHARTER-HOUSE, as others, (these carthusians being specified by name, because proudly pretending privileges of Papal exemption) and meeting together to certify into Exchequer, (at the time limited in their Commission) the true value of such Places or Preferments. Herein, Reparations, Fees of (int) were not to be deducted, but perpetual Rents, Pensions, Alms, Synods, Fees paid out yearly to Persons, were to be allowed.

4. This being a work of time exactly to perform, took up some years in the effecting thereof. Devon-shire and Somer set were done in the twenty-seventh, Staffordshire, and many other Countries, in the thirty-fourth of King Henry the eighth, and most of Wales not till the reign of King Edward the sixth. Yea, I am credibly informed, that in Ireland, (to which Kingdom such Commissions were afterwards extended) the Commissioners partly tired with their troublesome work, partly afraid to pass the dangerous hill of Rushes (in Irish, Sleue Logher ) never came into the County of Kerry, the South-west extremity of that Island. So that the Clergy thereof, (though the poorest of the poorest in Ireland ) enjoy this privilege, that they are presently put into their Livings, (or Benefices rather) without any payments.

5. But no such favor was allowed to any place in England, where all were impartially rated, and Vicaridges valued very high according to their present revenue by personal Perquisites. In that Age, he generally was the richest Shepherd, who had the greatest flock; where Oblations from the living, and Obits for the dead, (as certainly paid, as Predial Tithes ) much advanced their Income. In consideration whereof, Vicaridges (mostly lying in Market-Towns, and populous Parishes) where set very high, though soon after those Obventions sunk with superstition: And the Vicars, in vain, desired a proportionable abatement in the King 's book; which once drawn up, were no more to be altered.

6. Now Queen Mary, a Princesse, whose conscience was never purse-ridden, as one who would go to the cost of Her own principles, did by Act of Parliament exonerate, acquit and discharge the Clergy from all First-fruits. As for Tenths, the same Statute ordereth them to be paid to Cardinal Poole, who from the same was to pay the Pensions allowed by Her Father to Monks and Nuns at the dissolution of Abbeys: yet so, that when such persons, who were but few and aged (all named in a Deed indented) should decease, all such payments of the Clergy, reserved nomine decimae, should cease, and be clearly extinct and determined for ever.

7. But Her Sister Q. Elizabeth succeeding Her, and finding so fair a flower, as First fruits & Tenths fallen out of Her Crown, was careful quickly to gather it up again, and get it re-set therein. A Princesse most to forgive injuries, but inexorable to remit debts who knowing that necessitous Kings are subject to great inconveniences, was a thrifty improver of Her treasure. And, no wonder if She were exact (though not exacting) to have Her dues from the Clergy, who herein would not favor her grand favourite Sir Christopher Hatton, (who by the way was Master of this first-fruits Office, and was) much indebted unto Her for moneys received. All which arrears Her Majesty required so severely and suddenly from him, that the grief thereof cost his life. I say, this Queen in the first of Her Reign resumed first-fruits and tenths only with this case to Parsonages not exceeding ten marks, and Vicaridges ten pounds, that they should be freed from first-fruits. A clause in this Statute, impowering the Queen to take all that was due unto Her from the first day of this Parliament, was so improved by her Officers in the Exchequer, (who sometimes have none of the softest palms to those that fall into their hands) that many Ministers were much vexed thereby: Yea, one observeth that the courtesy intended to the Clergy by Q. Mary in remitting their tenths, proved in event an injury to many, so vexed about their arrears.

8. In vain have some of late beaved at this Office, which is fastened to the State, with so considerable a revenue, as it advanced thereunto by tenths and first-fruits. The former certain, the latter casual as depending on the uncertain deaths of Iucumbents, and such as succeed them. Many indeed accuse such payments, as Popish in their original. But could that be superstitious, which was plucked down by Queen Mary, and set up again by Queen Elizabeth? Besides, suppose them so, in their first foul fountain, since being shifted, yea strained through the hands of Protestant Kings, Tenths have their old property altered, and acquire no doubt a new purity to themselves. And the Advocates for this Office, do pertinently plead, that there ought to be a badge of subjection of the Clergy to the Secular power, by public acknowledgement of their dependence thereon, which by such payments is best performed.

9. John Lambert, aliàs Nicolson, bred in Cambridge, had lately been much persecuted by Archbishop Warham, about some opinions he held against the corproal presence in the Sacrament. And now being fallen into fresh troubles on the same account, to make the quicker work (following the precedent of S. Paul, appealing to Caesar) he appeals to the King. Who having lately taken upon him the title of the Supreme head of the Church of England, would show that head had a tongue could speak in matters of Divinity. In White-hall, the place and day is appointed, where an ACT-ROYAL was kept; the King himself being the Opponent, and Lambert the Answerer; and where His Highness was worsted or wearied, Arch-bishop Crammer supplied His place, arguing, though civilly, shrodely, against the truth and his own private judgment.

10. Was not this worse than keeping the clothes of those who killed S. Stephen, seeing this Archbishop did actually cast stones at this Martyr, in the Arguments he urged against him. Nor will it excuse Cranmer 's cowardice and dissimulation to accuse Gardener 's craft and cruely, who privily put the Archbishop on this odious act, such Christian courage being justly expected from a person of his parts and place as not to be acted by another, contrary to his own conscience. I see not therefore what can be said in Cranmer 's behalf, save only that I verily hope, and steadfastly believe, that he craved God's pardon for this particular offense, and obtained the same on his unfeigned repentance. And because the face of men's faults is commonly seen in the glass of their punishment, it is observable, that as Lambert now was burnt for denying the corporal presence, so Cranmer (now his Opponent ) was afterwards condemned and died at Oxford for maintaining the same opinion; which valor, if sooner shewn his conscience had probably been more cleared within him, and his credit without him to all posterity.

11. A match being now made up by the Lord Cromwell's contrivance, betwixt King Henry and the Lady Anne of Cleve; Dutch-men flocked faster than formerly into England; Many of these had active souls, so that whilst their hands were busied about their manufactures, their heads were also beating about points of Divinity. Hereof they had many rude notions, too ignorant to manage them themselves, and too proud to crave the direction of others. Their minds had a bystream of activity more than what sufficed to drive on their Vocation, and this waste of their souls, they employed in needless speculations, and soon after began to broach their strange opinions, being branded with the general name of Anabaptists. These Anabaptists for the main, are but Donatists now dips, and this year their name first appears in our English Chronicles; for, I read that four Anabaptists, three men and one woman, all Dutch, bare faggots at Paul 's Cross, and three days after a man and woman of their sect was burnt in Smithfield.

12. It quickly came to the turn of Queen Anne of Cleve to fall, if not into the displeasure, out of the dear affection of King Henry the eighth. She had much of Katharine Dowager's austerity, little of Anna Bollen's pleasant wit, less of the beauty of Jane Seamour. Some feminine impotency, that She answered not Her creation, was objected against Her, though only Her precontract with the Son of the Duke of Lorraine was publicly insisted on, for which by Act of Parliament now sitting, She was solemnly divorced.

13. King Henry durst not but deal better with Anne of Cleve than with such His Wives, which were His native Subjects: not so much for love of Her, as for fear of Her Brother the Duke of Cleve, considerable (if not much in Himself) in His union with the Protestant Princes of Germany. Wherefore He restored Her all Her Jewels, assigned Her precedency above all English, (save His own that should be Queen, and Children) graced Her with a new-devised style of, His adopted Sister, (by which from henceforward He saluted Her in His Letters, and She in Answer subscribed Her self) allotted Her Richmond-House for Her retirement, with an augmentation of means for Her maintenance. And now let Her be glad that She escaped so well, seeing all, which had reference to King Henry 's bed, came off gainers, if savers of their own lives, and reputations. She returned no more into Her own Country, but living, and dying, Anno 1557. in England, was buried in Westminster. Church at the head of King Sebert, in a Tomb not yet finished; none other of King Henry 's Wives having any, and this Anne but half a Monument.

14. In the last Parliament, Reformation running a race with Superstition, hardly carried it by the heads-length, but it was hoped, that in this new Parliament (now sitting) true Religion would run her Rivall quite out of distance: Whereas alas! it not only stood still, but went backwards, the SIX ARTICLES being therein enacted, that whip with six knots, each one (as heavily laid on) fetching blood from the backs of poor Protestants.

15. K. Henry was much blamed for passing this Act. Indeed, Power and Profit being the things politick Princes chiefly desire; King Henry had already attained both by his partial Reformation. Power, by abolishing the Pope's usurpation, in His Dominions; Profit, by seizing on the lands and goods of suppressed Monasteries. And thus having served His own turn, His zeal willfully tired to go any farther, and (only abolishing such Popery as was in order to his aforesaid designs) He severely urged the rest on the practice of His Subjects.

16. Herein he appeared like to Jehu King of Israel, who utterly rooted out the foreign Idolatry of BAAL, (fetched from the Zidonians, and almost appropriated to the family of Ahab) but still worshipped the CALVES in DAN, and BETHEL, the state-Idolatry of the Kingdom; So our Henry, though banishing all out-landish superstition of Papal dependence, still reserved and maintained home bred Popery, persecuting the Refusers to submit thereunto.

17. For, by the persuasion of Bishop Gardener (in defiance of Archbishop Cranmer, and the L. Cromwell, with might and main opposing it) it was enacted:

• 1. That in the Sacrament of the Altar, after consecration, no substance of bread or wine remaineth, but the natural body and blood of Christ.
• 2. That the Communion in both kinds is not necessary ad salutem, by the law of God to all persons.
• 3. That Priests, after Orders received, may not Marry by the Law of God.
• 4. That Vows of Chastity ought to be observed.
• 5. That it is meet and necessary, that private Masses be admitted and continued in Churches.
• 6. That auricular Confession must be frequented by people, as of necessity to salvation.

Laws, bad, as penned; worse, as prosecuted, which by some Bishops extensive interpretations, were made commensurate to the whole body of Popery.

