Acts and Monuments Volume 2 Part 1

Hier. Card. de Genituris.

A Derāt enim illi gratiae. Linguas enim multas adhuc pure cal • eba • : Anglicam natalem, Latinam, Gallicam, non expers (vt audio) Graecae, Italicae, & hispanicae, & forsan aliarum. Propriā, Gallicam & Latinā exacte tenebat, & ad omnia docilis erat. Non illi dialectica deerat, non naturalis Philosophiae principia, non Musica. Humanitas mortalitatis nostrae imago, grauitas Regiae maiestatis, indoles tāto principe digna. In vniuersum magno miraculo humanarum rerum, tanti i • genij & tantae expectationis pure educabatur. Non haec Rhetorice exornata veritatem exedunt, sed sunt minora.

Decimum quintum adhuc agebat annum. Interrogabat (Latin non minus quam ego polite & prompte loquebatur) quid continent libri tui de rerum varietate? hos enim nomini Maiestatis suae dedicaueram. Tum ego Cometarum primum causam diu frustra, quaesitam▪ in primo capite ostendo. Quae nam inquit ill? Concursus, ego aio, luminis erraticorum syderum. At Rex, quomodo, cum diuersis motibus astra moueantur, nō statim dissipaturaut mouetur eorum motu. At ego, mouetur equidem, sed long celefius illis ob diuersitatem aspectus, velut in Cristallo & sole cum iris in pariete relucet. Parua enim mutatio magnam facit loci differentiā. At Rex, & quonam pacto absque subiecto illud fieri potest iridi enim paries subiectū est? Tum ego, velut in lactea 〈◊〉 , & luminum reflectione, cum plures candelae prope accensae medium quoddam lucidum & candidum efficiūt. Ita{que} ex vngue Leonem, vt dici solet. Fuit hic in maxima omnium aut bonorum aut eruditorum expectatione ob ingenuitatem atque suauitatem morum. Prius caeperat fauere artibus quam nosceret, & noscere antequam vti posset. Conatus quidam humanae conditionis, quē non solum Anglia, sed orbis ereptum immature deflere debet. O quam been dixerat ill.

Specimen virtutis exhibere potuit, non exemplum. Vbi gravit • s Regia requirebatur, senem vidisses: vt blandus erat & comis, aetatem referebat. Cheli pulsabat, publicis negotijs admouebatur, leberalis animo, atque in his patrem emulabatur. &c. Haec Cardanus.

The same in English.

THere was in him a towardly disposition & pregnancy apt to all human literature: as who being yet a child had the knowledge of diverse tongs, first of the english his own natural tongue, of y ^e latin also & of the french, neither was he ignorant (as I hear) of the Greek, Italian, & spanish tongues, and of other languages peradventure moe. In his own, in the French & in the Latin tongue singularly perfect, and with the like facility apt to receive all other. Neither was he ignorant in logic, in the principles of natural Philosophy, or in Music. There was in him lacking neither humanity the Image of our mortality, a Princely gravity and majesty, nor any kind of towardness beseming a noble king. Briefly, it might seme a miracle of nature, to behold the excellent wit & forwardness that appeared in him being yet but a child. This I speak not rethorically, to amplifye things or to make them more then truth is, yea the truth is more then I do utter.

Being▪ yet but 15. years of age he asked of me in Latin (in which tongue he uttered his mind no less readely and eloquently thē I could do myself) what my books which I had dedicated to him, De varietate rerum, did contain? I said that in the first chapter was shown the cause of Comets, or blasing stars, which hath been long sought for, & yet hitherto scarce fully found. What cause (said he) is that: The concourse or meeting (said I) of the light of the wandering Planets and Stars. To this the king thus replied again: Forsomuch (said he) as the motion of the stars keepeth not one course but is diverse and variable by continual alteration, how is it then that the cause of these Comets either doth not quickly vade & vanish, or that the Comet doth not keep one certain and uniform course & motion with the said Stars and Planets? Whereunto I answered that the Comet hath his course and moving, but much more swifter then they, because of the diversity of aspect, as we see in Crystal, and in the Sun when the form of the Raynbow reboūdeath on the wall. For a little mutation maketh a great difference of place. Then said y ^e king and how can that be, having no subject: For of y ^e rainbow the wall is the subject? Like (said I) as in Lactea via, or in reflection of lights, as where many candles he lighted and set nere together, in the middle they cause a certain bright and white lightsomnes to appear. &c.

And so by this little trial a great guess may be given what was in this king. In whom no doubt was a great hope and expectation amongst all good & learned mē, both for the ingenious forwardness & amiable sweetness which in his conditions appeared. First he began to love & favor liberal arts & sciences, before he knew them, and to know them before he could use them, whose mortal conditiō and sudden decease and decay in those tender & unripe years, not only England, but all the world hath cause to lament. O how truly is it said of the Poet.

A show or sight only of excellency he could give us: example he could not give. Where a kingly majesty required gravity, there you should have seen him a sage and an old man, and yet gentle and pleasant also, according as the cōditiō of his age then required. He plaid well vpō the L • te. He had also to do in handling of weighty affairs of the Realm: He was liberal and bountiful in heart, & therein he imitated his father. &c.

Certain private Injunctions and Articles given to Boner by the Counsaile.

FOrasmuch as we are advertised, that amongst other disorders of our subjects, at this present there be diverse of our city of London, and other places within your Dioces which being very negligent and forgetful of their duty to almighty God, of whom all good things are to be looked for, do assemble themselves very seldom & fewer times then they were heretofore accustomed, unto commō prayer and to the holy Communion, being now a time when it were more needful with heart and mind to pray to our heavenly father for his aid and succor: whereof as we be right sory, so we do understand, that through your evil example and the slackness of your preaching, and instructing our said people to do their duties, this offense to God is most generally committed: for where heretofore upon all principal feasts, and such as were called Maius duplex, you yourself were wont to execute in person, now since the time that we by the advise of our whole Parliament have set a most godly and devout order in our Church of England and Ireland, ye have very seldom or never executed upon such or other dais, to the contempt of our proceedings & evil example of others: & forasmuch as it is also brought to our knowledge, that diverse as well in London as in other places of your Dioces, do frequent and haunt foreign rites of masses, and such as be not allowed by the orders of our realm, & contemneth and forbeareth to praise and laud God, and pray unto his majesty after such rites and ceremonies, as in this realm are approved & set out by our authority: and further that adultery and fornication is maintained and kept openly and commonly in the said city of London & other places of your Dioces, whereby the wrath of god is provoked against our people: of the which things, you being heretofore admonished, yet hitherto have made no redress, as to the pastoral office, authority, & cure of a bishop doth appertain: We therefore, to whom the supreme cure and charge of this Church doth appertain, to avoid frō us the high indignatiō of almighty God, by the advise of our most entirely beloved Uncle the L. Protector and the rest of our privy Counsaile, have thought it no less then our most boūden duty, now at this present, and eftsoons peremptorily to admonish, charge, & warn you, that you do most straightly look upon the premisses and see them so reformed, that there may appear no negligence on your behalf, upon such pain as by our laws Ecclesiastical and temporal, we may inflict upon you, unto deprivation or otherwise, as shall seme to us for quality of y ^e offense reasonable. And to the intent you should the better see to y ^e reformation of the said abuses, we have thought good to give you these Injunctions following.

1 First, ye shall preach at Paul's Cross in London, in proper person, the Sunday after the date hereof iii. weeks, and in the same Sermon declare and set forth the Articles hereunto annexed: and ye shall preach hereafter once every quarter of the yere there, exhorting in your Sermon the people to obedience, prayer, and godly living: and ye shall be present at every sermon hereafter made at Paul's Cross, if sickness or some other reasonable cause do not let you.

2 Secondly, you yourself in person shall from henceforth every day which heeetofore was accounted in this Church of England, principal feast, or Maius duplex, and at all such times as the Bishops of London your predecessors were wont to celebrate and sing high mass, now celebrate and execute the Communion at the high altar in Paul's, for the better example of all other, except sickness do let.

3 Thirdly, ye shall yourself according to your duty & the office of a bishop, cal before you all such as do not come unto and frequent the Common prayer and service in the Church, or do not come unto gods board, and receive the Communion at the lest once a year, or whosoever do frequent or go unto any other rite or service, then is appointed by our book, either of Mattins, Evensong, or mass in any church, Chapel, or other private places within your Dioces, and ye shall see all such offenders convented before you and punished according unto the Ecclesiastical laws, with severe and strait punishment therefore. Lykewise ye shall see one only order used in your Diocese according to our said book and none other.

4 Fourthly, ye shall both by yourself and all your officers under you, search out & conuent before you more diligently then heretofore ye have done (as appertaineth to your office) all adulterers, and see the same punished according to the ecclesiastical laws, and to the authority given you in that behalf.

5 We have heard also complaints, that the Church of Paul's and other Churches of London are of late more neglected, as well in reparation of the glass, as other buildings and ordinances of the same, then they were heretofore wont, and that diverse and many persons in the city, of malice denieth the payment of their due tithe to their Curates, whereby the Curates are both injured and made not so well able and in manner discouraged to do their duties. The which thing also our will and commandment is, ye shall diligently look unto, and see redressed as appertaineth.

6 And forasmuch as all these complaints be made as most done & committed in London, to the intent you may look more earnestly, better and more diligently to the reformation of them, our pleasure is that you shall abide and keep residence in your house there, as in the city, sea, and principal place of your Dioces, and none other where for a certain time, until you shall be otherwise licensed by us.

And thus having brought B. Boner home to his own house, there to leave him a while to take his ease in his own lodging, til we return to him again, we will in the mean time make a little intercourse into Cornewall and Devonshire to discourse some part of the disordered and disloyal doings of those men against their so meek and excellent a prince, having no cause ministered thereunto: yea having cause rather to yield praise and thanks to the lord for such a quiet and peaceable prince in his mercy givē unto them. But such is the condition of unquiet natures, that they cannot skill of peace. And where due discretiō lacketh, there lewd disposed persons cannot tell when they be well, again some be so crooked and so perversely given, that the more courteously they be entreated, the worse they are: and when by honest diligence they lift not to get their living, by public disturbance of common weals they think to thrive. And so seemed it to fare with this seditious people of Cornewall and Devonshire, who having so good and virtuous a king, that if they should have sought him as Diogenes (they say) did seek for a man with a candle, a meeker and better sovereign they could not have found, a crueller they well deserved: yet were they not with him contented, but contrary to all order, reason, nature and loialtie, advanced themselves in a rebellious conspiracy against him, and against his proceedings through the pernicious instigation, first (as it seemeth) of certain popish priests, who grudgyng and disdainyng against the Injunctions and godly order of reformation set forward by the king, and specially mourning to see their old popish Church of Rome to decay, ceased not by all sinister & subtle means, first under God's name and the kings, & under color of religion to persuade the people, then to gather sides and to assemble in companies, to gather Captains, and at last to brast out in rank rebellion. Neither lacked there amongst the lay sort some as seditiously disposed as they to mischief and madness, as well Gentlemen as other.

Of whom the chief Gentlemen Captains were, Humfrey Arundell Esquire, governor of the Mount, James Rosogan, John Rosogan, John Payne, Thomas Underhil, John Soleman, William Segar. Of priests which were principal stirrers, and some of them governors of the Camps, and after executed, were to the number of 8. whose names were Rob. Bochim, John Thompson, Roger Barret, John Wolcoke, Will. Asa, James Mourton, John Barow, Rich. Benet, besides a multitude of other popish priests, which to the same faction were adjoined. The number of the whole rebellion, speaking with y ^e lest mounted little less then to the sum of ten thousand stout traitors.

These hearing first of the commotions which began about the same time in other parts to broyle, as in Oxfordshire, Yorkshire, and especially in Norfolk & Suffolk, began to take therein some courage, hoping that they should have well fortified the same with quarrel. But afterward perceiving how the mischievous mutterings and enterprises of their conspiracy did suddenly fail, either being prevented by time, or repressed by power, or that their cause being but only about pluckyng down of enclosures and enlarging of commons, was divided from theirs, so that either they would not or could not join their aid together, then began they again to quayle, and their courage to debate. Notwithstanding, for so much as they had gone so far, that they thought there was no shrinking back, they fell to new devises and inventions, for the best furtherance of their desperate purposes.

Their first intent was, after they had spoiled their own country most miserably, to invade the City of Exceter, & so consequently all other parts of the realm. But first for Exceter they gaped, the gates whereof twice they burned, but gained nothing saving only gunshot, whereof they lacked no plenty. Beyng put from Exceter, they fell on spoiling and robbing, where or whatsoever they might catch. At length laying their traitorous heds together, they consulted upon certain articles to be sent up. But herein such diversity of heds and wits was amongst them, that for every kind of brain there was one manner of Article: so y ^t neither appeared any consent in their diversity, nor yet any constancy in their agrement. Some seemed more tolerable. Other altogether unreasonable. Some would have no Justice. Some would have no state of gentlemen. The priests ever harped of one string to ring in the Bishop of Rome into England again, and to hallow home Cardinal Poole their countrieman.

After much ado and little to the purpose, at last a few sory Articles were agreed upon to be directed unto the king, with the names of certain set thereunto, the copy whereof here ensueth.

The Articles of the Commons of Devonshire and Cornewall sent to the king, with answer afterward following unto the same.

FIrst, forasmuch as man except he be borne of water and the holy Ghost, cannot enter into the kingdom of God, and forasmuch as the gates of heaven be not opened without this blessed Sacrament of Baptism, therefore we will that our Curates shall minister this Sacrament at all times of need, as well in the week days, as on the holy days.

Item, we will have our children confirmed of the Bish. whensoever we shall within the Dioces resort unto him.

Item, forasmuch as we constantly believe that after the Priest hath spoken the words of consecration being at Mass, there celebrating and consecrating the same, there is very really the body & blood of our savior Jesus Christ God and man, and that no substance of bread and wine remaineth after, but the very self same body that was borne of the virgin Mary, and was given upon the Cross for our redemption: therefore we will have mass celebrated as it hath been in times past, without any man communicatyng with the Priests, forasmuch as many rudely presuming unworthily to receive the same, put no difference between the Lord's body and other kind of meat, some saying that it is bread before and after, some saying that it is profitable to no man except he receive it, with many other abused terms.

Item, we will have in our churches reservation.

Item, we will have holy bread and holy water in the remembrance of Christ's precious body and blood.

Item, we will that our Priests shall sing or say with an audible voice, God's service in the Choir of the parish churches, & not God's service to be set forth like a Christmas play.

Item, forasmuch as Priests be men dedicated to God, for ministering and celebrating the blessed sacraments and preaching of God's word, we will that they shall live chaste without Marriage, as S. Paul did, being the elect and chosen vessel of God, saying unto all honest priests, be ye followers of me.

Item, we will that the vi. Articles, which our sovereign Lord king Henry the 8. set forth in his latter days, shall be used and so taken as they were at that time.

Item, we pray God save king Edward, for we be his, both body and goods.

