Church History of Britain

SECTION. III.

1. ABout this time deceased William Alley Bishop of Exeter, a Painfull Preacher, and John Jewell of Salisbury, of whom largely before. He was borne in Devonshire, bred first in Merton, then Corpus Christi College in Oxford, first Pupil to, afterwards Fellow Exile with M ^r . Parkhurst in Germany. After Queen Mary's death Parkehurst durst not for danger return with Jewell, but went a securer way (as he supposed) by himself. Though Jewell came safe and sound home, whilst Parkehurst was robbed of all in his return, and relieved by the other at his journeys end, and soon after both of them were made Bishops. M ^r . Parkehurst of Norwich, and Jewell of Salisbury.

2. A Jewell (sometimes taken for a single precious stone ) is properly a collective of many, orderly set together to their best advantage. So several eminences met in this Worthy man. Naturals, Artificials (amongst which I recount his studied memory, deserving as well as Theodectes the Sophister, the Sirname of Mnemonicus ) Moralls, but principally Spiritualls. So devout in the Pew where he prayed, diligent in the Pulpit where he preached, grave on the Beach, where he assisted, mild in the Consistory where he judged, pleasant at the Table where he fed, patient in the bed where he died, that well it were if in relation to him, Secund • m usum Sarum were made Precedentiall to all Posterity. He gave at his death to Peter Martyr a golden rose (yet more fragrant for the worth of the Giver, then the value of the gift ) To the City of Zurich a Present which they converted into a piece of Plate with Jewels Arms thereon. To several Scholars, large Legacies. To the Church of Salisbury a fair Library, and another to the Church of England, I mean his learned APOLOGIE. It is hard to say, whether his soul, or his Ejaculations arrived first in Heaven, seeing he prayed dying, and died praying. He was buried in the Choir by Bishop Wivill, Two Champions of the Church lying together, one who with his sword proffered to maintain the Lands; The other, who with his pen defended the Doctrine thereof. In the absence of Doctor Humfreys designed for that service, M ^r . Giles Laurence preached his Funerals, who formerly (being Tutor to the Children of S ^r . Arthur Darcy by Algate in London ) in Queen Mary's days preserved Jewels life, and provided accommodation for his flight beyond the Seas.

3. Hitherto, the Bishops had been the more sparing in pressing, and others more daring in denying subscription, because the Canons made in the Convocation 1563, were not for 9. years after confirmed by act of Parliament. But now the same being ratified, by Parliamentall authority, they began the urging thereof more severely then before, which made many dissenters keep their private meetings in woods, fields, their friends houses &c. I say private meetings, for Conventicles I must not call them, having read what one hath written, that name (which agreeth to Anabaptists) is too light and contemptuous, to set forth such assembles, where God's Word and Sacraments are administered, even by the confession of their adversaries.

4. Indeed no disgrace is imported in the notation of the word Conventicle, sounding nothing else but a small Convention. And (some will say) can the Infant the [ diminative ] be a term of reproach, where the mother the [ privitive ] is creditable in the acception thereof? However Custom (the sole mint-master of currant words ) hath took of Conventitles from signifying a small number, to denote the meeting of such (how many soever) in a clandestine way, contrary to the commands of the present lawful Authority.

5. And now Thomas Cartwright (chief of the nonconformists ) presents the Parliament with a Book called an admonition, some members taking distaste at the Title thereof. For seeing Admonition is the lowest of Ecclesiastical censures, and a preparative (if neglected) to Suspension, and Excommunication, such suggested, that if the Parliament complied not with this Admonitors desires, his party, (whereof he the speaker) would proceed to higher and louder Fulminations against the Parliament. Whereas admonition is a soft word in the Common (but especially in the scripture ) acception thereof, and may with humility on just occasion be tendered from Inferiors, to any single Persons or Christian Corporation. This Admonition contained their grievances who presented it, with a declaration of the only way to redress them, viz. by admitting that platform which was there prescribed. This not finding the entertainment it expected, was seconded by another, more importunate to the same effect.

6. It will not be amiss to set down what writings, pro, and con, passed on the occasion of this Book, between two eminent Authors of opposite parties.

This last kept the field, and (for ought I can find) received no solemn refutation.

7. Sundry reasons are assigned of M ^r . Cartwrights silence, all believing, as they are affected, and most being affected, as led by their interest. Some ascribed it to his weakness, who having spent all his powder and shot in former fights, was forced to be quiet for the future. Others, to his pride (undervalu • ng, what he could not over-come ) counting Whitgifts last answer, no answer, but a repetition of what was confuted before. Others imputed it to his Patience, seeing otherwise multiplying of Replies, would make brauls infinite, and whilst women strive for the, last word, men please themselves with the lost reason. Others, to the policy of that party, resolving to go a new way to wa • k, and to turn their serious books, into Satirical pamphlets. Some few attributed it to M ^r . Cartwrights modest respect to his Adversary, who had gotten the upper ground of him, ( Whitgist being soon after made BP. and Arch Bishop) though in my mind this would more heighten, then abate their opposition.

8. The Nonconformists though over-poured for the present in Parliament, yet found such favor therein, that after the dissolution thereof, they presumed to erect a Presbytery at Wandsworth in Surrey Eleven Elders were chosen therein, and their Offices, and general rules (by them to be observed) agreed upon and described, as appears by a bill indorsed with the hand of M ^r . Field, the Lecturer (as I take it) of that place, but living in London. M ^r . Smith of Micham, and M ^r . Cr • ne of Roughampton, (neighbouring villages) are mentioned for their approbation of all passages therein. This was the first-born of all Presbyt • ries in England, and secundum usum Wandesworth, as much honored by some, as secundam usum Sarum by others.

9. It may seem a wonder that the Presbyterian discipline, should ripen sooner in this country Village then in London itself, whereas yet they were not arrived at so formal a constitution, though we may observe two sorts of Ministers:

• First M ^r .
  • 1 Field.
  • 2 Wilcox.
  • 3 Standen.
  • 4 Jackson.
  • 5 Bonhim.
  • 6 S • intloe.
  • 7 Crane.
  • 8 Edmond's.
• Afterwards M ^r .
  • 1 Charke.
  • 2 Travers.
  • 3 Barber.
  • 4 Gardner.
  • 5 Cheston.
  • 6 Crooke.
  • 7 Egerton.
  • 8—.

The former of these were principally against Ministers attire, and the common prayer book. The later, endeavored the modelling of a new discipline, and it was not long, before both streams uniting together. Nonconformity began to bear a large and great Channell in the City of London.

