Church History of Britain

SECTION III.

WEE May remember, that one of the best things produced by Hampton-Court-Conference, was a resolution in His Majesty for a new Translation of the Bible. Which religious design was now effectually prosecuted, and the Translators, being seven and forty in number, digested into six companies, and several Books assigned them, in order as followeth, according unto the several places wherein they were to meet, confer, and consult together; so that nothing should pass without a general consent.

Now, for the better ordering of their proceedings, His Majesty recommended the following Rules by them to be most carefully observed:

• 1. The ordinary Bible read in the Church, commonly called the Bishops Bible, to be followed, and as little altered as the Original will permit.
• 2. The names of the Prophets, and the Holy Writers, with the other names in the text, to be retained as near as may be, accordingly as they are vulgarly used.
• 3. The old Ecclesiastical words to be kept, viz: as the word [Church] not to be translated Congregation, &c.
• 4. When any word hath divers significations, that to be kept which hath been most commonly used, by the most eminent Fathers, being agreeable to the propriety of the place, and the analogy of faith.
• 5. The division of the Chapters to be altered either not at all, or as little as may be, if necessity so require.
• 6. No marginal notes at all to be affixed, but only for the explanation of the Hebrew, or Greek words, which cannot without some circumlocution, so briefly and fitly be expressed in the text.
• 7. Such quotations of places to be marginally set down, as shall serve for the fit reference of one Scripture to another.
• 8. Every particular man of each company to take the same Chapter, or Chapters; and, having translated, or amended them severally by himself where he thinks good, all to meet together, confer what they have done, and agree for their part what shall stand.
• 9. As any one company hath dispatched any one Book in this manner, they shall send it to the rest, to be considered of seriously, and juditiously; for, His Majesty is very careful in this point.
• 10. If any company upon the review of the Book so sent, shall doubt, or differ upon any places, to send them word thereof, note the places, and therewithal send their reasons: to which if they consent not, the difference to be compounded at the General Meeting, which is to be of the chief persons of each company, at the end of the work.
• 11. When any place of special obscurity is doubted of, Letters to be directed by Authority, to send to any learned in the Land for his judgment in such a place.
• 12. Letters to be sent from every Bishop, to the rest of his Clergy, admonishing them of this Translation in hand; and to move, and charge as many as, being skillful in the Tongues, have taken pains in that kind, to send his particular observations to the Company, either at Westminster, Cambridge, or Oxford.
• 13. The directours in each Company, to be the Deans of Westminster, and Chester, for that place; and the Kings Professors in the Hebrew, and Greek, in each University.
• 14. These Translations to be used, when they agree better with the Text, than the Bishops-Bible, viz:
  • Tindals.
  • Matthews.
  • Coverdals.
  • Whitchurch.
  • Geneva.

Besides the said directions before mentioned, three or four of the most ancient, and grave Divines in either of the Universities, not employed in translating to be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor, upon conference with the rest of the Heads, to be Overseers of the Translations, as well Hebrew, as Greek, for the better observation of the fourth Rule above-specified.

2. The untimely death of Mr. Edward Lively, much weight of the work lying on his skill in the Oriental Tongues, happening about this time ( happy that servant whom his Master, when he cometh, findeth so doing ) not a little retarded their proceedings. However the rest vigorously, though slowly, proceeded in this hard, heavy, and holy task, nothing offended with the censures of impatient people, condemning their delays, though indeed but due deliberation, for laziness. Our pen for the present taketh its leave of them, not doubting but within two years to give a good account of them, or rather that they will give a good account of themselves.

In the translating of the Bible, one of the eminent persons employed therein, was translated into a better life, viz:

3. Doctor John Reynolds, Kings Professor in Oxford, born in Devon▪shire, with Bishop Jewel, and Mr. Hooker, and all three bred in Corpus-Christi College in Oxford. No one County in England bare three such men contemporarie at large) in what College soever they were bred, no College in England bred such three men, in what County soever they were born.

4. This John Reynolds at the first was a zealous Papist, whilst William his Brother was as earnest a Protestant, and afterwards Providence so ordered it, that by their mutual disputation John Reynolds turned an eminent Protestant, and William an inverterate Papist, in which persuasion he died.

This gave the occasion to an excellent Copy of Verses, concluding with this Distich,

Daniel saith, Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. But here indeed was a strange transcursion, and remarkable the effects thereof.

5. His memory was little less than miraculous (he himself being the truest Table to the multitude of voluminous Books he had read over, whereby he could readily turn to all material passages in every leaf, page, volume, paragraph, not to descend lower, to lines and letters. As his Memory was a faithful Index, so his Reason was a solid Judex of what he read; his Humility set a luster on all (admirable that the whole should be so low, whose several parts were so high ) communicative of which he knew to any that desired information herein, like a tree Joaden with fruit, bowing down its branches to all that desired to ease it of the burden thereof, deserving this Epitaph:

6. His disaffection to the discipline established in England was not so great, as some Bishops did suspect, or as more Non conformists did believe. No doubt he desired the abolishing of some Ceremonies for the ease of the conscience of others, to which in his own practice he did willingly submit, constantly wearing Hood and Surplice, and kneeling at the Sacrament. On his death-bed he earnestly desired absolution, according to the form of the Church of England, and received it from Doctor Holland, whose hand he * affectionately kissed, in expression of the joy he received thereby: Doctor Featly made his funeral Oration in the College, Sir Isaac Wake in the University.

7. About this time Mr. John Molle, Governor to the Lord Ross in his travails, began his unhappy journey beyond the Seas. This Mr. Molle was born in, or near South-Molton in Devon. His youth was most spent in France, where both by sea and land he gained much dangerous experience. Once the ship he sailed in sprung a-leak, wherein he and all his company had perished, if an Hollander (bound for Garnesay ) passing very near, had not speedily taken them in; which done, their ship sunk immediately. Being Treasurer for Sir Thomas Shirley of the Engl • sh Army in Britanie, he was in the defeat of Cambray wounded, taken prisoner, and ransomed; Providence designing him neither to be swallowed by the surges, nor slain by the sword, but in due time to remain a Land-mark of Christian patience to all posterity. At last he was appointed by Thomas, Earl of Exeter, (who formerly had made him Examiner in the Council of the North ) to be Governor in Travail to his Grand-child, the Lord Ross, undertaking the charge with much reluctancy (as a presage of ill success) and with a profession, and a resolution not to pass the Alps.

8. But a Vagari took the Lord Ross to go to Rome, though some conceive this motion had its root in more mischievous brains. In vain doth Mr. Molle dissuade him, grown now so willful, he would in some sort govern his Governor. What should this good man do? To leave him were to desert his trust, to go along with him was to endanger his own life. At last his affections to his charge so prevailed against his judgment, that unwillingly willing he went with him. Now, at what rate soever they rode to Rome, the fame of their coming came thither before them; so that no sooner had they entered their Inn, but Officers asked for Mr. Molle, took and carried him to the Inquisition-House, where he remained a prisoner, whilst the Lord Ross was daily feasted, favored, entertained: so that some will not stick to say, That here he changed no Religion for a bad one.

9. However, such Mr. Molle 's glorious constancy, that whilst he looked forward on his cause, and upwards to his crown, neither frights nor flattery could make any impression on him. It is questionable, whether his friends did more pity his misery, or admire his patience. The pretence, and allegation of his so long and strict imprisonment, was, because he had translated Du Plessis his Book of The Visibility of the Church, out of French into English; but besides, there were other contrivances therein, not so fit for a public relation. In vain did his friends in England, though great and many, endeavor his enlargement by exchange, for one or moe Jesuits, or Priests, who were prisoners here. Papists beholding this Molle as a man of a thousand, who, if discharged the Inquisition, might give an account of Romish cruelty to their great disadvantage.

10. In all the time of his durance, he never heard from any friend, nor any from him, by word or letter: no English-man being ever permitted to see him, save only one, viz: Mr. Walter Strickland of Botnton-house in York shire. With very much desire, and industry, he procured leave to visit him, an Irish Frier being appointed to stand by, and be a witness of their discourse. Here he remained thirty years in restraint, and in the eighty first year of his age died a Prisoner, and constant Confessor of Christ his cause. God be magnified in, and for the sufferings of his Saints.

11. In this year Richard Vaughan, Doctor of Divinity, bred in S. John's College in Cambridge, successively Bishop of Bangor, Chester, and London, ended his life. A corpulent man, but spiritually minded, such his integrity, not to be bowed (though force was not wanting) to any base connivance, to wrong the Church he was placed in. His many virtues made his loss to be much bemoaned.

12. Greater was the grief, which the death of Master Thomas Brightman caused to the disaffectors of the Church-discipline of England. He was born in the Town of Nottingham, bred in Queens-College in Cambridge, where a constant opposition, in point of judgment about Ceremonies, was maintained between him, and Doctor Meryton, afterwards Dean of York. Here he filled himself with abilities for the Ministry, waiting a call to vent himself in the Country.

13. It happened this very time, that Sir John, Son to Mr. Peter Osborne (both lovers of learned, and godly men) not only bought, and restored the Rectorie of Haunes in Bedford shire, (formerly alienated) to the Church, but also built thereon from the ground a fair House, which he furnished with fitting utenfils for the future Incumbent thereof. This done, at his desire of an able Minister▪, Doctor Whitaker's recommended Master Brightman unto him, on whom Sir John, not only freely conferred the Living, but also the profits of two-former years, which the Knight inned at his own cost, and kept in his possession.

14. Here Mr. Brightman employed himself both by preaching, and writing, to advance God's glory, and the good of the Church, witness his learned Comments in most pure Latin on the Canticles, and Revelation; though for the latter greatly grudged at on several accounts:

• 1. For the Title thereof, conceived too insolent for any creature to affix, A Revelation of The Revelation; except immediate Inspiration, which made the lock, had given the key unto it.
• 2. For being over-positive in his interpretations: The rather, because the Reverend Mr. Calvin himself, being demanded his opinion of some passages in the Revelation (as a learned man reporteth) answered ingenuously, That he knew not at all what so obscure a writer meant.
• 3. For over-particularizing in personal expositions, applying several Angels mentioned therein, to the Lord Cromwell, Archbishop Cranmer, Cecil Lord Burley, &c. Such restrictiveness being unsuitable with the large concernment of Scripture; as if England, half an Island in the Western corner, were more considerable than all the world besides, and the theater whereon so much should be performed.
• 4. In resembling the Church of England to luke-warm Laodicea, praising, and preferring the purity of foreign Protestant-Churches.

Indeed his daily discourse was against Episcopal Government, which he declared would shortly be pulled down. He spake also of great troubles, which would come upon the Land; of the destruction of Rome, and the Universal calling of the Jews, affirming, That some then alive should see all these things effected.

15. However, his life was most angelical by the confession of such, who in judgment dissented from him. His manner was always to carry about him a Greek Testament, which he read over every fortnight, reading the Gospels, and the Acts, the first; the Epistles, and the Apocalypse, the second week. He was little of stature, and (though such commonly choleric) yet never known to be moved with anger; and therefore when his pen falls foul on Romish superstition, his friends account it zeal, and no passion.

16. His desire was to die a sudden death, if God so pleased (surely not out of opposition to the English Liturgy praying against the same, but) for some reasons best known to himself. God granted him his desire, a death, sudden in respect of the shortness of the time, though premeditated on, and prepared for by him, who waited for his change; and, being a watchful soldier, might be assaulted, not surprised. For, riding in a Coach with Sir John Osborne, and reading of a Book (for he would lose no time) he fainted, and, though instantly taken out in a servants arms, and set on his lap, on an hillock, all means affordable at that instant being used for his recovery, died on the place, on the twenty fourth of August, and is buried in the Chancel of Haunes (Reverend Doctor Bulkley preaching his funeral Sermon) after he had faithfully fed his flock therein for fifteen years.

