Church History of Britain

CENT. XVI.

1. FOr the first six weeks the Queen, and her wife council, suffered matters to stand in their former state, without the least change, as yet not altering but consulting what should be altered. Thus our Savior himself coming into the Temple, and finding it profaned with sacrilege, when he had looked round about upon all things, departed for the evening, contenting himself with the survey of what was amiss, and deferring the reformation thereof till the next morning. but on the first of January following being Sunday, (the best new-years-gift that ever was bestowed on England ) by virtue of the Queens Proclamation, the Litany was read in English, with Epistles, and Gospels, in all Churches of London, as it was formerly in her Graces own Chapel.

2. But some violent Spirits, impatient to attend the leisure (by them counted the laziness) of authority, fell before hand to the beating down of superstitious Pictures and images, and their forward zeal met with many to applaud it. For Idolatry is not to be permitted a moment; the first minuite is the fittest to abolish it. All that have power, have right to destroy it, by that Grand- charter of Religion, whereby everyone is bound to advance God's glory. And if Sovera • gns forget, no reason but Subjects should remember their duty. But others condemned their indiscretion herein: for though they might reform their private persons and families, and refrain to communicate in any outward act, contrary to God's word, yet public reformation belonged to the Magistrate, and a good deed was by them ill done for want of a calling to do it. However, the Papists have no cause to tax them with over-forwardness in this kind, the like being done by them, in the beginning of Queen Mary's reign; whilst the laws of King Edward the Sixth stood as yet in full force, when they prevented authority, as hath been formerly observed thus, those who are hungry, and have meat afore them, will hardly be kept from eating, though Grace be not said, and leave given them by their superiors.

3. Now the tidings of Queen Elizabeth's peaceable coming to the crown, was no sooner brought beyond the Seas, but it fitted the English Exiles with unspeakable glandness, being instantly at home in their hearts, and not long after with their bodies. I knew one right well, whose father amongst them, being desperately diseased, was presently and perfectly cured, with the cordial of this good news; and no wonder if this Queen recovered sick men, which revived religion itself. Now the English Church at Geneva, being the greatest opposer of ceremonies, sent their letter by William Ceth, to all other English Congregations in Germany, and especially to those of Frankford congratulating their present deliverance, condoling their former discords, counseling and requesting that all offenses heretofore given or taken, might be forgiven and forgotten, and that for the future, they might no more fall out about s • perfluous ceremonies. But this letter came too late, because the principal persons concerned in that controversy, with whom they sought a charitable reconciliation, were departed from Frankford, (I think towards England ) before the messenger arrived, and so the motion missed to take effect. Some suppose had it come in season, it might have prevailed much, that both parties in gratitude to God would in a bonfire of their general joy, have burnt this unhappy bone of dissention cast betwixt them. Others considering the distance of their principles, and difference of their spirits, conceive such an agreement neither could be wrought, nor would be kept betwixt them. For it is the property of cold to congregate together things of different kinds, and if the winter of want, pinching them all with poverty, could not freeze their affections together; less likely was it that the warmth of wealth, in their native So • le would conjoin them in amity, but rather widen them further asunder, as indeed it came to pass. For as the rivers of Danubius and Savus in Huagarie, though running in the same channel, yet for many miles keep different streams visible in their party-coloured waters, which do rather touch, then unite; yea the fishes, peculiar to one stream, are not found in another: So these opposite parties, returning home, though concurring in doctrine, under the general notion of Protestants, were so reserved in several disciplines to themselves with their private favorites and followers, that they wanted that comfortable communion, which some hoped, and all wished would be amongst them. Till at last they brake out into doleful and dangerous opposition, whereat all Papists clap, and Protestants wring their hands, which our fathers found begun, ourselves see hightened, and know not whether our children shall behold them pacified and appeased.