10. This same year happened a cruel massacre in Paris the French Protestants being bidden thither under the pretence of a nuptial solemnity. But never were such black favors given at a wedding, Admiral Coligny, (the pillar of the reformed Church) being slain in his bed on Bartholomeweve, whose day then, and for some years after, was there remarkable for wet weather.

William Cecil Lord Burley invited to be there, wisely kept himself at home, otherwise perchance our English Nestor, had been sent the same way with the French Atlas, and ten thousand Protestants of name and note slain in that City within three days.

11. Let not the following passage be censured for superflucus in this our Book, whose omission would be condemned as a defect by others, Agnes Bridges a maid about 20. and Rachel Pinder a girl about 12. years old, so cunningly counterfeited themselves possessed with the Devil, that they deceived many Ministers in London, from whom more wisdom and less credulity, might justly have been expected. Thus these liars, belied the father of lies by their dissimulation. And now what praying, and preaching, and fasting, was there to dispossess them, to the no small derision of profane persons when their forgery was discovered. However such scoffing may be punished, when the others shall have their erroneous judgment pardoned, and well-intended charity rewarded. Soon after those impostresses were detected, penance at S ^t . Paul's-cross on them imposed, by them publicly (and for outward view) penitently performed, the present beholders satisfied, the formerly deluded rectified, to be more wise, and wary for the future.

12. Now began the Anabaptists wonderfully to increase in the land, and as we are sorry that any Countrymen should be seduced with that opinion, so we are glad that English as yet were free from that infection. For on Easter day was disclosed a Congregation of Dutch Anabaptists without Algate in London, whereof seven and twenty were taken and imprisoned, and four bearing faggots at Paul's Cross solemnly recanted their dangerous opinions.

13. Next month one Dutchman and ten women were condemned, of whom, One woman was converted to renounce her errors, eight were banished the Land, two more so obstinate, that command was issued out for their burning in Smithsield. But, to reprieve them from so cruel a death, a grave Divine sent the following letter to Queen Elizabeth, which we request the Reader to peruse, and guess at the Author thereof.

This letter was written by M ^r . John Fox (from whose own hand I transcribed it) very loath that Smithfield formerly consecrated with Martyrs ashes, should now be profaned with Heretics, and desirous that the Papists might enjoy their own Monopolie of cruelty in burning condemned Persons. But though Queen Elizabeth constantly called him Her Father Fox, yet herein was she no dutiful Daughter, giving him a flat Indeed damnable were their impieties, and she necessitated to this severity, who having formerly punished some Traitours, if now sparing these Blasphemers, the world would condemn her, as being more earnest in asserting her own safety, then God's honor. Hereupon the Writ de Haeretico comburendo (which for seventeen years had hung only up in terrorem ) was now taken down and put in execution, and the two Anabaptists burned in Smithfield, died in great horror with crying and roaring.

14. I am loath this letter should stand alone, and therefore will second it with another (though nothing of this nature) which I may call a private-public one, private for the Subject, public for the use thereof. First to acquaint us with the character of Magdalene College, and generally of all Oxford, (not to say England ) in those days, secondly to show that though M ^r . Fox came not up in all particulars to cleave the pin of Conformity (as refusing to subscribe) yet he utterly distasted the factious People of that age. Lastly, that the Papists who miscalled him John Lack-latin may appear as so many Lack-Truths by his fluent and familiar language.

15. Only a word to the Read r, informing him with the cause of this letter. Samuel his eldest Son, Bachelor of Arts, and Fellow of Magdalene College in Oxford, travelled beyond the Seas, without leave either from Father or College. At his return he was causelessly accused for a Papist, and expelled the College by a Faction of people, whose names I had rather the Reader should take from M ^r . Fox his pen then mine own. And now as once Tully pro domo sua strained all the nerves of his Rhetoric, so see here how Pathetically this old man pro filio suo writes to a reverend Bishop of the Church.

If this good man appeareth too passionate herein, score it neither on his old age, nor on his affection to his Son, but on the unjust affront offered unto him, who at last was restored Fellow by the Queen her Mandate, and he privately cast out by a Faction, to his great disgrace, was publicly brought in again by authority, to his greater reputation.

16. We may plainly perceive by this letter, how powerful the Party of Non-conformists was grown at this time, and to what violences and extravagancies some went in their practices, insomuch that D ^r . Humphred then President of Mandlins, and M ^r . Fox himself (both which scrupled subscription in some particulars) were deserted by them as Luke-warm and remiss in the Cause. Yea even of those who were Duriores Puritani, all were not equally rigid, but Coleman, Burton, Hallingham, and Benson out-did all of their own opinions. Thus those loaves which are ejusdem farinae (of the same meal, yea of one Batch, out of the same Oven ) are not all hard and crustie alike.

17. The death of Matthew Parker, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, added much to their increase. He was a Parker indeed, careful to keep the fences, and shut the gates of Discipline against all such Night-Stealers as would invade the same. No wonder then if the tongues and pens of many were whetted against Him, whose complaints are beheld by discreet men, like the exclamations of Truantly-Scholars against their Masters severity, correcting them for their faults. This Arch-Bishop was an excellent Antiquarie (without any Anticknesse ) a great Benefactour to Bennet College in Cambridge, on which he bestowed many Manuscripts, so that that Librarie (for a private one) was the Sun of English Antiquity in those days, though now no more then the Moon, since that of S ^r . Robert Cottons is risen up.

18. But a large Author, though not daring to deny due praises to his memory, causelessly taxed him for being too Ponteficall in his Buildings and Feastings. Particularly he charged him, that whereas the Pope thundered out an Excommunication against Queen Elizabeth, yet saith he) I read of no refutation made of it by this Arch-Prelate, as if this were such a sin of omission in him, and he bound by his place to answer every Romish railing Rabshhekah. But let him know that in his learned Book of Antiquitates Britanicae, he hath laid down those Historical grounds, which may be improved to the baiting of the whole Herd of Popish Bulls, or if you will to make all those Bubbles sink to nothing. A work, out of which his Accuser hath taken so much, that he cannot pretend to the commendation of Industrie (the poorest praise of a Writer ) being no better then a lazy Translatour. And as the Spleen is subservient to the Lever, to take from it only the most putrid and feculent blood, so hath he solely transcribed thence (and from BP. Godwins Catalogue ) the faults and failings of all the English Prelacie, passing over in silence their due and just commendation. Ed. Grindall succeeded him in his place, a Prelate most PRIMITIVE in all his conversation.

