Church History of Britain

SECTION VII.

BUt now a Session of Parliament was held at Westminster, wherein the House of Comm • ns presented to the Lord's Spiritual and Temporal a Petition. Complaining how many Parishes, especially in the North of England and Wales, were destitute of Preachers, and no care taken to supply them. Sixteen were the particulars, whereof, the six first were against insufficient Ministers, very earnestly pressing their taking the same into their serious consideration, for speedy redress of the grievances therein contained.

Of all these particulars the house fell most fiercely on the Debate of Pluralities, and (the effect thereof) Non-Residents.

2. Arch-Bishop Whitgift pleaded, that licences for Non-Residency, were at the present but seldom granted. And yet in way of recovering health by changing of Air, of study for a time in th • University, of mortal enmity borne by some in the parish, of prosecution of Law, or of being employed in public Affairs, they cannot be wholly abrogated. That there were in England four thousand five hundred Benefices with Cure, not above ten, and most of them under eight pounds in the first fruits-book, which cannot be furnished with able Pastors, as the Petitioners desire, because of the smallness of their livings. Moreover he affirmed, that what ever was pretended to the contrary, England at that time flourished with able Ministers more then ever before, yea had more then all Christendom besides.

3. The Lord Grey rejoined to this Assertion of more learned Ministers in the Church of England then ever heretofore, nay then in all the reformed Churches in Christendom, this, That it was not to he attributed to the Bishops or their actions, but to God, who now opened the hearts of many to see into the truth, and that the Schools were better observed.

4. The Lord Treasurer Burghley seeming to moderate betwixt them, after a long and learned oration concluded, that he was not so scrupuleus, as absolutely to like of the bill against Pluralities without any exception: for he did favor both learning, and wished a competent reward to it. And therefore could like, and allow a learned man to have two Benefices, so they were both in ene parish, that is to say, in one Diocese, and not one in the Diocese of Winchester, and another in the North, where the several Diocesans would have no regard of them, whereas being both in one Diocese, the Bishop would look unto them.

5. Here it was signified that her Majesty was acquainted with the matter, and that she was very forward to redress the faults, and therefore required the Bishops, not to binder her good and gracious purpose, for that her Majesty would confer with them.

6. The Lord Gray again said, he greatly wondered at her Majesty that she would make choice to conser with those who were all enemies to Reformation; for that it merely touched their freeholds, and therefore he thought it good, the house should make choice of some to be joined with them; Also he wished the Bishops might be served as they were in in King Henry the 8 ^th days, when as in the case of praemunire they were all thrust out of doors.

7. Then the Lord Treasurer said, that the Bishops if they were wise would themselves be humble suitors to her Majesty, to have some of the Temporal Lord's joined with them.

8. The Lord Chamberlain utterly disliked the Lord Grayes motion, alleging that it was not to be liked of, that the Lord's should appoint her Majesty any to confer withal, but that it should be left to her own election.

9. Matters flying thus high, the Arch-Bishop, with the rest of the Clergy, conceived it the safest way to apply themselves by Petition to the Queen, which they presented as followeth.

To the Petition were annexed a catalogue of those inconveniences to the State present, State to come, Cathedral Churches, Universities to her Majesty, to Religion, in case pluralities were taken away, here too large, to be inserted. So that in effect, nothing was effected, as in relation to this matter, but things left in sta • u quo prius, at the dissolution of this Parliament.

10. Amongst the mortalities of this year, most remarkable the death of Richard Barns Bishop of Durham, one commendable in himself, but much suffering for the corruption, and viciousness of John Barns his brother and Chancellor. This Bishop was bred in Brasen-nose College, made Suffragan of Nottingham, (the last I believe who wore that title,) and behaved himself very gravely in his Diocese. A great friend at last to Bernard Gilpin, (though at first by some ill instruments incensed against him) and seeing they were loving in their lives, their memories in my Book shall not be divided, though I confess the later died some three years before.

11. This Bernard Gilpin, born of a right worshipful family, at Kentmir • in Westmorland, had Cuthbert Tonstali Bishop of Durham for his great Uncle, he was bred first in Queens Colledgs, then Christ's-Church in Oxford, and no doubt the prayers of Peter Martyr conduced to his conversion, to be a Protestant. For he hearing this Gilpin dispute cordially on the Popish party, desired of God that so good affections might not be misguided, and at last obtained his desire.

12. He Weathered out the Raign of Queen Mary; partly with his travels beyond the seas, (chiefly residing at Lovain, and Paris ) partly, after his return by the favor of his Uncle Tonstall. Before whom he was often cited, (chiefly about the Eucharist) but was discharged by confessing the real presence, and that the manner thereof transcended his apprehension. Tonstall not enforcing him to the particularity of Transubstantiation, as using himself to complain on Pope Innocent, for defining, de modo to be an article of faith. However his foes so hardly beset him, that once he ordered his servant to provide for him a long shroud, not for his winding, but burning sheet, as expecting at last he should be brought to the stake for his religion. But men may make clothes either for mirth or for mourning, whilst God alone orders whether or no they shall wear them.

