Church History of Britain
3. But, how high an esteem, the STATES-GENERAL had of these our English-men's serivce, will best appear by Their Letter, which They sent to King JAMES, as followeth:
Serenissime REX,
Qvemadmodum hoc unice propositum Nobis fuit, ut, quae in Civitatibus, Provinciis{que} nostris, ante annos aliquot, exortae erant, infelices de Religion contentions, eruditorum, ac piorum hominum judicio, legitime tolli, ac componi possent; ut & conscientiis eorum, quibus Nos praeesse Deus Immortalis voluit, ipsi{que} pariter Reipublicae, suâ in Religion, ac pietate simul, ratio constaret, & tranquillitas; ita nos benïgne is respexit, cui hactenus curae fuimus, Qui Conventui nostro Nationali, quem ex omnibus idem sentientibus Ecclesiis convocavimus, ita benedixit, ut, re tantâ ad felicem, at{que} optatum exitum perductâ, domum, & ad suos se conferant. Quibus, benedictionem Domini, studium nostrum in promovendo pietatis negotio, consensum plane cum aliis Ecclesiis unanimem, indicabunt. Inter quos, cum praecipui & consilio, & loco, fuerint Magnae Britanniae Theologi, quos, pro singulari, & divino, in Nos, & Ecclesias nostras affectu, ad Nos mittere dignata est Majestas Tua; curae Nobis fuit, ut, quantopere hujus beneficii magnitudinem aestimemus, ex nobis intelligeret Majestas Tua. Est vero illud, Rex Serenissime, etiamsi cum reliquis, quae infinita sunt, conferatur, tanto majus, quanto uberiores sunt fructus, quos ex Dei causa expectamus, quanto{que} id Majestatis Tuae nomini est convenientius; Qui, cùm nullâ re externâ, at{que} humanâ quae potissimùm aliis Principibus conciliant dignitatem, quoquam Rege sit inferior, Fidei Defensionem, tanquam Dei, Ecclesiae{que} Patronus in his terris, sibi merito assumit. Neque dubitare possumus, quin, & Majestatis Tuae Regna tot, & tanta; reliquaeque, quae in hoc nego io Nobis operam navârunt, Ecclesiae, magnam utilitatem ex hoc instituto nostro percepturae sint, quae exemplo nostro descent, quanto periculo conjunctum sit, quae been in Religion constituta sunt temere movere, quùm sint felices, atque fortunatae, quamdiu simili remedio opus non habebunt: cui hactenus abunde Majestatis Tuae curâ, atque vigilantiâ, prospectum fuit. In Theologis porro utrius{que} Regni Vestri omnibus, & singulis, quorum agmen ducit vere Reverendissimus Dominus Georgius, Landavensis Episcopus, imago, atque expressa virtutis effigies; eam eruditionem, pietatem, pacis studium, eumque zelum deprehendimus, ut, cum ipsius beneficii causâ Majestati Tue multum debamus, magna pars ipsius beneficîi Nobis videatur, quod ipsi ad Nos missi fint.
Deus immortalis Majestati Tuae, Rex Serenisime, ita benedicat, ut illius benedictionis partem, Orbis Christianus, ex diuturniate Regni Tui, & Ecclesiae defensione, diu percipat.
4. With these Testimonial Letters, over they came into England, and first presented themselves to King JAMES. Who, seeing them out of a window, when first entering the Court, Here comes, said He, my good Mourners, alluding to their black habit, and late death of Queen ANNE. Then, after courteous entertaining of them, He favourably dismissed them, and afterward on three of them bestowed preferment. So returned they all to their several professions; Bishop Carleton to the careful governing of his Diocese Doctor Davenant besides his Collegiate Cure, to his constant Lectures in the Schools; Dr. Ward to his discret ordering of his own College; Dr. Goad to his diligent discharging of Domestical duties in the family of his Lord, and Patton; and Mr. Balcanquall to his Fellowship in Pembroke-Hall.
5. Since it hath been the success of this Synod, to have the decisions thereof to be approved, applauded, magnified by some: vilified, contemned, condemned by others. If men were divinded in their censures about Christ, some saying, He is a good man: others, way, but he deceiveth the people; no wonder, if ever since, all Conventions of Christians be subject to variety of men's verdicts upon them. Of such as dislike the Synod, none falls heavier upon it than a London Divine, charging the Synodians to have taken a previous Oath, to condemn the opposite party on what terms soever. But take him in his own words, Far be it from me to subscribe the report, or information of those, who charge the respective Members of this Synod, with suffering themselves to be bound with an Oath, at, or before their admission thereunto, to vote down the Remonstrants, and their Doctrines (howsoever) Yet, when Iread, and consider, 1. How learnedly, solidly, and substantially they quit themselves, and argue, whilst they go along with the Remonstrants, and declare wherein they agree with them, in the points controverted betwixt them. 2. How feebly, and unlike themselves they reason, when they come to the quick of the difference. 3. and lastly, How near, at very many turns, even in those things wherein they pretend to differ, they come unto them, as if they had a very good mind, to be no more two, but one with them, when (I say) I consider all these things, methinks I see the interest and obligation of an oath, working much after the same manner, as sometimes it did in Herod, when for his oath sake, contrary to his mind, and desire otherwise, he caused, John the Baptist' s head to be given to Herodias in a platter. See here, how this Suggester, though at the first he takes water, and washeth his hands, with a Far be it from me to subscribe the report &c. yet afterwards he crucifies the credit of a whole Synod, and makes them all guilty of no less than damnable perjury.
6. I could have wished, that he had mentioned in the margin, the Authors of this suggestion; whereas now the omission thereof will give occasion to some, to suspect him for the first raiser of the report; an heavy accusation, charging a whole Synod of injustice. When Festus, the heathen Magistrate, was so much Christian, as not to condemn an accused man before he hath license to answer for himself: could any Assembly of Christian Ministers to so heathen, as to bind themselves by an oath, right or wrong, with blind obedience, to beat down the opposite party?. Wherein they were all actually forsworn, having publicly taken so solemnan oath, to proceed impartially, according to God's Word, and their own conscience. What said Laban to Jacob? If thou shalt take other wives besides my daughters, no man is with us, see, God is witness between thee, and me: So, if these Divines, having betrothed their faith to God, and the world, in so open and public a manner; besides this Oath, did bind themselves with any other, taken before, or after, in a clandestine way, contrary to their public promise; would not God the sole judge herein, sensible of this affront offered to him, and his truth, heavily punish so heinous an offense? And, can any charitable-minded man believe, that learned men would, that godly men could be guilty of so deep, and damnable dissimulation?
7. Musing with myself on this matter, and occasionally exchanging Letters with the Sons of Bishop Hall, it came into my mind to ask them Joseph's question to his brethren, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake, is he yet alive? And, being informed of his life and health, I addressed myself in a Letter unto him, for satisfaction in this particular, who was pleased to honor me with this return herein inserted:
WHereas you desire from me a just relation of the carriage of the business at the Synod of Dort, and the conditions required of our Divines there, at, or before their admission to that grave, and learned Assembly: I, whom God was pleased to employ, as an unworthy agent in that great work, and, to reserve still upon earth, after all my reverend, and worthy Assocaites, do, as in the presences of that God, to whom I am now daily expecting to yield up my account, testify to you, and (if you will) to the world, that I cannot, without just indignation, read that slanderous imputation, which Mr. Goodwin, in his Redemption Redeem'd, reports to have been raised, and cast upon those Divines, eminent both for learning, and piety, That they suffered themselves to be bound with an Oath, at, or before their admission into that Synod, to vote down the Remonstrants howsoever; so as they came deeply preingaged to the decision of those unhappy differences.
Truly, Sir, as I hope to be saved, all the Oath that was required of us was this; After that the Moderator, Assistents, and Scribes were chosen, and the Synod formed, and the several Members allowed, there was a solemn Oath required to be taken by everyone of that Assembly, which was publicly done in a grave manner, by every person in their order, standing up, and laying his hand upon his heart, calling the great God of heaven to witness, that he would impartially proceed in the judgment of these controversies, which should be laid before him, only out of, and according to the written Word of God, and no otherwise, so determining of them, as he should find in his conscience most agreeable to the Holy Scriptures, which Oath was punctually agreed to be thus taken by the Articles of the States, concerning the indiction, and ordering of the Synod, as appears plainly in their tenth Article; and, this was all the Oath that was either taken, or required. And far was it from those holy souls, which are now glorious in heaven, or mine (who still for some short time survive, to give this just witness of our sincere integrity) to entertain the least thought of any so foul corruption, as by any over-ruling power to be swayed to a prejudgment in the points controverted.
It grieves my soul therefore to see, that any learned Divine should raise imaginary conjectures to himself, of an interest and obligation of a fancied Oath (working upon them, and drawing them contrary to the dictation of their own conscience, as it did Heord 's in the case of John the Baptist 's beheading) merely out of his own comparative construstion of the different forms of expressing themselves in managing those Controversies. Wherein if at any time they seemed to speak nearer to the Tenet of the Remonstrants, it must be imputed to their holy ingenuity, and gracious disposition to peace, and to no other sinister respect.
Sir, since I have lived to see so foul an aspersion cast upon the memory of those worthy and eminent Divines, I bless God that I yet live to vindicate them, by this my knowing, clear, and assured attestation; which I am ready to second with the solemnest Oath, if I shall be thereto required.
Higham, August 30. 1651.
Your much devoted friend, precessor, and fellow-laborer, Jos: Hall, B. N.
Let the Reader consider with himself, how the Suggester speaks by hear-say, of things done at distance, whereat himself not present, whose disassection to the decisions of that Synod, inclines him to credit ill reports against it. And yet, as afraid, though willing to speak out, in his methinks I see, vents but his own conjectural surmises. Let him also weigh in the balance of his judgment, how this purgation of this Synod is positive, and punctual, from one an ear-and eyewitnesse thereof, being such an one as Doctor Hall, and now aged; so that his testimonium herein, may seem testamentum; his witness, his will, and the truth therein delivered, a Legacy by him bequeathed to posterity. I say, the premises seriously considered, let the Reader procced to sentence, as God and his conscience shall direct him; and, either condemn a private person of slander, and salsity; or a whose Synod of injustice, and perjury.
8. My desire to make this History of the Synod entire, hath made me omit the death of James Montague, the worthy Bishop of Winchester, who left this life the last year: Son to Sir Ed: Montague of Boughton in Northampton-shire, bred in Christ's, afterwards Master of Sidney-College in Cambridge, highly favored by King JAMES, (whose Works he set forth) preferring him to the Bishopric first of Bath and Wells, then to Winchecter: in Bath he lies buried under a fair Tomb, though the whole Church be his Monument, which his bounty repaired, or rather raised out of the ruins thereof. One passage at his burial I must not forget, having received it from the mouth of his younger Brother Sir Sidney Montague, present at his Funeral solemnities.
9. A certain Officer of Bath-Church, being a very corpulent man, was upon the day of the Bishop's burial appointed to keep the doors: He entered on this his employment in the Morning whereon the Funeral was kept, but was buried himself before night, and before the Bishops body was put into the ground, because being bruised to death by the pressing in of people, his Corps required speedy interment; so needful it is for those to watch for their own change, who wait on the graves of others.
10. I cannot attain the exact date of the death of John Overall, carrying Superintendency in his Surname, the Bishop of Norwich; first, Fellow of Trinity. Coll: then Master of Katherine-Hall, and King's Professor of Divinity in Cambridge. One of a strong brain to improve his great reading, and accounted one of the most Learned Controversial Divines of those days.
11. A grand Grievance was now much complained of, but little redressed: some great Courtiers there were, to whom the KING had passed His Grants to compound with Papists for their Recusancy. Some of these Grantees abused the KING's favor, and Compounded with such persons for light sums, even before their legal Conviction, whereby the Offenders in that kind became the more backward to Conform themselves to the king's Laws, Hit Majesty not aiming at their punishment, but reformation. And although this indirect course was flatly forbidden by His Royal Declaration, set forth 1610: yet was this corruption connived at, and is conceived a main cause of the great and speedy increase of Popery.
12. About this time, a sad mischange besell George About Archbishop of Can terbury, in this manner, He was invited by the Lord Zouch to Bramshill in Hampshire to hunt and kill a Buck; The Keeper ran amongst the Herd of Deer to bring them up to the sairer mark, whilst the Archbishop litting on his Horse back, let loose a barded-Arrow from a Crosbow, and unhappily hit the Keeper: He was shot through the Enmontery of the left Arm, and the Arrow dividing those grand auxiliary vessels, he died of the flux of blood immediately. Nature having provided, that all the large Vessels are defended externally by bones: He never spake after, as the person still alive at Croydon, who brought off his body, informed me, and died not of the ill-dressing of the Wound, as some have printed it. This presently put an end to the sport that day, and almost to the Archbishops mirth to the last of his life.
13. The same of this man's death, flew faster than the Arrow that killed him: The Archbishops mischance, in many men met not with so sad a casualty did deserve: He was not much beloved by the inferior Clergy, as over-rigid and austere: Indeed, he was mounted to command in the Church, before he ever learned to obey therein; Made a Shepherd of Shepherds, before he was a Shepherd of Sheep; Consecrated Bishop, before ever called to a Pastoral Charge; which made, say some, him not to sympathize with the necessities and insirmities of poor Ministers. As for the superior Clerigie, some for his irregularity and removal expected preferment, as the second Boule is made first, and the third, second, when that nearest the mark, is violently removed.
14. It is strange to see, how suddenly many men started up Canonists and Casuists in their discourse, who formerly had small skill in that profession. In their ordinary talk they cited Councils and Synods: some had up S. Jerome's speech, Venatorem nunquam legimus sanctum: others were busy with the Decree of the Council of Orleans, (Gratian 49 B. distinct.34.) Episcopo Presbytero, ant Diacono canes ad venandum, ant accipitres habere non licet. Others distinguished of a three-fold hunting: 1. Oppressiva. 2. Arenaria. 3. Saltuosa. These maintained, that the two former were utterly unlawful, but the last might lawfully be used. Others distinguished of Homicide: 1. Exnecessitate. 2. Ex voluntate. 3. Excasu. the case in hand. In a word, this accident divided all great companies into pro and con, for or against the Archbishops irregularity on this occasion, yet all the force of their skill could not mount the guilt of this fact higher than the fountain thereof. When all was done it was but Casual Homicide, who sought not for the man, but God was pleased to bring the Man to his hand.
