Church History of Britain

Persons employed therein.
• We meet not with their particular names, but may probably conceive they were the same with the former, for the main, though some might be superadded by Royal appointment.

Persons employed therein.
• 1. Master Whitehead once Chaplain to Queen Anna Boleyn.
• 2. Matthew Parker afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury.
• 3. Edmund Grindall afterwards Bishop of London.
• 4. Richard Cox afterwards Bishop of Eli.
• 5. James Pilkinton afterwards Bishop of Durham.
• 6. Doctor May Dean of St. Paul's, and Master of Trinity Coll: in Cambridge.
• 7. Sir Tho: Smith principal Secretary of Estate.

As for the fourth and last Edition of the Liturgy, in the first of King James, 1603, with some small alterations in the Rubric, after the Conference at Hampton-Court, thereof (God willing) in due time hereafter.

5. The Book of Books still remains, I mean, the Bible it self. Know then that some exceptions being taken at Tindalls Translation, the Bishops (then generally Popish) complied so far in a Conference with the desires of King Henry the eighth, that on condition the people would give in Tindalls [pretended false] Translation, they would set forth another, better agreeing with the Original. And although this took up some time to effect, the work being great in itself, and few workmen, as yet, Masters of the Mystery of PRINTING; yet at last, it was accomplished, but more purely and perfectly done in after Ages, as by the ensuing parallels will appear.

As for the last and best Translation of the Bible in the Reign of King James, by a select company of Divines employed therein, in due time, (by God's assistance) largely thereof.

6. And now we shall come to small game, rather than shut out, not caring how low we descend, so be it we may satisfy the Reader, and inform posterity, presenting a Catalogue of such Proclamations which the King set forth in the four first years, having any tendency or relation to Ecclesiastical matters.

• 1. A Proclamation concerning the effectual payment of Pensions, due out of the Court of Augmentations, to any late Abbot, Prior, &c. which it seemeth lately were detained. Anno 1 ^o Edvardi sexti, Septem. 18.
• 2. A Proclamation concerning the irreverent Talkers of the Sacrament: For, after the Transubstantiation, and the superstition of the Corporal presence was removed, many persons (no less ignorant than violent) fell from adoring to contemning of the holy Elements, till retrenched by this Proclamation, set forth, 1 ^o Edvardi sexti, Decemb. 27.
• 3. A Proclamation for abstaining from flesh in Lent-time, Anno 1 ^o Edvardi sexti, Januarii 16.
• 4. A Proclamation against such as innovate a Ceremony, or Preach without license, Anno 2 ^o Evardi sexti, Febr. 6.
• 5. A Proclamation inhibiting Preachers, Anno 2 ^o Edvardi sexti, April. 24. Whereof this was the occasion: certain Popish Preachers disaffected to the Kings Government, endeavored in their Sermons to possess people of scandalous reports against the King, as if He intended to lay strange exactions on the people, and to demand Half-a-Crown a piece of everyone who should be Married, Christened, or Buried. To prevent further mischief, the King ordered by Proclamation, That none should Preach except licensed under the Seals of the Lord Protector, or Archbishop of Canterbury.
• 6. A Proclamation for the Inhibition of all Preachers: the second of Edward the second. Sept. 23.

16. Some Preachers perusing the aforesaid Proclamation, will complain of persecution, that all the Pulpits in England should be universally silenced at once, and will conclude it summum jus, That the Righteous, should be condemned with the Wicked: the mouths of good Ministers stopped with Railers. Well might the souls of weak Christians be faint and feeble, having no warm meat, but the cold Homilies allowed them. But Statesmen easily excuse the matter, finding the juncture of time falling out when many Popish Pulpits sounded the Alarum to Ket his Rebellion, and the Devon-shire Commotion, whereof hereafter. Besides, this prohibition of preaching lasted but for few weeks, and we read of a silence for about the space of half an hour even in heaven itself.