19. We must not forget Margaret the Wife of Arch-Bishop Parker, a pattern for all Presates Wives. In the reign of King Henry the eighth, though seven years contracted (by mutual consent forbearing marriage, then unlawful for Clergy-men ) such her fidelity, that she was deaf to richer proffers. When married under Edward the sixth, so modest, that BP. Ridley asked, whether Ms. Parker had a sister, intimating that such a Consort would make him recede from his resolution of a single life. In Queen Mary's days, not only great her patience to partake of, but industry to relieve her Husbands wants. In Queen Elizabeth's time, so admirable her humility, as no whit elated with prosperity.

20. S ^r . Francis Englefield, of whom formerly in the College of Valladolt, to leave a Monument to posterity, of his industry and good will to the Catholic-Cause; He with William Allen obtained of Pope Gregory the thirtieth, thirteen Indulgencies for the English Nation and the will-wishers of their Conversion. Whereof this the first,

It may seem in some sort an argument for the Antiquity of those Indulgences, that the resent of the vivacity of the ancient Patriarchs before the Flood in pardoning so many years above the possibility of our age. Now what becometh of the Surplus-age of these Pardons after the Parties life, let others dispute. Namely, whether Indulgentia moritur cum persona, or whether they be bequeathable by will, and in case the person dies Intestate, fall like goods and Chattels to his next heir. Sure I am S ^r . Francis is beheld by Catholics as a Benefactour General to our Nation, and these Grants were solemnly passed sub annulo Piscatoris, and Glorierius attesting the same. This S ^r . Francis was afterwards buried in the English College at Valadolid in Spain having bountifully contributed to the erecting thereof.

21. James Pilkinton BP. of Durham ended his life, formerly Master of S ^t . Johns College in Cambridge. He was (as appeareth by many of his letters) a great Conniver at Nonconformity, and eminent for commencing a Suite against Queen Elizabeth, for the lands and goods of the Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland after their attaindor, as forfeited to him Prince Palatine within his Diocese. But the Queen prevailed, because on her charges she had defended Bishop and Bishopric against that Rebellion, when both his Infant-Daughters (conveyed away in Beggars clothes ) were sought for to be killed by the Papists. These afterwards with four thousand pounds apiece, were married (the one to S ^r . James Harrington, the other to M ^r . Dunce of Bark-shire ) which portions the Courtiers of that age did behold with envious eyes, for which the Bishopric sped no whit the better.

22. The same year concluded the life of Edward Deering an eminent Divi • e, born of a very ancient and worthy family in Kent, bred Fellow of Christ's College in Cambridge, a pious man and painful Preacher, but disaffected to Bishops and Ceremonies. Once preaching before Queen Elizabeth, he told her, that when in persecution under her sister Queen Mary, her Motto was Tanquam Ovis as a sheep, but now it might be, Tanquam indomita juvenca as an untamed Heifer. But surely the Queen still retained much of her ancient Motto as a sheep, in that she patiently endured so public (and conceiveed causeless) reproof, in inflicting no punishment upon him, save commanding him to forbear further preaching at the Court.

23. Rowland Jenkes, a Popish Book-seller was indicted at the Summer Assiscs in Oxford, for dispersing of scandalous Pamphlets defamatory to the Queen and State. Here, on a sudden happened a strange mortality, whereof died,

• S ^r . Robert Bell, Lord
• Chief Baron, a great
• Lawyer.
• S ^r . Robert De Oile.
• S ^r . Will. Babington.
• M ^r . De Oile. High Sheriff.
• M ^r . Wenman.
• M ^r . Danvers.
• M ^r . Fettiplace.
• M ^r . Hare-Court.
• Justices.
• M ^r . Kerle.
• M ^r . Greenwood.
• M ^r . Foster.
• M ^r . Nash.
• Gentlemen of good account.
• Sergeant Bernham an excellent Pleader.

Almost all the Jury-men, and of other persons there present three hundred died in the Town, and two hundred more sickning there died in other places within a Moneth. Amongst whom not either Woman or Child.

24. Sanders calleth this, ingens miraculum, and ascribeth it as a just punishment on the cruelty of the Judge for sentencing the Stationer, to lose his Ears. Adding moreover, that the Protestants (whose Philosophers and Physicians could not find the natural cause thereof) gave it out, that the Papists by Magic arts had procured this infection. The best is, his words are no slanders.

25. But hear how a profound Scholar, no less happy in finding, then diligent in searching the mysteries of nature, and utterly unconcerned in this quarrel, delivereth his judgment in the like case.

Of these Mortalities mentioned by this Author, the first probably was this at Oxford (happening within the verge of youthful memory) the other two at Hereford in the Reigns of King James, and King Charles. The like chanced some four years since at Croydon, in Surrey, where a great depopulation happened, at the Assizes of Persons of quality, and the two Judges, Baron Yites, and Baron Rigby getting their banes there, died few days after. Yet here no Papists were arraigned to amount it to a Popish miracle, so that Saunders his observation is no whit conclusive, natural causes being afforded of such casualties.

26. We may remember how in the year, One thousand five hundred seventy and one, a severe Law was made against such who brought any superstitions Trinkets (Badges of the Romish vassalage) into England. This Law lay Dormant for these last six years, and was never put into execution, that Papists might not pretend themselves surprised into punishment through the ignorance of the Law, so long a time being allowed unto them, that they might take serious cognizance of the said statute in this behalf: And therefore let such Catholics who complain of cruelty herein, produce a Precedent of the like lenity amongst them used to Offendors. But now one Cuthbert Maine a Priest, was drawn, hanged and quartered at Lanston in Cornewall, for his obstinate maintaining of the Papal power, and one Trugion a Gentleman of that County, was condemned to loss of all his goods and perpetual imprisonment for affording harbor unto him.

27. Hitherto the English Bishops had been vivacious almost to wonder. For necessarily presumed of good years, before entering on their office, in the first of Queen Elizabeth it was much that but five died for the first twenty years of her reign. Whereas now seven deceased within the compass of two years. Thus when a generation of contemporary persons begins to crack, it quickly falls, and the leases of their clay cottage, commencing it seems, much from the same date, at the same term did expire. We will severally reckon them up, the rather, because all the Remarks of Church-History for those two years, is folded up in their characters.