17. He was a constant Student, much troubled before his death with obstructions, both of the liver, and gall; and is supposed by Physicians to have died of the later, about the fiftieth one year of his age. And now no doubt he is in the number of those Virgins, who were not defiled with women, and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. Who always led a single life, as preferring a bed unfilled, before a bed undefiled. This my intelligence I have received by Letter, from my worthy friend lately gone to God, Master William Buckly. Bachelor of Divinity, and once Fellow of Queens College in Cambridge, who living hard by Haunes, at Clyfton, at my request diligently inquired, and returned this his character, from aged, credible persons, familiar with Master Brightman.

18. This year silently slipped away in peace, plenty, and prosperity, being ended before effectually begun, as to any memorable Church-matter therein. Indeed all the Reign of King JAMES was better for one to live under, than to write of, consisting of a Champian of constant tranquility, without any tumours of trouble to entertain posterity with.

19. In the Parliament now sitting at Westminster (in whose parallel Convocation nothing of consequence) the most remarkable thing Enacted was, the Act made to enable the Provosts, and Fellowes of Chelsey-College, to dig a trench out of the river Lee, to erect Engines, water-works, &c. to convey, and carry water in close-pipes under ground, unto the City of London, and the Suburbs thereof, for the perpetual maintenance, and sustentation of the Provost, and Fellows of that College, and their successors, by the rent to be made of the said waters so conveyed. Where, first lighting on the mention of this College, we will consider it in a fourfold capacity: 1. As intended, and designed. 2. As growing, and advanced. 3. As hindered, and obstructed. 4. As decaying, and almost, at the present, ruined. I shall crave the Reader pardon, if herein I make excursions into many years (but without discomposing of our Chronology on the margin) because it is my desire (though the College be left imperfect) to finish, and complete my description thereof, so far as my best intelligence will extend; being herein beholding to Doctor Samuel Wilkinson, the fourth, and present Provost of that College, courteously communicating unto me the considerable Records thereof.

20. It was intended for a Spiritual Garrison, with a Magazine of all Books for that purpose; where learned Divines should study, and write, in maintenance of all Controversies against the Papists. Indeed, the Romanists herein may rise up, and condemn those of the Protestant Confession. For, as Solomon used not his military men for any servile work, in building the Temple (whereof the Text assigneth this reason, ( For they were men of war: ) so the Romish Church doth not burden their Professors with preaching, or any parochial incumbrances, but reserves them only for Polemical studies. Whereas in England, the same man reads, preacheth, catechizeth, disputes, delivers Sacraments, &c. So that, were it not for God's marvelous blessing on our studies, and the infinite odds of truth on our side, it were impossible, in human probability, that we should hold up the bucklers against them. Besides the study of Divinity, at the least two able Historians were to be maintained in this College, faithfully, and learnedly to record, and publish to posterity all memorable passages in Church, and Commonwealth.

21. In pursuance of this design, His Majesty incorporated the said foundation, by the name of King JAMES his College in Chelsey; and bestowed on the same by his Letters Patents, the reversion of good land in Chelsey (then in possession of Charles Earl of Nottingham, the Lease thereof not expiring till about thirty years hence) and also gave it a capacity to receive of His loving Subjects any lands, not exceeding in the whole the yearly value of three thousand pounds.

22. Next King JAMES, let me place Doctor Matthew Sutcliffe, Dean of Exeter; who, though no Prince by birth, seems little less by his bounty to this College. As Araunah, but a private Subject, gave things as a King to God's service, such the royal liberality of this Doctor, bestowing on this College,

• The Farms of
  • 1. Kingstone
  • 2. Hazzard
  • 3. Appleton
  • 4. Kramerland
• in the Parish of
  • 1. Staverton
  • 2. Harberton
  • 3. Churchton
  • 4. Stoke-rivers
• • All in the County of Devo • , and put together, richly worth three hundred pounds per annum.

Besides these, by his Will, dated November 1. 1628. he bequeathed unto Doctor John Prideaux; and Doctor Clifford (as Feoffees in trust, to settle the same on the College) the benefit of the Extent on a Statute of four thousand pounds, acknowledged by Sir Lewis Steuklie, &c. A bountiful benefaction, and the greater, because the said Doctor had a Daughter, and she Children of her own. And, although this endowment would scarce make the Pot of pottage seethe for the sons of the Prophets; yet, what feasts would it have made in his private family, if continued therein? Seeing therefore so public a mind in so private a man, the more the pity, that this good Doctor was deserted, Uriah- -like, engaged in the forefront to fight alone against an army of difficulties; which he encountered in this design, whilst such men basely retired from him, which should have seasonably succoured, and seconded him in this action.

23. The fabric of this College was begun on a piece of ground called Thameshot, containing about six acres, and then in possession of Charles Earl of Nottingham, who granted a Lease of his term therein to the said Provost, at the yearly rent of seven pounds ten shillings. King JAMES laid the first stone thereof, and gave all the timber requisite thereunto, which was to be fetched out of Windsor-Forest. And yet that long range of building, which alone is extant, scarce finished at this day (thus made, though not of free-stone, of free-timber) as I am informed, cost (oh the dearness of Church and College-work!) full three thousand pound. But alas! what is this piece (not an eighth part) to a double quadrant, besides wings on each side, which was intended? If the aged fathers, which remembered the magnificence of Solomon 's, wept at the meanness of the second Temple; such must needs be sad, which consider the disproportion betwixt what was performed, and what was projected in this College: Save that I confess, that the destruction of beautiful buildings once really extant, leave greater impressions in men's minds, than the miscarriages of only intentional structures, and the faint Ideas of such future things, as are probably propounded, but never effected.

24. And here we will insert the number, and names of the Provost, and first Fellows (and some of them probable to be last Fellows, as still surviving) as they were appointed by the King Himself, Anno 1610. May 8.

See here, none, who were actual Bishops, were capable of places in this College. And, when some of these were afterwards advanced to Bishoprics, others translated to heaven, King JAMES by His now Letters Patents, 1622. Novemb: 14. substituted others in their room. Amongst whom the Archbishop of Split (but no more than Dean of Windsor in England ) was most remarkable.

25. To advance this work, His Majesty Anno 1616. sent His Letters to the Archbishop of Canterbury, to stir up all the Clergy in his Province to contribute to so pious a work, according to the tenor thereof here inserted:

WHereas the enemies of the Gospel have ever been forward to write, and publish Books for confirming of erroneous doctrine, and impugning the truth, and now of late seem more careful than before, to send daily into Our Realms such their writings, whereby Our loving Subjects, though otherwise well-disposed, might be seduced, unless some remedy thereof should be provided. We, by the advice of Our Council, have lately granted a Corporation, and given Our allowance for erecting a College at Chelsey, for learned Divines to be employed to write, as occasion shall require, for maintaining the Religion professed in Our Kingdoms, and confuting the Impugners thereof. Whereupon, Doctor Sutcliffe, designed Provost of the said College, hath now humbly signified unto Us, that upon divers promises of help, and assistance, towards the erecting, and endowing the said College, he hath at his own charge begun, and well proceeded in building, as doth sufficiently appear by a good part thereof already set up in the place appointed for the same. We therefore, being willing to favor and farther so religious a work, will and require you to write your Letters to the Bishops of your Province, signifying unto them in Our name, that Our pleasure is, they deal with the Clergy, and others of their Diocese, to give their charitable be nevolence for the perfecting of this good work so well begun: And, for the better performance of Our desire, We have given order to the said Provost, and his Associates to attend you, and others whom it may appertain, and to certify Us from time to time of their proceeding.

Yet, for all these hopeful endeavors, and collections in all the Parishes of England, slow, and small were the sums of money brought in to this work. Many of them were scattered out, in the gathering them up, the charges of the Collectours consuming the profit thereof. If (as it is vehemently suspected) any of these collections be but detained by private persons, I conceive it no trespass against Christian charity to wish, that the pockets, which keep such money, may rot all their suites that wear them, till they make true restitution thereof.

26. Various are men's conjectures (as directed by their own interest) what obstructed so hopeful proceedings, and it is safer for me to recite all, than resolve on any of them.

• Some ascribe it to
  • 1. The common fatality which usually attends noble undertakings. As partus octimestres, children born in the eighth month, are always not long lived: so good projects quickly expire.
  • 2. The untimely death of Prince HENRY, Our principal hope , and the chief author of this design. If so,
    Erubuit Domino firmius esse suo.
    The modest College blushed to be stronger,

    Than was its Lord; He dead, it lived no longer.

    But, upon my serious perusal of the Records of this College, I find not so much as mention of the name of Prince HENRY, as in any degree visibly contributive thereunto.

  • 3. The large, loose, and lax nature thereof, no one prime person ( Sutcliffe excepted, whose shoulders sunk under the weight thereof, zealously engaging therein; King JAMES His maintenance amounting to little more than countenance of the work.) Those children will have thin chaps, and lean cheeks, who have everybody (and yet nobody) nurses unto them.
  • 4. The original means of the College, principally founded on the fluid, and inconstant element, unstable as water (the Rent of a New River, when made) which at the best (thus employed) was beheld but as a religious Monopoly. And, seeing that design then took no effect (though afterwards in another notion, and nature, it was perfected) no wonder if the College sunk with the means thereof.
  • 5. Some of the greatest Prelates (how much self is there in all men?) though seemingly forward, really remiss in the matter: Suspecting these Controversiall Divines would be looked on, as the principal Champions of Religion, more serviceable in the Church than themselves, and haply might acquire privileges prejudicial to their Episcopal Jurisdiction.
  • 6. The jealousy of the Universities, beholding this design with suspicious eyes, as which in process of time might prove detrimentall unto them. Two breasts, Cambridge and Oxford, being counted sufficient for England, to suckle all her children with.
  • 7. The suspicion of some Patriots, and Commoners in Parliament, such as carried the keys of Country-men's coffers under their girdles! may, I safely report what I have heard from no mean mouths) that this College would be too much Courtier; and, that the Divinity (but especially the History thereof) would 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , propend too much in favor of King JAMES, and report all things to the disadvantage of the Subject. Wherefore, though the said Patriots in Parliament countenanced the act, (as counting it no policy, publicly to cross the project of King JAMES, especially as it was made popular with so pious a plausibility) yet, when returned home, by their suspicious Items, and private instructions, they beat off, and retarded people's charities thereunto. The same conceived this foundation superfluous, to keep men to confute Popish opinions by writings, whilst the maintainers of them were everywhere connived at, and countenanced, and the penal Laws not put in any effectual execution against them.
  • 8. Its being begun in a bad time, when the world swarmed with proleing Projectours; and necessitous Courtiers, contriving all ways to get moneys. We know, that even honest persons, if strangers, and casually coming along with the company of those, who are bad, contract a suspicion of guilt, in the opinions of those, to whom they are unknown. And it was the unhappiness of this innocent, yea, useful good design, that it appeared in a time, when so many Monopolies were on foot.
  • 9. Some great Church men, who were the more backward, because Doctor Sutcliffe was so forward therein. Such as had not freeness enough to go before him, had frowardness too much to come after him, in so good a design: The rather because they distasted his person, and opinions; Doctor Sutcliffe being a known rigid Anti-Remonstrant; and, when old, very morose, and teastie in his writings against them. An infirmity, which all ingenuous people will pardon in him, that hope, and desire to attain to old age themselves.

Thus have I opened my wares, with sundry sorts of commodities therein, assigning those Reasons, which I have either read, or heard from prime men of several interests; and am confident, that in the variety, yea, contrariety of judgments nowadays, even those very Reasons, which are cast away by some, as weak, and frivolous, will be taken up, yea, preferred by others, as most satisfactory, and substantial.