17. The Pulpit thus shut and silent by Proclamation, the Stage was the more open and vocal for the same, the Popish Priests (which though unseen) stood behind the hanging, or lurked in the tyring-bouse, removed their invectives from Sermons to Plays, and a more proper place indeed for the venting thereof. Here it made old sport, to see the New Religion (as they term it) made ridiculous, with the prime Patrons thereof, which caused the ensuing Proclamation for the prohibition.

18. The Proclamation being but temporary, did not take down, but only clear the stage for a time, reformed Interludes (as they term them) being afterward permitted; yea, in the first of Queen Elizabeth, Scripture-plays were acted even in the Church itself, which in my opinion, the more pious, the more profane, stooping faith to fancy, and abating the majesty of God's Word. Such Pageants might inform, not edify, though indulged the ignorance of that Age: For, though children may be played into Learning, all must be wrought into Religion, by Ordinances of Divine institutions, and the means ought to be as serious, as the end is secret.

19. An ample Commission was granted to John Dudley Earl of Warwick, and eight more, any seven, six, five, four, three, two, or one of them, to visit in capite, & membris, the whole Diocese, but especially the University of Oxford. The effects of this Visitation do not appear, save only that they so clearly purged the University from all Monuments of superstition, that they left not one Book of many goodly Manuscripts, wherewith it was furnished by the munificence of several Benefactors. Thus covetousness and ambition are such active vices, they are seldom off the Theater, though not appearing with their own faces, but the borrowed masks of public good of Church or State. Such Robbers deserve not the benefit of the Clergy to be saved by their book, who feloniously, (not to say sacrilegiously) purloined a public Library from an University.

20. The blame is commonly cast on Doctor Cox, who, as one saith (but it is but one who saith it) being then Chancellor of the University. so cancelled the Books thereof, they could never since recover them. Indeed, I find another Author charging him therewith, but with this Parenthesis (tis said) and my charity would fain believe Fame a false report therein, finding him otherwise a deserving person, very well qualified; and it is strange to me, that he who at this present, was the Kings Almoner to dispense his charity in giving to others, should be so cruel and covetous, and to deprive an University of so precious a treasure so long and justly belonging unto them.

21. The King 's affairs both Ecclesiastical and Civil stood now in a probable posture of success, gliding on with a fair and full current, when both on a sudden were unexpectedly obstructed with domestical dissensions of his own Subjects. Distempers not considerable, if singly considered in themselves, but very dangerous in their concurrence, as if all in several Counties, at one instant were acted with the same Spirit of Rebellion. My Author imputeth it to Midsommer-Moon, and the Sun now in Cancer, though surely it proceeded from a deeper cause, as will appear to the perusers of these two contemporary Treasons:

Thus by God's blessing on Mans endeavors both these Rebellions were seasonably suppressed. That of Devon-shire did openly avouch the advancing of Popery; the other was suspected secretly fomented by some Papists, who stood behind the curtain, but ready to step on the stage, had Success of the Design but given them the Cue of Entrance. As for the Rebellion at the same time in York shire, which from a small pustle might have proved a painful bile, yea, a fistulated ulcer if neglected, it was quickly quelled on the execution of Omler and Dale, the chief promoters thereof.

22. By the favor of Sir Thomas Cotton, having obtained to make use of his Library (our English Vatican, for Manuscripts) I shall transcribe King Edwards Diurnall, written with His own hand, of the transactions in His Reign. True it is His Observations, for his two first years, are short, and not exactly expressing the notation of time, but His Notes as the Noter, got perfection with His age. They most belong to Secular affairs, out of which we have selected such as respect Ecclesiastical matters. May the Reader be pleased to take notice, that though my Observations, as printed, go a-breast in parallel Columes with those of His Highness, it is my intention they should observe their distance, in their humble attendance thereupon.

