Church History of Britain
- Edwin Sands Archbishop of York.
- Richard Sibs, a most Pious and profound Divine.
- Thomas Godwin Fellow an eminent Preacher.
- John Lightfoot an excellent Linguist.
- Coaton Rect. in the Diocese. of Eli valued at 6l. 12s. 9d. 0b.
So that lately in this were maintained one Master, six Fellowes, with all the Students above an hundred.
- Joannes Boynton, Can.
- Thomas Rotheram, Can.
- Thomas Northwood, Can.
- Richardus Badew, Can.
- Tho. Cosine, Can.
- Joannes Blithe, Can.
- Robertus Fitz-hugh, Can.
- Richard Freyer, & Ro. Woodroof, Proct.
- Thomas Swayne, & Gerard Borell, Proct.
- Guil. Stockdale, & John Laycroft, Proct.
- Robert Wellby, & Robert Luther, Proct.
- Guil. Thompson, & Roger Bower, Proct.
- Phil, Morgan, & Thomas Hole, Proct.
- Jo. Green, and James Grave, Proct.
- Jo. Smith, and Ro. Hacumblen, Proct.
- John Butler, and Gilb. Geuge, Proct.
- John Butler and Gilb. Urmsen, Proct.
- Gilb. Fitz-John, & Hen. Babington, Proct.
- Tho. Waters, and Guil. Birly, Proct.
- Richard Walle, and John Basset, Proct.
- Tho. Medcalfe, & Roger Layburne, Proct.
- Gual. Bedman, & John Wolf, Proct.
- Ric. Burton, and John Wolf, Proct.
- John Sickling, and John Walle, Proct.
- Jo. Lound, and Ric. Huddleston, Proct.
- Ric. Bramton, and John Robinson, Proct.
- John Fisher, and Thomas Cook, Proct.
- Jac. Denton, and Tho. Gogney. Proct.
42. This year a new College was made in Cambridge of an old Nun • ery, sounded some three hundred years ago, Viz. anno 1133. by Malcolme of the Scots Royal-race, Earl of Cambridge and Huntingdon, and dedicated to St. Radegund. This Radegund, daughter to Berthram, Prince of Thuringia, was wife to Lotharius King of France, (Son to Clodoveus the great the first Christian King of that country) whose sequestering herself from her husbands company, about the year 560 lived, and died in a small Monastery in Poicton, thereby gaining the reputation of a Saint.
43. But it seems the Sisters living in Cambridge Nunnery consecrated to her honor, fell as far short in chastity, as she over-did therein. Indeed one of them left a good memory, or (at least) hath a good Epitaph inscribed on her monument in the Chapel.
But the rest were not so sweet and fragrant in their reputes, squandring away the wealth and ornaments of their house; which was no wonder for those to do, which were prodigals of their own persons. Not able therefore, to go away from their shame, they went away with their shame, and quitting their covent, concealed themselves privately, in their own country. Tradition saith that of the two remaining, one was with child, the other but a child, so that their land seemed lapsed, for want of owners, or rather for the owners want of honesty.
44. But let us hear what John Major the blunt Scotch Historian saith hereof, living in Cambridge some years after, whilst those matters were yet fresh in most men's memories. Quoddam mulierum coenobium in collegium Jesu converterunt consilio eruditissimi pariter et optimi Viri Stubis doctoris Theologi. Nolebant mulieres illae includi, sed scholasticorum consortium admiserunt. Unde graves viros scandalizarunt, quocirca eis ejectis, & allis Coenobiis imposit is earum loco students inopes positi sunt, quatenus literis & virtutibus incumberent, & folium darent in tempore suo. Hanc mulierum ejectionem approbo. Si enim proreligione prostibula nutriant, earum loco bonae ponenda sunt,
45. Their viciousness thus generally complained of, their house with all the land thereof, was with King Henry the 7 t h. and Pope Julius the second, bestowed on John Alcock, Bishop of Eli, to convert it into a College, dedicated to Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and St. Radegund. A whole Volume may be written of this Bishop, born at Beverly in York shire, though his parents lie buried at Kingstone on Hull, where he built a Chantery for them, and a free School for the benefit of others. John Bale (though very sparing of praising persons of that age) charactereth him, given from his Child-hood to learning and religion; so growing from virtue to virtue, that no one in England was more reputed for his holiness. He is reported to have fared very sparingly, all his life long, and to have conquered the baits of his wanton flesh, by his fasting, studying, watching, and such like Christian discipline.
46. This good Bishop established in the house, one Master, six Fellowes, and six Scholars, commending them to the perpetual tutelage of the Bishops of Eli. Hence it is that when those Bishops lodge in this College (as they did anno 1556. 1557) their Register reporteth them lying in their own house: And though Peter-house as founded by Balsham Bishop of Eli, might claim the same title: yet it seems those Bishops had a more particular affection to Jesus College. King James in his coming from New-market hither, commended it, for the situation thereof, as most collegiate, retired from the town, and in a meditating posture alone by itself.
So that lately, viz. anno 1635. the foundation consisted of one Master, sixteen Fellows, twenty four Scholars, besides officers and other Students, in all 110.
- Guil. Milner, and Guil. Tape, Proctors.
- Ric. Wyat, and Jo. White, Proctors.
- Ric. Hutton, and Brian Kidday, Proctors.
Henceforward, having gained more certainty from our Registers, we will enlarge ourselves to a greater proportion both of the names of University-Officers, and numbers of the annual Commencers, adding also the Mayors of the Town, not as a foil to the Diamond, but because it may conduce something to the certainty of Chronology.
| Rich. Fox, B P . of Winc. Can. | Jo. Sickling, | Proc. | Drs. Theol. 6. |
| Hen. Babington, Procan. | Tho. Patison, | Drs. Jur. Can. 1. Jur. Civ. 1. |
| Bac. | Theol. 10. | Mag. | Art. 23. | Hen. Kele, Major of the Town. |
| Leg. 13. Art. 29. | Gram. 4. |
| John Fisher, Can. | Rich. Balderton, | Proc. | Drs. | Theol. 7. |
| John Fisher, Procan. | Rich. Wyat, | Ju. Civ. 2. |
| Bacc. Theol. 14. | Mag. | Art. 27. | Bac. | Leg. 18. | John Bell, Major of the Town. |
| Gram. 3. | Art. 23. |
| George Fitzhugh, Can. | Tho. Edman, | Proc. | Drs. | Theol. 2. Jur. Can. 4. |
| Hum. Fitz-William Procan. | Jo. Huchinson, | Ju. Civ. 2. Medic. 1. |
| Bacc. Theol. 8. | Bac • . | Leg. 29. | Rob. Morehouse, Major of the Town. |
| Mag. Art. 22. Gram. 1. | Med. 1. Art. 34. |
| Tho. Routhold, Can. | John Gennings, | Proc. | Drs. | Theol. 3. |
| Galfr. Knight, Procan. | Guil. Woodroof, | Ju. Civ. 1. Mus. 1. |
| Bac. Theol. 18. | Bac. Leg. 18. | Rob. Morehouse Major of the Town. |
| Mag. Art. 19. | Bac. Art. 26. |
| John Fisher, Bishop Roch. Can. | Rob. Cutler, | Proc. | Drs. Theol. 6. |
| John Smith, Procan. | John Watson, | Drs. Ju. Can. 2. |
| Bacc. Theol. 11. | Bac. Leg. 25. | John Bell, Major of the Town. |
| Mag. Art. 17. | Bac. Art. 24. |
47. The University perceived it was troublesome every year to choose a new Chancellor. Wherefore having now pitched on a person of much merit for the place (so that they could not change but to loss) this year they concluded his continuance therein for term of life, which act of the University was anno 1514. more solemnly confirmed. Hereafter it will be superfluous to charge every year with the repeated name of the Chancellor, as always the same, til another on his death be elected.
48. About this time ERASMUS came first to Cambridge (coming and going for seven years together) having his abode in Queen College, where a Study on the top of the South-west Tower in the old Court still retaineth his name. Here his labor in mounting so many stairs (done perchance on purpose to exercise his body, and prevent corpulency) was recompensed with a pleasant prospect round about him. He often complained of the College Ale, Cervìsià hujus loci, mihi nullo mode placet, as raw, small and windy; whereby it appears,
- 1. Ale in that age was the constant beverage of all Colleges, before the Innovation of beer, (the child of Hops ) was brought into England.
- 2. Queens College Cervisia was not vit Cereris, but Ceres vitiata. In my time when (when I was a Member of that House) scholars continued Erasmus his complaint) whilst the Brewers (having it seems prescription on their side for long time) little amended it.
49. He was public Greek Professor, and first read the Grammar of Chrysolor as to a thin Auditory, whose number increased when he began the Grammar of Theodorus. Then took he (by grace freely granted him) the degree of Bachelor in Divinity, such his commendable modesty, though overdeserving a Doctorship, to desire no more as yet, because the main of his studies were most resident on Humanity. Here he wrote a small Tract de Conscribendis Epistolis, set forth by Sibert Printer to the University. Some years after he took upon him the Divinity Professors place (understand it the Lady Margaret's ) invited thereunto, not with the salary so small in itself, but with desire and hope to do good in the employment.
50. If any find him complaining, Hîc (ô Academiam!) nullus, &c. Here's an University indeed, wherein none can be found who will at any rare be hired to write but indifferently. Know this might tend much to his trouble, but sounds nothing to the disgrace of Cambridge. Indeed in Dutch Academies many poor People made a mean livelihood by writing for others, though but liberal Mechanics in their employment. No such mercenary hands in Cambridge, where everyone wrote for himself, and if at any time for others, he did it gratis, as a courtesy for good will, no service for reward.
51. How much Cambridge was lately improved in learning, the same Author doth thus acquaint us. Almost thirty years ago (saith he) nothing else was handled, or read, in the Schools of Cambridge, besides ALEXANDER, THE LITTLE LOGICALS (as they call them) and those old dictates of ARISTOTLE, and questions of SCOTUS. In process of time there was an accession of good learning, the knowledge of Mathematiques came in; a new and indeed a renewed ARISTOTLE came in: So many Authors came in, whose very names were anciently unknown▪—To wit, it hath flourished so much, that it may contend with the prime Schools of this age, and hath such Men therein, to whom if such he compared that were in the age before, they will seem rather shadows of Divines, then Divines.
52. Take also the comparative character of Cambridge, weighed at this time with Oxford, whilst the judicious hand of Erasmus, thus holdeth the beam of the balance. John Bishop of Rochester (one a Man, a true Bishop, a true Divine) told me some three years since, that in Cambridge, (whereof he is perpetual Chancellor) instead of sophistical querks, now sober, and sound disputations are agitated amongst Divines; whence men depart not only learneder but better. Oxford University by the help of some Monks, did at first make some resistance; but such were curbed with the power of Cardinal Wolsey, and the Kings Authority, who envied so great good to that most famous and ancient School.
53. A second of the same kind will not be amiss to present. England (saith he) hath two most noble Universities, Cambridge and Oxford; in both of these the Greek tongue is taught, but in Cambridge quietly, because John Fisher Bishop of Rochester sits Governor of the School, not only for his learnings sake but for his Divine life. But when a certain young man at Oxford not meanly learned did happily enough profess the Greek tongue there, a barbarous Fellow in a popular Sermon began to rail against the Greek tongue with great and bainous revilings. And in another place , By the wisdom of Thomas Cardinal of York the School of Oxford shall be adorned not only with all kind of Tongues and learning, but also with such Manners which become the best Studies. For the University of Cambridge long ago doth flourish with all ornaments, John Bishop of Rochester being the Chancellor thereof.
