Church History of Britain
32. We must not forget how the Bishopric of Carlisle was first proffered to Bernard Gilpin, that Patriarchal Divine (Rectour of Houghton in the North as may appear by the ensuing letter of Edwin Sandys, Bishop of Worcester, wrote unto him.
MY much and worthily respected Cozen, having regard unto the good of the Church of Christ, rather than to your ease, I have by all the good means I could, been careful to have this charge imposed upon you, which may be both an honor to yourself, and a benefit to the Church of Christ. My true report concerning you hath so prevailed with the Queens Majesty, that she hath nominated you Bishop of Carlisle.
I am not ignorant that your inclination rather delighteth in the peaceable tranquility of a private life. But if you look upon the estate of the Church of England with a respective eye, you cannot with a good conscience, refuse this charge imposed upon you: so much the less because it is in such a place, as wherein no man is found fitter then yourself, to deserve well of the Church. In which respect I charge you before God, and as you shall answer to God herein, that, setting all excuses aside, you refuse not to assist your Country, and to do service to the Church of God to the uttermost of your power. In the meanwhile I give you to understand, that the said Bishopric is to be left untouched, neither shall anything of it be diminished (as in some others it is a custom) but you shall receive the Bishopric entire, as D r . Oglethorp hath left it.
Wherefore exhorting, and charging you to be obedient to God's call herein, and not to neglect the duty of our own calling, I commend both yourself, and the whole business to the Divine Providence.
Your Kinsman, and Brother, Edwin Worcester.
But M r . Gilpin desired to be excused, continuing immovable in his resolution of refusal. Not that he had any disaffection to the office (as some do believe themselves, and would willingly persuade others) but, because (as he privately confessed to his friends) he had so much kindred about Carlisle, at whom he must either connive in many things, not without hurt to himself; or else deny them, not without offense to them. To avoid which difficulties, he refused the Bishopric. It was afterward bestowed (as in our Catalogue) on D r . John Best, a grave, and learned Divine. But whether on the same terms (without any diminution to the Church) my author knew not, leaving us under a shrewd suspicion of the negative.
33. If any demand of me, why Barlow formerly Bishop of Bath, and Wells; and Scory Bishop of Chicester, were not rather restored to their own, than translated to other Bishoprics, As certainly I do not know, so willingly I will not guess at the cause thereof; though I have leisure to listen to the conjectures of others herein. Some impute it to their own desires (preferring fair paper before what was soiled with their ill success) rather to begin on a new account, than to renew their reckoning with those Bishoprics, where they had been interrupted with persecution. Others ascribe it to the Queen, herein showing her absolute power of disposition and transposition of all Prelates; at Her pleasure crossing Her hands, and translating Scory from Chichester to Hereford, Barlow from Bath and Wells to Chichester. A third sort resolve it on a point of the Queens frugality (a virtue needful in a Princess coming to a Crown in Her condition) to get new first-fruits by their new translations, which otherwise would not accrue by their restitutions. Sure I am, none of these Conjecturers were either of the Bedehamber, or Counc • ll-Board to the Queen, acquainted with Her intentions herein.
34. As for Miles Coverdale, formerly Bishop of Exeter, he never returned to his See, but remained a private Minister to the day of his death. Indeed it was true of him, what is said of others, He was as a fire-brand plucked out of the burning, being designed to death by Queen Mary, had not the seasonable, and importunate intercession of Frederick, King of Denmark, redeemed him. And, although his dissenting in judgment from some ceremonies in our Discipline, is generally alleged as the cause of his not returning to his Bishopric, yet more probable it is, it was caused by his impotency, as may appear by his Epitaph, which here we have thought fit to insert, as I took it from the brass-inscription of his marble-stone, under the Communion-Table in the Chancel of S t . Bartholomews behind the Exchange.
Now if Coverdale Anno 1568. was fourscore and one year of age, then at this very time when he consecrated Parker, was he seventy two years old, passing with Jesse for an old man; yea he had passed the age of man, and therefore henceforward, finding himself fitter for devotion, than action, refused the resumption of his Bishopric.
35. So much for the Bishops. As for the inferior Clergy under them, the best that could be gotten were placed in pastoral charges. Alas; tolerability was eminency in that age. A rush-candle seemed a torch where no brighter light was ere seen before. Surely preaching now ran very low, if it be true what I read, that M r . Tavernour, of Water-Eaton in Oxford-shire, High-Sheriff of the County, came in pure charity, not ostentation, and gave the Scholars a Sermon in S t . Mary's, with his gold chain about his neck, and his sword by his side, beginning with these words, .
Arriving at the mount of S t . Mary's, in the stony stage where I now stand, I have brougt you some fine biskets, baked in the oven of charity, and carefully conserved for the chickens of the Church, the sparrows of the Spirit, and the sweet swallows of salvation.
If England in our memory hath been sensible of a perfective alteration in her Churches; if since she hath seen more learning in the people's pews, than was then generally in the Readers deske, yea Preachers Pulpit; let God be more glorified in it, men more edified by it; seeing of late the Universities have afforded moe vine-dressers, than the Country could yield them vineyards. Yea, let us be jealous over ourselves with a godly jealousy, lest our ingratitude make us to relapse into the like ignorance, and barbarism. For, want of bread was not so much the suffering of those days, as fullness thereof hath lately been the sin of ours.
36. Great abuses being offered to the monuments of the dead, the Queen thought fitting seasonably to retrench the increase of such impieties. And, although her Proclamation being printed, the printing of Her name thereunto had been of as much validity in itself, and of far more ease to Her Majesty, yet to manifest Her Princely zeal therein, She severally signed each copy (and those numerous to be dispersed throughout all Her Dominions) with Her own hand. And, seeing She begrutched not Her pains to superscribe Her name, I shall not think much of mine to transcribe the whole Proclamation.
Elizabeth.
THe Queens Majesty understanding, that by the means of sundry people, partly ignorant, partly malicious, or covetous; there hath been of •• te years spoiled and broken certain ancient Monuments, some of metal, some of stone, which were erected up as well in Churches, as in other public places within this Realm, only to show a memory to the posterity of the persons there buried, or that had been benefactors to the building, or dotations of the same Churches, or public places, and not tonourish any kind of superstition. By which means, not only the Churches, and places remain at this present day spoiled, broken, and ruinated, to the offense of all noble and gentle hearts, and the extinguishing of the honorable and good memory of sundry virtuous, and noble persons deceased; but also the true understanding of divers families in this Realm (who have descended of the blood of the same persons deceased) is thereby so darkened, as the true course of their inheritance may be hereafter interrupted, contrary to justice, besides many other offenses that do hereof ensue to the slander of such as either gave, or had charge in times past only to deface monuments of idolatry, and false feigned images in Churches, and Abbeys, And therefore, although it be very hard to recover things broken and spoiled: yet, both to provide that no such barbarous disorder be hereafter used, and to repair as much of the said monuments as conveniently maybe: Her Majesty chargeth and commandeth all manner of persons hereafter to forbear the breaking, or defacing of any parcel of any monument, or tomb, or grave, or other inscription, and memory of any person deceased, being in any manner of place; or to break any image of Kings, Princes or Nobles, Estates of this Realm, or of any other that have been in times past erected, and set up, for the only memory of them to their posterity in common Churches, and not for any religious honor: or to break down and deface any image in glass-windows in any Churches, without consent of the Ordinary: upon pain that whosoever shall be herein found to offend, to be committed to the next Goale, and there to remain without baile, or mainprise, unto the next coming of the Justices, for the delivery of the said Goale; and then to be farther punished by fine, or imprisonment (besides the restitution, or reedification of the thing broken) as to the said Justices shall seem meet: using therein the advice of the Ordinary; and, if need shall be, the advice of Her Majesty's Council in Her Starr-Chamber.
And for such as be already spoiled in any Church, or Chapel, now standing: Her Majesty chargeth, and commandeth all Arch-Bishops, Bishops, and other Ordinaries, or Ecclesiastical persons, which have authority to visit the Churches, or Chapels, to inquire by presentments of the Curates, Church-wardens, and certain of the parishioners, what manner of spo • les have been made sithence the beginning of Her Majesty's reign, of such monuments, and by whom; and if the persons be living, how able they be to repair, and readifie the same; and thereupon to convent the same persons, and to enjoin them under pain of Excommunication, to repair the same by a convenient day, or otherwise (as the cause shall farther require) to notify the same to Her Majesty's Council in the Sarr-chamber at Westminster. And, if any such be found, and convicted thereof, not able to repair the same; that then they be enjoined to do open penance two or three times in the Church, as to the quality of the crime, and party belongeth, under the like pain of excommunication. And if the party that offended be dead: and the Executours of the Will left having sufficient in their hands unadministred, and the offense notorious; the Ordinary of the place shall also enjoin them to repair, or re-edify the same, upon like, or any other convenient pain, to be devised by thesaid Ordinary. And when the offender cannot be presented, if it be in any Cathedral, or Collegiate Church, which hath any revenue belonging to it, that is, not particularly allotted to the sustentation of any person certain, or otherwise, but that it may remain in the discretion of the governor thereof, to bestow the same upon any other charitable deed, as mending of high-ways or such like; Her Majesty enjoineth, and straitly chargeth the governors, and companies of every such Church, to employ such parcels of the said sums of money (as any wise may be spared) upon the speedy repair, or reedification of any such monuments so defaced, or spoiled, as agreeable to the original, as the same conveniently may be.
And where the covetousness of certain persons is such, that as Patrons of Churches, or owners of the personages impropriated or by some other color, or pretence, they do persuade with the Parson and Parishioners, to take, or throw down the bells of Churches, and Chapels, and the lead of the same, converting the same to their private gain, and to the spoils of the said places, and make such like alterations, as thereby they seek a slanderous desolation of the places of prayer: Her Majesty (to whom in the right of the Crown by the ordinance of Almighty God, and by the laws of this Realm, the defense and protection of the Church of this Realm belongeth) doth expressly forbid any manner of person, to take away any bells, or lead, of any Church, or Chapel, under pain of imprisonment during Her Majesty's pleasure, and such farther fine for the contempt, as shall be thought meet.
And Her Majesty chargeth all Bishops, and Ordinaries to inquire of all such contempts, done from the beginning of Her Majesty's reign, and to enjoin the persons offending, to repair the same within a convenient time. And of their doings in this behalf, to certify Her Majesty's privy-Council or the Council in the Sarr-Chamber at Westminster, that order may be taken herein.
Given at Windsor the 19th. of September, the second year of Her Majesty's reign.
Her Princely care took this desired effect, that it stopped the main stream of Sacrilege herein, though some by-rivulets thereof ran still in private Churches, in defiance of all orders provided to the contrary.
37. May the Reader take notice, that henceforward God willing, we will set down at the end of every year, the deaths of such eminent Divines, who deceased therein, though we find no funerals of any prime Protestant in the two first years of the Queens reign. Her coming to the Crown inspirited the weakest, and oldest with vigorousnesse, and vivacity for a time; and Divine Providence preserved them from blasting, who were but newly replanted in their places. Only we conjecture, that John Bale Bishop of Ossorie, died about this time, we finding no future mention of his activity; which, if alive, could not conceal itself. Pity it is, we cannot give the exact date of his death, who was so accurate in noting the deeeases of others. For this John Bale, was he, who (besides many other books) enlarged Leland, and continued the Lives of the English Writers. Borne at Covy, near Dunwich in Suffolk, bred in Cambridge, afterwards a Carmelite in Norwich, and ignorantly zealous in their superstitions. He was first converted to the knowledge of the Gospel, as himself confesseth, by the care of that worthy Lord, Thomas Lord Wentworth, of Nettlested in Suffolk. Whereupon (to use his own expression) he was transported from his barren mount Carmel, to the fair and fruitful vale of the Gospel.
38. Presently comes persecution. For his preaching of the Gospel, he is dragged from the Pulpit to the Consistory, before Lee Arch-Bishop of York; and for the same cause, was afterwards convented before Stokesley, Bishop of London; but the Lord Cromwell (much affected with the facetiousness of such Comedies, as he had presented unto him) rescued him from their paws, by his power. After eight years exile in Germany, he was recalled by King Edward, and made Bishop of Oss • rie in Ireland, where he remained but a short time. For after the Kings death he hardly escaped with his own life (some of his servants being slain) cast by tempest into Cornewall, taken by pirates, dearly redeemed, with much difficulty he recovered London, with more danger got over into Germany. Whence returning, in the first of Queen Elizabeth, about this time he ended his life, leaving a Scholars Inventory, moe books (many of his own making) than money behind him.
39. His friends say, that Bale his pen doth zealously confute such as are strangers to him conceive, it doth bitterly inveigh; and his foes say, it doth damnably rail on Papists, and their opinions; though something may be pleaded for his passion. Old age, and ill usage will make any man angry. When young, he had seen their superstition; when old, he felt their oppression. Give losers therefore leave to speak, and speakers to be choleric in such cases. The best is, Bale rails not more on Patists then Pits (employed on the same subject) on Protestant Writers; and, even set me against the other, whilst the discreet reader of both, paring off the extravagances of passion on each side, may benefit himself in quietness, from their loud, and clamorous invectives.
40. Pius the fourth, being newly settled in the Papal chair, thought to do something, no less honorable, than profitable to his See, in reducing Queen Elizabeth (a wandering sheep worth a whole flock) to the Church of Rome. In order whereunto, he not only was deaf to the importunity of the Count of Feria, pressing him (for a private grudge) to excommunicate Her, but also addressed Vincent Parpalia, Abbot of S t . Savior's, with courteous letters unto her. The tenor whereof ensueth.