27. At this present it hath but little of the case, and nothing of the jewel, for which it was intended. Almost rotten before ripe, and ruinous before it was finished. It stands bleak like a Lodge in a garden of cucumbers, having plenty of pleasant water [the Thames ] near it, and store of wholesome air about it, but very little of the necessary element of earth belonging unto it. Yea, since I am informed, that seeing the College taketh not effect, according to the desire, and intent of the first Founders, it hath been decreed in Chancery, by the joint consent of Doctor Daniel Featly, the third Provost of this College, and Doctor John Prideaux, the surviving Feoffee entrusted in Dr. Sutcliffe 's Will, that the foresaid Farms of Kingstone, Hazzard, and Appleton, should return again to the possession of Mr. Halce, as the Heir-general to the said Dr. Sutcliffe. On what consideration, let others inquire; it is enough to persuade me, it was done in equity, because done by the Lord Coventrie, in the high Court of Chancery. So that now, only the Farm of Kramerland, in Devonshire, of Sutcliffe 's donation, remains to this College. All I will add is this, As this College was intended for Controversies: so now there is a controversy about the College, costly suits being lately commenced betwixt William Lord Mounston (who married the Widow of the aforesaid Earl of Nottingham ) and the present Provost thereof, about the title of the very ground whereon it is situated.

28. Three Bishops, all Oxford-men, ended their lives this year: First, William Overton (about the beginning of April ) bred in Magdalene College, one sufficiently severe to suppress such, whom he suspected of Non-conformity. The second Martin Heton, first Dean of Winchester, and then Bishop of Eli. I say of Eli, which See had stood empty almost twenty years in the Reign of Queen ELIZABETH, after the death of Bishop Cox. So long the lantern of that Church (so artificial for the workmanship thereof) wanted a light to shine therein. Some suspected, this place, so long empty, would never be filled again; seeing no Bishopric so large in revenues, was so little in jurisdiction, not having the small County of Cambridge wholly belonging unto it. Some cunning Courtiers, observing this breach in Eli-Minster, as fiercely assaulted it, with hope to get gain to themselves. During the vacancy, it was offered to many Churchmen, (or chapmen, shall I say?) but either their consciences, or coffers, would not come up to the conditions thereof. Amongst others, Mr. Parker, brought up in Peter-House in Cambridge, and Arch-Deacon of Eli (saith my Author) iniquis conditionibus Episcopatum oblatum respuit, tantam opum usuram, nisi salvâ Ecclesiâ, negligens. At last (but with the revenues much altered, and impaired) it was conferred on Doctor Heton, who, after ten years possession thereof, died July 14. and seems the more obscure, because of the luster, and learning of Doctor Lancelot Andrew's, who immediately succeeded him. The third Bishop deceasing this year December 14, was Thomas Ravis, sometime Dean of Christ-Church, and successively Bishop of Gloucester, and London, born at Malden in Surrey, of worthy parentage, Claris parentibus, saith the Epitaph on his tomb in St. Paul's, who left the memory of a grave, and good man behind him. Nor must it be forgotten, that, as he first had his learning in Westminster -School: so he always continued, both by his counsel, and countenance, a most especial incourager of the studies of all deserving Scholars belonging to that Foundation.

29. As Archb • . Bancroft was driving on conformity very fiercely throughout all his Province, He met with an unexpected rub, which notwithstanding, he quickly removed; for, about this time, Nich: Fuller, a Bencher of Greyes-Inn, eminent in his profession, pleaded so boldly for the enlargement of his Clients, that he procured his own confinement: the Case thus, Tho: Lad, a Merchant of Yarmouth in Norfolk, was imprisoned a long time by the High Commission, and could not be bayled, because (having formerly answered upon his oath twice before the Chancellor of Norwich, to certain Articles touching a Conventicle ) he refused to answer upon a new oath without sight of his former answers. Richard Mansell, a Preacher, charged to be a partaker in a Petition exhibited to the House of Commons in Parliament, and refusing the Oath Ex Officio, to answer to certain Articles to him propounded, was long imprisoned by the Commissioners at Lambeth, and could not be bayled.

30. Both Prisoner • were brought to the Barre upon the Writ of Habeas corpus, where Nich: Fuller pleaded, they ought to be discharged, endeavoring by a large Argument (lately printed) to prove, that the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have no power by virtue of their Commission to imprison, to put to the oath Ex Officio, or to fine any of His Majesty's subjects.

Archbishop Bancroft got some legal advantage against Mr. Fuller in the managing thereof, and then let him alone to improve the same: Fuller's friends complained, that only by the Colour of Right, and the Rigour of Might, he was cast into Prison. Here this learned Counselor could give himself no better, nor other advice, but only pure patience. Many were his Petitions to the King for his enlargement, whom the Archbishop had pre-acquainted with the Case, representing him to the King as the Champion of Non-conformists, so that there he lied and died in prison. However, he left behind him the reputation of an honest man, and a plentiful estate to his Family (besides his bountiful benefaction to Emmanuell College, and other pious uses) at this day enjoyed by his Grandchilde, a Gentleman deservedly beloved in his Country.

31. On the 26 of October began the fifth Session of this long-lasting Parliament, A Session, which may be found in the Records, though it be lost in our Statutebook, because nothing therein was enacted, as soon after dissolved by Proclamation.

32. Cervas Babington, Bishop of Worcester, ended his pious life. He was born in Norti • gham-shire, of worshipful extraction. Now, although lately the chief of the Family abused by Papists, (otherwise in himself an accomplished Gentleman ) had tainted his blood with Treason against the Queen: the learning, loyalty, and Religion of this worthy Prelate may serve to rectify the Sirname, and justly restore that Family to its former repute with all posterity. He was bred Fellow of Trinity-College in Cambridge; first Chaplain to Henry, Earl of Pembroke, whose Countess made an exact Translation of the Psalms, and they first procured him to be preferred Treasurer of Landaffe.

33. He was soon after made Bishop of Landaffe, which in merriment he used to call Affe; the land thereof long since being alienated: thence was he translated to Exeter, thence to Worcester, thence to Heaven. He was an excellent Pulpitman, happy in raising the affections of his Auditory; which, having got up, he would keep up till the close of his Sermon. An industrious Writer, witness his large Comment on the five books of Moses; the Lord's Prayer, Creed, and Commandments, with other portions of Scripture. Nought else have I to observe of this Bishop, save that as a Bahington's Arms were Argent, ten Torteauxes, four, three, two and one, Gules, the self same being the Arms of the Bishopric of Worcester. His paternal Coat being just the same with that of his Episcopal See, with which it is impaled.

34. The same year expired Bishop Bancroft, Archbishop of Canterbury. He was brought up in Jesus College in Cambridge, preferred by degrees to the Bishopric of London: Sir Christopher Hatton was his Patron, who made him his Examiner. His Adversaries character him a greater States-man than Divine, a better Divine than Preacher, though his printed Sermon sufficiently attesteth his abilities therein. Being a Cambridge-man, he was made Chancellor of Oxford, to hold the scales even with Cardinal Poole, an Oxford-man, made Chancellor of Cambridge.

44. I find two faults charged on his memory, Cruelty and Covetousness, Un-Episcopal qualities, seeing a Bishop ought to be godly and hospitable. To the first, it is confessed he was most stiff and stern to press Conformity. And, what more usual than for Offenders to nick-name necessary severity to be cruelty? Now though he was a most stout Champion to assert Church-Discipline, let me pass this story to posterity from the mouth of a person therein concerned, An honest and able Minister privately protested unto him, That it went against his conscience to conform, being then ready to be deprived: Which way, saith the Archbishop, will you live if put out of your Benefice? The other answered, He had no way but to go a begging, and to put himself on Divine Providence. Not that (saith the Archbishop) you shall not need to do; but, come to me, and I will take order for your maintenance. What impression this made on the Ministers judgment, I am not able to report.

45. As for his Covetousness, a witty Writer (but more Satirist than Historian ) of King JAMES his Life, reports this Pasquin of him:

True it is, he maintained not the state of Officers like Predecessour or Successor in house-keeping, having a Citizen-Tradesman (more acquainted with thrift, than bounty ) for his Domestical Steward; yet was he never observed in his own person to aim at the enriching of his Kindred, but had intentions to make pious uses his public Heir, bequeathing his Library, the confluence of his own collections with his Predecessors, Whitgift, Grindoll, Parkers, to Chelsey-College; and if that took not effect, to the public Library in Cambridge, where at this day they remain; his clear estate at his death exceeded not six thousand pound, no sum to speak a single man covetous who had sat six years in the See of Canterbury, and somewhat longer in London.

46. It is needless to clean his memory from the aspersion of Popery, two eminent acts of his own being his sufficient Compurgatours: One in setting the secular Priests against the Jesuits (as S. Paul did the Pharisees against the Sadducees ) thereby so deriding their languages, as scarce they can understand one another, at this day. The other his forwardness in founding Chelsey-College, which, as a two-edged sword, was to cut on both sides to suppress Papists and Sectaries.

47. One passage more of this Prelate, and I have done; A company of young Courtiers appeared extraordinarily gallant, at a Tilting, far above their fortunes and estates; These gave for a private Motto amongst themselves, Solvat Ecclesia, Let the Church pay for all: Bancroft, then Bishop of London, arriving at the notice thereof, finds on inquiry, that the Queen was passing a considerable parcel of Church-land unto them, the Prelate stops the business with his own and his friends interest leaving these Gallants to pay the shot of their pride and prodigality out of their own purses. Add to this, that I am credibly informed from a good hand, how in the days of King JAMES, a Scotch-man, and a prevalent Courtier had swallowed up the whole Bishopric of Durham, had not this Archbishop seasonably interposed his power with the KING, and dashed the design. George Abbot succeeded Bancroft in Canterbury, of whom largely hereafter.

48. And now after long expectation, and great desire came forth the new Translation of the Bible (most beautifully printed) by a select and competent number of Divines, appointed for that purpose, not being too many; lest one should trouble another; and yet many, lest in any things might haply escape them. Who neither coveting praise for expedition, nor fearing reproach for slackness (seeing in a business of moment, none deserve blame for convenient slowness) had expended almost three years in the work, not only examining the channels by the fountain, Translations with the Original, which was absolutely necessary, but also comparing channels with channels, which was abundantly useful, in the Spanish, Italian, French and Dutch Languages. So that their industry, skillfulness, piety and discretion, hath therein bound the Church unto. them in a debt of special remembrance and thankfulness. These, with Jacob, rolled away the Stone from the mouth of the Well of Life: So that now even Rahel 's, weak women may freely come, both to drink themselves, and water the flocks of their families at the same.

49. But day shall sooner lack a night to attend it, and the Sun-shine be unseconded with the sullen shade, than a glorious action shall want Detractors to defame it. The Popish Romanists much excepted hereat. Was their Translation (say they) good before? Why do they now mend it? Was it not good? Why then was it obtruded on the People? These observe not, that whilst thus in their passion they seek to lash the Protestants, their whips fly in the faces of the most learned and pious Fathers, especially Saint Jerome, who, not content with the former Translations of the Septuagint's, Aquila, Symachus, and others, did himself translate the Old Testament out of the Hebrew. Yea, their cavil recoils on themselves, and their own Vulgar Translation, whereof they have so many and different Editions Isidorus Clarius a famous Papist, (first a Frier, afterward a Bishop ) observed and amended, as he said, eight thousand faults in the vulgar Latin. And since his time, how doth the Paris Editions differ from the Lovaine, and Hentenius his, from them both? How infinite are the differences (many of them weighty and material) of that which Pope Clement the eighth published from another, which Sixtus Quintus, his immediate Predecessour set forth. Thus we see to better and refine Translations, hath been ever counted a commendable practice even in our Adversaries.

50. Besides this, the Romanists take exception, because in this our new Translation the various senses of words are set in the Margin. This they conceive a shaking of the certainty of the Scriptures, such variations, being as succors to be pruned off, because they rob the stock of the Text of its due credit, and reputation. Somewhat conformable whereto Pope Sixtus Quintus expressly forbade that any variety of Readings of the vulgar Edition should be put in the Margin. But on serious thoughts it will appear, that these Translators, affixing the diversity of the meaning of words in the side Colume, deserve commendations for their modesty, and humility therein. For though, as Saint Chrysostom observeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , all things that are necessary to salvation are plainly set down in the Scriptures; yet seeing there is much difficulty and doubtfulness (not in Doctrinal, but) in matters of less importance, fearfulness did better beseem the Translators than confidence, entering in such cases a caution, where words are of different exceptions.