4. But now a Parliament began at Westminster, Wherein the Laws of King Henry the eighth against the See of Rome were renewed, and those of King Edward the sixth in favor of the Protestants revived, and the Laws by Queen Mary, made against them, repealed. Uniformity of Prayer, and Administration of Sacraments was enacted with a Restitution of first fruits, Tenths &c. to the Crown: For all which we remit the Reader to the Statutes at large. It was also enacted, that whatsoever Jurisdictions, Privileges, an • Spiritualls, preeminences had been heretofore in Use by any Ecclesiastical Authority whatsoever, to visit Ecclesiastical men, and Correct all manner of Errors, Here • es, Schisms, Abuses, and Enormities should be forever annexed to the Imperial Crown of England; if the Queen and her Successors might by their Letters patents substitute certain men to exercise that Authority, howbeit with proviso, that they should define nothing to be heresy, but those things which were long before defined to be Heresies, out of the Sacred Canonical Scriptures, or of the four Ecumenical Councils, or other Councils, by the true and proper sense of the Holy Scriptures, or should thereafter be so defined, by authority of the Parliament, with assent of the Clergy of England assembled in a Synod That all and every Ecclesiastical Persons, Magistrates, Receivers of pensions out of the Exchequer, such as were to receive degrees in the Universities, Wards that were to sue their Liveries, and to be invested in their Livings; and such as were to be admitted into the number of the Queens servants &c. should be tied by oath to acknowledge the Queens Majesty, to be the only and supreme Governor of her Kingdoms, (the Title of Supreme head of the Church of England, liked them not) in all matters and causes, as well spiritual as temporal, all foreign Princes, and Protestants, being quite excluded from taking Cognizance of Causes within her Dominions.

5. But the Papists found themselves much agrieved at this Ecclesiastical Power, declared and confirmed to be in the Queen: they complained, that the simplicity of poor people was abused, the Queen declining the Title Head, and assuming the name Governor of the Church, which though less offensive was more expressive. So whilst their ears were favored in her waving the word, their souls were deceived with the same sense under another Expression. They cavilled how King Henry the eighth was qualified for that Place and Power being a Lay-man; King Edward double debar'd for the present, being a Lay-child, Queen Elizabeth totally excluded for the future, being a Lay-woman. They object also, that the very writers of the Centuries, though Protestants, condemn such Headship of the Church in PRINCES: and Calvin more particularly sharply taxeth Bishop Gardener, for allowing the same Privilege to KING Henry the eighth.

6. Yet nothing was granted the Queen, or taken by her, but what in due belonged unto her, according as the most learned and moderate Divines have defended it. For first they acknowledged, that Christ alone is the Supreme Sovereign of the Church, performing the Duty of an head unto it, by giving it power of life, feeling, and moving: and him hath God appointed to be head of the Church and by him all the body furnished, and knit together, by joints and bands increaseth with the increasing of God. This Headship cannot stand on any mortal shoulders, it being as incommunicable to a Creature, as a Creature is incapable to receive it. There is also a peculiar Supremacy of Priests in Ecclesiastical matters, to preach the Word minister the Sacraments, celebrate Prayers, and practice the discipline of the Church, which no Prince can invade without usurpation and the sin of Sacrilege: for Incense itself did stink in the Nostrils of the God of heaven, and provoked his Anger, when offered by King Uzziah, who had no calling thereunto. Besides these, there is that power, which Hezekiah exercised in his Dominions, Commanding the Levites and Priests to do their Duty, and the People to serve the Lord. And to this power of the Prince it belongeth to restore Religion decayed, reform the Church Corrupted, protect the same reformed. This was that supremacy in Causes and over Persons as well Ecclesiastical as Civil, which was derived from God to the Queen, annexed to the Crown, disused in the days of her Sister (whose blind zeal surrendered it to the Pope) not now first fixed in the Crown, by this act of State, but by the same declared to the Ignorant that knew it not, cleared to the scrupulous that doubted of it, and asserted from the Obstinate that denied it.

7. As for Calvin, he reproveth not (Reader, it is D ^r . Rainolds whom thou readest) the title of head, as the Peotestants granted it, but that sense thereof, which Popish Prelates gave, namely Stephen Gardener, who did urge it so, as if they had meant thereby, that the King might do things in Religion, according to his own will, and not see them done according to God's will, namely, that he might forbid the Clergy Marriage, the laytie the Cup in the Lord's Supper. And the truth is that Stephen Gardener was shamelessly hyperbolical in fixing that in the King, which formerly with as little Right the Pope had assumed. Whether he did it out of mere flattery, as full of adulation as superstition, equally free in sprinkling Court and Church holy-water, and as very a fawning Spaniel under King Henry the eighth, as afterwards he proved a cruel Blood-hound under Queen Mary his Daughter Or because this Bishop being in his heart disaffected to the Truth, of set purpose betrayed it in defending it, suiting King Henries vast Body and Mind, with as mighty, yea monstrous a power, in those his odious instances, straining the Kings Authority too high, on set purpose to break and to render it openly obnoxious to just exception: The Centuriato • s also well understood, do allow and Confess the Magistrates Jurisdiction in Ecclesiastical matters, though on good reason they be enemies to this Usurpation of unlawful power therein. But I digress, and therein Transgresse, seeing the large profecution hereof belongs to Divines.