15. Sir Henry Savill, the Archbishops old acquaintance as his contemporary in Oxford, repaired on his behalf to the Oracle of the Law, Sir Edward Coke, whom he found a bowling for his recreation. My Lord, said he, I come to be satisfied of you in a point of Law. If it be a point of Common Law, (said sir Edward Coke) I am unworthy to be a Judge, if I cannot presently satissie you; but if it be a point of Statute Law, I am unworthy to be Judge, if I should undertake to satissie you; before I have consulted my Books. It is this, (said Sir Henry ) Whether may a Bishop Hunt in a Park by the Laws of the Realm? I can presently resolve you, said the Judge, He may bunt by the Laws of the Realm by this very token, That there is an old Law, (let the young Students in that profession find it out) that a Bishop, when dying, is to leave his pack of Dog's (called Muta canum) to the Kings free use and disposal.
16. The party, whom the Archbishop suspected his greatest Foe, proved his most firm and effectual Friend, even Lancelot Andrew's Bishop of Winchester: For when several Bishop inveighed against the irregularity of the Archbishop, laying as much (if not more) guilt, on the act, than it would bear, He mildly checked them: Brethren (said he) be not too busy to condemn any for Uncanonicalls according to the strictness thereof, left we render ourselves in the same condition. Besides we all know, canones, qui dicunt lapsos post actam poenitentiam, ad clericatum non esse restituendos, de rigor loquuntur disciplinae, noninjiciunt desperationem indulgentiae.
17. King James being Himself delighted in Hunting, was sorry any ill accident should betide the users thereof. But when He was assured, how deeply the Archbishop laid this casualty to his heart, He much pitied him, and said to a Lord, discoursing thereof, It might have been My chance or thine. So that not long after the Archbishop (who had lately retired himself to Guildford Alms-house of his own founding) returned to Lambeth, and to the performance of his Office, though some squeamish, and nice-conscienced Elects scrupled to be consecrated by him. He gave during his own life Twenty pounds a year to the Man 's Widow, which was not long a Widow, as quickly re-married. He kept a Monethly-Fast on a Tuesday, as the day whereon this casualty befell; in a word, this Keeper's death was the Archbishop's mortification.
18. At this time the KING's Exchequer grew very low, though Lionel Cransield Lord Treasurer, and Earl of Middlesex, neglected no means for the improving thereof. In order whereunto, (Reader, let this Story pass into thy belief, on my credit, knowing myself sufficiently assured thereof) a Projector, such necessary evils then much countenanced) informed His MAJESTY of a way whereby speedily to advance much Treasure. And how for sooth was it? Even that a new Valuation should be made of all Spiritual preferments, (which now in the King's Books passed at Under-tates) to bring them up to, or near the full value thereof. This would promote both the casual fines (as I may term them) of First-fruits, and the Annual rent of Tenths, to the great advantage of the Crown. The KING sent to the Lord Treasurer demanding his judgment thereof.
19. The Treasurer returned His MAJESTY an Answer to this effect, so near as I can remember from the mouth of a Noble person then present: Sir, You have ever been beheld, as a great Lover and Advancer of Learned men, and You know Clergy-men's education is chargeable to them, or their friends: Long it is before they get any preferment, which at last, generally, is but small in proportion to their pains and expenses. Let it not be said, that You gained by grinding them; other ways less obnoxious to just censure, will be found out, to furnish your occasions. The KING commended Cranfield, ( as doing it only for trial) adding moreover, I should have accounted thee a very knave, if encouraging Me herein: and so the project was blasted, for the present, as it was, when it budded again, propounded by some unworthy instrument in the Reign of King CHARLES.
20. I know, some will suspect the Treasurer, more likely to start than crush so gainful a design, as who by all ways & means sought to increase the royal Revenue. I know also, that some accuse him, as if making his Master's wings to molt, thereby the better to feather his own nest. Indeed, he raised a fair estate, and surely he will never be a good Steward for his Master, who is a bad one for himself. Yet on due and true enquiry it will appear, that though an High power did afterwards prosecute him, yet his innocence in the main preserved him to transmit a good estate to his posterity. So that much of truth must be allowed in his Motto, PERDIDIT FIDES, he was lost at Court for his fidelity to K. JAMES, in sparing His Treasure, and not answering the expensivenesse of a great Favorite.
21. A Parliament was called, wherein Francis Bacon L d Chancellor, was outed his Office for Bribery, the frequent receiving thereof by him, or his, was plainly proved. Yet for all his taking, just and unjust, he was exceedingly poor and much indebted. Wherefore, when motion was made in the House of Commons, of Fining him some thousand of pounds, a noble Member standing up, desired that for two Reasons his Fine might be mitigated into forty shillings: First, because that would be paid, whereas a greater sum, would only make a noise, and never be paid. Secondly, the shame would be the greater, when such his prodigality that he, who had been so large a taker in his Office, was reduced to such penury, that forty shillings should be conceived a sufficient Fine for his Estate. But it was fine enough for him to lose his Office, remitted to a mean and private condition.
22. None can character him to the life, save himself. He was in parts, more than a Man, who in any Liberal profession, might be, whatsoever he would himself. A great Honourer of ancient Authors, yet a great Deviser and Practiser of new ways in Learning. Privy Counselor, as to King JAMES, so to Nature itself, diving into many of her abstruse Mysteries. New conclusions he would dig out with mattocks of gold & silver, not caring what his experience cost him, expending on the Trials of Nature, all and more than he got by the Trials at the Barre, Posterity being the better for his, though he the worse for his own, dear experiments. He and his Servants had all in common, the Men never wanting what their Master had, and thus what came flowing in unto him, was sent flying away from him, who, in giving of rewards knew no bounds, but the bottom of his own purse. Wherefore when King JAMES heard that he had given Ten pounds to an under-keeper, by whom He had sent him a Buck, the KING said merrily, I and He shall both die Beggars, which was condemnable Prodigality in a Subject. He lived many years after, and in his Books will ever survive, in the reading whereof, modest Men commend him, in what they do, condemn themselves, in what they do not understand, as believing the fault in their own eyes, and not in the object.
23. All stood expecting who should be Bacon 's Successor in the Chancery. Sure he must be some man of great and high abilities, (otherwise it would seem a valley next a mountain ) to maintain a convenient and comely level in that eminent Place of Judicature. Now whilst in common discourse, some made this Judge, others that Sergeant Lord Chancellor, King JAMES made Dr. Williams, lately (and still) Dean of Westminster, soon after Bishop of Lincoln. Though the KING was the principal, the Duke of Buckingham was more than the instrumental advancer of him to the title of Lord Keeper, in effect the same in Place and Power with the Lord Chancellor.
24. The KING's choice produced not so much dislike as general wonder. Yet some cavilled at Doctor Williams his Age, as if it were preposterous for one, to be able for that Office before ancient, and as if one old enough for a Bishop; were too young for a Chancellor. Others questioned his abilities, for the Place. Could any expect to reap Law, where it was never sown? who can apply the remedy whilst he is ignorant in the malady? Being never bred to know the true grounds and reasons of the Common Law, how could he mitigate the rigor thereof in difficult cases? He would be prone to mistake the severity of the Common Law for cruelty, and then unequal equity, and unconscionable conscience must be expected from him. Besides the Place was proper not for the plain but guarded Gown, and the Common Lawyers prescribed for six Descents (a strong Title indeed) wherein only Men of their Robe were advanced thereunto.
25. Yet some of these altered their judgments, when considering his education, who for many years had been House Chaplain (yea, and more than Chaplain, intimate Friend-servant) to the old Lord Edgerton, who understood the Chancellor-Craft as well as any whoever sat in that Place; and who, whilst living, imparted many Mysteries of that Court; when dying, bequeathed many choice Books and directions unto him. His parts were eminent, who could make anything he read or heard his own, and could improve anything which was his own to the utmost. Besides, for a Clergy-man to be Lord Chancellor was no usurpation, but a recovery, seeing Ecclesiastics anciently were preferred to that Place, and Sir Nicholas Bacon, (Father to the last Chancellor ) received the Broad Seal from a Church-man, viz: Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York.
26. Considering all disadvantages, he managed the Office to admiration. I know it is reported by his adversaries to his discredit, That never L. Keeper made so many Orders, w c h afterwards were reversed, w c h whether true or no, I know not. Sure it is that unpartial men of the best & clearest judgments highly commended him, and J. Yelverton himself hearing him in a case of concernment, ingenuously professed, This is a most admirable Man. Here he sat in the Office, so long, till disdaining to be a Dependent (as a Pent-house ) on the Duke 's favor, and desiring to stand an absolute structure on his own foundation, at Court; he fell, as God willing shall in due time be related.
27. Should we now look into the Convocation, we should find them on Wednesdays and Fridays devoutly at the Litany, otherwise having little employment, as impowered by no Commission to alter anything. So that sitting amongst the Tombs in Westminster Church, they were (as once one of their Prolocutors said) Viva cadavera inter mortuos, as having no motion or activity allowed unto them.
28. About this time Meric Casaubon set forth a Book in defense of his deceased Father, against whom many had spit their venom. First, Heribert Roswed, a Jesuit; and after him Andrew Schoppius, a renowned railer; one that is always incensed against Learning, and Honesty, wheresoever he finds them severally, but implacable against such a man in whom both meet together. It seems it is his policy thus to seek to perpetuate his memory, by railing against eminent persons; hoping, that he shall jointly survive with their worth, whereas their light shall burn bright, when his snuff shall be trodden underfoot. Then Julius Caesar Bullinger, and Andrew Eudemono Joannes, a vizard-name, composed to fright fools, and make wise men laugh at it. Yea, though he had formerly met with a quaternion of learned Confuters, Bishop Abbot, Doctor Prideaux, Doctor Collins, Master Burrhill; young Casaubon, then Student in Christ-Church, thought it his duty farther to assert his Fathers memory, and to give a brief account of his life, and conversation.
29. This is the benefit of Learned men's marriage, God oftentimes so blessing it, that they need not go out of themselves, for a champion to defend them, but have one springing from their own bowels. And his Son, though by reason of his age low in himself, is tall when standing on the advantage-ground of his Fathers grave, whose memory he is to maintain. Yea, God seems so well pleased with his piety, that his endeavors took such effect, that no railing Libels to that purpose came forth afterwards, which formerly had been so frequent. Whether because these curres, weary of their own barking, did even sneak away in silence; or because they had no more mind to challenge, seeing a Defendant provided to undertake them.
30. Upon the removal of Richard Milborne to Carlisle, William Laud, President of S. John 's College in Oxford, was made Bishop of S. David's. Of whom, because everyone speaks so much, I will say the less. The rather, because at this time, and during the extent of our History, this Bishop lived in a private way, bare no great stream, as being before that the tide of greatness flowed in upon him. Yea, as yet he took more notice of the world, than the world did of him. Indeed, as the matter, whereof China-dishes are made, must lie some Ages in the earth before it is ripened to perfection: so great persons are not fit for an Historian's use to write freely of them, till some years after their decease, when their memories can neither be marred with envy, nor mended with flattery. However his good deeds to S. John 's College in Oxford must not be forgotten; yea, that whole University (if afraid in English to speak in praise of his bounty) will adventure with safety to commend him in the Arabic tongue, whereof he founded them a Professor.
31. This year was fatal to many eminent Clergy-men, beside others of inferior note. We begin with John King, Bishop of London, formerly Dean of Christ-Church, who died on Good-Friday of the stone. Of ancient extraction, in cujus Genere vel Indole nihil reperio mediocre, nihil quod non praecellens, descended (saith the Survay of London ) from the Saxon Kings in Devonshire by his Father Philip King, sometimes Page to King HENRY the VIII, Nephew and Heir to Robert King last Abbot of Osney, and first Bishop of Oxford, who left him a great personal Estate, which it seems was quickly consumed, so that this Prelate used to say, He believed there was a Fate in Abbey-Money no less than Abbey-Land, which seldom proved Fortunate or of Continuance to the Owners.
32. He was Chaplain to Queen ELIZABETH, and as he was appointed by Her Council to preach the first Sermon at Court when Her Body lay In hearsed in the Chapel of White-Hall, so was he designed for the first Sermon to Her Successor King JAMES at Charter-House when He entered London, then sworn his first Chaplain; Who commonly called him [ the King of Preachers. ] And Sir Edward Coke would say of him, He was the best Speaker in Star-Chamber in his time. Soon after he was made Dean of Christ-Church, Oxford; and chosen one of the four Preachers in the Conference at Hampton-Court. Then advanced to the Bishopric of London: Where he let the world see his high Place of Government, did not cause him to forget his Office in the Pulpit; showing by his example, That a Bishop might Govern and Preach too. In which service he was so frequent, that unless hindered by want of health, he omitted no Sunday whereon he did not visit some Pulpit in London, or near it.
33. The Papists raised an aspersion, as false, as foul, upon him; That, at his death he was reconciled to the Church of Rome, sufficiently confuted by those eye • and ear-witnesses, present at his pious departure. These slanders are no news to such as have read, how Luther is traduced by Popish pens, to have died blaspheming. Caralostadius to have been carried quick by a Devil. And Beza to have apostated before his death. In all which, truth hath triumphed over their malicious forgeries. Something, Bp. King endeavored in the repairing of S. Paul 's; but alas! a private man's estate may be invisibly buried under the rubbish of the least Chapel therein. By order in his Will he provided, that nothing should be written on his plain Grave-stone, save only RESURGAM: and still he is alive, both in his memory, and happy posterity. George Mountain, Bishop of Lincoln, succeeded him in his See; who, when his great House-keeping, and magnificent entertaining of King JAMES, shall be forgotten, will longer survive for his bountiful benefaction to Queens-Coll: in Cambridge, whereof he was Fellow and Proctor.
34. Secondly, William Cotton, Bishop of Exeter, born in Cheshire, formerly Archdeacon of Louis: one of a stout spirit, and a great maintainer of Conformity against the opposers thereof in his Diocese: Valentine Carew, Dean of S. Paul 's, and Master of Christ-College in Cambridge, of a courtlike carriage, and stout spirit, succeeded him in Exeter, which place can give the best account of his behavior therein.