51. Some of the Brethren were not well pleased with this Translation, suspecting it would abate the repute of that of Geneva, with their Annotations made by English Exiles in that City, in the days of Qu. Mary, dedicated to Qu. Elizabeth, and Printed with the general liking of the People above thirty times over. Yea, some complained, That they could not see into the sense of the Scripture for lack of the spectacles of those Geneva Annotations. For, although a good Translation is an excellent Comment on the Bible, wherein much darkness is caused by false rendering of it, and wherein many seeming Riddles are read, if the words be but read, Expounded if but truly Rendred; Yet some short Exposition on the Text was much desired of the People. But to say nothing of the defects and defaults of the Geneva Annotations (though the best in those times, which are extant in English ) those Notes were so tuned to that Translation alone, that they would jar with any other, and could no way be fitted to this new Edition of the Bible. Leave we then these worthy men, now all of them gathered to their Fathers, and gone to God, (however they were requited on earth) well rewarded in Heaven for their worthy work. Of whom as also of that Gracious KING that employed them, we may say, Wheresoever the Bible shall be preached or read in the whole world, there shall also this that they have done be told in memorial of them.

52. And as about this time some perchance overvalued the Geneva Notes, out of that especial Love they bare to the Authors and Place whence it proceeded, so on the other side, some without cause did slight, or rather without charity did slander the same. For in this, or the next year, a Doctor in solemn assembly in the University of Oxford publicly in his Sermon at St. Mary's, accused them as guilty of misinterpretation touching the Divinity of Christ, and his Messiahship, as if Symbolizing with Arians and Jews against them both: For which he was afterwards suspended by Doctor Robert Abbot, Propter conciones publicas minùs orthodoxas, & offensionis plenas. But more properly hereof, God willing, hereafter in our particular History of Oxford. We will proceed to Report a memorable Passage in the Low-Countries, not fearing to lose my way, or to be censured for a wanderer from the English Church-story, whilst I have so good a Guide, as the Pen of King JAMES to lead me out, and bring me back again. Besides I am afraid that this Alien Accident is already brought home to England, and though only Belgic in the Occasion, is too much British in the Influence thereof.

SECTION IV.

KING JAMES took into His Princely care the seasonable suppression of the dangerous Doctrines of Conradus Vorstius. This Doctor, had lived about 15 years a Minister at Steinford, within the Territories of the Counts of TECKLENBOURG, BENTHEM, &c. the Counts whereof, (to observe by the way) were the first in Germany, not in dignity or Dominion, but in casting off the Yoke of Papacie, and ever since continuing Protestants. This Vorstius had both written and received several Letters from certain Samosetenian Heretics, in Poland, or thereabouts; and it happened that he had handled Pitch so long, that at last it stuck to his Fingers, and became infected therewith. Hereupon, he set forth two Books, the one entit'led, TRACTATUS THEOLOGICUS DE DEO, dedicated to the Land-Grave of Hessen; the other, EXEGESIS APOLOGETICA, printed in this year, and dedicated to the States; both of them facred with many dangerous Positions concerning the Deity. For whereas it hath been the labor of the Pious and Learned in all Ages to mount Man to God, (as much a smight be) by a Sacred adoration, (which the more humble, the more high) of the Divine Incomprehensiblenesse, this Wretch did Seek to Stoop GOD to Man, by debasing his Purity, assigning him a material Body, confining his Immensity, as not being everywhere, shaking his Immutability, as if his will were subject to change, darkening his Omnisciency, as uncertain in future Contingents, with many more monstrous Opinions, fitter to be remanded to Hell, than committed to writing. Notwithstanding all this, the said Vorstius was chosen, by the Curators of the University of Leyden, to be their Public Divinity-Professor, in the Place of Arminius lately deceased: and, to that end, his Excellency, and the States General, by their Letters sent, and sued to the Count of TECKLENBOURG, and obtained of him, that Vorstius should come from Steinford, and become Public-Professor in Leyden.

2. It happened that His Majesty of Great Britain, being this Autumn in His hunting-Progress, did light upon and perused the aforesaid Books of Vorstius. And whereas too many do but Sport in their most serious Employment. He was so serious amidst His Sports and Recreations, that with Sorrow, and Horrour, He observed the Dangerous Positions therein, determining speedily to oppose them, moved thereunto with these Principal Considerations: First, the Glory of God; seeing this ANTI-St. JOHN, (as His Majesty terms him) mounting up to the Heavens, belched forth such Blasphemies against the Divine ineffable Essence: and was not a King on Earth concerned, when the King of Heaven was dethroned from his Infiniteness, so far as it lay in the Power of the treacherous Positions of an Heretic? Secondly, charity to His next Neighbors, and Allies. And lastly, a just fear of the like Infection within His own Dominions, considering their Vicinity of Situation and Frequency of intercourse; many of the English Youth, travelling over to have their Education in Leyden. And indeed, as it hath been observed, that the Sin of Drunkenness, was first brought over into England out of the Low Countries, about the midst of the Reign of Queen ELIZABETH, (before which time, neither general Practice, nor legal punishment of that vice in this Kingdom) so we must Sadly confess, that since that time, in a Spiritual Sense, many English Souls have taken a cup too much of Belgic wine: Whereby their Heads have not only grown d • zie, in matters of less moment, but their whole Bodies stagger in the Fundamentals of their Religion.

3. Hereupon King JAMES presently dispatched a Letter to Sir Ralph Winwood, his Ambassador, resident with the States, willing and requiring him to let them understand how Infinitely he should be displeased, if such a Monster as Vorstius should receive any advancement in their Church. This was seconded with a large Letter of His Majesty's to the States, dated October the 6, to the same effect: But neither found that Success which the KING did earnestly desire, and might justly expect, considering the many Obligations of the Crown of England on the States: the Foundation of whose Common-wealth, (as the Ambassador told them) was first cemented with English blood. Several Reasons are assigned of their nonconcurrence with the KING's motion. The Curators of Leyden -University conceived it a disparagement to their Judgments, if so near at hand, they could not so well examine the Soundnesse of Vorstius his Doctrine, as a foreign Prince at such a distance; It would cast an aspersion of Levity and Inconstancy on the States, solemnly to invite a Stranger unto them, and then so soon recede from their Resolution; An Indignity would redound to the Count of Tecklenbourg, to slight that which so lately they had sued from him. The Opposition of Vorstius was endeavored by a male-contented Party amongst themselves, disaffected to the Actions of Authority; who distrusting their own strength, had secretly solicited His Majesty of Great Britain to appear on their Side, That as King JAMES his motion herein, proceeded rather from the Instance of others, than His own Inclination, so they gave out, that He began to grow remiss in the matter, careless of the Success thereof. That it would be injurious, yea, destructive to Vorstius and his Family, to be fetched from his own home, where he lived with a sufficient Salarie, (promised better Provisions from the Landgrave of Hessen to be Divinity Professor in his Dominions) now to thrust him out with his Wife and Children, lately settled at Leyden; That if Vorstius had formerly been faulty in unwarie, and offensive Expressions, he had since cleared himself in a new Declaration.

4. For, lately he set forth a Book, entitled, A Christian and modest Answer, which notwithstanding by many was condemned, as no Revocation, but a Repetition of his former Opinions, not less pernicious, but more plausible, with sophistical Qualifications. So that he was accused to aim, neither at the Satisfaction of the Learned, whom he had formerly offended; nor the Safety of the Ignorant, whom he might hereafter deceive, but merely his own Security, for the present. His grand Evasion was this, That what he had wrote before, was but probably propounded, not dogmatically delivered. But, alas! how many silly Souls might easily be infected, mistaking his slenting Problemes for downright Positions. In a word, he took not out any Venome, but put in more Honey into his Opinions, which the corruption of Mans Nature would swallow with more greediness. And how dangerous it is for wit-wanton Men, to dance with their nice Distinctions, on such Mystical Precipices, where Slips in jest may cause deadly Downfalls in earnest, the Roman Orator doth in part pronounce, Mala est & impia consuetudo, contra Deum disputandi, sive serio id fit, sive simulate.

5. Now King JAMES being as little Satisfied in Judgment with the Writings of Vorstius in his own Defense, as ill pleased, in Point of Honor, with the doings of the States, in return to His Request, gave Instructions to His Ambassador to make Public Protestation against their Proceedings; which Sir Ralph Wynwood, in Pursuance of his Masters Command, most solemnly performed. Nor did His Majesty's Zeal stop here, with Joash King of Israel, (smiting only but thrice, and then desisting) but after His Request, Letter, and Protestation had missed • heir Desired effect, He wrote in French, a Declaration against Vorstius. A Work well beseeming the DEFENDOR OF THE FAITH; by which Title (to use His Ambassadors Expression) He did more value Himself, than by the Style of KING OF GREAT BRITAIN. Once I intended to present the Reader with a Brief of His Majesty's Declaration, till deterred with this Consideration, that although great Masses of Lead, Tinne, and meaner Metals, may by the extraction of Chymists be epitomized and abridged into a Smaller quantity of Silver, yet what is altogether Gold already, cannot without extraordinary damage, be reduced into a Smaller Proportion. And seeing each word in His Majesty's Declaration is so pure and precious, that it cannot be lessened without loss, we remit the Reader to the same in His Majesty's Works; And so take our Leave of Verstius for the present, whose Books, by the KING's Command, were publicly burnt at St. Paul 's Cross in London, and in both Universities.

6. But leaving this Outlandish, let us come to our English Vorstius (though of far less Learning, of more Obstinacy, and dangerous Opinions) I mean that Arian, who this year suffered in Smithfield: His name Bartholomew Legate, native County Essex, person comely, complexion black, age about forty years: Of a bold spirit, confident carriage, fluent tongue, excellently skilled in the Scriptures; and well had it been for him, if he had known them less, or understood them better; whose ignorance abused the Word of God, therewith to oppose God the Word. His conversation (for ought I can learn to the contrary) very unblameable; And the poison of Heretical Doctrine is never more dangerous, than when served up in clean cups, and washed dishes.

7. King JAMES caused this Legate often to be brought to Him, and seriously dealt with him to endeavor His conversion. One time the KING had a design to surprise him into a Confession of Christ's Deity (as His Majesty afterwards declared to a right reverend Prelate) by asking him, Whether or no he did not daily pray to Jesus Christ? Which, had he acknowledged, the KING would infallibly have inserted, that Legate tacitly consented to Christ's Divinity, as a searcher of the hearts. But herein His Majesty failed of His expectation, Legate returning, That indeed he had prayed to Christ in the days of his ignorance, but not for these last seven years. Hereupon the KING in choler spurn'd at him with His foot; Away base Fellow (saith He) it shall never be said, that one stayeth in My presence, that hath never prayed to our Savior for seven years together.

8. Often was he covented before the Bishops in the Consistory of St. Paul's, where he persisted obstimate in his Opinions, flatly denying the Authority of that Court. And no wonder that he slighted the power of earthly Bishops, denying the Divinity of Him, Who is The Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. The dispatation against him, was principally managed by John King, Bishop of London, who gravelled and utterly confuted him with that place of Scripture, John 17. 5. And now O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. This Text, I say, was so seasonably alleged, so plainly expounded, so pathetically enforced by the eloquence, and gravity of that Bishop (qualities wherein, he excelled) that it gave marvelous satisfaction to a multitude of people there present, that it is conceived, it happily unproselyted some inclinable to his Opinions; though Legate himself remained pertinatious, both against the impressions of Arguments, and Scripture, daily multiplying his enormous Opinions. It is the happiness nature indulgeth to monsters, that they are all barren; whereas on the contrary, monstrous positions are most procreative of the like, or worse than themselves.