54. But too tart, and severe is Erasmus his censure of Cambridge Towns-men, Vulgus Cantabrigiense, inhospitales Britannos antecedit, qui-cum summa rusticitate summam malitiam conjunxere. Cambridge Towns-men go beyond the inhospitable Britain's, who have malice joined with their Clownishnes. And although some will say the Towns-men are no Changelings at this day; yet seeing Cambridge is sometimes called CIVITAS, and often URBS; some of her inhabitants express much Civility, and Urbanity in their behavior.
-
Rich. Burton
Vice-chan.
- William Lambert,
- Edmond Page,
-
Proc.
- Drs. of Divin. 2.
- Bac. of Divin. 7.
-
Mars. of Arts, 18.
- Bac. of Law, 6.
- Bac. of Arts, 23.
- Henry Kele, Major.
SECTION VI.
EDV. BENLOSSIO Armigero, MECAENATI suo benevolo.
SEptem Principum Aulas transmarinas (ni male memini) te perlustrâsse accepi. In quibus splendidae vestes, dubiae dapes, ingens famulitium, continuus strepitus, multa denique Confusio, quae in Regum Hospitiis, Honoris ergô, Magnificentia est nominanda.
En tibi plures Musarum Aulas (sic opposite Collegia dicuntur) in hâc Historiâ nostrâ descriptas. Esto tu aequissimus Arbiter (cùm utraque tibi notissima) Aulicorum, an Academicorum vita sit beatior. Non dubito te Musicolarum placidam quietem, vestitum simplicem, vultum tenuem, fercula vacua, mentes plenas, phaleratis Palatinorum miseriis, ac eorum tolerabili vanitati praelaturum
Praesertim Joannense Collegium dulcedine suâ te allecturum spero; cùm tibi olim Natale solum, ubi Literis fuisti innutritus, et cui Donaria non contemnenda dedisti, plura et preciosiora (ni fallor) daturus, si omnia justae tuae expectationi respondissent.
1. HEnry the seventh came to Cambridge, where he bestowed an hundred Marks on the University, and forty pounds (a fair sum in that age from so thrifty a King) on the fabric of St. Mary's, where the Scholars meet weekly at public Sermons, and yearly at the Commencement.
2. The mention of St. Mary's mindeth me of Church-work indeed, so long it was from the founding, to the finishing thereof; as, Begun May the sixteenth 1478, when the first stone thereof was laid in the 17 th . of Edward the fourth.
The Church ended (but without a Tower, or Belfree) 1519. in the 11 th . of Henry the eighth.
The Tower finished 1608. in the sixth of King James.
So that from the beginning, to the ending thereof, were no fewer than an hundred and thirty years. There was expended in the structure of the Church alone, seven hundred ninety five pounds, two shillings and a penny; all bestowed by charitable people, for that purpose. Amongst whom, Thomas Barow, Dr. of Civil law, Arch-deacon of Colchester, formerly Fellow of Kings hall, and Chancellor of his house to King Richard the third) gave for his part, two hundred and forty pounds.
55. One may probably conjecture, that a main motive, which drew King Henry this year to Cambridge, was with his presence to grace his mothers foundation of Christ's-College, now newly laid, without Barnwell-gate, over against St. Andrew's-Church, in a place where God's house formerly stood, founded by King Henry the sixth. This King had an intention (had not deprivation, a civil death, prevented him) to advance the Scholars of this foundation to the full number of sixty, though (a great fall) never more than four lived there, for lack of maintenance. Now the Lady Margaret, Countess of Richmond and Darby, (acounting herself, as of the Lancaster-line, heir to all King Henries godly intentions) only altered the name from God's-house, to Christ's-College, and made up the number, viz. One Master, twelve Fellows, forty seven Scholars, in all sixty.
56. Great and good were the lands, which this Lady, by her last Will, bestowed on this College, in several Counties.
-
In
- Cambridge-shire, the Manors of Malton, Meldred, and Beach, with divers lands, and rents, elsewhere in that County.
- Leicester-shire, the Manor of Ditesworth, with lands and tenements in Ditesworth, Kegworth, Hathern and Wolton.
- Northfolk, the Abbey of Creyke, which was in the Kings hands as dissolved, and extinct, settled by the Popes authority, and the Kings license.
- Essex, the Manor of Royden.
- Wales, Manibire, an Impropriation.
This Lady being of Welsh affinity, a Teuther by marriage, and having long lived in Wales (where her Son King Henry the seventh was born in Pembroke) thought fitting, in commemoration thereof, to leave some Welsh land to this her foundation.
5. Once the Lady Margaret came to Christ's-College, to be hold it when partly built, and looking out of a window, saw the Dean cal a faulty Scholar to correction; to whom she said, Lente, lente, gently, gently, as accounting it better to mitigate his punishment, than procure his pardon: mercy and justice making the best medley to offenders.
6. John Major a Scotishman, and a Scottish Historian of good account, was (only for the term of three months) a Student in this College, as himself acknowledgeth. He reporteth, that the Scholars of Cambridge in his time, usually went armed with bows and swords; which our learn Antiquary is very loath to believe, except it was John Major his chance to come to Cambridge, in that very juncture of time, when the Scholars, in fend with the Townsmen, stood on their posture of defense. Thus Pallas herself may sometimes be put to it, to secure her wit by her weapons. But had Major lived as many years, as he did but months in this University, he would have given a better account of their peaceable demeanour.
7. John Leland, that learned Antiquary, was a Fellow of this Foundation, as he gratefully professeth. I account it therefore in myself an excusable envy, if repining that the rare Manuscripts of his collections, were since his death bestowed on Oxford Library, and not here where he had his education. But I remember a Maxim in our Common Law, wherein the Lands (such are Books to Scholars) of a Son, deceasing without heirs, fall rather to his Uncle, or Aunt, than Father, or Mother.
7. Many years after the founding of this College, complaint was made to King Edward the sixth, of superstition therein; the Master, and twelve Fellowes of this Christ-College, superstitiously alluding to Christ and his twelve Apostles. Probably the peevish informers would have added, that the Discipuli, or Scholars in this House, were in imitation of Christ's seventy Disciples, save the number corresponds not, as being but forty seven by the original foundation. Hereupon King Edward altered this number of twelve not by Subtraction (the most easy, and profitable way of reformation) but Addition, founding a thirteenth Fellowship, and three Scholarships out of the impropriation of Bourn, which he bestowed on the College; and so real charity discomposed suspected superstition. This good King also gave the College in lieu of the Manor of Royden, which he took from it, the entire revenues of Bromwell Abbey, such was his bountiful disposition. Nor can it be proved that in his own person he ever did to any an injurious action, though too many under him (if those may be termed under him, who did what they pleased themselves) were too free of their favors in that nature.
9. It may without flattery be said of this house, Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all; if we consider the many Divines, who in so short a time have here had their education. Let Papists tell you of Richard Reignalds, Doctor of Divinity, a Monk of Zion; of William Eximew, a Carthusian (both bred here, and martyred, say they, for the Catholic cause Anno 1535.) of Richard Hall who ran beyond the Seas, became Canon of Cambray, and wrote the manuscript-life of Bishop Fisher: we chiefly take notice of the Divines bred here since the Reformation.
| Learn. Writ. Fellowes. | Learn. Writ. no Fel. | Livings. |
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|
With many moe Worthies still alive: amongst whom, Mr. Nicolas Estwich, Parson of Warkton in Northamptonshire, a solid Divine and a great advancer of my Church-History, by me must not be forgotten. I have done with ChristColledge, when we have observed it placed in St. Andrew's Parish, the sole motive, by Major his own confession, making him to enter himself therein a Student, St. Andrew being reputed the tutelary Saint of that Nation. Had Emmanuel been extant in that age, he would have been much divided to dispose of himself, finding two so fair foundations in the same Parish.
10. Be the following caution well observed, which here I place as in this midst of this our History, that it may indifferently be extended to all the Colleges as equally concerned therein. Let none expect from me an exact enumeration of all the Worthies in every College; seeing each one
-
affordeth
- Some Writers from me concealed. Let not therefore my want of knowledge be accounted their want of worth.
- Many most able Scholars, who never publicly appeared in print: nor can their less learning be inferred from their more modesty.
- Many pious Men though not so eminently learned, very painful, and profitable in God's Vineyard.
| John Eccleston, Vice-Chan. | Edm. Natares | Proc. | Drs. | of Divinity 12. |
| Tho. Swayn, | of Canon-Law 2. | |||
| of Civil-Law 2. |
| Doc. | of Physic 2. | Mrs. | of Arts 25. | Bac. | Law 18. | John Brakingthorp Major. |
| of Music 1. | Gram. 3. | Arts 26. | ||||
| Bac. of Divinity 8. |
| William Robson, Vice-Chan. | John Philip's, | Proc. | Drs. | of Divinity 1. |
| Rich. Picard, | of Canon-Law 1. |
| Bac. of Divin. 1. | Bac. | Law 5. | John Brakingthorp, Major. |
| Mus. 1. | |||
| Mrs. of Arts 17. | Arts 42. |
| Will. Buckenham, Vice-Chan. | James Nicolson, | Proc. | Drs. | of Divinity 3. |
| Milles Bycardick, | Bac. | of Divinity 5. |
| Mrs. of Arts 18. | ||
| Bac. | of Law 12. | Hugh Chapman, Major. |
| of Arts 46. |
| William Buckenham, Vice-Chan. | Will. Chapman, | Proc. | Doc. of Divinity 5. |
| Will. Brighouse, | Bac. of Divinity 8. |
| Mrs. of Arts 14. | ||
| Bac. | of Law 11. | Hugh Raukin, Major. |
| of Arts 31. |
11. Last year began the foundation of St. Johns College, whose Foundrss, the Lady Margaret, countess of Richmond and Derbie, died before the finishing thereof. This Lady was born at Bletsho. in Bedford-shire, where some of her own needle-work is still to be seen, which was constantly called for by King James, when passing thereby in his progress. Her father was John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, and mother Margaret Beauchamp, a great inheritrix. So that fairfort and fairfield met in this Lady, who was fair-body and fair-soul, being the exactest pattern of the best devotion those days afforded, taxed for no personal faults, but the errors of the age she lived in. John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, preached her funeral sermon, wherein he resembled her to Martha in four respects; first, nobility of person; secondly, discipline of her body; thirdly, in ordering her soul to God; fourthly, in hospitality, and charity. He concluded she had thirty Kings and Queens (let he himself count them) within the four degrees of marriage to her, besides Dukes, Marquesses, Earls, and other Princes. She lieth buried in the Chapel at Westminster, near her Son, in a fair Tomb of touch-stone, whereon lieth her Image of gilded brass. She died June the 29. and was buried (as appeareth by a note annexed to her Testament) the July following.
12. Her death, though for a time retarding, did not finally obstruct the ending of St. Johns College, which was effectually prosecuted by such as she appointed her Executors, viz.
- 1. Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester.
- 2. John Fisher, Bishop of Rotchester.
- 3. Charles Somerset, Lord Herbert, afterwards Earl of Worcester.
- 4. Sir Thomas Lovel, Treasurer of the Kings house.
- 5. Sir Henry (afterwards Lord) Marny, Chancellor of the Dutchie of Lancaster.
- 6. Sir John St. John, her Chamberlain and near Kinsman.
- 7. Henry Hornby (Master of Peterhouse) her Chancellor.
- 8. Sir Hugh Aston, Controuler of her household.