9. But Sanders taketh a particular exception against the Regular passing of this Act, Elizabeth showing much Queen-Craft, in procuring the votes of the Nobility, feeding the Earl of Arundell with fond hopes, that she would marry him, and promising the Duke of Norfolk, a dispensation from his wife, which he could not with such expedition obtain from the Pope; and yet (faith he) when all was done, it was carried in the house of Lord's but by three voices. Here not to mention how in the greatest Councils, matters of most high concernment, have been determined with as few as three clear decisive suffrages, this suggestion of Sanders is a loud untruth; for the Act having easily passed the house of Commons, found none of the Temporal Nobility in the house of Lord's to oppose it, save only the Earl of Shrewsbury, And Anthony Brown Viscount Mountacute, who had formerly been employed to reconcile the Kingdom of England to his Holiness. As for the Bishops, there were but fourteen, and the Abbot of Westminster, then alive: of whom four being absent (whether Voluntarily, or out of Sickness, uncertain) the rest could not make any considerable opposition: If any other Artifice was used in cunning contriving the business, the Protestants were not aforchand, but just even with the Papists, who had used the same subtlety in their own Cause in the first Parliament of Queen Mary.

10. But now to remove into the Convocation, which at this time was very small and silent: For as it is observed in Nature, When one Twinn is of an unusual Strength and bigness, the other his partner borne with him is weak and dwingled away. So here this Parliament being very active in matters of Religion, the Convocation (younger Brother thereunto) was little employed and less Regarded. Only after a Mass of the Holy Ghost had been celebrated, Edmond Bonner Bishop of London (in the vacancy of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, President of the Convocation began with a speech to this effect. That although it had been an ancient and laudable custom to begin such meetings of the Clergy with a Latin Sermon, yet such now was not to be expected; partly, because the Arch-Bishop was Dead, who was to design the Preacher, and partly, because they had received a mandate from the privy Council, that no such Sermons should be made in that Church, till they were further informed by the Queeu and her Council. In the third Session on friday Nicholas Harpsfield Doctor of Law, and Arch-Deacon of Canterbury was chosen, Referendary or Prolocutor for the Clergy, a place of some Credit, but little pains to discharge, seeing the only remarkable thing which passed in this Convocation, was certain Articles of Religion, which they tendered to the Parliament, which here we both Transcribe and Translate. requesting the Reader not to begrutch his pains to peruse them. Considering they are the last in this kind, that ever were represented in England, by a Legal Corporation in defense of the Popish Religion. And though error doth go out with a Stink, yet it is a persume that it does go out: We are so far from denying a grave to bury them, that we will erect the Monument over this ashes of these dead errors.

REVERENDI in Christo Patres ac Domini colendissimi. Quoniam fama publica referente ad nostram nuper notitiam pervenit, multa Religions Christianae Dogmata publice & unanimi gentium Christianarum consensu hactenus recepta & probata, ac ab Apostolis ad nos usque concorditer per manus deducta, pr • esertim Articulos infra scriptos in dubium vocari. Hinc est quod nos Cantuariensis Provinciae inferior secundarius Clerus in uno, (Deo sic disponente ac Serenissimae Dominae nostrae Reginae, Decani & Capituls Cant. mandato, Brevi Parliamenti, ac monitione Ecclesiastica solita declarata id exigente) convenientes, partium nostrarum esse existimavimus, tunt nostrae, tum eorum, quorum cura nobis Committitur, aeternae saluti omnibus quibus poterimus modis prospicere. Quocirca majorum nostrorum exemplis Commoti, qui in similia saepe tempora inciderunt, fidem quam in Articulis infra Scriptis, veram esse credimus, & ex animo profitemur ad dei Laudem, & honorem officiique & aliarum nostrae curae commissarum exonerationem praentibus duximus publice auferendam affirmantes, & sicut Deus nos in die Judicij Adjuvet asserentes.

Primo, quod in Sacramento Altaris virtute Christi verbo suo à Sacerdote debite prolato assistentis, praesens est realiter sub speciebus panis & vini natural Corpus Christi Conceptum de Virgin Mariae, Item naturalis ejus Sanguis.

Item, quod post Consecrationem, non remanet substantia panis & vini, ne{que} alia ulla substantia, nisi substantia Dei & hominis.

Item, quod in missa offertur verum Christi Corpus, & verus ejusdem sanguis, sacrificium propitiatiorium pro vivis & defunctis.

Item, quod Petro Apostolo & ejus legitimis successoribus in seed Apostclica, tanquim Christi Vicariis data est suprema potestas pascendi, & regendi ecclesiam Christi militantem et fratres suos confirmandi.