What this Oath was, (because not expressed) is variously conjectured. Parsons, to render Hooper more odious, will have it the Oath of Supremacy; which, in my opinion, is improbable, it being utterly unlikely, that the King would dispense with any from taking Oath, wherein His own Dignity was so nearly concerned. I conceive it the Oath of Canonical obedience to the Archbishop, which consequentially commanded such ceremonies, which Hooper was willing to decline. For, in the Kings next Letter, wrote thirteen days after to the same purpose, there is mention only of offensive Rites, and Ceremonies, and of no Oath at all, as coincident with the former, and obligatory to such Canonical observances. But see the Letter.

All would not do. Resolute Ridley stood stiffly to his tackling, and here was old bandying of the business betwixt them, and Arguments urged on both sides.

In a word, all those Arguments, which later Ages have more amply enlarged, more clearly explained, more cunningly improved, more violently enforced, were then and there first solidly propounded, and solemnly set down on both sides. Posterity in this matter having discovered no new Mine, but only refined, what formerly was found out in this Controversy.

26. At last the great Earl of Warwick deserted his Chaplain in open field, to shift for himself. Indeed, he had higher things in his head, than to attend such trifles: not so much to procure a Mitre for his Chaplain, as a Crown for himself, even then secretly laying a design to derive the Scepter into his own family. Yea, Hooper was sent to prison, and kept some days in durance, till at last he condescended to conform himself in his habit, to the rest of his brethren, and so was consecrated Bishop of Gloucester.

27. But that, which most opens the mouths of Papists, and other adversaries against Hooper, is, because he, who scrupled the poor Bishopric of Gloucester, afterward held the wealthy Bishopric of Worcester in Commendam with it. We read of a wedge of gold, and little wedges (say they) widen men's consciences for the receiving of greater: yea, thus the haters of marriage, first become guilty of bigamy. But let such know, First, that the Dioceses of Gloucester, and Worcester, lie both contiguous together. Secondly, many single Bishoprics in England, are larger than both for extent in Land, and number of Parishes. Thirdly, no worse a man than S. Dunstan himself, had the Bishopric of Worcester, and London with it, at the same time, being far more distant, and remote. Fourthly, it is not the having of two Bishoprics together, but the neglecting of one is the sin; whereas Hooper in preaching, and visiting, afforded double diligence in his double Diocese.

28. The mention of Hooper his holding of the Bishopric of Worcester in Commendam, minds me of a difficulty, which (though I cannot answer) I must not omit. It is this, Seeing that Latimer was outed of that Bishopric in the days of King Henry the eighth, on the account of the Six Articles, why was he not restored to the same under King Edward the sixth? especailly, seeing Nicholas Heath, his successor, was legally deprived, and the place actually void. Whereas on the contrary Hugh Latimer continued Hugh Latimer, without any addition of preferment. Here first we must largely trade in negatives. It was not for any want of favor from the King, seeing he stood rectus in Curia, in relation to His Majesty. Nor was it because his down-right Sermons disobliged the Courtiers who generally delight in soft preaching, as in soft clothing. Nor was it out of sullenness, because he would not be bedded again with that wife, which (though unwillingly) had in his absence embraced another. Nor have we any cause to suspect Latimer of Hoopers opinion, as distasting Ceremonies, and so obstructing his advancement. But we impute it, either to his conscience (ofttimes sharpest in the bluntest men) because he would not be built on the ruins of another; especially knowing Heath, one of a meek, and moderate nature: Or to his age, who, Barzillai like, was superannuated for earthly honor: Alas! what needed a square cap over the many night-caps, which age had multiplied on his Reverend head? Or, because he found himself not so fit for government, better for preaching, than ordering Ecclesiastical affairs. Or lastly, because he propherically foresaw, that the ingratitude of the English Nation would shorten their happiness, and King Edwards life; and he was loath to come into a place, only to go out thereof. Sure I am, it was a loud lie, which Parsons tells, that Latimer was kept bare, who kept himself bare, living, not in the want, but neglect, yea contempt of all worldly wealth. He was Confessor-General to all Protestants troubled in mind; yea, he was the Corban, or treasury, into which restored-ill-gotten-goods were cast, to be bestowed on the poor, according to his discretion. And Latimer by the courtesy of England (once a Bishop, and ever a Bishop) was in civility saluted Lord, and honored by all good people that knew him. This I conceive the true cause, why Hooper would not be translated to Worcester, but held it in Commendam with Gloucester, because Latimer, and Heath, were both surviving, each accounted a lawful Bishop by those of their own Religion.