This Sir Hugh (whom I conceive rather Sir Priest than Sir Knight) was a good Benefactor to the College, and lieth buried on the North-side in the outward Chapel thereof, in a Tomb with a double portraicture (one presenting him as alive, the other as a sceleton) be-rebussed (according to the ingenuity of that age) with an Ash growing out of a Tunn.
31. The ground whereon this College is scited, was long ago consigned to pious uses, though three times the property thereof was altered.
- 1. When Nigellus or Neal, second Bishop of Eli, founded here an Hospital for Canons regular an. 1134. On which K. Edward the first, bestowed the goods of Forestallers or Regraters legally forfeited.
- 2. When Hugh de Balsham, te • th Bishop of Eli, translated it to a Priory, and dedicated it to Saint John the Evangelist.
- 3. When the Lady Margaret's executors converting it to a College, continued it to the honor of St. John.
These according to her last Will, first paid all the debts of the old house duly proved (Justice must precede Charity) then with the issues and profits of her Land in Somersetshire, Devonshire and Northumptonshire, erected this new foundation.
14. So filled, or rather crowded was this College with Scholars, it was hard for one to get a Study several to himself; and in the days of our Fathers, the Students when writing private letters, were used to cover them with their other hand to prevent over-inspection. Since God hath made them Rehoboth or Roome, by the addition of another Court (not inferior to the former in beauty and bigness) which made King James once merrily say, that there was no more difference betwixt Trinity (consisting chiefly in one great Quadrangle) and St. John College, than betwixt a Shilling and two Six pences.
15. The infancy of this College met with a malady, which much hindered the growth, almost ended the life thereof. A generation of proling, progging, projecting Promoters, (such vermin like Pharaohs Frogs, will sometimes creep even into Kings Bedchambers) questioning the Title of the land of the College, took from it at once four hundred pounds of yearly revenue. If the reporter (being a great Rhetorician) doth not a little Hyperbolize therein, who thus complaineth to the Duke of Somerset Lord Protector. Ascham. commendatitiarum Epist. lib. 1. p. 377.
This wrong was done in the beginning of the reign of King Henry the 8. and never after redressed. Strange that the Lady Margaret 's Executors (men too virtuous, to offer stolen goods for a Sacrifice, and too wise to be cozened with cracked titles) should endow this College with so much land, to which they had no true right; which makes some suspect violence and injustice in the Kings officers. Nothing so high, or so holy, but some hungry Harpyes will prey upon it.
| Masters. | Benefactors. | Bishops. | Learned Writers. | Livings in the Col. gift. |
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So that lately, viz. anno 1634, there were in this College, one Master, 54 Fellows, fourscore and eight Scholars, beside Officers and Servants of the foundation, with other Students, in all one hundred eighty two.
16. Great was the opposition against the election of Dr. Whitaker's, the 16. Master of this house, fetched from Trinity College. He was appointed by the Queens Mandamus, and Dr. Cap-co • t Vicechancellor (and Fellow of Trinity College) went along with him magna comitante caterva, solemnly to induct him to his place, when he met with an unexpected obstruction. Non datur penetratio corporum. The gates were shut, and partly Man'd, partly boy'd against him.
17. The Vicechancellor retreated to Trinity College, and consulting with Lawyers what was to be done in the Case, according to their Advise, created D r . Whitaker's Master of S t . John's in his own Chamber, by virtue of the Queens Mandate. This done, he re-advanceth to S t . John's, and with (as I may say) a POSSE ACADEMIAE, demands Admission. The Iohnians, having Intelligence by their Emissaries, that the property of the Person was altered, and D r . Whitaker's invested in their Mastership, and knowing the Queen would maintain her power from her Crown to her Foot, took Wit in their Anger, and peaceably received him. However great the Heart-burnings in this House for many years after; and I will run the Hazard of the Readers Displeasure in transmitting the following Story to Posterity.
18. A Senior Fellow of S t . John's (of the opposite Faction to the Master) in the presence of D r . Whitaker's, falling on this Subject (proper enough to his Text) what Requisites should qualify a Scholar for a Fellowship, concluded that Religion and Learning were of the Quorum for that Purpose. Hence he proceeded to put the Case, if one of these Qualities alone did appear, whether a religious Dunce were to be chosen before a learned Rake-hell; and resolved it in Favor of the later.
19. This he endeavored to prove with two Arguments; whereof this the first. Because Religion may, but Learning cannot be counterfeited. God only can discover the gracious Heart, but men may descry an able Head. He that chooseth a learned Rake-hell is sure of something; but whoso electeth a religious Dunce, may have nothing worthy his Choise, seeing the same may prove both Dunce and Hypocrite.
20. His second Reason was, because there was more probability of a Rake-hells Improvement unto Temperance, then of a Dunces Conversion into a Learned man, seeing such an one radicated and habituated is unchangeable without Miracle.
21. Common-place ended, D r . Whitaker's desired the company of this Fellow, and in his Closet thus accosted him. Sir, I hope I may say without Offence, as once Isaac to Abraham, here is Wood and a Knife, but where is the Lamb for the Burnt-offering? You have discovered much Keeneness of Language, and Fervency of Affection, but who is the Person you aim at, who hath offered Abuse to this Society?
22. The other answered; If I may presume to follow your Metaphor, know, Sir (though I am a true Admirer of your most eminent Worth) you are the Sacrifice I reflected at in my Discourse. For (whilst you follow your Studies, and remit matters to be managed by others) a Company is chosen into the College, of more Zeal then Knowledge, whose Judgments we certainly know to be bad, though others charitably believe the Goodness of their Affections. And hence (of late) a general Decay of Learning in the College.
23. The Doctor turned his Anger into Thankfulness, and expressed the same, both in loving his Person, and practicing his Advise, promising his own Presence hereafter in all Elections, and that none should be admitted without his own Examination; which quickly recovered the Credit of this House, replenished with hopeful Plants before his Death.
24. And thus I take my Farewell of S t . John's College, having first confessed a Mistake formerly committed in my Holy State in making D r . Walter Haddon (Master of the Requests to Queen Elisabeth) a Member of this College, being originally of Kings College, afterward of Trinity Hall. The Error arose, because Roger Askham of this House commonly calleth him nostrum Haddonum; where I mistook their Familiarity, for Membership in the same Society.
- Doct. of Physic 2
- Bac. of Divin. 5
-
Mast. of
- Arts 29
- Gram. 1
-
Bac. of
- Law 16
- Arts 42
Seeing the Vice-Chancellors are chosen in November, so that in their Office they partake of two years of the Lord (though otherwise but one annual Employment) I thought fit henceforward to divide them in our Chronology into two years.
-
Doct. of
- Divin. 5
- Incorp. 1
-
Doct. of
- Can. Law 7
- Civ. Law 2
- Bac. of Divin. 11
- Mast. of Arts 26
-
Bac. of
- Law 22
- Arts 44
-
Doct. of
- Divin. 3
- Civ. Law 1
- Bac. of Divin. 5
- Mast. of Arts 21
-
Bac. of
- Law 16
- Arts 32
-
Doct. of
- Divin. 2
- Civ. Law 1
- Bac. of Divin. 5
- Mast. of Arts 21
-
Bac. of
- Law 7
- Arts 52
-
Doct. of
- Divin. 3
- Civ. Law 1
- Bac. of Divin. 10
- Mast. of Arts 25
-
Bac. of
- Law 10
- Arts 24
- Gram. 1
-
Doct. of
- Divinity 1
- Can. Law 3
- Bac. of Divin. 5
- Mast. of Arts 14
-
Bac. of
- Law 13
- Mus. 1
- Arts 30
- Gram. 2
-
Doct. of
- Divin. 10
- Can. Law 2
- Civ. Law 2
- Bac. of Divin. 18
-
Mast. of
- Arts 42
- Gram. 3
-
Bac. of
- Law
- Mus.
- Arts
-
Doct. of
- Divin. 5
- Civ. Law 2
- Phys. 1
- Bac. of Divin. 13
- Mast. of Arts 29
-
Bac. of
- Law 14.
- Arts 43
-
Doct. of
- Divin. 3
- Can. Law 2
- Civ. Law 1
- Bac. of Divin. 4
- Mast. of Arts 13
-
Bac. of
- Law 11
- Arts 41
25. About this time one Peter de Valence a Norman was a Student in Cambridge, when the Papist Indulgences were solemnly set upon the School-gates, over which he wrote these Words; Beatus vir cujus est Nomen Domini Spesejus, & non respexit Vanitates, & Insanias falsas (istas.) Inquiry was made about the Party, but no Discovery could be made. Whereupon Bishop Fisher, Chancellor of the University, solemnly proceeded to his Excommunication, which he is said to perform with Tears, and great Gravity.
26. This Peter afterward applied himself to D r . Goodrich Bishop of Eli, and became his Servant; but, as the Papists report, could never be quiet in his Mind, until many years after he had publicly confessed his Folly therein, and upon the same place of the School-gates fixed a Paper with these words; Delicta Iuventutis meae, & Ignorantias ne memineris, Domine: Remember not, Lord, my sins, nor the Ignorances of my Youth. But may the Reader take notice, this Story is related by Richard Hall a zealous Papist, in his life of Bishop Fisher. A Book which when lately in Manuscript, I then more prized for the Rarity, then since it is now printed I trust for the Verity thereof.
-
Doct. of
- Divinity 10
- Can. Law 3
- Bac. of Divin. 11
- Mast. of Arts 26
-
Bac. of
- Law 26
- Arts 38
27. Monks College this year had it's name altered, and condition improved. Formerly it was a place where many Monks lived, on the Charge of their respective Convents, being very fit for solitary Persons by the Situation thereof. For it stood on the trans-Cantine side, an Anchoret in itself, severed by the River from the rest of the University. Here the Monks some seven years since, had once and again lodged and feasted Edward Stafford the last Duke of Buckingham of that Family. Great men best may, good men always will be grateful Guests to such as entertain them. Both Qualifications met in this Duke, and then no wonder if he largely requited his Welcome. He changed the Name of the House into Buckingham College, began to build, and purposed to endow the same, no doubt in some proportion to his own high and rich estate.
-
Doct.
-
Theol. 5
-
Iu.
- Can. 1
- Civ. 1
- Bac. Theol. 20
- Mag. Art. 23
-
Iu.
-
Bac.
- Leg. 19
- Art. 31
28. Two eminent men are assigned by a good Author at this time to flourish in Cambridge. The one William Gonel, (a friend to Erasmus) and here public Professor, saith Pitz: but would he had told us, of what Faculty. But probably Public Professor, in the lax acception of that Title, importeth no more then an ordinary Doctor. We need not question his Sufficiency, when we find Sir Tho. More (an Oxford man, and able Judge of Merit) select him for Tutor to his Children. The other Stephen Baron, Provincial of the Franciscans, and Confessor, faith one, to King Henry the eighth. Some will scarce believe this, only because about this time they find Longland Bishop of Lincoln performing that place, except King Henry as he had many Faults, had many Confessors at once. But this Baron might have this office some years since. Let me here without offense remember that the Seniour Vicar (as I take it) of the Kings Chapel, is called the Confessor of the Kings Household. which perchance hath caused some Mistakes herein.
-
Doct.
- Theol. 9
-
Ju.
- Can. 3
- Civ. 1
- Bac. Theol. 5
- Mag. Art. 21
-
Bac.