18. Indeed, the Lord Cromwell (unable to right his own) had a design to revenge himself on the opposite party, by procuring an Act, That Popish Priests convict of Adultery, should be subject to the same punishment with Protestant Ministers that were married. But Gardener, by his greatness, got that law so qualified, that it soon became lex edentula, whilst the other remained mordax, death being the penalty of such who were made guilty by the six Articles, though Nicholas Shaxton of Salisbury, and Hugh Latimer of Worcester, found the especial favor to save themselves by losing of their Bishoprics.

19. And now began Edmond Bonner, aliàs Savage, (most commonly called by the former, but too truly known by the later name) newly made Bishop of London, to display the colors of his cruelty therein, which here I forbear to repeat, because cited at large by Mr. Fox. For, I desire my Church-History should behave itself to his Book of Martyrs, as a Lieutenant to its Captain, only to supply his place in his absence, to be supplemental thereunto, in such matters of moment which have escaped his observation.

20. Match-makers betwixt private persons seldom find great love for their pains, betwixt Princes often fall into danger, as here it proved in the L. Cromwell, the grand contriver of the King's marriage with Anne of Cleve. On him the King had conferred Honors so many, and so suddenly, that one may say, The crudities thereof lay unconcted in his soul, so that he could not have time to digest one Dignity before another was poured upon him. Not to speak of his Mastership of the Jewel-house, he was made Baron, Master of the Rolls, the Kings Vicar-general in spiritual matters, Lord Privy-Seal, Knight of the Garter, Earl of Essex, Lord Great Chamberlain of England. And my Author observeth, that all these Honors were conferred upon him in the compass of five years, most of them possessed by him not five months; I may add, and all taken from him in less than five minutes, with his life on the scaffold.

21. This was the cause why he was envied of the Nobility and Gentry, being by birth so much beneath all; by preserment so high above most of them. Besides, many of his advancements were interpreted not so much Honors to him, as Injuries to others, as being either in use improper, or in equity unfit, or in right unjust, or in conscience unlawful for him to accept. His Mastership of the Rolls, such who were bred Lawyers, conceived it fitter for men of their profession. As for the Earldom of Essex conferred upon him, though the title lately became void by the death of Bourchier the last Earl without Issue-male (and so in the strictness of right in the King's free disposal) yet because he left Anne, a sole Daughter behind him, Cromwell 's invading of that Honor, bred no good blood towards him amongst the kindred of that Orphan, who were honorable, and numerous. His Lord great Chamberlainship of England, being an Office for many years Hereditary in the Antient and Honorable House of Oxford, incensed all of all that Family, when beholding him possessed thereof. His Knighthood of the Garter, which custom had appropriated to such, who by three degrees at least could prove their Gentile descent, being bestowed on him, did but enrage his Competitours thereof, more honourably extracted. As for his being the King's Vicar-General in Spiritual matters, all the Clergy did rage thereat, grutching much, that K. Henry the substance, and more, that Cromwell, His shadow, should assume so high a Title to himself. Besides, Cromwell 's name was odious unto them, on the account of Abbeys dissolved, and no wonder, if this Sampson plucking down the pillars of the Popish-Church, had the rest of the structure falling upon him. These rejoiced when the Duke of Norfolk arrested him for Treason at the Council-Table, whence he was sent Prisoner to the Tower.

22. And now to speak impartially of him, though in prison. If we reflect on his parts and endowments, it is wonderful to see how one quality in him befriended another. Great Scholar he was none (the Latin Testament gotten by heart being the master-piece of his learning) nor any studied Lawyer, (never long-living, if admitted in the Inns of Court) nor experienced Soldier, (though necessity cast him on that calling, when the Duke of Burbone besieged Rome) nor Courtier in his youth, (till bred in the Court, as I may call it, of Cardinal Wolsey 's house:) and yet, that of the Lawyer in him, so helped the Scholar; that of the Soldier, the Lawyer; that of the Courtier, the Soldier; and that of the Traveler so perfected all the rest (being no stranger to Germany, well acquainted with France, most familiar with Italy) that the result of all together made him for endowments eminent, not to say, admirable.

23. It was laid to his charge; First, that he had exceeded his Commission, in acting many things of high conseqsence, without acquainting the King therewith; dealing therein, though perchance wisely for the State, not warily for himself. Indeed, it is impossible for such Officers, managing not only multitudes, but multiplicity of matters, but that in some things they must mistake. As in many words there wanteth not iniquity: so in the Actours of many affairs, faults are soon found out. He was also accused to set at liberty certain persons not capable of it; for granting Licenses and Commissions destructive to the King's authority; for being guilty of Heresy himself, and favoring it in others. Trayterous speeches were also charged upon him, spoken two years before in the Church of S. Peter's in the Poor, in Broad street; the avouchers thereof pretending, that, as hitherto they had concealed them for love of themselves (fearing Cromwell 's greatness:) so now, for the love of the King, they revealed the same. Indeed, on the first manifesting of the King's displeasure against him, the foes of Cromwell had all their mouths open, and his friends their mouths shut up.

24. The mention of S. Peter 's in Broad-street, mindeth me of a passage, not unworthy to be recited, of an injury offered by this Lord Cromwell, to many poor men in the same Parish. And, because everyone is best able to tell his own tale, take it in the words of John Stow, being himself deeply concerned therein:

I am moved the rather to believe our Author herein, because elsewhere he alloweth this Lord his deserved praise for his virtues, and especially his Hospitality, affirming, he had often seen at the Lord Cromwell 's gate, above two hundred persons served twice every day, with meat, and drink sufficient. Nor can I see what may be said in excuse of this oppression, except any will plead, that Abimelech's servants violently took away the wells from Abraham, and yet Abimelech himself never knew more or less thereof.

25. As for the passionate expressions of Cromwell; a Knight, aged well-nigh eighty, whose Mother was Daughter to the Lord Cromwell 's Son, hath informed me, That the principal passage, whereon the Lord's enemies most insisted, was this, It being told the L. Cromwell, that one accused him for want of fidelity to the King; Cromwell returned in passion, Were he here now, I would strike my dagger into his heart; meaning, into the heart of the false Accuser; and therein guilty of want of charity to his fellow-subject, not of loyalty to his Sovereign. But, seeing the words were a measuring cast as uttered (though not as intended) to whom they should relate, the pick-thank Repeater avowed them uttered against the King Himself. So dangerous are dubious words, and ambiguous expressions, when prevalent power is to construe, and interpret the meaning thereof.

26. Ten days after his Arrest, he was attainted of high Treason in Parliament. and brought on the Scaffold the next week to execution. Here he spake the following words unto the people, which the Reader is requested the more seriously to peruse, that thereby he may be enabled to pass (if concerned therein) his verdict in what Religion this Lord died.

The general terms wherein this his Speech is couched, hath given occasion for wise men to give contrary censures thereof.

True it is, so wary were Cromwell 's expressions, that Luther and Bellarmine might in their own persons have said the same, without any prejudice to their own principles, and many conceive that the most, which these his words amount to, will but make him an six-Articles Protestant.

27. But let Cromwell 's politick Speech be in part expounded by his plain Prayer which he immediately after made, (too long here to insert, but set down at large in Mr. Fox) and which speaketh him a true Protestant. And if negative Arguments avail ought in this matter, no superstitious crossing of himself, no praying to Saints, no desiring of prayers for him after his death, &c. may evidence him no Papist in the close of his life. Indeed, Anti-Cromwellists count this controversy (of the Religion he died in) not worth the deciding, no Papists conceiving the gain great to get him on their side, and some Protestants accounting the loss as little to part with him. However, this right ought to be done to his Memory, in fixing it on its own principles, and not mis-representing the same to posterity.

28. Remarkable is that passage in his Speech, wherein he confesseth himself, by Law condemned to die, because a story dependeth thereupon. Not long ago an Act had passed in Parliament, That one might be attainted of Treason by Bill in Parliament, and consequently lose his life, without any other legal trial, or being ever brought to answer in his own defense. The Lord Cromwell was very active in procuring this Law to pass, insomuch that it is generally believed, that the Arm and Hammer of all King Henry 's Power, could never have driven on this Act thorough both Houses, had not Cromwell first wimbled an hole for the entrance thereof, and politically prepared a major part of Lord's and Commons to accept the same. For, indeed otherwise it was accounted a Law injurious to the liberty, which reason alloweth to all persons accused, and which might cut out the tongue of Innocency itself, depriving her of pleading in her own behalf. Now, behold the hand of Heaven! It happened that this Lord first felt the smart of this rod which be made for others, and was accordingly condemned before ever he was heard to speak for himself.

Thus, those who break down the banks, and let in the stream of Arbitrary power, (be it into the hands of Prince or People) are commonly the first themselves which without pity are drowned in the deluge thereof.

29. Thus far I have swome along with the wind and tide of all our English Historians, in charging of Cromwell herein. But I find one Author of strong credit (such he needs to be, who swims against the stream) acquitting the said Lord, deriving his intelligence from Sir Thomas Gawdie, a grave Judge, then living, who acquainted him as followeth, King Henry commanded the L. Cromwell to attend the Chief Justices, and to know, whether a man that was forth-coming might be attainted of high Treason by Parliament, and never called to his answer? The Judges answered, That it was a dangerous question; and, that the high Court of Parliament ought to give examples to inferior Courts for proceeding according to justice, and no inferior Court could do the like, and they thought the high Court of Parliament would never do it. But, being by the express commandment of the King, and pressed by the said Earl to give a direct answer, they said, That if he be attainted by Parliament, it could not come in question afterwards, whether he was called, or not called to answer: and the Act of Attainder being passed by Parliament did bind, as they resolved. The party against whom this was intended, was never called in question, but the first man after the said resolution, that was so attainted, and never called to answer, was the said Earl of Essex: whereupon that erroneous and vulgar opinion amongst our Historians grew, That he died by the same Law which he himself had made.