To our most dear Daughter in Christ, Elizabeth Queen of England.
DEar daughter in Christ, health and Apostolical benediction. How greatly we desire (our Pastoral charge requiring it) to procure the salvation of your soul, and to provide likewise for your honor, and the establishment of your Kingdom withal, God the searcher of all hearts knoweth and you may understand by what we have given in charge to this our beloved son Vincentius Parpalia, Abbot of S t . Savior's, a man well known to you, and well approved by us. Wherefore we do again and again exhort, and admonish your Highness, most dear daughter, that rejecting evil Counselors, which love not you, but themselves, and serve their own lusts, you would take the fear of God into Counsel with you, and acknowledging the time of your visitation, show yourselves obe • ient to our fatherly persuasions, and wholesome Counsels; and promise to yourself from us all things that may make not only to the salvation of your soul, but also whatsoever you shall desire from us for the establishing & confirming of your Princely dignity, according to the authority place, and office committed unto us by God. And if so be, as we desire and hope, you shall return into the bosom of the Church, we shall be ready to receive you with the same love, honor, and rejoicing, that the Father in the Gospel did his Son returning to him: although our joy is like to be the greater in that he was joyful for the salvation of one Son, but you, drawing along with you all the people of England, shall hear us and the whole company of our brethren (who are shortly God willing, to be assembled in a general Council, for the taking away of heresies, and so for the salvation of yourself, and your whold nation) fill the Universal Church with rejoicing, and gladness, Yea, you shall make glad heaven itself with such a memorable fact, and achieve admirable renown to your name, much more glorious than the Crown you wear. But, concerning this matter, the same Vincentius shall deal with you more largely, and shall declare our fatherly affection toward you: and we entreat your Majesty to receive him lovingly, to hear him diligently, and to give the same credit to his speeches, which you would to our self.
Given at Rome at S. Peters &c. the fifth day of May 1560. in our first year.
What private proposals Parpalia made to her Majesty, on condition she would be reconciled to Rome is unknown. Some conceive the Pope might promise more then He meant to perform, but would He perform more than He did promise, nothing herein had been effected. A Bargain can never be driven, where a Buyer can on no terms be procured. Her Majesty was resolute and immovable in her Religion. And yet some (not more knowing of Councils, but more daring in Conjectures than others) who love to feiga, what they cannot find, that they may never appear to be at a loss, avouch that the Pope promised to revoke the Sentence, against her mother Anne Bollens marriage, to confirm our English Lithurgie by his authority, to permit the English, the Communion under both kinds, provided she would own the Popes Primacy, and cordially unite herself to the Catholic Church. Yea some thousands of Crowns, (but all in vain) were promised to the effectors thereof, wherein his holiness, seemingly liberal, was really thrifty, as knowing such his Sums, if accepted, would within one year return with an hundred fold increase.
41. Scipio a Gentleman of Venice, formerly familiar with M r . Jewel (whilst he was a student in Padua ) wrote now an expostulating letter unto Him, being lately made Bishop of Sarisbury. Wherein he much admired that England should send no Ambassador, nor message, or letter to excuse their Nations absence from the general appearance of Christianity in the Sacred Council of Trent. He highly extolled the antiquity and use of General Councils, as the only means to decide controversies in Religion, and compose the distractions in the Church, concluding it a Superlative Sin for any to decline the authority thereof.
42. To this M r . Jewel returned a large and solemn answer. Now although he wrote it as a private person, yet because the subject thereof was of public concernment, take the principal Heads thereof.
First, That a great part of the world professing the name of Christ (as Greeks, Armenians, Abessines &c. with all the Eastern Church) were neither sent to, nor summoned to this Council.
Secondly, That England's absence was not so great a wonder, seeing many other kingdoms and free-states, (as Denmark, Sweden, Scotland, Princes of Germany and Hanse-Towns ) were not represented in this Council, by any of their Ambassadors.
Thirdly, That this pretended Council was not called according to the ancient custom of the Church, by the Imperial Authority, but by Papal usurpation.
Fourthly, That Trent was a petty place not of sufficient receipt for such multitudes, as necessarily should repair to a general Council.
Fifthly, That Pope Pius the fourth, by whose command the Council was re-assembled, purchased his place by the unjust practices of Simony, and bribery, and managed it with murder and Cruelty.
Sixthly, That repairing to Councils was a free-act, and none ought to be condemned of Contumacy, if it stood more with their conveniency to stay at home.
Seventhly, That anciently it was accepted as a reasonable excuse of holy Bishops, absenting, or withdrawing themselves, from any Council, if they vehemently suspected ought would be acted therein prejudicial to the Truth, lest their (though not active ) included concurrence might be interpreted a countenancing thereof.
Eighthly, Our English Bishops were employed in feeding their flocks, and governing their Churches, and could not be spared from their charge without prejudice to their consciences.
Ninthly, The members of the Council of Trent, both Bishops and Abbots, were by oath pregaged to the Pope to defend and maintain his authority against all the world.
Lastly, in what capacity should the English Clergy appear in this Council? They could not as free-persons to debate matters therein, being pre-condemned for Heretics by Pope Julius. They would not come as Offendors, to hear the Sentence pronounced against themselves, which they had heard of before. What effect this Letter produced I find not, sure I am no Papists as yet have made an effectual refutation of the reasons rendered therein.
43. The Bells of S t . Peters in Westminster had strangely rung the changes these last thirty years. Within which time, first it was a stately and rich Covent of Benedictine Monks. Secondly, it was made a Collegiate Church of Dean and Prebendaries by King Henry the eighth. Thirdly, by the same King, is was made an Episcopal See, and Thomas Thirby (who having roasted the Churches Patrimony, surrendered it to the spoil of Courtiers) the first and last Bishop thereof. Fourthly, Queen Mary re-seated the Abbot and Monks in the possession thereof, who were outed after her Death. Lastly, this year Queen Elizabeth converted it again into a Collegiate Church, founding therein maintenance for one Dean, twelve Prebendaries, as many old soldiers past service for Almsmen, and forty Scholars, who in due time are preferred to the Universities, so that it hath proved one of the most renowned Seminaries, of Religion and learning in the whole nation.
44. Pope Pius though unsuccessfull in his addresses last year to the Queen, yet was not so disheartened, but that once more he would try what might be effected therein. To which purpose he employed the Abbot of Martinegi with most loving letters unto her, desiring leave to come over into England. But the Queen knowing it less difficulty and danger to keep him, then to cast him out of her Dominions, forbad his entrance into the Realm as against the Laws of the Land, So that he was fain to deliver his Errand, and receive his answer, (and that a denial) at distance in the Low-Countries. As little success had the Bishop of Viterbo, the Popes Nuncio to the King of France, secretly dealing with S r . N. Throgmorton the Queens Agent, there to persuade her to send Ambassadors to the Council of Trent; which for the reasons afore mentioned was justly refused.
45. S r . Edward Carne the Queens Leger at Rome, Doctor of Civil Law, Knighted by the Emperor Charles the fifth, pretended that as the Queen would not suffer the Popes Nuncio to come into England, so the Pope would not permit him to depart Rome: Whereas indeed the cunning old man was not detained, but detained himself; so well pleased was he with the place and his office therein. Where soon after he died, the last Leger of the English Nation to Rome publicly avowed in that employment.
46. This year the Spire of Paul's -Steeple covered with lead strangely fell on fire, attributed by several Persons to sundry Causes. Some that it was casually blasted with lightning, others that it was mischevously done by Art Magic; And others (and they the truest) done by the negligence of a Plummer carelessly leaving his coals therein. The fire burnt for five full hours, in which time it melted all the lead of the Church, only the stone Arches escaping the fury thereof: but by the Queens bounty and a Collection from the Clergy, it was afterwards repaired, only the blunt Tower had not the top thereof sharpened into a Spire as before.
47. A petty rebellion happened in Merton College in Oxford (small in itself, great in the consequence thereof, if not seasonably suppressed) on this occasion. Some Latin superstitious Hymns formerly sung on Festivalls had by order of the late Warden Dr. Gervas been abolished, and English Psalms appointed in their place: now when M r . Leach a Fellow in the House on Allholland-day last had the Book in his hand ready to begin the Psalm: in springs one M r . William Hall a seniour Fellow offering to snatch it from him with an intent to cast it into the fire, adding moreover that they would no more dance after his pipe. This was done in the interval of the vacancy of the Wardenship: For though John Man was lawfully chosen to the place, yet Hall and his Popish faction (whereof M r . Potto, M r . Binnion, and S r . Appleby the Leaders ) opposed his admission. And whereas in this House great was the power of a Seniour-Fellow (especially in office ) over the young scholars, Hall raised such a persecution against them, that it was penal for any to be a Protestant.
48. Arch-Bishop Parker hearing hereof, summoneth Hall to appear before him, who cared so little for the same, that some of his Party plucked off the Seal from the citation, which was affixed to the gates of the College. Whereupon his Grace made a solemn visitation of that College, wherein all were generally examined. Man confirmed Warden, Hall justly expelled, his party publicly admonished, the Young Scholars relieved, Papists curbed, and suppressed, Protestants countenanced, and encouraged in the whole University.
49. A Parliament was called, wherein a Bill passed for the assurance of certain lands assumed by the Queen from some Bishoprics during their vacation. Another for the restitution in blood of the children of Thomas Cranmer late Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Here fain would I be informed by some learned in the law, what needed the restoring of those Children, whose Father was condemned, and died only for Heresy; which is conceived a Personal crime, and not tainting the blood. For although this Arch-Bishop was first accused of high-Treason, yet it afterwards was waved, and he tried upon heretical opinions. Except any will say, that because not solemnly and formally pardoned, in majorem cantelam, such an Act was not amiss, or else done not so much for the use of the living Children as honor of their dead Father.
50. A third Bill passed for the Translating of the Bible into the Welsh tongue, which sicnce the Reformation may hitherto be said to have been read in Latin in their Congregations, English being Latin to them as in the most Parishes of Wales utterly un-understood. This some years after was performed, principally by the endeavors of William Morgan Doctor of Divinity, afterwards Bishop of Landaff, and thence preferred to S t Asaph, but worthy for his work of better advancement.
51. In the Convocation now sitting, wherein Alexander Nowel Dean of S t Paul's was Prolocutor, the nine and thirty Articles were composed. For the main they agree with those set forth in the Reign of King Edward the sixth, though in some particulars allowing more liberty to dissenting judgments. For instance, in this Kings Articles it is said, that it is to be be believed, that Christ went down to Hell [ to preach to the Spirits there, ] which last clause is left out in these Articles, and men left to a latitude concerning the cause, time, and manner of his Descent.
52. Hence some have unjustly taxed the Composers for too much favor extended in their large expressions, clean through the contexture of these Articles, which should have tied men's consciences up closer in more strict and particularizing propositions, which indeed proceeded from their commendable moderation, Children's clothes ought to be made of the biggest, because afterwards their bodies will grow up to their garments. Thus the Arcles of this English Protestant Church in the infancy thereof, they thought good to draw up in general terms, foreseeing that posterity would grow up to fill the same. I mean these holy men did prudently pre-discover, that differences in judgments would unavoidably happen in the Church, and were loath to unchurch any, and drive them off from an Ecclesiastical communion for such petty differences, which made them pen the Articles in comprehensive words to take in all, who differing in the branches, meet in the root of the same Religion.
53. Indeed most of them had formerly been sufferers themselves, and cannot be said in compiling these Articles (an acceptable service no doubt) to offer to God what cost them nothing, some having paid Imprisonment, others Exile, all losses in their Estates for this their experimental knowledge in Religion: which made them the more merciful and tender in stating those points, seeing such who themselves have been most patient in bearing, will be most pitiful in burdening the consciences of others.
54. It is observable, these Articles came forth much about the time wherein the Decrees of the Council of Trent were published, Truth, and Falsehood starting in some sort both together, though the former will surely carry away the victory at long running. Many of which Decrees begin with Lying, and all conclude with Cursing, thundering Anathemas against all Dissenters. Whilest these our Articles like the still voice only plainly express the Positive truth.
55. But some nine years after, Viz. Anno 1571. the Parliament confirmed these Articles so far, that every Clerk should before the Nativity of Christ next following subscribe the same. And hereafter every person promoted to an Ecclesiastical living, should within a time prefixed, publicly in the time of Divine service, read and profess his consent to the same, on pain of Deprivation ipso facto, if omitted.
56. No Lay-person was required to subscribe, no Magistrate, none of the Commons according to the severity in other places. For the persecuted Church of English in Frankford in Queen Mary her days, demanded subscription to their discipline of every man, yea even of women; and the Scotch (in the minority of King James ) exacted it of Noblemen, Gentlemen, and Courtiers, which here was extended only to men of Ecclesiastical function. Not that the Queen and State was careless of the spiritual good of others (leaving them to live and believe as they list) but because charitably presuming that where Parishes were provided of Pastors Orthodox in their judgments, they would by God's blessing on their preaching, work their people to conformity to the same opinions.
Some question there is about a clause in the twentieth Article, whether originally there, or since interpolated. Take the whole Article according to the common Edition thereof.
Twentieth Article of the Authority of the Church.
The Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies, and authority in controversies of faith. And yet it is not lawful for the Church to ordain any thing that is contrary to God's word; neither may it so expound one place of Scripture, that it be repugnant to another. Wherefore although the Church be a Witness and keeper of holy writ, yet as it ought not to decree anything against the same, so besides the same ought it not to enforce anything to be believed for necessity of salvation.
Take along with this the bitter invective of a modern Minister, who thus layeth it on with might and main on the backs of Bishops, for some unfair practice herein, in an epistle of his, written to the Temporal Lord's of His Majesty's Privy Council, reckoning up therein Fourteen Innovations in the Church.