13. After the coming of Queen Elizabeth to the Crown, he with more earnestness refused a Bishopric, then others affected it. His parsonage at Haughton, as it might seem a Bishops Palace for building, so was it no less for hospitality. Fourteen Villages belonging to that mother Church, the poor whereof (besides many others) were daily relieved at his door, twenty Scholars he commonly boarded in his house, which seemed a little College. In a word, he was commonly called Father Gilpin, and well deserved it, for his paternal affections to all. Making his yearly progress into Rheadsdale, and Tinsdale in Northumberland, (where people sat in darkness of ignorance, and shadow of death) and instructing them by his heavenly preaching.

14. Now began that fatal yearl generally foretold that it would be wonderful as it proved no less. Whence the Astrologers fetched their intelligence hereof; whether from Heaven, or Hell, from other Stars, or from Lucifer alone, is uncertain: this is most sure, that this prediction, though hitting the mark, yet missed their meaning, who both first reported, and most believed it. Out comes their invincible Navy and Army, perfectly appointed for both Elements, Water, and Land, to Sail and March complete in all warlike Equipage: so that formerly, with far less provision, they had conquered another new world. Mighty was the bulk of their ships, the sea seeming to groan under them, (being a burden to it, as they went, and to themselves, before they returned) with all manner of artillery, prodigious in number, and greatness, so that the report of their guns do still, and ought ever, to sound in the ears of the English, not to fright them with any terror, but to fill them with deserved thankfulness.

15. It is said of Sennacherib, coming against Jerusalem with his numerous army, by the way that he came shall he return, and shall not come into this City saith the Lord: as the later part of his threatening was verified here, no Spantard setting foot on English ground, under other notion then a prisoner; so, God did not them the honor to return the same way, who coming by South-East, a way they knew, went back by South-West, a way they sought, chased by our ships, past the 57 ^t h Degree of Northen Latitude, then and there left to be pursued after by hunger and cold. Thus having tasted the English valor in conquering them, the Scotch constancy in not relieving them, the Irish cruelty in barbarous butchering them, the small reversion of this great navy which came home, might be looked upon by religious eyes, as relics, not for the adoration, but instruction of their nation hereafter, not to account anything invincible which is less then infinite.

16. Such as lose themselves by looking on second causes impute the Spanish ill success, partly to the Prince of Parma, who either mind-bound or wind-bound, staying himself, or stopped by the Hollander, would or could not come to their seasonable succor, and partly to the Duke of Medina's want of commission to fight with the English, (save on the defensive) till joined with Parma. Thus when God will have a design defeated, amidst the plenty, yea superfluity of all imaginable necessaries, some unsuspected one shall be wanting to frustrate all the rest. We will not mention (save in due distance of helps) the industry, and loyalty of the Lord H • ward Admiral, the valor of our captains, the skill of our pilots, the activity of our ships, but assign all to the goodness of God, as Queen Elizabeth did. Leave we her in the Choir of Paul's church, devoutly on her knees with the rest of her Nobles in the same humble posture, returning their unseigned thanks to the God and giver of all victory, whilst going abroad, we shall find some of her subjects worse employed in implacable enmity about Ecclesiastical discipline one against another. And let not the mentioning of this deliverance be censured as a deviation from the Church-History of Britain. Silence thereof being a sin, for had the design took effect, neither Protestant Church in Britain had remained, nor History thereof been made at this present.

17. But bullets did not fly about so much at sea, as bastardly Libels by land, so fitly called, because none durst father them, for their issue. They are known, though not by their Parents, by their names.

• 1 The Epitome
• 2 The demonstration of discipline
• 3 The Supplication
• 4 Diotrephes
• 5 The Minerals
• 6 Have you any work for the (Cooper?
• 7 Martin Seignior
• 8 Martin Junior
  • Marprelate.
• 9 More work for the Cooper (&c.

The main drift and scope of these pamphlets, for know one and know all (these foul mouthed papers, like Blackmoors, did all look alike) was to defame and disgrace the English Prelates, scoffing at them for their garb, gate, apparel, vanities of their youth, natural defects, and personal infirmities; it is strange how secretly they were printed, how speedily dispersed, how generally bought, how greedily read, yea and how firmly believed, especially of the common sort, to whom no better music then to hear their betters upbraided.

18. Some precise men of that side thought these jeering pens well employed. For having formerly, (as they say) tried all serious and sober means to reclaim the Bishops, which hitherto proved ineffectual: they thought it not amiss to try this new way, that whom they could not in earnest make odious, in sport they might render ridiculous. Wits will be working, and such as have a Satirical vein, cannot better vent it then in lashing of sin. Besides, they wanted not a warrant (as they conceived) in Holy Writ, where it was no soloecisme to the gravity of Elijah to mock Baals priests out of their superstition chiefly, this was conceived would drive on their design, strengthen their party by working on the people's affections, which were marvelously taken with the reading thereof.

19. But the more discreet and devout sort of men, even of such as were no great friends to the Hierarchy, upon solemn debate then resolved, (I speak on certain knowledge from the mouths of such whom I must believe) that for many foul falsehoods therein suggested, such Books were altogether unbeseeming a pious spirit, to print, publish, or with pleasure peruse, which supposed true both in matter and measure, charity would rather conceal, then discover. The best of men being so conscious of their own badness, that they are more careful to wash their own faces, then busy to throw dirt on others. Any man may be witty in a bitting way, and those that have the dullest brains, have commonly the sharpest teeth to that purpose. But such carnal mirth, whilst it tickles the flesh, doth wound the s • ul. And which was the main, these base books would give a great advantage to the general foe, and Papists would make too much use thereof against Protestant religion especially seeing an Arch-Angel thought himself too good to bring, and Satan not bad enough to have railing speeches brought against him.