A Message sent by the Kings Majesty, to certain of his people assembled in Devonshire.

ALthough knowledge hath been given to us & our derest uncle Edward Duke of Somerset, Governor of our person, and Protector of all our Realms, dominions and subjects, and to the rest of our privy Counsaile, of diverse assemblies made by you, which ought of duty to be our loving subjects, against all order, law, & otherwise thē ever any loving or kind subjects hath attempted against their natural & liege sovereign lord: yet we have thought it meet at this very first time not to condemn or reject you as we might justly do, but to use you as our subjects, thinking that y ^e devil hath not that power in you, to make you of natural borne Englishmen, so suddenly become enemies to your own native country, or of our subjects, to make you traitors, or under pretence to relieve yourselves, to destroy yourselves, your wives, children, lands, houses, and all other commodities of this your life. This we say, we trust that although ye be by ignorance seduced, ye will not be upon knowledge obstinate. And though some amongst you (as ever there is some cockle amongst good corn) forget God, neglect their prince, esteem not y ^e state of the Realm, but as careless desperate men delight in sedition, tumult, and wars: yet nevertheless the greater part of you will hear the voice of us your natural prince and will by wisdom and counsel be warned, and cease your evils in the beginning, whose ends will be even by almighty gods order, your own destruction. Wherefore, as to you our subjects by ignorance seduced, we speak & be content • o use our princely authority like a father to his children for this time, to admonish you of your faults, not to punish them, to put you in remembrance of your duties not to avenge your forgetfulness.

First, your disorder to rise in multitudes, to assemble yourselves against other our loving subjects, to array • yourselves to the war, who amongst you all can answer for y ^e same to almighty God, charging you to obey us in all things? Or how can any English good heart answer us, our laws, and the rest of our very loving & faithful subjects, who in deed • y their obedience, make our honor, estate, and degree.

Ye use our name in your writings, and abuse the same against our self. What injury herein do you us, to cal those which love us, to your evil purposes, by the authority of our name? God hath made us your king by his ordinance and providence, by our blood & inheritance, by lawful succession and our coronation: but not to this end, as you use our name. We are your most natural sovereign Lord and king, Edward the sixth, to rule you, to preserve you, to save you from all your outward enemies, to see our laws well ministered, every man to have his own, to suppress disordred people, to correct traitors, thieves, pirates, robbers, and such like, yea, to keep our realms from foreine princes, from the malice of the Scots, of French men, of the B. of Rome. Thus good subjects, our name is written, thus it is honored & obeyed, this majesty it hath by God's ordinance, not by man's. So y ^t of this your offense we cannot write to much: And yet doubt not, but this is enough frō a prince to all reasonable people, from a king to all kind hearted and loving subjects, from a puissant king of England, to every natural English man.

Your pretences which you say month you to do thus, & wherewith ye seek to excuse this disorder, we assure you, be either all false, or so vain, that we doubt not, but after ye shall hereby understand the truth thereof, ye will all with one noise knowledge yourselves ignorantly led, & by error seduced, and if there be any that will not, assure you the same be rāke traitors, enemies of our crown, seditious people, heretics, Papists, or such as care not what cause they seek to provoke an insurrection, so they may do it, nor in deed can wax so rich with their own labors, & with peace as they can do with spoils, with wars, with robberies, & such like, yea, with the spoil of your own goods, with the living of your labors, the sweat of your bodies, the food of your own households, wives, children. Suche they be, as for a time use pleasant persuasions to you, & in the ende will cut your throats for your own goods.

You be borne in hand, that your children, though necessity chance, shall not be christened but upon the holy days. Howe false this is, learn you of us. Our book which we have set forth by the free consent of our Parliament, in the English tongue, teacheth you the contrary, even in the first leaf, yea the first side of the first leaf of that parte which entreateth of Baptism. Good subjects (for to others we speak not) look and be not deceived. They which have put this false opinion into your ears, they mean not the christening of children, but the destructiō of you our Christened subjects. Be this known unto you, our honor is so much y ^t we may not be found faulty of our word. Prove it, if by our laws ye may not christē your children upon necessity every day or hour in the week, then might you be offended: but seeing you may do it, howe can you believe them which teach you the contrary? What think you they mean in the rest, which move you to break your obedience against us your king & sovereign, upon these so falls tales and persuasions in so evident a matter? Therefore you all which will knowledge us your sovereign Lord, & which will hear the voice of us your natural king, may easily perceive how ye be deceived, and how subtly traitors and papists with their falsehood seek to achieve and bring their purpose to pass with your help. Every traitor will be glad to dissemble his treason and feed it secretly, every papist his Popery, & nourish it inwardly, and in the ende make you our subjects partakers of treason and popery, which in the beginning was pretended a common wealth and holiness.

And howe are you seduced by them, which put in your heads the blessed sacrament of Christ's body, should not differ from other common bread? If our laws, proclamations, and statutes be all to the contrary, why shall any private man persuade you against them? We do our self in our own heart, our counsel in all their profession, our laws & statutes in all purposes, our good subjects in all their doings, most highly esteem that sacrament, & use the communion thereof to our most comfort. We make so much difference thereof from other common bread, that we think no profit of other bread, but to maintain our bodies. But of this blessed bread we take very food of our souls to everlasting life. How think you good subjects, shall not we being your prince, your Lord, your king by God's appointment, with truth more prevail, then certain evil persons with open falsehood: Shall any seditious person persuade you, that the Sacrament is despised, which is by our laws, by our self, by our Counsaile, by all our good subjects, esteemed, used, participated, and daily received? If ever ye were seduced, if ever deceived, if ever traitors were believed, if ever papists poisoned good subjects, it is now. It is not the Christening of children, not the reverence of the sacrament, not the health of your souls y ^t they shoot at, good subjects. It is sedition, it is high treason, it is your destruction they seek, howe craftily, now pitiously, how cunningly soever they do it. With one rule judge ye the end, which o • force must come of your purposes. Almighty God forbiddeth upon pain of everlasting damnation, disobedience to us your king: and in his place we rule in earth. If we should be slow, would God err? If your offense be towards God, think you it pardoned without repentance? Is God's judgment mutable? Your pain is damnation, your Judge is incorruptible, your fault is most evident.

Likewise are ye evil enfourmed in diverse other Articles, as for Confirmation of your children, for the Mass, for the manner of your service of Matins and Euensonge▪ Whatsoever is therein ordered, hath ben long debated and consulted by many learned Bishops, Doctors, and other men of great learning, in this realm concluded: in nothing so much labor and time spente of late time, nothing so fully ended.

As for the service in the English tongue, hath manifest reasons for it. And yet perchance seemeth to you a new service, and in deed is none other but the old. The self same words in English which were in Latin, saving a few things taken out, so fond, that it had been a shame to have heard them in English, as all they can judge which list to report the truth. The difference is, we meant godly, that you our subjects should understand in English, being our natural country tongue, that which was heretofore spoken in Latin, then serving only for them which understood Latin, and now for all you which be borne English. How can this with reason offend any reasonable man, that he shall understand what any other saith, & so to consent with the speaker. If the service in the Church was good in Latin, it remaineth good in English, for nothing is altered, but to speak with knowledge that was spoken with ignorance, and to let you understand what is said for you, to the intent you may further it with your own devotion: An alteration to the better, except knowledge be worse then ignorance. So that who soever • ath moved you to mislike this order, can give you no reason, nor answer yours, if ye understood it.

Wherefore you our subjects remember, we speak to you, being ordained your Prince and King by almighty God: if any wise we could advance God's honor, more then we do, we would do it: and see that ye become subjects to God's ordinances, obeying us your Prince, and learn of them which have authority to teache you, which have power to rule you, and will execute our justice, if we be provoked. Learn not of them, whose fruits be nothing but willfulness, disobedience, obstinacy, dissimulation, and destruction of the realm.

For the mass, we assure you, no small study nor travel hath been spent by all the learned Clergy therein, and to avoid all contention, it is brought even to the very use as Christ left it, as the apostles used it, as holy fathers delivered it, in deed somewhat altered from y ^t the Popes of Rome, for their lucre brought to it. And although ye may hear the contrary of some Popish evil men, yet our majesty, which for our honor may not be blemished nor stained, assureth you, that they deceive you, abuse you, and blow these opinions into your heads, for to finish their own purposes.

And so likewise judge you of confirmation of children: and let them answer you this one question. Think they that a child christened, is damned because it dieth before bishopping? They be confirmed at the time of discretion, to learn that they professed in the lack thereof, by Baptism: taught in age, that which they received in infancy, and yet no doubt but they be saved by Baptism, not by confirmation, & made Christ's by Christening, and taught howe to continue by Confirmation. Wherefore in the whole, mark good subjects, how our doctrine is founded vpō true learning, and theirs upon shameless errors.

To conclude, beside our gentle manner of information to you, whatsoever is contained in our book, either for baptism, sacrament, Mass, Confirmation, and service in the church, is by our parliament established, by the whole clergy agreed, yea by the bishops of the realm devised, & further, by God's word confirmed. And how dare ye trust, yea how dare ye give care, without trembling, to any singular person, to disallow a Parliament, a subject to persuade against our majesty, a man of his single arrogancy, against the determination of the Bishops, and all the clergy, any invented argument against the word of God.

But now you our subjects, we resort to a greater matter of your blindness, of your unkindness, a great vnnaturalnes, & such an evil, that if we thought it had not begun of ignorance, and continued by persuasion of certain traitors amongst you, which we think few in number, but in their doings busy, we could not be persuaded, but to use our sword, and do justice, and as we be ordained by God, that is, to redress your errors, by auengmēt: but love and zeal yet overcometh our just anger, but howe long that will be, God knoweth, in whose hand our heart is: and rather for your own causes, being our Christened subjects, we would ye were persuaded then vanquished, informed then forced, taught then overthrown, quietly pacified then rigorously persecuted.

Ye require to have the statute of the 6. articles revived: and know ye what ye require? or know ye what ease ye have with the loss of them? They were laws made, but quickly repented, too bloody they were to be borne of our people, and yet at the first in deed made of some necessity. Oh subjects? how are ye trapped by subtle persons? we of pity, because they were bloody, took them away, and you now of ignorance will ask them again. You know full well, that they helped us to extend rigor, and gave us cause to draw our sword very often: they were as a whetstone to our sword, & for your causes we left to use them. And since our mercy moved us to write our laws with milk & equity: how be ye blinded to ask them in blood?

But leaving this manner of reasoning, and resorting to the truth of our authority, we let you wit, the same hath been adnulled by our parliament, with great rejoice of our subjects, and not now to be called by subjects in question. Dare then any of you with the name of a subject, stand against an act of parliament, a law of the whole realm? What is our power, if laws should be thus neglected? Yea, what is your surety, if laws be not kept? Assure you most surely, y ^t we of no earthly thing under y ^e heavē, make such a reputation, as we do of this one thing, to have our law obeyed, and this cause of God which we have taken in hand, to be thoroughly maintained, from the which we will never remove a hears breadth, nor give place to any creature living, much less to any subject, but therein will spend our own royal person, our crown, treasure, realm, and all our state: whereof we assure you of our high honor. For herein in deed resteth our honor, herein standeth our kingdom, herein do all kings knowledge us a king. And shall any of you dare breathe or think against our honor, our kingdom, or crown?

In the end of this your request (as we be given to understand) ye would have them stand in force until our full age. To this we think, if ye knew what ye spake, ye would never have uttered y ^e motion, nor ever given breath to such a thought. For what think you of our kingdom? Be we of less authority for our age? Be we not your king now, as we shall be? or shall ye be subjects hereafter, and now are ye not? Have not we the right we shall have? If ye would suspend and hang our doings in doubt until our full age, ye must first know, as a king we have no difference of years nor time, but as a natural man and creature of God, we have youth, & by his suffrance shall have age: we are your rightful king, your liege Lord, your king annointed, your king crowned, the sovereign king of England, not by our age, but by God's ordinance, not only when we shall be 21. of years, but when we were of 10. years. We possess our crown, not by years, but by the blood and discente, from our father king Henry the eight. You are our subjects because we be your king, and rule we will, because God hath willed. It is as great a fault in us, not to rule, as in a subject not to obey.

If it be considered, they which move this matter, if they durst utter them selves, would deny our kingdom. But our good subjects know their prince, and will increase, not diminish his honor, enlarge, not abate his power, knowledge, not defer his kingdom to certain years: all is one, to speak against our crown, and to deny our kingdom, as to require that our laws may be brokē unto 21. years. Be we not your crowned, anointed, and established king? wherein then be we of less majesty, of less authority, or less state, then our progenitors kings of this realm? except your unkindness, our vnnaturalnes will diminish our estimation. We have hitherto, since the death of our father, by the good advise and counsel of our dear and entirely beloved uncle, kept our state, maintained our realm, preserved our honor, defended our people from all enemies: we have hitherto been feared and dread of our enemies: yea, of princes, kings, and nations: yea, herein we be nothing inferiors to any our progenitors (which grace we knowledge to be given us from God) and how else, but by good obedience of our people, good counsel of our magistrates, due execution of our laws. By authority of our kingdom, England hitherto hath gained honor, during our reign, it hath won of the enemy, and not lost.

It hath been marvelled, that we • f so young years have reigned so nobly, so royally, so quietly. And howe chanceth it, that you our subjects, of that our country of Devonshire, will give the first occasion to slander this our realm of England, to give courage to the ennemye, to note our Realm of the evil of rebellion, to make it a pray to our old enemies, to diminish our honor, which God hath given, our father left, our good uncle and Counsail preserved unto us? What greater evil could ye commit, then even now when our foreign enemy in Scotland and upon the sea seeketh to invade us, to arise in this manner against our law, to provoke our wrath, to ask our vengeance, and to give us an occasion to spend that force upon you, which we meant to bestow upon our enemies, to begin to slay you with that sword which we drew forth against the Scots and other enemies: to make a conquest of our own people, which otherwise should have been of the whole Realm of Scotland?

Thus • arre ye see we have descended from our high majesty for love, to consider you in your base and simple ignorance, and have been content to send you an instruction like a fatherly Prince, who of justice might have sent you your destructiō like a king to rebels, & now let you know, that as you see our mercy abūdant, so if ye provoke us further, we swear to you by the living God, by whom we reign, ye shall fele the power of y ^e same God in our sword: which how mighty it is, no subject knoweth, how puissant it is, no private man can judge, how mortal it is, no English heart dare think. But surely surely, as your Lord and Prince, your only king and master, we say to you, repent yourselves, & take our mercy without delay, or else we will forth with extend our princely power, & execute our sharp sword against you, as against very Infidels and Turks, and rather adventure our own royal person, state and power, then the same shall not be executed.

And if you will prove the example of our mercy, learn of certain which lately did arise, pretending some grief • s, and yet acknowledging their offenses, have not only received most humbly their pardon, but feel also by our order, to whom all public order only pertaineth, redress devised for their griefs. In the end we admonish you of your duties to God, whom ye shall answer in the day of the Lord, and of your duties toward us, whom ye shall answer by our order, & take our mercy whilst God so inclineth us, least when ye shall be constrained to ask, we shall be too much hardened in heart to grant it you: and where ye shall now hear of mercy, mercy and life, ye shall then hear of justice, justice and death.