The Prelates, to justify their proceedings have forged a new Article of Religion, brought from Rome, (which gives them full power to alter the Doctrine and Discipline of our Church at a blow) and have foisted it into the twentieth Article of our Church. And this is in the last edition of the Articles, Anno 1628. in affront of his Majesty's Declaration before them. The clause forged is this, The Church ( that is the Bishops as they expound it ) hath power to decree rites and ceremonies, and authority in matters of faith. This clause is a forgery fit to be examined and deeply censured in the Star-chamber. For it is not to be found in the Latin or English Articles of Edward 6 or Queen Elizabeth ratified by Parliament. And if to forge a Will or writing be censurable in the Star-chamber, which is but a wrong to a private man, How much more the forgery of an Article of Religion, to wrong the whole Church, and overturn Religion which concerns all our souls?
57. Such as deal in niceties discover some faltering from the truth in the very words of this grand Delator. For the Article saith that The Church hath authority in controversies of faith. He chargeth them with challenging authority in matters of Faith.
Here, some difference betwixt the terms. For matters of faith (which all ought to know and believe for their souls health) are so plainly settled by the Scriptures, that they are subject to no alteration by the Church, which notwithstanding may justly challenge a casting voice in some controversies of faith, as of less importance to salvation.
58. But to come to the main matter; this clause in question lieth at a dubious posture, at in and out, sometimes inserted, sometimes omitted, both in our written and printed copies.
And now, to match the credit of private Authors in some equality, we will weigh M r . Rogers Chaplain to Arch-Bishop Whitgift, inserting this clause in his Edition 1595. against D r . Mocket, Chaplain to Arch-Bishop Abbot, omitting it in his Latin translation of our Articles set forth 1617.
59. Arch-bishop Laud, in a speech which he made in the Star-Chamber, inquiring into the cause why this clause is omitted in the printed Articles 1571. thus expresseth himself,
Certainly this could not be done, but by the malicious cunning of that opposite Faction. And, though I shall spare dead men's names, where I have not certainty; Yet, if you be pleased to look back and consider who they were that governed businesses in 1571. and rid the Church almost at their pleasure, and how potent the Ancestors of these Libellers began then to grow, you will think it no hard matter to have the Articles printed, and this clause left out.
I must confess myself not so well skilled in Historical Horsemanship, as to know whom his Grace designed for the Rider of the Church at that time. It could not be Arch-Bishop Parker, who, though discreet and moderate, was sound and sincere in pressing conformity. Much less was it Grindall (as yet but Bishop of London ) who then had but little, and never much influence on Church-Matters. The Earl of Leicester could not in this phrase be intended, who alike minded the insertion or omission of this or any other Article. As for the non-Conformists, they were so far at this time from riding the Church, that then they first began to put foot in stirrup, though since they have dismounted those whom they found in the saddle. In a word, concerning this clause whether the Bishops were faulty in their addition, or their opposites in their Substraction I leave to more cunning State-Arithmeticians to decide.
60. One Article more we will request the Reader to peruse, as the subject of some historical debates which thereon doth depend.
35. Article of Homilies.
The second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof, we have joined under this Article, doth contain a godly and wholesome Doctrine, and necessary for these times, as doth the former Book of Homilies which were set forth in the time of Edward the sixth, and therefore we judge them to be read in Churches by the Ministers diligently, and distinctly, that they may be understood of the People.
See we here the Homilies ranked into two forms. The first, such as were made in the Raign of Edward the sixth, being twelve in number. Of which the tenth (of obedience to Magistrates ) was drawn up at or about Kets Rebellion, in a dangerous juncture of time. For as it is observed of the Gingles, or S t . Anthony his fire, that it is mortal if it come once to clip and encompass the whole body. So had the North-East Rebels in Norfolk, met and united with the South-East Rebels in Devonshire, in human apprehension desperate the consequence of that conjuncture.
61. The second form of Homilies, are those composed in the Raign of Queen Elizabeth, amounting to one and twenty, concluding with one against Rebellion. For though formerly there had been one in King Edwards days for obedience, yet this was conceived no superfluous tautology, but a necessary gemination of a duty in that seditious age, wherein dull scholars needed to have the same lesson often taught unto them.
62. They are penned in a plain style, accommodated to the capacities of the Hearers (being loath to say of the Readers ) the Ministers also being very simple in that age. Yet if they did little good, in this respect they did no harm, that they preached not strange Doctrines to their people, as too many vent new darknesses in our days. For they had no power to broach Opinions, who were only employed to deliver that liquor to them which they had received from the hands of others better skilled in Religion then themselves.
63. However some behold these Homilies, as not sufficiently legitimated by this Article to be (for their Doctrine) the undoubted issue of the Church of England, alleging them composed by private men of unknown names, who may probably be presumed at the best, but the Chaplains of the Arch-Bishops under whom they were made. Hence is it that some have termed them Homely Homilies, others a popular discourse, or a Doctrine useful for those times wherein they were set forth. I confess what is necessary in one age may be less needful in another, but what in one age is godly and wholesome Doctrine (characters of commendation given by the aforesaid Article to the Homilies ) cannot in another age be ungodly and unhealthful; as if our faith did follow fashions, and truth alter with the times, like A • hitophell his Counsel, though good in itself, yet not at some seasons. But some are concerned to decry their credits, as much contrary to their judgment, more to their practice, especially seeing the second Homily in the second book stands with a spunge in one hand to wipe out all pictures, and a hammer in the other to beat down all Images of God and Saints erected in Churches. And therefore such use these Homilies as an upper garment girting them close unto, or casting them from them at pleasure, allowing and alleging them when consenting, denying and disclaiming them when opposite to their practice or opinions.
64. The Religion in England being settled according to these Articles which soon after were published, the first Papist that fell foul upon them was William R • stall, Nephew to S r . Thomas More by Elizabeth his Sister, and a great Lawyer. Yet we believe not him that telleth us he was one of the two Chief justices, as knowing the contrary. However he was very knowing in our common law: Witness his collections of statutes and comments thereon with other works in that faculty. But this veteranus Jurisconsutus, was vix Tyro Theologus, showing rather zeal to the cause, then ability to defend it in those Books which he set forth against BP. Jewell.
65. No eminent English Protestant died this year, but great grief among the Romanists for the loss of D r . Richard Smith Kings professor of Divinity in Oxford, till outed by Peter Martyr. Whereupon he forsook the land, returned in the Raign of Queen Mary, went back after her death into the Low-Countries, where he was made Dean of S t . Peters in Douay, and appointed by King Philip the second, first Divinity professor in that new erectd University. His party much complain that his strong parts were disadvantaged with so weak sides and low voice, though indeed too loud his railing against the truth, as appears by his Books.
66. The English Bishops conceiving themselves impowered by their Canons, began to show their authority in urging the Clergy of their Diocese to subscribe to the Liturgy, Ceremonies and Discipline of the Church, and such as refused the same were branded with the odious name of Puritans.
67. A name which in this notion first began in this year, and the grief had not been great, if it had ended in the same. The Philosopher banisheth the term (which is polysaemon ) that is subject to several senses, out of the Predicaments, as affording too much Covert for cavil by the latitude thereof. On the same account could I wish that the word Puritan were banished common discourse, because so various in the acceptions thereof. We need not speak of the ancient Cathari or Primitive Puritans, sufficiently known by their Heretical opinions. Puritan here was taken for the Opposers of the Hierarchy and Church-service, as resenting of Superstition. But profane mouths quickly improved this Nick-name, therewith on every occasion to abuse pious people, some of them so far from opposing the Liturgy, that they endeavored (according to the instructions thereof in the preparative to the Confession ) to accompany the Minister with a PURE heart, and labored (as it is in the Absolution ) for a life PURE and holy. We will therefore decline the word to prevent exceptions, which if casually slipping from our pen, the Reader knoweth that only Non-conformists are thereby intended.
68. These in this age were divided into two ranks. Some mild and moderate, contented only to enjoy their own conscience. Others fierce and fiery, to the disturbance of Church and State. Amongst the former, I recount the Principal; Father John Fox. (for so Queeu Elizabeth termed him) summoned (as I take it) by Arch-Bishop Parker to subscribe, that the general reputation of his piety, might give the greater countenance to Conformity. The old man produced the new-Testament in Greek, to this (saith he) will I subscribe. But when a subscription to the Canons was required of him, he refused it, saying, I have nothing in the Church save a Preben • a Salisbu • y▪ and much good may it do you if you will take it away from me. However such respect did the Bishops (most formerly his Fellow-Exiles ) bear to his age, parts, and pains, that he continued his place till the day of his death: who, though no friend to the Ceremonies, was otherwise so devout in his carriage, that (as his nearest relation surviving hath informed me) he never entered any Church without expressing solemn reverence therein.
69. With M r . Fox. I join his Dear Friend Laurence Humfrey, whom I should never have suspected for inclinations to nonconformity (such his intimacy with Doctor Jewell and other Bishops ) had I not read in my Author, that De Adiaphoris non juxta cum Ecclesia Anglicana senserit. He was Regius Professor of Divinity in Oxford, where his Answers and determinations were observed quick, clear, and solid, but his Replies and objections weak and slender, which his Auditors imputed to no lack of learning (wherewith he was well stored) but to his unwillingness to furnish his Popish Adversaries with strong arguments to maintain their Erroneous opinions. But such his quiet carriage, that notwithstanding his nonsubscribing, he kept his Professors place and Deanry of Winchester as long as he lived.
70. Pass we now to the fierce (not to say furious) sticklers against Church-Discipline, and begin with Anthony Gilby born in Lincoln-shire, bred in Christ's College in Cambridge. How fierce he was against the Ceremonies take it from his own pen. They are known liveries of AntiChrist, accursed leaven of the Blasphemous Popish Priesthood, cursedpatches of Popery, and Idolatry, they are worse then lousie, for they are sibbe to the sarke of Hercules that made him tear his own bowels asunder.
71. William Whittingham succeeds, bred in Allsouls College in Oxford, afterwards Exile in Germany (where he made a preface to M r . Goodman his Book approving the Divinity therein) and returning into England was made Dean of Durham.
72. Christopher Goodman is the third, and well it were if it might be truly said of him (what of Probus the Emperor ) that he was Vir sui nominis. Sure it is that living beyond the seas in the days of Queen Mary, he wrote a Book stuffed with much dangerous Doctrine. Wherein he maintained that S r . Thomas Wyat was no Traitor, that his cause was God's, that none but Traitors could accuse him of Treason, and that the Counselors and others who would be accounted Nobles (and took not his part) were in very deed Traitors to God, his People, and their Country. These three (for David Whitehead I have no mind to mention with them) were certainly the Antesignani of the fierce Nonconformists. Yet find I none of them solemnly silenced, either because (perchance) dead before this year (wherein the vigorous urging of Subscription ) or because finding some favor in respect of their suffering of banishment for the • rotestant Religion. Only I meet with Thomas Samson Dean of Christ's Church in Oxford, qui propter Puritanismum exauthoratus, displaced this year out of his Deanry; notwithstanding the said Samson stands very high in Bale his Catalogue of the English Exiles in the Reign of Queen Mary.
73. Queen Elizabeth came to Oxford, honourably attended with the Earl of Leicester, Lord Chancellor of the University. The Marqu • sse of Northhampton. The Lord Burleigh. The Spanish Ambassador &c. Here she was entertained with the most stately welcome which the Muses could make. Edmond Campian then Proctor ( Oratory being his Master-piece ) well performed his part, only over flattering Leicester (enough to make a modest man's head ache, with the too sweet flowers of his Rhetoric ) save that the Earl was as willing to hear his own praise, as the other to utter it. Her Highness was lodged in Christ's-Church, where many Comedies were acted before Her, one whereof ( Palemon and Arce ) had a Tragicall end, three men being slain by the fall of a wall, and press of people. Many Acts were kept before her in Philosophy, and one most eminent in Divinity, wherein Bishop Jewell (this year in his absence created Honorarie Doctor ) was Moderator. It lasted in summer time till candles were lighted, delight devouring all weariness in the Auditors, when the Queen importuned by the Lord's (The Spanish Ambassador to whom she profferred it, modestly declining the employment) concluded all with this her Latin Oration.
Qui male agit, odit lu • em, & ego quidem quia nihil aliud nisi male agere possum, idcirco odilucem, odi, id est, conspectum vestrum. Atque sane me magna tenet dubitatio, dam singula considero quae hic aguntur, laudemne, an vituperem, taceamne, an eloquar; Sieloquar, patefaciam vobis quam sim literarum rudis: taccre autem nolo, ne defectus videatur esse contemptus. Et quia tempus breve est quod habeo ad dicendum, idci • co omnia in pauca conferam, & orationem meam in duas partes dividam, in laudem & vituperationem. Laus autem ad vos pertinet. Ex quo enim primum Oxoniam veni, multa vidi, multa audivi, probavi omnia. Erant enim & prudenter facta, & eleganter dicta. At ea quibus in prologis vos ipsi excusastis, neque pro pare ut Regina, possum, neque ut Christiana debeo. Caeterum quia in exordio semper adhibuistis cautionem, mihi sane illa disputatio non displicuit. Nunc venio ad alterampartem, nempe vituperationem. Atque haec pars mihi propria est: Sane fateor Parentes meos diligentissime curasse ut in bonis literis recte instituerer, & quidem in multarum linguarum varietate diu versata sui, quarum aliquam mihi cognitionem assumo: quod etsi vere tamen verecunde dico. Habui quidem multos & Doctos Paedigogos, qui ut me eruditum redderent, diligenter elaborarunt. Sed Paedag • gi mei posuerunt operam in agro sterili & infaecundo, ita fructus percip • re vix poterant, aut dignitate mea, aut ill • rum laboribus, aut vestra expectatione dignos. Quamobrem etsi omnes vos me abunde laudastis, ego tamen, quae mihi conscia sum, quam sim nulla laude digna facile agnosco; sed finem imponam orationi meae Barbarismis plenae, si prius optavero, & votum unum addidero. Votum meum hoc erit, ut me vivente sitis Florentissimi, me mortua Beatissimi.