9. Before we set down his pestilent Opinions; may Writer, and Reader sense themselves with prayer to God, against the infection thereof; lest otherwise, touching such pitch (though but with the bare mention) defile us, casually tempting a temptation in us, and awaking some corruption, which otherwise would sleep silently in our souls. And, if notwithstanding this our caution, any shall reap an accidental evil to themselves, by reading his damnable Opinions, my pen is no more accessory to their harm, than that Apothecary is guilty of murder, if others, out of a licourish curiosity, kill themselves with that poison, which he kept in his shop for sovereign use to make Antidotes thereof. His damnable Tenets were as followeth:

For maintaining these Opinions, Legate had long been in prison in Newgate, yet with liberty allowed him to go abroad; not contented wherewith, he openly boasted, and often threatened to sue the Court, which committed him, for reparations for false imprisonment; so that his own indiscretion in this kind, hastened his execution.

10. For hereupon Bishop King finally convented him in the Consistory of S. Paul 's. And that worthy Prelate, foreseeing that his proceedings herein would meet with many listening ears, prying eyes, and prating tongues, chose many reverend Bishops, able Divines, and learned Lawyers to assist him. So that the Consistory, so replenished for the time being, seemed not so much a large Court, as a little Convocation. By the counsel and consent of these, by his definitive sentence, he pronounced, decreed, and declared the foresaid Bartholomew Legate an obdurate, contumacious, and incorrigible Heretic. And by an Instrument called a SIGNIFICAVIT, certified the same into the Chancery, delivering him up unto the Secular power, the Church-Keys, in such cases craving the help of the Civil Sword. Whereupon, King JAMES, with His Letters, dated March 11, under the Privy-Seal, gave order to the Broad-Seal to direct the Writ de Haeretico comburendo, to the Sheriffs of London, for the burning of the foresaid Legate.

11. Now as the Bishop herein surrendered Legate to the Secular Power, my Ecclesiastical History in like manner resigns him to the Civil Historian, together with all the doubts, difficulties, and legal scruples attending on, or resulting from his Condemnation. Let the Learned in the Law consider on what Statute the Writ for his Burning was grounded, whether on those old Statutes enacted in the Reignes of RICHARD the II, and HENRY the IV; or on the branch of some other new Statute to that effect. Let them satisfy us, how far those Laws were repealed in 1 ^mo ELIZABETHAE, and how far they still stand in force; as, though not to [pretended] Lollardisme, yet to Blasphemy. Let them examine the Judgment of the Learned Fitz-Herbert, whether sound in his assertion, That Heretics, before the Writ of their burning be issued out against them, must first be convicted of Heresy before a Provincial Convocation; whilst others affirm, That they being convicted before their Ordinary, sufficeth: provided it be for such Opinions, which Convocations have formerly condemned for Heretical.

12. To Smithfield he was brought to be burned. See here, it is neither the pain, nor the place, but only the cause makes a Martyr. In this very Smithfield how many Saints in the Marian-days, suffered for the testimony of Jesus Christ? Whereas now one therein dieth in his own blood for denying him. Vast was the Conflux of people about him. Never did a scare-fire at midnight summon more hands to quench it, than this at noon-day did eyes to behold it. At last, refusing all mercy, he was burned to ashes. And so we leave him, the first that for a long time suffered death in that manner: And, oh that he might be the last to deserve it!

13. In the next month Edward Wightman of Burton upon Trent, convicted before Richard Neile Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, was burned at Litchfield for far worse Opinions (if worse might be) than Legate maintained. Mary Magdalene indeed was once possessed with seven Devils, but ten several Heresies were laid to Wightman 's charge; namely, those of Ebion, Cerinthus, Valentinian, Arius, Macedonius, Simon Magus, Manes, Manichaeus, Photinus, and of the Anabaptists. Lord! What are we when God leaves us? Did ever man maintain one Heresy, and but one Heresy? Chains of darkness, we see, have their links, and errors are complicated together.

14. God may seem well-pleased with this seasonable Severity. For the fire thus kindled, quickly went out for want of sewell. I mean, there was none ever after that openly avowed these Heretical Doctrines. Only a Spanish Arian, who, condemned to die, was notwithstanding suffered to linger out his life in Newgate, where he ended the same. Indeed, such burning of Heretics much startled common people, pitying all in pain, and prone to asperse justice itself with cruelty, because of the novelty and hideousnesse of the punishment. And the purblind eyes of vulgar judgments looked only on what was next to them, (the suffering itself) which they beheld with compassion, not minding the demerit of the guilt, which deserved the same. Besides, such being unable to distinguish betwixt constancy and obstinacy were ready to entertain good thoughts even of the Opinions of those Heretics, who sealed them so manfully with their blood. Wherefore King JAMES politically preferred, that Heretics hereafter, though condemned, should silently, and privately waste themselves away in the Prison, rather than to grace them and amuze others with the solemnity of a public Execution, which in popular judgments usurped the honor of a persecution.

15. I find no eminent Divine or Scholar deceased in this year: Only one, whose bounty made many of both kinds, ended his life; namely, Richard Sutton, the Phoenix of our Age, and sole Founder of Charter-Hospital, Esquire; born of Gentile Parentage at Knaith in Lincolnshire: In his youth bred a Soldier, gaining both wealth and credit by his valor; but afterwards embracing a more peaceable Profession of a Merchant. This his Foundation he called, The Hospital of King JAMES: all discreet Subjects having learned this lesson from politick Joab (calling Rabbah after the name of King David ) to entitle their Sovereign to the honor of their Atchievements, which are of extraordinary proportion. Children not yet come to, and Old men already past helping of themselves, have in this Hospital their souls and bodies provided for. The latter must be decayed Gentlemen, the most proper Objects of Charity, as whose ingenious spirits are most sensible of want, and most unable to provide for themselves.

16. It is utterly improbable that it will ever come within the compass of my power to found any place for pious uses. All, wherein my weak ability can express its forwardness, is to honor the Charity of others, and for the present Alphabetically to methodize the Manours which Master Sutton in several Counties settled for the maintenance of this his Hospital:

See here the most liberal Endowment made by one man. May it most truly be said of our London Merchants, as of those of Tyre, whose Merchants are Princes?

17. But no work so virtuous, which some malicious spirits will not endeavor to disgrace. One who writeth himself J. H. but generally conceived to be Mr. Knott the Jesuit, in his Answer to Doctor Potter 's Book of Charity mistaken, lets fly as followeth:

Do your Hospitals deserve so much as to be named? Have you anything of that kind in effect of particular Note, saving the few mean Nurseries of idle Beggars, and debauched People? Except (perhaps) Sutton 's Hospital, which [ as I have been informed ] was to take no profit till he was dead. He, who [ as I have also understood ] died so without any Children, or Brothers, or Sisters, or known Kindred, as that [ peradventure ] it might have escheated to the King. He, who lived a wretched and pe •• nious life, and drew that Mass of Wealth together by Usury, in which case, according to good conscience, his Estate, without asking him leave, was by the Law of God, obnoxious to Restitution, and ought to have been applied to Pious Uses. Whereas anciently in this Country, and at all times, and specially in this last Age, 〈◊〉 see abundance of Heroicall Actions of this kind performed in foreign parts. And if it were not for fear of noting many other great Cities, as if there were any want of most munificent Hospitals in them, wherein they abound; I could tell you of One called the Annunciata, in the City of Naples, which spends three hundred thousand Crowns per Annum; which comes to above fourscore thousand pounds sterling by the year: Which ever feeds and c • res a thousand sick persons, and pays for the nursing and entertaining of three thousand sucking Children of poor people, and hath fourteen other distinct Hospitals under it, where the persons of those Poor creatures are kept, and where they are defrayed of all their necessary charges every week. I could also tell you of an Hospital in Rome called S. Spirito, of h • ge Revenues, but it is not my meaning to enter into particulars, which would prove endless.

18. Before we come to the particular Examination of this his Accusation, it is observable how many Qualificatives, Correctives, and Restrictives ( Perhaps, as I have been informed, As I have also understood, peradventure ) he inserteth in this his Relation. Indeed such Qualifications are better than Equivocations, yet, what some may impute to Modesty, is his Policy, if well considered. For if any Protestant confute what he hath written, this Accuser will take Sanctuary under the protection of those Restrictions, defending himself that he delivered nothing positively, whilst ignorant Papists of his own profession (not heeding his doubting limitations) swallow all down for dogmatical truth.

19. More particularly the reformed Religion in England hath been the Mother of many brave Foundations: Many famous Hospitals (as that at Warwick built by the Earl of Leicester: Croydon by Archbishop Whitgift: Guildford by Archbishop Abbot: (not to speak of Christ-Church, and St. Thomas Hospital, built by King EDWARD the VI.) though none of them have thrived and battled so fast and so fairly as this of Sutton 's foundation. Whereas he chargeth him to have had no Children, it is confessed, seeing he died a Bachelor: Whose life (had he been of their Opinion ) had been cried up for a precious piece of Virginity. That he had no known Kindred, is false. Some of them afterwards, but in vain, endeavoring to overthrow his Will: though he made the Poor to be his Mother, and Sister, and Brother. As for his getting wealth by unlawful wales, I am not to justify the particular circumstances of any man's actions. Should a secret Scrutiny be made, how all Founders of Monasteries first came by their wealth, many would be found justly obnoxious to censure.

20. Indeed our Sutton began with a good Stock, had no Charge to burden him, lived to be very aged, 79 years: and by God's blessing on his Providence, Industry and Thrist, advanced the main of his Estate. This I can confidently report from the mouth of a credible Witness, who heard it himself, and told it to me, that Master Sutton used often to repair into a private Garden, where he poured forth his prayers to God, and amongst other passages, was frequently over-heard to use this Expression, Lord, thou hast given me a large and liberal Estate, give me also a heart to make use thereof; which at last was granted to him accordingly.

21. As for the over-grown Hospital of the Annuntiata at Naples, we envy not the wealth thereof; (though reports at such distance lose nothing in the relation.) Nor do we wonder that it cureth yearly a thousand sick persons, considering what disease first came from Naples, and was thence denominated. As for the three thousand Children nursed therein, it is to be feared many wanted Fathers to own them; and this not so much the fruit of charity as of wantoness. However, that Hospital hath at several times been advanced by a College of Benefactors, Whereas Sutton 's may stand peerless in this respect, that it was founded, finished, and endowed by himself alone; Disbursing 13000 li. (paid down before the ensealing of the Conveyance) for the ground whereon it stood, with some other • ppurtenances; befides 6000 li. expended in the building thereof; and that vast yearly Endowment, whereof heretofore. We mention not the large Summes bequeathed by him to Poor, to Prisons, to Colleges, to mending Highwaies, to the Chamber of London, besides Twenty thousand pounds left to the discretion of his Executors. What remaineth but that we pray, that according to his pious intentions the same may be continued to the Glory of God, Credit of the Protestant Religion, Comfort to the Poor, good Example to the Rich, and perpetual Memory of King JAMES the Honorary, and Mr. Sutton the effectual Founder thereof: That this Sun, amongst the lesser Lights of Protestant-Charities, may shine on Earth, as long as the Sun (that faithful Witness) endureth in Heaven. Being more confident that my desire herein will take effect, considering the Honorable Governous of this Hospital are Persons so Good, they will not abuse it themselves, and so Great, they will not suffer it to be abu • ed by others.

22. England at this time enjoying abundance of Peace, Plenty, and Prosperity, in full speed of her Happiness, was checked on a soddain with the sad News of the death of Prince HENRY, in the rage of a malicious extraordinary burning-Feaver. He was generally lamented of the whole Land, both Universities publishing their Verses in print: and give me leave to remember four made by Giles Fletcher of Trinity-College in Cambridge on this PRINCES plain Grave, because wanting an Inscription: and it will be Honor enough to me if I can make thereof a Translation:

Give me leave to add one more, untranslatable for its Elegancy, and Expressivenesse:

And thus we take our leave of the Memory of so Worthy a PRINCE, never heard by any alive to swear an Oath; for which, Archbishop Abbot commended Him in his Funeral Sermon, the PRINCE being wont to say, That He knew no Game or Value to be won or lost, that could be worth an Oath.