29. But, when Hooper unwillingly willing wore those Episcopal Ornaments, he put on with them a great grudge against Ridley, who enforced him thereunto. Yea, when those his clothes may be presumed half worn out, his anger was new, and fresh, as at the beginning: nor were they fully reconciled till their death, in the days of Queen Mary. High time then to period their passion, before the Sun [of their life] went down in their wrath. Strange that their heart-burnings could not be quenched, till the fire was kindled, which was to burn both their bodies. But it matters not what is the cause, if amendment be the effect. The Jesuit challengeth the credit of this reconciliation to the Catholics, bragging, that they made them friends. But we know, their cruel intention was not to make friends, but ashes of them. Let the thanks be paid to that Divine Power, and Providence, which sanctified their sufferings into an agreement, besides, beyond, above, against the design, and desire of those, which inflicted them. Thus, when froward children fall out, and fight, a good parent, and a good rod, do quickly make them friends. See the Letters at large in Master Fox, which passed betwixt them in prison; wherein, as Hooper had the honor first to offer agreement, let Ridley receive his praise, that he did fast embrace it. For, as the second blow makes the fray: so, it is not the tender, but acceptance of peace, makes the reconciliation. As for their observation, that of all the Marian-Martyrs, Hooper, and Ridley suffered with most torture, and impute this to a Divine punishment, justly inflicted on them, for this their dissention: there is somewhat of curiosity in the observation, and nothing of charity in the application.

30. We must not forget, that this earnest contest, was not about the calling, but clothes; not the vocation, but only about the vestments of Bishops. Whereupon the juditious Reader will distinguish three Ranks, (or if the word be better liked) three Classes of Non-conformists, according to their several dates, and designs:

• 1. Antient Non-conformists, here in King Edward 's days, who desired only to shake down the leaves of Episcopacy, misliking only some garments about them.
• 2. Middle Non conformists, in the end of Queen Elizabeth, and beginning of King James, who struck at the branches thereof; Chancellors, and Officials, and other appendant limbs, which they endeavored to remove.
• 3. Modern Non-conformists, who did lay the axe to the root of the tree, to cut down the function itself, as unlawful, and Antichristian.

Thus after-Ages still made new additions, as if it would be accounted idleness in them, if the strong, and active legs of the sons, and nephews, should not go faster, and farther, than the old, and feeble feet, of their fathers, and grand-fathers.

31. About this time, David 's Psalms were translated into English meeter, and (if not publicly commanded) generally permitted to be sung in all Churches. The work was performed by Thomas Sternhold, (an Hampshire man, Esquire, and of the Privy Chamber to King Edward the sixth, who for his part translated thirty seven selected Psalms) John Hopkins, Robert Wisdom, &c. men, whose piety was better than their poetry; and they had drank more of Jordan, than of Helicon. These Psalms were therefore translated, to make them more portable in people's memories (Verses being twice as light, as the self-same bulk in Prose) as also to raise men's affections, the better to enable them to practice the Apostles precept, Is any merry? let him sing Psalms. Yet this work met afterwards with some frowns in the faces of great Clergy-men, who were rather contented, than well pleased, with the singing of them in Churches. I will not say, because they misliked so much liberty should be allowed the Laity ( Rome only can be guilty of so great envy) as to sing in Churches: rather, because they conceived these singing Psalms erected in corrivality, and opposition, to the reading-Psalms, which were formerly sung in Cathedral Churches: or else, the child was disliked for the mothers sake; because, such Translatours, though branched hither, had their root in Geneva.