- Leg. 7
- Art. 26
29. Edward Stafford D. of Buckingham, a Gentleman rather vain then Wicked, guilty more of Indiscretion then Disloialty, by the practice of Cardinal Woolsey, lost his Life, and was beheaded. Charles the fifth, Emperor, being informed of his death, said that a Butchers Dog (such Woolsey 's extraction) had killed the fairest BUCK in England. Let Oxford then commend the Memory of this Cardinal, for founding a fair College therein; Cambridge hath more cause to complain of him, who hindered her of an hopeful Foundation. For this Duke surprised with death, built but little, and endowed nothing considerably in this Buckingham College. No wonder to such who consider, that prevented with an unexpected End, he finished not his own House, but only brought the sumptuous and stately Foundation thereof above ground at Thornbury in Glocestershire. Afterwards in Commiseration of this Orphan College, several Convents built Chambers therein. But more of it hereafter in Magdalene College.
-
Doct.
- Theol. 6
-
Ju.
- Can. 1
- Civ. 1
- Bac. Theol. 19
- Mag. Art. 22
-
Bac.
- Leg. 6
- Art. 40
30. Richard Crook was the first, who now brought Greek into request in the University. He was born in London, bred in Kings College, where Anno 1506. he was admitted Scholar. Then travailing beyond the Seas, he became public Reader of Greek at Lipzick in Germany. After his return, by the persuasion of Bishop Fisher Chancellor of Cambridge, he professed therein the Greek Language. All Students equally contributed to his Lectures, whether they heard, or heard them not, (as in Dutch Ordinaries all Guests pay alike for the Wine, though they drink it not) because they were or should be present thereat. Crook dedicated his first public Speech made in praise of the Greek tongue to Nich. West Bishop of Eli, because Cambridge (understand him of all the Parish Churches therein,) is of his Jurisdiction. A passage impertinently pressed by Oxford Antiquary, to prove this University under his Episcopal Power, as being in, not of Elic Diocese; exempted from it, though surrounded with it. Crook was also chosen the first public Orator, a place of more Honor then Profit, whose original Salary was but 40 • . per ann.
-
Tho. Green,
Vice-Chan.
- Robert Dent
- Io. Briganden
-
Proct. Geo.
Hoyster,
-
Doct.
- Theol. 5
- In. Can. 2
- Mag. Art. 22
- Bac. Art. 46
-
Doct.
31. It will not be amiss here to present the Reader with a List of the University Orators.
-
Orators. chosen
- 1 Richard Crook. 1522
- 2 George Day, fellow of Kings Col. 1528
- 3 John Redman, of Kings Hall. 1537
- 4 Thomas Smith, fellow of Queens Col. 1538
- 5 Roger Ascham, fellow of S t . John's Col. 1547
- 6 Tho. Gardener, fellow of Kings Col. 1554
- 7 John Stokes, of the same. 1557
- 8 George Ackworth. 1560
- 9 Anthony Girlington, fellow of Pembrook Hall. 1561
- 10 Andrew Oxenbridge, fellow of Trin. Col. 1562
- 11 Will. Masters, fellow of Kings Col. 1564
- 12 Thomas Bing, fellow of Peter House. 1564
- 13 William Lewin, fellow of Christ's Col. 1570
- 14 John Beacon, fellow of S t John's Col. 1571
- 15 Rich. Bridgewater, fellow of Kings Col. 1573
- 16 Anthony Wing field, fellow of Trin. Col. 1580
- and re-admitted 1586
- 17 Henry Moutlow, fellow of Kings Col. 1589
- 18 Rob. Naunton, fellow of Trin. Col. 1595
- 19 Francis Nethersole, fellow of Trin. Col. 1611
- 20 George Herbert, fellow of Trin. Col. 1618
- 21 Robert Crection, fellow of Trin. Col. 1627
- 22 Henry Molle; fellow of Kings Col.
- 23 Ralph Witherington, fellow of Christ's Col.
True it is, that before the solemn founding of the Orators office, some were procured on occasion to discharge the same. Thus we find one Cajus Auberinus an Italian, (for that Age indifferently learned) who (some 20. years since) had twenty pence a piece for every Latin Letter which he wrote for the University. Henceforth we had one standing Orator, whose place was assigned unto him next unto the Doctors of Physic.
- Bac. Theol. 12
- Mag. Art. 28
-
Theol. 5
-
Bac.
- Leg. 9
- Art. 40
Thomas Bilney, Fellow of Trinity Hall, zealously advanced true Religion. To the study of Canon and Civil Law (wherein he was graduated) he added a third, (worth both the former) his study in God's Law, and the Holy Scriptures. Once travelling in the Country, he chanced to come to a poor Cure belonging to Trinity Hall, where the people unprovided of a Preacher pressed him to give them some Instruction. Bilney had Ability, but no Authority to teach them, as then prohibited by the Church. Yet their Want so wrought on his Charity, that for the present he gave them a Collation. This good man, afterwards a Martyr, (the most tender to sin are the most hardy to suffer) was much troubled in conscience for his contempt of Church-order. How many nowadays without any regret turn Praters-Preachers without any Commission from the Church? It is suspicious on the like occasion, some would scarce follow Bilney to the Stake, who run so far before him into the Pulpit.
-
Doct.
- Theol. 7
- lu. Can. 1
- lu. Civ. 2
- Mag. Art. 25
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Bac.
- Leg. 13
- lu. Civ. 3
- Art. 40
33. Now was there high and stiff banding in the Schools and Pulpits betwixt the
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|
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Doct.
- Theol. 2
- Medic. 1
- Bac. Theol. 2
- Mag. Art. 23
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Bac.
- Leg. 3
- lu. Civ. 3
- Art. 42
34. Bilney observing in Latimer misguided Zeal, repaired to his Chamber, and desired him to hear his Confession. The hearing whereof (improved by God's Spirit) so wrought on Latimer, that of almost a Persecutour, he became a zealous Promoter of the Truth. Then going to M r . Stafford, he solemnly asked him Forgiveness, for his former fierce and causeless Fury against him.
35. Thomas Cranmer was outed of his Fellowship in Jesus College for being married. His wife was Kinswoman to the Hostess at the Dolphin, which causing his frequent repair thither, gave the occasion to that impudent Lie of ignorant Papists, that he was an Ostler. Indeed with his learned Lectures, he rubbed the galled Backs, and curried the lazy Hides of many an idle and ignorant Frier, being now made Divinity-Reader in Buckingham College. But soon after, his Wife dying within the year, being a Widdower, he was re-elected into Jesus Col. I know the Statutes of some Houses run thus, Nolumus Socios nostros esse Maritos, velmaritatos. It seems this last barbarous word was not, or was not taken notice of in Jesus College Statutes. Cranmer herein is a Precedent by himself, if that may be Precedent which hath none to follow it.
-
Doct.
- Theol. 5
- Ju. Can. 2
- Ju. Civ. 1
- Doct. Medic. 1
- Bac. Theol. 5
- Mag. Art. 21
-
Bac.
- Leg. 14
- Art. 32
36. Richard Crook, University Orator and Greek Professor, (invited with more large and liberal Conditions) leaving Cambridge, removed to Oxford. Yet this honorable Proviso is entered in our Orators Book, that in Case Crook should ever be pleased to return, he, for the good service by him performed, should have the precedency of all Cambridge Orators. Great the Antipathy betwixt Crook, and Leland the Antiquary, whose differences began with generous emulation betwixt two eminent competitors of learned Honor, but festered into Envy, not to say malicious Detraction.
37. D r . Cliffe Chancellor of Nicholas West B p . of Eli, humbly submitted himself, and craved pardon for his Rashness, because he had excommunicated a Bachelor of Arts, contrary to the express Privileges of the University. The familiarity betwixt Bilney and Latimer daily increased, their meetingplace nigh Cambridge being called the Heretics walk. My enquiry can discover no footsteps thereof, on which side of the Town it lay.
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Doct.
- Theol. 1
- Ju. Can. 1
- Ju. Civ. 4
- Doct. Medic. 1
- Bac. Theol. 6
- Mag. Art. 20
-
Bac.
- Leg. 5
- Art. 26
- Gram. 2
38. Now many and fierce the conflicts of Friers against M r . Latimer, especially after he had preached at S t . Edwards, (the Sunday before Christmas) on the Question of the Priests to the Baptist (parcel of the Gospel appointed for the day) John 1. 19. Tu quis es? Who art thou? It seems he suited his Sermon rather to the Time then the Text, thereby taking occasion to conform his discourse to the playing at Cards, making the Heart Triumph, and exhorting all to serve God in sincerity & Truth, not in the glistering show of men's Ceremonies, Traditions, Pardons, Pilgrimages, Vows, Devotions, &c. Now, show me not the Sermon, but show me the Souls converted thereby. This blunt Preaching was in those dark days admirably effectual, which would justly be ridiculous in our Age. I remember in my time a country-Minister preached at S t . Mary's. His Text Rom. 1 2. 3. As God hath DEALT to every Man a measure of faith. In a fond Imitation of Latimer 's Card-Sermon, he prosecuted the Metaphor of dealing, that men should play above-board, that is, avoid all dissembling, not pocket cards, but improve their gifts and graces, follow suit, wear the Surplice, and conform in Ceremonies, &c. All produced nothing but Laughter in the Audience. Thus the same actions are by several Persons and Times made not the same actions, yea differenced from commendable discretion, to ridiculous absurdity. And thus, he will make but bad Music, who hath the Instrument and Fidle-stick, but none of the Rosin of M r . Latimer.
-
Doct.
- Theol. 2
- Ju. Can. 3
- Bac. Theol. 1
- Mag. Art 13
-
Bac.
- Leg. 11
- Art. 40
39. I cannot believe (except on better evidence, then the bare testimony of one an engaged person) what I find reported, that about this time certain Cambridge men went to Oxford, being Gracitatis Hosts, hearty Haters of the Greek Tongue. They called themselves by the names of doughty Trojans, Priam and Hector, condemning all other for arrogant and perfidious Greeks.
40. Thomas Cranmer, now Doctor in Divinity, was grown into so great an esteem for his Learning, that he was made by the University one of the Examiners of their sufficiency who commenced therein. Untill a grievous Plague this year happening in the University, left the Colleges almost empty, and forced him to remove with his prime Pupils to Waltham. And here we surrender render him up to our former Church-History, where we from this time forward have given a large account of his Conversation.
-
Doct.
- Theol. 5
- Ju. Civ. 2
- Med. 1
- Mag. Art. 8
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Bac.
- Leg. 15
- Art. 37
41. Last years Sickness still continued in Cambridge; amongst many that died thereof, M r . Stafford, Divinity Reader, ended his life, and that on this occasion. The Plague being fore in the Town, amongst other a certain Priest, called S r . Henry Conjurer, lay sore sick of the said Plague. M r . Stafford hearing thereof, & seeing the horrible danger that his Soul was in, was so moved in Conscience to help the dangerous case of the Priest, that he neglecting his own bodily death, to recover the other from eternal Damnation, came unto him, exhorted and so labored him, that he would not leave him before he had converted him, and saw his Conjuring-books burned before his face: which being done M r . Stafford went home, and immediately sickened, and shortly after most Christianly deceased. Thus a Life is well lost whereby a Soul is saved.
42. I dare not affirm that this M r . Stafford was Margaret-Professor in Cambridge, though something might move me to this Conjecture; for at this time there was no other Public Lecture founded in the University. Nor can a negative Argument to the contrary be justly deduced from the Omission of his name in the Catalogue of her Professors, which all must acknowledge to be very imperfect. Yet more probably he was a Volunteer in his Lecture, having no Salary for the reading thereof, save God's Glory, his own Credit, and the Profit of others. And so we take our leave of him; some months after whose Death, at the coming in of cold weather, the Air was cleared, and Cambridge free from Infection was restored to her former Healthfulnesse.