35. Thirdly, Robert Townson, born in Cambridge, Fellow of Queens-College, Dean of Westminster, of a comely carriage, courteous nature, an excellent Preacher: He left his Wife and many Children, neither plentifully provided for, nor destitute of maintenance, which rather hastened than caused the advancement of John Davenant, his Brother-in-law, to succeed him in the Bishopric of Sarisbury.
36. Therein also expired Andrew Willet, Doctor of Divinity, (God-son to Andrew Pearne, Dean of Eli, where he was born) brought up in Christ-College in Cambridge, who ended his pious life, being much bruised with a fall from his horse. A man of no little judgment, and greater industry, not unhappy in Controversies, but more happy in Comments, and one that had a large soul in a narrow estate. For, his charge being great (may his Children remember and practice their Father's precepts) and means small, as more proportioned to his desires, than deserts; he was bountiful above his ability, and doubled what he gave by cheerful giving it. He was buried in his Parish at Barlie in Hertford shire. Happy Village! which lost such a Light, and yet was not left in darkness, only exchanging blessings, Reverend Doctor Brou • rigge succeeding him.
37. Nor must we forget Richard Parry, Doctor of Divinity, Bishop of Asaph, who this year exchanged this life for a better. He was first bred in Christ-Church in Oxford, where he made plentiful proceeding in Learning, and Religion, and thence was advanced to the Deanrie of Bangor, on whom Bishop Godwin bestows this (call it complement, or) character: Cui eruditione, caeteris{que} Episcopalibus virtutibus utinam egomet tam illi essem aequalis, quàm ill mihi aetate, studiorúm{que} Academicorum tempore, locóque.
38. We conclude this year with the death of Master Francis Mason, to whose worthy Book, De Ministerio Anglicano, we have been so much beholding. Nor will it be amiss to insert his Epitaph:
SECTION VI.
TO SAMUEL MICO OF LONDON, Alderman.
YOu have not spent, but laid out much time in ITALY, to the great improvement of your judgment and estate: How cunning Chapmen those Country-men are in buying and selling, is not to you unknown; but this Section presents you with an Italian Cardinal, a most crafty broker in matters of Religion, till at last he deceived himself. Peruse it I pray, and if the reading thereof can add nothing to your knowledge, the writing of it may serve as my acknowledgment of your favors received.
LAtely we made mention of the coming over of Marcus Antonius de Dominis the Archbishop of Split into England, and now shall prosecute that subject at large. For, this year began happily, because with the end of that arrant Apostate in this Land, and his fair riddance out of the limits thereof. He had 14 years been Archbishop of Split in Dalmatia, under the State of Venice, and some five years since, to wit, 1616, came over into England. Conscience in show, and Covetousness in deed, caused his coming hither. He pretended to have discovered innumerable Novelties, and pernicious Errors in the Court of Rome, injuriously engrossing the right and honor of the Universal Church. He complained, many Points were obtruded on men's Consciences, as Articles of Faith, which CHRIST in the Scripture never instituted. He accounted the Romish Church, mystical Babylon, and Sodom; and the Pope, Nimrod, a Tyrant, Schismatic, Heretic, yea, even Antichrist himself. But that which sharpened his pen against the Pope, was a particular grudge against Pope Paul, who had ordered him to pay a yearly Pension of Five hundred crowns, out of his Bishopric, to one Andreutius, a Suffragan Bishop; which this Archbp. refused to do, complaining, it was unjust, and imposed without his knowledge and consent. The matter is brought to the Rota, or Court of Rome, where the wheel went on the wrong side for our Split, who, angry that he was cast in his Cause, posts out of Italy, through Germany, into the Low-Countries. Here he stayed a while, and tampered for preferment, till finding the roof of their Church too low for his lofty thoughts, and their Presbyterian Government uncomplying with his Archiepiscopal spirit, he left the Netherlands, and came over into England.
2. It is almost incredible, what flocking of people there was to behold this old Archbishop, now a new Convert; Prelates and Peers presented him with Gifts of high valuation. Indeed, it is an humor of our English, strangely to admire strangers, believing invisible Perfections in them, above those of our Land. A quality commendable in our Country-men, whilst inclining them to Hospitality, but sometimes betraying their Credulity, to be thereby dangerously deluded. He was feasted wheresoever he came, and the Universities (when he visited them) addressed themselves to him in their solemn reception, as if he himself alone had been an University.
3. But above all, King JAMES (whose hands were seldom shut to any, and always open to men of merit) was most munificent unto him, highly rejoicing, that Rome had lost, and England got such a Jewell. How many of English Youth were tolled out of our Universities into Italy, and there taught treason and heresy together? This aged Prelate, of eminent parts, coming thence of his own accord, would make us plentiful reparation for the departure of many Novices. The KING consigned him to the Archbishop of Canterbury, for his present entertainment, till he might be accommodated to subsist of himself: and, as an earnest of His bounty, sent him to Lambeth, a fair bason, and bolle of silver. Which Split received with this complement, Misit mihi REX Magnae Britanniae polubrum argenteum ad abstergendas sordes Romanae Ecclesiae, & poculum argenteum ad imbibendam Evangelii puritatem, The KING of Great Britain hath sent me a silver bason, to wash from me the filth of the Roman Church; and a silver cup to mind me to drink the purity of the Gospel. Preferment is quickly found out, and conferred upon him: as, the Deanrie of Windsor (though founded, not in a Cathedral, but Collegiate Church) one of the gentilest and entirest Dignities of the Land; the Mastership of the Hospital of the Savoy, with a good Parsonage at West-Islesly in Berk-shire, being a Peculiar belonging to the Episcopal Jurisdiction of the Dean of Windsor. And, finding one precedent in his Predecessour, he collated this Parsonage on himself, and there made shift for so much English as sufficed him to read the Nine and thirty Articles (as an Auditor there present hath informed me) which formerly he had subscribed. Thus had he two Houses furnished above plenty, even unto magnificence, and might alternately exchange society, for privacy, at pleasure.
4. He improved the profit of his Places to the utmost, and had a design to question all his Predecessors Leases at the Savoy; and began to be very vexatious to his Tenants. Some of them repaired to Doctor King, Bishop of London; who, at their request, took Split to task, and, as gravely, as sharply reproved him: that, being a Forreigner, he would fall out with Natives, endeavoring to put others here out of their peaceable Possessions, who himself had sled hither for his own refuge. Especially, having professed in print, That he had deposed all affection to, and gust of earthly things; and, that he himself, being almost naked, did follow a naked Christ. Hereupon, at the reverend Bishop's admonition, he let fall his former design. But, it was not the counsel of this King, but of a greater KING, which deter'd him from his project, viz: K. JAMES himself, to whom Split complained, That the Lands of the Savoy were let out for little Rents to the great loss of his place, and poor therein (not that he cared for the poor, but bare the bag, and what was put into it) acquainting His MAJESTY with his intent, to rectify those abuses, and call those Leases into question. To whom the KING in some choler, Extraneus, extraneus es, re • inque res sicut ease invenisti, You are a stranger, you are a stranger, leave things as you found them. And yet the same man would very passionately persuade others to bounty to the Poor, though he would give nothing himself, witness his earnest moving the Chapter of Windsor in this kind, to whom one of the Prebendaries answered, QUI SUADET, SUA DET, Let him that persuades others, give something of his own.
5. I am also credibly informed from an excellent hand, of the truth of this story. Split had found a small slaw in a Lease of value, which a Gentlewoman of quality held of the Dean and Chapter of Windsor. To her house he comes with all his men, where she magnificently entertains him, as overjoyed, that her chief Land-Lord came so courteously to visit her. Split next morning, after his plentiful Supper, having settled himself in the Parlour, suddenly cries out, Abscedite omnes, abscedite; Be ye all gone, be ye gone: intending to take possession for himself. The Gentlewoman perceiving him at this posture, with her self and servants well favouredly thrust him out of her house, coming off with sufficient disgrace. Afterwards consulting the Learned in our Laws about the Lease, they told him, That though possibly he might get the better of her in the Common-Law, yet the Chancery would relieve her, who so dearly had bought, so truly had paid for, and so peaceably had possessed her estate therein. Fie for shame! (saith Split) are your English Laws so contrived, that, what is done by one Court, may be undone by another? This may suffice to evidence his avarice. Nor must it be forgotten, though he pretended at his coming over, that for conscience he freely left his Archbishopric of Split, that in very deed he resigned the same to his Nephew, conditionally to pay him an annual Pension out of it; Sed magnus nebulo nil solvit, But the great knave pays me nothing, as he himself complained to my reverend friend the Archbishop of Armagh.
6. He falls now to perfect his Books. For, his Works were not now composed, but corrected; not compiled, but completed; as being, though of English birth, of Italian conception. For, formerly the Collections were made by him at Split, but he durst not make them public for fear of the Inquisition. His Works (being three fair Folio 's, De Republicâ Ecclesiasticâ ) give ample testimony of his sufficiency. Indeed, he had a controversial head, with a strong and clear style, nor doth an hair hang at the neb of his pen to blur his writings with obscurity: but, first understanding himself, he could make others understand him. His writings are of great use for the Protestant cause. Many (saith the Prophet) shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. And surely the transcursion of Italians hither, added much to the discovery of the Papal abominations. Yet, allowing Split diligent in writing, his expression was a notorious hyperbole, when saying, In reading, meditation, and writing I am almost pined away; otherwise, his fat cheeks did confute his false tongue in that expression.
7. Amongst other of his ill qualities, he delighted in jeering, and would spare none who came in his way. One of his sarcasmes he unhappily bestowed on Count Gondomar, the Spanish Ambassador, telling him, That three turns at Tiburne was the only way to cure his Fistula. The Don, highly offended hereat (pained for the present more with this flout, than his fistula ) meditates revenge, and repairs to King JAMES. He told His MAJESTY, that His charity (an error common in good Princes) abused His judgment, in conceiving Split a true convert, who still in heart remained a Roman Catholic. Indeed, His Majesty had a rare felicity in discovering the falsity of Witches, and forgery of such who pretended themselves possessed: but, under favor, was deluded with this man's false spirit, and, by His Majesty's leave, he would detect unto Him this his hypocrisy. The KING cheerfully embraced his motion, and left him to the liberty of his own undertakings.
8. The Ambassador writeth to His Catholic Majesty; He to his Holiness, Gregory the fifteenth, that Split might be pardoned, and preferred in the Church of Rome, which was easily obtained. Letters are sent from Rome to Count Gondamar, written by the Cardinal Millin, to impart them to Split, informing him, that the POPE had forgiven, and forgotten all which he had done or written against the Catholic Religion; and, upon his return, would prefer him to the Bishopric of Salerno in Naples, worth twelve thousand crowns by the year. A Cardinals Hat also should be bestowed upon him. And, if Split, with his hand subscribed to this Letter, would renounce and disclaim what formerly he had printed, an Apostolical Breve, with pardon, should solemnly be sent him to Brussels. Split embraceth the motion, likes the pardon well, the preferment better, accepts both, recants his opinions largely, subscribes solemnly, and thanks his Holiness affectionately for his favor. Gondamar carries his subscription to King JAMES, who is glad to behold the Hypocrite unmasked, appearing in his own colors; yet the discovery was concealed, and lay dormant some days in the deck, which was in due time to be awakened.
9. Now it happened a false rumour was spread, that Tob • e Matthew, Archbishop of York, (who died yearly in report) was certainly deceased. Presently posts Split to Theobalds; becomes an importunate Petitioner to the KING for the vacant Archbishopric, and is as flatly denied; the KING conceiving, He had given enough already to him, if grateful; too much, if ungrateful. Besides, the KING would never bestow an Episcopal charge in England, on a forraigner, no not on His own Country-men; some Scottish-men being preferred to Deanries, none to Bishoprics. Split, offended at this repulse (for he had rather had York, than Salerno, as equal in wealth, higher in dignity, nearer in place) requests His MAJESTY by his Letter, to grant His good leave to depart the Kingdom, and to return into Italy; Pope Paul, his fierce foe, being now dead, and Gregory the fifteenth, his fast friend now seated in the Chair. The Copy of whose Letter we have here inserted:
To the high and mighty Prince, JAMES by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, &c. Defender of the Faith, &c. M. Anthony de Dominis, Archbishop of Split, wisheth all happiness.
THose two Popes which were most displeased at my leaving of Italy, and coming into England, Paulus Quintus, and he which now liveth Gregory the Fifteenth, have both labored to call me back from hence, and used divers Messages for that purpose; to which notwithstanding I gave no heed. But now of late, when this same Pope (being certified of my Zeal in advancing, and furthering the union of all Christian Churches) did hereupon take new care, and endeavor to invite me again unto him, and signified withal, that he did seek nothing therein but God's glory, and to use my poor help also to work the inward peace and tranquility of this Your Majesty's Kingdom. Mine own conscience told me, that it behooved me to give ready ear unto his Holiness. Besides all this, the diseases and inconveniences of old age growing upon me, and the sharpness of the cold air of this Country, and the great want (I feel here amongst strangers) of some friends and kinsfolks, which might take more d • ligent and exact care of me, make my longer stay in this Climate very offensive to my body. Having therefore made an end of my Works, and enjoyed Your Majesty's goodness, in bestowing on me all things needful and fit for me; and in heaping so many, and so Royal benefits upon me; I can do no less than promise perpetual memory and thankfulness, and tender to You my continuance in Your Majesty's service wheresoever I go, and will become in all places a reporter and extoller of Your Majesty's praises. Now if my business proceed, and be brought to a good end, I well hope that I shall obtain Your Majesty's good leave to depart, without the least diminution of Your Majesty's wonted favor towards me. I hear of Your Majesty's late great danger, and congratulate with Your Majesty for Your singular deliverance from it by God's great goodness, who hath preserved You safe from it, as one most dear unto him, for the great good of his Church, I hope.
To this Letter no present Answer was returned; but five days after, the Bishops of London, and Duresme, with the Dean of Westminster, by His MAJESTIES direction, repaired to this Archbishop, propounding unto him Sixteen Quaeres, all arising out of his former Letter, and requiring him to give the explanation of five most material under his hand, for His MAJESTIES greater satisfaction, which he did accordingly; yet not so clearly, but that it occasioned a second meeting, wherein more interrogatories were by command propounded unto him; which, with his Answers thereunto, because publicly printed, are purposely omitted: and, notwithstanding all obstructions, Split still continued his importunity to depart.