20. Bu • leaving private men to abound in their own sense, how highly the state (as it then stood) distasted these books, will plainly appe • by the heavy censures inflicted on such as were but accessatie thereunto. To pass by John Henry, and John Udall ministers, accused for making some of them, (of whom in due place) together with the Printers, and Humphry Newman, a Cohler▪ chief disperser of them: The Star • -Chamber deeply sined S ^r . Richard Knightly, and S ^r . 〈◊〉 Wigstow for entertaining and receiving the Press Gentlemen, whom their adverse • rt • s allow qualified with piety, gravity, and wisdom, which made many admire how their discretion could be deluded, and more bemoan that their goodness should be abused • y others, who had designs upon them. Here • rch-Bishop Whitgist bestirr'd himself to improve his interest with the Queen, till his importunity had angered her & till his importunity had pleased her again, that they might be delivered out of prison, and eased of their fines, which upon their submission was performed. Whose mildness to mediate for his adversaries, as it was highly commended by some, so there wanted not those, who imputed his moderation therein to declining of envy, gaining of applause, and remorse of his own conscience for over rigorous proceedings: it being no charity to cure the wound he hath caused, and solicit the remitting of those fines, which he had procured to be imposed. Thus impossible it is to please froward spirits, and to make them like the best deed, who dislike the doer thereof; and if any desire to know the motions and stages of the Press, which printed these books, know it was first set up at Moul • y near Kingston in Surrey, thence conveyed 〈◊〉 Fausly in Northamotonshire, thence to Norton, and afterwards to Coventry Hence it was removed to Welstone in Warwick-shire, whence the Letters were sent to another Pr • ss, in or near Manchester, and there discovered by Henry Earl of Da • by, in the printing of more work for the C • oper. No wonder then if many 〈◊〉 were committed by this (call it as you please P • lgr • me or Vagabond ) Press, when itself was ever in a wandering and straggling condition.

21. A 〈◊〉 of the Pr • shyterians, of the Warwick-shire Classes, was called at Coventry, ai • oectmo, quart • ; that is, on the 10 ^t h of April: wherein the questions, brought the last year from the Brethren of Cambridge Syn • d, were resolved in manner as followeth.

Likewise in the same assembly the aforesaid Book of discipline was approved to be a draught essential and necessary for all times; and certain articles (devised in approbation, and for the manner of the use thereof,) were brought forth, treated of, and subscribed unto, by M ^r . Cartwright, and others, and afterwards tendered far and near to the several Classes, for a general ratification of all the Brethren.

22. Now if Rebekah found herself strangely affected when twinns struggled in her womb, the condition of the English Church must be conceived sad, which at the same time had two disciplines, both of them pleading Scripture and Primitive practice, each striving to support itself, and suppress it's rivall. The Hierarchy commanded by authority, established by law, confirmed by general practice, and continued so long by custom in this land, that had one at this time lived the age of Methuselah he could not remember the beginning thereof in Britain. The Presbytery, though wanting the stamp of authority, claiming to be the purer metal founded by some Clergy men, favored by many of the Gentry, and followed by more of the Common sort, who being prompted with that natural principle, that the weakest side must be most watchful, what they wanted in strength, they supplied in activity. But what won them most repute, was their Ministers painful preaching in populous places: It being observed in England, that those who hold the Helme of the pulpit, always steer people's hearts as they please. The worst is, that in matters of fact, all relations in these times are relations, I mean much resent of party and interest to the prejudice of truth. Let me mind the Reader to reflect his eye on our Quotations, (the Margin, in such cases being as material as the Text, as containing the authors) and his judgment may, according to the credit or reference of the Author alleged believe, or abate, from the reputation of the report. Let me add, that though it be a lie in the Clock, it's but a falsehood in the Hand of the Diall, when pointing at a wrong hour, if rightly following the direction of the wheel which moveth it. And the fault is not mine, if • truly cite what is false on the credit of another. The best certainty in this kind we are capable of, is, what we find in the confessions of the parties themselves, deposed on oath, taken by public notaries, and recorded in court: for such, who herein will fly higher for true intelligence, then the Starr-Chamber, must fetch it from heaven himself.

23. In that Court we find confessed by one M ^r . Johnson, (formerly a great Presbyterian, but afterwards, it seems falling from that side, he discovered many passages to their disadvantage) how that when the Book of Discipline came to Northampton to be subscribed unto, there was a general censuring used amongst the brethren there, as it were to sanctify themselves; partly by sustaining a kind of penance and reproof for their former conformity to the Orders of the Church; and partly to prepare their minds for the devout accepting of the aforesaid Book. In which course of censuring used at that time, there was such a ripping up one of another's life, even from their youth, as that they came to bitterness, and reviling terms amongst themselves; one growing thereby odious to another, and some did thereupon utterly forsake those kinds of Assemblies. O, how woeful the 〈◊〉 of the English Church, whilst her 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 her ministers, and under- • owers, some tugged it one way, and others towing it another; enough almost to split her in pieces, with the violence of their contrary Discipline.