28. Nicholas Bullingham began the breach, translated from Lincoln to Worcester, whereat my Author doth much admire, conceiving [belike] such advancement a degradation, and can only render this reason, that for his own ease he changed a larger, for a lesser Diocese. But what if Worcester were also the better Bishopric, and so the warmer seat for his old age?

29. William Bradbridge bred in Magdalene College in Oxford, Bishop of Exeter, was snatched away with a sudden death. And in the same year Edmond Guest, BP. of Salisbury, bred in Kings College in Cambridge, who wrote many books (reckoned up by J. Bale ) bought and bestowed more on the library of Salisbury, the case whereof, was built by BP. Jewell.

30. Richard Cheyney, Bishop of Bristol, holding Gloucester therewith in dispensation, bred in Cambridge, of whom M ^r . Camden giveth this character, that he was Luthero addictissimus, Most addicted to Luther. Bishop Godwin saith, Luthero addictior fortasse quàm par erat, Perchance more addicted to Luther then was meet. Adding moreover, that in the first convocation in the reign of Queen Mary, he so earnestly opposed Popery, that he wonde reth how he escaped with life. But I wonder more, how since his death, the scandalous rumour is raised, that he died a Papist, suspended by Arch-Bishop Grindall from his Episcopal function, and this one (his successor in that See) will persuade others to believe.

31. However the words of Mrs. Goldsborrough (widow to BP. Goldsborrough of Gloucester ) a grave Matron, prevailed with me to the contrary. Who at a public entertainment, in the presence of many, and amongst them of my judicious friend, gave a just check to this false report, and avowed that to her knowledge he died a true and sincere Protestant.

32. Robert Horne succeeded. Borne in the Bishopric of Durham, bred in S ^t . John's in Cambridge, one, valido & faecundo ingenio, saith my Author. Of a spritefull and fruit full wit. One who would go thorough whatsoever he undertook, be it against Papists or Nonconformists, and his adversaries playing with his name, (as denoting his nature hard, and inflexible ) nothing moved him to abate of his resolution.

33. Thomas Bentham followed him, Bishop of Coventry, and Leichfield, bred in Magdalene College in Oxford, of whose Christian valor in that College, against superstition in Queen Mary's reign, we have spoken before.

34. Richard Cox, Bishop of Eli, concludes this Bill of Mortality, Tutor to King Edw. the 6. of whom largely before in the troubles at Frankford. I am sorry so much is charged on his memory, and so little can be said in his vindication, and would willingly impute it, not to his want of innocence, but ours, of intelligence. It moves me much his accusation of covetousness, dilapidating (or rather delignating his Bishopric, cutting down the woods thereof) for which he fell into the Queens displeasure: But am more offended at his taking (if true) the many ancient manuscripts from Oxford, under the pretence of a visitation. He was an excellent poet, though the verses written on his own tomb, are none of the best, and scarce worth our translating.

It seems some took exceptions at the Epitaph, as parcel-Popish, because (though supposing his possession ) praying for the perpetuation of his happiness, and on that account, twenty years after his death, it was partly demolished.

35. This year also S ^r . Thomas Gresham ended his life, whose Royal-Exchange in London, with all the Magnificence thereof, could not properly entitle him to a mention in this our Church-History; had he not also, by his will bequeathed maintenance, for the erecting of a College in Bishops-gate-street, allowing an annual Salary of fifty pound to several Professors in Divinity, Civil Law, Physic, Astronomy, Geometry, Music, and Rhetoric. It is therefore no mistake in Mercator when counting three Universities, in England, Cambridge, Oxford, and London, seeing the last may be so esteemed, both in relation to the Inns-of-Court, and this College.

36. The Family of love, began now to grow so numerous, factious, and dangerous, that the Privy Council thought fit to endeavor their suppression. Being now to deduce the Original of this Sect, we desire that the Clock of Time on the margin of our Book may stand still, intending not to discompose the method of years therein: though we go backward for awhile in our History, to fetch in the beginning of these Familists. Most obscure was their Original, according to the Apostles words, There are certain men crept in unawa • es, Crept in, showing the slowness of their pace, and the lowness of their posture. The later proceeding partly from their Guiltiness, not daring to go upright, to justify, avouch, and maintain their doctrine, partly out of Policy, to work themselves in, the more invisibly. But these Creepers at first, turned Plyers afterward ( flying Serpents no contradiction) so that the State accounted it necessary to cut down their arrogancy and increase, whose beginning with the means thereof we come now to relate.

37. One Henry Nicholas born in Amsterdam, first vented this doctrine (about the year 1550.) in his own country. He was one who wanted learning in himself, and hated it in others, and yet was conceived, (which at first procured pity unto him) though of wild and confused notions, with absurd and improper expressions, yet of honest and harmless intentions. Men thought him unable, both to manage his Apprehensions whole (as to make sense of them) and too weak by distinctions to parcel and divide them (wanting Logic for that purpose) and yet they charitably conceived, his mind might be better then his mouth, and that he did mean better, then he could interpret his own meaning. For meeting with many places in Scripture, which speak the union and communion of Christians with Christ, Christ with God (how quickly are mysteries made blasphemies, when unskillful hands meddle with them?) he made of them a most carnal-spiritual exposition.

38. Yea in process of time, he grew so bad, that charity itself would blush to have a favorable thought of his Opinions. Not content to confine his Errors to his own Country, over he comes into England, and in the later end of the reign of King Edward the sixth, joined himself to the Dutch Congregation in London, where he seduced a number of Artificers and silly women, amongst whom two daughters of one Warwick, (to whom he dedicated an epistle) were his principal Perverts. M ^r . Martin Micronius, and M ^r . Nicholaus Charineus, then the ministers of the Dutch Congregation, zealously confuted his errors, but it seems their Antidotes pierced not so deep as his poisons. Many of our English Nation were by him deceived, and may the Reader but peruse this his mock-Apostolic Style, (his charm to delude silly people therewith) and let him tell me whether the Ape did not well deserve a whip, for his over-imitation therein.