Geuen at Richmond, the 8. day of July, the third year of our reign.

Besides the Articles of these Devonshire men above mentioned, the said rebels sent up also not long after a supplication to the king, whereunto answer again was made by the kings learned Counsaile, which here to make short, leisure serveth not to rehearse.

Ouer and besides, to behold the malicious working of those popish Priests, to kindle more the spark of sedition in the people's hearts, what brutes and rumors did they raise up against the king and his Counsaile, making the vulgare multitude to believe, that they should be made to pay first for their sheep, then for their geese and pigges also, and such other things like: and whatsoever they had in store, or should put in their mouths, they must fine therefore to the king? Of all which matter never a word was either thought or meant. But this seemed matter fit for such priests whereby to set the Prince and his subjects together by the ears.

Against this seditious company of rebels was appointed and sent by the king and his counsel, Syr John Russel knight, Lord privy Seal, as Lieutenant general of the kings army, of whom chiefly depended the charge and achiuaunce of that voyage in the West partes. To him also were adjoined as in parte of ordinary counsel in those affairs under him, syr William Harbert, syr John Pawlet, Syr Hugh Pawlet, Syr Thom. Specke, with the Lord Gray, and other besides.

Thus the said Lord privy Seal accompanied with the Lord Gray, advancing his power against the rebels, although in number of soldiers not equally furnished like to the other, yet through the gracious assistance of the Lord's help fighting in his cause, and giving the adventure against the enemy, about the latter end of July. Anno 1549. gave them the repulse. Who notwithstanding recovering them selves again with such stomachs as they had, encountered the seconde time with the foresaid Lord privy Seal, about the beginning of August following, of whom, through the Lord's mighty power, they with their whole cause of false religion were utterly vanquished and overthrown.

In the which victory a great work of God's mighty power undoubtedly did appear. For although the number of the rebels did surmounte in great quantity, the power and strength of the Lord privy Seal, and their stomachs were so fiercely set upon all desperate adventures, and though the power of Sir W. Harbert (being the same time at Bristow) was not yet presently come, which should have joined with the Lord privy Seal: yet all this notwithstanding, the goodness of the Lord so wrought on the kings behalf, more then any industry of man (which in all respects in handling that matter was very raw and far behind) that the victory fell to the kings parte, under the valiant guiding of the aforesaid L. privy Seal: so that the popish rebels not only lost the field, but a great parte of them also lost their lives, lying there slain miserably in the chase to the compass of 2. miles space. Where also were taken and apprehended the chiefetaines and ringleaders of that mischievous dance: whereof the principal were Humfrey Arundel, Berry, Thomas Underhil, John Soleman, W. Segar, Tempson, and Barret two Priests, Henry Bray and Henry Lee, two Mayors, with diverse other mo above specified: all which accordingly afterward were executed.

These rebels to make their part more sure by the help and presence of their consecrated God and maker, brought with them into the battle the Pixe under his Canapie, and in steed of an alter, where he was hanging before, set him now riding in a Carte. Neither was there lacking masses, crosses, banners, candlesticks, with holy bread also, and holy water plenty, to defend them from devils and all adversary power, which in the ende neither could help their friends, nor yet could save them selves from the hands of their enemies, but eftsoons both the consecrated God and all the trumpery about him, was taken in the carte, and there lay all in the dust, leauinge to them a notable lesson o • better experience howe to put their confidence hereafter in no such vain Idolles, but only in the true living God, and immortal maker, to be served according to his prescribed word, and that only in the faith of his son, and not after their own dreaming fantasies.

The story whereof putteth me also in remembrance of another like popish field, (called Muscleborough field) • ought in Scotland the year before this, where the Scots likewise encamping them selves against the Lord Protectour, and the kings power sent into Scotland, did in semblable wise bring with them to the battle the consecrated gods of their aultares, with Masses, Crosses, banners, and all their Popish stuff of Idolatry, having great affiaunce, by virtue thereof to have a great day against the English army, as in deed to man's judgment might seem not unlike. For the number of the Scots army so far exceeded ours, and they wer so appointed with their pikes in the first front against our horsemen (which gave the first onset) that our men were fain to recule, not without the loss of diverse Gentlemen. Notwythstanding, the mighty arm of the Lord so turned the victory, that the Scots in the ende with all their Masses, Pixes, and Idolatrous trinkets were put to the worse. Of whom in that field were slain between 13. and 14. thousand, and not passing an hundredth English men. The cause of this was the promise of the Scots made before to king Henry, for the marriage of the young Scottish Queen to Kynge Edward, which promise the said Scots afterward brake and paid thereafter.

In the which victory this is also to be noted, that the same day and hour when the images were burned openly in London, the Scots were put to flighte in Muscleborough, as is credibly noted in Recordes.

During this hurley burley amongst the popish rebels in Cornwall and Devonshire, the like commotion at the same time, by such like popish priests, as Homes and his fellows, began to gender in the parties of Oxford & Buckingham, but that was soon appeased by the Lord Gray, who coming down that way into Devonshire, chased the rebels to their houses. Of whom 200. wer taken, and a dosen of the ringleaders delivered unto him, whereof certain were after executed.

In Norfolk and parties thereabout, all be it the original of their tumultuous stirring was not for the like cause, yet the obstinate hearts of that unruly multitude seemed no less bent upon mischief, to disturb public peace, which was also in the month of July, the yere abovesaid. For repression of which rebellion, first was sent the Lord Marques of Northampton, with special instruction to avoid the fright, and so by order was appointed with a number of horse to keep the field and passages, whereby they being stopped from vittaile, might the sooner be brought to acknowledge their folly, and to seek their pardon. Who then following other policy, then by order was given, came and pinned him self within the City of Norwich, which afterward they were fain to abandon, the rebels pressing upon the City so on every side, that at length they obtained the same. Nevertheless, in all that conflicte there was but an hundredth on both sides slain, and otherwise no great 〈◊〉 , but only the loss of the Lord Sheefielde.

Then was sent down▪ against them the Earl of Warwike with sufficient force and number of soldiers, besides the convey of 2000. Almaines, by whom the rude and confused rabble was there overthrown and slain, to the number, as is supposed at the least of 4000. And in fine, both the Kettes chief sturrers and authors of that commotion were taken and put to execution, and one of them hanged up in chains.

Moreover, besides these inordinate uproars and insurrections above mentioned, about the latter ende of the said month of Iulye, the same year, which was 1549. another like stir or Commotion began at Semer, in the Northriding of Yorkshire, and continued in the Eastriding of the same, and there ended. The principal doers and raisers up whereof was one W. Ombler of Easthes • erton yeoman, and Tho. Dale parish clarke of Semer, with one Steuenson of Semer, neighbor to Dale, and nephewe to Ombler. Which Steuenson was a mean or messenger between the said Ombler and Dale, being afore not acquainted together, and dwelling seven miles one from the other. Who at last by the travail of the said Steuenson and their own evil dispositions inclined to vngratiousnesse & mischief, knowing before one the others mind by secrete conference, were brought to talk together on S. James day. An. 1549.

The causes moving them to raise this rebellion, were these, first and principallye their traitorous hearts grudging at the kings most godly proceedings, in aduauncinge and refourming the true honor of God, and his religion. An other cause also was, for trusting to a blind and a fantastical prophecy, wherewith they were seduced, thinking the same prophecy should shortly come to pass, by hearing the rebellions of Norfolk, of Devonshire, and other places.

The tenor of which prophisie & purpose, together of the traitors was, that there should no king reign in England the noblemen and gentlemen to be destroyed: and y ^e realm to be ruled by 4. governors, to be elected & appointed by y ^e commons holding a parliament in commotion, to begin at y ^e south, and north seas of England. &c. supposing that this their rebellion in the North, and the other of the Devonshire men in the west, meeting (as they intended) at one place, to be the mean how to compass this their traiterous devilish devise.

And therefore laying their studies together, how they might find out more company to join with them in that detestable purpose, and so set forward to stir, this devise they framed, to stir in two places, the one distant seven miles from the other, and at the first rush to kill and destroy such gentlemen and men of substance about them as were favorers of the kings proceedings, or which would resist them. But first of all, for the more speedy raising of men, they devised to burn Beacons, and thereby to bring the people together, as though it were to defend the Sea coasts, and having the ignorant people assembled, then to pour out their poison: first beginning with y ^e rudest and poorest sort such as they thought were pricked w ^t poverty, and were unwilling to labor, and therefore the more ready to follow the spoil of rich men's goods, blowing into their heads, that God's service was laid aside, and new inventions neither good nor godly put in place, and so feeding them with fair promises, to reduce into the Church again their old ignorance and Idolatry, thought by that means soonest to allure them to rage & run with them in this commotion. And furthermore to the intent they would give the more terror to the gentlemen at their first rising, least they should be resisted, they devised that some should be murdered in Churches, some in their houses, some in serving the king in commission, & other as they might be caught, and to pick quarrels to thē by alteration of service on the holy days. And thus was the platform cast of their device, according as afterward by their confession at their examinations was testified and remaineth in true record.

Thus they being together agreed, Ombler and Dale, and other by their secret appointment, so labored the matter in y ^e parish of Semer, Wintringeham, & y ^e towns about, that they wer enfected with the poison of this confederacy, in such sort, that it was easy to understand whereunto they would incline, if a commotion were begun. The accomplishment whereof did shortly follow. For although by the words of one drunken fellow of that conspiracy named Caluered, at the alehouse in Wintringham, some suspicion of that rebellion began to be smelled before by the Lord President and Gentlemen of those parties, and so prevented in that place where y ^e rebels thought to begin: yet they gave not over so, but drew to another place at Semer by the Sea coaste, and there by night road to the Beacon at Staxton, and set it on fire: and so gathering together a rude route of rascals out of the towns near about being on a stir, Ombler, Thomas Dale, Barton, and Robert Dale hasted forthwith with the rebels to master Whytes house, to take him, who notwithstanding being on horseback, minding to have escaped their hands, Dale, Ombler, and the rest of the rebels took him, and Clopton his wives brother, one Sauage a merchant of York, and one Bery servant to sir Walter Mildmay, which four without cause or quarrel, saving to fulfil their seditious Prophecy in some part, and to give a terror to other gentlemen, they cruelly murdered after they had carried them one mile from Semer towards the Wolde, and there after they had stripped them of their clothes and purses, left them naked behind them in the plain fields for crows to feed on, until Whites wife, and Savages wife then at Semer caused them to be buried.

Longe it were and tedious to recite what revel these Rebelles kept in their raging madness, who raunging about the country from town to town, to enlarge their ungracious and rebellious bande, taking those with force which were not willing to go, and leaving in no town where they came, any man above the age of 16. years, so increased this number, that in short time they had gathered three thousand to favor their wicked attempts, and had like to have gathered moe, had not the Lord's goodness through prudent circumspection have interrupted y ^e course of their furious beginning.

For first came the kings gracious and free pardon, discharging and pardonyng them and the rest of the Rebels of all treasons, murders, felonies, and other offenses done to his Majesty, before the 21. of August, Anno 1549. Whyche pardon although Ombler contemptuously refused, persisting still in his willful obstinacy, disswadynge also the rest from the humble accepting the kings so loving and liberal pardon, yet notwithstanding with some it did good.

To make short, it was not long after this, but Ombler, as he was riding from town to town, twelve miles from Hūmanby, to charge all the Constables and inhabitants where he came, in the kings name to resort to Hunmanby, by the way he was espied, and by the circumspecte diligence of John Word the younger, James Aslaby, Rafe Twinge, and Thomas Constable Gentlemen, he was had in chase, and at last by them apprehended, and brought in the night in sure custody unto the City of York, to answer to his demerits.

After whom within short time, Thomas Dale, Henry Barton, the first chiefetaines and ringleaders of the former commotion, with John Dale, Robert Wright, W. Pecocke, Wetherell, & Edin. Buttry, busy sturrers in this seditiō, as they travailed from place to place, to draw people to their faction, were likewise apprehended, committed to ward, lawfully convicted, and lastly executed at York the 21. of September. An. 1549. Ex actis Iudicij publici registro receptis & notatis.

To these pestiferous commotions raised up against king Edward by his own subjects in this year aforesaid within the Realm, I might also adjoin the busy stirring and raging of the French king, against our young and innocent Prince, without the Realm. Who hearing of these tumults and violent insurrections of the kings subjects, in diverse and sundry quarters of the Realm, supposing to take the time for his most advantage, thought likewise for his parte not to be unoccupied. Who after he had by his ambassador made open breche with the king, immediately after the revocation of the said ambassador from hence, intending to annoy the king, and make his first invasion against the Isles of Jersey and Gernsey, thought to have surprised our ships and the said Isles with a certain number of his ships and Galleys. In the which his assault, he was so hotly saluted by the kings ships and the Island, that by the confession of them that saw it, and by the report written unto the Lord Protector, the French men at least lost a thousand men, their ships and galleis so spoiled, as being forced to return home, they were not able then to set out again.

Furthermore, out of France creadible word was brought to the Lord Protectoure (which yet in letters appeareth) that into one town in one vessel were brought at least three score Gentlemen to be buried: and also an •• hibition special given out by the king, not to speak of 〈◊〉 success in that journey. Thys was about the beginning of August. 1549.

The like also might be noted of the losses of the said French king at Bullenburgh, the eight day of August, the same year, as by the Lord Clintons letters may well appear: but for spending of time I pass it over: What the meaning of the French king was in these voiages, or how he intended further to proceed, I have not herein to deal. This is certain and evident, that the mighty arm of God mercifully fought for king Edward his servant, to defend and deliver him from so many hard dangers, so dangerous and sundry commotions stirred up in so many quarters within this Realm, and also without the Realm, and all within the compass of one year, and yet the Lord above fighting for his true servant, dispatched them all, as in story here ye have heard declared, and is no less worthy of all posterity to be noted.

Matter concerning Edmund Boner Bishop of London, with declaration of the Acts and process entered against him in king Edward's time.

ANd thus much hitherto having discoursed touching the manifold troubles and tumults raised up on every side against king Edward, by his unkind and unnatural subjects, and yet notwithstanding, the gracious goodness of the Lord ever giving him the victory: now let us return again to Boner Bishop of London, where we left him before, that is, in his own house, where he was by the Counsaile commanded to remain, as is above signified.

And now for so much as we have to enter into the story of the said Boner, for the better understanding of the whole order thereof, it shall be requisite to rip up the matter with the circumstances and occasions thereof from the first beginning of king Edward's time. Where is to be understanded, that king Edward in the first year of his reign, an. 1547. the first day of September, for the order of his Uisitation, directed out certain Commissioners, as sir Anthony Cook, sir John Godsaule Knightes, Master John Godsaule, Christopher Neuinson Doctors of the Law, and John Madew Doctor of Divinity. Who sitting in Paul's church upon their commission, the day and year aforesaid, there being present at the same time Edmund Bishop of London, John Royston, Polidore Uirgil, Peter Uan, and others of the said cathedral Church, after the sermon made, and the Commission being read, ministered an oath unto the said B. of London, to renounce and deny the bishop of Rome with his usurped authority, and to swear obedience unto the king, according to the effect and form of the statute made in the 31. year of king Henry the eight: also that he should present and redress all and singular such things as were needful within the said Church to be reformed.