24. Leave we them for a while, to behold how the Popish Clergy were employed, who in the beginning of this year, were as busy as Bees, newly ready to swarm. A Book was set forth called the admonition, dispersed amongst Catholics, and highly cried up, consisting of several Parts, not unfit to be here recited.

1. The Authors make their entrance into the discourse, with a most odious and shameful declamation against her Majesty, stirring up her subjects hearts to contempt of her highness, as being one odious to God and man.

They threaten the Nobility, Gentry &c. with loss of all their goods, their Lands, their Lives, and with damnation besides; except that presently upon the landing of the Spaniards, they joined themselves, and all their forces, men, munition, victuals, and whatsoever else they could make with their Catholic Army, (forsooth) for the words be these.

2. After all those, and many other such threats, in a high and military style, to scarr fools with, then they come to some more mild persuasions, and promise the noble men, that so they join with the duke of PARMA upon the receipt of their Admonition, they will entreat that their whole houses shall not perish. For Persons did instigate the English Cardinal to swear by his Honor, and in the word of a Cardinal, that in the fury of their intended Massacre, their should as great care be taken of every Catholic and penitent person, as possibly could be, and that he was made a Cardinal of purpose to be sent then into England for the sweet managing of those Affairs.

3. Other arguments they used drawn from the certainty of the victory, as that all the Protestants would either turn their Coats, Copies, arms, or fly away, in fear and torment of the Angel of God prosecuting them; that although none of her Majesty's subjects should assist the Spaniards, yet their own forces, which they brought with them were strong enough, their provision sufficient, their appointment so surpassing: that they had more expert Captains, then her Majesty had good soldiers, all resolute to be in the Cause, which they had undertaken: that the Blood of all the blessed Bishops shed in this Land, and all the saints in heaven prayed for the Spaniards victory, that all the virtuous Priests of our Country, both at Home and Abroad, had stretched forth their sacred hands to the same end: that many priests were in the Camp to serve every spiritual man's necessity: that their forces were guarded with all God's Holy Angels; with Christ himself in the sovereign Sacrament, and with the daily most holy oblation, of Christ's own dear body and blood: that the Spaniards being thus assisted with so many helps, though they had been never so few they could not lose, and that her Majesty and her Assistants wanting these helps, although they were never so fierce, never so proud, never so many, never so well appointed, yet they could not prevail. Fear you not (say they to such as would take their part) they cannot. And thus far out of their said Jesuitical Admonition.

The Book goes under the name of Cardinal Allen, though the secular Priests say he was but the Cloak-father thereof, and that Parsons the Jesuit made it. Others conceive it equivocally begotten, as the result and extract of several brains. No doubt had the Spanish Invasion succeeded, happy he who could have laid claim to so prophetical a piece: and they would have fallen out as the two Harlots about the living Child, who should have been Parent thereof. Whereas now on the miscarriage of their great Navy, all disclaimed the Book, and Parsons procured the whole impression to be burnt, (save some few sent abroad before hand to his friends) that it might not remain a monument of their falsehood. And now the Popish Priests, some lurkit here in holes, other fled into foreign parts, their confusion being the greater for their former confidence. Thus Sisera comes off the more coldly, when stripped out of the garment of divers colors wherewith his mother had arrayed him, in her fancy running faster, then the wheels of her sons Chariot to his imaginary conquest.

25. This year died Edwin Sands Arch-Bishop of York, born in Lancashire of worshipful Parentage, bred in Cambridge, banished to Germany, after this promoted to be Bishop of Worcester, then succeeded Grindal in London, and York, an excellent and painful preacher, and of a pious and Godly life, which increased in his old age, so that by a great and good stride, whilst he had one foot in the Grave, he had the other in Heaven. He was buried in Southwell, and it is hard to say, whether he was more eminent in his own Virtues, or more happy in his Flourishing Posterity.

26. The next year produced not any great Church matters in its self, but was only preparatory to the ripening of business, and raising the charges against the principal Patrons of Nonconformity. Indeed Arch-Bishop Whitgift according to his constant custom and manner, repaired daily to the Council-Table early in the morning, and after an usual apprecation of a Good-morrow to the Lord's, he requested to know if there were any Church business to be debated, and if the answer were returned in the Affirmative, He stayed and attended the issue of the matter. But if no such matter appeared, he craved leave to be dispensed withal, saying, Then my Lord's, here is no need of me, and departed. A commendable practice clearing himself from all aspersions of civil-pragmaticallness, and tending much to the just support of his reputation.

27. On the first of September M ^r . Cartwright, Bachelor in Divinity, was brought before Her Majesty's Commissioners, there to take his oath, and give in his positive answer to the following Articles.

These Articles were tendered to M ^r . Cartwright in the Consistory of Paul's, before John Almare Bishop of London, the two Lord Chief Justices, Justice Gawdy, Sergeant Puckering (afterwards Lord keeper ) and Attorney-General Popham.