23. One generation goeth and another generation cometh, but the earth remaineth forever: the Stage stands, the Actors alter. Prince HENRY's Funerals are followed with the Prince PALATINE's Nuptials, solemnized with great State, in hopes of happiness to both Persons, though sad in the event thereof, and occasioning great revolutions in Christendom.

24. Expect not of me an account of the Divorce of the Lady Fra: Howard from the Earl of Essex; and of her re-marriage to Robert Carre Earl of Somerset; which Divorce divided the Bishops of the Land in their judgments:

25. Only I will insert one passage, Bishop Overall discoursing with Bishop King about the Divorce, the later expressed himself to this effect, I should never have been so earnest against the Divorce, save that because persuaded in my conscience of falsehood in some of the depositions of the Witnesses on the Ladies behalf. This sure I am from her second Marriage is extracted as chaste and virtuous a Lady as any of the English Nation.

29. Nicholas Wadham, Esquire, of Merryfield in the County of Somerset, did by his last Will bequeath Four hundred pounds per annum, and Six thousand pounds in money to the building of a College in Oxford, leaving the care and trust of the whole to Dorothy his Wife. One of no less learned and liberal than Noble extraction. A Sister to John Lord Peters, and Daughter to Sir William Peters, Secretary to four Kings, and a worthy Benefactour to All-Souls College. In her life-time she added almost double to what her Husband bequeathed, whereby at this day it is become one of the most Uniform buildings in England, as no additional result at several times of sundry fancies and Founders, but the entire product all at once of the same Architect.

30. This year the same was finished, built in a place where formerly stood a Monastery of the Augustine Friers, who were so eminent for their abilities in disputing, that the University did by a particular Statute impose it as an Exercise upon all those that were to proceed Masters of Art, that they should first be disputed upon by the Augustine Friars, which old Statute is still in force, produced at this day for an Equivalent exercise, yet styled, Answering Augustine's. The College hath from its beginning still retained something of its old Genius, having been continually eminent for some that were acute Philosophers and good Disputants.

So that very lately there were in this College, one Warden, fifteen Fellows, fifteen Scholars, two Chaplains, two Clerks, besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation, with many other Students, the whole number 120. As for Dr. John Wilkins, the present Warden thereof, my worthily respected friend, he hath courteously furnished me with my best intelligence from that University.

31. A Parliament was called, wherein many things were transacted, nothing concluded. In this Parliament, Dr. Harsenet, Bishop of Chichester, gave offense in a Sermon preached at Court, pressing the word Reddite Caesari quae sunt Caesaris, as if all that was leavied by Subsidies, or paid by Custom to the Crown, was but a redditum of what was the Kings before. Likewise Doctor Neal, Bishop of Rochester, uttered words in the House of the Lord's, interpreted to the disparagement of some reputed Zealous Patriot in the House of Commons: both these Bishops were questioned upon it, and to save them from the storm, this was the occasion chiefly (as was supposed) of the abrupt breaking up of the Parliament.

32. Anthony Rudde, Bishop of S. David's, ended his life. He was born in Yorkshire, bred in Trinity -College in Cambridge, where he became Fellow. A most excellent Preacher, whose Sermons were very acceptable to Qu. ELIZABETH. Hereon dependeth a memorable Story, which, because but defectively delivered by Sir John Harrington, I request the Readers Patience, and require his Belief, to this large and true Relation thereof.

33. Bishop Rudde preaching in his course before Queen ELIZABETH at White-hall, Her Majesty was highly affected with his Sermon; in so much that She commanded Archbishop Whitgift to signify unto him, That • e should be his Successor in case the Archbishopric ever fell in the Queens disposal.

34. Not long after the Archbishop meeting Bishop Rudde, Brother, said he, I bring good tidings to you, though bad to myself, for they cannot take full effect till after my death: Her Grace is so pleased with your last Sermon, She enjoined me to signify to you Her pleasure, That you shall be my Successor in Canterbury if surviving me. The Bishop modestly declined his words, desiring the long life of his Grace, and in case of his advancement to Heaven, confessed many other in England far fitter for the Place than his own unworthiness, adding after some other exchange of words, Good my Lord, might I be my • wn-Judge, I conceive I have preached better Sermons at Court, surely such as cost me more time and pains in composing them. I tell you, (replied the Archbishop) the truth is this, the Queen now is grown weary of the vanities of wit and eloquence, wherewith Her youth was formerly affected, and plain Sermons, which come home to Her heart, please Her the best. Surely his Grace was too mortified a man (though none naturally love their Successors whilst themselves are alive) intentionally to lay a train to blow up this Archbishop designed, though by the others unadvised practice of his words it proved so in the event.

35. For, next time when it came to the Bishop's Course to preach at Court, then lying at Richmond, Anno • 596. he took for his Text, Psalm 90. 12. O teach us to number our days, that we may incline our hearts unto wisdom: and in the close of his Sermon, touched on the Infirmities of Age, Ecclesiastes 12. When the grinders shall be few in number, and they wax dark that look out at the windows: personally applying it to the QUEEN, how Age had furrowed Her face, and besprinkled her hair with its meal. Whereat Her MAJESTY (to whom ingratissimum acroama to hear of death) was highly displeased. Thus, he not only lost his Reversion of the Archbishopric of Canterbury (which indeed never fell in the QUEENS days) but also the present possession of Her MAJESTIES favor.

36. Yet he justly retained the repute of a Reverend and godly Prelate, and carried the same to the grave: He wrought much on the Welsh by his wisdom, and won their affections; and by moderate thrift, and long staying in the same See, left to his Son, Sir Rise-Rudde Baroner, a fair estate at Aberglaseny in Carmarthenshire.

37. Some three years since, (on the death of King HENRY the fourth) Isaac Causabon, that learned Critick was fetched out of France by King JAMES, and preferred Prebendary of Canterbury. Thus desert will never be a drug, but be vented at a good rate in one Country or another, as long as the world affordeth any truly to value it. King HENRY is not dead to Causabon, as long as King JAMES is alive. He who formerly flourished under the Bayes, now thriveth altogether as well under the Olive. Nor is Causabon sensible that England is the colder Climate, whilst he finds the beams of His Majesty so bright and warm unto him, to whom also the lesser lights of Prelates and Peers contributed their assistance.

38. Presently he falls a writing, as natural (and almost as necessary) as breathing unto him: First, to Fronto-Duraeus his learned Friend. Then to Cardinal Peron, in the just Vindication of our English Church. After these, he began his Exercitations on Baronius his Ecclesiastical Annals, which more truly may be termed, the Annals of the Church of Rome. But alas! Death here stopped him in his full speed, and he lieth entombed in the South-I will of Westminster -Abbey. Not on the East, or Poetical Side thereof, (where Chaucer, Spencer, Draiton, are interred) but on the West or Historical Side of the I will, next the Monument of M ^r Camden. Both whose plain Tombs, made of white Marble, show the simplicity of their intentions, the candidnesse of their natures, and perpetuity of their memories. Mr. Causabon 's was erected at the cost of Thomas Moreton Bishop of Durham, that great lover of Learned men, dead or alive.

39. The KING comes to Cambridge in a sharp Winter, when all the world was nothing but Air and Snow. Yet the Scholers Wits did not Freez with the Weather, witness the pleasant Play of IGNORAMUS, which they presented to His Majesty. Yet whilst many laughed aloud at the mirth thereof, some of the graver sort were sad to see the Common Lawyers made ridiculous therein. If Gowns begin once to abase Gowns, Cloaks will carry away all. Besides, of all wood, the Pleaders Bar is the worst to make a Stage of. For, once in an Age, all Professions must be beholding to their patronage. Some conceive that in revenge Master John Selden soon after set forth his Books of Titbes, wherein he historically proveth, That they were payable jure humano, and not otherwise.

40. I cannot suspect so high a Soul, guilty of so low reflections, that his Book related at all to this occasion, but only that the latitude of his mind, tracing all paths of learning, did casually light on the rode of this Subject. His Book is divided into two parts, whereof the first is a mere Jew, of the practice of Tithing amongst the Hebrews; the second a Christian, (and chiefly an English-man ) of their customs in the same. And although many Divines undertook the Answer of this Book, as Mr. Stephen Nettles Fellow of Queens-Coll: in Cambridge, (applying himself to the Judaical part ) Dr. Tillesly, and Mr. Montague, (all writing sharply, if strongly enough) yet sure it is, never a fiercer storm fell on all Parsonage Barns since the Reformation, than what this Treatise raised up.

41. By this time Mr. Andrew Melvin, a Scotchman, got to be enlarged out of the Tower, whither he had been committed for writing some satyrical Verses against the Ornaments on the Altar (or Communion-Table ) in the Kings Chapel. When first brought into the Tower, he found Sir William Seymour (now the Right Honorable, most truly Noble, and religious Marquis of Hertford ) there imprisoned for marrying the Lady ARABELLA, so nearly allied to the Crown without the KING's consent. To whom, Melvin being an excellent Poet (but inferior to Buchanan his Master) sent this Distich:

As for his invective Verses against the Chapel-Ornaments, I conceive the following Copy most authentic, though there be various Lections of them, but all in the main agreeing together:

42. Mr. George Herbert of Trinity-Coll: in Cambridge, made a most ingenious retortion of this Hexastick, which as yet all my industry cannot recover. Yet it much contenteth me, that I am certainly informed, that the posthume Remains (shavings of Gold are carefully to be kept) of that not less pious, than witty writer, are shortly to be put forth into Print, when this his Anti—pelvi—Melvi— But now at last Melvin his liberty was procured by the intercession of the chief of the Reformed in France, and being released, he afterwards became Professor at Sedan in the Duke of • ovillion his Country. Here he ceased not to traduce the Church of England, against which he wrote a scroale of Saphicks, entitled TAMICHAMI-CATEGERIA.

43. This year Thomas Bilson, Bishop of Winchester, (who carried Prelature in his very aspect) ended his life: first School-Master, then Warden of Winchester, afterwards Bishop of Worcester, and lastly, of Winchester. A deep and profound Scholar, excellently well read in the Fathers, principally shown in his Defense of Christ his descent into Hell.

44. By the way, it is a falsehood what Campian writes confidently, that Cheney, Bishop of Gloucester, had affirmed unto him, Namely, that concerning this Article, it was moved in a Convocation at London. Quemad • odum sine tumultu penitus eximatur de Symbole, How it might without any noise be wholly taken out of the Creed. For no such debate appeateth upon Record in our Convocations, and as for Campian, his single affirmation is of no validity.

45. Marcus Antonius de Dominis, Archbishop of Split, came over into England, was here courteously welcomed, and plentifully preferred, of whose hypocrisy and ingratitude largely hereafter.

46. King JAMES went into Scotland to visit His native Country, with a Princely train. In his passage thither He was much affected with a Sermon which one of his Chaplains preached upon this Text, Gen. 13. 2, 3. And Abraham was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the South even to Bethel, to the place where his Tent had been at the beginning. As for His entertainment in Scotland, we leave it to their Historians to relate. For may my pen be plindered by the Borderers, or Mosse-Troopers, if offering to cross Tweed into another Country.

47. This year died Doctor William James, born in Cheshire, Master first of the University-College, then D • an of Christ-Church in Oxford, Chaplain to Robert Dudley Earl of Leitester, and Confessor to him at his death, and at last made Bishop of Durham. He expended much on the repairing of the Chapel of Durham-house in the Strand, and in his younger da • es was much commended for his hospitality.

48. Two other prime Prelates accompanied him to the other world, Dr. Henry Robinson, Provost of Queen-College in Oxford, Bishop of Carlisle, of great temperance, mild in speech, but weak in constitution. The other, Robert Bennet, Fellow of Trinity-College in Cambridge, Chaplain to the Lord Burleigh, termed by a great Divine, Eruditus Bene • ictus, Bishop of Hereford, well-deserving of his See, whose Houses he repaired.