30. But, grant this Lord Cromwell faulty in this and some other actions, in the main he will appear a worthy person, and a great instrument of God's glory in the reforming of Religion, and remarkable for many personal eminencies. Commonly when men are (as in a moment) mounted from meanness to much wealth and honor, first they forget them selves, and then all their old friends and acquaintance. Whereas on the contrary, here gratitude grew with his greatness, and the Lord Cromwell conferred many a courtesy on the Children from whose Fathers Master Cromwell had formerly received favors. As he was a good Servant to his Master, so was he a good Master to his Servants, and fore-seeing his own full, (which he might have foretold without the Spirit of Prophesy, some half a year before) he furnished his Men, which had no other lively-hood to subsist by, with Leases, Pensions, and Annuities, whereby after his death they had a comfortable maintenance.

31. One so faithful to his Servants, cannot be suspected for an Infidel in not providing for his family, of his own children. It was not therefore his ambition, but providence, that on the same day wherein he was created Earl of Essex, he procured Gregory his Son, (which otherwise had been then but a Lord by courtesy) to be actually made Baron Cromwell of Oke-ham. Which honor, because inherent in the Son, was not forfeited on his Father's attainture, but descends at this day on his Posterity.

32. We will conclude his story with this remarkable instance of his humility: Formerly there flourished a notable family of the Cromwells at Tattershall in Lincoln-shire, especially since Sir Ralph Cromwell married the younger Sister and Coheir of William the last Lord Deincourt. Now there wanted not some flattering Heraults (excellent Chemists in Pedegrees to extract anything from anything) who would have entitled this Lord Cromwell to the Arms of that ancient Family, extinct (in the issue male thereof) about the end of King Henry the sixth. His answer unto them was, That he would not wear another man's coat, for fear the right owner thereof should pluck it off over his ears: and preferred rather to take a new coat, (viz. AZure, Or, a Fess inter three Lions rampant, Or a Rose Gules, betwixt two Chaughes proper) being somewhat of the fullest; the Epidemical dissease of all Arms given in the Reign of Henry the eighth.

33. After the execution of the Lord Cromwell, the Parliament still sitting, a motly execution happened in Smithfield, three Papists hanged by the Statute for denying the King 's supremacy, and as many Protestants burnt at the same time and place, by virtue of the six Articles, dying with more pain, and no less patience.

This caused was by the difference of Religions in the King's Privy Council, wherein the Popish party called for the execution of these Protestants, whilst the Protestant Lord's in the Council, (out of policy to repress the others eagerness, or if that failed, out of desire to revenge it) cried as fast, that the Laws might take effect on the Papists. And whilst neither side was able to save those of their own opinions, both had power to destroy those of their opposite party. They were dragged on hurdles, coupled two and two, a Papist and a Protestant, (cattle of different kinds yoked to draw, or rather to be drawn together) insomuch as a Romanist professeth, that to the three Papists this their unequal matching was to them, ipsâ morte gravlus & intolerabilius, more heavy and intolerable than death itself: But the Protestants expressed no such distaste hereat, not angry out of principles of pride, for the joining of their bodies together, but grieved out of the grounds of charity, that their souls soon after, should so far be parted asunder. A stranger, standing by, did wonder, (as well he might) what Religion the King was of, his sword cutting on both sides, Protestants for Heretics, and Papists for Traitors, of whom in the same month, Laurence Cook, Prior of Doncaster, and six others, were sent the same way, for the same offense.

34. But to return to such Acts of the Parliament as concern the Church, therein a Statute was made, commanding every man fully, truly, and effectually to divide, set out, yield or pay all and singular Tithes and Offerings, according to the lawful customs and usages of the Parishes and Places where such Tithes or Duties shall grow, arise, come or be due. And remedy is given for Ecclesiastic persons before the Ordinary; and for Lay-men, that claimed appropriated Tithes by grant from the Crown, in the Secular Courts by such actions as usually Lay-possessions had been subject to. The occasion of which Statute is intimated in the Preamble thereof, because in few years past many presumed more contemptuously, and commonly than in times past, had been seen or known to subtract and withdraw their lawful and accustomed Tithes. Incouraged thereunto for that that divers Lay-persons having Tithes to them and their beires had no due remedy by order and course of the Ecclesiastical Laws to recover their right. And no wonder, seeing their Sovereign had set them so large, and so late a president in destroying of Abbeys, if subjects thought that in their distance and proportion they might also be bold to detain the Rites of the Church, especially because it seemed unreasonable, that they should receive wages who did no work, and that the hire of the laborers in the vineyard should be given to lazy lookers on. This Statute, in favor of Lay-impropriators, was beneficial to the Clergy to recover their prediall Tithes at Common-Law, being equally advantaged by that which was not principally intended for them, because of the concurrence of their interest, in case of Tithes. A Statute also made, That it was lawful for all persons to contract marriage, who are not prohibited by God's law. For although Gregory the great (who had not less learning, but more modesty, than his successors) did not flatly forbid the marriage of Cousin Germans as unlawful, but prudentially dissuade it as unfitting; yet after-Popes prohibited that and other degrees further off, thereby to get money for Dispensations. What a mass these amounted unto, their own Auditors can only compute, seeing Solomon himself sent ships but every third year to Ophir for gold; whereas his Holiness, by granting such faculties from those Indies, made annual returns of infinite profit. And this Law came very conveniently to comply with King Henry 's occasions, who had the first fruits thereof, and presently after married Katharine Howard, Cousin Germane to Anna Bollen his second Wife, which, by the Canon-Law, formerly was forbidden without a special Dispensation first obtained.

35. But now to step out of the Parliament into the Convocation, a place more proper for our employment, there we shall find Archbishop Cranmer landing in his Barge at Paul's-wharfe, and thence proceeding on foot with the Cross carried before him into the Choir of Paul's; where, at the high Altar Bishop Bonner officiated (if I speak properly) a Mass of the Holy Ghost, Doctor Richard Cox Archdeacon of Eli, preached a Latin Sermon on this text, Vos estis salterrae. Richard Gwent Doctor of Law and Archdeacon of London, was chosen Prolocutor. Then intimation was given, that the KING allowed them liberty to treat of matters in Religion, to peruse the Canons de simonia vitanda, with other Ecclesiastical constitutions; to continue the good ones, and make new ones protemporis exigentiâ. In the third Session on Friday, several Bishops were assigned to peruse several Books of the Translation of the New Testament, in order as followeth:

Why Edmond Bonner Bishop of London then and there present, had no part in this perusal allotted him, as I find no reason rendered thereof, so I will not interpose my own conjecture.

39. In the sixth Session, Gardener publicly read a Catalogue of Latin words of his own collection out of the Testament, and desired that for their genuine and native meaning, and for the majesty of the matter in them contained, these words might be retained in their own nature as much as might be; or be very fitly Englished, with the least alteration, being in number and order here inserted:

• Ecclesia
• Poenitentia
• Pontifex
• Ancilla
• Contritus
• Olacausta
• Justitia
• Justificare
• Idiota
• Elementa
• Baptizare
• Martyr
• Adorare
• Dignus
• Sandalium
• Simplex
• Tetrarcha
• Sacramentum
• Simulachrum
• Gloria
• Conflictationes
• Ceremonia
• Mysterium
• Religio
• Spiritus sanct{us}
• Spiritus
• Merces
• Confiteor tibi Pater
• Panis praepositionis
• Communio
• Perseverare
• Dilectus
• Sapientia
• Pietas
• Presbyter
• Lites
• Servus
• Opera
• Sacrificium
• Benedictio
• Humilis
• Humilitas
• Scientia
• Gentilis
• Synagoga
• Ejicere
• Misericordia
• Complacui
• Increpare
• Distribueretur orbis
• Inculpatus
• Senior
• Conflictationes
• Apocalypsis
• Satisfactio
• Contentio
• Conscientia
• Peccatum
• Peccator
• Idolum
• Prudentia
• Prudenter
• Parabola
• Magnifico
• Oriens
• Subditus
• Didragma
• Hospitalitas
• Episcopus
• Gratia
• Charitas
• Tyrannus
• Concupiscentia
• Cisera
• Apostolus
• Apostolatus
• Egenus
• Stater
• Societas
• Zizania
• Mysteriū
• Christus
• Conversari
• Profiteor
• Impositio manuum
• Idololatria
• Dominus
• Sanctus
• Confessio
• Imitator
• Pascha
• Innumerabilis
• Inenarrabilis.
• Infidelis
• Paganus
• Commilito
• Virtutes
• Dominationes
• Throni
• Potestates
• Hostia

35. The judicious Reader hath no sooner perused these words, but presently he sorts them in two ranks: First, some few untranslatable, without loss of life or luster: these are continued in our English Testament entire, it being conceived better that Ministers should expound these words in their Sermons, than alter them in their Texts. But besides these, most of the second sort, are not so emphatical in themselves, but that they may be rendered in English, without prejudice of truth, Wherefore Gardener 's design plainly appeared in stickling for the preserving of so many Latin words to obscure the Scripture; who, though wanting power to keep the light of the Word from shining, sought out of policy to put it in to a dark Lanthorn; contrary to the constant practice of God in Scripture, levelling high hard expressions to the capacity of the meanest. For foreign terms are always brought in, like Joseph with an Interpreter. Emmanuel doth not pass without an Exposition, God with us: nor Ephatha escape, but Commented on, be thou opened: Besides, the Popish Bishop multiplied the mixture of Latin names in the Testament, to teach the Laity their distance, who though admitted into the outward Court of common matter, were yet debarred entrance into the Holy of Holies of these mysterious expressions, reserved only for the understanding of the high Priest to pierce into them. Moreover, this made Gardener not only tender, but fond to have these words continued in kind without Translation; because the profit of the Romish Church was deeply in some of them concerned: Witness the word Penance (which according to the vulgar sound, contrary to the original sense thereof) was a magazin of Will-worship, and brought in much gain to the Priests, who were desirous to keep that word, because that word kept them. I find not what entertainment Gardener 's motion met with, it seems so suspended in success, as neither generally received nor rejected.