28. These Commissioners did move him to give in his answer (the rather because the chief points in the Jnterrogatories were delivered in general terms unto him) and they severally assured him on their credits, that by the Laws of the Realm, he was to take his oath, and to answer as he was required. But M ^r . Cartwright desired to be born withal; pleading, that he thought he was not bound by the laws of God so to do. Hereupon he was sent to the rest of his brethren to the Fleet, where he secretly, and silently took up his lodging; many admiring at the panic peaceableness, and so quiet a calm, where so violent a tempest was feared to arise.

29. Some soon after expected the appearance of the Presbyterian party, accounting it more valor to free, than to keep their friends from prison. The rather, because of a passage in a letter of M ^r . Wigingtons to one M ^r . Porter at Lancaster.

Words variously expounded, as men's fancies directed them. Some conceived that this Bickering, and Battle did barely import a passive conflict, wherein their patience was to encounter the power of their adversaries, and to conquer by suffering. Parallel to the Apostles words Without were fightings, meaning combats to wrestle with in many difficulties opposing their proceedings. Others expounded the words literally (not of a tame, but wild Battle ) and of some intended violence, as if shortly they would muster their (hitherto invisible) forces to storm the Fleet, and rescue their friends therein. A third sort beheld Wigington the writer of these words, as one, but of the soberer sort of distracted men, and therefore in vain do stai'd heads make serious comments on light men's random-expressions, where the knot is neither to be untied, nor cut, but east away.

30. Now the principal pillars of the Presbyterian party, being some in restraint, more in trouble, all in fear; applied themselves by their secret solicitors to James King of Scotland, and procured his letter to the Queen in their behalf, seconded with another to the same effect. They conceived so potent a Petitioner must needs prevail, especially in this juncture of time; the Queen having lately (since she put his mother to death) Adulced him with fair language, and kind carriage. This Letter was sent to one M ^r . Johnson a Scotch Merchant in London, by him presented to the Queen, perused by her Majesty, and remitted to her Privy-Council; but behold the Tenour thereof.

This letter prevailed little with the Queen, nor do I find that the king of Scotland was discontented thereat. Princes politically understanding their mutual secret language (not to say silent signs) whose desires to for reign Princes for private persons carry this tacit reservation, if it may stand with the conveniency and pleasure of him to whom it is written. Besides, they know by their own experience, that often there is the least of themselves in their own letters, as granted merely for quietness sake to satisfy the importunity of others.

31. One word from Arch. BP. Whitgift befriended M ^r . Cartwright more then both the letters from the King of Scotland. This Prelate reflecting on his abilities, and their ancient acquaintance in Trinity College: and remembering (as an honorable Adversary) they had brandished pens one against another, and considering that both of them now were well stricken in years, and (some will say) fearing the success in so tough a conflict, on M ^r . Cartwrights general promise to be quiet, procured his dismission out of the Starr-Chamber, and prison wherein he was confined. Henceforward M ^t . Cartwright became very peaceable, not that he began to desert the cause, but the cause him. The Original state of the point of Non-conformity being much altered and disguised from its self, and many state businesses (which M ^r . Cartwright disclaimed) by turbulent spirits shuffled into it.

32. Next followeth the just death of Hacket for his damnable Blasphemy, and I am sensible of a sad dilemma concerning the same. For not relating the story, will be interpreted favoring of him, and wronging the truth. Relating it, may be accounted gracing his impieties by recording them. And seeing it hard for one soul to attend two things at once, some will say, no Author can write and detest, nor Reader peruse and detest these his blasphemies so at the same instant, but that there will be a short interval betwixt them, yet long enough to have Piety wounded therein. However arming our selves and others with caution premised, we enter on this sorrowful subject. The rather because the best may be bettered by the worst of men. When considering that natural corruption in their hearts, is not less head • rong, but more bridled. Think not that Hacket and his two Companions were worse by nature then all others of the English nation. I tell you nay, for if God's restraining grace be taken from us we shall all run unto the same excess of riot.

33. This William Hacket was born it Oundale in Northampton-shire, of so cruel and fierce a nature, that he is reported to have bit off, and eat down the nose of his Schoolmaster. A Maulster by trade, which calling being too narrow for his active soul; He undertook to be a Discoveror of, & Informer against Recusants. An employment which often procured his admittance into the presence of great persons, when his betters were excluded. One of a bold and confident nature, who though but an invited guest where many Clergy men were present, would always presume to say grace and pray before them. A great stickler for the Geneva discipline, being very great with Wigginton and other the most violent of that faction. Always inculcating that some extraordinary course must be presently taken with the obstructors thereof. Once he desperately took his dagger and violently struck the same into the picture of the Queen, aiming at her heart therein by proportion. He pretended also to revelations, Immediate Raptures and discourses with God, as also to buffetings of Satan, attesting the truth thereof, with most direful oaths and execrations.

34. One Argument Hacket used to allege to prove his own Invulnerability, Because he proffered leave to any one to kill him that would. The cunning Imposter knowing full well that it was death for any to do it, being secured from such violence, not by any secret quality in himself, but by the good laws of the Queen, against whom he so bitterly enveighed. He railed also against the Arch-Bishop Whitgift and Chancellor Hatton, with other of the Privy Counselors, pretending himself sent from Heaven to reform Church and State, and bring in a new discipline into both by extraordinary means.