10. He pretended many Reasons for his return: First, Longing after his own Country. Who so iron-hearted as not to be drawn home, with the load-stone of his native Land? Secondly, To see his Friends, Kinred, Nephews, but especially his beloved Neice; a story hangs thereon, and it is strange, what was but whispered in Italy, was heard over so plain into England. In the Hebrew Tongue Nephews, and Nieces, are called Sons, and Daughters; but the Italian Clergy, on the contrary often term their Sons, and Daughters, Nephews, and Nieces. Thirdly, The late-pretended-discovery of many errors in our English Church (how quick-sighted did the promised Bishopric make him?) whereof formerly he took no notice, and all which are learnedly answered in the posthume book of Doctor Crakenthorpe, carefully set forth by Dr. Barkham, after the Authors death, and may all orphan-works have the happiness of so faithful a Guardian. Lastly, and chiefly (as he confesseth himself) allectus pretio octuplicis stipendii, allured with the reward of a salarie eight times as great, as his revenues in England. In which computation, as he ungratefully depresseth the value of what he had in hand: so he undiscreetly advanced the worth of what in hope he promised himself: not to speak of the difference of Italian Ducates, when told out, and when told off at so great a distance.
11. In pursuance of which his desire, he wrote a second Letter to K. JAMES: the tenor whereof we thought fit here to insert for the better clearing of the matter:
Most excellent Prince, and most gracious Lord,
AS I signified lately unto Your Majesty in my former Letter, I neither ought, nor could neglect the Popes fair and gracious invitation of me; especially, when I saw that he dealt with me concerning the service of Christ, and his Church. And, being now at length better certified, that all things are in a readiness for me, I am tied to my former promises. Yet I make it my humble request, that I may take my journey with Your Majesty's good will. And for that purpose, I do now most humbly, and earnestly crave your leave by these Letters, which I would much more willingly have beg'd by word of mouth in Your presence (that I might have parted with Your Majesty with all due thanks and submission) but that my access to Your Majesty might have confirmed the vain, and foolish rumors of the people. I beseech Your Majesty therefore to vouchsafe to give me some Letters, whereby my departure may be made both safe, and creditable. As for the Ecclesiastical Titles and Revenues, which I hold by Your Majesty's gift, I shall resign them by public Indentures. So from the bottom of my heart, I do commit myself to Your Royal favor, and vow my self your servant forever,
London: From the Savoy, Feb. 3.
Your MAJESTIES, &c. M. Ant. de Dom.
Archbishop of Split.This Letter produced new Interrogatories, and several fruitful Controversies (one always begetting another) but the last was a sharp one at Lambeth, March the 30, which cut off all future discourse. For, a Commission was issued out to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of Lincoln (Lord Keeper of the Great Scale of England) London, Duresme, Winchester, and several other Privy Counselors, before whom Split personally appeared. When the Archbishop of Canterbury in the name of the rest, by His MAJESTIES special command, in a long Latin Speech, recapitulated the many misdemeanors of Split, principally insisting on his changing of Religion, as appeared by his purpose of returning to Rome: and that, contrary to the Laws of the Realm, he had held correspondency by Letters with the Pope, without the privity of the King 's Majesty. To which Charge when Split had made, rather a shuffling Excuse, than a just Defense, the Archbishop in His Majesty 's name commanded him to depart the Kingdom, at his own peril, within twenty days, and never to return again. To this he promised obedience, protesting he would ever justify the Church of England for orthodox in fundamentals, even in the presence of the Pope, or whomsoever, though with the loss of his life.
12. However, loath to depart was his last tune. And no wonder, if well considering, whence, and whither he went. He left a Land where he lacked nothing, but a thankful heart to God, and a contented soul in himself. He went to a place of promise, suspicious whether ever it should be performed. He feared (not without cause) he might lose his gray Head to fetch a red Hat. And an ominous instance was lately set before his eyes: One Fulgentius, a Minorite, had inveighed at Venice against the Pope, and was by his Nuncio trained to Rome, on promise of safe conduct: where, being favored, and feasted at first, soon after in the field of Flora he was burnt to ashes. This made Split effectually, but secretly, to deal with his friends in the English Court, that His Majesty would permit him to stay. But in vain, and therefore within the time appointed, he went over in the same ship with Count Swartzenburgh, the Emperors Ambassador, returning hence into Flanders.
13. And now Split is shipped. A good wind, and fair weather go after him. His sails shall not be stuffed with a blast of my curses, conceiving, that his fault was sufficient punishment. But others have compared him to the house swept, and garnished, to which the Devil returned with seven spirits more wicked than himself. Which they thus reckon up, Avarice, Ambition, and Hypocrisy, whilst he stayed here; Apostasy, and Perjury, when going hence; Ingratitude, and Calumnie, when returned to Rome. Yea, they find as many punishments lighting on him; God angry with him, the Devil tormenting him, his conscience corroding him, the world cursing him, the true Church disdaining him, Protestant-pens confuting him, and the Pope, at last, in revenge executing him. And, now the Master hath had the just shame for his Apostasy, let the Man receive the due praise of his perseverance, one Gio Pietro Paravicino, a Grizon, who waited on Split in his chamber, whom neither frights nor flatteries could remove, but he died in Holland a firm professor of the Protestant Religion.
14. Being come to Brussels, he recants his Religion, and rails bitterly on the English Church: calling his coming hither an unhappy, irrational, pestiferous, devilish voyage, to which he was moved with sickness of soul, impatience, and a kind of frenzy of anger. Here he stayed six months for the Pope's Breve, which was long a coming, and at last was utterly denied him. Insomuch that Split was fain to run the hazard, and desperately adventure to Rome, having nothing in Scriptis for his security, but barely presuming on promises, and the friendship of Gregory the fifteenth, now Pope; formerly his Colleague, and chamber-fellow.
15. I find not his promised Bishopric conferred upon him; who as well might have been made Primate, and Metropolitan of Terra incognita. Yea, returning to Sodom (though not turned into a pillar of salt ) he became unsavourysalt, cared for of no side. Such a crooked-stick, which had bowed all ways, was adjudged unfit to make a beam, or raster, either in Popish, or Protestant Church. And now, what would not make timber to build, must make fuel to burn, to which end he came at last. But for some years he lived at Rome, on a pension which Pope Gregory assigned him out of his own revenues; until there arose a new Pope, who never knew Split (with the least knowledge of approbation viz: Urban the eighth, brought in by the antifaction of the French. He finding his revenue charged with a pension paid to his adversary, (thrift is a flour even in the Triple Crown) prohibits the future issuing out of the same. His pension being stopped, Split 's mouth is open, and passionately discourseth reputed heresy in several companies.
16. There was residing at Rome, one Cardinal Clesel, an High Germane, betwixt whom, and Split, formerly great familiarity, whilst Clesel was the Pope's Legate de Latere, with the Emperor at Vienna, where Split negotiated business for the State of Venice. This Cardinal expected Split 's applications unto him, after he was returned to Rome, which he refused, being (belike) too high in the instep, or rather too stiff in the knees to bow to beg a kindness. Clesel, perceiving his amity made contemptible, resolved to make his enmity considerable: yet, dissembling friendship for the better opportunity of revenge, he invites Split to supper; and, a train of discourse being laid at a liberal meal, Split is as free in talking, as in eating; and lets fall this expression, that (though divers had endeavored it) no Catholic had as yet answered his Books, De Republica Ecclesiastica; but adding moreover, That he himself was able to answer them. Presently his person is clapt into prison, his study seised on, wherein many papers were found speaking heresy enough, his Adversaries being admitted sole Interpreters thereof.
17. As for his death, some months after, some say he was stifled, others strangled, others, stabbed, others starved, others poison'd, others smothered to death; but my intelligence from his own Kinred at Venice informs me, that he died a natural death: adding moreover, non sine praeveniente gratiâ, not without God's preventing grace; for, had his life been longer, his death had been more miserable. Yea, they say, the Pope sent four of his sworn Physicians, to recognize his corps, who on their oath deposed, that no impression of violence was visible thereon. However after his death, his excommunicated corps were put to public shame, and solemnly proceeded against in the Inquisition, for relapsing into heresy since his return to Rome. His Kinred were summoned to appear for him, if they pleased, but durst not plead for a dead man, for fear of infection of the like punishment on themselves. Several Articles of heresy are charged upon him, and he found convict thereof, is condemned to have his body burnt by the public Executioner in the field of Flora, which was performed accordingly. Such honor have all Apostates.
18. We must not forget, that Split (I am confident I am not mistaken therein) was the first, who, professing himself a Protestant, used the word PURITANE, to signify the defenders of matters doctrinal in the English Church. Formerly the word was only taken to denote such, as dissented from the Hierarchy in Discipline, and Church-Government, which now was extended to brand such as were Anti-Arminians in their judgments. As Split first abused the word in this sense: so we could wish he had carried it away with him in his return to Rome. Whereas now leaving the word behind him in this extensive signification thereof, it hath since by others been improved to asperse the most orthodox in doctrine, and religious in conversation.
19. He was of a comely personage, tall stature, gray beard, grave countenance, fair language, fluent expression, somewhat abdominous, and corpulent in his body. Of so imperious, and domineering spirit, that (as if the Tenant were the Land Lord ) though a stranger, he offered to control the Archbishop of Canterbury in his own house. An excellent Preacher (every first Sunday in the month to the Italian Nation at Mercers-Chapel ) as his Sermon called Scopleos, or the Rocks, doth plentifully witness, wherein he demonstrates, That all the Errors of the Roman Church proceed from their pride and covetousness. And (under the Rose be it spoken) if the great ship of Rome split itself on these Rocks, Split his own pinnace made shipwreck of the faith on the same, which were his bosom-sins. In a word, he had too much Wit, and Learning, to be a cordial Papist; and too little Honesty, and Religion, to be a sincere Protestant.
20. About the same time three other Italians made their escape into England. One, Antonio (as I take it, a Capuchian ) who here married a Wife, and was beneficed in Essex. The other two, Benedictines, living, the one with the Archbishop of Canterbury; the other, with the Archbishop of York. All these three were neither good dough, not good bread, but like Ephraim, a cake not turned, though they pretended to true conversion. The first of these, being kin to Spinola the Low-Country-General, was by him (on what terms I know not) trained over, and reconciled to Rome. The other two (only racking, no thorough-paced Protestants) watched their opportunity to run away. Yet let not this breed in us a jealousy of all Italian • Converts, seeing Vergerius, Peter Martyr, Immanuel Tremellius, &c. may reconcile us to a good opinion of them, and to believe, That God hath a few names even in Sardis, where the Throne of the Beast is erected. And indeed Italian Converts, like Origen, where they do well, none better; where ill, none worse.
21. All men's mouths were now filled with discourse of Prince CHARLES his match with Donna MARIA the Infanta of Spain. The Protestants grieved thereat, fearing that this marriage would be the funerals of their Religion: and their jealousies so descanted thereon, that they suspected, if taking effect, more water of Tiber, than Thames, would run under London-bridge. The Church • Catholics grew insolent thereat, and such, who formerly had a Pope in their belly, shown him now in their tongues, and faces, avouching their Religion, which they concealed before. Yet at last this Match (so probable) brake off, Heaven forbidding the Banes, even at the third, and last asking thereof.
22. Count Gondomar was the active Instrument to advance this Match, who so carried himself in the twilight of jest-earnest, that with his jests he pleased His MAJESTY of England, and with his earnest he pleasured his Master of Spain. Having found out the length of King JAMES's foot, he fitted Him with so easy a shoe, which pained Him not (no, not when He was troubled with the gout) this cunning Don being able to please Him in His greatest passion. And although the Match was never effected, yet Gondomar, whilst negotiating the same, in favor to the Catholic cause, procured of His MAJESTY, the enlargement of all Priests and Jesuits through the English Dominions.
23. The actions of Princes are subject to be censured, even of such people who reap the greatest benefit thereby, as here it came to pass. These Jesuits, when at liberty, did not gratefully ascribe their freedom to His MAJETIE's mercy, but only to His willingness, to rid and clear His gaoles over-pestered with prisoners: As if His Majesty (if so minded) could not have made the gallows, the besom to sweep the jail; and as easily have sent these prisoners from Newgate up westward by land, as over Southward by Sea. What moved King JAMES to this lenity at this time, I neither do know, nor will inquire. Surely, such as sit at the stern, and hold the helm, can render a reason why they steer to this or that point of the compass, though they give not to every mariner (much less passenger in the ship) an account thereof. I, being only by my place 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 a rower, or minister in the vessel, content myself in silence with the will of the Master thereof. But let us exemplify the Lord Keeper 's Letter to this purpose:
To the Judges.
AFter my hearty commendations to you: His Majesty having resolved (out of deep Reasons of State, and in expectation of the like correspondence from foreign Princes, to the profession of our Religion) to grant some grace, and connivency to the imprisoned Papists of this Kingdom, hath commanded me to pass some Writs under the Broad Seal to this purpose: Requiring the Judges of every Circuit to enlarge the said Prisoners according to the tenor, and effect of the same. I am to give you to understand (from His Majesty) how His Majesty's Royal pleasure is, that upon receipt of these Writs, you shall make no niceness or difficulty to extend that His Princely favor to all such Papists, as you shall find Prisoners in the Gaols of your Circuits, for any Church Recusancy whatsoever, or refusing the Oath of Supremacy, or dispersing Popish Books, or hearing, saying of Mass, or any other point of Recusancy, which doth touch, or concern Religion only, and not matters of State. And so I bid you farewell.
Westminster-College, August 2. 1622.
Your loving friend, John Lincoln.
Now although one will easily believe many Priests and Jesuits were set at liberty, Yet surely that Gentleman is no true accountant, if affirming to fewer than four thousand to be set free at this time: Especially considering that one, who undertakes to give in a perfect list of all the Jesuits in England (and is since conceived rather to asperse some Protestants than conceal any Papists ) cannot mount their number higher than two hundred twenty and five. To which, if such whom he detects for Popish Physicians, with all those whom he accuses for Popish Books, be cast in, they will not make up the tithe of four thousand.