49. Doctor Mocket, Warden of All-Souls in Oxford, Chaplain to George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, set forth a Book in pure Latin, containing

As for the Homilies, too tedious to be translated at large, he epitomized them into certain Propositions, by him faithfully extracted.

50. No sooner appeared this Book in print, but many faults were found therein. Indeed it fared the worse for the Author, the Author for his Patron the Archbishop, against whom many Bishops began then to combine. Some accused him of presumption for undertaking such a task without Commission from the KING, it being almost as fa • all for Private persons to tamper with such Public matters, as for a Subject to match into the blood-Royal without leave of his Sovereign. Others complained, that he enlarged the liberty of a Translatour into the license of a Commenter, and the Propositions out of the Homilies by him collected were made to lean to the judgment of the Collectour. James Montague, Bishop of Winchester, a potent Courtier, took exceptions that his Bishopric in the marshalling of them was wronged in the method, as put after any, whose Bishop is a Privy Counselor.

50. But the main matter objected against it, was, That this Doctor was a better Chaplain than a Subject, contracting the Power of his PRINCE to enlarge the Privilege of his Patron, allowing the Archbishop of Canterbury 's power to confirm the Election of Bishops in his Provinces, citing for the same the 6 • Canon of the first Nicene Council established by Imperial authority. If any be made a Bishop without the censent of his Metropolitan, he ought not to be a Bishop.

51. This was counted an high offense to attribute an obliging authority either to Canon or Civil Law, both which if crossing the Common Law of the Land, are drowned in their passage as they sails over from Calais to Dover, and K. JAMES justly jealous of his own Prerogative approved not such a confirming power in the Archbishop, wich might imply a Negative Voice in case he disliked such Elects as the KING should recommend unto him.

52. Hereupon, Doctor Mocket his Book was ceasured to be burned, which was done accordingly. Now although the imperfections and indiscretions of this Translatour might be consumed as dross in the fire, yet the undoubted truth of the Articles of the English Church therein contained as Flame-free and perfectly refined will endure to all eternity. The Doctor took this censure so tenderly, especially so much defeated in his expectation to find punishment where he looked for preferment, as if his life were bound up by sympathy in his Book he ended his days soon after.

53. Though his death much affected his friends in Oxford, yet far greater the grief of that University for the decease of Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury, who died this year. One of the honors, not only of that See, but of the Church of England, born at Guilford in Surrey, of religious Parents, as persevering in the Truth though persecuted for the same in the Reign of Queen MARY: Whose two younger Brothers George and Maurice, the one came to be Archbishop of Canterbury, the other was Lord Mayor of London, and the first Knight of King CHARLES his dubbing. This good Bishop his deserts, without any other Friend or Spokesman preferred him to all his Promotions. For

Upon his Oration made on Queen ELIZABETH her Inauguration, he was chosen Scholar (and afterwards Fellow and Master ) of Baliol -College.

• Upon a Sermon preached
  • At Worcester he was made Lecturer of that City.
  • At Paul 's Cross Master John Stanhoppe prefer'd him to the rich Benefice of Bingham in Nottingham-shire.
  • Before King JAMES he was nominated Successor to Doctor Holland in the Kings-Professor his place in Oxford.

Upon the same of his incomparable Lectures de potestate Regiâ, and other labors he was made Bishop of Salisbury,

In conferring which Place, the KING conquered all opposition, which some envious persons raised against him, witness His MAJESTIES pleasant speech: Abbot, I have had much to do to make • thee a Bishop, but I know no reason for it, unless it were because thou hast written a Book against a Popish Pre ••• e, meaning William Bishop, entitled by the Pope, the Nominall Bishop of the A • real Diocese of Calcedon, which enraged the Cour • Papists against him to obstruct his preferment. The hour-glass of his life (saith my Author ) ran out the sooner for having the sand or gravel thereof stopped; so great his grief of the stone, though even whilst his body was on the rack, his soul found ease in the assurance of salvation.

54. About this time, a Boy dwelling at Bilson in Stafford-shire, William Perry by name, not full fifteen years in age, (but above forty in cunning) was practiced on by some Jesuits (repairing to the house of Mr. Gifford in that County) to dissemble himself Possessed. This was done on design that the Priests might have the credit to cast out that Devil (which never was in) so to grace their Religion with the reputation of a Miracle.

55. But now the best of the jest (or rather the worst of the earnest, was) the Boy having gotten a habit of counterfeiting, leading a lazy life thereby, to his own ease and Parents profit (to whom he was more worth than the best Plough-land in the shire ) would not be undeviled by all their Exorcisms, so that the Priests raised up a spirit which they could not allay. At last, by the industry of Dr. Moreton Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, the juggling was laid open to the world by the Boys own confession and repentance: who being bound an Apprentice at the Bishops cost, verified the Proverb, That an untoward Boy may make a good Man.

56. Indeed all this KING's Reign was scattered over with Cheaters in this kind. Some Papists, some Sectaries, some neither, as who dissembled such possession, either out of malice to be revenged on those whom they accused of Witchcraft, or covetousness to enrich themselves, seeing such, who out of charity, or curiosity repaired unto them, were bountiful in their relief. But take a few of many.

See we this Catalogue consists most of the weaker sex, either because Satan would plant his Battery where easiest to make a Breach, or because he found such most advantaged for dissembling, and his Cloven-foot best concealed under Long coats. Indeed, some Feminine weaknesses made them more strong to delude the ruins of the Disease of the Mother being the best Foundation to build such Impostourie thereon.

57. K. James remembering what Solomon saith, It is the honor of a King to search out a matter, was no less dexterous than desirous to make discovery of these Deceits. Various were His ways in detecting them, awing some into confession with His presence, persuading others by promise of pardon and fair usage. He ordered it so, that a Proper Courtier made love to one of these be witched Maids, and quickly Cupid his Arrows drave out the pretended Darts of the Devil. Another there was, the Tides of whose Possession did so Ebbe and Flow, that punctually they observed one hour till the KING came to visit her. The Maid loath to be so unmannerly as to make His MAJESTY attend her time, antedated her Fits many hours, and instantly ran through the whole Zodiac of tricks which she used to play. A third, strangely-affected when the first verse of S. John's Gospel was read unto her in our Translation, was tame and quiet whilst the same was pronounced in Greek, her English Devil belike understanding no other language. The frequency of such forged Possessions wrought such an alteration upon the judgment of King JAMES, that he receding from what he had written in his Demonologie grew first diffident of, and then flatly to deny the workings of Witches and Devils, as but Falshoods and Delusions.

58. K. James having last year in His progress passed through Lancashire, took notice, That by the preciseness of some Magistrates, and Ministers, in several places of this Kingdom, in hindering people from their recreations on the Sunday, the Papists in this Realm being thereby persuaded, that no honest mirth or recreation was tolerable in our Religion. Whereupon, the Court being then at Greenwich, He set forth a Declaration to this effect, That for His good people's lawful recreations, His pleasure was, that after the end of Divine Service, they should not be disturbed, letted, or discouraged from any lawful recreations; Such as dancing either of men, or women; archerie for men, leaping, vaulting, or any such harmless recreations: Nor from having of May-games, Whitsun-ales, or Morice-dances, and setting up of May-poles, or other sports therewith used, so as the same be had in due and convenient time, without impediment, or let of Divine Service: and that women should have leave to carry rushes to the Church for the decoring of it, according to their old custom; withal prohibiting all unlawful games to be used on the Sundays only, as bear-baiting, bull-baiting, interludes, and (at all times in the meaner sort of people by Law prohibited) bowling.

59. But when this Declaration was brought abroad, it is not so hard to believe, as sad to recount what grief and distraction thereby was occasioned in many honest men's hearts, who looked on it, not as local for Lancashire, but what in process of time would enlarge itself all over England. Some conceived the recreations specified, impeditive to the observation of the Lord's day; yea, unsuitable and unbeseeming the essential duties thereof. But others maintained, that if private men's speeches must not be pressed to an odious construction, much more men were bound, candidly to interpret the Acts of Authority; and in charity must presume, and be persuaded, that religious Princes will command nothing, what they conceive either to be unjust, or not expedient, all things considered. They considered moreover (which was mainly material) that this Declaration was not dogmatical, or doctrinal, to say, or aver these things to be Theologically lawful, but it was Edictum Civile, what the King thought fit upon just reasons to permit, without restraint, or punishment. The hardness of men's hearts on one side, which will break loose though restrained, and the hope of gaining others on the other side, by a favorable allowance, might be just motives in Authority, to give way to things civiliter, that they may be done impune, and yet not prejudice any point of Religion, and not be done licite, as in Divorces extra casum adulterii, Usury, &c.

60. But the difficulty was increased, when Ministers daily feared to be urged upon their Canonical obedience, to promulgate, and publish the said Declaration in their Parish Churches, which some resolved flatly to refuse, especially such, who formerly had strictly preached, and pressed the observation of the Lord's-day, alleging for, and applying to themselves that place of Saint Paul , For, if I build again the things which I have destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. Besides this, they enforced the Reasons following for their Recusancy: Yea, though the KING Himself should enjoin them on their Alleageance.

• 1. That the publishing of this Declaration would be interpretative an approbation thereof, whereas on the contrary they are commanded, to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather to reprove them.
• 2. That hereby they should draw a just woe upon them pronounced by the Prophet , Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed. Where (as the Learned interpret) even public Notaries, which are but instrumental, are threatened with a curse.
• 3. That the promulgation of a Law is de essentia Legis, so that people would neither take notice of this Declaration, nor liberty by it, till it were published, and so the Publisher should per se be a Promoter of a sin.
• 4. That Obedience to Authority obligeth only in licitis & honestis; and the Apostle confesseth, That he himself had power to edification, and not to destruction; whereunto the publishing thereof did manifestly tend.

61. On the other side, some learned and pious Ministers, who in their judgments were convinced, that some of the aforesaid recreations were incompatible with the sanctification of the Sabbath; notwithstanding, in case His MAJESTY should enjoin it, on serious deliberation resolved in obedience to the KING, publicly to read, or cause the reading of the Declaration, not looking at the contents therein, but at the Authority commanding the publication thereof; the rather, because no Subscription was required, or Vocall assent to approve, what therein was contained, to be just, or affirm it to be true; but a bare ministerial declaring of the KING's will and pleasure therein, which they conceived themselves bound in conscience to perform, for the Reasons ensuing:

• 1. The refusal, well observed, doth resolve into a principle, which would take away the necessity of Obedience universally, when the Partie commanded can pretend, the Magistrate ought not to command him any such thing; and, if the PRINCE must suspend His Edicts upon each Subjects doubt, He should never set forth any, considering the variety of judgments, and the distractions which are in His Subjects.
• 2. A Sheriff may, yea must, disperse the KING his Proclamations, which he liketh not; and a Clerk, at the command of his Master, a Justice of Peace, may lawfully write the Mittimus of that person to Prison, whom in his parricular judgment he conceiveth to be innocent: and (what is most proper to our purpose, because a religious instance) a Minister, without any sin, may safely pronounce an Excommunication, legally delivered unto him, though in his own private conscience he be convinced, that the Partie is unjustly excommunicated.
• 3. There are many precedents hereof in antiquity. A Father gives this censure, that when the Jews, commanded by Antiochus, gave up the Divine Books to His Officers, to be destroyed, it was, Peccatum imperantis, & minantis; non populi, cum dolore & tremore tradentis, A sin of Him that commanded, and threatened it; not of the people, who surrendered up those Volumes with fear, and sorrow. And Saint Augustine resolveth it in the case of a Christian Soldier, fighting under a sacrilegious Emperor; that, though he be not satisfied in the lawfulness of the commands, he may notwithstanding lawfully obey. Ita ut fortasse reum fa • iat Regem iniquitas imperandi, innocentem militem ostendat ordo serviendi. And, what is most apposite to the matter in hand (because the Edict of a godly Emperor, seriously distasted by a godly Bishop) Maurice set forth a command, That no Soldier should be admitted into a Monastery, and though Gregory the great was persuaded, the prohibition was in itself injurious and unlawful, yet he did, In diversas terrarum partes transmittere legem, quia erat subjectus Ejus jussionibus.