35. Afterwards he gave it out, that the principal spirit of the Messias rested in him, and had two Attendants. Edmund Coppinger (the Queens servant and one of good descent) for his prophet of mercy. And Henry Arthington a York-shire Gentleman for his prophet of Judgment. These proclaimed out of a Cart in Cheap-side, that Christ was come in Hacket, with his fan in his hand, to purge the godly from the wicked, with many other precedent, concomitant and consequent impieties. For who can otherwise conceive but such a prince-principal of Darkness must be proportionably attended with a black guard of monstrous Opinions and expressions. They cried also, Repent England, Repent. Good counsel for all that heard, but best for them that gave it. With much ado (such the press of people) they got home to broken-wharf where Hacket lay, and next day all three were sent to Bridewell, though some conceived Bedlam the more proper place for them. And some days after, Hacket being solemnly arraigned before the Judges at Westminster, demeaned himself very scornfully, but was found guilty on a double inditement and condemned.

36. During his imprisonment in Bridewell, one D ^r . Childerly Rector of S ^t . Dunstans in the East repaired unto him, and proffered to gripe arms with him and try the wrists, which Hacket unwillingly submitted to do. Though otherwise boasting himself invulnerable and impenetrable. The Doctor (though with some difficulty, Hacket being a foul strong lubber, yet) fairly twisted his wrists almost to the Breaking thereof, but not to the bowing of him to any confession or remorse. Whilst the other presently hasteth home to his house, locked himself up in his Study, and with fasting and prayer begged pardon of God for his pride and boldness, that having neither promised precept, or precedent for his practice in scripture, he should adventure on such a trial wherein justly he might have been worsted for his presumption, and discreet men will more commend the relenting tenderness of his heart, then the slight and strength of his hands.

37. Hacket was brought to the Gibbet near to the Cross in Cheap-side, and there 〈◊〉 forth most blasphemous execrations, till the halter stopped his breath. I know what one Lawyer pleadeth in his behalf, though it be little credit to be the Advocate of such a Client, That the Bishops had made 〈◊〉 m • dd with persecuting of him. Sure it was, if he were mad, not any 〈◊〉 but overmuch pride made him so, and sure it is, he discovered no distemper in other particulars, personating at least wise, if not performing all things with a composed gravity. But there is a madness which Physicians count most uncurable, and call it Modesta Insania, when one is mad, as to one particular point alone, whilst serious and sober in all other things. Whether Hacket were not touched with this or no, I will not decide, but leave him to stand or fall to his own master. Coppinger died in Bridewell, starving himself (as it is said) by willful abstinence. Arthington (the prophet of judgment) lived to prove the object of God's and the Queens mercy, and printed a plain book of his hearty repentance. Happy herein that he met with a general belief of his serious sorrow and sincere amendment.

38. This business of Hacket happened very unseasonably for the Presbyterians. True it is, they as cordially detested his blasphemies as any of the Episcopal party. And such of them as loved Hacket the Nonconformist, abhorred Hacket the Heretic, after he had mounted to so high a pitch of Impiety. But (besides the glutenous nature of all aspersions to stick where they light) they could not wash his odium so fast from themselves, but their Adversaries were as ready to rub it on again. This rendered them at this time so hated at Court, That for many months together no Favorite durst present a petition in their behalf to the Queen, being loath to lose himself, to save others, so offended was her Majesty against them.

39. The same day wherein Hacket was executed, Thomas Stone, Parson of Warkton in Northampton-shire (by virtue of an Oath tendered him the day before by the Queens Attorney, and solemnly taken by him) was examined by the Examiner for the Starr-Chamber in Grayes Inn, from six of the clock in the morning, till seven at night, to answer unto thirty three Articles, but could only effectually depose to these which follow, faithfully by me transcribed out of a confession written with his own hand, and lately in my Possession.

I have insisted the longer on this Deposition, because the first and fullest that I find in the kind thereof, containing their Classes more formally settled in Northampton-shire, then anywhere else in England. For as the west part of that shire is observed to be the highest place of England, as appeareth by the Rivers rising there, and running thence to the four winds; so was that County a probable place (as the midst of the land) for the Presbyterian Discipline, there erected, to derive itself into all the quarters of the kingdom.

40. But when the news of Mr. Stones answer was brought abroad, he was generally censured by those of his party, as well such as were yet at liberty, conceiving themselves endangered by his discovery, as by those already in prison, complaining that he added affliction to their bonds. Yea his embracing a different course from the rest, cast an Aspersion on others of his side, as less sound in Judgment, or tender in conscience, because peremptorily concealing, what he thought fitting to confess. Many that highly esteemed him before, hereafter accounted him no precious but a counterfeit stone: So that he found it necessary in his own vindication to impart the reasons of his Confession to such as condemned him, if not for a Traitor, at least for a Coward in the Cause.