36. In a following Session, Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, informed the House, That it was the King's will and pleasure, that the Translation both of the Old and New Testament should be examined by BOTH UNIVERSITIES. This met with much opposition in the House, all the Bishops, (Eli and S. David's excepted) making their Protests to the contrary. These affirmed, the Universities were much decayed of late, wherein all things were carried by Young Men, whose judgments were not to be relied on, so that the Learning of the Land was chiefly in this Convocation. But the Archbishop said, he would stick close to the will and pleasure of the King his Master, and that the Universities should examine the Translation. And here (for ought I can find to the contrary) the matter ceased, and the Convocation soon after was dissolved.

37. The cruel prosecution of the Protestants still continued on the six Articles. And yet the Parliament now somewhat abated the illegal fury thereof: for formerly any active Officer of the Bishops, at his pleasure molested all suspected persons, and prosecured some to death. But afterwards it was required, That such Offenders should first be found guilty, by a Jury of Twelve men; a rub to the wheels of their cruelty, that it saved the lives of some, and prolonged the deaths of others.

38. Now began the last Parliament in the Kings Reign, wherein many things of consequence were enacted: First, an Act against Usury. Secondly, for Tithes in London. Thirdly, for an exchange of Lands betwixt the King's Majesty, and Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Holegate Archbishop of York, and Edmond Bonner Bishop of London; which the King annexed to the Dutchie of Lancaster. Fourthly, an Act for union of Churches, not exceeding the value of six pounds. Lastly, that Doctors of the Civil Law, being married, might exercise Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.

39. At this time also, by the King's command, were the Stews suppressed. A line or two, I hope, will not defile our Church-History, in the description and detestation of such filthy persons, and practices. There stood a place on the South bank over against London, called the Stews, where live-Fishes were formerly kept, there to be washed in Ponds from their slime and muddinesse, to make the more wholesome and pleasant food, which was the original use of these Stews, and the proper meaning of the word. Afterwards the place was converted to a worse use, but still retaining its own name from the scouring of Fish to the defileing of Men: Brothel-houses being built there, and publicly permitted by the State. These were sixteen in number, known by the several signs, whereof one was the Cardinals Hat, and it is to be feared, that too many of the Clergy (then forbidden marriage ) were too constant customers to it. Such who lived in these Colleges of lust were called single Women, and pity it was so good a name should be put upon so lewd persons.

40. Divers Constitutions were made in the eighth year of King Henry the second, for the regulating of these Houses, whereof some may inoffensively, yea, profitably be inserted.

This was done partly, because they should not engross those Trades, being the livelihood of more honest people: and partly left simple Chapmen in seeking for such necessaries should be inveigled into sin. Such women living and dying in their sinful life were excluded Christian burial, and had a plot of ground far from the Parish-Church appointed for them, called The single-woman's Church-yard.

41. These Cautions and Constitutions could not make them, who are bad in themselves, to be good, though happily keeping some who were bad, from being worse. Such a toleration of sin being utterly unlawful. For though Natural poisons may by Art be so qualified and corrected to make them not only not noxious, but in some cases (as wisely applied) cordial. Yet Moral poisons, I mean, things sinful of themselves can never be so ordered and regulated, but that still they will remain pernicious and unlawful; The only way to order and amend, being to remove, and extirpate them.

42. Yet there wanted not those (better idle, than so employed) who endeavored with Arguments to maintain; some (so shameless) the necessity, but more the conveniency of such Brothel-houses. No wonder if wanton wits, pleaded for wanton women. Whoredom (like the Whores was painted over with politick Reasons for the permission thereof, which may easily be washed away if the following Parallel be but seriously perused.

1. Mans infirmity herein since his Natural corruption is grown so general, it is needful to counive at such Houses, as a kind of remedy to prevent worse incontinency with Married women, the whole land being the cleaner for the public Sincks or Sewer of the Stews.

2. As Moses permitted Divorcement to the Jews. Stews may be connived at on the same accompt for the hardness of men's hearts.

3. Strange women were no strangers in Israel itself under their best Kings; two of that trade publicly known, pleaded before King Solomon. These were publicly repaired unto and known by the attire of an Harlot.

4. Many great Family were preserved thereby, whose younger Brethren abstaining from Marriage, did nont cumber the same with numerosity of Children.

5. Such Stews are Fashionable in foreign Nations; yea, in Rome itself.

6. The suppressing of Stews would not make men more chaste, but more close: not more sincerely honest, but secretly wanton. In all populous places, male-incontinency will meet with a female counterpart, and so reciprocally.

1. It is absurd to say, and belibelleth Divine Providence, That anything is really Needful that is not Lawfull. Such pretended necessity created by bad men must be annihilated by good Laws. Let Marriage run in its proper channel, being permitted to all persons, and then no need of such noisome sinks which may well be dammed up. The malady cannot be accounted a remedy: For whilst Matrimony is appointed and blessed by God to Cool the heat of Lust, Whoredom doth double the drought thereof.

2. Christians ought not so much to listen to Moses his permission, as to Christ his reprehension thereof. Besides some faults had a cover for them in the twilight of the Law, which have none in the sun-shine of the Gospel.

3. Christians must conform themselves to the necessary members and commendable Ornaments of the Jewish Common-wealth, but not to the wennes and ulcers thereof.

4. Where Harlots have preserved one house, they have destroyed an hundred. Besides, we must not do Evil, that Good may come thereof. Nor can many Children be accounted evils to men, which are blessings from God.

5. Let the Paramount Whore tolerate Whores, which as a branch of Popery was now banished England; more honor it is for us to go before foreign Nations in Reformation, than to follow them in their Corruptions.

6. This undeniable truth is sodly granted. Perchance there may now be moe English-folk Adulterers, but England was then an Adulteress, so long as Stews were openly licensed. It was a National sin, when publicly permitted; which now is but personal, though too generally committed.

Thus Chastity, by the countenance of Authority, got at last a final conquest of Wantonness. Indeed formerly, in the one and twentieth year of Henry the seventh, for a time the Stews were closed up; but afterwards opened again, though reduced from sixteen to twelve; but now, by the King's commandment, this regiment of sinners was totally and finally routed, the Kings pleasure herein proclaimed by sound of Trumpet, and their Houses peopled with other Inhabitants of honest conversation.

43. We lately mentioned the exchange of land, betwixt the King, and the two Archibishops. On which account be it remembered (though I find not the exact year) Otford in Kent was given the King, whereof thus our great Antiquary, William Warrham Archbishop of Canterbury built Otford for himself and his successors, so sumptuously, that for to avoid envy, Cranmer, who next succeeded him, was constrained to exchange it with King Henry the eighth. Could the Clergy have found out the mean betwixt baseness, & bravery; too sordid, & too sumptuous; they might have fixed themselves therein with the more security. Whilest their Palaces built so big as to receive, and so beautiful as to invite the King an His Court, made (especially if lying near London ) covetousness to long after them. And, although some competent consideration was given in exchange, yet politick Prelates disliked such commutations, as which gaged the root of Episcopal lands, from their first property, and ancient foundation.

44. The last person of quality, which suffered martyrdom in this Kings Reign, was Anne Ashcough aliàs Kyme. She was worshipfully extracted, the Daugther of Sir William Ashcough of Kelsay in Lincoln-shire, of the age of twenty five years. Whose wit, beauty, learning, and religion, procured her much esteem on the Queens side of the Court, and as much hatred from the Popish persecuting Bishops. But the Jesuit condemns her for leaving her Husband, at home, and gadding to Gospel, and gossip it at Court, always subscribing herself, not by her married, but maiden surname: the rather, because, being often examined, what reason she could give of forsaking her Husband, she refused to answer to any, save to the King alone. Master Fox turneth off the whole matter to John Bale; and, I having his Manuscript in my hand, thought fit to insert this his following account thereof, though not knowing whether the same will give the Reader satisfaction.

45. A match was made, by the power of their Parents, betwixt Mr. Kyme his Son in Lincoln shire, and Sir William Ashcough his eldest Daughter, who chanced to die before the completing thereof. Sir William, loath to lose so rich an Heir, and having paid part of her Potion, for lucr • s sake compelled this Anne, his second Daughter, to supply her Sisters place, and to marry him against her own will and consent, notwithstanding, the marriage once past, she demanded herself like a Christian Wife, and bare him two Children. In process of time, by oft reading of the sacred Bible, she clearly fell from all Papistry, to a perfect belief in Jesus Christ. Whereupon, her Husband was so offended, that (by suggestion of the Priests) he violently drove her out of his house. And she, on this occasion, sought from the Law a Divorce; and, because of his cruel usage, would not return unto him again: thinking herself free from that uncomely kind of coacted marriage, by the doctrine of Saint Paul, But, if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases: But God hath called us to peace. This is the effect, of what our Author speaketh in moe words. Now, whether this rule laid down by Saint Paul, betwixt Christian, and Heathen, be also commensurate betwixt Protestant, and Papist, is not my work to decide. Perchance, she would only answer to the King, for her behavior towards her Husband, as hoping for some tenderness from His Highness, because of some general conformity, in the first part of her Case with the Kings: as Who for by respects was first married to, then divorced from His Brothers Wife.

46. Her several examinations are largely penned by herself, extant in Mr. Fox, where the Reader may find them. But be it remembered, that, whereas heresy only was charged upon her, without the least suspicion of Treason, yet was she racked to detect some Court Ladies of her opinion, by the Lord Wriothisly the then, and Sir Robert Rich, the next Lord Chancellor. But, whether it was noble in these Lord's, or legal in these Lawyers, or conscientious in these Chancellors, to rack one already condemned to death, belongeth to others to determine. Their cruelty extorted no discovery from her, whose constancy now made recompense for her former infirmities. If it be true what is charged upon her, that before she had twice subscribed the Real Presence in the Sacrament of the Altar, but zealously died at last in the earnest denial thereof, being amongst those, who according to the precept in the Prophet, glorified the Lord in the sires. Her suffering in Smithfield was most solemnly performed, where three men, Nicolas Belevian, Priest of Shropshire; John Lacells, Gentleman, of the Household of King Henry the eighth; and John Adams, a poor Taylor of London, were all burnt together. Three couple of qualities, meeting together in four persons, Clergy, and Laity; Male, and Female; Gentle, and Simple, made the fuel of the same fire.