The followers of this Nicholas assumed to themselves the Title of the family of Love. Family of faith, we find in Scripture, but this new-name was one first invented by, and falsely applied unto this Faction, who might more fitly, from Nicholas their father and founder, be styled Nicolaitans, as their name-sakes (hated by God for thir filthiness) were called so, from Nicolas the proselyte of Antioch. These Familists (besides many monstrosities they maintained about their Communion with God ) attenuated all Scriptures into Allegories, and under pretence to turn it into Spirit, made them aery empty, nothing. They counterfeited Revelations, and those not explicatory or applicatory of Scripture, (such may and must be allowed to God's Servants in all ages) but additional thereunto, and of equal necessity and infallibility to be believed therewith. In a word, as in the small pox, (pardon my plain and homely, but true and proper comparison) when at first they kindly come forth, everyone of them may severally and distinctly be discerned, but when once they run and matter, they break one into another, and can no longer be dividedly discovered; so though at first there was a real difference, betwixt Familists, Enthusiasts, Antinomians (not to add highflown Anabaptists ) in their opinions, yet (process of time plucking up the Pales betwixt them) afterwards they did so interfere amongst themselves, that it is almost impossible to bank, and bound their several absurdities.

39. The practices of these Familists were worse than their opinions. They grieved the Comforter, charging all their sins on God's Spirit, for not effectually assisting them against the same: accounting themselves as innocent as the maid forced in the field, crying out, and having none to help her. Yea, S ^t . Paul's supposition, Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? was their position. What he started from, they embraced; what he branded with a God forbid, they welcomed with a well done good and faithful servant: sinning on design, that their wickedness might be a foil to God's mercy, to set it off the brighter.

40. The Privy Council therefore took them into consideration, and tendered unto them this following abjuration.

No fewer than ten of the Privy Council tendered this abjuration to each Familist, but with what success I find not. If any of these Familists were of their opinion in Higher Germany, who were called Liberi Fratres, Free Brethren, who maintained themselves delivered by Christ from all covenants, vows, and debts, (if from prison too on denial of payment, it were excellent) all was to little purpose, seeing a bird may as soon be impounded, as these spirits confined by any oaths, or carnal obligation. Pass we from them to others more dangerous, because more learned, even the Jesuits (hoping at last to light on the temperate zone, when we have done with these dull, frozen, ignorant Sectaries, and fiery, torrid, overactive Papists) whereof two principal ones, Persons, and Campian, living at Rom • , importuned his Holiness for license to come over into England.

41. Having obtained this gracious faculty, over they come into England, and distill superstition, and disloyalty into the Queens Subjects. This Persons was a Summerset-shire man, formerly of Baliol College in Oxford, till for his dishonesty he was expelled with disgrace. But, what Oxford cast away for dross, Rome received for gold, entertaining, and rewarding him as a man of a daring, and undertaking spirit, and of a nature turbulent, and seditious. Campian, born in London, and bred in S ^t . Johns College, of the same University (whereof he was Proctor Anno 1568.) was one of a sweet nature, constantly carrying about him the charms of a plausible behavior: of a fluent tongue, and good parts, which he knew how to show to the best advantage. These two effectually advanced the Roman cause, appearing in moe several shapes than Proteus himself, in the disguised habits of Soldiers, Courtiers, Ministers of the word, Apparitours, as they were advised by their profit, and safety: and, as if his Holiness had infused an ubiquitariness into them, they acted in city, court, and country. Persons was the axe to hew knottie controversies, where deep learning was needful; Campian was the plainer to come after him, and smooth matters with his eloquence; yea, the former frighted fearful people into Popery with his fierceness, the later flattered them in it with his courteous behavior. But, none can give a better account of Campians proceedings, then this his own letter which followeth.

Secretary Walsingham, one of a steady head (no more than needful for him, who was to dive into such whirl-pools of State) laid out for Campians apprehension. Many were his lime-twigs to this purpose. Some of his Emissaries were bred in Rome itself. It seems his Holiness was not infallible in every thing, who pai'd pensions to some of Walsinghams spies sent thither to detect Catholics. Of these, Sled and Eliot were the principal. Surely these Setters could not accomplish their ends, but with deep dissembling and damnable lying. If any account such officers evils, I deny it not, but add them to be necessary evils, in such a dangerous juncture of time. Always set a—to catch a—;and the greatest dear-stealers, make the best Park-keepers. Indeed these spies were so cunning, they could trace a labyrinth, without the guidance of a clew of thread; and knew all by-corners at home, and abroad. At last Eliot snapped Campian in his own lodging, and in great triumph he was carried to the Tower.

42. The Papists tell us of seven deadly racks in the Tower, all of them exercised on some or other their prisoners therein. One rack called the Duke of Exeters, the other the Scavengers daughter, and these haply had their grand-children: God keep all good men in the joyful ignorance of them, and their issue. Campian is said thrice, or four times, to have been tortured on them, ad l • xationem, ac quassationem omnium membrorum; if the report thereof be not racked beyond the proportion of truth. However we request the ingenuous;

43. First, to consider, there scarce passed a leap-year, wherein the Papists did not lay their eggs, or hatch some treason against the Queen, which excuseth such severity used to detect conspiracies. Secondly, I find when Father Bri • nt, a Priest was racked most cruelly, he confesseth, Se nihil quicquam doloris sensisse, That he felt no pain at all. Were this false, I wonder so religious a man would report it; were it true, I wonder that Campian (every inch as religious as Briant ) had not the same miraculous favor indulged to him. Thirdly, Campian presently after his racking, wrote letters with his own hand; which shows he was not so disioynted, with such cruelty as is pretended. Lastly, those who complain of Campians usage have forgotten, or will not remember, how Anne Askue, and Cuth'ert Simpson (on whom no shadow of treason could be charged) were most cruelly, and causelessly racked by Popish persecutors, as a preface to their ensuing martyrdom.

44. We leave Campian for a time in a safe place, where we are sure to find him at our return, to behold how it fared with Father Persons, diligently sought for by Walsinghams setters, and therefore as eminent for making his three escapes, as writing his three conversions.

To these a fourth may be added, more miraculous than all the rest, When Persons was apprehended by a Pursuivant at Northwich in Cheshire, and put into a chamber fast bolted, and licked upon him, the door did, three times together, miraculously, and of its own accord fly open.

45. By the Readers favor, as I dare not deny belief to this passage attested by a Catholic Father: so I cannot but wonder thereat. Peter, and Paul, each of them had once their prison doors open: Persons exceeds them both, three several solemn times his prison was set open. Did he not tempt Divine providence, which once, and again offered unto him a way to escape, to expect a third call to come forth? Had Providence (angry that the courtesy twice tendered, was not accepted) left him alone, none would have pitied him if caught, and sent to keep company with his dear friend Father Campian in the Tower.