32. Since, later men have vented their just exceptions against the baldness of the translation, so that sometimes they make the Maker of the Tongue to speak little better than barbarism, and have in many Verses such poor rhime, that two hammers on a Smith's anvil would make better music. Whilst others (rather to excuse it, than defend it) do plead, that English poetry was then in the nonage, not to say, infancy thereof: and that, match these Verses for their age, they shall go a breast with the best Poëms of those times. Some, in favor of the Translatours, allege, that to be curious therein, and over-descanting with wit, had not become the plain song, and simplicity of an holy style. But these must know, there is great difference between painting a face, and not washing it. Many since have far refined these Translations, but yet their labors therein never generally received in the Church: principally, because un-book-learned people have conn'd by heart, many Psalms of the old Translation, which would be wholly disinherited of their patrimony, if a new Edition were set forth. However, it is desired, and expected by moderate men, that, though the fabric stand unremoved for the main, yet some bad contrivance therein may be mended, and the bald rhimes in some places get a new nap, which would not much discompose the memory of the people.

33. On the twenty fourth of July, King Edward, by His Letters patent, at the request of John à Lasco, free Baron of Lasco in Poland, did, by the consent of His Counsel, give, and grant the whole Church of S. Augustine 's, near Broad-stree • in London (the Choir excepted, formerly possessed by Marquess Pawlet) unto the Superintendent, and Ministers of the Dutch-Church, and other strangers in London, to have, and to hold for them, their heirs, and successors in Frank Almonage, to be a meeting-place for them, therein to attend God's Word, and Sacraments. He ordered also, that hereafter it should be called by the new name of the Church of the Lord JESUS; and incorporated the said Superintendent, Ministers, and Congregation, to be a body politick, for all purposes, and intents; empowering them from time to time, in the vacancy of a Superintendent, to choose, name, and substitute, any able, and fit person in that place: provided, that the person so chosen be first presented to the King, His Heirs, and Successors, to be approved, and confirmed by them in the Office of the Ministry, enjoining all Archbishops, Bishops, and other Officers, Quod permittant praefatis Superintendenti, & Ministris, & Sucessoribus suis, libere, & quiet frui, gaudere, uti, & exercere ritus, & ceremonias suas proprias, & disciplinam Ecclesiasticam propriam & peculiarem, non obstante, quod non conveniant cum ritibus, & ceremoniis in Regno nostro usitatis: That they permit the foresaid Superintendent, and Ministers, and their Successors, freely, and quietly to hold, enjoy, use, and exercise their own proper rites, and ceremonies, and their proper, and peculiar Church-discipline, notwithstanding that they agree not with the rites, and ceremonies used in Our Kingdom.

34. Now followed the fatal tragedy of the Duke of Somerset, and we must recoil a little, to fetch forward the cause thereof. Thomas Seymour Baron of Sudely, and Lord Admiral, the Protectours younger Brother, had married the Lady Katharine Parre, the Relict of King Henry the eighth. A contest arose betwixt their Wives about place, the Protectresse (as I may call her) refusing to give it to the Kings Dowager. Yet was their precedency no measuring cast, but clear in the view of any impartial eye. Nor needed other Herald to decide the controversy than the Kings own Injunctions, wherein after prayer for His own Royal person, Ministers were commanded to pray for the Queen Dowager even before the Kings Sisters, Mary, and Elizabeth, the Protectour (under whom his Lady must claim place) being placed last in the List of their Devotions.

35. The Womens discords derived themselves into their Husbands hearts. Whereupon, not long after followed the death of the Lord Thomas Seymour, arraigned for designing to traslate the Crown to himself, though having neither Title to pretend unto it, nor effectual Interest to achieve the same. Let Adonijah, and this Lord's example deter Subjects from meddling with the Widows of their Sovereigns, left in the same match they espouse their own danger and destruction. This Lord thus cut off, the Protectour stood alone on his own bottom at which his enemies daily endeavored to undermine.