Item quod Authoritas tractandi & dissiniendi de ijs quae spectant ad fidem, Sacrantentum & disciplinam ecclesiasticam hactenus semper spectavit & spectare debet tantum ad Pastores Ecclesiae, quos spiritus Sanctus in hoc in ecclesiam Dei Pasuit & non ad Laicos.

Quam nostram assertionem, affirmationem & fidem, Nos inferior Clerus praedictus considerationes praedictas Vestris Paternitatibus tenore presentium exhibemus, humiliter supplicantes, ut quia nobis non est copia hanc nostram sententiam & intentionem aliter illis quos in hac parte interest notificandi, Vos, qui Patres estis, ista superioribus Ordinibus significare velitis: Qua in re Offictum charitatis ac Pietatis (ut arbitramur) praestabitis, & saluti gregis vestri (ut par est) Prospicietis, & vestras ipsi animas liberabisis.

REVEREND Fathers in Christ, and our honorable Lord's. Whereas by the report of public fame it hath come unto our knowledge that many Doctrines of the Christain Religion hitherto received and approved by the unanimous consent of Christian nations, and with joint agreement, as by hands deduced from the Apostles unto us, (especially the Articles under-written) are now called into question. Hence it is, that we the inferior and secondary Clergy of the Province of Canterbury assembled in one body, (God so disposing it, and the Command of our Lady the Queens most excellent Majesty, together with the mandate of the Dean and chapter of Canterbury, the Parliament-Writ, and all due and wonted Ecclesiastical monition declared so requiring it) conceived it to belong unto us to provide for the eternal Salvation both of ourselves, and such as are committed to our charge, by all means possible for us to obtain. Wherefore stirred up by the examples of our Predecessors, who have lived in the like times, that faith which in the Articles under-written we believe to be true, and from our souls profess to the praise and honor of God, and the discharge of our duty, and such souls as are committed unto us, we thought in these presents publicly to insert, affirming and avowing as God shall help us in the last day of judgment.

First, that in the Sacrament of the Altar by the virtue of Christ's assisting, after the word is duly pronounced by the Priest, the natural Body of Christ conceived of the Virgin Mary is really present, under the species of bread and wine, also his natural blood.

Item, that after the Consecration, there remains not the substance of Bread and Wine, nor any other substance, save the substance of God and man.

Item, that the true body of Christ, and his true blood is offered a propitiatory sacrifice for the Quick and Dead.

Item that the supreme power of feeding and governing the militant Church of Christ, and of confirming their Brethren is given to Peter the Apostle, and to his lawful Successors in the See Apostolic, as unto the Vicars of Christ.

Item that the Authority to handle and define such things which belong to faith, the Sacraments, and Discipline Ecclesiastical, hath hitherto ever belonged, and only ought to belong unto the Pastors of the Church, whom the holy spirit hath placed in the Church of God, and not unto lay-men.

Which our Assertion, Affirmation and faith, We the lower Clergy aforesaid so represent the aforesaid considerations unto your Fatherhoods by the Tenor of these Presents, humbly requesting, that because we have not liberty otherwise to notify this our Judgment, and intention to those, which in this behalf are concerned, you who are Fathers would be pleased to signify the same to the Lord's in Parliament, wherein, as we conceive you shall perform an office of Charity and Piety, and you shall provide (as it is meet) for the safety of the flock committed to your charge, and shall discharge your duty towards your own soul.

This remonstrance exhibited by the lower house of Convocation to the Bishops, was according to their Requests presented by Edmond Bonner, B ^p . of London, to the Lord Keeper of the broad Seal of England in the Parliament, and (as the said Bishop, in the eighth Session reported) he generously and gratefully received it. But we find no further news thereof, save that in the 10. Session, an account was given in, by both Universities in an Instrument under the hand of a Public Notary, wherein they both did concur to the Truth of the aforesaid Articles, the last only excepted.

10. But we may probably conceive that this Declaration of the Popish Clergy hastened the Disputation appointed on the last of March in the Church of Westminster, wherein these questions were debated.

• 1. Whether Service and Sacraments ought to be celebrated in the vulgar tongue?
• 2. Whether the Church hath not power to alter Ceremonies, so all be done to edification?
• 3. Whether the Mass be a propitiatory sacrifice for the Living and the Dead?