Thus having stayed seven days, she took her leave of the University, M r . Williams the Major riding in scarlet before her Majesty to Magdalene Bridge; But the Doctors attending her in their formalities as far as Shot-over.
SECTION. IIII.
To WILLIAM HONYEWOOD Esq
Some Conceive, that to be pressed to death the punishment on Recusants to submit to legal Trial) is the greatest torment in the World. God keep all good men from feeling, and chiefly from deserving it. I am the easier induced to believe the Exquisitenesse of the Torture, being sensible in myself by your bounty, what a burden it is for One, who would be ingenuous, to be Loaded with Curtesies which He hath not the least hope to requite, or deserve.
1.IN this year began the Suit betwixt Robert Horne Bishop of Winchester, and Edmund Bonner late Bishop of London on this occasion. All Bishops were empowered by the statute quinto Elizabethae, to tender the Oath of Supremacy to all persons living within their Diocese. Now Bishop Bonner was within the Diocese of Winchester full ill against his will (as being a Prisoner in the Marshall-See, in Southwarke ) to whom Horne offered this Oath, and he refused the taking thereof. Hereupon his refusal was returned into the Kings-Bench, and he indicted on the same. Being indicted, he appeared there, confessed the fact, but denied himself culpable, and intending to traverse the Indictment, desired that Council might be assigned him. S r . Robert Cateline, then Chief Justice granted his motion, and no meaner then Ploydon that eminent Lawyer Christopher Wray, afterwards Lord Chief Justice, and Lovelace, were deputed his Council.
2. First they pleaded for their Client, that Bonner was indicted without the title, and addition of Bishop of London, and only styled Doctor of Law, and one in Holy Orders. But the Judges would not allow the exception as legal to avoid the Indictment.
3. Secondly, they pleaded that the Certificate entered upon Record, was thus brought into the Court. Tali die & anno per A. B. Cancellarium dicti Episcopy Winton. And did not say, per mandatum Episcopy, for the want of which clause, Bonner his Council took exceptions thereat, sed non allocatur, because the Record of it by the Court is not of necessity.
4. Pass we by their third exception, that he was indicted upon that Certificat in the County of Middlesex by the common Jury of enquest in the Kings-Bench for that County. It being resolved by the Judges that his trial could not be by a Jury of Middlesex, but by a Jury of Surrie of the neighbourhood of Southwark; The main matter which was so much debated amongst all the Judges in the Lord Cateline his chamber was this.
Whether Bonner could give in evidence of that issue that he had pleaded of not guilty, that Horne Bishop of Winchester was not a Bishop tempore oblationis Sacramenti, at the time wherein he tendered the oath unto Bonner.
And it was resolved by them all, that if the truth of the matter was so indeed, that he might give that in evidence upon that issue, and that the Jury might try whether he was a Bishop then or no.
5. Whilest this suit as yet depended, the Queen called a Parliament, which put a period to the controversy, and cleared the legality of Horne his Episcopacy in a Satute enacting, That all persons that have been or shall be made, o • d red, or consicrate, Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Priests, Ministers of God's Holy Word and Sacraments, or Deacons after the form and order prescribed in the said order and form how Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, and Ministers should be consecrated, made, and ordered, be in very deed, and also by authority hereof, declared and enacted to be, and shall be, Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Priests, Ministers, and Deacons, and rightly made, consecrated, and ordered: Any Statute, law, Canon, or other thing to the contrary notwithstanding.
6. However it immediately followeth, Provided always, and nevertheless be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that no person or persons shall at any time hereafter, be impeached or molested in body, lands, livings, or goods, by occasion or mean of any Certificate, by any Arch-Bishop, or Bishop heretofore made, or before the last day of this present Session of Parliament to be made, by virtue of any Act made in the first Session of Parliament, tou • hing, or concerning, the refusal of the oath declared and set forth by Act of Parliament, in the first year of the Reign of our said Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth: Any thing in this Act, or any other Act or Statute her tof • re made to the contrary notwithstanding.
7. The seasonable interposing of this Statute made it a Drawn battle betwixt Horne and Bonner. The former part thereof here alleged cleared Horne his Episcopacy from all cavils of law, the later Proviso was purposely inserted in favor of Bonner (who here himself found that which he never shown to others) that he (as all other Popish Bishops deprived) might be no more molested for refusing the Oath of Supremacy. The Parliament saw they had already lost their livelihood and liberties for their erroneous consciences. and had received their thirty nine stripes, more then which the State thought not fit to inflict, lest their justice should degenerate into cruelty.
8. The enacting of this Statute did not stop the railing mouths of Papists against our Bishops, but only made them alter their note, and change their tune in reviling them. Formerly they condemned them as illegal, whose calling was not sufficiently warranted by the laws of the Land, henceforward Sanders and others railed on them for Parliamentary Bishops, deriving all their Power and Commission from the State. But as well might the Jesuits term Shemaiah, Nethaniah Prerogative Levites, because sent by Jeh • saphat to preach the word to the people of the Land. For that good King did not give, but quicken and encourage their Commission to teach, as here the Parliament did only publish, notify, and declare the legal authority of the English Bishops, whose Call and Consecration to their place was formerly performed, derived from Apostolical, or at leastwise Ecclesiastical institution.
9. These were the prime of the first Set of Puritans, which being very aged expired (for the most part) at or about this time, when behold another generation of Active and zealous Nonconformists succeeded them. Of these Coleman, Button, Halingham and Benson, (whose Christian names I cannot recover) were the chief; inveighing against the established Church-Discipline, accounting everything from Rome which was not from Geneva, endeavoring in all things to conform the government of the English Church, to the Presbyterian Reformation. Add these three more, though of inferior note to the aforesaid Quaternion. William White, Thomas Rowland, Robert Hawkins, all beneficed within the Diocese of London, and take a taste of their Spirits out of the Register thereof.
10. For this very year these three were cited to appear before Edmuna Grindall BP. of London, one who did not run of himself, yea would hardly answer the spur in pressing conformity, the BP. asked them this question,
Have we not a godly Prince? speak, is she evil?
To which they made their several answers in manner following,
What a question is that the fruits do show.
No but the Servants of God are persecuted under her.
Why, this question the Prophet, answereth in the Psalms. How can they have understanding that work iniquity, spoiling my people • , and that extol vanity.
Wonder not therefore if the Queen proceeded severely against some of them, commanding them to be put into Prison, though still their Party daily increased.
11. Nicholas Wotton died this year Dean at the same time of Canterbury and York, so that these two Metropolitan Churches, so often contesting about their Privileges, were reconciled in his preferment. He was Doctor of both Laws, and some will say of both Gospels, who being Privy Counselor to King Henry the Eighth, Edward the Sixth, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth, never overstrained his conscience, such his oylie compliance in all alterations. However he was a most Prudent man, and happily active in those many Embassies wherein he was employed.
12. The Romanists were neither ignorant not to observe, nor idle, not to improve the advantage lately given them by the discords betwixt the Bishops and Nonconformists. And now to strengthen their Party, two most active fugitive Priests, Thomas Harding, and Nicholas Saunders return into England, and that Episcopal power which they had lately received from the Pope, they largely exercised on the Papists.
1. Absolving all English in the Court of Conscience who returned to the bosom of their Church.
2. Dispensing with them in cases of irregularity: saving such which proceeded from willful murder.
3. Even from irregularity of heresy, on condition that the Party to be absolved refrained three years from the Ministry of the Altar.
Very earnest they were in advancing the Catholic Cause, and perverted very many to their own Erroneous opinions.
13. Mary Queen of Scots; ill used at home by her own Subjects made an escape into England, and landed at Wirkington in Cumberland, the Statepart of whose sufferings we leave to Civil Historians, confining ourselves to the imprinted passages concerning Religion beginning with her letter to the Pope.
AFter the kissing of your most holy feet, I having been advertised that my Rebels and their Fautours that retain them in their Countries, have wrought so effectually by their practices, that it hath been related unto the King of Spain my Lord and good Brother, that I am become variable in the Catholic Religion, although I have within some days past written to your Holiness devoutly to kiss your feet, and recommending me unto you, I do now again most humbly beseech you to hold me for a most devout, and a most obedient Daughter of the Holy Catholic Roman Church, and not to give faith unto those reports which may easily come, or shall hereafter come to your ears, by means of the false and calumnious speeches which the said Rebels, and other of the same Sect have caused to be spread abroad, that is to say, that I have changed my Religion, thereby to deprive me of your Holiness grace, and the favor of other Catholic Princes. The same hath touched my heart so much, that I could not fail to write again of new to your Holiness, to complain and bemoan my self of the wrongs and of the injuries which they do unto me. I beseech the same most humbly to be pleased to write in my favor to the devout Christian Princes, and obedient sons of your Holiness, exhorting them to interpose their credit and authority which they have with the Queen of England, in whose power I am, to obtain of her, that she will let me go out of her country, whither I came, secured by her promises, to demand aid of her against my Rebels, and if nevertheless she will retain me, by all means yet that she will permit me to exercise my Religion, which hath been forbidden to me, for which I am grieved and vexed in this Kingdom, insomuch as I will give you to understand, what subtleties my Adversaries have used to color these calumniations against me. They so wrought that an English Minister was sometimes brought to the place where I am straitly kept, which was wont to say certain prayers in the vulgar tongue, and because I am not at my own liberty, nor permitted to use any other Religion, I have not refused to hear him, thinking I had committed no error. Wherein nevertheless most Holy Father, if I have offended or failed in that or anything else, I ask misericordia of your Holiness, beseeching the same to pardon and to absolve me, and to be sure and certain that I have never had any other will then constantly to live the most devout and most obedient Daughter of the Holy Catholic Roman Church, in which I will live and die according to your Holiness advises and precepts. I offer to make such amends and penance that all Catholic Princes, especially your Holiness, as Monarch of the world, shall have occasion to rest satisfied and contented with me. In the mean time I will devoutly kiss your Holiness feet, praying God long to conserve the same for the benefit of his Holy Church. Written from Castle Boulton the last of November 1568.
The most devout and obedient Daughter, to your Holiness, the Q of Scotland, Widow of France MARIA.
I meet not with the answer which his Holiness returned unto her, and for the present leave this Lady in safe custody, foreseeing that this her exchange of letters with Foreign Princes, and the Pope especially will finally cause her destruction.
14. Thomas Young Arch-Bishop of York died at Sheffield, and was buried in his own Cathedral. He plucked down the great Hall at York, built by Thomas his predecessor five hundred years before, so far did plum • i sacra fames, desire to gain by the lead, prevail with him. Yet one presumeth to avouch, that all that lead in effect proved but dross unto him, being in fine defeated of the profit thereof. He was the first Protestant English Bishop that died in the days of Q. Elizabeth.
15. Thomas Piercy Earl of Northumberland, and Charles Nevill Earl of Westmorland brake out into open Rebellion against the Queen. Lord's of right noble extraction and large revenue (whose titles met with their estates in the Northern Parts ) and indeed the height of their honor was more then the depths of their judge meant. These intended to restore the Romish Religion, set free the Queen of Scots, pretending much zeal for the liberty of the people, and honor of the nation, complaining of Queen Elizabeth her neglect of the ancient Nobility, and advancing mean persons to the places of highest trust and command, though indeed could she have made her Noblemen wise, (as she did her Wisemen Noble ) these Earls had never undertaken this Rebellion. Numerous their Tenants in the North, and their obligations the higher for the low rent they paid, though now alas poor souls they paid a heavy sine, losing their lives in the cause of their Landlords.
16. Their first valor was to fight against the English Bible, and Service-Book in Durham, tearing them in pieces. And as yet unable to go to the cost of saying Mass, for want of Vestments, they began with the cheapest piece of Popery. Holy Water, their Wells plentifully affording water, and Plumtree the Priest quickly conferring cons • eration. Afterwards better provided, they set up Mass in most places where they came, Richard Norton an ancient and aged Gentleman carrying the Cross before them, and others bearing in their Banners the five wounds of Christ, or a Chalice, according to their different devices. No great matter was achieved by them, save the taking of Ba •• ards Castle in the Bishopric, which indeed took itself in effect, the Defenders thereof being destitute of Victuals and Provisions.
17. But hearing how the Garrisons of Carlisle and Barwick were manned against them on their backs, and the Earl of Sussex advancing out of the South with an Army to oppose them, their spirits quickly sunk, and being better armed then disciplined, wanting expert Commanders (how easily is a rout, routed) they fled Northwards and mouldered away without standing a battle.
18. An Italian Author writing the life of Pope Pius Quintus giveth us this brief account of this expedition.
They did not overrun the Kingdom as they ought to have done, and followed after Elizabeth, for which they could not have wanted followers enough; but they stood still, and not being able to maintain themselves long in the field for want of money, they finally withdrew themselves into Scotland without anything doing.
So easy it is for this Authors fancy (which scaleth the highest Walls without Ladders, gaineth the straightest passes without blows, crosses the deepest Rivers without Bridge, Ford, or Ferry ) to overrun England, though otherwise this handful of men (never exceeding six hundred horse, and four thousand foot) were unlikely to run through other shiers, who could not stand a blow, in their own Country.