43. Thomas Bennet was this year Martyred in Exceter. At the Stake he was urged by two Gentlemen of that County, standing by, to say, Precor Sanctam Mariam, & omnes Sanctos Dei, &c. Probably the pronouncing so much might have prevailed for his Pardon: But he refused to save his life on the price of Superstition. I insert him here in our History of the University, (not because, as many mo Martyrs, he commenced Master of Arts therein, but) chiefly because he was born in the Town of Cambridge.
-
Doct.
- Theol. 4
- Ju. Civ. 2
- Med. 2
- Bac. Theol. 10
- Mag. Art. 17
-
Bac.
- Leg. 11
- Art. 28
44. This year two Oxford men, the one George Throgmorton, the other John Asewell, came to Cambridge, having much Learning in their heads (but needing to have brought more in their Port-mantues) challenging all the University of Cambridge, to dispute with them on these Questions.
-
An
- 1. Ius Civile sit praestantius Medicina.
- 2. Mulier morti condemnata & his suspensa, ruptis Laqueis, tertio suspendi debeat.
These two thus ordered themselves, that Throgmorton should be the Forlornhope, and answer first: Asewell was kept for the Reserve to come after him.
45. Five Cambridge -men undertook the Disputation: viz. John Redman, Nicholas Ridley, John Rokesby, Elisha Price, and Griffith Tregarn (counted in those days the Magazine of all the Law) repairing to the Schools, (the Doors whereof were broken open by Crouds of People.) These Disputants so pressed Throgmorton, that finding him to fail, they followed their Advantage, to improve the Foile into a flat Fall, and would never suffer him (men's spirits once cast, are easily kept down) to recover himself. Wherefore As • well his Partner, who was to answer on the second Question, declined it by dissembling himself sick. Who, had he not indeed been sick of a conceited soul, had never come thither on that occasion.
46. Home go this brace of Disputants wiser then they came to Cambridge, having learned by dear-bought Experience, that if Hercules were so wary as not to fight against two; they two were none of the wisest to fight against so many Herculeses as a University might afford. However, the least shadow of Shame doth not reflect on Oxford, who was so far from giving them a Commission, that she did not know of their coming to Cambridge. Thus bold Children will be venturing into Dangers without their Parents leave, though when it be known it cost them a good whipping for their pains. Indeed some have reported that afterwards they were expelled the University, for this their daring Undertaking: If so, let me say, our Aunt Oxford was too severe in her Censures; and I pity the two poor men, whose very Fault was sufficient Punishment.
47. But an Oxford Author seeks to qualify the matter in his Relation. First he tells us that Throgmorton was very young, and counted none of the most Learned men: both which we can easily believe. For his Expulsion after his return, he utterly disavoweth it; and concerning his carriage in Cambridge, he pretends to Intelligence, that Throgmorton came off rather as Conqueror then conquered. But Cajus present at the Disputation, is to be credited before those obscure persons [ Bank and Bernard] whose Testimony he produceth therein.
48. As for As • well, the aforesaid Author will not have him come to Cambridge with any intent to dispute, but only as Chamber-fellow to accompany Throgmorton; adding withal, What need had he to dissemble Sickness in that place, where formerly the Pestilence so reigned, (saith Walsingham in Richard the second) that sound men suddenly died in a Frenzie, without either Sense or Sacrament? But what's all this to the purpose? what if there were a pestilential distemper in Cambridge an hundred years before, must the same be supposed still to continue? But we know the Gentleman's Intent is to give a Gird at Cambridge, for the badness of the Air thereof. We tell not him of the Pestiferous Vapour in Oxford, in the Reign of Queen Elisabeth, wherewith Judge, high Sheriff, Justices; and most of the Grand-jury, died all suddenly at the Assizes. Such Casualties happen sometimes in the most refined Aires, and thanks be to God they are but sometimes.
49. He proceeds to tell us, that no Cambridge -man ever challenged the University of Oxford to public Disputation, (as I believe they never did:) but I know some who neither can be persuaded nor provoked to fight a Duel on any terms, yet the same in the Field will set their foot as far in the Face of their Enemy, as any alive. When God's Glory is concerned in the cause of the Truth, Cambridge, though declining such Childish and Vain-glorious Challenges, hath been, is, and, I hope, will be as forward as any University in the World in the vindicating thereof.
-
Doct.
- Theol. 2
- Ju Civ. 2
- Med. 1
- Bac. Theol. 11
- Mag. Art. 26
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Bac.
- Leg. 11
- Mus. 1
- Art. 43
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Doct.
- Theol. 7
- Ju. Civ. 1
- Bac. Theol. 10.
- Mag. Art. 19
-
Bac.
- Leg. 17
- Art. 33
50. This year the University of Cambridge presented his Majesty with the following Instrument, wherein they utterly renounced the Popes Supremacy.
QUod faelix & faustum sit & huic florentissimo regno tuo, & universo orbi Christiano,(invictissime Princeps ac Domine clementissime) in scripto prodimus, ac palam dicimus sententiam nostram in Quaestione illa famosa de Romani Pontificis potestate: cujus Quaestionis Veritatem post maturam & sedulam examinationem, & varias ea de re, non uno tempore, Colloquutiones, diligenti tandem scripturarū collatione & propensione (ut nobis videntur) eruimus, ac erutā ac Syngrapho quodam expressam, quod Sententiae nostrae, & facti certissimus testis fuerit, Majestati tuae, una cum nostris Literis mittimus. Atque hanc sane Provinciam (Serenissime Rex) abs tua Sublimitate nobis impositam, libenter suscepimus: partim ob eam (quam Majestati tuae debemus) fidem & obedientiam, quibus ullo tempore aut loco deesse nefas putamus maximum▪ partim ipsius veritatis amore ac studio, quam dicere & praedicare, quoties e Christi gloria, & Reipub. Christianae salute atque commodo essevideatur, quum omnium intersit qui Christo nomina dederunt, atque in illius verba jurarunt, tum nostri multo magis refer, & interesse videtur, qui quotidie in illius Scriptures versamur, quotidie illius verba, & voces legimus, qui est ipsa Via, Veritas & Vita, quique Veritatem custodit in saeculum saeculi. Hujus favorem & gratiam semper tuae Celsitudini adesse precamur, optamusque ut nos & Academiam nostram, quae tuae semper Voluntati fuerit obsequentissima, vicissim Sublimitatis tuae favore prosequi, fovere, atque ornare digneris. Christus Servator serenissimam Majestatem tuam diutissime servet.
UNiversis sanctae matris Ecclesiae filiis ad quos praesentes Literae perventurae sunt, Coetus omnis Regentiū & non Regentium Academiae Cantabrigiensis, Salutem in omnium Salvatore Jesu Christo. Cum de Romani Pontificis potestate, quam ex sacris Scriptures sibi vendicat in omnibus Christianorum Provinciis, & in hoc Regno Angliae longo jam temporis tractu exercuit, hisce nunc diebus quaestio exorta sit, ac nostra de ea re sententia rogaretur (viz.) An Pontifex Romanus habeat à Deo in Scriptura sacra sibi concessam majorem Authoritatem & Potestatem in hoc regno Angliae, quam quivis alius externus Episcopus: Nos aequum esse putavimus, ut ad dictae quaestionis veritatem eruendam omni studio incumberemus, ac nostram ea de re sententiam & Censuram tandem Orbi proferremus. Nempe ad hoc potissimum Academias olim à Principibus institutas fuisse persuasi, ut & populus Christianus in lege Dei erudiatur, & falsi errores (fi qui exorirentur) cura & solicitudine Doctorum Theologorum penitus convelli ac profligari possint. Quamobrem de praedicta Quaestione deliberaturi more nostro convenientes, ac matura consultatione consilia conferentes, quo modo & ordine ad investigationem Veritatis certius procederetur, atque omnium tandem suffragiis selectis, quibusdam ex doctissimis Sacrae Theology Professoribus, Baccalaureis, & aliis Magistris ea cura demandata, ut scrutatis diligentissime Sacrae Scripturae locis, illisque collatis referrent ac renunciarrent quid ipsi dictae Quaestioni respondendum putarunt. Quoniam auditis, perpensis, ac post publicam super dicta quaestione disputationem matura deliberatione discussis his quae in Quaestione praedicta, alterutram partem statuere, aut convellere possent, illa nobis probabiliora, validiora, veriora etiā ac certiora esse, ac genuinū ac sincerū Scripturae sensum refer visa sunt, quae negant Romano Pontifici talem potestatem à Deo in Scriptura datam esse: Illis igitur persuasi, & in unam Opinionem convenientes, ad Quaestionem praedictam ita respondendum decrevimus, & in his scriptis nomine totius Universitatis respondemus, ac pro Conclusione verissima asserimus; Quod Romanus Pontifex non habet à Deo concessam sibi majorem Authoritatem, aut Jurisdictionem in hoc Regno Angliae, quam quivis alius Episcopus externus. Atque in fidem & testimonium hujusmodi nostrae Responsionis, & affirmationis, his Literis Sigillum nostrum commune curavimus apponi. Dat. Cantabrigiae ex Domo nostra Regentium secundo die mensis Maij, Anno ab orbe per Christum redempto, M.DXXXIV.
Thus was the Popes powerfully abrogated out of England. Henceforward the Man of sin, in this Land, fell asleep, never more we hope to awake, though once he opened his eyes for a short time in Queen Mary's days, and soon shut them again.
51. Indeed Sanders himself confesseth, that about this time there were many in Cambridge cordially opposing the Popish Proceedings; but he telleth us, they were none ex Doctissimis, of the most Learned therein: but had the meanest of those he decryeth been but of his opinion, how had they started up most, Pious and Learned both in an Instant? Indeed the Old Learning began to be left in the University, and a better succeeded in the Room thereof. Hitherto Cambridge had given suck but with one Breast, teaching Arts only, without Languages. Her Scholars Latin was but bad, (though as good as in any other place;) Greek, little; Hebrew, none at all: their Studies moving in a Circle, (I mean not as it ought in a Cyclopedie of Sciences, but) of some trite SchoolQuaestions over and over again. But now the Students began to make Sallyes into the Learned Languages, which the industry of the next Age did completely conquer. Herein Rob. Wakefield, a great restorer of the Hebrew tongue, must not be forgot; who for his better accomplishment travelled most parts of Christendom, and became Hebrew-Professor after Reuchlin, or Capnio, in the University of Tubing. But we shall hear more of him, some years hence after his return.
52. John Fisher Bishop of Rochester was beheaded on Tower-hill, continuing Chancellor of the University to his last hour, as chosen into that place during his Life, not during his outward Happiness. Being long a Prisoner, he could not protect the University, as unable to enlarge himself. Yet Cambridge honored him for what he had done, and continued him in his Office. Had this been imitated in after-Ages, Cambridge had not been charged with the Suspition of Ingratitude, for deserting some of the Patrons, as soon as Greatness deserted them; as choosing not their Persons, but Prosperity for her Chancellor. The Lord Cromwell was elected Chancellor in the room of Fisher.