47. John Bale registers this Anne Ashcough, amongst the number of his English learned Writers, for her Examinations, Letters, and Poems, wrote with her own hand; though the Jesuit jeers him for his pains, as if no works, save those of the needle, became her sex. I have seen a Manuscript of her Verses (afterwards printed at Marpurge in Germany ) and must confess, I better approve her Charity in the four last, than her Poetry in all rest:

However those that have drunk deeper than she of Helicon, would be loath to pledge her in the bitter cup of Martyrdom. So I take my leave of her memory.

48. Now began the troubles of Queen Katharine Parr, whom the King married some two years since. For He, either being, or believing Himself wronged by His last Wife, whom He married for a Maid, resolved now to take a Widow to Wife, who had given proof of her chastity and loyalty to her former Husband, and thereupon married this Katharine, the Daughter of Sir Thomas Parr of Kendall, the Relict of John Nevill Lord Latimer, one of great piety, beauty & discretion. Next to the Bible, She studied the Kings disposition, observing Him to Her utmost. And need She had of a nimble soul, to attend at all times on His humor, whose Fury had now got the addition of Frowardness thereunto. She was rather Nurse, than Wife unto Him, who was more decayed by sickness & intemperance, than old age.

49. Yet sometimes She would presume to discourse with the King about points of Religion, defending the Protestant-Tenants by Scripture, and reason: and sometimes would hold up the King very close hard at it. This displeased Him, who loved looseness and liberty, in His clothes, arguments, and actions, and was quickly observed by Gardener, and others, who were the Queens enemies. Hereupon, taking advantage of an unhappy juncture of time, Gardener drew up Articles against Her, and had got them subscribbed with the Kings own hand, to remove Her to the Tower. Whither had She been sent, Vestigia nulla retrorsum, without doubt She had followed the way of His former Wives in that place.

50. But Divine Providence ordereth all things to fall out for the good of God's children. Chancellor Wriothesly put the paper of those Articles ( precious jewels ) in no worse cabinet than his own bosom. Hence it casually fell out, was taken up by one of the Queens servants, and brought to Her Grace, who, on Her sickness, and submission to the King, obtained His pardon, signed ad sealed unto Her with may kisses and embraces. As for such Her enemies, who came at the present to attach Her (intending, by virtue of the Kings Warrant, to send Her the shortest way to Her long home ) they were sent back with what made worse rumbling than a flea in the ear, even the taunts and threats of the enraged King against them.

51. And yet Pasons tell us, that, not with standing the King purposed to have burned Her, if He had lived. I know not whence he derived this his strange intelligence, and therefore justly suspect the truth hereof: The rather, because I find Her in great grace with the King, as appeareth by the good language, and great Legacy He gave Her in His Will, which here we thought fit to transcribe, both for the rarity thereof, and because containing many passages, which may reflect much light upon our Church-History.

IN the name of God, and of the glorious and blessed Virgin our Lady S. Mary, and of all the holy company of Heaven: We HENRY by the grace of God, King of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and in earth immediately under God the supreme Head of the Church of England, and also Ireland, of that name the eight; calling to Our remembrance the great gifts and benefits of Almighty God given unto Us in this transitory life, give unto him Our most lowly and humble thanks, acknowledging Our selves insufficient in any part to deserve or recompense the same. But fear that we have not worthily received the same, and considering further also that We be (as all mankind are) mortal and born in sin; believing nevertheless, and hoping, that every Christian creature living here in this transitory and wretched world, under God dying in steadfast and perfect faith, endeavoring and exercising himself to execute in his life-time, if he have leisure, such good deeds and charitable works as Scripture commandeth, and as may be to the honor and pleasure of God, is ordained by Christ's passion to be saved and attain Eternal life: Of which number We verily trust by his grace to be one.

And that every creature, the more high that he is in estate, honor and authority in this world, the more he is bound to love, serve and thank God, and the more diligently to endeavor himself to do good and charitable works to the laud, honor and praise of Almighty God, and the profit of his soul. We also calling to remembrance the dignity, estate, honor, rule and governance that Almighty God hath called Us unto in this world, and that neither We, nor any other creature-mortal knoweth the time, place, when nor where, it shall please Almighty God to call him out of this transitory world, willing therefore and minding with God's grace before our passage out of the same, to dispose and order Our later mind, Will and Testament, in that sort, as We trust it shall be acceptable unto Almighty God, our only Savior Jesus Christ, and all the holy Company of Heaven: and the due satisfaction of all godly brethren in earth, have now, being of whole and perfect mind, adhering wholly to the right faith of Christ and his doctrine, repenting also Our old and detestable life, and being in perfect will and mind, by his grace, never to return to the same, nor such like. And minding, by God's grace, never to vary therefro as long as any remembrance, breath, or inward knowledge doth, or may remain within this mortal body; most humbly and heartily do commend and bequeath Our soul to Almighty God, who in Person of the Son redeemed the same with his most precious body and blood in time of his passion: And for Our better remembrance thereof hath left here with us Us, in his Church militant, the consecration and administration of his precious body and blood, to Out no little consolation and comfort, if We as thankfully accept the same, as he lovingly and undeservedly on man's behalf, hath ordained it for our only benefit, and not his.

Also, we do instantly require, and desire the blessed Virgin Mary his mother, with all the holy Company of Heaven, continually to pray for Us whiles We live in this world, and in the time of passing out of the same, that We may the sooner attain Everlasting life after Our departure out of this transitory life, which We do both hope and claim by Christ's passion; And for my body, which when the soul is departed, shall then remain but as a cadaver, and so return to the vile matter it was made of, were it not for the crown and dignity which God hath called Us unto, and that We would not be counted an Infringer of honest worldly policies and customs when they be not contrary to God's laws, We would be content to have it buried in any place accustomed for Christian folks, were it never so vile, it is but ashes, and to ashes it shall return. Nevertheless, because We would be loath, in the reputation of the people, to do injury to the Dignity which We are unworthily called unto, We are content, and also by these presents, Our last Will and Testament, to will and order, That Our body be buried and entered in the Choir of Our College of Widsor, middle-way between the Stalls and the high Altar, and there to be made and set, as soon as conveniently may be done after Our decease by Our Executors at Our costs and charges, if it be not done by Us in Our life-time, an honorable Tomb for Our bones to rest in, which is well onward and almost made, therefore already with a fair grate about it, in which We will also, that the bones and body of Our true and loving Wife Queen Jane be put also; And, that there be provided, ordained and set, at the costs and charges of Us, or of our Executors, if it be not done in Our life-time, a convenient Altar honourably prepared and appareled with all manner of things requisite and necessary for daily Masses there to be said perpetually while the world shall endure; Also We will, that the Tombs and Altars of King Henry the sixth, and also of King Edward the fourth Our great Uncle and Grandfather, be made more Princely, in the same place where they now be, at Our charge; And also will, and specially desire and require, that where and whensoever it shall please God to call Us out of this transitory world to his infinite mercy & grace, be it beyond the sea, or in any other place without Our Realm of England, or within the same, that Our Executors, as soon as they convniently may, shall cause all Divine Service accustomed for dead folks to be celebrated for Us, in the next and most proper place where it shall fortune Us to depart out of this transitory life; And ever, that We will that whensoever and wheresoever it shall please God to call Us out of this transitory life to his infinite mercy and grace, be it within the Realm or without, that Our Executors in as goodly, brief and convenient haste as they reasonably can or may order, prepare and cause Our body to be removed, conveyed and brought into the said College of Windesor, and the Service of Placebo and Dirige, with a Sermon and Mass on the morrow at Our costs and charges devoutly to be done, observed and solemnly kept, there to be buried and interred in the place appointed for Our said Tomb to be made for the same intent, and all this to be done in as devout-wise as can or may be; And We will and charge Our Executors that they dispose and give almesto the most poor and needly people, that may be found, common beggars as much as may be avoided, in as short space as possible they may after Our departure out of this transitory life One thousand marks of lawful money of England, part in the same place and thereabout where it shall please Almighty God to call us to his mercy, partly by the way, and part in the same place of Our burial after their discretions; And to move the poor people that shall have Our alms to pray heartily unto God for the remission of Our offense and the wealth of Our soul.

And We will, that with as convenient speed as may be done after Our departure out of this world (if it be not done in Our life) that the Dean and Canons of Our Free Chapel of Saint George within Our Castle of Windesor shall have Manours, Lands, Tenements, and Spiritual promotions to the yearly value of vi C. pounds over all charges made sure to them and to their successors forever upon these conditions hereafter ensuing, and for the due accomplishment and full performance of all other things contained with the same in the form of an Indenture, signed with Our own hand, which shall be passed by way of Covenant for that purpose between the said Dean and Canons, and Our Executors, (if it pass not between Us and the said Dean and Canons in Our life) That is to say, the said Dean and Canons, and their successors forever, shall find two Priests to say Masses at the said Altar, to be made where We have before appointed our Tomb to be made and stand.