36. Soon after the Lord's of the Council resolved to accuse him of many high offenses. Of these Lord's, some were Lawyers, as the Lord Wriothesley, lately, the Lord Rich, then Lord Chancellor; Sir Edward Montague Chief Justice, &c. some Martialists, as S ^r Ralph Sadler Treasurer to the Army, and some mere Statesmen, as William Pawlet Lord Treasurer, and their accusations participated of the several conditions of the Accusers. The Lawyers charge him for bringing Westminster-hall into Somerset-house, keeping there a Court of Request, and therein determining Titles of Land to the apparent injury of the Subject. Military men taxed him for his Sumptuous buildings, having their Morter tempered with the tears of Soldiers Wives and Children, whose wages he detained; and for betraying Bolloigne, and other places in France to the Enemy. States-men chiefly insisted on his engrossing all power to himself, that whereas by the constitution of the Protectourship he was to act nothing without the advice of King Henry 's Executours, he solely transacted matters of the highest consequence without their privity.

37. Here I must set John Dudley Earl of Warwick (as a Transcendent) in a form by himself, being a competent Lawyer, (Son to a Judge) known Soldier, and able States man, and acting against the Protector, to all these his capacities. Indeed, he was the very soul of the Accusation, being all in all, in every part thereof And seeing the Protector was free spirited, open hearted, humble, hard to distrust, easy to forgive: The other proud, suttle, close, cruel, and revengeful; it was impar congressus betwixt them, almost with as much disadvantage as betwixt a naked and an armed person.

38. Hereupon, he was imprisoned at Windsor, in a place anciently called Beauchamp 's Tower, it seems by a sad Prolepsis, but never verified till now when this V • count Beauchamp by his original honor) was therein consined, and hence was he removed to the Tower of London. However, although all this happened in the worst juncture of time, viz: in the disjuncture of his best Friend (the Lord Russell Privy Seal) then away in the West, yet by his own innocence, his other Friends endeavor, the Kings interposing, and Divine Providence, he was acquitted, and though outed his Protectorship, restored and continued Privy Counselor, as in the King 's Diarie was formerly observed.

39. But after two years and two months, his enemies began afresh to assault him, hoping that as the first stroke shak'd, the next would fell him to the ground. Indeed, Warwick (who had too powerful an influence upon all the Lord's) could not erect his intended Fabric of Sovereignty except he first cleared the ground work from all obstructive rubbish, whereof this Duke of Somerset was the Principal: In whose absence the Lord's met at the Council Table, where it was contrived how all things should be ordered in relation to his Arraignment.

40. R. Rich Lord Chancellor (then living in great S. Bartholomews) though outwardly concurring with the rest, began now secretly to favor the Duke of Somerset, and sent him a Letter, therein acquainting him with all passages at the Council Board, superscribing the same (either out of haste, or familiarity) with no other direction save, To the Duke: enjoying his Servant a raw attendant, as newly entered into the family, safely to deliver it. The man made more haste than good speed, and his Lord wondering at his quick return, demanded of him where the Duke was when he delivered him the Letter: In Charter-house (said his Servant) on the same token that he read it at the window, and smiled thereat. But the Lord Rich smiled not at his relation, as sadly sensible of the mistake and delivery of the Letter to the Duke of Norfolk, no great friend of his, and an utter enemy to the Duke of Somerset.

41. Wonder not if this Lord rose early up the next morning, who may be presumed not to have slept all night. He higheth to the Court, and having gotten admittance into the Bed Chamber before the King was risen up, fell down on his knees, and desired that his old age might be eased of his burthensome Office: pleading, That there ought to be some preparatory interval in States men betwixt their Temporal business and their Death; in order to which, he desired to retire into Essex, there to attend his own Devotions. Nor would he rise from the ground till the King had granted his request. And thus he saved himself from being stripped by others by first putting off his own clothes, who otherwise had lost his Chancellors place for revealing the secrets of the Council Board. Some days after the Scale was solemnly fetched from him, and conferred on Doctor Goodrich Bishop of Eli.