Wherupon the said Bishop humbly and instantly desired them that he might see their commissiō, only for this purpose & intent (as he said) that he might the better fulfill & put in execution the things, wherein he was charged by them in their commission. Unto whom the commissioners answering, said, they would deliberate more upon the matter, & so they called the other ministers of the said Church before them, and ministered the like oth unto them, as they did to the bishop before. To whom moreover there & then certain interrogatories and articles of inquisition were read by Peter Lillye the public Notarie. Which done, after their oaths taken, the said Commissioners delivered unto the Bishop aforesaid certain Injunctions as well in printe as written, and Homilies set forth by the king. All which things the said Bishop received under the words of this protestation, as followeth.

I Do receive these Injunctions and Homilies with this protestation, that I will observe them, if they be not contrary and repugnaunt to God's law, and the statutes and ordinance of the Church, and immediately added with an oath, that he never read the said Homilies and Injunctions.

The which Protestation being made in manner and form aforesaid, the said Edmund Bishop of London instantly desired and required Peter Lily the register aforesaid, there and then to register and enact the same. And so the said Commissioners delivering the Injunctions and Homilies to Master Bellasiere Archdeacon of Colchester, and to Gilberte Bourne Archedeacon of London, Essex, and Middlesexe, and enjoining them in moste effectuous manner, under pains therein contained, to put the same in speedy execution, and also reserving other new injunctions to be ministered afterward, as well to the bishop, as to the Archdeacons aforesaid, according as they should see cause. &c. did so continue the visitation til 3. of the clock the same day in the afternoon.

At the which hour and place assigned, the Commissioners being set, and the Canons and Priests of the said Church appearing before them, and being examined upon virtue of their oath, for their doctrine and conversation of life: first one John Painter, one of the Canons of the said Cathedral church, there and then openly confessed, that he viciously and carnally had often the company of a certain married man's wife, whose name he denied to declare. In the which crime diverse other Canons and Priests of the said church, confessed in like manner, & could not deny them selves to be culpable.

And then after the Commissioners aforesaid had delivered to Master Royston Prebendary, and to the proctor of the Dean and of the Chapter of the said Cathedral Church of Sainte Paul, the kings Injunctions, and the book of Homilies, enioyninge them to see the execution thereof, under pain therein specified, they proroged their said visitation until seven of the clock the next day following.

By this visitation above specified, it appeareth, gentle Reader, first howe Boner made his Protestation after the receiving of the kings Injunctions, and also how he after required the same to be put in public record. Furthermore, thou hast to note the unchaste life and conversation of these popish votaries and priests of Paul's. Now what followed after this protestation of the Bishop made, remaineth further in the sequel of the story to be declared, wherein first thou shalt understand y ^t the said B. shortly after his Protestation, whether for fear or for conscience, repenting himself, went unto the King, where he submitting himself and recantinge his former protestation, craved pardon of the king for his inordinate demeanor toward his graces Commissioners, in the former visitation. Whych pardon, notwithstanding it was granted unto him by the Kynge, for the acknowledging of his fault, yet for the evil example of the fact, it was thought good that he should be committed to the Fleet, as by the tenoure of the Counsels letter sent to the Commissioners, may appear, which together with the form also of the Bishops protestation and of his recantation, here under followeth.

Thus far thou haste heard (loving Reader) first the popish protestation of Boner, then how he calling himself home again, solemnly recanted the same, requiringe further the said his revocation to be committed to publyke Record, for a perpetual remembrance. Also how he upon his humble submission received his pardō of the king, and yet for examples sake was commanded to the Flete. Where he nevertheless did not long continue, but according to the effect of the kings pardon afore granted, was restored both to house and living again: Which was in the first year of the king. An. 1547.

After this ye have heard also in the story above, in the second year, and a great part of the third yere of the king, howe he demeaned himself, although not most forward • in advancing the Kings proceedings, yet in such sort, as no great advantage by any law could be taken against him, both in swearing his obedience to the king, and in receiving his Injunctions: also in professing his assent and consent touching the state of Religion then: and furthermore in directinge out his letters, according to the Arch-Bishop of Canterburyes Preceptes, to Cloney his Sumner, to the Bishop of Westminster and other Bishops, for abolishing of Images, for abrogation of the Mass, for Bibles to be set up, and for ministering in both kinds, with such other matters of reformation like: till at length he hearing of the death of the Lord Admiral the Lord Protectours brother, and after that of the stirring and rising of the kings subjects in sundry tumults against the king, began somewhat, as he durst to draw back and slack his pastoral diligence, so that in many places of his Dioces, and in London the people not only were negligent in resorting to divine service, but also did frequent and haunt foreign rites of masses and other orders, then in this Realm appointed, and he also himself contrary to his wonted manner upon principal feasts refused in his own person to execute. Whereupon he being suspected and complained of, and convented before y ^e kings Counsaile (as ye heard before) after sharp admonitions and reproofs, had certain private Injunctions to him enjoined.

1. First, that he should personally preach within three weeks after at Paul's cross.

2. That according as his predecessors were wont to celebrate Mass, he at such wonted times should execute and administer the Communion.

3. That he should call before him and correct more diligently such transgressors as absented them selves from the order of service and ministration of the Lord's boorde, appointed then in Churches by the kings ordinance.

4. That he should see more carefully and vigilantly to the punishment of adulterers and fornicators.

5. That he in the mean while should be resident within his own house, during the time while he should make his sermon at Paul's above mentioned, which was an. 1549. In the which sermon certain special points were prefixed unto him, whereupon he should entreat, which here in order follow, and are these.

Special points and articles to be entreated of of Boner Bishop of London, in his Sermon.

2. THat all such as rebel against their prince, get unto thē damnation, and those y ^t resist the higher power, resist the ordinances of God, and he that dieth therefore in rebellion, by the word of God is utterly damned, and so looseth both body and soul. And therefore those Rebelles in Devonshire and Cornewall, in Norfolk, or else where, who taking upon them to assemble a power & force against their king and Prince, against y ^e laws and statutes of the Realm, and go about to subuerte the state and order of the commō wealth, not only do deserve therefore death, as traitors & rebels, but do accumulate to them selves eternal damnation, even to be in the burning fire of hell, with Lucifer the father and first author of pride, disobedience, and rebellion, what pretence so ever they have, and what Masses or holy water so ever they pretend, or go about to make among themselves, as Chore, Dathan, and Abiron, for rebellion against Moses, were swallowed down alive into hell, although they pretended to sacrifice unto God.

2 Likewise in the order of the Church and externe rites and ceremonies of divine service, for so much as God requireth humility of heart, innocence of living, knowledge of him, charity and love to our neighbors, and obedience to his word, and to his Ministers and superioure powers, these we must bring to all our prayers, to all our service, & this is the sacrifice that Christ requireth, and these be those that make all things pleasant unto God. The externe rites and ceremonies be but exercises of our religion, & appointable by superior powers, in choosing whereof we must obey the magistrates: the which things also we do see ever hath been and shall be (as the time and place is) diverse, and yet all hath pleased God so long as these before spoken inward things be there. If any man shall use the old rites, and thereby disobey the superior power, the devotion of his ceremonies is made naught by his disobedience: so that, which else (so longe as y ^e law did so stand) might be good, by pride and disobedience now is made nought: as Saul's sacrifice, Chore, Dathan, and Abiron, and Aaron's 2. children were. But who that joineth to devotion obedience, he winneth the garland. For else it is a zeal, sed non secundum scientiam, a will, desire, zeal, and devotion, but not after wisdom, that is a foolish devotion which can require no thanks or praise. And yet again, where ye obey, ye must have devotion, for God requireth the heart more then the outward doings, and therefore who that taketh the Communion, or saith or heareth the service appointed by the kings majesty, must bring devotion and inward prayer with him, or else his prayers are but vain, lacking that which God requireth, that is, the heart and mind to pray to him.

3 Further, ye shall for example on Sunday come seventh night after the aforesaid date, celebrate the Communion at Paul's Church.

4 Ye shall also set forth in your sermon, that our authority of royal power, is (as of truth it is) of no less authority and force in this our young age, then is, or was of any of our predecessors, though the same were much elder, as may appear by example of Josiah, and other young kings in scripture: and therefore all our subjects to be no less bound to the obedience of our precepts, laws, and statutes, then if we were of 30. or 40. years of age.

The delivery of these Injunctions & articles unto the Bishop (with the time of his appointed preaching) was soon after known abroad amongst the citizens and other the Commons within the city of London, so that every man expecteth y ^e time thereof, wishing to hear the same. Whych being once come, the B. according to the tenor of the Iniunctiōs, publicly preached at the Cross of Paul's, the 1. day of September. Howbeit as hypocrisy never lurketh so secretly in the hearts of the wicked, but that at one time or other, God in his moste righteous judgment maketh it open unto the world: so at this present was the long colored perverse obstinacy, and infestred hatred of this double faced dissembler, against the kings godly proceedings, most plainly manifested by his disobedient demeanor in this his sermon.

For where as he was only commanded to entreat upon such special points as were mentioned in his articles: he yet, both besides the counsels commandment, to the withdrawing of the minds of the common people, in as much as in him lay, from the right and true understanding of the holy Sacrament ministered in the holy Communion then set forth by the authority of the kings majesty, (according to the true sense of the holy scripture) did spend most part of his sermon about the gross, carnal, and papistical presence of Christ's body and blood in the sacrament of the alter, and also contrary thereunto, did not only slenderly touch the rest of his articles, but of a rebellious and willful carelessness, did utterly leave out unspoken the whole last article, concerning the as effectual and as lawful authority of the kings highness during his young age, as if he were 30. or 40. years old: notwithstanding the same (because it was the traitorous opinion of the popish rebels) was by special commandment chiefly appointed him to entreat upon.

This contemptuous & disobedient dealing, as it greatly offended most of the kings faithful and loving subjects there present, so did it much mislike the minds, and was far from the good expectation, as well of that faithful and godly preacher master John Hooper, afterwards bishop of Worcester & Gloucester, and lastly a moste constant martyr for the Gospel of Christ: as also of M. William Latimer, Bachelor of Divinity, and therefore they well weighing the fullness of the fact, and their bounden alegeances unto their Prince, did thereupon exhibit unto the kings highness under both their names, a bill of complaint or denunciation against the said bishop in form following.

The denunciation of John Hooper and William Latimer against Boner, to the kings majesty, for leaving undone the points afore mentioned, which he was charged to preach upon.

IN most humble wise showeth unto your Majesty, William Latimer and John Hooper, that where of late, as we be certainly infourmed frō your majesty, by the hand of the right high and noble Prince Edward Duke of Somerset, Governor of your Royal person, and Protectour of all your highness realms, dominions and subjects, and the rest of your privy Counsaile, there was certain Injunctions given to the Bishop of London that now is, with Articles to be insinuated and preached unto youre subjects at a certain day limited, the which Injunctions and articles did only tend to the honor of GOD, and the better instructions of your highness people, to obedience and hatred of rebellion and mutiny, wherewith of late this your Majesty's Realm hath been marvelously vexed, to the danger of your highness person, and the state of the whole Realm, and there • ore a thing at this time most necessary to be taught unto y ^e people, that they might know their duty unto your majesty, and unto almighty God, and especially to acknowledge your Majesty in these years & age to be a perfect, high, and sovereign Lord and king, and supreme head, whose laws, proclamations, and commandments we are bound to obey, as well as any princes subjects are bound to obey the laws, proclamations, and commandments of their natural and sovereign Lord, notwithstanding that nature hath not yet given unto your person such age as we trust he shall, nor so many years, which we wish to be so many as any Prince ever had, the which years do not make you Kynge or Prince, but the righte of your birthe, and lawful succession whatsoever it be, so that we all must as well acknowledge your majesty to be our Kinge and Prince, at these years, as if you were of the age of 30. or 40. years, and your laws and statutes no less to be feared & obeyed, thē if your highness were 50. or 100. years old, (the which thing not only is most certainly true, but also at this time most necessarily to be taught, especially when diverse rebels have openly declared, that they would not obey your highness laws, nor acknowledge the Statutes made by your Majesty to be available til ye come to the age of 20. years) and this not only being so, but the same thing being commanded by your said Majesty amongst other Injunctions & Articles given in writing to the said Edmund Boner, to be preached in his last sermon, as by the same Injunctions may appear, of the which the true copy we have when need is to be shown: yet all this notwithstanding, the said Boner, of what zeal or mind we cannot tell, whether fauoring the opinion of the said rebels, or contemning your highness commandment declared to him, hath not only left out to declare the said Article, which we most & chiefly expected and looked for, but also in all the rest of his Sermons did not so fully and apertly declare the said Injunctions and Articles as to our judgment did appear, they ought to have been declared, and was of no light ground looked for, entreating of other far distant and diverse from the Articles upon the which he was commanded to entreat, and such as most should move and stir up the people to disorder and dissension, willingly leaving out those things which should have made quiet & obedience. Wherefore not moved of any malice, grudge, envy, or evil will to the person of the bishop, but constrained by the love & zeal which we bear towards your highness, & of our duty and allegiance to your majesty, whose honor and sauety with tranquility, quietness and good governance of this your Realm, we do most desire, and for y ^e discharge of our most bounden duties, to avoid all the dangers that might ensue of the concealment thereof, we most humbly do denounce and declare the same to your highness, to the intent that your Majesty by the advise aforesaid, may, if it please your highness, at this our humble denunciation, call the said Bishop to answer to the premisses, the which we are ready to auowe and prove, and then your highness to take further order herein, as to your Princely wisdom shall seem most convenient: whose long life, and most prosperous government, God almighty long continue, for the which we shall pray during our lives.

The Kings Majesty having thus by the information of these two credible persons, perfect intelligence of the cōtemptuous & perverse negligence of this Bishop, in not accomplishing his highness commandment givē him by Iniunction, thought it most necessary with all convenient speed (for the avoiding of farther inconveniences) to loke more severely unto the due punishment of such dangerous rebellious obstinacy, and therefore by the advise of the Lord Protectour, and the rest of his honorable Counsaile, immediately he directed forth his commission under his broad Seal, unto the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Rochester, and to other grave and trusty personages and Counsellers, appointing & authorising all thē, or certain of them, by virtue of the same, to call before them, as well the Bishop of London, as also the foresaid denouncers, & vpō due examination & proof of y ^e premisses, or any other matter otherwise to be objected, farther to proceed against him su •• arely & de plano, according to law and Justice, either to suspension, excōmunicatiō, committing to prison, or deprivation (if the quality of the offense so required) or otherwise to use any other censure Ecclesiastical, which for the better hearing and determining of that cause, might to their wisdoms seem more pertinent, as appeareth more amply by the tenor of the Commission here ensuing.