And also after Our decease keep yearly Four solemn Obits for us within the said College of Windesor, and at every of the same Obits to cause a solemn Sermon to be made, and also at every of the said Obits to give to poor people in alms Ten pounds, and also to give forever yearly to thirteen poor men, which shall be called Poor Knights, to every of them Twelve pence a day, and once in the year yearly forever a long Gown of white cloth with the Gatter upon the breast imbroydered with a Shield and Cross of Saint George within the garter and a mantle of red clothe, and to such one of the thirteen poor Knights, as shall be appointed to be head and governor over them, iii li. vjs. viii d. yearly forever over and beside the said xii. d. by the day. And also to cause every Sunday in the year forever a Sermon to be made at Windesor aforesaid, as in the said Indenture and Covenant shall be more fully and particularly expressed, willing, charging and requiring Our Son Prince EDWARD, all Our Executors and Counselors, which shall be named hereafter, and all other Our Heirs and Successors, which shall be Kings of this Realm, as they will answer before God Almighty at the dreadful day of judgment, that they, and every of them, do see that the said Indenture and Assurance to be made between Us and the said Dean & Canons, or between them and Our executors, and all things therein contained, may be duly put in execution, and observed and kept forever perpetually according to this Our last Will and Testament. And as concerning the order and dispostion of the Imperial Crown of this Realm of England and Ireland, with Our Title of France, and all dignities, honors, preeminences, prerogatives, authorities and jurisdictions to the same annexed or belonging, and for the sure establishment of the succession of the same. And also for a full and plain gift, disposition, assignment, declaration, limitation and appointment with what conditions Our Daughters MARY and ELIZAsBETH shall severally have, hold and enjoy the said Imperial Crown, and other the premises after Our decease; and for default of Issue and Heirs of the several bodies of Us and of Our Son Prince EDWARD lawfully begotten and His Heirs; And also for a full gift, disposition, assignment, declaration, limitation and appointment to Whom, and of what estate, and in what manner, form and condition the said Imperial Crown, and other the premises, shall remain and come after Our decease; And for default of Issue and Heirs of the several bodies of Us, and of the said Son Prince EDWARD, and of Our said Daughters MARY and ELIZABETH lawfully begotten, We by these presents do make and declare Our last Will and Testament concerning the said Imperial Crown, and all other the premises, in manner and form following:

That is to say, We will, by these presents, that immediately after Our departure out of this present, life, Our said Son Prince EDWARD shall have and enjoy the said Imperial Crown, and Realm of England and Ireland, Our Title of France, with all dignities, honors, preeminences, prerogatives, authorities and jurisdictions, lands and possessions to the same annexed, or belonging unto Him and to His Heirs of His body lawfully begotten; And for default of such Issue of Our said Son Prince EDWARD 's body lawfully begotten, We will the same Imperial Crown, and other the premises, after Our two deceases, shall wholly remain and come to the Heirs of our body lawfully begotten, of the body of Our entirely beloved Wife Queen Katharine that now is, or of any other Our lawful Wife that We shall hereafter marry, and for lack of such Issue and Heirs, We will also that after Our decease, and for default of Heirs of the several bodies of Us and of our said Son Prince EDWARD 's lawfully begotten, the said Imperial Crown and all other the premises, shall wholly remain and come to Our said Daughter MARY, and the Heris of Her body lawfully begotten, upon condition that Our said Daughter MARY after Our decease shall not marry, not take any Person to Her Huband without the assent and consent of the Privy Counselors, and others, appointed by Us to Our dearest Son Prince EDWARD aforesaid, to be of Counsel, or of the most part of them, or the most of such as shall then be alive thereunto, before the said marriage, had in writing, sealed with their seals. All which conditions We declare, limit, appoint and will by these presents, shall be knit and invested to the said estate of our Daughter MARY in the said Imperial Crown, and other the premises, And if it fortune Our said Daughter MARY to die without Issue of Her body, lawfully begotten, We will that after Our decease, and for default of Issue of the several bodies of Us, and of Our said Son Prince EDWARD, lawfully begotten, and of Our Daughter MARY; the said Imperial Crown, and other the premises, shall wholly remain to come to Our said Daughter ELIZABETH, and to the Heirs of Her body, lawfully begotten, upon condition, that our said Daughter ELIZABETH, after Our decease, shall not marry, nor taken any Person to Her Husband without the assent and consent of the Privy Counselors, and others, appointed by •• s to be of Counsel with Our said dearest Son Prince EDWARD, or the most part of them, or the most part of such of them as shall be then alive, thereunto, before the marriage had in writing, sealed with their seals, which Condition We declare, limit and appoint, and will by these presents, shall be to the said estate of Our said Daughter ELIZABETH in the said Imperial Crown, and other the premises knit and invested; And if it shall fortune Our said Daughter ELIZABETH to die without Issue of Her body, lawfully begotten, We will that after Our decease, and for default of Issue of the several bodies of Us and of our said Son Prince EDWARD, and of Our said Daughters MARY, and ELIZABETH, and said Imperial Crown, and other the premises, after Our decesse, shall wholly remain and come to the Heirs of the body of the Lady FRANCES, Our Niece, eldest Daughter to Our late Sister the French Queen, lawfully begotten, and for default of such Issue of the body of the said Lady FRANCES, We will that the said Imperial Crown, and other the premises, after Our decease, and for default of Issue of the several bodies of Us, and of Our Son Prince EDWARD, and of Our Daughters MARY, and ELIZABETH, and of the Lady FRANCES, lawfully begotten, shall wholly remain and come to the Heirs of the body of the Lady ELANOR Our Niece, second Daughter to Our said Sister the French Queen, lawfully begotten. And if it happen the said Lady ELANOR to die without Issue of Her body, lawfully begotten, We will that after our decease, and for default of Issue of the several bodies of Us, and of Our said Son Prince EDWARD, and of Our said Daughters MARY, and ELIZABETH, and of the said Lady FRANCES, and of the said Lady ELANOR, lawfully begotten, the said Imperial Crown, and other the premises, shall wholly remain and come to the next rightful Heirs. And we sill that if Our said Daughter MARY do marry without the consent and assent of the Privy Counselors and others appointed by Us to be of Counsel to Our said Son Prince EDWARD, or the most part of them as shall then be alive thereunto, before the said marriage had in writing, sealed with their seals, as is aforesaid, that then and from thenceforth for lack of Heirs of the several bodies of Us and of Our said Son Prince EDWARD, lawfully begotten, the said Imperial Crown shall wholly remain, be, and come to Our said Daughter ELIZABETH, and to the Heirs of Her body lawfully begotten, in such manner and form, as though Our said Daughter MARY were then dead without any Issue of the body of Our said Daughter MARY, lawfully begotten, Any thing contained in this Our Will, or any Act of Parliament or Statute to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding; And in case Our said Daughter the Lady MARY do keep and perform the said Condition expressed, declared and limited to Her estate in the said Imperial Crown, and other the premises in this Our last will declared. And that Our said Daughter ELIZABETH do not keep and perform for Her part the said condition declared and limited by this Our last Will to the estate of the said Lady ELIZABETH in the said Imperial Crown of this Realm of England and Ireland, and other the premises, We will that then • and from thencesorth after Our decease, and for lack of Heirs of the several bodies of Us and of Our said Son Prince EDWARD, and of Our said Daughter MARY, lawful begotten, the said Imperial Crown and other the premises shall wholly remain and come to the next Heirs lawfully begotten of the body of the said Lady FRANCES, in such manner and form as though the said Lady ELIZABETH were then dead without any Heir of Her body lawfully begotten, Any thing contained in this Will, or in any Act or Statute to the contrary not withstanding, the remainders over for lack of Issue of the said Lady FRANCES lawfully begotten to be an continue to such persons like remainders and estates as is before limited and declared. And We being now at this time (thanks to Almighty God) of perfect memory, do constitute and ordain these personages following Our Executors and Performers of this Our last Will and Testament, willing, commanding and praying them to take upon them the occupation and performance of the same as Executors, that is to say, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Wriothesly Chancellor of England, the Lord St. John greater Master of Our House, the Earl of Hartford great Chamberlain, the Lord Russell Lord Privy Seal, the Viscount Lisle high Admiral of England, the Bishop Tonstall of Duresme, Sir Anthony Brown Knight Master of our Horses, Sir Edward Montague Knight, chief Judge of the Common Pleas, Justice Bromley, Sir Edward North Knight Chancellor of the Augmentations, Sir William Pagett Knight Our chief Secretary, Sir Anthony Denny, Sir William Herbert Knights chief Gentlemen of Our Privy Chamber, Sir Edward Wotton Knight, and Mr. Doctor Wotton his brother, and all these We will to be Our Executors and Counselors of the Privy Counsel with Our said Son Prince EDWARD, in all matters concerning both his private affairs and public affairs of the Realm, willing and charging them, and every of them, as they must and shall answer at the day of judgment, wholly and fully to see this my last Will and Testament performed in all things with as much speed an diligence as may be, and that none of them presume to meddle with any of Our treasure, or to do anything appointed by Our said Will alone, unless the most part of the whole number of these Co-executors do consent, and by writing agree to the same; And will that Our said Executors, or the most part of them, may lawfully do what they shall think most convenient for the execution of this Our Will without being troubled by Our said Son, or any other, for the same. Willing further, by Our said last Will and Testament, that Sir Ed mund Peckham Our trusty servant and yet Cofferer of Our house, shall be Treasurer, and have the receipt and laying out of all such treasure and money as shll be defrayed by Our Executors for the performance of this Our last Will, straightly charging and commanding the said Sir Edmund, that he pay no great sum of money, but he have first the hands of Our said Executors, or of the most part of them, for his discharge touching the same; charging him further, upon his allegiance, to make a true account of all such sums as shall be delivered to his hands for this purpose; And sithence We have now named and constituted Our Executors, We will and charge them, that first and above all things, as they will answer before God, and as We put Our singular trust and confidence in them, that they cause all Our due Debts, that can be reasonably shown and proved before them, to be fully contented and paid as soon as they conveniently can or may after Our decease without longer delay, and that they do execute these points first, that is to say, the payment of Our debts, with redress of injuries, if any such can be duly proved (though to Us they be unknown) before any other part of this Our Will and Testament, Our Burial, Exequies, and Funerals, only except.

Furthermore, We will that all such Grants and Gifts as We have made, given or promised, to any which be not yet perfected under Our singe or any Our seals, as they ought to be, and all such recompense for exchanges, sales, or any other thing or things as ought to have been made by Us, and be not yet accomplished, shall be perfected in every point towards all manner of men for discharge of Our conscience, charging Our Executors and all the rest of Our Counselors to see the same done, performed, finished and accomplished in every point, foreseeing that the said Gifts, Grants, and Promises and Recompense, shall appear to Our said Executors, or the most part of them, to have been granted, made, accorded, or promised, in any manner of wise.

Further, according to the laws of Almighty God, and for the fatherly love which We bear to Our Son Prince EDWARD, and to this Our Realm, We declare Him according to justice, equity, and conscience, to be Our lawful Heir, and do give and bequeath unto Him the succession of Our Realms of England, and Ireland, with Our Title of France, and all Our Dominions, both on this side the seas, and beyond, a convenient portion for Our Will and Testament to be reserved.