46. But Persons knew full well, that miracles (though cordials in extremity) are no bill of fare for men's daily diet, and therefore he must not constantly expect such wonderful deliverances. Besides, no doubt he remembered what passed in the fable; though this his good Genius had helped him at a dead lift, yet the same intended not to wear out all his shoes, and to go barefoot himself, in making a trade constantly to preserve him. Wherefore, Juniores ad labores, Let younger men take the task, and trouble upon them. This wary bird would not be catched, to whistle in the cage to the tune of Walsingham. Wherefore over he went to Rome, and there slept in a whole skin, as good reason it was, so great a General should secure his person from danger.

SECTION IIII.

1. KNow that a Parliament and Convocation, being this year called, the latter appeared rather a trunk, than a body, because Edmond Grindal, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, groaning under the Queens displeasure, was forbidden access to the Convocation. Whereupon, it began sadly (not to say sullenly) without the solemnity of a Sermon, abruptly entering on the small business they had to do. Some hotspurs therein motioned, that they should refuse to meet together, till their company were completed, and the Arch-Bishop restored unto them. But the gravity of the rest soon retrenched this distemper, and at last all agreed, that Toby Watthew, Dean of Christ-Church (commanding a pure, and fluent pen) should in the name of the Convocation, draw an humble supplication to Her Majesty for the restitution of the Arch-Bishop to his place, which was done according to the tenor following.

This petition, though presented with all advantage, found no other entertainment than delays, which ended in a final denial; it being daily suggested to the Queen, that Grindal was a great patron of prophesyings (now set up in several parts of the land) which, if permitted to take place, would in fine prove the bane of the Church, and Commonwealth.

2. These prophesyings were founded on the Apostles precept, For, ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all be comforted; but so, as to make it out, they were fain to make use of human prudential additions, modelling their prophesyings as followeth.

This exercise proved (though often long) seldom tedious; and people's attentions, though travelling far, were little tired, because entertained with much variety.

3. However, some inconveniences were seen, and more foreseen by wise (or at least suspected by fearful) men, if these prophesies might generally take place in the land.

• 1. Many modest Ministers, and those profitable Preachers in their private Parishes 〈◊〉 were loath to appear in this public way, which made them underservedly slighted and neglected by others.
• 2. Many young men, of more boldness than learning, readiness, than solidity, carried away the credit, to the great disheartening of those of more age, and ability.
• 3. This consort of Preachers kept not always time and tune amongst themselves, much jarring of personal reflections often disturbing their harmony.
• 4. Many would make impertinent excursions from their text, to inveigh against the present discipline, and government of the Church. Such-Preachers being more plausible to the people, generally best pleased with them, who manifest their displeasure against the present authority.
• 5. A wise person was often wanting to moderate the Moderator, partially passing his censures, rather according to affection, than judgment.
• 6. People factiously cried up, someone Minister, some another, to the disgrace of God's Ordinance.
• 7. These prophesyings, being accounted the fairs for spiritual merchandizes, made the weekly markets for the same holy commodities, on the Lord's day, to be less respected, and Ministers to be neglected in their respective Parishes.
• 8. In a word, the Queen was so perfectly prepossessed with prejudice against these prophesyings, (as if they foretold the rise of schism, and faction) that she was implacably incensed against Arch-Bishop Grindal, as the principal Patron, and promoter thereof.

However the good Arch-Bishop, to vindicate himself, and state the usefulness of these prophesyings, wrote a large letter to the Queen: and although we cannot exactly tell the just time thereof; yet, knowing it▪ will be welcome to the pious reader at any time, here we present the true copy thereof.

What could be written with more spirit, and less animosity? more humility and less dejection? I see a Lamb in his own, can be a Lion, in God, and his churches Cause. Say not that orbitas and senectus, (the two things which made the man speak so boldly to the Tyrant) only encouraged Grindall, in this his writing, whose necessary boldness did arise, partly from confidence in the goodness of the cause, for which, partly from the graciousnes of the Queen to whom he made his address. But alas all in vain, Leicester had so filled her Majesty's ears with complaints against him, there was no room to receive his petition.

4. Indeed Leicester cast a covetous eye on Lambeth-House, alleging as good arguments for his obtaining thereof, as ever were urged by Ahab for Naboth's-Vineyard▪ Now Grindall, though generally condemned for remissness in this kind, (parting with more from his See, then ever his successors thanked him for) stoutly opposed the alienating of this his principal Palace, and made the Leicestrian Party to malice him, but more hereof hereafter. Mean time may the Reader take notice, that a great Scholar and Statesman, and no Enemy to the Hierarchy, in his worthy considerations abuut ChurchGovernment, (tendered to King James ) conceiveth, that such Prophesyings which Grindall did favor, might be so discreetly cautioned and moderated, as to make them without fear of faction profitable for advancing of learning and Religion. But so jealous were some Bishops of that Age, of these Prophecyings (as having too much Presbyterian Analogy, and classical Constitution therein) they decried the motion of them as Schismatical.

5. I find no mortality of Protestant Worthies this year. But amongst the Catholics much moan for the death of Allan Cope, ( Harpsfields great correspondent, and) Agent for those of his Religion at Rome, where he died, and was buried in the English College, and George Bullock bred in S ^t . Johns in Cambridge, and after lived in Antwerpe in the Monastery of S ^t . Michaels.

6. Now began Priests and Jesuits to flock faster into England, than ever before; having exchange of clothes, and names, and professions. He, who on Sunday was a Priest, or Jesuit; was, on Monday, a Merchant, on Tuesday, a Soldier; on Wednesday, a Courtier; &c. and, with the sheers of equivocation (constantly carried about him) he could cut himself into any shape he pleased. But, under all their new shapes, they retained their old nature; being akinn in their turbulent spirits, to the wind pent in the subterranean concavities, which will never be quiet, until it hath vented itself with a State-quake of those countries wherein they abide. These distilled traitorous principles into all people wheresoever they came, and endeavored to render them disaffected to Her Majesty; maintaining, that She neither had nor ought to have any dominion over Her Subjects, whilst She persisted in an heretical distance from the Church of Rome.