This commission being sealed with the kings broad seal, was by his highness Counsaile forthwith delivered at the Court unto the archb. of Canterbury, and the rest of the Commissioners mentioned in y ^e same, being there all together present. Who upon the receipt thereof determined by virtue of the same, to sit at the archbishoppes house at Lambeth the Wednesday th • n next ensuing. Which was y ^e tenth day of that present month of September, and therefore appointed the Bishop o • London to be summoned to appear before them as at that time and place. The manner of whose behavior at his appearance, because it both declareth the froward nature and stubborn condition of the person, and also what estimatiō and authority he thought the commissioners to be of, I thought not unmeet first, before I enter into the process, somewhat to note and describe unto you.

At his first entry into the place within the Archbishops house at Lambeth, where the Archbishop and other of the Commissioners sat, he passed forth directly by them with his cap upon his head (making as though he saw them not) until one plucking him by the sleeve, willed him to do reverence unto the Commissioners. Wherat he laughingly turned himself, & spake unto the archb. on this wise: what my Lord, are you here? By my trouthe I saw you not. No said the Archbishop, you would not see. Well (quoth he) you sent for me: have you any thing to say to me? Yea said the Commissioners, we have here authority from the kings highness to call you to account for your Sermon you made lately at Paul's cross, for that you did not there publish unto the people the article which you were commanded then to preach upon. At which words the bish. either for that he did not greatly delight to hear of this matter, or else because he would make his friends believe that he was called to accompt only for his opinion in religion (as afterwards in the sequel of this process it more plainly appeareth) began to turn his talk unto other matters, and said unto the archbishop. In good faith my Lord, I would one thing were had in more reverence, the • it is? What is it said the Archbishop? The blessed mass, •• oth he. You have written very well of the sacrament: I marvel you do no more honor it? The Archbishop of Cant. therewith perceiving his subtlety: and seeing his gross blindness to commend that which was utterly contrary to his opinion, said unto him again: If you think it well, it is because you understand it not. The other then adding unto his former gross ignorance an obstinate impudency, answered: I think I understand it better then you that wrote it. Unto which words the Archbishop replied: truly I will easily make a child that is but ten years old understand therein as much as you: but what is this to the matter?

Moreover at what time as they began to enter the Judicial prosecuting of their commission, and had called forth the denouncers to propound such matter as they had to object against him, he hearing them speak, fell to scorning and taunting of them, saying to the one, that he spake like a Goose, and to the other, that he spake like a Woodcocke, utterly denying their accusations to be true. Wherupon y ^e Archbishop (seeing his peenish malice against the denoūcers) asked him if he would not believe them, whether he would credit the people there present, and therewithal (because many of them were also at the Bishops Sermon at Paul's) he stood up and read the article of the kings authority during his young age, saying unto them, howe say you my masters, did my Lord of London preach this Article? Whereunto they answered no, no. At which words the Bishop turning himself about, deryding said: will you believe this fond people?

Besides this, at all his appearings he used many irreuerent, uncomely, obstinate and froward words and behaviors towards the Commissioners and others (in defacing their authority with the terms of pretensed Commissioners, pretensed witnesses and unjust unlawful and pretensed proceedings, with recusation of some, and terming others Daws, Woodcockes, fools, and such like) which I will here omit, for they do more manifestly appear in the sequel of the story in the time and place, as they happened: Adding yet this much by the way, that although such stoutness of heart and will (if it had been in a cause true and rightful) might have perchance seemed in some men's judgment to be somewhat sufferable: yet to say the truth, in what cause so ever it be, being unmoderate as this shall appear, it beseemed no wise man, and therefore much less one of his calling. For if his cause had been good, why did he not take the wrong patiently and meekly, as the true Canon law of the Gospel doth teach him? If it were (as it was in deed) naught and wrong, whereto served so bold sturdy stoutness, but to show the impudency of the person and to make the cause worse which was bad enough before? But belike he was disposed to declare, if need were, what he was able to do in the law, in shifting off the matter by subtle delatories, and frivolous cavilling about the law. And if that would not help, yet with facing and brasing, and railing upon the denouncers, with furious words, and irreuerent behavior towards the Kings Commissioners, he thought to countenance out the matter before the people, that something might seem yet to be in him, whatsoever was in the cause. For to conclude, for all his crafty cauteles and tergiuersations alleged out of the law, yet neither his cause could be so defended, nor his behavior so excused, but that he was therefore both justly imprisoned, and also in the ende most lawfully deprived: as by the sequel of this process may well appear, the manner whereof is as followeth.

The first Action or Session against Boner.

VPon Wednesday the x. day of September in the yere of our Lord 1549. and in the third year of the reign of King Edward the vi. Thomas Cranmer Archbyshop of Canterbury, Metropolitan and Primate of all England, associate with Nicholas Ridley then Bishop of Rochester, sir William Peter Knight, one of the kings two principal Secretaries, and William May Doctor of the Civil law and Dean of Paul's, by virtue of the Kyngs Commission, sat Iudicially upon the examination of Edmund Boner Bishop of London, within the Archbishops chamber of presence at his house in Lambeth, before whom there then also personally appeared the said Bishop: at which time the Commissioners first showing forth their Commission, requested sir William Peter that he would openly publish and read the same. Which done, the Archbishop in the name of the rest, declared unto the Bishop that a grievous complaint had been theretofore made and exhibited against him in writing unto the kings Majesty, and his honorable Counsaile, and that therefore his highness, with their advise, had committed the examination thereof unto him and other his Colleges there present, as also unto sir Thomas Smith Knight, the other of his Majesty's two principal Secretaries though then absent, and therewithal shown also forth a Bill of complaint exhibited unto the King by William Latimer and John Hoper Ministers, which they likewise requested sir William Peter to read.

These things ended, the Bishop like a subtle Lawyer, having most like some secret intelligence before of these matters, (whatsoever he pretended to the contrary) pulled out of his bosom a solemn protestation ready written: which he then exhibited unto the Commissioners, requesting that the same might be there openly read: the copy whereof is this in tenor and form as followeth.

The tenor and form of Edmund Boner Bishop of London his protestation, exhibited to the Kings Commissioners at his first appearing.

EDmundus Lond. Episcopus primo & ante omnia protestor quod per hanc meam comparitionem seu per aliqua per me hic dicta seu dicenda, allegata seu alleganda, proposita seu proponenda, exhibita seu exhibenda, gesta seu gerenda, obiecta seu obijcienda, exercita seu exercenda, facta seu fienda, petita seu petenda, non intendo in vos dominos Iudices praesentes tanquam in iudices mihi in hac parte competentes & idoneos aliquo modo consentire vestram iurisdictionem praesentem in hac parte aliquatenus prorogare, nisi prout ac quatenus de iure ad hoc tenear & astringar rationique consonum videatur: & sub protestatione praedicta & ea semper mihi salua (a qua recedere non intendo, sed eandem in omnibus & singulis deinceps in hoc negotio praetenso per me agendis, pro repetita haberi volo) dico & allego quod literae commissionales pretensae vobis (vt dicitur) in hac parte directae, seu earum vera & legitima copia nunquam ante hac mihi ostensae aut monstratae fuerunt, nec a me aliquo modo visae, lectae aut cognitae, vel mihi traditae. Itaque contra formam & tenorem earundem, vel contra personas aliquorum vestrum, ea quae de iure ac naturali ration mihi competunt in hac parte, cum reuerentia (qua decet) obijcere, ac in debita iuris forma proponere non possum in praesenti vt deberem. Quare vt defensio congrua quae nulli hominum deneganda est, mihi reseruetur liquidoque sciam cuiusmodi exceptiones mihi in hac parte competere possint ac debeant, vtque ease suis loco & tempore iuxta iuris exigentiam, pro necessaria defensione mea proponam contra vel pretensas literas commissionales huiusmodi, vel contra personas aliquorum vestrum, quatenus liceat & expediat sub protestatione praedicta, facultatem dictas praetensas litteras commissionales in forma originally inspiciendi, ac earum veram, integram, & fidelem copiam debite exinde mihi fieri humiliter peto & postulo prout iuris est in hac parte, tenore praesentium: nihilominus • estatum manifest relinquens, quod obseruantiam & reuerentiam, ac obedientiam & honorem, ac caetera quaecunque serenissimae Regiae Maiest. Domino meo supremo has literas praetensas vobis (vt dicitur) committenti qualitercunque decet in omnibus & per omnia perpetuo humillime recogniturus sum, habiturus & praestiturus, & his exceptionibus, & defensionibus legitimis mihi de iure & natura competentibus ad defensionem meam necessariam & legitimam ac non aliter in hac parte vsurus.

This Protestation being read, he requested the Commissioners that he might have the Bill of complaint delivered him: which when he had well perused, he said that the same was very general, and so general, as that he could not directly answer thereunto. Whereunto the Archbyshop answered, that the special cause of the complaint against him was, for that he had transgressed the Kings commandment, given unto him by his Counsaile, in that he in his late Sermon made at Paul's cross, did not set forth unto the people the Kings highness royal power in his minority, according to the tenor of the Article delivered unto him by them for that purpose: and for proof thereof called forth William Latimer and John Hoper preachers, who before that time had put up the bill of complaint unto the King against him.

Upon whom, when the Bishop had earnestly looked, (and well beheld them) he said: as for this Merchant Latimer, I know him very well, and have borne with him, & winked at his evil doings a great while, but I have more to say to him hereafter. But as touching this other Marchaunt Hooper, I have not seen him before, howbeit I have heard much of his naughty preaching: and then turning himself again to the Archbyshop (of purpose most like to make his friends think that he was not called thither to answer his contemptuous disobedience, but for matters of Religion) said unto him: Ah my Lord, now I see that the cause of my trouble is not for the matter that you pretend against me, but it is for that I did preach and set forth in my late Sermon, the true presence of the most blessed body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ to be in the Sacrament of the altar. For, as for these my accusers, as they be evil, infamed, and notorious criminous persons, so are they manifest and notable heretics, and seducers of the people, especially touching the Sacrament of the alter: and most of all this Hooper.

For where in my late Sermon at Paul's cross I preached that in the blessed Sacrament of the alter, after the words of consecration, there is the true body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ, the selfsame in substance that was hanged and shed upon the Cross: he the same day at after noon, having a great rablement with him of his damnable sect, openly in the Pulpit within my Dioces, did preach erroneously to the people against it: and maliciously inueying against my Sermon, denied the verity and presence of Christ's true body and blood to be in the same Sacrament, and also falsely and untruly interpreted and expounded my words. And specially, where I preached and affirmed the very true body and blood of our Savior Jesus Christ to be in the said Sacrament, the selfsame in substance that was hanged and shed upon the Cross: he like an Ass (as he is an Ass in deed) falsely changed and turned the word that into as, like an Ass, saying that I had said, as it hanged, and as it was shed upon the Cross.

The Archbyshop hereupon perceiving the Bishops drifte, and hearing him talk so much of the presence of Christ's body and blood in the Sacrament, said unto him: My Lord of London, ye speak much of a presence in the Sacrament: what presence is there, and of what presence do you mean? Wherewith the Bishop being somewhat sturred and moved in mind (as appeared by his collericke countenance) spake again to the Archbishop very earnestly, and said: What presence my Lord? I say and believe that there is the very true presence of the body and blood of Christ. What believe you, and how do you believe my Lord? Upon which words the Archbishop, because he saw his answer dark and subtle, and minding somewhat to nip the gross absurdity of the Papists, asked him farther whether he were there, face, nose, mouth, eyes, arms, and lips, with other liniamentes of his body? Whereat the Bishop shaking his head, said: Oh, I am right sory to hear your grace speak these words, and therewith boldly urged the Archbyshop to show his mind therein. Who wisely waying the fond presumption of the party, with the place and occasion of their assembly, refused then so to do, saying: that their being there at that time, was not to dispute of those matters, but to prosecute their Commission committed to them by their Prince, and therefore willed him to answer them unto such things as were objected against him.

Whereupon under his Protestation, he requested to have a copy both of the Commission, and also of the denounciation given unto him, with time to answer thereunto. Which the Commissioners willingly granted, assigning him there to appear again before them upon Friday at eight of the clock before noon, then next following, and then to answer the tenor of the denounciation. And so for that day (he complaing somewhat of the shortness of his time to answer) they all departed.

The second appearance of Boner in the Chapel of Lambeth, before the Archbyshop, and other four Commissioners, the Bishop of Rochester, Secretary Peter, Secretary Smyth, and the Dean of Paul's.

VPon Friday the xiii. of September aforenamed, four Commissioners, associated then also with Sir Thomas Smith Knight, the other of the Kings two principal Secretaries, and joint Commissioners with them, sat judicially in the Archbishops Chapel within his house at Lambeth. Before whom (according to their former assignment) there and then appeared the Bishop of London. To whom the Archbyshop in the name of the rest, first said: My Lord of London, the last time you were before us, we laid certain Articles and matter to youre charge touching your disobedience to the Kings Majesty, and you have this day to make your answer thereunto: wherefore now show us what you have to say for youre defense.

Whereunto the Bishop first asking the Archbyshop if he had all said and done, and he again saying yea, made this answer: My Lord, the last day that I appeared before you, I remember there sat in the Kings Majesty's commission, your Grace, you my Lord of Rochester, you M. Secretary Peter, and you M. Dean of Paul's: but now I perceive there sitteth also M. Secretary Smyth. Who because he sat not at the beginning, nor took there the Commission upon him, ought not so to do: for by the law, they which begin, must continue the commission.

Whereupon the Archbishop first answered, that he was no lawyer, and therefore could not certeinely show what the law willeth in that case, but (saith he) if the law be so in deed, surely I take it to be an unreasonable law.

Well, said the Bishop, there be here that knoweth the law: and yet I say not this to the intent to stand or stick much in this point with you, but to tell it you as it were by the way: for I have here mine answer ready.

Then said Master Secretary Peter to the Bishop: my Lord in good sooth I must say unto you, that although I have professed the law, yet by discontinuance and disuse thereof, and having been occupied a long time in other matters from study of the law, I have perhaps forgotten what the law will do precisely in this point: but admit the law were so as you say, yet yourself knoweth my Lord, that this is our certain rule in law, Quod consuetudo est iuris interpres optimus, and I am sure you will not, nor cannot deny, but that the custom is commonly in this realm in all judgments and Commissions used to the contrary: and in very deed altogether at the Court, having the Com •••• ion presented unto us, take it upon us: and therefore for you to stick in such trifling matters, you shall rather in my judgment hurt yourself and your matter, then otherwise.

Truly Master Secretary (said the Bishop) I have also of long while been disused in the study of the law, but having occasion (partly by reason of this matter) to turn my books, I find the law to be as I say: and yet (as I said) I tell you hereof by the way, not minding to stick much with you in that point.