Also, We give unto Him all Our plate, stuff of household, artillery, ordnance, ammunition, ships, cables, and all other things and implements to them belonging, And money also and jewels, saving such portions as shall satisfy this Our last Will and Testament, charging and commanding Him on pain of Our curse, seeing He hath so loving a Father of Us, and that Our chief labor and study in this world is to establish Him in the Crown Imperial of this Realm after Our decease, in such sort as may be pleasing to God, and to the wealth of this Realm, and to His own honor and quiet, that He be ordered and ruled both in His marriage, and also in ordering the affairs of the Realm, as well outward, as inward; And also in all His own private affairs, and in giving of Offices of charge by the advise and counsel of Our right entirely beloved Counselors, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Wriothesly Chancellor of England, the Lord St. John great Master of Our house, the Lord Russell Lord Privy Seal, the Earl of Hertford great Chamberlain of England, the Viscount Lisle high Admiral of England, the Bishop Tonstall of Duresme, Sir Anthony Brown Knight, Master of Our horses, Sir William Pagett Our chief Secretary, Sir Anthony Denny, Sir William Herbert, Justice Montague, and Bromley, Sir Edward Wotton, Mr. Doctor Wotton, and Sir Edward North, whom We ordain, name, and appoint, and by these presents signed with Our hand, do make and constitute Our Privy Counsel with Our said Son, and will, that they have the governance of Our most dear Son Prince EDWARD, and of all Our Realms, Dominions, and Subjects, and of all the Affairs public and private, until he shall have fully completed the xviij ^th year of his age.

And, for because the variety and number of things, affairs, and matters are, and may be, such as we not knowing the certainty of them before cannot conveniently prescribe a certain order or rule unto Our said Counselors for their behaviours and proceedings in this charge which We have now, and do appoint unto them, about Our said Son, during the time of his minority aforesaid, We therefore for the special trust and confidence which We have in them, will, and by these presents, do give and grant full power and authority unto Our said Counselors, that they all, or the most part of them, being assembled together in Counsel, or if any of them fortune to die, the more part of them which shall be for the time living being assembled in Counsel together, shall, and may make, devise, and ordain what things soever they, or the more part of them, as aforesaid, shall, during the minority of Our said Son, think meet, necessary, and convenient, for the benefit, honor, and surety of the weal, profit, and commodity of Our said Son; His Realms; Dominions; or Subjects, or the discharge of Our conscience. And the same things devised, made, or ordained by them, or the more part of them aforesaid, shall, and may lawfully do, execute and accomplish, or cause to be done, executed and accomplished by their discretions, or the discretions of the more part of them, as aforesaid, in as large and ample manner, as if We had or did express unto them by a more special Commission under Our Great Seal of England, every particular cause that may chance or occur during the time of Our said Sons minority, and the self-same manner of proceeding, which they shall for the time think meet to use and follow. Willing and charging our said Son, and all others, which shall hereafter be Counselors to Our said Son, that they never charge, molest, trouble, or disquiet Our aforesaid Counselors, nor any of them, for the devising or doing, nor any other person for the doing of that they shall devise, or the more part of them, devise or do, assembled, as is aforesaid.

And, We do charge expressly the same Our entirely beloved Counselors and Executors that they shall take upon them the rule and charge of Our said Son and Heir, in all His causes and affairs, and of the whole Realm, doing nevertheless all things as under Him and in His name, until Our said Son and Heir shall be bestowed and married by their advise, and that the xviij ^th year be expired, willing and desiring furthermore Our said trusty Counselors, and then all Our trusty and assured Servants; and thirdly, all other Our loving Subjects, to aid and assist Our forenamed Counselors in the execution of the premises during the aforesaid time. Not doubting but they will in all things deal so truly and uprightly, as they shall have cause to think them well chosen for the charge committed unto them, straightly charging our said Counselors and Executors, and in God's name exhorting them for the singular trust and special confidence which We have and ever had in them, to have a due and diligent eye, perfect zeal, love and affection to the honor, surety, estate, and dignity of Our said Son, and the good state and prosperity of this Our Realm; And that all delays set apart, they well aid and assist Our said Counselors and Executors to the performance of this Our present Testament and last Will, in every part, as they will answer before God at the day of judgment, Cum venerit judicare vivos & mortuos; and furthermore for the special trust and confidence which we have in the Earls of Arundell, and Essex, that now be, Sir Thomas Cheny Knight Treasurer of Our household, Sir John Gage Knight Comptroller of Our household, Sir Anthony Wingfield Knight Our Vice Chamberlain, Sir William Peeter Knight one of Our two principal Secretaries, Sir Richard Rich Knight, Sir John Baker Knight, Sir Ralph Sadler Knight, Sir Thomas Seymour Knight, Sir Richard Southwell, and Sir Edmund Peckham Knights, they, and every of them, shall be of Counsel, for the aiding and assisting of the forenamed Counselors and Our Executors, when they or any of them shall be called by Our said Executors, or the more part of the same.

Item, We bequeath to Our Daughters MARY and ELIZABETH 's marriage, they being married to any outward Po • entate, by the advise of the aforesaid Counselors (if We bestow Them not in Our life time) Ten thousand pounds in money, plate, jewels, and household-stuff, for each of Them, or a larger sum, as to the discretion of Our Executors, or the more part of them, shall be thought convenient, Willing Them on My blessing to be ordered as well in marriage, as in all other lawful things by the advise of Our forenamed Counselors, And in case They will not, then the sums to be minished at the Counselors discretions.

Further, Our Will is, that from the first hour of Our death until such time as the said Counselors can provide either of Them, or both, some Honorable marriages, They shall have each of Them MMM li. ultra reprisas to live upon, willing and charging the aforesaid Counselors to limit and appoint to either of Them such sage Officers and Ministers for orderance thereof, as it may be employed both to Our Honor and Theirs; And for the great love, obedience, chastnesse of life and wisdom being in Our forenamed Wife and Queen, We bequeath unto Her for Her proper use, and as it shall please Her to order it, MMM li. in plate, jewels, and stuff of household, besides such apparel is it shall please Her to take as She hath already; And further, We give unto Her M li. in money, with the enjoying of Her Dowry and Jointure, according to Our Grant by Act of Parliament.

Item, for the kindness and good service that Our said Executors have shown unto Us, We give and bequeath unto each of them such sums of money, or the value of the same as hereafter ensueth: First, to the Archbishop of Canterbury vC marks, to the Lord Wriothesly vCli. to the Lord St. John vCli. to the Lord Russell vCli. to the Earl of Hertford vCli. to the Viscount Lisle vCli. to the Bishop of Duresme CCC li. to Sir Anthony Brown CCC li. to Sir William Pagett CCC li. to Sir Anthony Denny CCC li. to Sir William Herbert CCC li. to Justice Montague CCC li. to Justice Bromley CCC li. to Sir Edward North CCC li. to Sir Heward Wotton CCC li. to Doctor Wotton CCC li.

Also, for the special love and favor that We bear to Our trusty Counselors and other Our said Servants, hereafter following, We give and bequeath unto them such sums of money, or the value thereof as is tottad upon their heads: First, to the Earl of Essex CC li. to Sir Thomas Theny CC li. to the Lord Herbert CC li. to Sir John Gage CC li. to Sir Thomas Seymour CC li. to John Gage CC li. to Sir Thomas Darcy Knight CC li. to Sir Thomas Speke Knight CC marks, to Sir Philip Hobbey Knight CC marks, to Sir Thomas Paston CC marks, to Sir Morrice Barkeley CC marks, to Sir Ralph Sadler CC li. to Sir Thomas Carden CC li. to Sir Peter Newtas CC marks, to Edward Bullingham CC marks, to Thomas Audeley CC marks, to Edmund Harman CC marks, to John Pen C marks, to Henry Nevile a C li. to William Symbarbe C li. to Richard Cook C li. to John Osborne C li. to David Vincent C li. to James Rufforth Keeper of Our house here C marks, to Richard Cecil Yeoman of Our Robes C marks, to Thomas Strenhold Groom of Our Robes C marks, to John Rowland Page of Our Robes L li. to the Earl of Arundell Lord Chamberlain CC li. to Sir Anthony Wingfield Vice-Chamberlain CC li. to Sir Edmond Peckham CC li. to Sir Richard Rich CC li. to Sir John Baker CC li. to Sir Rich Southwell CC li. to Mr. Doctor Owen C li. to Mr. Doctor Wendy C li. to Mr. Doctor Cromer C li. to Thomas Alssop C marks, to Patrick C marks, to John Ailef C marks, to Henry Forest C marks, to Richard Ferrers C marks, to John Holland C marks, to the four Gentlemen Ushers of Our chamber (being daily Waiters) a hundred pound in all; And We will that Our Executors, or the most part of them, shall give Orders for the payment of such Legacies as they shall think meet to such Our ordinary Servants, as unto whom▪ We have not appointed any Legacy by this Our present Testament. Finally, this present Writing in Paper We ordain and make Our last Will and Testament, and will the same to be reputed and taken to all intents and purposes for Our good, strong, available, most perfect and last Will and Testament, And We do declare all other Wills and Testaments made at any time by Us to be void and of none effect.

• John Gate.
• Ed: Harman.
• William Saint-Barbe.
• Henry Nevill.
• Richard Cook.
• David Vincent.
• Patrick.
• George Owen.
• Thomas Wendy.
• Robert Kewicke.
• William Clerke.

51. This the Will was drawn up some two years since, before He went to Bologne, as is intimated in a passage, Be it beyond the sea, &c. which now was only fairly written over again, without any alteration, save that Stephen Gardener was expunged from being one of His Executors. It seems, that formerly (finding none substituted in Gardener 's room) He appointed seventeen Executors, that so a decisive Vote might avoid equality of Voices. And, although in this Will, provision is made for multitude of Masses to be said for his soul, yet one (pretending to extraordinary intelligence herein) would persuade us, that K. Henry intended in His later days so thorough a Reformation, as not to have left one Mass in the Land, if death had not prevented Him.