24. However, most distasteful was Gondomar' s greatness to the English ancient Nobility, who manifested the same, as occasion was offered, as by this one instance may appear: Henry Vere Earl of Oxford, chanced to meet with Count Gondomar at a great entertainment. The Don accosted him with high Complements, vowing, That amongst all the Nobility of England there was none he had tendered his service with more sincerity than to his Lordship, though hitherto such his unhappiness, that his affections were not accepted according to his integrity who tendered them. It seems ( replied the Earl of Oxford) that your Lordship had good leisure, when stooping in your thoughts to one so inconsiderable as myself, whose whole life hath afforded but two things memorable therein. It is your Lordships modesty ( returned Gondomar) to undervalue yourself, whilst we, the spectators of your Honors deserts make a true and impartial estimate thereof, Hundreds of Memorables have met in your Lordships life: But, good my Lord, what are those Two signal things more conspicuous than all the rest? They are these two ( said the Earl ) I was Born in the Eighty Eight, and Christened on the Fift of November.
25. Henry Copinger, formerly Fellow of S. John 's Coll: in Cambridge, Prebendary of York, once Chaplain to Ambrose Earl of Warwick, (whose funeral Sermon he preached) made Master of Magdalene College in Cambridge by Her MAJESTIES Mandate (though afterwards Resigning his Right at the Queens (shall I call it?) request to prevent trouble) ended his religious life. He was the sixth Son of Henry Copinger of Bucks-Hall in Suffolk Esquire, by Agnes, Daughter of Sir Thomas Jermyn. His Father on his death-bed, asking him what course of life be would embrace? He answered, he intended to be a Divine. I like it well, (said the old Gentleman) otherwise what shall I say to Martin Luther when I shall see him in heaven, and he knows that GOD gave me eleven Sons, and I made not one of them a Minister? An expression proportionable enough to Luther's judgment, who maintained some hours before his death, That the Saints in heaven shall knowingly converse one with another.
26. Laneham Living fell void, which both deserved a good Minister, being a rich Parsonage, and needed one, it being more than suspicious that Dr. Reinolds, late Incumbent, (who ran away to Rome ) had left some superstitious leaven behind him. The Earl of Oxford, being Patron, presents Mr. Copinger to it, but adding withal, That he would pay no Tithes of his Park, being almost half the land of the Parish. Copinger desired to resign it again to his Lordship, rather than by such sinful gratitude to betray the Rights of the Church. Well! if you be of that mind, then take the Tithes, (saith the Earl) I scorn that my Estate should swell with Church-goods. However, it afterwards cost Master Copinger Sixteen hundred pounds, in keeping his questioned, and recovering his detained rights, in suit with the Agent for the next [ minor ] E. of Oxford, and others: all which he left to his Churches quiet possession, being zealous in God's cause, but remiss in his own.
27. He lived forty and five years the painful Parson of Laneham, in which Market-Town there were about nine hundred Communicants, amongst whom, all his time, no difference did arise which he did not compound. He had a bountiful hand & plentiful purse (his paternal inheritance by death of elder Brothers, and others transactions descending upon him) bequeathing Twenty pounds in money, and Ten pounds per annum to the Poor of the Parish, in the Chancel whereof he lieth buried under a fair Monument, dying on S. Thomas his day, in the Threescore and twelfth year of his age.
28. Papists now appearing very daring; a Conference, or Dispute (if you please) was entertained betwixt Doctor White, and Doctor Featley, Protestants; Father Fisher, and Father Sweet, Jesuits; on his occasion: Edward Buggs Esq. living in London, aged seventy, and a professed Protestant, was in his sickness seduced to the Romish Religion. But recovering, this Dispute was held at his request, in the house of Sir Humphrey Linde, a learned and religious Gentleman; about the Visibility of the Church, and the Tenants now maintained by the Protestants to have been before Luther. The printed Book hereof may satisfy the Reader, as this Conference did so satisfy Master Buggs, that renouncing his former wavering, he was confirmed in the Protestant-Truth.
29. Now happened the sad Vespers, or dolfull Evening-song at Black Friars in London: Father Drury a Jesuit of excellent Morals, and ingratiating Converse, (wanting nothing, saving the embracing of the truth, to make him valuable in himself, and acceptable to others) Preached in a great upper-Room in Black-Friars, next to the house of the French-Ambassador, where some Three hundred persons were assembled. His Text the 18 Chap. of S. Matthew, ver. 32. O thou ungracious servant! I forgave thee all the debt because thou desiredst me, shouldst not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant? &c. In application whereof, he fell upon a bitter invective against the Protestants.
30. His Sermon began to incline to the middle, the Day to the end thereof; when on the soddain the Flore fell down whereon they were assembled. It gave no charitable warning-groan beforehand, but cracked, brake, and fell, all in an instant. Many were killed, more bruised, all frighted; sad sight to behold the flesh and blood of different persons mingled together, and the brains of one on the head of another. One lackt a leg, another an arm; a third whole and entire wanted nothing but breath stifled in the ruins. Some Protestants coming merely to see, were made to suffer, and bare the heavy burden of their own curiosity. About Ninety five persons were slain out-right, amongst whom Mr. Drury, and Mr. Rodiat, Priests; with the Lady Webbe, were of the greatest quality. Nor must we forget, how when one comforted a Maid-child about 10 years of age, Exhorting her to patience for her Mother and Sister. The Child replied, That however it fared with them, this would be a great scandal to their Religion. A speech commendable in any, admirable in one of her age.
31. Yet marvelous was God's mercy in the preservation of some there present. One corner of the first Flore rather hung still than stood, (without any beams ) by the relative strength from the side walls, and about Twenty persons upon it. These beheld that Tragedy wherein instantly they expected to act, and, which was the worst, their fall would not only kill them, but by their weight they should be the unwilling • slayers of others, which as yet labored for life beneath them. It was put into their minds with their knives (fright adding force unto them) to cut their passage out of a loam-wall into the next chamber, whereby their lives were preserved. Of those that fell, one was kept alive (though embraced by death on either side) a chair falling hollow upon her. Thus any arms are of proof, if Divine Providence be but pleased to put them on.
32. Next day was Impannelled a Coroner 's Inquest of substantial Citizens to inquire into the cause and manner of their death. These found it done neither by miracle nor malice, no plot or indirect practice appearing (as some no less falsely, than maliciously gave it out) the Roof standing, Side-wall sound, Foundation firm, only the Flore broken by God's wisdom permitting it; and their own folly occasioning it. Nor could the Carpenter be justly accused for slight and unfaithful building, making it substantial enough for any private purpose, and none could foresee that they would bring a Church into a Chamber. Twenty of the poorer sort were buried hard by in one Grave, and the rest bestowed by their friends in several places of Sepulture.
33. The sad death of these persons, the Object of Pity to all good and wise men, was the Subject of Envy to some, so sillily superstitious, as to repine at it, That they had not a share in this slaughter. On this accompt, because the Priest or Clerk after every Mass in the City of London, solemnly invited the people present with a loud voice to say, Three Pater noster 's, and three Ave Maria 's for the souls of such as died in Black-Friers. Particularly one Parker who narrowly escaped the danger there, professed, That nothing grieved him more but that he had not been one of those that died by the aforesaid mischance. But see what happened, this man going over to Douay to take Priestly Orders the week following, was drowned in his passage: Thus wild-wishes for death, prove sometimes such Guests as come home to the Inviters before they be welcome unto them.
34. This accident fell on Sunday, the 26 of October, which according to the new style observed beyond-sea (having the speed of ours by ten days) fell upon their fifth of November: a day notoriously known in the Popish Calendar. Whereupon, Master Edward Benlowes, a Religious and Learned Gentleman, no small Promoter of my former and present Labors, thus expressed himself:
I have nothing else to add of this sad disaster, save that the news thereof next Monday-morning, October the 27, was fresh in every man's mouth in His MAJESTIE's Chapel in White-Hall; at what time the 13 Chap. of S. Luke 's Gospel was read for the Lesson appointed for the day by the Rubric of the Church of England: Wherein near the beginning, Or those eighteen upon whom the Tower of Shilo fell and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you nay: but except you repent, ye shall likewise perish.
SECTION VII.
TO THOMAS SHVGBOROVGH OF BYRDENBURY in WARWICK-Shire, Esquire.
THemistocles was wont to say, That it was the best Music for a Man to hear his own Commendation. Should I play a Lesson thereof unto your ears, ( insisting on your Bounty to public BOOKS) sure I am, the Tune would be more cheerful to me, than grateful to you, better pleased in deserving than hearing your own Encomium. I therefore will turn my praising of you, into praying for you, as more proportionable to my public Profession, and acceptable to your modest Disposition.
MAny Papists not truly humbled with this late sad accident, so demeaned themselves, that indeed most offensive was their insolence to all true Englishmen, the rather because it was generally reported, that His Majesty intended a Toleration of Religion, which made the Archbishop of Canterbury (though under a cloud for his disaster ) to adventure humbly to present the King with his apprehensions, losing with some the reputation of a politick States-man, but preserving with others the character of an honest down right Protestant. Which Letter, though sent and delivered with all privacy, came by some (whether his friends or foes, uncertain) to be generally known, and afterwards publicly printed, as followeth.
I have been too long silent, and am afraid, by my silence, I have neglected the duty of the place it hath pleased God to call me unto, and your Majesty to place me in. And now I humbly crave leave, I may discharge my conscience towards God, and my duty to your Majesty. And therefore I beseech your Majesty, give me leave freely to deliver myself, and then let your Majesty do with me what You please. Your Majesty hath propounded a Toleration of Religion: I beseech you Sir, take into Your consideration, what the Act is, next what the Consequence may be. By your Act you labor to set up that most damnable, and heretical Doctrine of the Church of Rome, the Whore of Babylon. How hateful will it be to God, and grievous unto Your good Subjects, the true Professors of the Gospel; that your Majesty, who hath often disputed, and learnedly written against those wicked Heresies, should now show Your self a Patron of those Doctrines, which your Pen hath told the world, and Your conscience tells Your self, are superstitious, idolatrous, and detestable. Add hereunto what You have done in sending the Prince into Spain, without the consent of your Council, the privity and approbation of Your people. And though, Sir, you have a large interest in the Prince, as the Son of Your flesh, yet hath the People a greater, as the Son of the Kingdom, upon whom (next after your Majesty) their eyes are fixed, and welfare depends. And so tenderly is His going apprehended, as, believe it Sir, however His return may be safe, yet the Drawers of Him to that action, so dangerous to Himself, so desperate to the Kingdom, will not pass away unquestioned, and unpunished. Besides, this Toleration which You endeavor to set up by Proclamation, cannot be done without a Parliament, unless your Majesty will let your Subjects see, that you will take unto Your self a liberty to throw down the Laws of the Land at Your pleasure. What dreadfnll consequence these things may draw after them, I beseech your Majesty to consider. And above all, lest by this Toleration, and discontinuance of the true profession of the Gospel, whereby God hath blessed us, and under which this Kingdom hath for many years flourished, your Majesty do not draw upon the Kingdom in general, and your Self in particular, God's heavy wrath and indignation. Thus in discharge of my duty towards God, to your Majesty, and the place of my calling, I have taken humble boldness to deliver my conscience. And now, Sir, do with me what you please.
2. What effect this Letter took, is unknown; sure it is, all men's mouths were filled with a discourse of a Toleration for, or against it. Some no professed Papists, but who lived at the sign of the Protestant, engage in their Arguments very earnestly in the defense thereof; whilst others were as zealous to prove a Toleration intolerable by Reasons drawn both from piety and policy. We will only instance in few out of many as they were bandied on both sides, and chiefly such as concern Religion.
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PRO. 1. Argument. The Papists of late were grown very peaceable, justly recovering the reputation of Loyall Subjects: in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, scarce escaped a year without a Treason from them; now they vied obedience with Protestants themselves. Pity it was but they should be encouraged, and their Loyalty fixed forever, by granting them a Toleration. 2. We see the same liberty allowed the Hugonites in France, to whom the King permits their Churches, Ministers, Service, Sermons, Sacraments, according to the direction of their own Conscience. 3. The King of Spain would be highly affected with this savor allowed to the English Catholics, and this would fasten him in firm friendship to the English Crown, to which his amity for the present was not only useful, but necessary. 4. Truth will ever triumph over falsehood, and verity gain the victory of error, the Protestanisme notwithstanding the Toleration ) would get ground on Popery by the demonstration of the Spirit in the Scriptures. 5. The Apish and Mimicall Popish Pageant, with the toys and trifles in the • : service, would render their Religion ridiculous. No danger that any wise man should ever be seduced thereby. 6. Protestant Ministers would be more painful in preaching, and careful in residing on their Cures, to keep them from infection. 7. The thing in effect was already allowed to Papists, who now (though privately) safely celebrated Mass in many places, which favorable connivance fell but little short of a Toleration. |
CON. 1. Answer. Papists were not more peaceable, but more politick than formerly for private ends. Though their practice more plausible, their Positions and Principles were as pernicious as ever before, viz: That Princes excommunicated may be deposed. No faith to be kept with Heretics. That the Pope &c. 2. The case is different. This liberty was not so much given to, as gotten by the Hugonites so numerous and puissant, it was conceived dangerous to deny them such Privileges. Thanks be to God not such as yet the condition of Catholics in England, whose Par • y was not so powerful, but certain by such a Toleration to be improved. 3. The necessity of h • s friendship at this time was only fancied • y such as desired it. Besides, the King of heaven must not be offended, that the King of Spain may be pleased. 4. Though Truth it self be stronger than falsehood, yet generally the Promoters of falsehood are more active and sedulous than the Advancers of Truth. Besides, it is just with God upon the granting of such an unlawful Toleration to weaken the converting power of Truth, and strengthen the perverting power of Falsehood, giving the English over to be deluded thereby. 5. The world hath ever consisted of more fools than wise people, such who carry their judgment more in their eyes than in their brains; Popery being made Inscious to people's senses, too probably would court many to the embracing thereof. 6. It is no policy to let in the Wolf merely on design to make the Shepherds more watchful: Rather on the contrary, Protestant Ministers would be utterly disheartened in the performance of their place when the Parishioners were countenanced to desert them without any punishment. 7. If the Papists already have what they would have, let them be contented therewith. Why desire they anymore? but indeed there is a grand difference betwixt a States winking at their wickedness for a time, and a formal and final tolerating thereof. During the former, Catholics sin on their own account, and at their own peril, the Laws though not executed standing in full force against them, but a public Toleration of their Superstition adopts the same to become the Act of the English Nation. |
Here it would be tedious to recite the Texts of Scripture (some more, some less proper to the purpose alleged by several persons against the Toleration: some Typicall, Thou shalt not plow with an Ox and an Ass. Some Historical, God's Children must not speak two tongues. Ashdod, and Hebrew. Some Doctrinal, We must not do evil that good may come thereof. The best was, the Toleration bare date with the Spanish Match, with which it was propounded, and agitated, advanced, expected, desired by some; opposed, suspected, detested by others; and at last both together finally frustrated, and defeated.