• 1. He judged it unlawful to refuse an oath, limited and bounded within the compass of the conferences, being required before a lawful Magistrate in a Plea for the Prince to a lawful end. 1. to try out the truth in a doubtful fact, suspected and feared to be dangerous, both to Church and Common-Weal, but such was that oath which was tendered to him, ergo.
• 2. He being lawfully sworn, judged it unlawful to be mute, much more to speak any untruth.
• 3. If he had not been urged by oath to reveal, yet did he judge that silence unlawful, which justly causeth suspicion of evil, as of Treason, Rebellion, Sedition. &c.
• 4. He judged that concealment unlawful which was not only scandalous, but also dangerous, as this that might occasion and encourage wicked persons to hide their Complices in their worst attempts.
• 5. He judged that the clearing of a doubtful fact, requireth the clearing of the Circumstances, which cannot be cleared till they be known.
• 6. He judged that silence unlawful, which leaveth the truth friendless, or few friends when she hath need of many.
• 7. He judged it a point or note of Puritanism for any to stand so upon the integrity of their own Actions, as that they should not be doubted of, suspected, examined, censured, &c.
• 8. He saw no probability nor possibility in reason to have the circumstances longer concealed. 1. Because many of them are already made known, partly by the letters and writings of the B. in Bonds, which have been intercepted, partly also by certain false brethren, and lastly by certain faithful, but weak brethren, whose confessions are to be seen under their own hands. 2. Because the Magistrate is resolutely set to search them out, and lastly, because divers are to be called and to answer upon Oath, which approve not the concealing of them.
• 9. He judged the inconveniences which come by the concealing, to be (if not moe in number) yet greater in weight, and nore inevitable then those that come by revealings, which as it may appear in some of the former Reasons alleged to prove the unlawfulness of concealing: so may it further appear in these that follow.
• 10. The good name and credit of any (of a Minister much more) ought to be dearer to him, and to all those that love him then his liberty &c. but by this concealing the credit of many good Ministers is eclipsed.
• 11. This concealing hath caused the continuance of some in bonds and imprisonment hitherto, would cause others to be committed, and withal causeth suspicion of evils, Treason, Rebellion, Sedition, &c. and thereby also evil report, slander &c.
• 12. As by concealing the aforesaid suspicion and slander lieth still upon us all which have been in these actions: so doth the same grow every day more grievous by the wicked attempts of hypocrites, and profane persons, which carry the name of Puritans, Precisians &c. as those of late in Cheap-side.
• 13. Although it be very like, that the revealing will bring punishment upon the rest, yet is it not certain nor necessary, but the concealing doth certainly cause suspicion, slalnder &c.
• 14. The concealing argueth either some guiltiness, or at the least some faintness and fear to be seen or known in these Actions.
• 15. It leaveth the truth (which now travaileth) poor, naked, destitute, and void of friends, it casteth the care, credit, countenance, defense and maintenance of it upon those few which are in prison, which ought to be supported and maintained by all.
• 16. It leaveth the burden upon eight or nine men's shoulders, which ought to be eased by many.

What satisfaction this gave to his party I know not, sure I am the Bishops till his dying day beheld him as an ingenuous man, carrying his conscience with the reason thereof in his own breast, and not pinning it on the president of any other: whereupon they permitted him peaceably to possess his parsonage, (being none of the meanest) though he continued a stiff Non conformist, only quietly enjoying his own opinion. Indeed he was a down-right Nathanael, if not guilty of too much of the dove in him: faulty in that defect, wherein more offend in the excess, not minding the world so much, as became a provident parent. But we leave him when we have told the Reader, that he was bred a Student in Christ-Church, and was Proctor of Oxford, Anno 1580, and died quietly an old man Anno 1617 at Warkton in Northampton-shire.

41. Thus one link being slipp'd out, the whole chain was quickly broken and scattered. Stone his discovery mar'd for the future all their formal meetings, as Classically, or Synodically methodized. If any of these Ministers hereafter came together, it was for visits, not visitations; to enjoy themselves, not enjoin others orders to be observed by them.

42. Whereas M ^r Stone confesseth their meeting in Cambridge, with M ^r Chatterton and others, I find some of these others elsewhere specified, namely M ^r Perkins, and M ^r Thomas Harrison, afterwards the reverend Vice-Master of Trinity-College, both of them concurring, though neither of them very active in this cause. M ^r Perkins, whatsoever his judgment was in point of Church-discipline, never publicly meddled with it in his preaching; and, being pressed by others about the lawfullness of subscription, he declined to manifest his opinion therein, glad to enjoy his own quiet, and to leave others to the liberty of their own consciences. Solomon's observation found truth in him, When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him; whose piety procured freedom to his preaching, and fair respect to his person, even from those who in affections differed, and in opinion dissented from him: for all held Perkins for a Prophet; I mean for a painful, and faithful dispenser of God's will in his word.

43. But I am weary of writing these sad dissensions in our Church, and fain would pass over to some more pleasing subject: from the renting of God's Church, to the repairing of it, from the confounding thereof, to the founding, and building, of some eminent place for learning, and religion. But finding none of that nature this very year in England, I am fain to seek one beyond the seas, and at last have lighted on the University, and College of Dublin, which now began to be erected.