Convinced with these Reasons, some Ministers (not with any delight in the Message, but in Duty to the Authority which sent) intended (if put to the trial) sadly and unwillingly to publish the Declaration.

A third sort took up a resolution to read the Declaration, or suffer it to be read, and presently after to preach against the contents of what they had published; hoping so, warily to avoid the danger of disobedience, in refusing to promulgate it, and of profaneness in seeming to approve it. But, whether by this middle way, setting God and the King as openly opposite, they would have declined, or contracted more odium, it is hard to determine.

62. But now, after so long, and many diversities of Opinions and Arguments on several sides, their own fear proved at last their only foe: The KING's goodness taking away the subject of their jealousy; so that no Minister in the County was enjoined to read the Book in his Parish, wherewith they had so affrighted themselves. However, their Arguments may be kept cold, and laid up provisionally against the time they had use thereof, especially for such, who survived till the seventh of King CHARLES, when the Declaration for Liberty on the Lord's-day was enjoined (though not by the KING) the Ministers to publish clean through the Land.

63. However, there wanted not many, both in Lancashire, and elsewhere, who conceived the Declaration came forth seasonably, to suppress the dangerous endeavor of such, who now began in their Pulpits, to broach the dregs of Judaism, and force Christians to drink them. So that those legal Ceremonies, long since dead, buried, and rotten in the grave of our Savior, had now their ghosts, as it were, walking; frighting such people with their terrible apparitions, who were persuaded by some Preachers to so rigorous observation of the Sabbath, that therein it was unlawful to dress meat, sweep their houses, kindle the fire, or the like. Yea, and the Papists, in Lancashire especially (a frontier Country, as I may term it, of Papists and Protestants, where the Reformed Religion had rather a truce, than a peace, standing on its guard, and posture of defense ) I say, in Lancashire the Romanists made advantage of this strictness, to pervert many to Popery, persuading them, That the Protestant Religion was the School of Tyrannus, where no lawful liberty was allowed. And no wonder, if many common people were hereby fetched off unto them, starting aside as a broken bow, chiefly because overbent for lack of lawful recreation. But enough hereof, and too much (if not pressed thereunto in pursuance of our History) and yet ere long we must have more on the same sad subject.

64. Now of the Broakers of Judaism, John Thraske was a principal. Whether ever he sucked on the breasts of either University, or only was brought up by hand in some petty-School, I know not. This I know, that secking to be made Deacon, or Minister, by James Bishop of Bath and Wells; Doctor Samuel Ward then Poser, and the Bishops Chaplain, refused him as altogether insufficient. However, afterwards he got Orders, and then began to vent his Opinions; That the Lord's-day was to be observed with the same strictness by Christians, as it was by Jews; and, That all Meats and Drinks forbidden in the Levitical Law bound Christians to the same observance, thereby opening a door to let in the rabble of all Ceremonies. Thus he brought in a constant Lent of his own making. And, whereas Divines can forbid no meat as unlawful (though Politicians may as unthrifty for the State, and Physicians as unhealthful for the body) because CHRIST hath given us that Licence, To the clean all things are clean, yet he seduced many souls with his Tenets, and his own Wife amongst many others. For these he was censured in the Star-Chamber, but afterwards recanted his Opinions, and lived (as unsettled in judgment, as place) in several parts of the Kingdom. I have heard him preach a Sermon, nothing relating to the aforesaid Doctrine, and when his Auditors have forgotten the matter, they will remember the loudness of his stentorious voice, which indeed had more strength, than any thing else he delivered. He afterwards relapsed, not into the same, but other Opinions, rather humerous, than hurtful, and died obscurely at Lambeth in the Reign of King CHARLES. Nor must we forget, that his Wife could never be unperverted again, but perished in her Judaism; because, as our Savior observeth, Proselytes in general are twofold worse than their Leader: and her Sex (as pliable to receive, as tenacious to retain ) had weakness enough to embrace an error, and obstinacy too much to forsake it.

63. At this time began the troubles in the Low-Countries, about matters of Religion, heightened between two opposite parties, Remonstrants, and Contra-Remonstrants; their Controversies being chiefly reducible to five points; Of Predestination, and Reprobation; Of the Latitude of Christ's death; Of the power of man's Free will, both before, and after his conversion; and, Of the Elects perseverance in grace. To decide these difficulties, the States of the United Provinces, resolved to call a National Synod at Dort; And, to give the more luster, and weight to the determinations thereof, desired some foreign Princes to send them the assistance of Their Divines for so pious a work: Especially, they requested our KING of Great Britain, to contribute His aid thereunto (being Himself as forward to do, as they desire anything conducible to GOD's glory, and the Churches good ) Who, out of His own Princely wisdom, and free favor, made choice of

These, according to their summons, repairing to His MAJESTY at New-Market, received from Him there these following Instructions, concerning their behavior in the Synod:

Doctor Davenant, and Doctor Ward, presented themselves again to His MAJESTY at Royston, October the 8. Where His MAJESTY vouchsafed His familiar discourse unto them, for two hours together, commanding them to sit down by Him, and at last dismissed them with His solemn prayer. That God would bless their endeavors; which made them cheerfully to depart His presence.

66. Addressing themselves now with all possible speed to the Sea-side, they casually missed that Man of War, which the States had sent to conduct them over (though they saw him on Sea at some distance) and safely went over in a small Vessel, landing October 20 at Middleburgh. On the 27 of the same Moneth they came to Hague, where they kissed the hand of His Excellency GRAVE MAURICE, to Whom the Bishop made a short Speech, and by Whom they were all courteously entertained. Hence they removed to Dort, where November the 3, the Synod began, and where we leave them with the rest of their fellow-Divines, when first everyone of them had taken this Admission-Oath, at their entrance into the Synod:

I say, we leave them here with fellow-Divines. For, should my pen presume to sail over the Sea, it would certainly meet with a strom in the passage, the censure of such; who will justly condemn it for meddling with transmarine matters, especially Doctrinal points, utterly aliene from my present subject. Only a touch of an Historical passage therein, confining ourselves to our own Countrymen.

67. These four Divines had allowed them by the STATES Ten pounds sterling a day, Threescore and ten pounds by the week; an entertainment far larger than what was appointed to any other foreign Theologues; and politically proportioned, in grateful consideration of the Greatness of His MAJESTY who employed them. And, these English Divines, knowing themselves sent over, not to gain wealth to themselves, but glory to God, and reputation to their Sovereign, freely gave what they had freely received, keeping a Table general, where any fashionable Forreigner was courteously and plentifully entertained.

68. They were commanded by the KING to give Him a weekly account (each one in his several Week, according to their seniority) of all memorable passages transacted in the Synod. Yet it happened, that, for a month, or more, the KING received from them no particulars of their proceedings, whereat His Majesty was most highly offended. But afterwards, understanding, that this defect was caused by the countermands of an higher King, even of him who gathereth the wind in his fists, stopping all passages by contrary weather; no wonder if He, who was so great a peace-maker, was himself so quickly pacified: yea, afterwards highly pleased, when four weekly dispatches (not neglected to be orderly sent, but delayed, to be accordingly bought) came all together to His Majesty's hands.

69. On the 10 of December, Gwalther Balca • quall, Bachelor of Divinity, and Fellow of Pembroke-Hall, came into the Synod, where his Credential Letters from King JAMES were publicly read; Whose pleasure it was, that he should be added to the four English Collegues, in the name of the Church of Scotland. The President of the Synod welcomed him with a short Oration, which by Mr. Balcanquall was returned with another, and so was he conducted to his place; A place built for him particularly, as one coming after all the rest, so that his seat discomposed the uniformity of the building, exactly regular before. But it matters not how the seats were ordered, so that the judgments of such as sat therein, were conformed to the truth of the Scriptures.

70. Doctor Joseph Hall being at the Synod of Dort, and finding much indisposition in himself, the air not agreeing with his health, on his humble request obtained His Majesty's leave to return. Whereupon, composing his countenance With a becoming gravity, he publicly took his solemn farewell of the Synod, With this Speech following:

Thus returned Dr. Hall into his own Country; Since so recovered (not to say revived) therein, that he hath gone over the graves of all his English Collegues there, and (what cannot God, and good air do?) surviving in health at this day, three and thirty years after, may well with Jesse, go amongst men for an old man in these days. And living privately, having passed thorough the Bishop rickes of Exeter, and Norwich, hath now the opportunity in these troublesome times, effectually to practice those his precepts of patience, and contentment, which his pen hath so eloquently recommended to others.

71. On the seventh of January, Thomas Goad Doctor of Divinity, Chaplain to George Archbishop of Canterbury, came into the Synod, sent thither by His MAJESTY of Great Britain. The President entertained him with a soleman Oration, highly commending King JAMES's care, not recalling one Divine, till he had substituted another. The Doctor requited him with a pithy Oration, promising the utmost of his assistance to the general good. A promise by him well performed, giving afterwards ample testimony of his general learning and solid judgment in Divinity; nothing being wanting in him, but that he came hither so late to this employment.

SECTION V.

BEfore the end of the hundred forty fifth Session, April the 20th, in the forenoon, the Belgic Confession was brought into the Synod, containing matter both of Doctrine, and Discipline, and the public consent thereunto was required. Here the Bishop of Landaffe, in the name of all the rest, approved all the points of Doctrine. But as for matter of Discipline, that his Mother Church, and his own order might not suffer therein, and he seem by silence to betray the cause thereof, a Protest was entered by him, as Mouth for the rest, to preserve the same, as by the perusing the following passage will appear.

Interca tamen de Disciplina pancis monet. Nunquam in Ecclesia obtinuisse Ministrorum paritatem non tempore Christi ipsius, tanc enim duodecim Apostolos fuisse Discipulis superiores; non Apostolorum aetate, non subsecutis secu • lis. Nec valere rationem in hac Confessione usurpatam, Nempe quia omnes funt aeque Ministri Christi. Nam & septuaginta Discipuli, erant Ministri Christi aeque ac Apostoli, non tamen inde Apostolis aequales: & omnes omnino homines sunt aeque homines, non inde tamen homo homini non debet subesse. Haec, non ad harum Ecclesiarum • ssensionem, sed ad nostrae Anglicanae defensionem sese monuisse professus est.— Br tannorum interpellationi responsum ne gru quidem.

Not withstanding, in the mean time, he briefly gave his advice concerning Discipline. That the parity of Ministers never prevailed in the Church, no, not in the time of Christ himself; for, then the twelve Apostles were superior to the Disciples; not in the time of the Apostles, nor in the ages after them. Nor is that reason of any force alleged in their Confession, namely, Because all are equally the Ministers of Christ. For, even the seventy Disciples were equally Ministers of Christ with the Apostles, and yet it follows not thence, they were equal with the Apostles: and all men altogether are equally men, yet thence it cannot be inferred, that one man ought not to be subject to another. There things he professed himself to have hinted, not to offend these Churches therewith, but to defend their own Church of England—To this interpellation of the British Divines nothing at all was answered.

Hereby the equal Reader may judge how candidly Master Montague in his Appeal, dealeth with our English Divines, charging them, That the Discipline of the Church of England is in this Synod held unlawful. And again, The Synod of Dort in some points condemneth upon the by, even the Discipline of the Church of England. But, let such as desire farther satisfaction herein, peruse the joint Attestation, which those English Divines set forth, Anno 1626. to justify their proceedings herein.

2. On the 29 of April the Synod ended. The states to express their gratitude, bestowed on the English Divines at their departure, Two hundred pounds, to bear their charges in their return: besides, a golden Medall of good value was given to everyone of them, wherein the sitting of the Synod was artificially represented. And now, these Divines, who for many month had, in a manner, been fast'ned to their chairs, and desks, thought it a right due to themselves, that when their work was ended, they might begin their recreation. Wherefore they viewed the most eminent Cities in the