3. Now was His Majesty informed, that it was high time, to apply some cure to the Pulpits, as sick of a Sermon-surfeit, and other exorbitances. Some meddled with State-matters, and generally (by an improper Transposition ) the Peoples duty was preached to the King at Court, the Kings to the People in the Country. Many shallow Preachers handled the profound points of Predestination; wherein (pretending to guide their flocks) they lost themselves. Sermons were turned into Satyrs against Papists, or Non Conformists.
4. To repress the present, and prevent future mischiefs in this kind, His Majesty issued out His Directions to be written fair in every Registers Office, whence any Preacher (if so pleased) might with his own hand, take out Copies gratis, paying nothing for expedition. Herein, the King revived the primitive and profitable order of Catechizing in the afternoon (better observed in all other Reformed Churches than of late in England ) according to the tenor ensuing:
FOrasmuch as the abuses and extravagancies of Preachers in the Pulpit have been in all times repressed in this Realm, by some Act of Council, or State, with the advice and resolution of grave and learned Prelates: Insomuch, that the very licensing of Preachers, had beginning by an Order of Star Chamber, the eighth day of July, in the 19 t h year of the Reign of King Henry the eighth, our Noble Predecessour: And whereas at this present, divers young Students, by reading of late Writers, and ungrounded Divines, do broach many times unprofitable, unsound seditions, and dangerous Doctrines, to the scandal of the Church, and disquiet of the State, and present Government: We, upon humble representations unto Us of these inconveniencies by yourself, and sundry other grave and reverend Prelates of this Church, as also, of our Princely care and Zeal for the extirpation of Schism, and dissention growing from these seeds, and for the settling of a religious and peaceable Government, both in Church, and Common wealth; do by these Our special Letters, straitly charge and command you, to use all possible care, and diligence, that these Limitations and Cautions herewith sent unto you concerning Preachers, be duly and strictly from henceforth put in practice and observed by the several Bishops within your Jurisdiction. And to this end Our pleasure is, that you send them forthwith Copies of these Directions to be by them speedily sent and communicated unto every Parson, Vicar, Curate, Lecturer, and Minister, in every Cathedral, or Parish Church, within their several Diocese, and that you earnestly require them to employ their utmost endeavors, in the performance of this so important a business, letting them know that We have a special eye unto their proceedings, and expect a strict account thereof, both of you, and everyone of them: and these Our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in that behalf.
Give under our Signet at Our Castle of Windsor the 4th of August, in the twentieth year of Our Reign.
Directions concerning Preachers sent with the Letter.
- 1. THat no Preacher under the degree and calling of a Bishop, or Dean of a Cathedral, or Collegiate Church and they upon the Kings days, and set Festivals) do take occasion (by the expounding of any Text of Scripture whatsoever to fall into any set Discourse or Common place, otherwise than by the opening the Cohaerence and Division of the Text, which shall not be comprehended and warranted in essence, substance, effect, or natural in ference, within someone of the Articles of Religion, set forth 1562. or in some of the Homilies set forth by authority of the Church of England. not only for the help of the Non-Preaching, but withal for a Pattern and Boundary as it were) for the Preaching Ministers. And for their further instructions for the performance hereof, that they forthwith read over and peruse diligently the said Book of Articles, and the two Books of Homilies.
- 2. That no Parson, Vicar, Curate, or Lecturer, shall preach any Sermons or Collation hereafter upon Sundays and Holidaies in the afternoon in any Cathedral or Parish Church throughout the Kingdom, but upon some pare of the Catechism, or some Text taken out of the Creed, ten Commandments, or the Lord's Prayer, Funeral Sermons only excepted) and that those Preachers be most encouraged and approved of who spend the Afternoons exercise in the examination of Children in their Catechism, which is the most ancient and laudable custom of teaching in the Church of England.
- 3. That no Preacher of what title soever under the degree of a Bishop or Dean, at the least, do from henceforth presume to preach in any popular Auditory deep points of Predestination, Election, Reprobation, or of the Universality, Efficacy, Resistibility, or Irresistibility of GOD'S grace, but leave those themes rather to be handled by the Learned men, and that moderately and modestly by way of Use and Application, rather than by way of Positive Doctrines, being fitter for the Schools than for simple Auditories.
- 4. That no Preacher of what title or denomination soever, from henceforth shall presume in any Auditory within this Kingdom, to declare, limit, or bound out, by way of Positive Doctrine in any Lecture, or Sermon, the Power, Prerogative, and Jurisdiction, Authority or Duty of Sovereign Princes, or otherwise meddle with matters of State, and the differences between Princes and the People, than as they are instructed, and (precedented in the Homilies of Obedience and the rest of the Homilies, and Articles of Religion, set forth, (as before is mentioned) by public Authority: but rather confine themselves wholly to those two heads, of faith and good life, which are all the subjects of the ancient Sermons, and Homilies.
- 5 That no Preacher of what title or denomination soever, shall presume caussesly, or (without invitation from the Text to fall into bitter investives and undecent railing speeches against the persons of either Papists, or Puri tans; but modestly and gravely, when they are occasioned thereunto by the Text of Scripture, free both the Doctrine, and the Discipline of the Church of England, from the aspersions of either Adversaries, especially where the Auditory is suspected to be tainted with the one or the other infection.
- 6. Lastly, that the Archbishops and Bishops of the Kingdom (whom His Majesty hath good cause to blame for their former remissness) be more wary and choice in their licensing of Preachers, and revoke all Grants made to any Chancellor, Official, or Commissary, to pass Licences in this kind, and that all the Lecturers throughout the Kingdom of England (a new body severed from the ancient Clergy, as being neither Parsons, Vicars, nor Curates) be licensed henceforward in the Court of Faculties, but only, from a Recommendation of the party, from the Bishop of the Diocese under his hand and seal, with a Fiat from the L. Archbishop of Canterbury, a Confirmation under the Great Seal of England. And that such as do transgress any one of these Directions, be suspended by the Bishop of the Diocese, or in his default by the Archbishop of the Province, ab Officio, & Beneficio, for a year and a day, until his Majesty by the advice of the next Convocation, shall prescribe some farther punishment.
5. No sooner were these the Kings Declarations dispersed into every Diocese, but various were men's opinions thereof. Some counted it a cruel act, which cut off half the preaching in England (all afternoon-ermons) at one blow. Others thought the King did but Uti jure suo, doing not only what in justice He might, but what in prudence He ought in this juncture of time. But hear what I have heard and read in this case.
| Objections. | Answers. |
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1. Christ grants Ministers their Commission, Go teach all Nations. S. Paul corroborates the same, Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season. Man therefore ought not to forbid, what God enjoins. 2. This is the way to starve souls by confining them to one meal a day: or, at the best by giving them only a mess of milk for their supper, and so to bed. 3. Such as are licensed to make Sermons, may be entrusted to choose their own Texts, and not in the Afternoons to be restrained to the Lord's Prayer, Creed, and ten Commandments. 4. In prohibiting the preaching of Predestination, man makes that the forbidden fruit, which God appointed for the tree of life: so cordial the comforts contained therein to a distressed conscience. 5. Bishops and Deans (forsooth) and none under their dignity, may preach of Predestination. What is this but to have the word of God in respect of persons? As if all discretion were confined to Cathedral men, and they best able to preach who use it the least. 6. Papists and Puritans in the Kings Letters are put into the same balance, and Papists in the prime scale first named, as preferred in the Kings care, chiefly to secure them from Invectives in Sermons. 7. Lecturers are made such riddles in the Kings Letters, reduceable to no Ministerial function in England. Whereas indeed the flower of piety, and power of godliness flourished most in those places where such Preachers are most countenanced. |
1. Ministers, if commanded not at all to speak, or teach in the name of Jesus, are with the Apostles, to obey God rather than man. But vast the difference betwixt a total prohibition, and (as in this case) a prudential regulation of preaching. 2. Milk (catechetical Doctrine) is best for babes, which generally make up more than a moyety of every Congregation. 3. Such restraint hath liberty enough, seeing all things are clearly contained in, or justly reducible to these three, which are to be desired, believed, and performed. 4. Indeed Predestination, solidly and soberly handled, is an antidote against despair. But, as many ignorant Preachers ordered it, the cordial was turned into a poison; and therefore such mysteries might well be forborne by mean Ministers in popular Congregations. 5. It must be presumed that such of necessity must be of age and experience, and may in civility be believed of more than ordinary learning, before they attained such preferment. Besides, Cathedral Auditories being of a middle nature for understanding, (as beneath the University, so above common City and Country Congregations) are fitter for such high points to be preached therein. 6. The Kings Letter looks on both under the notion of guilty persons. Had Puritans been placed first, such as now take exception at their post-posing, would have collected, that the King esteemed them the greatest offenders. 7. Lectures are no creatures of the Church of England, by their original (like those mixed kinds, little better than monsters in nature, to which God, as here the State, never said, multiply and increase ) and therefore the King had just cause to behold them with jealous eyes, who generally supplanted the Incumbents of Livings in the affections of their Parishioners, and gave the greatest growth to Non-conformity. |
These Instructions from His Majesty were not pressed with equal rigor in all places, seeing some over-active Officials, more busy than their Bishops, tied up Preachers in the Afternoon to the very letter of the Catechism, questioning them if exceeding the questions and answers therein, as allowing them no liberty to dilate, and enlarge themselves thereupon.
6. Expect not of me a particular account of the politick intricacies touching the Spanish Match, or no Match rather. First, because Spanish, and so alien from my subject. Secondly, because the passages thereof are so largely and publicly in print. Thirdly, because in fine it proved nothing, though kept on foot so long, till K. James, by endeavoring to gain a Daughter-in Law, had in effect, lost His own Daughter, Her Husband, and Children, being reduced to great extremities.
7. Truly K. James never affected his Son in Law's acceptance of the Bobemian Crown, nor promised Himself any good success thence, though great the hope of the German Protestants therein. Indeed, some of them were too credulous of a blind Prophesy commonly currant amongst them,
Expecting the ending of the Austrian Family, sixty years being now expired since the death of Charles the fifth: but discreet persons slighted such vanities, and the Quinti had like to have proved the extirpation of Frederick, fifth of that name, Palatine of Rhyne; had not God almost miraculously lately countermanded it.
8. Yea, K. James privately foretold to some principal persons, that this matter would prove the ruin of his Daughter. There want not some who say, That he went about to virefie his own Prediction, by not sending seasonable succors for their assistance, who, had He turned His Embassies into Armies, might probably have prevented much Protestant misery.
9. Others excuse K. James, partly from the just hopes He had to accommodate all interests in a peaceable way; partly from the difficulty of conveying effectual forces into so far distant a Country.
10. Mean time both the Palatinates were lost, the Upper seized on by the Emperor, the Neather (but higher in value) by the King of Spain, the City of Heidelburg taken and plundered, and the inestimable Library of Books therein carried over the Alps on Mules backs to Rome. Each Mule laded with that learned burden, had a silver-plate on his forehead, wherein was engraven, FERO BIBLIOTHECAM PRINCIPIS PALATINI. Now those Books are placed in the Popes Vatican, entitling Protestants to visit the place, who one day may have as good success, as now they have just right to recover them.
11. As for the Palatinate, Satirical tongues commonly called it the Land of Promise, so frequently and so solemnly was the restitution thereof promised to King James, fed only with delays, which amounted to mannerly denials. Since it hath pleased God to turn this Land of Promise into a Land of Performance, the present Palatine being peaceably possessed thereof.
12. Prince Charles, with the Duke of Buckingham, lately went privately through France, where He saw the Lady, (whom afterwards He married) into Spain. It is questionable, whether then more blamed K. James for sending him, or afterwards blessed God for his safe return. Sumptuous his entertainment in the Spanish Court, where it was not the Kings fault, but Kingdoms defect that anything was wanting. He quickly discovered (the coursness of fine-pretending wares at distance are easily confuted near hand ) that the Spanish State had no mind or meaning of a Match, as who demanded such unreasonable Liberty in education of the Royal Off-spring (in case any were born betwixt them) and other Privileges for English Papists, that the King neither could nor would in honor or conscience consent thereunto. However, Prince Charles (whose person was in their power) took his fair farewell with courteous compliance.
12. Though He entered Spain like a private person, He departed it like Himself, and the Son of his Father, a stately Fleet attending Him home. Foul weather forced them to put in at the Isse of Syllie, (the parings of England, South-west of Cornwall ) where in two days they fed on more, and better flesh than they found in Spain for many months. Soon after He arrived at Portesmouth, and the next day came to London, to the great rejoicing of all sorts of people, signified by their bonfires, ringing of bells, with other external expressions of joy.
13. King James now despaired of any restitution, especially since the Duke of Bavaria was invested in the upper Palatinate, and so His Son-in-Laws Land cantoned betwixt a Duke, a King, and an Emperor. Whose joint consent, being requisite to the restoring thereof, One would be sure to dissent from the seeming-consenting of other two. Whereupon, King James not only broke off all treaty with Spain, but also called the great Council of his Kingdom together.
14. Indeed, the Malecontents in England used to say, That the King took Physic, and called Parliaments both alike, using both for mere need, and not caring for either how little time they lasted. But now there happened as sweet a compliance betwixt the King and his Subjects, as ever happened in man's memory, the King not asking more than what was granted. Both Houses in the Name of the whole Kingdom, promising their assistance with their lives and fortunes for the recovery of the Palatinate. A smart Petition was presented against the Papists, and order promised for the education of their Children in true Religion.
15. As for the Convocation contemporary with this Parliament, large Subsidies were granted by the Clergy, otherwise no great matter of moment passed therein. I am informed Doctor Joseph Hall preached the Latin Sermon, and Doctor Donne was the Prolocutor.