7. Hereupon the Parliament, which now met at Westminster, was enforced, for the security of the State, to enact severe laws against them. First, that it should be treason to draw any from that faith established in England, to the Romish religion. Secondly, that it should be treason to be reconciled to the Romish religion. Thirdly, that to maintain, or conceal any such person, longer then twenty days, should be misprision of treason. Fourthly, that saying mass should be two hundred marks penalty, and one years imprisonment. Fifthly, hearing Mass should be one hundred marks penalty, and one years imprisonment. Sixthly, absence from the Church one month, fineable at twenty pounds. Seventhly, all they shall be imprisoned, who will not or cannot pay the forfeiture. Eighthly, it was provided, that such should pay ten pounds a month, who kept a School-master in their house, who repaireth not to Church. Where by the way we may mention, that some since conceive themselves to have discovered a defect in this law, because no order is taken therein against Popish School-mistrisses. And although School-master may seem of the Common-gender, and inclusive of both sexes, yet by the letter of the law all Sheteachers (which did mischief to little children) evaded the punishment. Thus when authority hath carefully shut all doors, and windows imaginable, some little offenders will creep through the crannies thereof.

8. When Sovereigns have made laws, Subjects sometimes take the boldness to sit in judgment upon them; to commend them for just, or condemn them for cruel, as here it came to pass. Some (and those far enough from all Popery) misliked the imposing of monie-m • lcts on men's consciences. If the Mass were lawful, let it freely be permitted; if unlawful, let it wholly be prohibited. It is a sad case to make men pay dear for their damnation, and so sell them a license to do that, which the receivers of their money conceive to be unlawful. It is part of the character of the Wh • re of Babylon (which Protestants generally apply to Rome ) that she traded, or, made a ma • t of the souls of men: as this was little better.

9. Others, not disliking a pecuniarie penalty, yet conceived the proportion thereof unreasonable. Twenty pounds a month; a vast sum (especially as exacted by lunarie months, consisting of twenty eight days, and so making thirteen months in the year) enough to shatter the conteinment of a rich man's estate. They commended the moderation of the former Statute, which required twelve pence a Sunday of all such, as could not give a reasonable excuse of their absence from Church. That did smart, yet did not fetch blood, at the worst, did not break b • nes. Whereas now twenty pounds a month, paid severally by every Recusant for himself, and as much for his wife (which, though one flesh in Divinity, yet are two persons in law) held so heavy as to cripple their estates. And as the rich hereby were almost undone: so the poor Papists (who also had souls to save) passed wholly unpunished, paying nothing, because unable to pay all the penalty. And, although imprisonment was imposed by law on persons not solvable, yet officers were unwilling to cast them into goal, where they might lie, and fill the goals, and rot without hopes of enlargement.

10. Larger were the debates both then, and since, in discourse, and writing about the capital punishment, in taking away the lives of Jesuits. Some being zealous for the vigorous execution of those laws, and others as earnest for the confining only of Jesuits close prisoners, during theirlife; conceiving it conducing most to the tranquility of the Kingdom. But see their reasons.

It is safest for England with vigor and rigor, to inspirit the laws, and put Jesuits to death.

It is safest for England to keep Jesuits in perpetual durance, without taking away their lives.

1. Their breath is contagious to English air, whose appearance in any Protestant-State, is as sure a presage (as the playing of Porpaises above water) that foul weather is to follow therein.	1. All sinners are not Devils, and all Devils are not Beelzebubs, Some Priests and Jesuits are of a milder temper, and better metal'd, who by moderation may be melted into amendment.
2. It would render the reputation of our State lighter in the balance of the best friends thereof, if it should enact severe laws against offenders, and then hang those laws up (like forfeits in a Barbers shop ) only to be looked on, and laughed at, as never put in execution. What was this, but to make the sword of justice (which ought always to be kept keen, & sharp) but to be like fencers swords, when they play in jest-earnest, having the edge dunted, and the point button'd up? Might not felons, and murderers, even with some justice, promise much mercy unto themselves (whose offenses are terminated in spoiling, or killing, of particular persons) if Priests, and Jesuits, public incendiaries of the State, have such mercy indulged unto them?	2. The point, and edge of the sword of justice [understand the law it self] may remain as sharp as it was before; Only the arm may, and ought to strike with less strength, and use more moderation in inflicting such severe punishments. The most whole-some laws would be poison (justice, hot in the fourth degree, is cruelty) if enforced at all times, and on all persons to the utmost extremity. Let the law stand unrepeal'd, only some mitigation be used in the execution thereof.
3. Favor in this kind indulged to Jesuits, would be generally misinterpreted, to proceed (not from Her Majesty's pity, but) either from Her fearfulness, as not daring longer to enrage the Popish party; or from Her Guiltiness, Who, out of remorse of conscience, could not find in Her heart to execute such cruel laws as She had enacted.	3. Princes ought not to be affrighted from doing what is good, and honorable in itself, with the scarecrows of people's misinterpretations thereof. If such misconstructions of Her Majesty's mercy, be taken up willfully, let such persons bear the blame, and shame, of their voluntary, and affected errors. If they be only ignorant mistakes, of ingenuous persons, time will rectify their judgments, and beget in them a better opinion of Her Majesty's proceedings. However, better it is, that the Queens lenity should hazard such misconstructions thereof, than that otherwise She should be certainly censured for cruelty, and the State taxed as desirous to grow fat, by sucking the blood of Catholics.
4. This in all probability will be the most effectual course to extirpate Jesuitisme out of the land. For, their Superiors beyond the seas, seeing all such as they send hither impartially cut off by the hand of justice, will either out of pity forbear for the future, to thrust moe men into the jaws of death; or else such subject-Jesuits, out of policy will refuse to be sent by them on unavoidable destruction.	4. It will rather be the way to continue, and increase the same. The blood of Martyrs (whether real, or reputed) is the seed of that Church (true of false) in maintenance whereof they lose their lives. We know, clamorouness, and multitude do much in crying up matters; and herein the Papists (at home, and beyond the seas) will play their parts, to roar out such men for Martyrs: A succession of Jesuits to be sent over will never fail, seeing that service amongst erroneous judgments will never want Volunteers, where merit of heaven is the believed wages thereof.
5. The dead do not bite; and, being dispatched out of the way, are forgotten. Whereas if Jesuits be only condemned to perpetual durance, their party abroad will be restless in plotting, and practicing their brethren's enlargement. It is safer therefore to take away subjectum conatus, the subject, and object of their endeavors, by riding them quite out of the way, that their complices may despair to relieve them. For, though prisoners may be rescued with much might, dead men cannot be revived without miracle.	5. The greater rage moveth to the greater revenge, and the greater [apprehended] injury causeth the greater rage, It will rather sharpen the edge of Popish zeal, more earnestly to revenge their deaths, than to rescue them from durance.
6. No precedent could ever yet be produced of any Priest, or Jesuit, who was converted with imprisonment. It is therefore but just, that they, who will not be mended with the goal, should be ended with the gallows.	6. Though the instance cannot be given of any Priest, of Jesuit, who hath totally renounced his religion, yet some have been made semiconverts, so far as to disclaim the treacherous part, and principles thereof. This is most visible in the Secular Priests, the Queens lenity so working on many of them, that both in writing, and preaching, they have detested, and confuted all such traitorous practices, as against the laws of God.
7. The rather, because no Jesuit is put to death for his religion, but rebellion, they are never examined on any article of their faith, nor are their consciences burdened with any interrogatories touching their belief; but only practices against the State are charged upon them.	7. The death of Jesuits in such cases, may fitly be styled, the child, of their rebellion, but the grandchild of their religion, which is removed but a degree farther. For, their obedience to their superiors putteth them on the propagation of their religion, and by all means to endeavor the same, which causeth them out of an erroneous conscience, to do that which rendereth them offenders to our State. Now, in all ages, such as have suffered for their consciences, not only immediately, and in a direct line, but also at the second hand, and by implication, receive pity from all such as behold their sufferings (whether as a debt due, or as an alms given unto them, let others dispute) and therefore such putting of Jesuits unto death, will but procure unto them a general commiseration.