The passages of this Disputation (whereof more Noise then fruit, and wherein more Passion then Reason, Cavils then Arguments) are largely reported by M ^r . Fox. It was ordered that each side should tender their Judgments in writing to avoid verbal extravagancies, as also in English for the better information of the Nobility and Gentry of the house of Parliament, their Auditors, and that the Papists should begin first, and the Protestants, answer them. But in the second days disputation, this order was broken by the Popish Bishops, who quitting their Primacy to the Protestants, stood peremptorily upon it, that they themselves would deliver their Judgments last. Alledging in their behalf the fashion of the Schools, that because they had the negative on their side, the others ought first to oppose; Citing also the Custom of the Courts at Westminster, where the plaintiff pleadeth before the defendant, conceiving themselves in the nature and notion of the Later, because maintaining those opinions, whose Truth, time out of mind were established. Chester, more open then the Rest, plainly confessed, that if the protestants had the last word, they would come off, cum Applausu Populi, with applause of the People, which themselves, it seems, most desired; Whereby it appears what Wind they wished for, not what was fittest to fan the truth, but what would blow them most reputation. In this Refusal to begin, Winchester and Lincoln behaved themselves faucily, and scornfully, the rest stiffly and resolutely; only Feckenham Abbot of Westminster, (who it seems the second day was added to the Popish Disputants) carried it with more meekness and moderation. Hereupon the Lord Keeper cut off this conference, with this sharp Conclusion. Seeing my Lord's we cannot now hear you, you may perchance shortly hear more of us.

11. Yet need we not behold the frustration of this meeting, as a private Doome, peculiarly to this conference alone, but as the general Destiny of such public Colloquies, which like Sicamore-trees prove barren, and which the larger the Leaves of the Expectation, the less the fruits of Success. The Assembly dissolved, it were hard to say, which were louder, the Papists in Complaining, or the Protestants in Triumphing. The former found themselves agrieved that they were surprised of a sudden, having but two days warning to provide themselves. That Bacon the Moderator (though well skilled in matters of Equity, ignorant in matters of Divinity) was their Zealous Enemy, to whom the Arch-Bishop was added only for a stale. That to call such fundamental points of Doctrine into question, would cause an unsettledness in Religion of dangerous consequence, both to single souls, and to the Church in general. That it was unlawful for them, owing obedience to the Sea Apostolic, without leave of his Holiness first obtained to discuss these truths long since decided in the Church.

13. The Protestants on the other side slighted the Papists Plea of want of Warning, seeing (besides that both sides were warned at the same time) that Party sent a challenge, and gave the first defiance in their late Declaration; and now it was Senselesse in them to complain that they were set upon unawares. That if the truths were so clear as they pretended, and their learning so great as was reputed, little Study in this Case was required. That Bacon was appointed Moderator, not to decide the matters Controverted, but to regulate the manner of their Disputation, whereunto his known Gravity and Discretion, without deep learning did sufficiently enable him. That it was an old Policy of the Papists to account everything fundamental in Religion, which they were loath should be removed, and that the receiving of erroneous principles into the Church, without examination, had been the mother of much ignorance, and security therein. For the preventing of the farther growth whereof, no fitter means then an impartial reducing of all Doctrines to the trial of the Scriptures. that their declining the Disputation, manifested the badness of their Cause, seeing no pay-master will refuse the touch or scales, but such as suspect their Gold to be base or light. That formerly Papists had disputed those points when power was on their side, so that they loved to have Syllogisms in their mouths, when they had swords in their hands.

14. It remaineth now, that we acquaint the reader, how the popish Bps. were disposed of, who now fell under a 4. fold division.

• 1 Dead,
• 2 Fled,
• 3 Deprived,
• 4 Continued.

There were nine of the first sort, who were of the Death-gard of Q. Mary, as expiring either a little before her decease. viz.

• John Capon.
• Robert Parfew.
• Maurice Griffin,
• William Glyn.
  • B ^p . of
    • Sarisbury.
    • Hereford.
    • Rochester.
    • Bangor.
      • These were Q. Mary her Vshers to her grave.

Or a little after her departure, as

• Riegnald Pole.
• John Hopton.
• John Brookes.
• John Holyman.
• Henry Morgan.
  • B ^p . of
    • Canterbury
    • Norwich.
    • Gloucester.
    • Bristol.
    • S. David's.
      • These were Q. Mary's trainbearers to the same.

15. Three only made their flight beyond the seas, namely 1. Thomas Goldwell of S ^t . Asaph, who ran to Rome, and there procured of the Pope, the renewing of the indulgences, (for a set time) to such as superstitiously repaired to the well of S ^t . Winnifride. 2. Cuthert Scot of Chester, who afterwards lived and died at Lovain. 3. Richard Pates of Worcester, whose escape was the rather connived at, because being a moderate Man, he refused to persecute any Protestant for his difference in religion.