16. This is that Doctor Donne, born in London; (but extracted from Wales ) by his Mother-side, great-great Grandchilde to Sir Thomas More, whom he much resembled in his endowments; a great Traveler, first, Secretary to the Lord Egerton, and after by the persuasion of K. James, (and encouragement of Bishop Morton ) entered into Orders, made Doctor of Divinity (of Trinity College in Cambridge ) and Dean of S. Paul's, whose Life is no less truly than elegantly written by my worthily respected friend Mr. Isaac Walton, whence the Reader may store himself with further information.
17. A Book was translated out of the French Copy, by Abraham Darcye, entitled, [ The Original of Idolatry: ] pretended made by Dr. Isaac Casaubon, dead ten years before, dedicated to Prince Charles, but presented to King James, and all the Lord's of the Council. A Book printed in French before the said Isaac Casaubon was born, whose name was fraudulently inserted in the Title-page of the foregoing Copy.
18. Merick Casaubon his Son then Student of Christ's-Church, by Letter informed King James of the wrong done to his Father, by making him the Author of such a Book; contrary to his Genius and constant profession, being full of impertinent allegations, out of obscure and late Authors, whom his Father never thought worthy the reading, much less the using their Authority. His Majesty was much incensed herea • , and Doctor Mountain Bishop of London had much ado to make his Chaplains peace for licensing thereof, the Printer and Translator being for some time kept in Prison.
19. Yet after all this; and after Merick Casaubon had written a Latin Vindication to give satisfaction to all, the same Translation since is printed in Amsterdam, with a Justificatory Preface of the former Edition. So impudent are some, falsely to father Books on worthy Authors, to make them more vendible for their own profit, though it discredit the memory of others.
20. The business of the Palatinate being now debated by Martiallists, the Kings Council of War, dissuading from regaining it in kind, advised Him rather to recover it in value where he could with the best conveniency out of the Spanish Dominions: For, the Palatinate was not worth the rewinning, which (grant recovered by the English ) could not recover itself for many years, such the havoc and waste made therein. Secondly, it was hard to be gotten, such the distance thereof; and harder to be kept, so ill-neighboured it was on all sides. So that the King if so pleased, might with as much honor, and more ease, carve out his own reparations nearer home.
21. During these Agitations, K. James fell sick at Theobalds of a tertian Ague, commonly called in Spring; for a King rather Physical than dangerous. But soon after his Ague was heighten'd into a Fever; four mischiefs meeting therein.
22. First, the malignity of the Malady in itself, hard to be cured. Secondly, an aged Person, of sixty years current. Thirdly, a plethorick Body, full of ill humors. Fourthly, the Kings averseness to Physic, and impatience under it. Yet the last was quickly removed, above expectation, The King (contrary to His custom) being very orderable in all His sickness. Such sudden alterations, some apprehend, a certain prognostic of death, as if when men's minds acquire new qualities, they begin to habit and clothe themselves for a new world.
23. The Countess of Buckingham contracted much suspicion to her self, and her Son, for applying a plaster to the Kings wrists, without the consent of His Physicians. And yet it plainly appeared, that Dr. John Remington of Dunmoe in Essex, made the same plaster: (one honest, able, and successful in his practice, who had cured many Patients by the same,) a piece whereof applied to the King, one eat down into His belly, without the least hurt or disturbance of nature. However, after the applying thereof, the King grew worse.
24. The Physicians refused to administer physic unto Him till the plasters were taken off, which being done accordingly. His fifth, sixth, and seventh fits were easier (as Dr. Chambers said.) On the Monday after, the plasters were laid on again without the advice of the Physicians, and His Majesty grew worse and worse. so that Mr. Hayes (the Kings Chirurgeon) was called out of his bed to take off the plasters. Mr. Baker (the Dukes servant) made the King a Julip, which the Duke brought to the King with his own hand, of which the King drank twice, but refused the third time. After His death, a Bill was brought to the Physicians to sign, that the ingredients of the Julip and Plasters were safe: but most refused it, because they knew not whether the ingredients mentioned in the Bill were the same in the Julip and Plasters. This is the naked truth delivered by oath from the Physicians to a select Committee two years after, when the Parliament voted the Dukes act a transcendent presumption, though most thought it done without any ill intention.
25. Four days before His death, He desired to receive the Sacrament, and being demanded whether He was prepared in point of faith and charity for so great mysteries? He said, He was, and gave humble thanks to God for the same. Being desired to declare His faith, and what He thought of those Books He had written in that kind? He repeated the Articles of the Creed one by one, and said, He believed them all as they were received and expounded by that part of the Catholic Church which was established here in England: And said, with a kind of sprightfulnesse and vivacity, that whatever He had written of this Faith in his life, he was now ready to seal with his death. Being questioned in point of charity; He answered presently, that He forgave all men that offended Him, and desired to be forgiven by all Christians, whom He in any wise had offended.
26. Then after absolution read and pronounced, He received the Sacrament, and some hours after. He professed to the standers by, that they could not imagine what ease and comfort he found in himself since the receiving hereof; And so quiedy resigned His soul to God, having reigned twenty two years and three days.
27. He was of a peaceable disposition. Indeed, when he first entered England, at Barwick, He himself gave fire to, and shot off a piece of Ordnance, and that with good judgment. This was the only military act personally performed by Him. So that He may have seemed in that Cannon to have discharged War cut of England.
28. Coming to York, He was somewhat amazed with the equipage of the Northern Lord's repairing unto Him, (especially with the Earl of Cumberland 's) admiring there should be in England so many Kings; for less, He could not conjecture them, such the multitude and gallantry of their attendance. But (following the counsel of His English Secretary there present) He soon found a way to abate the formidable greatness of the English Nobility, by conferring Honor upon many persons, whereby Nobility was spread so broad, that it became very thin, which much lessened the ancient esteem thereof.
29. He was very eloquent in speech, whose Latin had no fault, but that it was too good for a King, whom carelessness (not curiosity ) becomes in that kind. His Scotch tone he rather affected than declined: and though His speaking spoiled His speech in some English ears; yet the masculine worth of his set Orations, commanded reverence, if not admiration in all judicious hearers. But in common speaking, (as in His hunting he stood not on the cleanest but nearest way) He would never go about to make any expressions.
30. His wit was passing-sharp and piercing, equally pleased in making and taking a smart jest, His Majesty so much stooping to His mirth, that He never refused that coin which he paid to other folk. This made Him please Himself so much in the company of Count Gondomer: and some will say, the King was contented (for reasons best known to Himself) to be deceived by him, and humoured into a peace to His own disadvantage.
31. Once, King James in an Afternoon was praising the plentiful provision of England, especially for flesh, and fowl; adding, the like not to be had in all Spain, what one County here did afford. Yea, but my Master (quoth Gondomer, there present) hath the gold and silver in the East and West Indies: And I, by my Saul, (saith the King) have much ado to keep my men from taking it away from Him. To which the Don's Spanish gravity returned silence.
32. His judgment was most solid in matters of Divinity, not fathering Books of others, (as some of His Predecessors ) but His Works are allowed His own by His very adversaries. Most bountiful to all, especially to Scholars, no King of England ever doing (though His Successor suffered ) more, to preserve the revenues of the English Hierarchy. Most merciful to Offendors, no one person of Honor (without parallel since the Conquest ) being put to death in His Reign. In a word, He left His own Coffers empty, but His Subjects Chests full, the Land being never more wealthy; it being easier then to get, than since to save an estate.
CENT: XVII.
1.THe difference betwixt the Seculars and the Jesuits still continued and increased. Wherefore Bishop Bancroft, counting the Seculars the better but weaker side, afforded them countenance and maintenance in London-house, accommodating them with necessaries to write against their adversaries, hoping the Protestants might assault the Romish cause with the greater advantage, when they found a breach made to their hand by the others own dissensions. But such who bore no good will to the Bishop, beholding the frequent repairing and familiar conversing of such Priests in his house, made a contrary construction of his actions, and reported him Popishly affected. Thus those who publicly do things in themselves liable to offense, and privately reserve the reasons of their actions in their own bosoms, may sufficiently satisfy their consciences towards God, but will hardly avoid the censures of men, to which too unwarily they expose themselves. With more general applause was the bounty of Arch Bishop Whitgift bestowed, who now finished his Hospital founded and endowed by him at Croydon in Surrey, for a Warden, and eight and twenty Brethren: As also a Free-School, with liberal maintenance, for the education of Youth. God the best of Creditors) no doubt, long since hath plentifully re-paid what was lent to him, in his Members.
2. The last Parl. in this Queens reign was now begun at Westm, and dissolved the month next following. Of such things which at distance may seem to relate to Church affairs, in this Parl. it was Enacted, That Overseers of the Poor should be nominated yearly in Easter week under the Hand and Seal of two Justices of Peace, and that these with the Church wardens should take care for the relief of the Poor, binding out of Apprentices, &c. As also, That the Lord Chancellor should award Commissions under the Great Seal, into any part of the Realm, (as cause should require) to the Bishop of every Diocese, and his Chancellor; and any four or more persons of honest behavior, to inquire by oaths of twelve men, into the mis-employment of any Lands or Goods given to pious uses: and by their Orders, to appoint them to be duly and faithfully paid or employed to their true uses and intents. In pursuance of this Statute, much good was and is done to this day, in several parts of the Kingdom, the Law being very tender, that the true intentions of the Donour should take effect, as by this eminent instance may appear. By the rule of the Law, Copyhold Land cannot be aliened, but by Surrender; but yet if a man Devise such Land to a Charitable use, though it had not been surrendered, this is adjudged good, and shall be construed an appointment to a Charitable use within this Statute.
3. Now if we look into the Convocation, parallel to this Parliament, therein we shall find, that it began with a Latin Sermon of William Barlow Doctor of Divinity, and one of Her Majesty's Chaplains, (afterwards Bishop of Rochester, then of Lincoln ) Preaching on this Text, LUKE 19. 13. Negotiamini dum venio. In this Convocation, Matthew Sutcliffe, Doctor of the Law, and Dean of Exeter was chosen Prolocutor, but nothing save matters of course passed therein. Nor find I any eminent Divine deceased this year.
4. Francis Godwin doctor of Divinity, Sub-Dean of Exeter, Son of Thomas Godwin, Bishop of Wells, (like another Gregory Nazianzen a Bishop, Son to a Bishop ) was promoted to the Church of Landaff, he was borne in the fourth year of Queen Elizabeth, who was not a little sensible of, and thankful for God's favor unto her, in suffering her so long to hold the Helme of the English Church, till one borne within her reign was found fit to be a Bishop. He was stored with all polite Learning, both judicious and industrious in the study of Antiquity, to whom, not only the Church of Landaff (whereof he well deserved) but all England is indebted, as for his other learned Writings, so especially for his Catalogue of Bishops. He was translated Anno 1617. to Hereford, and died, many years after, a very old man in the reign of King CHARLES.
5. Now came forth a notable Book against the Jesuits, written in a Scholastic way, by one Watson a Secular Priest, consisting of ten quodlibets, each whereof is sub-divided into as many Articles. It discovereth the Jesuits in their colors, ferreting them out of all their burrowes of Equivocation and mental reservation, holding Proteus so hard to it, that in despite of his changing into many shapes, he is forced to appear in his own proper form. No entire Answer, for ought I can learn, was ever returned to this Book. The Jesuits (according to their old Trick ) slighting what they cannot confute, and counting that unworthy to be done, which they found themselves unable to do. Indeed, for matters of fact therein, they are so punctually reported with the several circumstances of time and place, that the guilty consciences of such as are concerned therein (though snapping and snarling at pieces and passages thereof) for the main may well give it over for unanswerable.
6. Yet the whole Book is written with an imbittered style, so that Protestant Charity hath a better conceit of Jesuits, than to account them altogether so bad. Take one passage of many. No, no, their course of life doth show what their study is, and that howsoever they beast of their perfections, holiness, Meditations and exercises, yet their platform is heathenish, tyrannical, sathanicall, and able to set ARETINE, LUCI • N, MACHIAVEL, yea, and DON LUCIFER in a sort to school, as impossible for him, by all the art he hath, to be-sot men as they do. This is the same Watson, who, though boasting of the obedience of the Secular Priests to their Sovereigns, and taxing the Jesuits for want thereof, was notwithstanding himself, afterwards executed for a Traitor in the reign of King James. It seems as well Seculars, as Jesuits, are so loaden with Loyalty, that both need the Gallows to ease them of the burden thereof.
7. Great at this time was the Calm in the English Church, the Brethren not endeavoring anything in Opposition to the Hierarchy. This some impute not to their Quienesse, but Wearinesse, because so long they had in vain seeked to cast off that Yoke from them: Besides, they did not so much practice for the Present, as project for the Future, to procure hereafter an Establishment of their Ecclesiastical Government. For they beheld the Queens old Age as a Taper of Virgin Wax now in the Socket, ready to be extinguished, which made them address and apply themselves with all diligence, to JAMES King of Scotland, the Heir apparent to the Crown, as to the rising Sun, whom they hoped will be more favorable to their Proceedings. Hopes not altogether groundless, whilst they considered the Power of the Presbytery in the Church of Scotland, where Bishops, though lately restored to their place, were so restrained in their Power, that small was their Command in Church-affairs, which made the Brethren in England thence to promise Great matters to themselves, but with what success shall be seen hereafter. As for Mr. Thomas Cartwright, the Chiefraine of that Party in England; we find him at this time growing rich in the Town of Warwick, (there Master of an Hospital) by the Benevolence and Bounty of his Followers, where he preached very temperately, according to his Promise made to the Arch-bishop.
8. Some ascribe this his Mildness to his old Age and Experience, it being commonly observed, that in Controversies of this kind, Men, when they consult with their own Gray hairs, begin to abate of their Violence. Others conceive that Arch-bishop Whitgift had conquered him with his kindness, having formerly procured him both his Pardon & Dismission out of all his Troubles, so that his Coals of Courtesies heaped on Mr. Cartwright 's Head, made the good Metall (the Ingenuity in him) to melt into Moderation. For in hs Letters written with his own hand, March 24. Anno 1601. he confesseth himself much obliged unto him, vouchsafing him the style of A RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD, AND HIS LORD THE ARCH-BISHOP'S GRACE OF CANTERBURY, which Title of GRACE, he also often yieldeth him throughout his Letters, acknowledging his Bond of most humble Duty so much the straiter, because his Grace's Favor proceeded from a frank Disposition, without any desert of his own. Others (and that not improbably) do think that Mr. Cartwright grew sensible with Sorrow, how all Sects and Schisms, being opposite to Bishops (Brownists, Barrowists, &c.) did shroud and shelter themselves under his Protection, whom he could neither reject with Credit, nor receive with Comfort, seeing his Conscience could not close with their enormous Opinions, and his Counsel could not regulate their extravagant Violences, which made him by degrees decline their Party. Yet, for all this, there want not those who will maintain, that all this while Mr. Cartwright was not more remiss, but more reserved in his Judgment, being still as sound, but not as sharp in the cause out of Politick intents, like a skillful Pilot in a great Tempest yielding to the Violence of a storm, therewith to be carried away, contrary to his intents for the present, but waiting when the Wind should soon turn about to the North, and blow him and his a prosperous Gale, according to their Desires.