19. Northumberland fled into Scotland, lurked there a time, was betrayed to Earl Murrey, sent back into England, and beheaded at York. Westmorland made his escape into Flanders (the wisest work that ever he did) where he long lived very poor, on a small, and ill pa • ed Pension. Many were executed by S r . George Bows Knight Marshall, every market Town being then made a shire Town for his Assizes, betwixt New-Castle, and Witherby, ( about sixty miles in length, and forty in breadth) much terrifying those parts with his severity. Insomuch that when next year Leonard Dacres put together the ends of the quenched brands of this Rebellion, with intent to rekin • le them, they would not take fire, but by the vigilancy and valor of the L. Hansdon his design was seasonably defeated.
20. John Story D. of Law, a cruel persecutor in the days of Q. Mary (being said for his share to have martyred two or three hundred) fled afterwards over into Brabant, and because great with Duke de Alva (like cup, like 〈◊〉 he made him searcher at Antwerp for English goods. Where if he could detect either Bible, or Heretical Books, as they termed them in any ship, it either cost their persons imprisonment, or goods confiscation. But now being trained into the ship of Mr. Parker an Englishman, the Master hoised sail (time and tide, wind and water consenting to that design) and over was this Tyrant and Traitor brought into England: where refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy, and professing himself subject to the King of Spain, he was executed at Tyburne; Where being cut down half dead, after his privy members were cut off, he rushed on the Executioner, and gave him a blow on the ear, to the wonder (saith my Author) of all the standers by, and I (who was not there) wonder more that it was not recounted amongst the Romish miracles.
21. The old store of Papists in England began now very much to diminish, and decay; insomuch that the Romanists perceived, they could not spend at this rate out of the main stock, but it would quickly make them Bankerupt. Prisons consumed many, Age moe of their Priests, and they had no place in England whence to recruit themselves. The largest cistern with long drawing will grow dry, if wanting a fountain to feed the daily decay thereof. Hereupon they resolved to erect Colleges beyond the seas, for English youth to have their education therein. A project now begun, and so effectually prosecuted, that within the compass of fifty years, nine Colleges were by them founded, and furnished with Students, and they with maintenance, as by the following Catalogue may appear, as they stood at the last year of King James. Since (no doubt) they have been enlarged in greatness, increased in number, enriched in revenues, as such who shall succeed us in continuing this Story, may report to posterity. May they at my request (if having the conveniencies of leisure, and instructions) be pleased to perfect this my Catalogue, and replenish the vacuities thereof with their more exact observations. And let no Papists laugh at our light mistakes, Protestants not pretending to such exact intelligence of their Colleges, as they have of ours. Indeed they have too critical instructions of all our English societies, by their agents living amongst us, and it is a bad sign, when suspicious persons are over-preying to know the windows, doors, all the passages and contrivances of their neighbors houses, as intending therein some design for themselves.
| College. | Founder. | Benefactors. | Means. |
|
I. Douay College in Flanders, founded 1569. Thence (for fear of the wars) removed to Rhems in France about 1508. where Henry the third King of France, did patronize, and protect them. And some twenty years after brought back hither again. |
Philip, the Second King of Spain. |
All the Recusants in England. |
A pension out of the King of Spain's Treasury, which being sometimes but badly paid, the Scholars are fain to feed on patience. 2. A yearly collection from the Catholics of England. 3. Sale of Masses, Rich men's mortuaries, which also are the staple maintenance of all other Colleges. |
| Number. | Rectour. | Eminent Scholars. |
|
Uncertain, but numerous. For, here they do not pick and choose, for wit, or wealth, (as in other Colleges) but they receive all that come unto them. |
1. William Allen (afterwards Cardinal) a principal procurer, and advancer of this foundation. He died 1594. 2. Tho. Worthing'on (of an ancient family in Lancashire ) Rectour 1609. 3. Matthew Kelison, a North-Hamptonshire man, Rectour 1624. Note, That whereas the government of all other English Colleges belongs to Jesuits, this only is ruled by Secular Priests. |
D r . Web, whom they brag to be the best Casuist in the world. He lived to sing his Miss of Jubile, having been a Priest full fifty years. |
| College. | Founder. | Benefactour. | Means. |
|
2. College of Rome, founded 1579. |
Gregory the 13. Pope exhibited maintenance, first to six, then to fourteen, at last to threescore Scholars therein, to the yearly value of four thousand Crowns. |
Owen Louis Referendary Apostolical, was a principal promoter thereof. |
The Welsh Hospital in Rome (founded, and endowed many hundred years since, by Cadwallader, King of Wales, for Welsh pilgrims) with the rich lands thereof; conferred by Pope Gregory the 13. on this College. They have at Frescata (which is the Popes Summer house, lying some ten miles East of Rome ) three or four farms, where corn for the College and other provision groweth. |
| College. | Founder. | Benefactours. | Means. |
|
Dona Luysa de Caravaial, a rich widow Lady in Spain, gave all her estate (being very great) to this College, and came over into England, where she died. |
Lands they have not purchased much in Spain (being loath the Spaniard should take notice of their wealth) but great sums of money they have at use in Brabant. As also with English Factours in Spain (perverted to their persuasion) they have a great stock in trading. |
Know that S r . Francis Inglefield, Privy Counselor to Queen Mary, forsaking his fair Estate in Bark-shire in the first of Queen Elizabeth, fled beyond the Sea. He afterwards was a bountiful benefactor to the College at Va ••• dolit; Yea he is beheld by the English Papists as a Beuefactor General to their Nation, for the privileges he procured them from Pope Gregory the thirteenth, whereof hereafter. He lieth buried in this College, and his Grave is shown with great respect, to Travelers of our Country coming thither
| College. | Founder. | Benefactours. | Means. |
|
4. College of Sivil, founded 1593. |
Philip the second, King of Spain. |
Our English Merchants, and Factours there residing, even often against their own wills, to secure themselves from the searchers in the Inquisition. So that it is a Nemo scit, what here is gotten for a Ne noceant. |
They have a Box in every ship sailing to the West-Indies. Upon it is the picture of S nt . Thomas Becket (on the Octaves of whose day this College forsooth was first founded) and into it (through an hole in the lid thereof) Merchants put in their devotion. The key of this (not Christmas, but all-the-year-ong ) box is kept by the Rectour of the College, who only knoweth to how much this money amounteth. |
| Number. | Rectour. | Eminent Scholars. |
Here expect not of me a discovery (being no Spie by my profession) of the cunning contrivances, whereby these Jesuits pass, and repass the seas, without any detection, yea, suspicion of them. Sometimes under the protection of a Pass (procured from some Lord's of the Privy Council ) for a young Gentleman to go over into France (with two, or three, of his Serving-men) to learn the language. Sometimes they shuffle themselves into the company of an Ambassador, or his meniall servants, and so cover their private falsehood, under his public Faith. Many English Gentlewomen intended for Nunns, are first veiled (before their going beyond seas) under pretence of travelling to the Spaw for their healths. In their return for England, these Jesuits have found the farthest way about, for them the nearest way home. For, out of France, or Spain, first they will sail into the Low-Countries, and thence into England; and so, coming immediately out of Protestant parts, escape without any, or with easy examination. And yet these curious Engineers, who fly so high, and carry their conveyances so far above all common discovery, have sometimes one of their wheels or strings broken, and then down they fall into Newgate, or some other prison, notwithstanding all their verbal, and real equivocations.
| College. | Founder. | Benefactours. | Means. |
|
5. Saint Omers in Artois founded about the year 1596. |
Philip the second, who gave them a good annuity, for whose soul they say every day a Mass, and every year an Obitum. |
English Catholics, especially the parents, or friends of such youths, as here have their education. |
Watton-Cloister, being a most pleasant place, with good land, and a fair wood, some two leagues off. It anciently belonged to the Benedctines, of whom the Jesuits here bought it, Pope Paulus Quintus, and the King of Spain, confirming their bargain. It is said to be worth five hundred pounds a year. |
| Number. | Rectour. | Eminent Scholars. |
|
Welnigh an hundred of Gentlemens sons (not as yet professed Jesuits, though like them in habit, but) young Scholars. Besides above twenty Jesuits (Priests, and Laybrethren) having an inspection over them. |
Though this College be of English only, yet their Rectour generally is a Fleming, and that out of a double design, First, that he may solicit their suits in that country, the better by the advantage of his language, and acquaintance. Secondly, that they may the more colourably, deny such English passengers as beg of them, pleading, that their Rectour, being a stranger, will part with no money, and they have none of their own. |
|
| College. | Founder. | Benefactours. | Means. |
|
6. College of Madrid in New Castile in Spain founded 1606. |
Joseph Creswel, Jesuit, with money of the two Colleges of Valladolit and Sivil, bought an house here, and built a College thereon. |
What they gain by soliciting of suits for Merchants, and others, in the Spanish Court. The rest is supplied unto this College, from the Parents thereof, I mean, the two Colleges of Valladolit, and Sivil. |
| Number. | Rectour. | Eminent Scholars. |
| College. | Founder. | Benefactour. | Means. |
|
7. College of Lovain in Brabant, founded about the year 1606. |
Philip the Third, King of Spain, gave a Castle (then much decayed, never much defensive for this City) with a pension to the English Jesuits, to build them a College therewith. |
| Number. | Rectour. | Eminent Scholars. |
|
Uncertain, as much in motion, and never all resident here together. |
| College. | Founder. | Benefactours. | Means. |
|
8. College of Liege in Lukeland founded 1616. |
The Arch-Bishop of Collen (being at this time also Bishop of Liege ) gave them a pension to live on, and leave to build a fair College here. |
Many of the English Nobility, and Gentry, under pretence of passing to the Spaw for recovery of their healths, here drop much of their gold by the way. It is doubtful how sovereign the Spaw-water will prove to these passengers, but certain that their gold is cordial to these Jesuits. |
| Number. | Rectour. | Eminent Scholars. |
|
M r . Brown, brother to the last Viscount Mountacute in Sussex, became here a Jesuit. |
| College. | Founder. | Benefactours. | Means. |
|
9. College of Gant in Flanders founded 1624. |
Philip the Fourth, who gave them a pension. |
| Number. | Rectour. | Eminent Scholars. |
One may observe a kind of gradation in these Colleges. S t . Omers, generally is for boys, to be taught in Grammar: Rome, for youths studying the arts; all the rest for men ( Novices, or professed Jesuits ) save that Douay is for any, of what age or parts soever. Compare these Colleges amongst themselves, Rome will appear the richest in visible; Valladolit, the cunningest in concealed wealth. Douay the largest in men, and straightest in means; Liege, getting the most from passengers on land; Sivil, gaining the best by Travelers at sea; Madrid, wearing the bravest clothes (where all the Jesuits are constant Courtiers) and S t . Omers eating the best meat, as nearest to England, whence many a dainty bit is daily sent unto them.
22. It is incredible what a mass of money (much in specie, more in exchange) was yearly made over out of England, for the maintenance of these Colleges: having here their Provincials, Sub-Provincials, Assistants, Agents, Coadjutours, Familiars &c. who collected vast sums for them, especially from Catholics possessed of considerable estates out of Abby-lands, his Holiness dispensing with them, to hold the same with a clear conscience, if bountiful on all such occasions.
23. We will conclude all with the solemn Oath, which each Student (arrived at man's estate) ceremoniously sweareth, when admitted into one of these Colleges;
I. A. B. one bred in this English College, considering how great benefits God hath bestowed upon me, but then especially, when he brought me out of mine own Country, so much infected with Herche, and made me a member of the Catholic Church, as also desiring with a thankful heart, to improve so great a mercy of God, have resolved to offer myself wholly up to Divine Service, as much as I may to fulfill the end for which this our College was founded. I promise therefore, and swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I am prepared from mine heart, with the assistance of Divine Grace, in due time to receive Holy Orders, and to return into England, to convert the souls of my Countrymen, and kindred, when, and as often, as it shall seem good to the Superior of this College &c.
Be it remembered, that our long Vacation, is their chiefest Term • ; for, in the months of August, or September, these Colleges receive their annual supplies of green Students, and then dispatch their ripe N • viciats for England; or, if you will, then take in young spawn, and send their old frogs over hither a croaking. All that I will add is this; If covetousness should prevail so far, as to pluck down Protestant-Colleges in England, whilst superstition preserves, and increaseth Popish Seminaries beyond the seas, sad would the sight be, to behold the truth on our side encumbered with ignorance, to encounter falsehood on theirs, advantaged with learning and languages.
24. Pope Pius the fifth had now long patiently expected the amendment of Queen Elizabeth; and, weary with his waiting in vain, resolved at last (if not wisely, valiantly) that, seeing desperate diseases must have desperate cures, he would thunder his Excommunication against Her, according to the tenor following.
A Sentence Declaratory of our Holy Lord Pope PIUS QUINTUS, against ELIZABETH Queen of England, and the Heretics adhering unto Her.
Wherein also Her Subjects are declared absolved from the Oath of Allegiance, and every other thing due unto Her whatsoever. And those, which from henceforth obey Her, are innodated with the Anathema.
Pius Bishop, servant to God's servants, for a future memorial of the matter.