16. Be it here remembered, that the See of Worcester had nine Bishops successively.

• whereof
  • The four first, (being all Italians) none of them lived there.
  • The five last, [Latimer, Bel, Heath, Hooper, Pates,] none of them died there as either resigning, removed or deprived, and all five were alive together in the reign of Q. Mary.

As for Pates, we find him thus subscribing the council of Trent, Richardus Patus Episcopus Wigorniensis, under-writing only in his private and personal capacity, having otherwise no deputation as in any public employment.

17. The third sort succeeds, of such who on the refusal of the oath of supremacy, were all deprived, though not restrained alike. Bonner was imprisoned in the Marshalsea, a Jaile being conceived the safest place to secure him from people's fury, every hand itching to give a good squeeze to that Spunge of Blood. White, and Watson, Bishops of Winchester and Lincoln, died in durance, their liberty being inconsistent with the Queens safety whom they threatened to excommunicate.

18. As for Bishop Tonstal, and Thyrlby, they were committed to Arch-Bishop Parker. Here they had sweet chambers, soft beds, warm fires, plentiful and wholesome diet, (each Bishop faring like an Arch-Bishop, as fed at his table) differing nothing from their former living, save that, that was on their own charges, and this on the cost of another. Indeed they had not their wonted attendance of supperfluous Servants, nor needed it, seeing a long train doth not warm but weary the wearer thereof. They lived in 〈◊〉 custody, and all things considered, custody did not so sour their freedom, as freedom did sweeten their custody.

19. The rest (though confined for a while) soon found the favor to live Prisoners on their Parole, having no other Jailor than their own promise. Thus Poole of Peterburgh, Turbervile of Exeter &c. lived in their own, or their friends houses. The like liberty was allowed though Heath Arch-Bishop of York, who (like another Abiathar sent home by Solomon to his own fields in Anathoth lived cheerfully at Chobham in Surry, where the Queen often courteously visited him.

20. Popish writers would persuade people, that these Bishops were cruelly used in their prisons, should their hyperbolical expressions be received as the just measure of truth. Carceribus varijsque cusodiis commissi, longo miseriarum taedio extincti sunt, saith Sanders, Confessor obiit in vmculis saith Pitzeus of White. A great cry and a little pain. Many of our poor Protestants in the Marian days said less, and suffered more. They were not sent into a complemental custody, but some of them thrust into the prison, of a prison, where the Sun shined as much to them at mid-night, as-at noon-day. Whereas Abbot Feckenham of Westminster (who as a Parliamentary Baron, may go in equipage with the other Bishops) may be an instance▪ how well the Papists were used after their deprivation. For He grew Popular for his alms to the poor, which speaks the Queens bounty to Him, in enabling him (a prisoner) to be bountiful to others.

21. Only one Bishop conformed himself to the Queens commands, and was continued in his place, viz. Anthony Kitchen, alias Dunstan of Landaffe. Camden calls him, Sedis s • ae calamitatem. The bane of his Bishopric, wasting the lands thereof by letting long leases, as if it were given to Binominous Bishops (such as had two Names to be the empairers of their Churches, as may appear by these 4. contemporaries in the reign of K. Henry the 8.

• John Capon
• John Voisey
• Robert Parfew
• Anthony Kitchen
  • alias
    • Salcot
    • Harman
    • Warton
    • Dunstan
      • spoiled
        • Sarisbury.
        • Exeter.
        • S ^t . Asaph.
        • Landaffe.

I know what is pleaded for them, that Physicians in desperate consumptions, prescribe the shaving of the Head, (which will grow again) to save the life, and that these Bishops, fearing the final alienation of their lands, passed long leases for the prevention thereof, though whether Policy or Covetousness most shared in them herein, we will not determine. Only I find a mediate successor of Kitchins (and therefore concerned to be knowing therein) much excusing him from this common defamation of wronging his See, because many forged leases are countenanced under the pretence of this passing the same.

22. As for the number of Recusants which forsook the land at this time, the prime of them were, Henry Lord Morley, S ^r . Francis Inglefield, Thomas Shelly, and John Gage Esqrs; As for the Nuns of Zion, and other Votaries wasted over, we have formerly treated of them in our History of Abbeys. Nor were there moe then eighty Rectours of Churches, fifty Prebendaries, fifteen Masters of Colleges, twelve Arch-Deacons, twelve Deans, with six Abbots, and Abbesses deprived at this time of their places throughout all England.