53. I find not any particular favor conferred, or Benefaction bestowed by him on the University. But this great Good he did, that his Greatness kept others form doing Cambridge any Harm. Many hungry Courtiers had hopes to catch fish, (and fish it would be whatever came to their Nets) on this turning of the Tide, the Alteration of Religion. How easy was it for Covetousness in those ticklish times, to quarrel the College-Lands into Superstition? Sacrilege stood ready to knock at their Gates: and, alas! it was past their Porters. power to forbid it entrance, had not the Lord Cromwell vigorously assisted the University on all Occasions.
| I0. Craiford, Vice-Chan. | Rich. Ainsworth | Proct. William Hasill, Major. |
| Guil. Sanders |
| Doct Theol. 2 | Mag. Art. 17 |
| Bac. Theol 9. | Bac. Art. 30 |
54. Hitherto none were chosen Vice-Chancellors of the University, save such who before their Election were actual Doctors. Craiford was the first who innovated herein, being Vice-Chancellor before a Doctor, ut gradus quaestum exofficio faceret, saith my Author; not bringing a Doctourship as a qualification to be Vice-Chancellor, but taking it as a gratification conferred on him for being so. Oxford Antiquary accounts him one of the Ornaments of Cambridge, who at first was bred in Oxford. We deny not, but that Craiford very young might have his Education there, but took all his Degrees in Cambridge, though far enough from being any great Ornament there of; For first he was expelled out of Queens College (for no good we may be sure,) yet afterward by favor offriends, got to be Proctor Anno 1522. and at last Vice-Chancellor of the University. But he was, saith one, Gladiator melior quam Procancellarius, a better Fencer then Vice-Chancellor, who in a fury cut off the hand from one Pindar, and cast out a fellow out of the Regent-house, catching him up on his shoulders by main force; and I could wish the occasion thereof had been expressed. Surely he was a man of Metal, being Vice-Chancellor two years together, which I may call the Criticall years of Cambridge, on the Alteration of the Popes power therein (and perchance too much decried by some on the same account) being chosen of purpose with his rough spirit to bustle through much Opposition.
The first general Visitation of Cambridge, Jure Regio.
55. This year Thomas Legh Doctor of Law, Deputy to the Lord Cromwell, Vicar-general to King Henry the eighth, visited the University of Cambridge. We must believe him one of desert, being sole and single by himself selected for such an employment; and may be assured that Cromwell never sent a Slug on his Errands. I find one D r . Lee petitioned against in the Articles and demands of Robert Ask, and his rebellious Crew of Northern Commons, and charged with extortion in Visitation of Religious-houses; and am confident he was the same person, though some difference betwixt Legh, and Lee, in the Spelling thereof. For besides that the vulgar are never Critics in Writing, no wonder if they did mis-spell him whom they did mis-call, loading him with opprobrious Language. Yet no better evidence of ones Honesty, then to be railed at by a rabble of Rebells. But see this D r . Legh his Injunctions to the University.
IN Dei nomine Amen. Anno Domini millesimo quingentes. tricesimo quinto, Mensis vero Octobris die 22. nos Thomas Legh, Legum Doctor, praeclari ac honorandi Viri M ri . Thomae (romwell, illustrissimi in Christo Principis ac Domini Henrici Octavi, Dei gratia Angliae & Franciae Regis, Fidei Defensoris, Domini Hiberniae, ac in terris supremi Ecclesiae Anglicanae sub Christo Capitis, primarii Secretarii, & ad causas Ecclesiasticas Vicem-gerentis, Vicarii generalis & Officialis principalis, nec non intra regnum Angliae, tam in locis exemptis, quam non exemptis, Visitatoris generalis, ad negotium Visitationis & inquisitionis Academiae, sive Universitatis Cantabrig. ac Collegiorum, Aularū, ac caeterarū Domuum, sive Hospitiorum Scholarium inhabitantium, habentes in caetera potestatem nobis attributeā, injunctiones quae nobis necessariae ac opportunae viderentur, quascunque indicendi, has injunctiones, sive mandata sacratissimis regiis injunctionibus adjicienda & annectenda fore decrevimus, quae omnia & singula, non minus quam illa, sub iisdem poenis à quolibet cujusvis Collegii, Aulae, five Hospitii hujus Academiae Praeposito, sive Magistro, aliisque Scholaribus, sive Studentibus hujus Universitatis, quibuscunque observari volumus; & Authoritate regia nobis in hac parte commissa strict praecipimus atque mandamus.
Primum, quod quilibet Sudiosus sive Scholaris intra hanc Academiam Cantabrig. observabit omnia & singula Statuta, Constitutiones, & Ordinationes, & laudabiles Consuetudines, hujus Universitatis, ac Collegii, Aulae, Hospitii, seu Domus ubi habitat, juxta primaevam fundationem ejusdem, quatenus his admemoratis Injunctionibus non repugnent, aut studio bonarum & sacrarum literarum, seu hujus regni nostri Juribus & Statutis non obsunt.
Item, quod nullus Magister, sive Socius alicujus Collegii, Aulae, sive Hospitii, in superioribus regiis injunctionibus specificati, alicui vendat aut distrahat in posterum, suam Societatem, quovis quaesito aut excogitato color; nec aliquam pecuniae summam pro admissione vel receptione alicujus Scholaris, penitus in futurum capiat.
Item volumus & strict praecipimus, ut in posterum penitus facessant & cessent factiones inter hujus, vel hujus Patriae, Civitatis, aut Collegii Concives, sive Socios, & quoscunque alios;nec in electionibus Sociorum, Scholarium, Praepositorum, seu aliquo alio communi actu, vel similibus suffragiis edendis, cuicunque ob communem patriam potius assentiant, quam ei qui literarum studio, vitae & morum integritate, aliisque corporis & animi dotibus, merito sit praeferendus: cum quam turpissimū • it (his praesertim doctis, & bonis Opinionibus imbutis, qui Virtutis exemplar, & speculum esse debent) talibus iniquis & vulgaribus affectibus duci. Quin potius ut haec Academia omnes ad bonos mores & literarum scientiam, veluti iterum format & gignit; sic & omnes, quotquot ejus sunt Alumni, semutuos Concives, & Municipes esse sentiant, singuli singulos pro virili sua, & cum omni Charitate fraterna, qualitatibus, ac donis externis & internis mutuo auxiliantes, & ad meliora promovere satagentes.
Item, quod Vice-Cancellarius & Procuratores hujus Universitatis & quilibet Praepositus, Magister, sive Custos cujuscunque Collegii, sive Hospitii & Aulae hujus Academiae possessiones immobiles, & bona mobilia, in communi habentes exhibeat, & citra Festum Purificationis Beatae Mariae proximo futurum, Chartas, Donationes, fundationum, donationum, appropriationum Statuta, Constitutiones, & Bullas Pontificias, ac alia quaecunque Diplomata, & Papistica munimenta, hujus Vniversitatis, ac Collegiorum, Aularun & Hospitiorum hujusmodi respective, ac etiam Rentale mobilium plenū, & fidele Inventorium bonorum mobilium eorundem, in manus dicti Honor, viri M ri . Thomae Cromwell Visitatoris generalis, ejusve legitimi ad hoc deputati, ipsius beneplacitum in ea parte expectaturi.
Praeterea, volumus & praecipimus, quod haec Vniversitas unam publicam Lectionem, sive Graecam, sive Hebraicam, ex libera optione eorum, qui de gremio ejusdem Vniversitatis sunt, utram earum maluerint, & conducere arbitrati fuerint, suis impensis continue sustentet, & suppeditet; quique in illius Lecturae, quam in aliarum Lecturarum, ubicunque infra hanc Vniversitatem praelectoribus eligendis, quam diligentissime suam operam adhibeant, ut eos ad praelectiones ejusmodi deligant, qui Literarum scientia, & morum integritate florere noscuntur, & quipure, sincere & pie legere volunt, omni affectu carnali, aut quocunque alio respectu iniquo penitus semoto & postposito.
Item volumus & mandamus, quod omnes & Praepositi, & Magistri, Custodes, Scholares, ac Studentes in hac Vniversitate, pro animabus Fundatoris Vniversitatis ac Collegiorum, & aliarum in eadem Domorum quarumcunque, & pro faelicissimo statu invictissimi Domini nostri Regis, & Dominae Annae ejus legitimae conjugis, hujus regni Reginae, summique eorum honoris incremento maximo, sub quorum Auspiciis vera Religio Christiana jam reflorescit, uni Missae in Ecclesia Beatae Mariae, infra mensem proximo sequentem publice celebrandae intersint. Item quod quilibet Praepositus, Magister, sive Custos cujusvis Collegii, Aulae, vel Hospitii memorati habeat exemplar harum & praedictarum injunctionum, ac ease fideliter conscriptas in sua domo coram omnibus Scholaribus ejusdem semel singulis mensibus legi faciat, & ease e quibusvis volentibus transcribi sinat atque permittat.
Item quod si aliquis Scholaris & Studens hujus Vniversitatis, vel etiam ipse Vice-Cancellarius, seu alicujus Collegii, Aulae, vel Hospitii Praepositus, Magister, sive Custos injunctiones regias, sigillo suo magno sigillatas, vel hac injunctione sibi annexas, seu earum aliquam violaverit; quilibet eorum id quamprimū dictae Regiae Majestati, aut ejus Visitatori generali, seu ejus Surrogato denunciari procuret: & si delictū respicit Vniversitatis moderatorem aliquem, Vice-Cancellarius & Procuratores denuncianti vel ejus nuncio pecunias necessarias, & alia ad hoc requisita ministrabit. Quod si aliquis alius Praepositus, Magister, sive Custos alicujus Collegii, Aulae, sive Hospitii, in aliquo praemissorum deliquerit, ipse fimiliter accusanti & denuncianti viaticū expensas subministrabit. Reservantes insuper honoratiss. Viro M r o. Thomae Cromwell, & Visitatori generali, consimilem potestatem, adjiciendi & diminuendi, quam Regia Majestas in superioribus injunctionnibus ei reservavit. In cujus rei Testimonium, quia sigillum de proprio authenticum ad manus non habemus, ideo sigillum Officialis Domini Archidiaconi Eliensis praesentibus apponi mandavimus; & nos Officialis antedictus ad speciale mandatum dicti Domini Commissarii sigillum nostrū praesentibus apposuimus.
Dat. xxiio. die mensis Octobris Anno Domini 1535. & regni dicti illustrissimi Domini nostri Regis Anno vicesimo septimo.
56. These Injunctions relate as Additionalls to former Injunctions of the Kings, too tedious here to exemplify. But take the substance thereof.
1. He beginneth with bemoaning the Barbarism, and Ignorance, which so lately spread in the University, protesting his desire to promote Piety, and extirpate Heresy, Superstition, Idolatry, &c.
2. He exhorteth all the Members in the University to the embracing of Christ's Doctrine in Spirit and Truth, recommending M r . Cromwell their Chancellor to be their Visitour therein.
3. He requires their renouncing all Obedience to the Pope of Rome, and that his Royal Authority be received as supreme under God.
4. He inciteth them to the study of Tongues, because sensum alicujus rei non, potest ill assequi, qui rudis est Idiomatis quo traditur.
5. He enjoineth them to found on the joint Cost of all the Colleges, two Lectures, the one of Latin, the other of Greek, to be daily read (and by consequence heard) on great Penalties.
6. That no Authors hereafter be publicly read, who have written on the Master of the Sentences; but that all Lectures be made on some part of the Scripture.
7. That it should be permitted to all freely to read God's Word in their private Studies, & repair to any public place where the same is preached.
8. That hereafter none in the University take any Degree in the Canon-Law.
9. He did make void and abolish all Ceremonies and Observances, which any ways did hinder the Study of Scholars, or bonam valetudinem studio amicam.
10. He ordered that the Youth to be educated in the Arts should read Aristotle, Rodulphus Agricola, Philip Melancthon Trapezuntius, &c.
11. He forbad the reading of the frivolous Questions, and obscure Glosses of Scotus, Burleus, Anthony Trombet, Bricot, Bruliferius, &c.