HE that reigneth on high, to whom is given all power in heaven, and in earth, committed One Holy Catholic, and Apostolic Church, out of which there is no salvation, to one alone upon earth, namely to Peter the chief of the Apostles, and to Peters Successor, the Bishop of Rome to be governed in fullness of power. Him alone he made Prince over all people, and all Kingdoms, to pluck up, destroy, scatter, consume, plant, and build: that he may contain the faithful that are knit together, with the band of charity in the unity of the Spirit, and present them spotless, and unblameable to their Savior. In discharge of which function, We, which are by God's goodness called to the government of the aforesaid Church, do spare no pains, laboring with all earnestness, that Unity, and the Catholic Religion (which the Author thereof hath, for the trial of his children's faith, and for our amendment, suffered with so great afflictions) might be preserved uncorrupt. But the number of the ungodly hath gotten such power, that there is now no place left in the whole world, which they have not assayed to corrupt, with their most wicked Doctrines. Amongst others, Elizabeth, the pretended Queen of England, the servant of wickedness, lending thereunto her helping hand, with whom, as in a Sanctuary, the most pernicious of all have found a refuge. This very woman, having seised on the Kingdom, and monstrously usurping the place of Supreme Head of the Church, in all England, and the chief authority, and jurisdiction thereof, hath again brought back the said Kingdom into miserable destruction, which was then newly reduced to the Catholic Faith, and good fruits.
For, having by strong hand inhibited the exercise of the true Religion, which Mary the lawful Queen, of famous memory, had by the help of this See restored, after it had been formerly overthrown by Henry the eighth, a revolter therefrom: and following, and embracing the errors of Heretics, She hath removed the Royal Council consisting of the English Nobility, and filled it with obscure men, being Heretics, suppressed the embracers of the Catholic Faith, placed dishonest Preachers, and Ministers of impieties, abolished the sacrifice of the Mass, Prayers, Fastings, Choice of meats, Unmarried life, and the Catholic Rites, and Ceremonies; commanded Books to be read in the whole Realm, containing manifest Heresy, and impious mysteries, and institutions by Her self entertained, and observed according to the prescript of Calvin, to be likewise observed by Her Subjects: presumed to throw Bishops, Parsons of Churches, and other Catholic Priests, out of their Churches, and Benefices, and to bestow them, and other Church-livings upon Heretics, and to determine of Church-causes; prohibited the Prelates, Clergy, and People, to acknowledge the Church of Rome, or obey the Precepts, and Canonical Sanctions thereof; compelled most of them to condescend to Her wicked Laws, and to abjure the authority, and obedience of the Bishop of Rome, and to acknowledge Her to be sole Lady in temporal and spiritual matters, and this by oath; imposed penalties, and punishments upon those which obeyed not, and exacted them of those, which perserved in the unity of the faith, and their obedience aforesaid; cast the Catholic Prelates, and Rectors of Churches in prison, where many of them, being spent with long languishing, and sorrow, miserably ended their lives. All which things, seeing they are manifest, and notorious to all Nations, and by the gravest testimony of very many, so substantially proved, that there is no place at all left for excuse, defense, or evasion. We, seeing that impieties, and wicked actions are multiplied one upon another; and moreover, that the persecution of the faithful, and affliction for Religion, groweth every day heavier, and heavier, through the instigation, and means of the said Elizabeth; because We understand Her mind to be so hardened, and indurate, that She hath not only contemned the godly requests, and admonitions of Catholic Princes, concerning Her healing, and conversion; but (alas) hath not so much as permitted the Nuncioes of this See, to cross the seas into England: are constrained of necessity to betake ourselves to the weapons of justice against Her, not being able to mitigate our sorrow; that We are drawn to take punishment upon one, to whose Ancestors the whole state of all Christendom hath been so much bounden. Being therefore supported with His authority, whose pleasure it was to place Us (though unable for so great a burden) in this supreme throne of justice, We do, out of the fullness of Our Apostolic Power, declare the aforesaid Elizabeth, being an Heretic, and a favourer of Heresies, and Her adherents in the matters aforesaid, to have incurred sentence of Anathema • and to be cut off from the unity of the body of Christ. And moreover, We do declare Her to be deprived of Her pretended title to the Kingdom aforesaid, and of all Dominion, Dignity, and Privilege whatsoever; and also the Nobility, Subjects, and People of the said Kingdom, and all other which have in any sort sworn unto Her, to be forever absolved from any such oath, and all manner of duty of Dominion, Allegiance and Obedience; As We do also by authority of these presents absolve them, and do deprive the same Elizabeth of Her pretended title to the Kingdom, and all other things above-said. And We do command, and interdict all, and every the Noble-men, Subjects, People, and others aforesaid, that they presume not to obey Her, or Her monitions, mandates, and laws; and those which shall do the contrary, We do innodate with the like Sentence of Anathem: And, because it were a matter of too much difficulty, to convey these presents to all places, wheresoever it shall be needful. Our will is, that the copies thereof, under a public Notaries hand, and sealed with the seal of an Ecclesiastical Prelate, or of his court, shall carry together the same credit, with all people, judicially, and extrajudicially, as these presents should do, if they were exhibited or shown.
Given at Rome at S t . Peters, in the year of the incarnation of our Lord, one thousand five hundred sixty nine, the fifth of the Kalends of March, and of Our Popedom, the fifth year. Cae: Glorierius.
H. Cumyn.
25. The principal persons, whose importunity solicited the Pope to thunder out this excommunication, were D r . Harding, D r . Stapleton. D r . Morton, and D r . Web. And now the news thereof, flying over into England, variously affected the Catholics, according to their several dispositions.
1. Some admired, and applauded the resolution of His holiness, expecting, all persons should instantly start, from the infectious presence of the Queen; and that that virgin-rose, so blasted, should immediately wither.
2. Others would not believe that there was any such excommunication at all, but, that it was a mere slander, devised by the common enemy, to make all Catholics odious.
3. Others accounted such Excommunication, though denounced, of no validity, because the reasons which moved the Pope thereunto, were falsely, and surreptitiously suggested to His Holiness.
4. Others did question the lawfulness of all excommunications of Princes, according to the rule of S t . Thomas, Princeps, & multitudo non est excommunicanda, where the uncertain profit, which might follow, could not countervail the certain mischief which would ensue.
5. Others did condemn the present excommunication, pro hic, & nunc, as unexpedient, probable to incense, and exasperate the Queen to more severity, and make Her gird Her government closer to their sides, who, thought to shake it off. This was apparent by the woeful experience of the excommunication denounced against King Henry the eighth. Yea, Watson, Bishop of Lincoln (if his namesake may be credited) was exceedingly grieved at the Popes proceedings herein, foreseeing the inconvenience would thence arise. This same Watson was he, who, in the first of Queen Elizabeth, would in all hast, by his own bare Episcopal power, have excommunicated Her; but now, older and wiser, mollified with ten years durance, he altered his opinion.
6. Others were unsatisfied in the Authenticalness of the instrument, who never did or durst see the original, and were unresolved, whether the copies were sufficiently attested.
7. Others were perplexed in point of conscience, how far they were bound to obey herein, seeing the law of nature obligeth the wife in duty to her husband excommunicated, and the same reason is of the servant to the Master, Subject to the Prince.
8. Lastly, Others were troubled in point of policy, having their persons, and estates in the Queens power; and Banns the Schoolman pleadeth, that Subjects are not bound to desert, or resist their Prince, when such actions necessarily infer danger of death, and loss of goods.
But, leaving them to have their scruples satisfied by their Confessors, this causeless curse to Queen Elizabeth was turned into a blessing: and, as the Barbarians looked, when S t . Paul (having the viper upon his hand) should have swoln, and fallen down dead, whilst he shook it off into the fire without any hurt, or harm: so Papists expected, when the Queen should have miserably expired, stung to the heart with this excommunication, when She, nothing frighted thereat, in silence slighted, and neglected it, without the least damage to Her power, or person, and no whit the less loy'd of Her subjects, or feared of Her enemies. And most false it is which Sanders reports, that She, by the mediation of some great men, secretly labored in vain in the Court of Rome, to procure a Revocation of the Popes sentence against Her, as what another relateth: how She was wont to say, that the thing itself grieved Her not so much, as because done by P. Pius, whose Election and life, she hell • for miraculous.
26. This year two eminent Bishops, once of the same Cathedral, but different Religions, ended their lives. William Barlow, D r . of Divinity, Canon of S t . Osith, then Prior of Bisham, successively Bishop of S t . Asaph, S t . David's, and Bath and Wells, in the days of King Edward the sixth. Afterwards an exile, in the reign of Queen Mary in Germany, where he lived in great want, and poverty, and by Queen Elizabeth he was made Bishop of Chichester, where he was buried. The other Gilbert Bourne Bishop of Bath and Wells, though a zealous Papist, yet of a good nature, well deserving of his Cathedral, and who found also fair usage in his restraint, living in free custody with the Dean of Exeter, and lies buried in the Parish-Church of Silverton.
27. Now was the twelfth year of the Queen fully past with her safety and Honor. In which the Credulous Papists trusting the predictions of Soothsayers, had promised to themselves a Golden day as they called it. Instead whereof they are likely to find many Leaden years hereafter. And henceforward the seventeenth of November, the day of the Queens Inauguration was celebrated with far greater Solemnity then ever before. Saint Hugh being for forty four years left out of our Calenders to make Room for Her Majesty: And John Felton, who fastened the Popes Bull to the Palace of London, being taken and refusing to fly, was hanged on a Gibbet before the Popes Palace.
28. Hugh Price D r . of the Civil Law, procured the foundation of a College in Oxford on a Ground, where White-hall had been formerly situated, which with Edifices and Gardens thereto belonging, being then in the Crown, Queen Elizabeth gave to so pious a use, and therefore is styled the Foundress in this Mortmain. However the said Doctor inscribed these following verses over the Gate, when the Building of the College was but begun.
But an Oxford Author telleth us that a Satyrical Pen did under-write with Wit and Wagary enough these following verses.
But no doubt the Scholars therein at their first admission, know how to justify their reputed Founders words by the Figure of Prolepsis, and can tell you that what is well begun is half finished.
So that in the year 1634. It had one Principal, sixteen Fellows, sixteen Scholers, most of the ancient British Nation, besides officers and servants of the Foundation, and other Students. All which made up the Number of one hundred and nine.
29. Hitherto Papists generally without regret, repaired to the public places of Divine Service, and were present at our Prayers, Sermons, and Sacraments. What they thought in their hearts, He knew who knoweth hearts; but in outward conformity, they kept communion with the Church of England. In which sense one may say, that the whole land was of one language, and one specch. But now began the tower of Babel to be built, and Popery to increase, which brought with it the division of tongues, and the common distinction of Papist, and Protestant, the former now separating themselves from our public Congregations; They went out from us, because they were not of us, for, had they been of us, they would have continued with us. Indeed the Pope set his mark of favor on such reputed sheep, as absented themselves from our Churches, henceforward accounting them goats that repaired thither. And now began the word Recusant to be first born and bred in men's mouths. Which (though formerly in being to signify such as refused to obey the edicts of lawful authority) was now confined in common discourse, to express those of the Church of Rome.
30. Indeed hitherto the English Papists slept in a whole skin, and so might have continued had they not willfully torn it themselves. For, the late rebellion in the North, and the Pope thundering out his excommunication against the Queen, with many scandalous and pernicious pamphlets daily dispersed, made Her Majesty about this time, first to frown on Papists, then to chide, then to strike them with penalties; and last to draw life-blood from them, by the severity of Her laws. For, now the Parliament sat at Westminst • r, cutting (as one may say) with a three-edge'd-sword, as making sharp edicts against Papists, non-Conformists, and covetous-Conformists of the Church of England.
31. Against Papists it was enacted, that to write, print, preach, express, publish, or affirm, that the Queen was an Heretic, Schismatic &c. should be adjudged treason. Also that it should be so accounted, and punished, to bring, and put in execution, any Bulls, writings, instruments, or other superstitious things from the See of Rome, from the first of July following. A severe Act also was made against Fugitives, who, being the natural borne subjects of this Realm, departed the same without license, and fled into foreign parts. Against non-Conformists it was provided, that every Priest or Minister, should before the Nativity of Christ next following, in the presence of his Diocesan, or his deputy, declare his assent, and subscribe to all the Articles of Religion, agreed on in the Convocation, One thousand six hundred sixty and two, upon pain of Deprivation on his refusal thereof. Against covetous-conformists it was provided, that no spiritual person, College, or Hospital, shall let lease, other than for the term of twenty one years, or three lives; the rent accustomed, or more, reserved payable yearly during the said term.
32. Indeed this law came very seasonably, to retrench the unconscionable covetousness of some Clergy men, who by long, and unreasonable leases (as the Statute termed them) dilapidated the lands of their Churches. Here it came to pass what the Spouse complains, that the keepers of the walls took her veil away from her. It being true what one said, that those who should have righted her of her wrongs, did wrong her of her rights. Many a Bishopric so bruised itself when it fell vacant, that it lost some land before a new Bishop was settled therein; where the Elects contracted with their Promoters on unworthy conditions.
33. But no armor can be made of proof against the darts of covetousness, especially when they come from an high and heavy hand of great men in authority. This law was not so cautiously drawn up, but that some Courtiers found a way to evade it, seeing the Crown was not expressed therein, and left capable of such leases (as, God-willing hereafter shall be largely related) by which single shift they frustrated the effect of this law. Thus a ship may (though not as suddenly, as certainly) be sunk with one, as with a thousand leaks.
34. We return to the Queen of Scots, of whom we have heard nothing this three years of Ecclesiastical cognizance, nor now meet with anything of that nature save this letter, which though somewhat long, yet because never as yet printed, and acquainting us with some passages in her restraint, is not unworthy the perusal.