At which words Master Secretary Smyth said also unto the Bishop: well my Lord of London, as cunning as you make yourself in the law, there be here that knoweth the law as well as you: and for my part I have studied the law to, and I promise you, these be but quiddites and quirkes invented to delay matters, but our Commission is to proceed summarily, & de plano, and to cut off such frivolous allegations.

Well (said the Bishop again) look well on your commission, and you shall find therein these words: to proceed according to the law and Justice, and I ask both law and Justice at your hands.

Then Master Secretary Peter willed him to stand no more thereupon, but to proceed unto his answer. Wherupon he took forth a writing, wherein was contained his answer to the denunciation exhibited the day before by Latimer and Hooper, and delivering it unto the Archbishop, said, that it was of his own hand writing, and for lack of sufficient time written so hastily & coarsely, that it could scarcely be read of any other, and therefore he desired to read it himself: and so taking it again read it openly, the copy whereof here followeth.

*The answer of the said Bishop, made to the denunciation aforesaid.

I Edmond bishop of London, concerning William Latimer & John Hooper, the pretenced denunciators of this matter here now before you, and for answer unto the unlawful, untrue and uncharitable pretenced denunciation of them, lately in deed contrary to justice and good reason, exhibited here and read before you under protestation heretofore made by me and red unto you, remaining in the acts of this court, to which I refer me, and have the same here again for repeated and rehea • sed to all purposes agreeable to the law, do for my necessary defense and help allege and say as followeth.

First I do allege and say, that the said William Latimer and John Hooper, or either of thē were not nor now are to be admitted in any wise by virtue of this or any other commission, as denunciators against me their Bishop specially, for that they and either of them have as well before the time of this pretensed denunciation and also thē and since been and be vile, and infamed, notorious, criminous persons and also open and manifest notable heretics, especially concerning the sacraments of the catholic Church, and namely concerning the blessed Sacrament of the altar, by reason of which their heresies they were and be by the order of the said Catholic Church here in this realm of England justly and duly, excommunicated and accursed, and have divided thenselves thereby from the untie and integrity of Christ's Catholic church and for such persons they have been and are named, reputed and taken, openly notoriously and commonly amongst the catholic people of this Realm of England, and especially of this Citty of London, familiarly haunting and conversant with sacramentaries and openly known condemned heretics and favorers and Abbettors of the same, and their detestable & pestilent doctrine & heresy. 2. Item that the said John Hooper amongst other his poisoned and venomous doctrine, and amongst other his erroneous, detestable, and abhominable errors and heresies taught and spread abroad here within this realm infecting and poisoning the kings subjects therewyth hath before the time of the said pretensed denunciation, damnably and detestablie made diverse erroneous, and heretical books, especially one entitled a declaration of Christ and of his offcie, printed (as he falsely surmiseth) in Zurich by Augustine Friers, where he in many places, heretically and damnably denieth the true presence of Christ's body in the blessed sacrament of the alter, and also in effect denieth the verity of Christ's blessed body upon the cross, calling it Mathematticall and excludyng thereby the true and very substance thereof. 3. Item that the said John Hooper doth persevere and continueth still in his said poisoned and wicked venomous doctrine in all points maintaining and defending the same and every part thereof, all the ways he can, especially against y ^e presence of Christ's blessed body in the sacrament of the altar, and his said books, especially the said declaration of Christ and of his office, he doth yet allow and mayntayn as good and Catholic, where in deed it is heretical, wicked and damnable, the contents of which doctrine and books so entitled, the said Latimer especially touching the heresy against the verity of Christ's body and his true presence in the sacrament of the alter hath heard, taught, read, preached, believed, holden, maintained and kept, and so at this present doth yet believe, hold, maintain, and keep, contrary to the faith of Christ's Catholic church, and the unity of the same observed amongst all true christen people, incurring thereby heresy excommunication and Schism to the loss both of their souls and of their believers. 4. Item that the said Latimer and Hooper, and either of them, being of these vile and detestable qualities and consequently by the ordinance of the catholic Church of Christ, as well of this Realm, as also throughout all Christendom, being so excommunicate & cast out thereby, from the said Church, are not to this pretensed denunciation, against me their Bishop, nor to any judicial act to be admitted, ne yet to be accompanied with all, or answered unto, but are by scripture and the order of Christ's Catholic Church here in this Realm utterly and clearly, to be excluded avoided, detested, eschewed and abhorred in all manner of wise, of all faithful and true christen people, fearing God, and desiring the advancement of the truth. 5. Item, that where the said Latimer and Hoper in their said pretensed denunciation, amongst other things do untruly deduce, that they have made their said pretensed denunciation not moved of any malice or evil will, but for the good tranquility and governance of this Realm, which as they pretend in their gay and glorious proheme, they would beseem to have a great care and solicitude of, where in very deed, they and such as they are by sundry ways, and specially by their corrupt doctrine, and heretical naughty preaching and infecting of the Kings Majesty's people, have disturbed and greatly inquieted the good tranquility and governance of this Realm as evidently and notoriously it is well known, the truth is that this their saying is evident and plain false, for notorious it is, and lawfully shall be proved, that the said Hooper conspiring with the said Latimer and other Heretics of their factions, sect, and damnable opinion, did the first day of September last past, after that I the said Bishop of London had made the sermon at Paul's cross, assemble maliciously, uncharitably and unlawfully, a great rabblement of such as himself is, within my diocese and jurisdiction, and under the color of reading, did openly and manifestly rail and inuay against me the said Bishop for my said Sermon, not for any such matter, pretence or cause, as is falsely and untruly surmised in the said pretensed denunciation, but only and chiefly for that I the said Bishop, as became a christen man, and especially him that had and hath cure and charge of his flock, faithfully, and truly to teach them, did taking occasion of the communion not frequented nor reverenced, but neglected and contemned, confess and declare my faith and belief openly before my audience, touching the blessed Sacrament of the altar ministered in the same Communion, affirming as the catholic Church affirmeth and teacheth. That in the blessed sacrament of the altar, there is the very true body of our savior Christ, the selfsame in substance that hanged upon the cross, and the very true blood of our savior Christ: the selfsame in substance that was shed upon the cross. Against which affirmation and assertion, being Catholic and true, the said John Hooper (albeit now colourably and falsely and foolishly pretendeth another matter more plausible in his opinion and judgment in sundry places of the City of London and suburbs of the same) hath since that time maliciously inuayed and taught, learning and teaching his audience heretically (being many in number, and assembling in great routes) to reprove, contemn and despise the said blessed Sacrament of the alter, and not to have a true and faithful belief of it, as hitherto always the catholic Church hath ever had, the said William Latimer, and the rabblement of his complices, conspiring and agreeing in points therein, and inducing other to do the same, not making any such pretence at all (as they in their said pretensed denunciation, do falsely surmise and deduce, but only and chiefly offended for my said assertion, and affirmation of the verity of Christ's body and blood in the sacrament of the altare.

Item, that where the said William Latimer and John Hooper in their said pretensed denunciation, do further deduce and falsely surmise that I the said Bishop of London had delivered to me from the Kings majesty, by the hands of the Lord Protectors grace, and the rest of the Kyngs Majesty's Counsaile certain Injunctions with articles to be insinuated and preached to the Kings Majesty's subjects at a certain day limited, and after such sort, form, and manner, as is in the said pretensed denunciation surmised untruly and deduced. It is notorious and evident, as well by the tenor and continue of that writing which was to me the said Bishop of London delivered by the hands of Sir Thomas Smith Knight, one of the two principal Secretaries to the Kings Majesty, as otherwise, that the said surmise in such sort and fashion as it is deduced and made, is not true in this behalf, referring me to the tenor of the said writing, which neither was signed with the Kings Majesty's hand, nor sealed with any his Majesty's seal or signet, ne yet subscribed by any of the said Counsayle, or delivered after such sort, as is alleged and pretended, as more evidently hereafter shall appear, and sufficiently be proved for my lawful and necessary defense in this behalf.

Item, that in case any such Injunctions with articles, after such form and fashion, had so been delivered unto me as is surmised and pretended, yet false and untrue it is, that I the said Bishop either left out, or refused to declare the same for any such cause or causes, falsely and untruly surmised in the said pretensed denunciation or else so perversely and negligently did, as likewise in the said pretensed denunciation is deduced, which thing may well appear in the discourse of my said Sermon, where in substance and effect, I declared faithfully & truly these points specially following: it is to wit, that all such as rebel against their prince, get unto them damnation, and those that refuseth the high power, resisteth the ordinance o • God, and he that dieth therefore in Rebellion, is by the word of God utterly damned, and so loseth both body and soul, alleging for this purpose the xiii. Chapter of S. Paul to the Romaines, and it at large declaring unto the audience, furthermore, speaking of the Rebels in Devonshire, Cornewale, Norfolk, and elsewhere within this Realm, standing in doubt, whether I might put them in the place of those that put trust in themselves and despised all other, or in the place of both, doing as they did forgetting God, not duly considering the Kings Majesty their supreme head, next and immediately under God, forgetting their wives, their children, their kinsfolk, their alliance, acquaintance, and friends, yea themselves and their native Country, and most unnaturally rebelling against their sovereign Lord and King, whom by God's law they were bound to love, serve, and faithfully obey, I did to the best of my power to dissuade Rebellion, and exhort the audience unto true obedience, say, that obedience being thus commanded, and all rebellion forbid̄ under pain of eternal damnation, all these Rebels in Cornewal, Devonshire, Norfolk, or elsewhere, who take upon them to assemble a power and force against their King and Prince, against the laws and statutes of the Realm, and went about to subvert the order of the common wealth, did not only deserve therefore death, as Rebels and Traitors, but also did accumulate unto themselves eternal damnation, even to be in the burning fire of hell, with Lucifer the father, and first author of pride, disobedience and rebellion. And here I did ask who had induced the said Rebels thus to do, to which I answered by another question, demanding who moved and induced Eve to eat the apple and break her obedience against God's commandment, who moved also and induced Cain to kill his brother Abel, yea who moved Judas the Apostle to betray his master Christ, was it not the Devil? yes truly, and he it is said I, that of his great malice and hatred to man and good order, hath moved and induced these Rebels to this unnatural Rebellion against their Prince and sovereign Lord, whereupon I asked what pretenses they had, and answering thereto, said: that amongst other they had Masses and holy water, upon which I exclaiming against them, said, good Lord: is not this a marvelous thing to palliate, color, excuse, and maintain rebellion and inobedience, to pretend mass or holywater, as who saith, that these things had been instituted and ordained to defend, maintain, and excuse rebellion, treason, and inobedience, which I told the audience they could not do. And thereupon I brought four texts of scripture to prove this thing that I said, aleaging the xvj. Chapter of the book of Nombers, the xv. Chapter of the first book of Kings, the x. Chapter of Levite. and the iv. that myself added also the xiii. of S. Luke, joined with the v. of the Acts, setting them forth the best I could, as one not much exercised in preaching, but restrained therefrom. And here I concluded, that whatsoever pretences these rebels had of masses, holy water, or such other, it could not in any wise excuse or defend their rebellion and inobedience, referring myself herein to the indifferent hearers in the said audience. And here pulling out a writing, sent from the Kings Majesty's privy counsel unto me touching the victory against the said rebels, which for brevity of time, my memory would not serve to declare without book, did rehearse it in writing word by word. In doing whereof it well appeared, that I did not favor the opinion of the said Rebels, nor maintain their enterprise, but contrariwise did detest them, and all their doings, declaring obedience to be better then sacrifice. And that in disobedience and rebellion nothing could nor did please Almighty God. Further, taking occasion of the proud Pharisey and the humble Publican ascending into the temple to pray, and noting y ^e outward and externe doing of them both, with the success thereof, I declared to the audience touching the order of the Church, and the externe rites and ceremonies of the divine service, that for as much as God requireth humility of heart, innocence of living, knowledge of him, charity and love to our neighbor, and obedience to his word, to his Ministers, and to the superior powers, we must bring all these things to all our prayers, to all our service, and that this is the sacrifice that Christ requireth, and that these be such that make all things pleasant to almighty God, further saying: that the externe rites are but exercises of Religion, and appointable by superior powers, and that in the choosing thereof, we must obey the Magistrates, and that we also do see that those things ever hath been, and shall be diverse, as the time and place is, and yet all hath pleased God, so long as humility or heart, innocence of living, knowing of God, charity and love to our neighbor, with obedience to God's word, God's Ministers, and superior powers, ar • concurrent and pre • ent therewith.

Moreover I then said, that if any man should use rites, and disobey thereby the superior powers, the devotion of his ceremony was made evil, by his disobedience. In so much that that which standing the law, might be good, was by pride, disobedience, and rebellion, made evil and unprofitable, putting examp • e in the fact of Saul, reserving the fat Sheep for Sacrifice, and in Chore, Dathan, and Abyron, and also in Nadab and Abbihu, Aaron's two children, and in the Galileans, whose blood Pilate did mixe with their sacrifices. And thereupon I told the audience that they must do herein especially two things, the first they must join to, and with their devotion, faithful obedience, and then they shall win the garland, and otherwise have but a zeal. Sed non secundum scientiam, deserving no thank or praise of God, and also they must with and to their obedience, join devotion, knowing that God more doth require and consider the heart, then the outward doing. And thereupon I exhorted the audience, that when they came to take the Communion, or to hear or say the service, appointed by the Kings Majesty, they must bring devotion and inward prayer with them, for else their prayers shall he but vain, as wantyng and lacking that thing, which God requireth, that is, the heart and mind to pray to him. And herein because I marvelled that the Communion was no more frequented nowadays, and lamenting the irreverent coming to it, and using of it, fearing that it proceeded of any evil opinion and belief touching the Sacrament of the alter, ministered and distributed at the said Communion, and to the intent to make the people have better opinion of it then they seemed to have, I did faithfully, truly, and plainly declare my belief of the said Sacrament, wherewith the said Latimer and Hooper with their complices were so much offended and agree • ed .viii. Item, that where the said Wyllyam Latimer and John Hooper, do further in the said pretensed denunciation, untruly, and uncharitably, deduce and allege, that I in my said Sermon, did entreat of such things, as most should move and stir up the people to disorder and dissention, it doth evidently and clearly appear, that either the said pretensed denunciatours do take a declaration faithfully made of the obedience of the subjects, to the Kings Majesty, the supreme and sovereign Lord, and the great peril and danger of Rebellion committed by subjects against their King and Princes, and sovereign Lord, to be a moving and stirring up of people to discord and dissention: or else that the affirmation and assertion Catholic of the verity of Christ's body and blood, and in the blessed Sacrament of the Aultare, set forth by me as afore, doth work such disorder and dissention: for euidente it is to all those which indifferentlye heard my said Sermon, that I groundyng myself upon Scripture, and taking occasion of the Sunday then occurrent, did speak specially and earnestly of these two things, without taxing of any man specially by name, or other circumstance, to slander them thereby, and I did both set forth the obedience and duty of all Subiectes, generallye to their Kyngs, and specially of subjects of this Realm, to the Kyngs Majesty that now is, whose minority to all people of this Realm is more then manifest, and is evidently also known to all the whole world beside. And also did then declare the danger and peril of Rebellion of Subiectes against the high powers, and also specially of the Rebellion late committed by them of Deuonshyre, Cornewall, Norfolk, and elsewhere, against the Kyngs Majesty that now is, which I would not have done, except I both had believed that all the Kynges Subiectes without exception, were bound to obey the Kings Majesty even as he now is, was, and shall be, during his life, which our Lord long preserve to all our comforts and wealth, and also that the Rebellion of late so committed against his Majesty, was damnable, and utterly detestable and condemned by God's Law, and herein I refer me to the indifferente hearers of this my Sermon, wyshyng that this Latimer and Hooper, with all the rest of these now Preachers, did mean as faythfullye, truly, obedientlye and catholikely, as I always have done toward the Kyngs majesty, his honor, authority ryall power and suretye of his person and realm, and did not move, encourage, and stir the kings majesties subjects to sedition tumulte, and inobedience by their erroneous doctrine and teaching, then I did at any time encourage or stir any of them in any wise, or give occasion unto any of the same .ix. Item where the said William Latimer and John Hooper, do falsely surmise in their pretensed denunciation, that it was of no light ground looked for, that I the said Bishop of London, should more apertly have declared y ^e Injunctions and articles aforesaid, and that it did so appear unto their judgments. I do say, that their judgments are corrupted and only set to slander and pickyng of quarrels in this behalf being well assured, and so credibly informed that all the worshipful and honest Catholic persons of my said audience were fully satisfied both as touching obedience to the kings majesty in his tender age and minority, and also touching the penalty and great peril of punishments for the rebellion so lately committed against his said majesty by the foresaid rebels. And moreover I do say that before my Lord Protectors grace and the rest of the kings majesties most honorable counsel then present I made my excuse and alleged many impedimentes, for my not preaching at the cross, and did not further promise but do the best I could, which of my fedelitie and conscience I did, not omitting any thing of purpose or evil will, that might be to the satisfaction of all people both good and bad in every condition, point, specially in this behalf, collecting and gathering together with all diligent study, all that might make in my judgment and opinion, for the better setting forth of the same.