52. Amongst His Servants in ordinary attendance, to whom Legacies were bequeathed, Richard Cecil there named Yeoman of the Robes, was the Father to William Cecil afterwards Baron of Burghly and Lord Treasurer of England. Thomas Sternhold, Groom of the Robes (and afterwards of the Bed chamber to King Edward the sixth) was one of them who translated the Psalms into English Meeter, being then accounted an excellent Poet; though he who wore bayes in those days, deserveth not ivie in cur Age. Now, seeing by the rules of justice, and the Kings own appointment, His Debts were to be paid before His Legacies; and, seeing many of His personal debts remained unsatisfied till the days of Queen Elizabeth, probably most of these Legacies were never paid, especially to inferior persons: As if it were honor enough for them to have such sums bequeathed unto, though never bestowed upon them.

53. Whereas mention in this Will of a Monument well onwards and almost made, it is the same which Cardinal Wolsey built For King Henry, and not for himself, as is commonly reported. Wherefore, whereas there goeth a tale, That King Henry one day finding the Cardinal with the workmen making His Monument, should say unto him, Tumble yourself in this Tomb whilst you are alive, for when dead, you shall never lie therein; it is a mere fiction, the Cardinal originally intending the same for the King, as appeareth by the ancient Inscription thereupon, wherein King Henry was styled LORD (not KING) of Ireland, without addition of supreme Head of the Church, plainly showing the same was of ancient date in the days of the Cardinal.

54. Whereas the Lady Mary and Elizabeth, Their marriages are so severely conditioned, that if made without consent of the Council, They were to forfeit Their right to the Crown, men interpret it as provided in terrorem, and not otherwise. Yet, this clause was it which afterwards put so plausible a pretence on Wiat his rebellion; which, though made of rotten cloth, had notwithstanding a good color thereon. Now, whereas the King's Nieces (the Daughters to Mary His younger Sister) were not clogged in this His Will with such restrictions concerning their Marriages, the plain reason was, because both of them were already married before this Will was made: Frances the elder, to Henry Gray Marquess Dorset, (afterward Duke of Suffolk) and Eleanour the younger, to Henry Clifford Earl of Cumberland.

55. The Portion of but ten thousand pounds a piece left to His two Daughters, was not much unproportionable to the value of money as it went in that Age, though a sum small for such an use in our days. And I have heard, that Queen Elizabeth being informed that Doctor Pilkington Bishop of Durham had given ten thousand pounds in marriage with his Daughter; and, being offended that a Prelates daughter should equal a Princesse in portion, took away one thousand pounds a year from that Bishopric, and assigned it for the better maintenance of the Garrison of Barwick.

56. Very much of His own abitrarinesse appears in this Will of King Henry, entalling the Crown according to His own fancy, against all right, and reason. For, first, how unjust was it, that His female issue by Queen Katharine Parr, His last Wife (had He had any) should inherit the Crown before Mary and Elizabeth His eldest Daughters by His former Wives? If Mary and Elizabeth were not His lawful Children, how came They by any right to the Crown? If His lawful Children, why was Their birth-right and seniority not observed in succession? Well it was for Them that Henry Fitz Roy His natural Son (but one of supernatural and extraordinary endowments) was dead, otherwise (some suspect) had He survived King Edward the sixth, we might presently have heard of a K. Henry the ninth; so great was His Fathers affection, and so unlimited His power to prefer Him.

57. But the grand injury in this His Testament is, That He quite passeth over the Children of Margaret, His eldest Sister, married into Scotland, with all Her issue, not so much as making the least mention thereof.

58. Great indeed, (when this Will was first made) was the antipathy, which for the present possessed Him against the Scotch, with whom then He was in actual war, though at other times, when in good humor, very courteous to His kindred of that extraction. For, most sure it is, that when Margaret Douglas, His Sisters Daughter, was married to Math. Earl of Lenox, He publicly professed, That in case His own Issue failed, He should be right glad some of Her body should sacceed to the Crown, as it came to pass.

59. Of the eleven Witnesses, whose names are subscribed to His Will, the nine first are also Legatees therein, and therefore (because reputed Parties) not sufficient Witnesses had it been the Will of a private person. But, the Testaments of Princes move in an higher sphere, than to take notice of such Punctilloes, and (foreigners being unfit to be admitted to such privacies) domestical Servants were preferred as the properest Witnesses, to attest an Instrument of their Lord and Master.

60. It is but just with God, that He who had too much of His Will done, when living, should have the less, when dead, of His Testament performed. The ensuing Reformation swept away the Masses and Chantery Priests founded to pray for His soul. The Tombs of Henry the sixth, and Edward the fourth, (the one the last of Lancaster, the other the first of York, the Titles of both which Houses met in this Henry) remain at this day in statu quo priùs, without any amendment. Where, by the way, seeing in this Will King Henry the sixth, is styled his Uncle, I cannot make out the relation in the common sense of the word, except any will say, that Kings Uncles (as their Cousins) are oft taken in a large and favorable acception. But the main wherein His Will missed the intent is in that the Scotch Line, neglected and omitted by Him, (ordinary Heirs are made in Heaven, Heirs to Crowns in the Heaven of Heavens) came in Their due time to the Throne, Their undoubted Right thereunto recognized by Act of Parliament.

61. After the making of this his Will, He survived a full Month, falling immediately sick. He had ses{que} corpus, a body and half, very abdominous & unweldy with fat, and it was death to Him to be dieted, so great His appetite, and death to Him not to be dieted, so great His corpulency. But now all His humors repaired to one place, and settled themselves in an old sore in His thigh, which quickly grew to be greatly enflamed. Here flame met with fire, the anguish of the sore, with an hot and impatient temper, so that during his sickness, few of His Servants durst approach His presence. His Physicians, giving Him over, desired some, who tendered the good of His soul, to admonish Him of His estate. But such, who could fly with good tidings, would not halt to Him with ill news. Besides, lately a Law was made, That none should speak anything of the King's death. Which Act, though only intended to retrench the Predictions and mock-Prophesies of Soothsayers, yet now all the Courtiers (glad of so legal a covert for their cowardice) alleged it, to excuse themselves to inform the King of Nis approaching end. At last Sir Anthony Denny went boldly unto Him, and plainly acquainted Him of His dying condition; whereupon, Archbishop Cranmer was by the King his desire sent for, to give him some ghostly counsel and comfort.

62. But before Cranmer (then being at Croidon) could come to Him, He was altogether speechless, but not senseless. The Archbishop exhorted Him to place all His trust in God's mercies thorough Christ, and besought Him, that (if He could not in words) He would by some sign or other testify this His hope. Who then wringed the Archbishops hand as hard as He could, and shortly after expired, having lived fifty five years, and seven months; and thereof reigned thirty seven years, nine months, and six days.

63. As for the report of Sanders, that King Henry perceiving the pangs of approaching Death, called for a great bowle of white wine, and drinking it off, should say to the company, We have lost all; it is enough to say, it is a report of Sanders. As loud a lie is it what he affirmeth, that the last words heard from His mouth were, The Monks, the Monks, and so gave up the ghost. This may go hand in hand with what another Gatholick relates, that a black Dog (he might as truly have said a blew one) licked up His blood, whilst the stench of His corps could be charmed with no embalming, though indeed there was no other noysomnesse than what necessarily attendeth on any dead body of equal corpulency.

64. Vices most commonly charged on His memory are: 1. Covetousness, He was an eminent Instance, to verify the Observation, Omnis prodigus est avarus, vast His profusiveness, (coming a fork, after a rake) not only spending the great Treasure left Him by His Father; but also vast wealth beside, and yet ever in want, and rapacious to supply the same. Secondly, Cruelty, being scarce ever observed to pardon any Noble person, whom He condemned to death. I find but two black swannes in all the currant of His Reign, that tasted of His favor herein. And therefore when Arthur Lord Lisle imprisoned, and daily expecting death in the Tower, was unexpectedly set free, he instantly died of soddain joy; so that it seems King Henry 's pity proved as mortal as His cruelty. Thirdly, Wantonness, which cannot be excused; But these faults were (if not over) even poised with His virtues, of Valour, Bounty, Wisdom, Learning and love of Learned men, scarce one Dunce wearing a Miter all His days.

65. The Monument mentioned in His Will, as almost made, was never all made, but left imperfect, whereof many reasons are rendered. Some impure it to the very want of workmen, unable to finish it, according to the exactness wherewith it was begun; a conceit in my mind, little better than scandalum seculi, and very derogatory to the Art and Ingenuity of our Age. Others more truly ascribe it to the costliness thereof, which deterred His Successors from finishing of it. Indeed, King Henry the seventh in erecting His own Monument in His Chapel at Westminster, did therein set a Pattern of despair for all Posterity to imitate. And yet Sanders tells us, That Queen Mary had a great mind to make up His Tomb, but durst not for fear a Catholic should seem to countenance the memory of one dying in open schism with the Church of Rome. As for His imperfect Monument, it was beheld like the barren Fig-tree, bearing no fruit, and cumbring the ground, (I mean the Chapel wherein it stood) and therefore it was, since these Civil Wars, took down, and sold by order of Parliament.

66. In the Reign of Queen Mary, it was reported, that Cardinal Poole (whose spleen generally vented itself against dead-men's bodies) had a design, with the principal Clergy of England, to take up and burn the body of King Henry the eighth. This plot is said to be discovered by Doctor Weston Dean of Westminster. But because Weston was justly obnoxious for his scandalous living (for which at that time he stood committed to the Tower) and bare a personal grudge to the Cardinal, his report was the less credited, as proceeding from revenge, and desire to procure his own enlargement.

67. Indeed, when a Vault, seven years since, was pierced in the midst of the Choir at Windesor, therein to interre the corps of King CHARLES, they lighted on two Coffins therein. Now (though no memory alive could reach the same, yet) constant tradition, seconded with a coincidency of all signs and circumstances concluded these Coffins to contain the bones of King HENRY the eighth, and His dear Queen JANE SEYMOUR. And yet the bigness of the Coffin, (though very great) did not altogether answer that Giant-like proportion, which posterity hath fancied of Him.