23. Now the Queen and Her Council, accounted it high time to supply the Church of Canterbury (which hitherto had stood Vacant a year, and three weeks) with an Arch-Bishop. D ^r . Matthew Parker is appointed for the place; borne in Norwich, bred in Cambridge, Master of, Benefactour to Bennet-College there, Chaplain to Queen Anne Bollen (a relation, which, next his own merits befriended him with Queen Elizabeth, for such high, and sudden advancement) then to King Henry the eighth, Dean of the College of Stoke juxta Clare, a learned, and religious Divine. He confuted that character which one gives of Antiquaries, that generally they are either superstitious, or supercilious, his skill in antiquity being attended with soundness of doctrine, and humility of manners. His Book called Antiquitates Britanicae hath indebted all posterity to his pen. Which work our great Critick cites as written by M ^r . Joscelin, one much employed in the making thereof. But we will not set the memories of the Patron, and Chaplain, at variance (who loved so well in their lives time) nor needeth any Writ of partition to be sued out betwixt them, about the authorship of this book, though probably one brought the matter, the other composure thereof.

24. The Queen had formerly sent order to D ^r . Wotton, Dean of Canterbury (an exquisite Civilian, and therefore one who may be presumed critical in such performances) and to the Chapter there, to choose Matthew Parker their Arch-Bishop, which within fourteen days after was by them accordingly performed. This done, She directeth Her Letters-Patents in manner, and form following,

But the old Bishop of Landaffe appeared not at the Consecration, terrified (say the Papists) by Bonners threats, so as to absent himself, which others do not believe. For, he that feared not the Lion out of the grate, would he be frighted with the Lion within the grate? If Bonner, when at liberty, could not deter him from taking the oath of Supremacy, improbable it is, that when now detained prisoner in the Tower, he could dissuade him from his obedience to his Sovereign. More likely it is, that his absence (as also Bishop Bale's, and the Suffragans of Thetford was occasioned by their indisposition of body, and infirmity of old age.

25. But the other four Bishops appeared, William Barlow, John Scory, Miles Coverdal, and John Hodgskins, by whom Matthew Parker was solemnly consecrated in manner, and form following. The East part of the Chapel of Lambeth was hung with tapestry, the floor spread with red cloth, chairs and cushions are conveniently placed for the purpose; morning prayer being solemnly read by Andrew Peerson, the Arch-Bishops Chaplain, Bishop Scory went up into the pulpit, and took for his text, The Elders which are among you I exhort, who also am an Elder; and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, &c. Sermon ended, and the Sacrament administered, they proceed to the Consecration: the Arch-Bishop had his Rochet on, with Hereford, and the Suffragan of Bedford, Chichester wore a silk cope, and Coverdal a plain cloth-gown down to his ankles. All things are done con • ormable to the book of Ordination, Litany sung, the Queens Patent for Parkers consecration audibly read by D ^r . Vale, he is presented, the oath of Supremacy tendered to him, taken by him, hands reverendly imposed on him, and all with prayers begun, continued, concluded. In a word, though here was no Theatrical pomp to make it a Popish pageant; though no sandals, gloves, ring, staff, oil, pall &c. were used upon him, yet there was ceremony enough to cloth his consecration with decency, though not to clog it with superstition.

26. This his consecration is avowed most legal, both according to Canon, and Common Law. In the latter it was ordered by King Henry the eighth, that an Arch-Bishops; should not be consecrated but by an Archbishop, and two Bishops; or by four Bishops, in case an Arch-Bishop was wanting, as here it was performed. Object not that one of these four was but a Suffragan, seeing such by the laws of the land (though not able to vote as Barons in Parliament) had Episcopal power to all purposes, and intents. Neither cavil, that Coverdale henceforward led a private life, being always a Bishop quoad characterem, and for the present quoad j • es & • itulum (Exeter, his former Bishopric being actually void by the deprivation of Turbervile though refusing to be so quoad possessionem. As for the canonical part of his consecration, six of the most eminent Doctors of that faculty England then afforded, gave it under their hands, that the same was exactly observed.

27. Yet notwithstanding all circumstances so solemnly performed, some impudent Papists have raised a lie, that Matthew Parker was consecrated Ad caput manni, At the Naggs-head, a tavern in Cheapside. Indeed they show a place therein, just against the bar, so anciently arched, that an active fancy (which can make anything of anything) may create to itself a top, or rester of a pulpit thereof, though the like thereunto may be seen elsewhere in the city. But that this lie of the naggs-head was bred in a knaves brains, doth plainly appear. For, why should a rich man be a thief: seeing all Churches in England were equally open unto them to pick, and choose at pleasure, why should they steal a clandestine consecration in a place so justly obnoxious to censure? Were not the Cana • nites, and Perizzites then in the land? Were not many prying Papists then mingled amongst Protestants? which consideration alone would command them to be cautious in their proceedings. Besides, that mock-pulpit shown at this day at the entrance of that tavern, was inconsistent with the secrecy (which is said to be their design) who would rather have made choice of an inner, and more remote room for that purpose. But, when once one Jesuit had got this shameless lie of the N • ggshead (I cannot say by the tail, but) by the ears, instantly Champn • y, • itzSimon Persons, Killison, Constable, and all the whole kennel of them, baule it out in their books to all posterity.