9. What his opinions were, may appear by the Premises, and his life may be presumed most pious, it concerning him to be strict in his Conversation, who so stickled for the Reformation of all abuses in the Church. An excellent Scholar, pure Latinist (his Travels advantaging the ready use thereof) accurate Grecian, exact Hebraician, as his Comments on the Proverbs, and other Works, do sufficiently testify. But the Master-piece of all his Writings, was, that his Confutation of the Rhemish Translation of the New Testament into ENGLISH, at the Importunity of many Ministers of London and Suffolk, and Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queens Secretary, (Mr. Cartwright 's especial Patron) gave him an hundred pounds to buy him Books, and encourage him in that Work. However, the setting forth thereof, was stopped by Arch-bishop Whitgift; probably we may conceive, because some Passages therein did glance at and gird the Episcopal Discipline in England, and after it had lain thirty years neglected, it was first set forth Anno 1618. and then, without either Privilege or Licence, except any will say that Truth is a Licence for it self. In a word, no English Champion in that Age, did with more Valour or Success, charge and rout the Romish Enemy in matters of Doctrine. But when that Adversary sometimes was not in the field, then his active spirit fell foul in point of Discipline, with those which otherwise were of his own Religion.
10. The same year proved fatal to many other eminent Clergy-men, and I hope, without offense, I may join them together, their Bodies at the same time meeting at the Grave, though their minds before had parted in different Opinions.
- 1. Herbert Westphaling Bishop of Hereford (though perchance his Ambiguous Death is more properly referred to the last year) brought up in Christchurch in Oxford, being the first Bishop of that Foundation; a Man of great Piety of Life, and of such Gravity, that he was seldom, or never seen to laugh, leaving no great, but a well gotten Estate, out of which he bequeathed twenty pounds per annum to Jesus College in Oxford.
- 2. Alexander Nowell Doctor of Divinity, and Dean of S. Paul 's in London, borne in Lancashire, bred in Oxford, afterwards fled into Germany, in the reign of Queen Mary. He was the first of English Exiles, that returned in the days of Q. Elizabeth. And I have read how in a Parliament he was chosen Burgess of a Town of Cornwall: But his Election pronounced void, because he was a Deacon. A Man of a most Angelical Life, and Deep Learning. A great Defender of Justification by Faith alone, and yet a great Practiser of Good Works; witness two hundred pounds a year rent, for the maintenance of thirteen Students bestowed on Brazen-nose College, wherein he had his Education. A great honourer of the Marriage of the Clergy, and yet who lived and died single himself. An aged Man, of 90. years of age, yet fresh in his youthful Learning: yea, like another Moses, his eyes were not dim, nor did he ever make use of Spectacles to read the smallest Print.
- 3. William Perkins, who was born in the first, and died in the last of Q. Eliz. so that his Life (as we have elsewhere observed, to which we remit the Reader) running parallel with this Queens Reign, began, continued, and ended therewith.
- 4. Gregory (before his entrance into Religion Robert ) Sayer, bred in Cambridge, then leaving the University, fled beyond sea, where he became a Benedictine Monk, of the Congregation of S. Justin in Padua. He lived in several parts of Europe, as at Phemes, Rome, Montcasie, Venice, where he died, and was buried the 30. of Octob. having written many Volumes in great esteem with men of his Profession.
- 5. William Harris, as Obscure among Protestants, as Eminent with the Popish Party. A Master of Art of Lincoln College in Oxford: whence leaving the Land, he fled beyond-sea, living at Douay, and afterwards he came over into England, where it seems he had the Hap to escape the Queens Officers, and to die in his Bed. His Book called THE THEATRE OF THE MOST TRUE AND ANTIENT CHURCH OF ENGLAND, is highly accounted of Roman Catholics.
11. About this time the low Estate of the City of Geneva (the Nursery of the Reformed Religion) was lively represented to the Prelates, Clergy, and Welldisposed Persons of England, being for the Present in a very Dolefull condition. Long since it had been undone, but because it had so many Enemies to undo it: So that by God's providence, Out of the Devourer came Meat; such Neighbouring Princes and States, which were both Willing and Able to swallow up this Zoar, did preserve it. For rather than Savoy should suppress it, Venice, Florence, the Popish Cantons in Switzerland, and France itself, would support. But for all this politick Geometry, wherewith long it had hung safe betwixt several Competitours, it was, lately, shrewdly shaken by the Puissance of the Duke of Savoy, who, addicted to the Spanish Faction, had banished all Protestants out of his Domin • ons: Arch-bishop Whitgift (whose hand was ever open to any Pious Design) led with his liberal Example, and the rest cheerfully followed, so that large sums of money were seasonably made over for the Reliefe of Geneva.
12. Queen Elizabeth, the mirror of her Sex and Age, having above 40 years, to the Admiration of Envy it self, managed this Kingdom, finding when she began, few Friends that durst help, and leaving no Foes that could hurt her, exchanged her Earthly, for a Heavenly Crown; who, as she lived and died an unspotted Virgin, so her Maiden memory is likely, in this respect, to remain sole and single; seeing History affords no Prince to be marched to her Fame in all considerable Particulars. Her Corps were solemnly interred under a fair Tomb in Westminster; the lively Draught whereof, is pictured in most London, & many Country Churches, every Parish being proud of the shadow of her Tomb; and no wonder, when each Loyal Subject erected a mournful Monument for her in his heart. But soon after all English Souls were employed equally to divide themselves betwixt Exclamations of Sorrow for her Death, and Acclamations of Joy for K. James his succeeding her.
13. And now it is strange with what Assiduity and Diligence, the two Potent Parties, the Defenders of Episcopacy and Presbytery, with equal Hopes of Success, made (besides Private and Particular Addresses) Public and Visible Applications to King James, the first to continue, the later to restore, or rather set up their Government; So that whilst each Side was Jealous, his Rival should get the Start by early stirring, and rise first in the Kings favor. Such was their Vigilancy, that neither may seem to go to Bed: Incestantly diligent both before and since the Queens Death, in dispatching Posts and Messages into Scotland to advance their several Designes. We take notice of two principal, M. Lewis Pickering a Northampton shire Gentleman, and zealous for the Presbyterian Party, was the third Person of quality, who riding incredibly swift (good News makes good Horsemen) brought King James the Tydings of Queen Elizabeth's Death. But how far, and with what Answer he moved the King in that Cause, is uncertain. Doctor Thomas Nevill, Dean of Canterburte, came into Scotland some days after him, (except any will say, that he comes first, that comes really to effect what he was sent for) being solemnly employed by Arch bishop Whitgift to his Majesty in the name of the Bishops and Clergy of England, to tender their Bounden Duties, and to understand his Highness Pleasure for the ordering and guiding of Ecclesiastical Causes. He brought back a welcome Answer to such as sent him of his Highness purpose, which was to uphold, and maintain the Government of the late Queen, as she left it settled.
14. Soone after followed the Treason of William Watson on this occasion. This Watson, Secular Priest, had written a bitter Book against the Jesuits, as being one knowing (though not so secret of their faults, as their own Confessors, taxing them with truth so plain, they could not deny, so foul, they durst not confess it. Now such is the charity of Jesuits, that They never owe any man any ill will, making present payment thereof. These Holy Fathers (as Watson intimated on the Scaffold, at his Death, and forgave them for the same) cunningly and covertly drew him into this action, promoting him, who was ambitious, (though pretending to much Mortification) treasonably to practice his own preferment.
15. Watson, with William Clark another of his own profession) having fancied a notional Treason, imparted it to George Brooks, one angry with Nature, not so much for making him lame, as a younger Brother. These break it to ( Brook his Brother) the L. Cobham, to the Lord Gray of Whaddon, and Sir Walter Rawleigh, the one a known Protestant, the other a reputed Puritan, the third an able Statesman: Besides, some other Knights, displeased with their present Fortunes (how quickly is Discontent inflamed into Disloyalty! ) because, since the turning of the Wheel, at the Queens Death, on the wrong Side of Preferment. Watson devised an Oath of Secrecy for them all, which was no more than needful, considering their different Interests, rather pieced than united, patched than pieced together.
16. Had one lost his Religion, he might have found it (though I confess a Treason is but a bad place to seek it in) in this Conspiracy, wherein men of all persuasions were engaged. Their Parts were as different as their Opinions, some of them being conceived too wise to begin, and others too weak to finish so dangerous a Design. The ends they propounded to themselves, (as they were charged therewith) were to kill the King, raise Rebellion, alter Religion, at least gain a Toleration, and procure a foreign Invasion, with many more things which, may be spoken easier in a Minute, than done in an Age, especially their Interest being not much at home, and nothing abroad. They ante-divided all Offices of State betwixt themselves, Lord Marshall to one, Treasurer to another, Master of the Horse to a third, Secretary to a fourth, &c. only Sir Walter Rawleigh (able to discharge any) had no particular Office assigned unto him. Watson was to be Lord Chancellor, being very fit for the place, had he but as much skill to decide Causes, as write Quodlibets. There wanted nothing to estate them in all these Offices, but only their getting of them.
17. Wonder not that this Treason was discovered so soon, but covered so long. The two Priests alone, with G: Brook, were executed, who, to use the words of King James in his Letter to Sir Benjamin Tichbourne, Sheriff of Hantshire, (for the Plague being in London, Terme was removed to Winchester, where they were tried) Vaire the principal Plotteris and Intisaris of all the rest, to the embracing of the saidis treasonabil Machinations. The rest were pardoned their Lives, not their Lands. We must not forget that the Priests pleaded the silliest for themselves of all that were arraigned, alleging, that their Practice against the King could not be Treason, because done against him before he was crowned. Watson instancing in Saul, who was anointed in Ramah, and afterward made King in Mizpah. Clark insisted on Rehoboam, as being no King till the People had made him so. Not remembering (what our Lawyers there minded them of) the difference betwixt successive Kings, deriving their claim from their Ancestors, and one newly elected, the English Crown also being as incapable of an Inter-regnum, as Nature of a Vacuitie. Mean time, the Jesuits looked on, and laughed at Watson 's Execution, to see how bunglingly Secular Priests went about a Treason, resolving in the next platform thereof (which now they were contriving) to rectify the errors Watson had committed: not to engage in a squint-ey'd company (where two did not look the same way) but to select a competency of cordial Catholics for the purpose.
18. No sooner was King James settled on the English Throne, but Mr. Cartwright presented unto him his Latin Coment on Ecclesiastes, thankfully mentioning in his Dedication, how he had, some twenty years before been chosen to be Professor in a Scotch University, though declining the acceptance thereof, because of his Pastoral Charge, being then Minister to the English Congregation at Antwerp. Thanks, perchance, not so proper to the person of King James (though in Loyalty and good Manners, justly tendered unto him) as due, rather to those who in his minority steered the affairs of Scotland: Nor let any wonder that an English man should be proffered preferment in Scotland, seeing it was but one for another, remembering that I have read in the life of Mr. Knox, that he was offered an English Bishopric in the reign (as I take it) of K. Edw: the 6. and likewise refused the same.
19. But Mr Cartwright survived not long after (otherwise, no doubt, we should have heard of him in Hampton Court-Conference, as the Champion of his Party) who died at the age of sixty, on the 27. of December following. To what we have formerly largely writ of his Character, we now only add, that he was born in Hartford shire, and married the Sister of M. Stubbs, whose hand was struck off for writing an [interpreted] Libel against Queen Elizabeth's Marriage with Monsieur. This I dare boldly say, She was a most excellent Wife, if she proved like her Brother, whom Mr. Cambden (no great friend of Puritans) cordially commendeth for a right honest man, generally beloved whilst living, and lamented when dead. He was afflicted towards his old Age with many Infirmities, insomuch that he was forced continually to study upon his knees. My Ears shall be dear to the uncharitable inference of those, who impute this extraordinary painful posture as a just punishment upon him, in that he had so bitterly inveighed against the gesture of those as superstitious, who reverently received the Sacrament on their knees. M. Dod preached his Funeral Sermon.
20. And now, because there was a general expectation of a Parliament, suddenly to succeed the Presbyterian Party, that they might not be surprised, before they had their tackling about them, went about to get hands of the Ministers to a Petition, which they intended seasonably to present to the K. and Parl M. Arthur Hildersham, and M. Stephen Egerton, with some others, were chosen, and chiefly entrusted to manage this important business. This was called The millenary Petition, as, One of a thousand, though in indeed there were but seven hundred and fifty Preachers hands set thereunto: But those all collected only out of five and twenty Counties. However, for the more rotundity of the number, and grace of the matter, it passeth for a full thousand; which, no doubt, the Collectours of the names (if so pleased) might easily have completed. I dare not guess what made them desist before their number was finished; whether they thought that these were enough to do the deed, and moe, were rather for ostentation than use; or, because disheartened by the intervening of the Hampton-Court Conference, they thought, that these were even too many to petition for a Denial. It is left as yet uncertain, whether this Conference was by the Kings favor graciously tendered, or by the mediation of the Lord's of his Counsel powerfully procured; or by the Bishops, as confident of their cause, voluntarily proffered; or by the Ministers importunity effectually obtained. Each Opinion pretends to Probability, but the last most likely. And, by what means soever this Conference was compassed, Hampton-Court was the Place, the 14 of January the Time, and the following Names the Persons which were employed therein.
| For Conformity. | Moderator | Against Conformity. |
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To omit all gratulatory Preambles, as necessary, when spoken, as needless, if now repeated, we will present only the Substance of this Days Conference, his Majesty thus beginning it.
Herein I am happier than they, because they were fain to alter all things