44. Anciently Ireland was the Seminary of Saints, people from all parts of Christendom repairing thither, there to find, and thence to fetch the perfect pattern of Monastical devotion. Many hundred years after, namely, in the Reign of King Edward the Second, Alexander Bickner, ArchBishop of D • blin, obtained license of the Pope, to erect an University in Dublin; but the design succeeded not according to his desire, and others expectation. Now at the last the same was effected by Royal Authority, and a College there erected, and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. This mindeth me of a pleasant passage: In the Reign of King Henry the eighth, it was enjoined, that all Churches dedicated to S ^t Thomas Becket, should be new named, and consigned over to some real Saint. Now whilst country people sat in consultation, what new Saint such Churches should assume, being divided in their opinions, to whom the same should be dedicated, an old man gave this advice. Even dedicate it to the Holy Trinity, which will last and continue, when all other Saints may chance to be taken away.

45. Many eminent persons concurred to advance so worthy a work. And because we are to speak of a College, wherein seniority takes place, we will rank these persons, not according to their dignity, but time of their benefaction.

• 1. Henry Usher, then Arch-Deacon of Dublin, bred in Cambridge (afterward Arch-Bishop of Armagh, and uncle to James Usher the present Arch-Bishop thereof) took a journey with much danger into England, and with more difficulty procured the Mort-main from
• 2. Queen Elizabeth, who graciously granted it, naming the Corporation, Collegium Sanctae ac Individuae Trinitatis, ex fundatione Reginae Elizabethae, juxta Dublin.
• 3. William Cicill Baron of Burleigh, and treasurer of England, is appointed in the Mort-main first Chancellor of the University, as being an active instrument to procure the same.
• 4. S ^r William Fitz-Williams, Lord Deputy of Ireland (whose Arms are deservedly graven over the College gate) issued out his letters for collection to all the Counties in Ireland, to advance so good a design; and the Irish (though then generally Papists) were very bountiful thereunto.
• 5. M ^r Luke Chaloner, Fellow of Trinity College in Cambridge, received, and disbursed the monies, had the oversight of the fabric, which he faithfully procured to be finished, meriting that verse inscribed on his fair monument in Dublin College Chapel, built by his daughter.
  Conditur hoc Tumulo Chaloneri triste Cadaver,

  Cujus ope, & precibus, conditur ista domus.
  This Tomb within it here contains,

  Of Chalnor the sad Remains.

  By whose prayer, and helping hand,

  This House erected here doth stand.
• 6. The Major, and Aldermen of Dublin, bestowed on the College the sight thereof (with some accommodations of considerable grounds about it) being formerly a Religious house, termed Allhallows, which at the suppression of Abbeys was bestowed on their Corporation.
• 7. Adam Loftus, Fellow of Trinity College in Cambridge, at this present Arch-Bishop of Dublin, and Chancellor of Ireland, was the first Master of the College, holding it as an honorarie title, though not so much to receive credit by, as to return luster to the place.
• 8. S ^r Warham Saint-Leger, was very bountiful in paying yearly pensions, for the maintenance of the first students thereof, before the College was endowed with standing revenues.
• 9. S ^r Francis Shane, a mere Irish man, but good Protestant, was a principal Benefactor, and kept this infant-foundation from being strangled in the birth thereof.
• 10. Robert D'eureaux Earl of Essex, Lord Lievetenant of Ireland, and second Chancellor of this University, bestowed at the entreaty of the Students of this College, a Cannoneers pay, and the pay of certain dead places of Soldiers, to the value wellnigh of four hundred pounds a year, for the Scholars maintenance, which continued for some years.
• 11. King James, that great Patron of learning, to complete all, confirmed the revenues of this College in perpetuum, endowing it with a great proportion of good land in the Province of Vlster.

Thus thorough many hands this good work at last was finished, the first stone whereof was laid May 13. 1591. and in the year 1593. Scholars were first admitted, and the first of them James Usher, since Arch-Bishop of Armagh, that mirror of learning, and religion, never to be named by me, without thanks to him, and to God for him. Nor must it be forgotten, that, what Josephus reports of the Temple built by Herod, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , during the time of the building of the Temple, it rained not in the day time, but in the night, that the showers might not hinder the work; I say, what by him is reported, hath been avouched to me by witnesses above exception, that the same happ'ned here from the founding, to the finishing of this College; the officious Heavens always smiling by day (though often weeping by night) till the work was completed.

46. The whole Species of the University of Dublin, was for many years preserved in the Individuum of this one College. But since this instrument hath made better music, when (what was but a monochord before) hath got two other smaller strings unto it, the addition of New-College, and Kildare-Hall. What remaineth? but that I wish that all those worthy Divines bred therein, may have their Doctrine drop as the rain; and their speech distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass.

47. Let none censure this for a digression from our Church-History of England. His discourse that is resident on the Son, doth not wholly wander from the Father, seeing none will deny, but that proles is pars parentis, the child is part of the parent. Dublin University, was a Colonia deducta from Cambridge, and particularly from Trinity College, therein (one motive perchance to the name of it) as may appear by the ensuing Catalogue of the Provosts thereof.

Know also that this University did so Cantabrize, that she imitated her in the successive choice of her Chancellors, the daughter dutifully approving, and following the judgment of her mother therein.

48. This year was fatal to no eminent Protestant Divine, and I find but one of the Romish persuasion dying therein; Arthur (shall I say?) or Laurence Faunt, born of worshipful parentage at Folston in Leicester-shire, bred in Merton-College in Oxford, whence he fled (with M ^r Pots, his Tutor) to Lovain,