Wherein first he alleged (or rather shameless & slanderously caviled) that those his denouncers were vile, infamed and notorious criminous persons, and also open & manifest heretics, as well against the rest of the Sacraments of the Church, as chiefly against the Sacrament of the altar: and were for the same by the orders of the Church excommunicated and accursed, and were so taken of all the Catholics of this realm, and especially Hooper: who besides other his poisoned doctrine and heresy amongst the people, had also before the time of the denunciation, made diverse erroneous and here • icall books against the true presence of Christ's body in the sacrament of y ^e alter, & did also continue in y ^e same, allowing & maintaining it as good & catholic which books and doctrine (chiefly against the sacrament of the alter) W. Latimer had and then likewise did allow, believe, & teach, to y ^e loss of both their own souls and also their believers, & therefore were not now nor ought at any time to be admytted either in this their denunciation against him, or in any other Judicial act: and that rather also, because that although they pretended in their denunciation, y ^t they made not the same of any malice or evil will towards him, but for the good tranquility and quiet governance of this Realm: yet was it notoriously known, that as well the same day at after noon in which he the said bishop preached at the Cross of Paul's, as also at sundry other times, they two conspiring with other of their faction, did maliciously and unlawful within his Dioces assemble together a great rablement of such as themselves were, & there under the color of reading, did openly rail and inuey against him, nor for any the causes pretended in their denunciation, but because he had in his Sermon declared (as the Catholic Church taught) that in the Sacrament of the alter there was the very true body and blood of Christ, the same in substance that was hanged and shed upon the Cross.

Then after these vain and frivolous allegations against the denouncers, he cometh and answereth to the substance of their denunciatiō, and saith, that where they in the same do falsely surmise that there were delivered unto him from the kings Majesty by the hands of the lord Protectour and the rest of his highness Counsayle, certain Injunctions and articles to be published and declared unto the people at a day limited in the same, their information in such sort as it was deduced, was most false & untrue, for that the articles delivered unto him by Syr Thomas Smith one of the kings secretaries, were neither signed with the kings own hand, neither sealed with his hignes seal or signet, nor yet subscribed by any of his Counsayle. &c.

Where mark, I beseech you, the subtlety of a disloyal Papist, who because the articles were not sealed or signed by the king and his Counsaile, would make them therefore not to be of any such force, as that the breach thereof should cause him to incur the danger of contemptuous disobedience. But admit they were not signed nor sealed (of which thing by the way in the denunciation there is no mention yea or nay) yet is it manifest by the second Bill of Articles ministered unto him by the Commissioners in the fourth Acte of this process, that at such time as he was before y ^e Counsel, those Articles were by the commandment of the Lord Protectour, openly there read unto him by one of the Secretaries, and after addition of the Article concerning the Kings lawful power and authority during his young years, were also delivered unto him by the hands of the Lord Protectour, in the presence of y ^e rest of the Counsel: who thus receiving them, promised there faithfully to accomplish all the contents thereof. After which, they were again delivered unto Secretary Smith, to amend such things therein as the Lord Protectour and the rest of the Counsayle had there appointed. Which being accordingly done (as the Bishop himself at the last recept thereof confessed, were finally delivered unto him by the Secretary: and therefore was this but a poor shift.

Now after this, he maketh a supposition: that in case it were true, that the Injunctions were delivered him according to their information: yet was it untrue that he did omit or refuse to declare the same for any such causes as they had alleged against him, and that did well appear in the discourse of his Sermon, which tended principally (as he said) to the disalowing and condemnation of all rebels, and chiefly of the rebels in Norfolk, Southfolke, Deuonshyre, & Cornewall, or elsewhere within this Realm of England: who forgetting their allegiance and duty unto their Prince, assigned them by God's word as their supreme head, their natural love and care for their country, wives, children, and kinsfolk, did both deserve death bodily as traitors, & also accumulate unto themselves damnation of body and soul, eternally with Satan the father and first mover of all rebellion and disobedience: and herewithal farther exclaming against the pretenses of those rebels, who amongst other things pretended the Mass and holywater, with such like, which were never ordained for the purpose, to color and maintain rebellion (as he said he then proved out of the 16. of Nombers 1. Reg. 15. Levite. 10. and 4. Luke 13. and Acts 5. in best manner that he could, as one not exercised greatly in preaching, but restrained therefrom) but having humility of heart, innocence of living, knowledge of God, love to our neighbors, with obedience to God's word, Ministers and superior powers concurrent with them, they being external rites and ceremonies of the Church, were exercises of Religion, and appointable by superior powers: and yet that, which (standing the law) might be good, was by pride and disobedience made evil and unprofitable.

And here he farther said, because he saw the people slack in coming to the Communion and divine service set forth by the kings Majesty, and to the intent he would make them have a better opinion in the Sacrament then he thought they had, he then faithfully did declare his belief therein. Wherewith his denouncers being offended, they uncharitably and untruly deduced in their pretensed denounciation, that in his Sermon he did entreat of such things as most should stir up unto dissension & tumult: whereby it appeared unto him, that his denoūcers either took his Catholic assertion of y ^e verity of Christ's body and blood in the Sacrament of the alter, or else his faithful declaration made of the obedience of subjects unto the Kings Majesty their supreme and sovereign Lord, with the peril and danger of rebellion committed against him, to be the cause of disorder and dissention: for that (saith he) of these two points he chiefly spake, and especially of obedience to the king: whose minority was more then manifestly known, as well amongst y ^e people of this realm, as elsewhere throughout y ^e world besides: which he would not have done, except he had believed, that both all his subjects were bounden to obey him, even as he then was and should be during his life, and also that the rebellion of late committed against him, was detestable and condemned by God's word: and therefore he wished that his two denouncers, with all the rest of the new Preachers, did mean as faithfully, obediently, and Catholickely towards the Kings honor, royal power, and surety of person, as he did & had not more moved the people to tumults & disobedience by their erroneous doctrine and teaching, then he had at any time given any occasion thereunto.

Then finally he concluded and said, that where his denouncers surmise that it was of no light ground looked for, as it appeared in their judgments, that he should more apertly have declared the contents of the Injunctions and Articles then he did, that their judgments were in that behalf corrupted and set to slander and picking of quarrels: for he was well assured and credibly informed, that all his honest and Catholic audience were fully satisfied, both touching their obedience to the Kings Majesty in his tender age, & also concerning the great penalti • and peril that the late Rebels incurred by their disobedience. And besides that, when he was before the Lord Protectour and the rest of the Counsaile, after he had made his excuse, and alleged many impediments for his not preaching at the Cross, he did not then further promise, but to do the best he could • : which he hath of his fidelity and conscience accomplished, not omitting anything of purpose or evil will, that might satisfy the people in any point concerning the premis • es.

Whilest he was thus reading these answers, objecting against his denouncers such causes and quarrels as be afore alleged, for which he would have earnestly had the denouncers to be repelled of the Commissioners, the Archbyshop of Canterbury replied, that if there were such a law, he thought it not to be a good or godly law, but a law of the Bishop of Rome. For said he, if my matter and case be good, what should I care who accuse me, yea, although he were the Devil of Hell.

No sir, said the Bishop of London, it is the Kings law used in the Realm.

Well, my Lord (said the Archbyshop) ye be too full of your law. I would wish you had less knowledge in that law, and more knowledge in God's law, & of your duty.

Well, answered the Bishop again, seeing your grace falleth to wishing, I can also wish many things to be in your person.

Then spake Secretary Peter to the Bishop as touching these denouncers: we are not so straited in this matter, but that we may proceed against you, either at their promotion, or without them at our pleasure.

A God's name (then said Boner) put them by, and then do as your pleasure shall be, so you do me right, for I ask but right.

Nay, said Secretary Smith, you ask you wot not what: you would have us follow your mind in these quidities and quirkes: and all is nothing else but to delay justice. And you do herein as thieves, murderers, and traitors, not to have the truth known.

Say you so to me, quoth the Bishop? I thank you. Well, I could say somewhat to you also, were it not in the place ye be: but let it pass. As for my matter, I fear it not: it is not so evil as you make it, for I have your own handwriting for my discharge, which when I shall see time, I shall show forth.

My hand? quoth the Secretary, Let me see it, & let it be read openly. So it shall, said the Bishop, when I see time.

Then said M. Smith: you do use us thus to be seen a cunning Lawyer.

In deed quoth the Bishop, I knew the law, ere you could read it.

With that Secretary Peter willed the Bishop to proceed in reading of his answers: who so did, and when he had finished, Latimer delivered up a writing in paper unto the Archbyshop and the rest of the Commissioners: who then said unto the Bishop of London, here be certain Articles which we intend to minister unto you.

The Bishop therewith said, do you minister them of your office, or at the promotion of these men? (pointing to Latimer & Hoper) for I perceive they gave thē unto you.

Nay, said Secretary Peter, we will minister them unto you, ex officio mero, and thereupon took an oath of the Bishop de fideliter respondendo. Who desiring a copy of the Articles, required also a competent time to be given unto him to make answer thereunto.

To whom Secretary Peter replied, saying: My Lord, here be certain of the Articles touching your own fact, which you may answer unto forthwith: as whether you wrote your Sermon or not before you preached it.

Whereunto the Bishop answered, that he wrote it not, but he drew certain notes of it.

Then whose counsel (said he) and advise used you in making your Sermon?

To which he also answered, that he had therein used his own counsel & books, and yet my Chapleins (quoth he) be much suspected for my doings in many things, and sometimes I for theirs, when there is no cause why.

These words ended, the Commissioners assigned him Monday the 16. of September then next, to appear before them, and to make his full answers unto all the Articles ministered unto him by them this day: the contents whereof are as followeth.

The form and tenor of the Articles ministered unto the Bishop of London, by the Kyngs Commissioners.

MOnday the xvj. of September, the Archbish. associated with the Bishop of Rochester, Secretary Smith▪ and Doctor May Dean of Paul's, sat judicially▪ within his Chappill at Lambeth: before whom there and then appeared the Bishop of London according as he was assigned in the last Session; at which time he exhibited unto the Commissioners in 〈…〉 his answers unto the last former Articles.

But before the same were there read, the Archbyshop said unto him, that his 〈◊〉 a •• sweres made y ^e 13. of September unto the denunc • a •••• , were very obscure, & therewith also contained much matter▪ of slander against Latimer and Hooper, and much untruth, and therefore they desired there to purge themselves. Whereupon Latimer first obe •• ing leave to speak, said, that the Bishop of Londō had most falsely, untruly, and uncharitably accused him, • aying to his charge many feigned and untrue matters in his former answers to the denunciation, and such as he should never be able to prove. For wherei • his said answer he alleged that Hugh Latimer and John Hooper with other heretics conspiring against him, did the first day of September after the Bishops Sermon assemble themselves together unlawfully against the said Bishop, that saying of his was most untrue. For neither that day, nor yet before that day, nor until certain days after, he ever knew or spake with Hooper. And as touching his own preaching there openly accused by the Byshoppe, he said he never held, taught; or preached anything concerning the blessed Sacrament, otherwise then he ought to do, nor otherwise then according to the Scriptures, & true Catholic faith of Christ's Church: and therefore offered▪ himself to be tried by the Archbishop or other such learned men as it should please the Kings Majesty, or the said Commissioners to appoint: and farther to suffer to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, if the Byshoppe could justly prove true the things that he had there shamefully laid to his charge. Then M. Hooper upon like 〈◊〉 obtained, said to this effect.

This ungodly man (pointing to the Bishop) hath most uncharitably and ungodly accused me before your grace & this audience, and hath laid to my charge that I am an heretic. Whereas I take God to record, I never spake, read, taught, or preached any heresy, but only the most true and pure word of God. And where he saith I frequent the company of heretics, I do much marvel of his so saying, for it hath pleased my Lord Protectours Grace, my singular good Lord and Mayster, and my Ladies Grace to have me with them, and I have preached before them, and much used their company, with diverse other worshipful persons, and therefore I suppose this man meaneth them. And farther, where as he saith that I have made heretical books against the blessed Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, calling it Mathematical, I perceive that this man knoweth not what this word Mathematical there meaneth, and therefore understandeth not my book: which I take God to my Judge, I have made truly and sincerely, and according to his holy word: and by the same his holy word and Scriptures I am always & shall be ready to submit myself to your Graces judgment and the superior powers to be tried: with many such more words of like importance.

Which ended, the Archbishop to shorten this matter, asked the bishop how he could prove that Hooper and Latimer assembled together against him the first of September, as he had alleged, seeing they now denied it, and therefore willed him to answer forthwith thereunto.

The Bishop then answered that he would duelye prove it, so that he might be admitted to do it according to law, and with that he pulled out of his slieue certain books, saying: I have this Uarlets books which he made against the blessed sacrament, which you shall hear. Then as he was turning certain leaves thereof, Hooper began again to speak, but the Bishop turning himself towards him, tauntingly said, put up your pypes, you have spokē for your part, I will meddle no more with you, and therewith read a certain sentence upon the book. W • ich done, he said: Lo here you may see his opinion, and what it is.