Most Blessed Father,
AFter the kissing of your most holy feet, about the beginning of October, I received your Holiness Letter, written the thirteenth of July, by which I understood not only the Benediction which your Holiness sent me, and which was, and shall be always to me most acceptable, but also the great demonstration of your good will to comfort me. I rested therewith singularly comforted indeed, partly because it was pleased earnestly, to recommend both me, and the affairs of my estate to the most Potent Princes, and especially to the most renowned Kings of France and Spain. But withal there is yet remaining on the other part to work so with Christian Princes, that making a strict league among themselves, they should spare no vigilance, nor Travels, nor expenses, once to abate the most Cruel Tyrant who continually thinketh of no other thing, then to move war against us all. And might it please God, that all other things might correspond with my will, besides that I were to do the same also, your Blessedness should see it with effect, which should be, that not only I, but also my subjects, with a will conform to their body, and together with other Christians, would put ourselves forward to do our utmost force. But what thing is there to be seen more worthy of compassion, then to see myself fallen into so great infelicity, from that happiness wherein I found myself lately; What thing is more lamentable then from a Free-woman as I was, to become a Servant. To these miseries is added, that my Country is at this day, wrapped in such and so many calamities, and beaten down with so many inroads of the English, that many and many Towns have been set on fire, and flames, many Castles and most fair Churches ruinated to the very Foundations. But that which is worse, my Inhabitants and Subjects, without scarce doing the least offense unto them, have been more cruelly slain. But What? shall I say nothing of myself? Is it not clear unto all men, how I have been continually in divers and sundry perils. I call God to witness, who knows with what greatness of miseries I have been always stifled, and that which yet makes this Tempest more cruel unto me is, that those who had promised to make provisions for my good, have afterwards failed me, nor given me the least favor in the world, nor do I hope that ever they will do it, except perhaps these made or prepared for or journey most inclined to help me, shall not be moved to undertake such enterprises in my behalf. But to say the truth of it, although there were succors gathered together, and a most assured Army of-from beyond the Seas, certainly not without great peril, could they cross the Ocean into Scotland in the winter time, which then is wont to be most turbulent and stormy. But the English on the other side, who are not separated from the Scots, with any River interposed between them, are able not only in Summer, but in Winter time also to move war against the Scots themselves, who when there doth rise up even the least occasion of discord between them, are wont suddenly to put themselves effectually into Arms. Constrained 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 therefore by these principal respects, without I should expose the interest of my Life and Country, to the hazard of the greatest dangers, I am by no means able to help it, but that even to my greatest disadvantage I must make peace with the English, saving always (as they say) my honor and conscience, because honor doth regard the civil administration, whereby to be able afterwards to rule or govern the Commonwealth. Then the conscience, as being the form and force divine, given to men to direct them to a good end which admitting it to be sometimes straightened and bound with calamities; Yet nevertheless may it neither for torments, nor for promises of rewards be ever expelled or deprived from the Communion, and obedience of the Catholic Church. But amongst other things, it now happeneth that I must relate to your Holiness one thing most truly bitter unto me, that is, that we are come to those terms of desiring my only Son, the Heir of the Temporal Kingdoms, to be delivered by a certain time into the hands of the English, by way of Hostage or pledge, reserving to me nevertheless, the liberty to appoint him such Governors and Counselors afterwards, as shall best please me. There is moreover granted leave of accession unto him, not only for me, but likewise to all those that for my satisfaction shall be sent into England to visit him. Let not your Holiness for this cause have any doubt, but that he shall be not only full of good and holy conversation; but also (though he be amongst an unluckie nation ) a perfect member of the Catholic and Apostolic Church, and always ready and prone to help the same. But because that by this my letter, I may not extend myself in greater length beyond my duty, I do conclude with this, that I have determined with myself, nevertheless to give your Holiness to understand of my estate, and of all these things which for the present do pass between them and me, and if these also which shall happen in the journey of any importance, and because it is a most difficult thing to put all my occasions in writing, I have for that cause informed the Bishop of Dublin with all mine occurrences, as him that is, and always hath been, my most faithful N • ncio, and most lovingly affected towards your Holiness, and the seat Apostolic. May it please your Holiness to give faith unto him, concerning all the things whereof he shall treat with you in my name. Mean time I pray our Lord God, that he by his most holy grace, protect the Catholic Church from all the wicked thoughts of her Adversaries, in which case all we have fixed our eyes upon your Holiness, as upon a most clear light, expecting of the same continually in name of his Divine Majesty your most Holy Benediction. And all with the same mind do desire unto your Holiness a most long life, to the glory of the most mighty God, and comfort of all the faithful,
From Chattisworth in England, the last of October 1570.
The most Devout Daughter of your Holiness Mary the Queen.Who so consults our State-Historians in this very juncture of time, shall find the Queen of Scots on tolerable terms (daily likely to amend) with Queen Elizabeth. Yea, now she was in the Verticall of her favor, wherein hence-forward she began to decline, principally for practicing with the Pope and Foreign Princes.
SECTION. III.
To M rs. ANNE DANVERS of Chelsey.
Madam,
LEt not your Maiden modesty be betrayed to a blush, seeing yourself here left alone, sorrounded on all sides with Masculine Dedications. It will keep you in countenance, if reflecting your eye, either on the first page of this Book, or side Columns of this page: Where you shall find the Queen of Virgins in the front thereof, whose Reign in this Book is described. Indeed a portion thereof, being designed to your late Brother, (now glorious Saint ) falls of course to you, with his goods, and Chattels, as his sole Executrix. If any Latin Letters occur in this Section, I doubt not, but God will seasonably provide you such a Consort, who, (amongst his many other Virtues) will change you to a happy wife, and translate them to your understanding.
1. ABout this time deceased William Alley Bishop of Exeter, a Painfull Preacher, and John Jewell of Salisbury, of whom largely before. He was borne in Devonshire, bred first in Merton, then Corpus Christi College in Oxford, first Pupil to, afterwards Fellow Exile with M r . Parkhurst in Germany. After Queen Mary's death Parkehurst durst not for danger return with Jewell, but went a securer way (as he supposed) by himself. Though Jewell came safe and sound home, whilst Parkehurst was robbed of all in his return, and relieved by the other at his journeys end, and soon after both of them were made Bishops. M r . Parkehurst of Norwich, and Jewell of Salisbury.
2. A Jewell (sometimes taken for a single precious stone ) is properly a collective of many, orderly set together to their best advantage. So several eminences met in this Worthy man. Naturals, Artificials (amongst which I recount his studied memory, deserving as well as Theodectes the Sophister, the Sirname of Mnemonicus ) Moralls, but principally Spiritualls. So devout in the Pew where he prayed, diligent in the Pulpit where he preached, grave on the Beach, where he assisted, mild in the Consistory where he judged, pleasant at the Table where he fed, patient in the bed where he died, that well it were if in relation to him, Secund • m usum Sarum were made Precedentiall to all Posterity. He gave at his death to Peter Martyr a golden rose (yet more fragrant for the worth of the Giver, then the value of the gift ) To the City of Zurich a Present which they converted into a piece of Plate with Jewels Arms thereon. To several Scholars, large Legacies. To the Church of Salisbury a fair Library, and another to the Church of England, I mean his learned APOLOGIE. It is hard to say, whether his soul, or his Ejaculations arrived first in Heaven, seeing he prayed dying, and died praying. He was buried in the Choir by Bishop Wivill, Two Champions of the Church lying together, one who with his sword proffered to maintain the Lands; The other, who with his pen defended the Doctrine thereof. In the absence of Doctor Humfreys designed for that service, M r . Giles Laurence preached his Funerals, who formerly (being Tutor to the Children of S r . Arthur Darcy by Algate in London ) in Queen Mary's days preserved Jewels life, and provided accommodation for his flight beyond the Seas.
3. Hitherto, the Bishops had been the more sparing in pressing, and others more daring in denying subscription, because the Canons made in the Convocation 1563, were not for 9. years after confirmed by act of Parliament. But now the same being ratified, by Parliamentall authority, they began the urging thereof more severely then before, which made many dissenters keep their private meetings in woods, fields, their friends houses &c. I say private meetings, for Conventicles I must not call them, having read what one hath written, that name (which agreeth to Anabaptists) is too light and contemptuous, to set forth such assembles, where God's Word and Sacraments are administered, even by the confession of their adversaries.
4. Indeed no disgrace is imported in the notation of the word Conventicle, sounding nothing else but a small Convention. And (some will say) can the Infant the [ diminative ] be a term of reproach, where the mother the [ privitive ] is creditable in the acception thereof? However Custom (the sole mint-master of currant words ) hath took of Conventitles from signifying a small number, to denote the meeting of such (how many soever) in a clandestine way, contrary to the commands of the present lawful Authority.
5. And now Thomas Cartwright (chief of the nonconformists ) presents the Parliament with a Book called an admonition, some members taking distaste at the Title thereof. For seeing Admonition is the lowest of Ecclesiastical censures, and a preparative (if neglected) to Suspension, and Excommunication, such suggested, that if the Parliament complied not with this Admonitors desires, his party, (whereof he the speaker) would proceed to higher and louder Fulminations against the Parliament. Whereas admonition is a soft word in the Common (but especially in the scripture ) acception thereof, and may with humility on just occasion be tendered from Inferiors, to any single Persons or Christian Corporation. This Admonition contained their grievances who presented it, with a declaration of the only way to redress them, viz. by admitting that platform which was there prescribed. This not finding the entertainment it expected, was seconded by another, more importunate to the same effect.
6. It will not be amiss to set down what writings, pro, and con, passed on the occasion of this Book, between two eminent Authors of opposite parties.
1. The Admonition, first, and second, made by M r . Cartwright.
2. The Answer to the Admonition by D r . John Whitgist.
3. The reply to the answer of the Admonition by M. Tho. Cartwright.
4. The defense of the answer by D r . John Whitgift.
This last kept the field, and (for ought I can find) received no solemn refutation.
7. Sundry reasons are assigned of M r . Cartwrights silence, all believing, as they are affected, and most being affected, as led by their interest. Some ascribed it to his weakness, who having spent all his powder and shot in former fights, was forced to be quiet for the future. Others, to his pride (undervalu • ng, what he could not over-come ) counting Whitgifts last answer, no answer, but a repetition of what was confuted before. Others imputed it to his Patience, seeing otherwise multiplying of Replies, would make brauls infinite, and whilst women strive for the, last word, men please themselves with the lost reason. Others, to the policy of that party, resolving to go a new way to wa • k, and to turn their serious books, into Satirical pamphlets. Some few attributed it to M r . Cartwrights modest respect to his Adversary, who had gotten the upper ground of him, ( Whitgist being soon after made BP. and Arch Bishop) though in my mind this would more heighten, then abate their opposition.
8. The Nonconformists though over-poured for the present in Parliament, yet found such favor therein, that after the dissolution thereof, they presumed to erect a Presbytery at Wandsworth in Surrey Eleven Elders were chosen therein, and their Offices, and general rules (by them to be observed) agreed upon and described, as appears by a bill indorsed with the hand of M r . Field, the Lecturer (as I take it) of that place, but living in London. M r . Smith of Micham, and M r . Cr • ne of Roughampton, (neighbouring villages) are mentioned for their approbation of all passages therein. This was the first-born of all Presbyt • ries in England, and secundum usum Wandesworth, as much honored by some, as secundam usum Sarum by others.
9. It may seem a wonder that the Presbyterian discipline, should ripen sooner in this country Village then in London itself, whereas yet they were not arrived at so formal a constitution, though we may observe two sorts of Ministers:
-
First M
r
.
- 1 Field.
- 2 Wilcox.
- 3 Standen.
- 4 Jackson.
- 5 Bonhim.
- 6 S • intloe.
- 7 Crane.
- 8 Edmond's.
-
Afterwards M
r
.
- 1 Charke.
- 2 Travers.
- 3 Barber.
- 4 Gardner.
- 5 Cheston.
- 6 Crooke.
- 7 Egerton.
- 8—.
The former of these were principally against Ministers attire, and the common prayer book. The later, endeavored the modelling of a new discipline, and it was not long, before both streams uniting together. Nonconformity began to bear a large and great Channell in the City of London.
10. This same year happened a cruel massacre in Paris the French Protestants being bidden thither under the pretence of a nuptial solemnity. But never were such black favors given at a wedding, Admiral Coligny, (the pillar of the reformed Church) being slain in his bed on Bartholomeweve, whose day then, and for some years after, was there remarkable for wet weather.
William Cecil Lord Burley invited to be there, wisely kept himself at home, otherwise perchance our English Nestor, had been sent the same way with the French Atlas, and ten thousand Protestants of name and note slain in that City within three days.
11. Let not the following passage be censured for superflucus in this our Book, whose omission would be condemned as a defect by others, Agnes Bridges a maid about 20. and Rachel Pinder a girl about 12. years old, so cunningly counterfeited themselves possessed with the Devil, that they deceived many Ministers in London, from whom more wisdom and less credulity, might justly have been expected. Thus these liars, belied the father of lies by their dissimulation. And now what praying, and preaching, and fasting, was there to dispossess them, to the no small derision of profane persons when their forgery was discovered. However such scoffing may be punished, when the others shall have their erroneous judgment pardoned, and well-intended charity rewarded. Soon after those impostresses were detected, penance at S t . Paul's-cross on them imposed, by them publicly (and for outward view) penitently performed, the present beholders satisfied, the formerly deluded rectified, to be more wise, and wary for the future.
12. Now began the Anabaptists wonderfully to increase in the land, and as we are sorry that any Countrymen should be seduced with that opinion, so we are glad that English as yet were free from that infection. For on Easter day was disclosed a Congregation of Dutch Anabaptists without Algate in London, whereof seven and twenty were taken and imprisoned, and four bearing faggots at Paul's Cross solemnly recanted their dangerous opinions.