12. He pronounceth all Statutes of the University or private Colleges void, if repugnant to the Premises.
13. That all Masters of Colleges be bound by their solemn Oath to the effectual observation of these his Injunctions.
14. Reserving always to the aforesaid Thomas Cromwell their Chancellor, and his Vicar-general, or to his lawful Surrogate in that kind, full power to examine, add, and alter anything according to his Discretion, confident of his care herein for the good of the University.
Observe by the way, that at this instant the University of Cambridge was very full of Students, as may appear by that Passage in the Kings Injunctions; For he reckoneth up the several Colleges, ubi confluunt, & diversantur, & frequentant Scholares & Studiosi, ex omni Dioecesi, & qualibet parte hujus Regni nostri Angliae, tam ex Wallia quam ex Hibernia. So that it seemeth here was then an universal Confluence of Scholars from all parts of the Kings Dominions.
57. Three days after Doctor Legh had set forth his Injunctions, the Colleges made their respective Submissions thereunto, solemnly subscribing the same. We assure ourselves they used the same form for the Essentialls, one Copy whereof we have here inserted, that the rest may be measured thereby.
Invictissimo ac pientissimo in Christo Principi & Domino nostro, HENRICO OCTAVO, Dei gratia Angliae & Franciae Regi fidei Defensori Domino Hiberniae, ac in terris supremo Ecclesiae Anglicanae sub Christo Capiti.
Vestri humiles Subditi & devotissimi Oratores WILLIELMUS BUCKENHAM, M r . sive custos Collegii dicti Gonvil Hall, CANTABRIG. & ejusdem Loci socii reverentiam & obedientiam, tam excellenti & prepotenti principi debitas & condignas cum omni subjectione & honor.
NOverit Majestas vestra regia quod nos Magister & socii predicti, non viaut metu coacti, dolove aut aliqua alia sinistra machinatione, ad hec inducti sive seducti, sed ex nostris certis scientiis, animis deliberatis, merisque & spontaneis Voluntatibus; pure, sponte & absolute, in verbo Sacerdotii, profitemur, spondemus ac ad sancta Dei Evangelia, per nos corporaliter tacta, juramus vestrae illustrissimae Regiae Majestati, singulari ac summo Domino nostro & patrono, Henrico Octavo, Deigratia, Angliae & Franciae Regi fidei Defensori, & Domino Hiberniae, ac in terris Ecclesiae Anglicanae Supremo immediate sub Christo Capiti; quod posthac nulli externo Imperatori, Regi, Principi ant Prelato, nec Romano Pontifici, quem Papam vocant, fidelitatem, aut obedientiam verbo vel scripto, simpliciter vel sub juramento, promittemus aut dabimus vel dari curabimus, sed omni tempore casu & conditione, partes vestrae Regiae Majestatis, ac successorum vestrorum sequemur & observabimus, & pro virili defendemus, contra omnem hominem quem vestrae Majestati, aut successoribus Vestris, adversarium cognoscemus & suspicabimur. Solique vestrae Regiae Majestati, velut supremo nostro principi, & Ecclesiae Anglicanae capiti, ac successoribus vestris fidelitatem & obedientiam sincere & ex animo prestabinus. Papatum Romanum non esse adeo in sacris Literis ordinatum profitemur, sed humanitus traditum, constanter assirmamus, & palam declaramus, ac declarabimus, & ut alii sic publicent, diligenter curabimus. Nec tractatum cum quoqunque mortalium privatim aut publice inibimus, aut Consentiemus, quod Pontifex Romanus, aliquam authoritatem & jurisdictionem, amplius hic habeat aut exerceat, aut ad ullam posthac restituatur; Episcopumque Romanum Episcopum modernum, aut ejus in illo Episcopatu, successorem quemcun{que}, non Papam, non summum Pontificem, non universalem Episcopum, nec sanctissimum Dominum; sed solum Romanum Episcopum, vel Pontificē, (ut priscis mos erat) scienter publice asseremus: Juraque & statuta hujus regni pro extirpatione & sublatione Papatus, & auctoritatis ac Jurisdictionis dicti Romani Episcopy, quandocunque edita sive fancita, edendaque sive sancienda, pro viribus, scientia, & ingeniolis nostris ipsi firmiter observabimus, & ab aliis sic observari (quantum in nobis fuerit) curabimus atque efficiemus; nec posthac dictum Romanum Episcopum appellabimus, aut appellanti consentiemus; nec in ejus curia pro jure aut justitia agemus, aut agenti respondebimus, nec ibidem Accusatoris vel Rei personam sustinebimus; & si quid dictus Episcopus per nuncium vel per literas nobis significaverit, qualecun{que} id fuerit, illud quam citissime commode poterimus, aut vestrae Regiae Majestati, aut vestris à secretis Consiliariis significabimus, aut significari faciemus: nosque literas, aut nuncium, aut eundem Romanum Episcopum, vel ejus Curiam, nec mittemus nec mitti faciemus, nisi vestra Majestate conscia, & consentiente, aut vestro Successore, quod dictae literae vel nuncius ad eum deferatur. Bullas, brevia aut rescripta quaecunque pro nobis vel aliis ab Episcopo Romano, vel ejus Curia non impetrabimus, vel ut talia à quovis impetrentur non consulemus; & si talia pro nobis insciis aut ignorantibus generaliter vel specialiter impetrabuntur, vel alias quomodo libet concedentur, eis renunciabimus, & non consentiemus, nec utemur eisdem ullo modo, at ease vestrae Majestati aut Successoribus vestris tradi curabimus. Exemptioni vero qua Romano Episcopo, vel summo quem vocant Pontifici, aut ipsi quocunque nomine appelletur, ejusve Romanae Ecclesiae, mediate vel immediate subjecti sumus & fuimus, ipsiusque concessionibus, privilegiis, largitionibus, & indultis quibuscun{que} express in his scriptis renunciamus, & soli vestrae Majestati, vestrisque Successoribus, nos subditos & subjectos profitemur, ac nos subjiciemus, & nos solummodo subditos fore spondemus. Nec eidem Romano Pontifici, vel ejus Nunciis, Oratoribus, Collectoribus, aut Legatis, ullam procurationem, pensionem, portionem, censum, aut quamcunque aliam pecuniarum summan (quocunque nomine appelletur) per nos aut interpositam personam, vel personas solvemus, aut solvi faciemus: statutumque de succession vestra Regia in Parliamento vestro editum, ac omnia ac singula in eodem contenta, juxta formam & effectum ejusdem fideliter observabimus. Praeterea in vim pacti profitemur & spondemus, ac in verbo Sacerdotali, & sub fidelitate vestrae Majestati debita & nostra coram Deo conscientia, promittimus, quod contra hanc nostram praedictam professionem & sponsionem, nulla dispensatione, nulla exceptione, nulla appellatione, aut provocatione, nullove juris vel factiremedio nos tuebimur. Et si quam protestationem, in praejudicium hujus nostrae professionis, & sponsionis fecimus, cam in praesens & in omne tempus futurum revocamus, & eidem renunciamus per praesentes Literas, quibus propriis manibus nomina nostra subscripsimus, & ease nostri communis Sigilli apprehensione, & Notarii publici infrascripti signo & subscriptione committi, curavimus.
Dat. & act. in Domo nostra capitulari 25o. diemensis Octobris Anno ab Incarnatione Christi 1535o. & regni vestri florentissimi 27o. praesentibus tunc ibid.
Iohanne Acres Art. Mag. & Roberto Warmington Bacc. in legibus testibus ad praemissa accitis & legatis.
- Willimus Buckenham
- Rogerus Overy
- Johannes Styrmin
- Laurentius Maptit
- Andrew Dew
- Johannes Cajus
- Willimus Barker
ET ego Johannes Rheseus, Notarius pub. dicti illustrissimi Domini Regis Regestor principalis, quia Professioni, Sponsioni, Juramento, Praestationi, ac caeteris praemissis omnibus, dū sic, ut praemittitur, sub anno, mense, die & loco praedictis, agerentur, & fierent, una cum praenominatis testibus, personaliter interfui, eaque sic fieri & interponi vidi, & audivi, ac mox ut gesta sunt, in notam excepi; ideo hoc praesens publicum Instrumentum inde confeci, & in hanc publicam & authenticam formam redegi, signoque meo Tabellionali ac nomine & cognomine, meis solitis & consuetis signavi; meque hic subscripsi, in sidem & testimonium omnium & singulorum praemissorum, rogatus legitime & requisitus.
Their Protestation taken in verbo Sacerdotii, relates to the major part, not to all the Fellows of Gonvil under-writing their names. For I shall not be easily persuaded, that John Cajus, penultimus subscriptor in this Instrument, being a Physician by his Profession, was ever in Holy Orders.
58. In obedience to Doctor Legh his Injunctions, the whole University before Candlemas-day next ensuing, surrendered to the King all their Charters, Donations, Statutes, Popes-Bulls, and Papistical Muniments, with an exact Rental of their lands, and Inventory of their goods. The Vice-Chancellor and senior Proctor went up to London, and delivered them to Secretary Cromwell, Chancellor of the University. And now they are deposited in a safe hand, seeing the same person as Master of the Rolls, was entrusted with the keeping of the Records of the Kingdom.
59. Hereafter expect no moe Doctors of Canon-Law in Cambridge. Formerly, almost every year some were graduated in that Faculty; and these pre ••• these of Civil-Law, as the Pope makes himself to be above the Emperor. But now, Gratian fared no better in Cambridge, then his brother Peter Lombard. For, as the King had pronounced his Sentence of Condemnation against the public reading of the Master of the Sentences: so the Decretals were banished after them. King Henry stung with the dilatorie pleas of the Canonists at Rome in point of his Marriage, did in revenge destroy their whole Hive throughout his own Universities.
60. However, afterwards Scholars applied themselves to the reformed CanonLaw, viz. so much thereof as afterwards was received, as conformable, to the Kings Prerogative, and the municipal Law of the Land. These many studied to enable themselves for Chancellors, Officials, &c. in several Dioceses: yet so, that Canon-Law did never after stand by itself (as subsisting a distinct Faculty wherein any commenced) but was annexed to Civil-Law, and the Degree denominated from the later. And although Civilians kept Canon-Law in Commendam with their own Profession, yet both twisted together are scarce strong enough (especially in our sad days) to draw unto them a liberal Livelihood.
SECTION VII.
EDVARDO PALMER de WALTHAM Armigero.
VIR ATTICISSIME,
FRatres meos, Verbi Ministros, saepius audivi solicitos, ne mentes suae sensim torpescerent, eo quod Rusticanis Viculis damnati, sibi solum sit consortium cum crassis Minervis. quibus inter crudum & coctum nihil interest.
At mea longe dispar conditio, cui, Deo gratias, emunctioris nasi Parochiani contigerunt; equibus Tu, limato tuo judicio, me inter praedicandum hebescentem, instar coticulae, aliquoties exacuisti.
Fateor sane, praesentiam tuam mihi suggestum ascensuro, non semel metum incussisse, ne forsan, te audiente, aliquid minus pensiculatum excideret. Sed animum erexit opportuna recordatio comitatis tuae, qua lapsibus currentis tam linguae quam calami facile veniam es daturus.
Digneris, quaeso, lection tua hanc historiolam, vel eo nomine, quod Collegium Trinitatis (unumtribus conflatum, & Trin-Vni Deo dicatum) exhibeat. Collegium amplissimum, non tam Rege Fundatore, quam doctissimis suis Alumnis superbiens; inter quos, ob summam Graecarum Literarum peritiam, Te Palmam ferre meritissime agnoscit.