42. The Impeachment of the Duke went on nevertheless, and two Nets were laid to catch him, that if one brake the other might hold. He was indicted of Treason, and Fellonie; the former was only to give the report, the latter to discharge the bullet. So great a Peer could not be accused of less than High Treason, that the offense might appear proportionable to the Offender. However, he was acquitted of Treason, whereat the people in Westminster-hall gave such a shout, that though the same was intercepted and circumscribed by the house, it is reported to be heard as far as Long-Acre.

43. But this sound was seconded with a sad silence when he was condemned for Felony, by a new made Statute, for plotting the death of a Privy Counselor; namely, the Earl of Warwick. Here a strange oversight was committed, that he craved not the benefit of the Clergy, which could not legally be denied him; on the granting whereof, the ensuing punishment had certainly been remitted: and not long after he was beheaded on Tower-hill, with no less praise for his piety and patience, than pity and grief of the Beholders.

44. Posterity is much unsatisfied in the justness of his suffering, and generally do believe, That he himself was the sheep who was here condemned for the slaughter. A good Author tells us, That he lost his life for a small crime, and that upon a nice point, subtly devised and packed by his enemies. And yet that the good King Himself was possessed of his guilt, may appear by His ensuing Letter written with His own hand to a dear Servant of His, as followeth:

Hereby it plainly appeareth, that the King was possessed with a persuasion of His Uncles guiltiness: whether or no so in truth, God knoweth; and generally Men believe Him abused herein. And it seemeth a wonder to me that six weeks (from December the 1, to January the 22.) interceding betwixt the Dukes condemnation and execution, no means were made during that time to the King for his pardon. But, it is plain, that his foes had stopped all access of his friends unto the King.

45. The Duke of Somerset was religious himself, a lover of all such as were so, and a great Promoter of Reformation. Valiant, fortunate, witness his victory in Musleborrough field, when the Scots filled many carts with emptiness, and loaded them with what was lighter than vanity itself, Popish Images, and other Trinkets, wherein they placed the confidence of their Conquest. He was generally beloved of Martial men, yet no marvel if some did grumble against him, seeing there is no Army, save that of the Church Triumphant, wherein the Soldiers at some time or other do not complain against their General. Nor is the wonder great if he sometimes trespassed in matters of State, seeing the most conscientious Politician will now and then borrow a point of Law (not to say, take it for their due) even with an intent never to pay it. He was better to perform than plot, do than design. In a word, his self-hurting innocence declined into guiltiness, whose soul was so far from being open to causeless suspicions, that it was shut against just jealousies of danger.

46. He built Somerset-house, where many like the workmanship better than either the foundation or materials thereof: For the Houses of three Bishops, Landaffe, Coventry and Litchfield, and Worcester, with the Church of St. Mary le Strand, were plucked down to make room for it. The stones and timber were fetched from the Hospital of S. Johns. This Somerset house is so tenacious of his name, that it would not change a Dutchie for a Kingdom, when solemnly proclaimed by King James, Denmark-house from the King of Denmark 's lodging therein, and His Sister Queen Anne her repairing thereof. Surely it argueth, that this Duke was well beloved, because his name made such an indelible impression on this his house, whereof he was not full five years peaceably possessed.

47. We lately made mention of Barnaby Fitz-Patrick, to whom the King directed His Letter, as who was bred and brought up with Him from His infancy, though somewhat the older. He was Prince Edward 's PROXIE for CORRECTION, though we may presume seldom suffering in that kind, such the Princes general innocence and ingenuity to learn His book. Yet when such execution was done, as Fitz-Patrick was beaten for the Prince, the Prince was beaten in Fitz-Patrick, so great an affection did He bare to His Servant. Towards the end of His Reign He maintained him in the Court of France both to learn fashions there, and send intelligence thence. And it will not be amiss to insert the King's private Instructions unto him how he should behave himself in the French Court, partly for the rarity, partly for the certainty thereof, having it transcribed out of the Original of the King's own hand, as followeth:

• 1. First, he shall go in the Lord Admirals Company, and at the same Lord's departing he shall have a Letter to the French King. which the Lord Admiral shall deliver, and present him to the French King; and if it shall chance that the French King will give him any Pension, entertainment, or reward at his being there for the time he tarrieth there, he shall receive it, and thank His Majesty for it, and shall serve when he shall be appointed. Nevertheless, when he is out of the Court he shall be most conversant with Mr. Pickering .
• 2. And at his setting forth shall carry with him four Servants, and if the wages amount to any great sum (more than I give him) that the French King giveth him, to live there after that proportion, advertising Me of the same.
• 3. Also all this Winter he shall study the Tongue, and see the manner of the Court, and advertise Me of the occurrences he shall hear, and if he be desirous to see any place Notable, or Town, he may go thither, asking leave of the King. And shall behave himself honestly, more following the company of Gentlemen, than pressing into the company of the Ladies there, and his chief pastime shall be Hunting and Riding.
• 4. Also his Apparel he shall wear it so fine as shall be comely, and not much superfluous. And the next Summer, when either the King goeth or sendeth any man of name into the Wars to be His Lieutenant, or to lead an Army, he shall desire to go thither, and either himself, or else shall will Mr. Pickering to declare to the French King, how he thinketh not himself to have fully satisfied nor recompensed neither His Majesty's good entertainment nor Mine expectation who had sent him over if he should return, having so delicately and idly almost spent the time, without he did at this time of service be desirous to go himself into the Wars, by the which thing he might at this time do His Majesty service, and also learn to do Me service hereafter, yea, and His Majesty to if the case so required. And therefore seeing this Nobleman shall now go that his request is to have leave to go with him.
• 5. Having said this to the French King, he shall depart into the Wars, waiting on this Nobleman that shall be sent, and there he shall mark the divers fortifications of places, and advantages that the enemy may take, and the ordering and conduct of the Armies. As also the fashion of the skirmishes, battles, and assaults, and the plats of the chief Towns where any enterprises of weight have been done, he shall cause to be set out in black and white, or otherwise, as he may and shall send them hither to Me, with advertisement of such things as have passed.
• 6. Furthermore, he shall at all times when he taketh money advertise Me of it, and I shall send him. And so the next year being well spent, upon further advertisement, and taking leave of the French King, he shall return.
• 7. And if there arise or grow any doubt in any matter hereafter, in the which be shall need advise: he shall advertise by the Post, and shall have Anser thereof.

This Barnaby Fitz-Patrick, after his return out of France, was created by the King, Baron of upper Ossery in Ireland, and died a most excellent Protestant, as hereafter we shall show in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth.

48. On the 15 ^th of April, the Parliament ended which had sat three Moneths at Westminster, though therein nothing of Church-matters determined, save a Penalty imposed on such who should strike or draw weapon in Church, or Churchyard, with the abolishing of the general Holy days of S. Mary Magdalene, and S. Geroge: yet so, that it should be lawful for the latter to be solemnly celebrated by the Knights of the Right honorable Order of the Garter. The Orders of which Order were about this time reformed and purged from some ancient superstitions.

49. Six Dolphins were taken in the Thames (three near Quinborough, and three above Greenwich, where the Thames is scarce tainted with brackishnesse) in so much that many grave men dispensed with their wisdom, and beheld them with wonder, as not seen before on our shores. A fish much loving man and music, swifter than all other fishes, and birds too: yea, than the Swallow itself (if Pliny say true) though all their celerity besteaded them not here to escape the nets of the fisher-men. Their coming up so far was beheld by Mariners as a presage of fowl weather at Sea; but by States-men, as a prodigious omen of some tempestuous mutations in our Land. And particularly, they suspected the Kings death, though for the present He was very pleasant and merry in His progress about the Country, as by his ensuing Letter to His former favourite, written in the next August, doth appear.