13. Next month one Dutchman and ten women were condemned, of whom, One woman was converted to renounce her errors, eight were banished the Land, two more so obstinate, that command was issued out for their burning in Smithsield. But, to reprieve them from so cruel a death, a grave Divine sent the following letter to Queen Elizabeth, which we request the Reader to peruse, and guess at the Author thereof.
SErenissima, Beatissima Princeps, Regina illustrissima, Patriae Decus, Saeculi Ornamentum. Vt nihil ab animo meo omnique expectatione abfuit longius, quàm ut majestatis tuae amplissimam excellentiam molesta unquam interpellatione obturbatem: ita vehementer dolet silentium hoc, quo hactenus constanter sum usus, non eadem constantia perpetuo tueri ita ut volebam licuisse. Ita nunc praeter spem ac opinionem meam nescio qua infalicitate evenit, ut quod omnium volebam minime, id contra me maxim faciat hoc tempore. Qui cum ita vixerim hucusque, ut molestus fuerim nemini, invitus nunc cogar contra naturam Principi etiam ipsi esse importunus, non re ulla aut causa mea, sed aliena inductus calamitate. Quae quo acerbior sit & luctuosior hoc acriores mihi addit ad deprecandum slimulos. Nonnullos intelligo in Anglid hîc esse non Anglos, sed adventitios, Belgas quidem opinor, partim viros, partim Foeminas, nuper ob improbata dogmata in judicium advocatos. Quorum aliquot foeliciter reducti publica luerunt poenitentia, complures in exilium sunt condemnati, idque redissime meo judicio factum esse arbitror. I am ex hoc numero unum esse ant alterum audio, de quibus ultimum exustionis supplicium (nisi succurrat tua pietas) brevi sit statuendum, Qua una in re duo contineri perspicio, quornm alterum ad errorum pravitatem, alterum ad supplicii acerbitatem attinet. Ac erroribus quidem ipsis nihil possit absurdius esse, sanus nemo est qui dubitat, mirorque tam faeda opinionum portenta in quosquam potuisse Christianos cadere. Sed ita habet human infirmitatis conditie, si divina paululum luce destituti nobis relinquimur, quo non ruimus praecipites? Atque equidem hoc nomine Christo gratias quam maximas habeo, quod Anglorum hodie neminem huic insaniae affinem video. Quod igitur ad phanaticas istas sectas attinet, ease certe in republica nullo modo sovendas esse, sed idonea comprimendas correctione censeo. Verum enim vero ignibus ac flammis, pice ac sulphur aestuantibus viva miserorum corpora torrefacere judicii magis caecitate quàm impetu voluotatis errantium, durum istud ac Romani magis exempli esse quam Evangelicae consuetudinis videtur, ac plane ejusmodi, ut nisi à Romanis Pontificibus, author Innocentio tertio primùm profluxisset, nunquam istum perillitaurum quisquam in mitem Christi ecclesiam importavisset. Non quod maleficiis delecter, aut erroribus cujusquam saveam dicta haec esse velim, vitae hominum, ipse homo quum sim, faveo ideoque saveo, non ut erret, sed ut rescipiscat. Ac neque hominum solum, Vtinam & pecudibus ipsis opitulari possem. Ita enim fum (stulte fortassis haec de meipso, at vere dico) macellum ipsum ubi mactantur etiam pecudes, vix praetereo, quin tacito quodam doloris sensu men's refugiat. Atque equidem in co Dei ipsius valde admiror, venerorque toto pectore clementiam, qui in jumentis illis brutis & abjectis, quae sacrificiis olim parabantur, id prospexerat, ne prius ignibus mandarentar, quàm sanguis eorum ad Basim altaris essunderetur. Vnde disceremus in exigendis suppliciis, quamvis justis, non quid omnino rigori liceat, sed ut clementia simul adhibita rigoris temperet asperitatem.
Quamobrem si tantum mihi apud Principis tanti majestatem audere liceret, supplex pro Christo rogarem clementissimam hanc regiae sublimitatis excellentiam pro authoritate hac mea, qua ad vitam multorum consecrandam pellere, Te divina voluit clementia, ut vitae si fieri possit (quid enim non possit iis in rebus authoritas tua?) miserorum parcatur, saltem ut horrori obsistatur, atque in aliud quodcunque commutetur supplicii genus. Sunt ejectiones, inclusiones retrusae, sunt vincula, sunt perpetua exilia, sunt stigmata, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 aut etiam patibula, id unum valde deprecor, ne piras ac flammas Smithfieldianas jam diu faustissimis tuis auspiciis huc us{que} sopitas sinas nunc recandescere. Quod si ne id quidem obtineri possit, id saltem omnibus supplicandi modis efflagito 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pectoris tui implorans, ut mensem tamen unum aut alterum nobis concedas, quo interim experiamur, an à periculosis erroribus dederit Dominus ut resanescant, ne cum corporum jactura, animae pariter cum corporibus de aeterno periclitentur exitio.
This letter was written by M r . John Fox (from whose own hand I transcribed it) very loath that Smithfield formerly consecrated with Martyrs ashes, should now be profaned with Heretics, and desirous that the Papists might enjoy their own Monopolie of cruelty in burning condemned Persons. But though Queen Elizabeth constantly called him Her Father Fox, yet herein was she no dutiful Daughter, giving him a flat Indeed damnable were their impieties, and she necessitated to this severity, who having formerly punished some Traitours, if now sparing these Blasphemers, the world would condemn her, as being more earnest in asserting her own safety, then God's honor. Hereupon the Writ de Haeretico comburendo (which for seventeen years had hung only up in terrorem ) was now taken down and put in execution, and the two Anabaptists burned in Smithfield, died in great horror with crying and roaring.
14. I am loath this letter should stand alone, and therefore will second it with another (though nothing of this nature) which I may call a private-public one, private for the Subject, public for the use thereof. First to acquaint us with the character of Magdalene College, and generally of all Oxford, (not to say England ) in those days, secondly to show that though M r . Fox came not up in all particulars to cleave the pin of Conformity (as refusing to subscribe) yet he utterly distasted the factious People of that age. Lastly, that the Papists who miscalled him John Lack-latin may appear as so many Lack-Truths by his fluent and familiar language.
15. Only a word to the Read r, informing him with the cause of this letter. Samuel his eldest Son, Bachelor of Arts, and Fellow of Magdalene College in Oxford, travelled beyond the Seas, without leave either from Father or College. At his return he was causelessly accused for a Papist, and expelled the College by a Faction of people, whose names I had rather the Reader should take from M r . Fox his pen then mine own. And now as once Tully pro domo sua strained all the nerves of his Rhetoric, so see here how Pathetically this old man pro filio suo writes to a reverend Bishop of the Church.
QUando, quomodo, quibus verbis, qua dicendi sigura pares agam gratias singulari vixque credibili humanitati tuae (Vir reverende, idemque Doclissime Praesul) qua me miserum tot, tantisque aerumnis obsitum, imo obrutum, literis tam amanter scriptis, & erigere jacentem, & ereclum, resocillare volueris. In quo pulchre tu quidem hoc exemplo represeatas, quid sit vere Episcopum agere in Domo Domini. Quid enim Antistetem vere Chrisianum, veriùs vel arguit, vel commendat insigniùs, quà n charitas toties in Christianis literis exhibita. Aut ubinam haec ipsa charitas vim suam poterit illustriùs explicare, quam in sacro hoc consolandi officio, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Vsque adeo tot simul adversae res omnem mihi & constantiam & patientiam pene expectorabunt. Cui enim, quamlibet adamantinum pectus, non consterneret inaúdita haec hominum ingratissimorum inhumanitas, in ea presertim Academia, eóque Collegio, unde nihil unquam minùs expectabam quàm tale aliquid ab iis mihi eventurum. Quos si non meae seneclutis & paupertatis ratio commovere, at ipsorum tamen vel humanitas, vel literarum, quas profitentur, consuetudo polire ad humaniorem modestiam debuisset. Quod autem de meis, vel erga illos, vel erga alios meritis, honoranda tua pietas humanissime praedicat in eo 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 satis contemplor; In me nihil agnosco eorum quae tribuis. Illud confiteor, semper cavisse me sedulo, ut si minùs prodesse multis licuerit, ne sciens tamen obessem cuiquam, tum minime vero omnium Magdalensibus, quo magis id mihi admirationi habetur, quis tam turbulentus Genius factiosa ista Puritanorum capita afflaverit, ut sic violatis gratiarum legibus, spretis meis adse literis & precibus, contempta ipsius Praesidis intercessione, nulla praemissa admonitione, nec causa reddita, tantam hanc in me, filiumque tyrannidem exercuerint. Atqui vero ut hoc ijs concedam, non tam purum esse & immunem ab omni naevo filium meum, atque sunt isti terpuri Puritani. At in his tamen naevis illius, nullum adhuc comperi 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 tam magnum, quàm majores forte 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in moribus ipsorum conspicere liceat. Et ubi interim fraterna illa inter fratres admonitio, quam tantopere exigit Evangelica cautio, ubi disciplina illa Apostolica 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ? Certe plusquam atrox facinus intercedat oportet, quod tam atroci ejectionis vindicatione luendum sit; sed latet in hac herba alius fortasse anguis, quam quia isti proferre non advent, ego in lucem producam. Flagrat Collegium hoc horribili factione, cujus altera pars propensioribus studiis incumbit in suum Praesidentem. Altera istorum est quos dico 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , qui modis omnibus dant operam ut partes sui Praesidis labefactent, ipsumque vel in suam redigant potestatem, vel seed prorsus evertant. Quia vero filius meus cum altero ejus Collega, Praefecto suo ita, ut par erat, inclinatior videbatur, propterea societate exhaeredatur. Accedit huic & alia causa, quam tam filio quam mihi ipsi imputo.
Quod si enim is essem, qui perbacchari cum eis contra Episcopos, & Archi-Episcopos, aut scribam me praebere illorum ordini, hoc est, insanire cum illis voluissem, nunquam istos in me aculeos exacuissent. Nunc quia totus ab ijs alienus partes illas sectari maluerim, quae modestiae sunt, & publicae tranquillitatis, hinc odium in me conceptum jam diu, in hanc demum efferbuit acerbitatem. Quod cùm ita sit, non jam quid mea causa velitis facere, id postulo, quin potius quid vestra ipsorum causa cogitandum sit, Vos qui Proceres estis ecclesiae etiam atque etiam deliberatae Quod ad me autem attinet, quamvis erepta filio societas haud leni affieit animum aegritudine, tamen quia res privata agitur, hoc fero moderatiùs. Magis me commovet publicae Ecclesiae ratio. Videor enim suboriri quoddam hontinum genus, qui si invalescant, viresque in hoc Regno colligant, piget hîc refer, quid futurae perturbationis praesagit mihi animus; Olim sub Monachorum fucata hypocrisi quanta sit nata lues Religioni Christianae, minime ignorat prudentia tua, Nunc in istis nescio quod novum Monachorum genus reviviscere videtur, tanto illis perniciosius, quanto calidiore fallendi artificio sub praetextu perfectionis personati isti Histriones gravius occultant venenum, qui dum omnia exigunt ad strictissimae suae disciplinae, & conscientiae gnomones, haud videntur prius desituri, donec omnia in Judaicam redigant servitutem. Sed de ijs alius sortassis pleniore manu 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 .
Interim celeberimae tuae dignitati Vir honorande, cum publico ecclesiae nomine, & animum istum, & sedem quam tenes merito gratulor, tum mea privatim causa ob singular tuum in me studium gratias habeo permaximas; Precorque Dominum omnium gratiarum fontem cumulatissimum, ut ecclesiam suam periculosissimis ijs temporibus propugnet ac tueatur, ut Pastores se dignos foveat, provehatque, tum intra istos, Te inprimis sacris ipsius bonis, donisque indies magis magisque locupletet, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Amplissime, juxta ac ornatissime Praesul,
Tuus in Christo 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Joannes Foxus.
If this good man appeareth too passionate herein, score it neither on his old age, nor on his affection to his Son, but on the unjust affront offered unto him, who at last was restored Fellow by the Queen her Mandate, and he privately cast out by a Faction, to his great disgrace, was publicly brought in again by authority, to his greater reputation.
16. We may plainly perceive by this letter, how powerful the Party of Non-conformists was grown at this time, and to what violences and extravagancies some went in their practices, insomuch that D r . Humphred then President of Mandlins, and M r . Fox himself (both which scrupled subscription in some particulars) were deserted by them as Luke-warm and remiss in the Cause. Yea even of those who were Duriores Puritani, all were not equally rigid, but Coleman, Burton, Hallingham, and Benson out-did all of their own opinions. Thus those loaves which are ejusdem farinae (of the same meal, yea of one Batch, out of the same Oven ) are not all hard and crustie alike.
17. The death of Matthew Parker, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, added much to their increase. He was a Parker indeed, careful to keep the fences, and shut the gates of Discipline against all such Night-Stealers as would invade the same. No wonder then if the tongues and pens of many were whetted against Him, whose complaints are beheld by discreet men, like the exclamations of Truantly-Scholars against their Masters severity, correcting them for their faults. This Arch-Bishop was an excellent Antiquarie (without any Anticknesse ) a great Benefactour to Bennet College in Cambridge, on which he bestowed many Manuscripts, so that that Librarie (for a private one) was the Sun of English Antiquity in those days, though now no more then the Moon, since that of S r . Robert Cottons is risen up.
18. But a large Author, though not daring to deny due praises to his memory, causelessly taxed him for being too Ponteficall in his Buildings and Feastings. Particularly he charged him, that whereas the Pope thundered out an Excommunication against Queen Elizabeth,