THis year the young fry of Fellows of S t . John's in Cambridge combined, yea, conspired against their old Master Doctor Metcalfe, a man much meriting of his House, It being hard to say, whether S t . John's oweth more to the Lady Margaret, or D r . Metcalfe; she by her Bounty founded it, he by his Providence kept it from being confounded: many a pound he gave, moe he got of his Friends for this College. Indeed he was none of the greatest Rabbins, but he made many good Scholars under him. Thus the dull and blunt Whet-stone may be said virtually to be all Edge, because setting a sharpness on other instruments. Metcalfe, with Themistocles, could not fiddle, but he know how to make a little College a great one, by his two and twenty years prudent government thereof.
2. I find not a particular of the Faults, which the Fellows laid to Metcalf 's charge. It may be the greatest matter was, because he was old, they young; he froward, they factious. Indeed he was over-frozen in his Northern Rigour, and could not be thaw'd, to ungive anything of the rigidness of his Discipline. Besides, I suspect him too stubborn in his Romish Mums • mus▪ which gave his Adversaries advantage against him, who would not be quiet, till they had cast him out of his Mastership. Did not all the Bricks of the College that day double their Dye of redness, to blush at the Ingratitudes of those that lived therein?
3. Wonder not if Metcalfe survived but few months after his removal. Old trees, if transplanted, are so far from bearing of fruit, that they bear not themselves long but wither away. However let not his Enemies boast, it being observed that none thrived ever after who had a hand in Metcalf 's Ejection, but lived meanly and died miserably. This makes me confident, that neither Master Cheek, nor Master Askam (then Fellow of the College) had any hand against him, both of them being well known afterwards to come to good grace in the Common-wealth.
- Doct. Theol. 7
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Bac. Theol. 16
- Mag. Art. 26
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Bac.
- Leg. 13
- Art. 18
4. Now had the Records of Cambridge slept well-nigh a whole year in the Custodie of the Lord Cromwell; not that there was the least intention finally to detain them, but to suspend them for a time, to wean the University from their former Fondnesse to the Pope, that for the future they might feed with a better Appetite on the Kings Favors. It was now therefore thought fit to restore them again without the loss of a Shoo-latcher to the University. Whereupon Rob. Stokes the Junior Proctor and John Meare the Esq Bedel went up to London, where the aforesaid Records. were delivered unto them. After their return to Cambridge, Tho: Argal and Anthony Hussey were deputed by the Regenthouse, to receive such Records as concerned the University.
5. Yet I question, whether any of the Popes Bulls were restored to the University or no; I mean those Bulls of a later date, conferred on Cambridge since the Massacre general of their Records in the mad Maioralty of Edward Lyster. If any such were returned, they might be Monuments (looked on for Rarities) but no longer Muniments of the University, as too infirm to fence and fortify the same, the Popes power being totally abrogated. However though not in specie, they were virtually restored; the University exchanging, not loosing her right herein; only bottoming her Privileges not on Papal, but Regal Power: Etsi inclytissimus Rex ea auferrijusserit, ne Pontificum deinceps obtenderetur Authoritas, corum tamen beneficium Academ • ae salvam integrumque esse voluit.
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Doct.
- Theol. 3
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Medic. 1
- Bac. Theol. 5
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Mag. Art. 19
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Bac.
- Leg. 5
- Medic. 2
- Art. 19
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Bac.
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Doct.
- Theol. 2
- Ju. Civ. 2
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Bac. Theol. 7
- Mag. Art. 27
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Bac.
- Leg. 7
- Art. 35
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Doct.
- Theol. 3
- Ju. Civ. 1
- Medic. 1
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Bac. Theol. 4
- Mag. Art. 20
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Bac.
- Leg. 3
- Medic. 3
- Art. 42
- Gram. 1
6. STEPHEN GARDINER was chosen Chancellor of the University. He was at the same time Master of Trinity Hall, which he was pleased to hold for many years together with the Bishopric of Winchester.
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Doct.
- Theol. 1
- Iu. Civ. 1
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Medic 1
- Bac. Theol. 5
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Mag. Art. 32
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Bac.
- Leg. 6
- Art. 30
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Bac.
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Doct.
- Ju. Civ. 1
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Medic. 2
- Bac. Theol. 4
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Mag. Art. 19
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Bac.
- Leg. 9
- Medic. 2
- Art. 49
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Bac.
7. A contest began now betwixt the Introducers of the New & the Defenders of the Old Pronunciation of Greek. The former endeavored to give each Letter, Vowel and Diphthong it's full Sound, whilst Doctor Cajus, and others of the old stamp, cried out against this project, and the promoters thereof; taxing it for Novelty, and them for want of Wit and Experience. He affirmed Greek it self to be barbarous, thus clownishly uttered, and that neither France, Germany nor Italy owned any such pronunciation.
8. John Cheek, Thomas Smith, (both afterwards Knighted and privy Councelours,) maintained, that this was no Innovation, but the ancient utterance of the Greeks, which gave every letter it's due and native Sound. Otherwise by the fine speaking of his opposers, Vowels were confounded with Diphthongs, no difference being made betwixt 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Nor mattereth it if Forrainers dissent, seeing hereby we English -men shall understand one another.
8. Here Bishop Gardener Chancellor of the University interposed his power, affirming Cheeks pronounciation pretending to be ancient to be antiquated. He imposed a penalty on all such who used this new pronounciation, which notwithstanding, since hath prevailed, and whereby we English -men, speak Greek, and are able to understand one another which nobody else can.
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Doct.
- Leg. 2
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Medic. 2
- Bac. Theol. 9
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Mag. Art. 17
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Bac.
- Leg. 5
- Art. 33
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Bac.
Thomas Lord Audley of Walden, Chancellor of England, by license obtained from King Henry the eighth, changed Buckingham, into Magdalene, [vulgarily] Maudlin College, because (as some will have it) his Sirname is therein contained betwixt the Initial & Final letter thereof. M'AUDLEY'N. This may well be indulged to his Fancy; whilst more Solid considerations, moved him, to the work itself.
9. As he altered the name, he bettered the condition of this House, bestowing some lands thereon and his own Coat, for the Arms thereof, requiring some skill (and more Patience) to blazon them, viz. quarterly per pale indented OR and AZURE, on a Bend, of the second a tret inter two Marteless, or, in the second and third Quarter an Eagle displayed of the first.
10. This College alone, cut of from the Continent of Cambridge, is on the Northwest of the River having the Rose Garden on the one, & what is no Rose, [a smoking Brewhouse] on the other-side thereof belonging this 150. years to Jesus College. It were no harm to wish this house either removed, or otherwise employed on terms mutually beneficial to both Societies.
11. The Scholars of this Col. (though farthest from the Schools) were in my time observed first there, and to as good purpose as any. Every year this House produced some eminent Scholars, as living cheaper, and private, freer from Toun-Temptations by their remote situation.
12. Whereas the Masters of other Houses, are either in the Kings-gift or College-choice, this is in the disposal of the right Honorable the Earl of Suffolk, hereditary Patron of this foundation. And whereas much of Aristocrasie is used in other Colleges, more of Monarchy appears in the Master hereof as absolute in his Government, having not only a Negative Voice, but in effect all the Affirmative, in making Elections.
| Masters. | Bishops. | Benefactours. | Learned Writ. | Col. Livings. |
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So as at this present there is a Master, eleven Fellows, and two and twenty Scholars, besides Officers and servants of the foundation, with other Students, being in all one hundred and forty.
13. Though at the present, the revenues of this House be not great, some 40. years since it was in a fair Probability of a large addition of Land, had the suit (related at large by the L. Coke in his Report of Maudlin College case) gone on their side. At one time well nigh ten thousand pound was tendered in Composition, (the interest of many being concerned therein) so suspicious were the Defendants of their success.
14. But Doctor Goche, Master of the Col. being a man, of an high Spirit, well skilled in the Laws and confident of the goodness of his cause, would listen to no composition, but have all, or none. He had not learned the maxim Dimidium plus toto in this sense, Half with quiet may be more then all, with hazard and trouble. It was removed from Common-Law to Chancery, where the College was not only cast, but the D r . with M r . Smith a Senior Fellow) lay long in prison, for refusing to obey the Lord Egertons Order.
15. Amongst the worthies of this House M r . Palmer B. D. late Minister of S t . Brigits [commonly Brides] must not be forgotten, a pious Man and painful Preacher, (besides many and great benefactions to Ministers Widdowes) hath built and well endowed a neat Alms-house at Westminster. Verily I have found more charity in this one SEQUESTRED Minister, then in many who enjoy other Men's Sequestrations.
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Doct.
- Theol. 4
- Leg. 1
- Bac. Theol. 16
- Mag. Art. 26
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Bac.
- Leg. 4
- Art. 29
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Doct.
- Theol 1
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Medic. 1
- Bac. Theol. 13
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Mag. Art. 23
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Bac.
- Leg. 2
- Art. 16
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Bac.
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Doct.
- Theol. 6
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Leg. 1
- Bac. Theol. 9
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Mag. Art. 18
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Bac.
- Leg. 1
- Art. 35
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Bac.
16. There was now a general decay of Students, no College having more Scholars therein then hardly those of the foundation, no Volunteers at all, & only persons pressed in a manner by their places to reside; Indeed on the fall of Abbeys fell the hearts of all Scholars, fearing the ruin of learning. And these their jealousies they humbly represented in a bemoaning letter to King Henry the eighth. He comforted them with his gracious return, and to confute their suspicion of the decay of Colleges, acquainted them with his resolution to erect a most magnificent one with all speedy conveniency.
17. Whereupon he seized Michael House into his hands, (whose yearly rents, at old and easy Rates then amounted unto one hundred forty four pounds, three shillings and a penny,) and Kings Hall, the best Landed Foundation in the University. Also he took Fistewicks Hostle, an House unindowed) and allowed the Gonvillians (still grumbling thereat as not sufficient compensation) three pounds a year in Lieu thereof, till he should give them better satisfaction. Of these three he compounded one Fair College, dedicating it to the holy and undivided Trinity, and endowing it with plentiful revenues.
18. Queen Mary calling her chief Clergy together, consulted with them about public prayers to be made for the Soul of King Henry her Father, conceiving his case not so desperate but capable of benefit thereby. They possessed her of the impossibility thereof, and that his Holiness would never consent such Honor should be done to one dying so notorious a Schismatic. But they advised her in expression of her private affection to her Fathers Memory, to add to Trinity College, (as the best monument he had left) whereon (chiefly at the instance of Bishop Christopherson) she bestowed 376—10—3. of yearly revenue.
19. Doctor Thomas Nevyle the eighth Master of this College, answering his Anagram most Heavenly, and practicing his own allusive Motto NE VILE VELIS being by the rules of the Philosopher himself to be accounted 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , as of great performances, for the general Good, expended 3000. pound of his own in altering and enlarging the old, and adding a new Court thereunto, being at this day the Stateliest and most uniform College in Christendom, out of which may be carved three Dutch Universities.
| Masters. | Bishops. | Benefactours. | Livings in the Coll. gifts. |
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So that at this day there are therein maintained, one master, sixty Fellows, sixty seven Scholars, four Conducts, three public Professors, thirteen Poor-Scholars, twenty Alms-men (besides lately, a Master of the Choristers, six Clerks, and ten Choristers) with the Officers, Servants of the Foundation, and other Students, in all four hundred and forty.
20. It is not much above an hundred years, since the first sounding of this House, and see how marvelously God hath blessed it with eminent men in all Professions, besides the Bishops afore-mentioned.
| States-men. | Divines. | Critics. | Poets. |
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