28. All the authority the Papists produce for their Naggs-head -Consecration, is ultimately resolved into the single testimony of one Thomas Neal, Chaplain to Bishop Bonner, and sometimes Hebrew-Professor in Oxford. But, was this Neal known, or unknown to the Bishops, pretended in this taverne-assembly? If known, as most probable he was ( Bonners Chaplains bearing their Masters mark, the indelible character of cruelty stamped upon them, as the Wolf is too well known to the sheep) it is utterly unlikely they would permit a person, vowing open opposition to their proceedings, to be present thereat. If Neal were unknown, the English Bishops (whom the Papists, though they call Heretics, do not count fools) would not admit a stranger to their privacies of such importance, seeing commonly in such cases, men's jealousies interpret every unknown face to be a foe unto them.

29. To the testimony of Neal, one endeavors to twist the witness of John Stow, to prove this Nags-head -consecration. A silent wittness, who says nothing herein, if either we consult his Chronicle of our Kings or his Survey of London, he neither speaks words, nor makes any signs thereof. But (saith the Jesuit) Stow, though prudently omitting to print it, told the same to some of his private friends. I pray, to whom? where? and when? and what credible witnesses do attest it? Be it refer'd to the ingenuity of our very adversaries, whether their bare surmises without any proof, be to be believed before the public Records, faithfully taken when the thing was done, carefully preserved ever since, entirely extant at this day, and truly transcribed here by us. Besides, Charles Howard, Earl of Nottingham (not more famous for the Coronet of a Count, than the crown of old age) alive in the later end of the Reign of King James, being requested of a friend, whether he could remember Matthew Parkers consecration, gave an exact account of the same solemnly performed in Lambeth Chapel, being himself an eyewitness thereof, and an invited guest to the great feast kept there that day, therefore the more observant of all particular passages thereat, because the said Arch-Bishop was related to him as a kinsman. Let such as desire further satisfaction herein, consult learned Mason (whom King James justly termed a wise builder in God's house) who hath left no stones unturn'd to clear the truth, and stop the mouth of malicious adversaries. Let the Papists therefore not be so busy to cast dirt on our Bishops, but first fall on washing the face of their own Pope, even John the twelv'th, whom an excellent author reporteth to have ordained a Deacon in a stable, for which two Cardinals reproved him. And let these three stories be told together, that the Empress Hellen was the daughter of an Hostler; that Arch-Bishop Cranmer himself was an Hostler; and, that our first Bps. in Queen Elizabeth's days were consecrated in the Naggs-head. I say let these three be told together, because wise, and good men will believe them together, as all coming forth of the forge of falsehood, and malice.

30. Now though we are not to gratify our Adversaries with any Advantages against us, yet so confident is our innocence herein, that It may acquaint the world with that small foundation on which this whole report was bottomed: Every Arch-Bishop, or Bishop presents himself in Bow-Church, accompanied thither with Civilians, where any shall be heard, who can make any legal exceptions, against his Election. A Dinner was provided for them at the Naggs-head in Cheapside, as convenient for the Vicinity thereof, and from this Sparke hath all this Fire been kindled; to admonish posterity not only to do no evil but also in this Captious Age, to refrain from all appearance thereof.

31. Parker, thus solemnly consecrated, proceeded, with the assistance of the aforesaid Bishops, to the consecration of other grave Divines; and not (as Sanders lewdly lies) that these new elected Bishops, out of good fellowship, mutually consecrated one another; some whereof were put into Bishoprics void.

• By the
  • Natural death, as Sarisbury, Rochester, Gloucester, Bristol, Bangor, or,
  • Voluntary desertion, as Worcester, and S ^t . Asaph, or,
  • Legal deprivation of the former Bishops, as all other Sees in England.

Suffice it at this time to present a present Catalogue of their names, Sees, with the dates of their consecrations, referring their commendable characters, to be set down, when we come to their respective deaths.

The other Bishoprics were thus disposed of, Richard Cheiney held Bristol in Commendam with Gloucester; Barlow, and Scory, Bishops in King Edward's days, were translated, the one to Chicester, the other to Hereford. As for the Bishopric of Oxford, as it was void at this time; so it continued for some years after.

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.

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, .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.