These, and many other reasons (too many, and tedious to be here inserted) were brought, and bandied on both sides, everyone censuring as they stood affected.

11. In the execution of these laws against Jesuits, Queen Elizabeth embraced a middle, and moderate way. Indeed when a new rod is made, some must be whipped therewith, though it be put in terrorem, of others. When these Statutes were first in the state, or magisteriality thereof, they were severely put in practice on such offenders as they first lighted on. But some years after, the Queen and Her Judges grew remiss in the execution thereof. Witness the only confining of many of themto Wisbidge Castle, where they fell out amongst themselves. And in King James His days, this dormant law against Jesuits only awakened some once in four, or five years (to show the world that it was not dead) and then fairly fell asleep again, being very sparingly put in execution against some notorious offenders.

12. The worst was, the punishment hap'ned heaviest on those, which were the least offenders. For, whereas the greatest guilt was in the Senders, all the penalty fell on the Messengers; I mean on such novices which sent hither at their Superiors commands, and who, having lost their sight beyond the seas (by blind obedience ) came over to lose their lives in England. Now Jesuitisme is a weed, whose leaves, spread into our land, may be cut off, but the root thereof is out of reach, as fixed in Rome, and other foreign parts. For, in the mean time their Superiors, staying at Rome, ate, slept, wrote, rail'd, complained of persecution, making of faces, and they themselves crying out oh, whilst they thrust the hands of others of their own religion into the fire.

13. A loud Parliament is always attended with a silent Convocation, as here it came to pass. The activity of the former in Church-matters, left the later nothing to do. Only this account I can give thereof out of our records. First, Arch-Bishop Grindal appeared not at all therein, age, blindness, and disgrace keeping the good father at home. Secondly, John Elmer Bishop of London, was appointed his locumtenens, or Deputy. Thirdly, this Convocation began in S ^t . Paul's (where it continued without any removal) with reading the Litany vulgari sermon, in the English tongue. Fourthly, the Bishops commended three, namely, D ^r . Humsries, Dean of Winchester; D ^r . George Day, Dean of Windsor; and D ^r . Goodman. Dean of Westminster, to the inferior Clergy, to chose one of them for their Referendary, or Prolocutor. Fifthly, D ^r . Day was elected, and presented for that office. Sixthly, motion was made of drawing up some articles against the dangerous opinions of the Family of love, a sect then much increasing, but nothing was effected. Seventhly, at several Sessions they met, and prayed, and conferred, and prorogued their meeting, and departed. Lastly, the Clergy granted a Subsidy (afterwards confirmed by the Parliament) and so the convocation was dissolved.

14. Now can I not satisfy myself on my strictest enquiry, what Jesuit, or Priest had the first hansell of that severe Statute made against them. Indeed I find a Priest, John Pain by name, executed at Chelmsford March the 31. (which was but thirteen days after the dissolution of the Parliament) for certain speeches by him uttered, but cannot avouch him for certainly tried on this Statute. More probable it is, that Thomas Ford, John Shert, and Robert Johnson, Priests, executed at London, were the first-fruits of the States severity.

15. No eminent Clergy-man Protestant died this year, save Gilbert Berkelay, Bishop of Bath and Wells, who (as his Arms do attest) was alliXed to the ancient and honorable family of the Berkelays.

16. The Presbyterian party was not idle all this while, but appointed a meeting at Cockfield (M ^r . Knewstubs Cure ) in Suffolk where three-score Ministers of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge-shire, met together, to con • e • r of the Common-Prayer-Book, what might be tolerated, and what necessary to be refused in every point of it, apparel, matter, form, days, fastings, injuctions &c. Matters herein were carried with such secrecy, that we can see no light thereof, but what only shineth thorough one crevice, in a private letter of one thus expressing himself to his friend. Concerning the meeting, I hope all things were so proceeded in as yourself would like of, as well for reverence to other brethren, as for other matters, I suppose before this time, some of the company have told you by word, for that was permitted unto you.

17. We are also at as great a loss, what was the result of their meeting at the Commencement at Cambridge, this being all we find thereof in a letter of one to his private friend, concerning the Commencement I like well the motion, desiring it might so come to pass, and that it be procured to be as general as might be, which may easily be brought to pass, if you at London shall so think well of it, and we here may understand your mind, we will, we trust, as we can further it. M ^r . Allen liketh well of the matter.

18. The year proved very active, especially in the practices of Presbyterians, who now found so much favor, as almost amounted to a connivence at their discipline. For whilst the severity of the State was at this time intended to the height against Jesuits, some lenity of course (by the very rules of opposition) fell to the share of the Non-conformists, even on the score of their notorious enmity to the Jesuitical party.

19. The city of Geneva was at this time reduced to great difficulties by the Savoyard her potent adversary, and forced to purchase peace on dear an bitter terms, saving that extremity sweetens all things, and her present condition was incapable of better conditions. Hereupon, M ^r . Beza, the tongue and pen of that State to foreign parts, addressed himself by letter to M ^r . Walter Travers, whom I may term the neck (allowing M ^r . Cartwright for the head) of the, Presbyterian party, the second in honor and esteem, then Chaplain to the Lord Treasurer, and of whom more hereafter. The tenor of the letter is here inserted, subscribed by Beza's own hand (and in my possession) which though it be of foreign extraction, carries much in it of English concernment.