At which words the people standing behind, and seeing his irreverent and unseemly demeanor and raylyng, fell suddenly into great laughing. Whereat the Bishop being moved, and perceiving not the cause wherefor they did so laugh, turned him towards thē in a great rage saying: ah Woodcockes, woodcockes.

Then said one of the Commissioners, why say you so my Lord mary (quoth he) I may well cal them Woodcocks that thus will laugh, and know not whereat, nor yet heard what I said or read.

Well my Lord of London, said the Archbyshop, then I perceive you would persuade this audience y ^t you wer called hither for preaching of your belief in the Sacrament of the alter, and therefore you lay to these men's charge (meaning Hooper and Latimer) that they have accused you of that. Howbeit, there is no such thing laid to your charge, and therefore this audience shall hear openly read the denunciation that is put up against you, to the intent they may the better perceive your dealing herein. And therewithal he said unto the people: My Lord of Londō would make you believe that he is called hither for declaring and preaching his opinion touching the sacrament of the alter, but to the intent you may perceive how he goeth about to deceive you, you shall hear the denunciation that is laid in against him read unto you, and therupō he delivered the denunciatiō unto Syr John Mason knight who there read it openly. Which done, the Archbishop said again unto the audience: Loe, here you hear how the bishop of London is called for no such matter as he would persuade you.

With this the Bishop being in a raging heat, as one clean void of all humanity, turned himself about unto the people saying: Well, now hear what the Bishop of London saith for his part. But the Commissioners seeing his inordinate contumacy, denied him to speak anymore, saying that he used himself very disobediently: with moe like words.

Notwithstanding he still persisting in his irreverent manner of dealing with the Commissioners, pulled out of his slieue another book, and then said unto the Archbyshop: My Lord of Canterbury, I have here a note out of your books that you made touching the blessed Sacrament, wherein you do affirm the verity of the body and blood of Christ to be in the sacrament, and I have another book also of yours of the contrary opiniō: which is a marvelous matter.

To which the Archbishop answered, that he made no books contrary one to another, and that he would defend his books, how be it he thought the Bishop understood them not: For I promise you, quoth he, I will find a boy of ten years old, that shall be more apt to understand that matter then you my L. of London be.

Thus after much multiplying of like words, the Commissioners thinking not good to spend anymore wast time with him, willed him to show forth his answers unto the Articles objected the last day against him. Whereupon he having them ready, did read the same openly unto thē. Wherein after many words of his former Protestation recited, with a marvelous lamentation, to see that one of his vocation, at the malicious denunciation of vile heretics, should be used after such a strange sort, having nevertheless done the best he could to declare his obedience unto the kings Majesty for the repressing and discouraging of rebellion and all Rebels, and also for the advancement of the verity of Christ's true body and his presence in the Sacrament of the alter, for which only the malicious denouncers with their complices had studied to molest and trouble him, he then cometh to answering the Articles and saith, that to the first, second, and fourth he hath already in his former answers to the denounciation sufficiently answered, and therefore was not bound by law to answer any further.

As to the third and fifth he said, he began to write his Sermon, but being soon weary, did only make certain notes thereof without help of any other, saving that he shown them to his Chaplaynes requiring them to put him in remembrance thereof: amongst the which for the better setting forth of the kings Majesty’s power and authority in his minority, he had collected as well out of histories, as also out of the Scriptures, the names of diverse young kings, who notwithstanding their minority, were faithfully & obediently honored & reputed for very true & lawful kings. As Henry 3. being but 9. years old, Edw. 3. being but 13, years, Rich. 2. being but 11. years. Henry 6. being not fully one yere, Edw. 5. being but 11. years. Hen 8. being but 18. years of age. And out of the Old Testament, Osias & Ahaz, who were but 16. years old, Solomon & Manasseh being but 12. years, Josiah, Joachim & Joash, being but 8. years of age whē they entered their reigns. Al which notes w ^t many other he had purposed to declare if they had come unto his memory, as indeed they did not because y ^e same was disturbed partly for lack of use of preaching, & partly by reasō of a bill y ^t was delivered him frō y ^e kings counsel, to declare the victory then had against the rebels in Norfolk & Deuonshyre, which being of some good length confounded his memory: & partly also for that his book in his Sermon time fell away from him, wherein were diverse of his notes which he had collected for that purpose: So that he could not remember what he would, but yet in generality he persuaded the people to obedience to the kings Maiestye, whose minoritye was manifestly known to them and all other.

Then as to the 6. he said he knew not the rebels opinion, and therefore could not answer thereunto. And as for answer to the 7.8.9. and 11. Articles which touched his pastoral office, he said that notwithstanding his manifold and great troubles, as well by his own business and his families sickness, as also by uncharitable informations made against him, yet he hath not failed to give order unto his officers straitly to look unto such matters, and such as he hath known, which were very few or none, he caused to be punished according to the laws. Al which answers w ^t other, written with his own hand here under follow.

The answers of Boner unto the Articles objected to him by the kings Commissioners the first time.

I Edmond Bishop of London, under protestation heretofore by me made, exhibited and repeated before you, which in all my sayings and doings, I intend to have for repeated & rehearsed again to all lawful effects and purposes, for my honest and necessary defense with protestation also of the nullity and iniquity of your process I had made in this behalf, and likewise of the generality, incerteynety, obscurity, contrariety, repugnaunce, variety, insufficience, and inuadility of the things alleged and deduced before you, against me as well in the commission, and denounciation in diverse partes, as also touching the Articles and Interrogatoryes so ministered unto me. Lamenting not a litttle, that one of my vocation, at the malicious denounciation of vile heretical and detestable persons, should be used after this strange sort, having done the best I could to declare mine obedience unto the Kynges most excellent Majesty, for the repressing and discouragyng of Rebellion, and Rebellious Persons, and for the advancement of the veritye of Christ's true body and his presence in the most blessed sacrament of the Aultar, for which only the malicious denounciatours with their complices have studied to molest and trouble me. Albeit coulourably they would be seen to pretend other causes, especially the good and tranquility of this Realm, which our Lord GOD knoweth they care nothing for, but contrariwise do let and impeache the same, corrupting and infecting with their poisoned & false doctrine, & teaching the Kings Subjects in this Realm, to the great peril and danger thereof many ways: do answer unto certain pretensed Articles and Interogatoryes ministered by you in deed unto me the said Byshoppe the xiii. day of September 1540. as followeth.

To the first Article beginning thus: Fyrst it is reported. &c. and ending thus: to observe and follow the same. I do say and for answer do refere me unto my former answers heretofore, y ^t is to wit y ^e said xiii. day of September made and exhibited by me before you unto the said pretensed denounciation, touching this matter, alleging with all, that a Reporte of things doth not absolutely prove, nor necessary infer things to be in very deed true after such a sort, fashion, manner and form, as sometimes they be reported and rehearsed.

To the second beginning thus. Item, whether that you. &c. and ending thus: as they were put unto you. I do answer and say, that this Article doth depend on the first Article, next before, which after such sort, fashion, manner and form, as it is deduced, was justly by me in my answer made unto the same, denied, and I therefore now not bounden by the law eftsoons to make other answer thereunto.

To the third, being an Interrogatory and beginning thus. Item, whether. &c. And ending thus, ye did preach. I do answer and say that I began to write a piece of my Sermon, and being soon weary thereof, I did leave off and did make only certain notes of my said sermon and put the same notes in writing of mine own hand without help or Counsel of any other, and the same notes did show unto my Chaplaynes Mayster Gylbert bourne, and Mayster John Harpsfielde, both before and also since my said Sermon only desiring them to put me in remembrance of my said notes, and process to be made thereupon and also to search out for me the names of such kings as were in their minority, when they began to reign.

To the fourth Article beginning thus. Item, that ye have not declared. &c. And ending thus, as it is in your Article. I do answer and say that this Article doth dedepend upon the first and seconde Articles here before denied, deduced in such sort, manner, and form, as is expressed in the same, and moreover I say that already answer is made hereunto by me, in my former answers made to the said pretensed denunciation.

To the fifth article beginning thus. Item that ye have not. &c. And ending thus, declared it. I do answer and say, that this Article also doth depend upon the first and second Articles, and that answer is made thereunto by me already in my former answers, made unto the said pretensed denounciation, and moreover I do say, that for the better advancement and setting forth of the kings Majesty’s royal power and authority, even in his mynority, and for the dew obedience of his Majesty’s Subiectes unto his highness even during the said minoritye, I had collected together as well out of histories, as also out of the Scripture of the old Testament, the names of diverse kings being in minority, who notwithstanding their said minority, faithfully, dewly and reueren •• y obeyed, honored, served, taken and reputed, for very true and lawful kings, as Henry the third, being but nine years old whē he entered to reign and govern as king, Edward the third being but thirtene years of age. Richard the second being but eleven years of age. Henry the sixth being not fully one year of age. Edward the 〈◊〉 being but eleven year old. Henry the eight being about eightene year old, and so all these Kings being in their minority as the Kings Majesty that now is, and yet having authority and power regal, as appertaineth, and in the old Testament Osias and Achaz, were very true kings in their minority, being but sixtene years of age. Solomon and Manasseh being but xii. years of age. Josiah and Joachim being but eight years of age, and I • as being but eight years old, all which things I say I had collected, in notes communicating the same with my said two Chapleynes, and praying them to put me in remembrance, if in numbering of them, or in setting forth my other notes at the time of my Sermon, I did fail, or have default of memory in any wise, and all these things I would have specially set forth in my said Sermon if they had come to my memory, as in deed they did not partly for disturbance of my memory not accustomed to preach in that place, partly also by reason of a certain writing, that was sent to me from the Kings Majesty’s priuye Counsel being of good length to declare to the people, touching the victory against the rebels, specially in Norfolk, Deuonshyre, and Cornewall, confounding my memory in things which before I had set in good order, and partly also for the falling away of my book in the time of my said Sermon, in which were contained diverse of my said notes, touching the Kings Majesty’s minority, as is aforesaid, having yet nevertheless, otherwise in generality, and speciality, persuaded the people to obedience, unto the kings said Majesty, whose minority to them and all other, is notoriously and manifestly known, and his Majesty saving of these late Rebelles, faithfully, truly, and reverently obeyed of all the rest of his Subiectes.

To the sixte, which beginneth, whether ye will. &c. And ending, the opinion or no. I do answer and say, that not knowing certaynely of which Rebelles the Articles meaneth, ne yet what their opiniō is in deed I ought not to be driven to make answer hereunto, ne yet can make good and perfect answer therein though I would.

To the seventh Article being thus. Item that ye know &c. And ending thus. The Kings Majesty's book. I do answer and say that albeit I have by the space of these 5. weeks, last past and more, been in manner continually in business and trouble, as well in providing for my said Sermon, as otherwise, specially by reason of my family, much vexed with sickness, to my great disquietness and charge, and also by reason that I have been so much troubled and combred, by informations and complaints unjustly and uncharitably made against me, over & besides the having of diverse and sundry persons, which daily resort and come unto me for their suites and business, both in matters of Justice & otherwise, yet I have not omitted to send forth to my Archdeacons and other my Offcers, to inquire and search diligently in this behalf, and to certify me accordingly, and yet I cannot hear certaynely of any that have heard, been at, or celebrate Masses, or Evensong in the Latin tongue, after the old rite and manner except it be in the house of my Lady Mary's Grace▪ or in the houses of the Ambassadors, ne yet there nor in any of them, but by flying & not assured report, & w ^t out knowing the names & persons that so have heard, been at, or celebrate the same, and in this behalf how far I can and ought to proceed and after what sort, I do refer me unto the statute, late made in that behalf.

To the seventh Article beginning thus. Item that ye have. &c. And ending thus: punishment unto them, I do answer and say that this Article doth depend of the next Article going before, and so consequently answer is already thereunto made.

To the ninthe Article beginning thus. Item, that ye know. &c. And ending thus: nor see them punished. I do answer and say that touching such as either hath been denounced or detected for such crimynous and culpable persons to me or my office there hath been process already made before my said offices as it appeareth in my Register, and the Acts of my Courte, and moreover I have given express Commandment to my said Officers, to enquyre and search for more such Offenders, and to cer •• y me thereof, that I may proc • ede against them accordingly.

To the tenth Article beginning thus. Item ye were &c. And ending thus. The kings Majesty’s authority in his minority. I do answer and say, that as touching the time mentioned in the Article, and the declaration to be made by Doctor Coxe. I do not well remember, neither the said time nor yet the special points, & substance of the said Doctor Coxes declaration, truth it is, I was at a Sermon made at Paul's Cross by the said Doctor Coxe, wherein he inuayed against my Lord of Winchester, and as far as I can now call to my remembrance, it was touching disobedience, wherewith my Lord of Winchester by the said Doctor Coxe seemed to be charged, and for a Sermon also that my Lord of Winchester was seemed to have made before the kings Majesty in the Court of Westminster.

To the eleventh Article being by it self delivered unto me the 14. of this present September. 1549. in the night at my house at London beginning thus. Item that the rites. &c. and ending thus. The misuses thereof. I do answer and say that I have already given commandment to mine officers to make diligent search and inquiry herein and to certify accordingly, to the intent I may proceed therein as appertaineth, and would before this time myself have also enquyred, and proceeded, had I not been so of all sides oppressed and postred, with multitude of other necessary business as I have been to my great disquietness & trouble.

When he had ended the reading of these answers, the Commissioners said unto him that he had in the same very obscurely answered unto the 5. Article ministered the 13 of Septēber: wherefor they willed him there expressly to answer by mouth, whether he had according to the Injunctions delivered unto him, declared the Article beginning thus: You shall also set forth in your Sermō that our authority. &c. Whereunto he again answered, that he had already made a full and sufficient answer in writing, as he was bound to make by law.

The Judges then replied, that the answers already made in that part were obscure and insufficiēt, so that it appeared not certaynely whether he had preached in deed according to the same Iniunction or not: and therefore they eftsoons willed him (as before) directly to answer whether he had so accordingly preached or no, the Bishop still yet answering as before.

The Judges again demanded of him, whether he would otherwise answer or no. To the which he said no, unless the law did compel him. Then they asked him whether he thought the law did compel him to answer more fully or no? He answered no: adding farther that he was not bound to make answer to such positions.

The Commissioners then seeing his froward contumacy, told him plainly that if he persisted thus in his frowardness, and would not otherwise answer, they would according to law, take him pro confesso, and ex abundanti receive witness against him, & therewithal did again recite unto him 6. of the first and principal articles, demaūding his final answer thereunto. Who said (as before) that he had already fully answered them by writing, but where they requested to have his notes, which he said he had made of his sermon, they should have thē if they would send for thē. And whereas in his answer to the 6. Article he doubted what the opinion of the rebels was, the Judges declared unto him that their opinion was: That the kings majesty before his grace came to the age of 21. years, had not so full authority to make laws and statutes, as when he came to farther years: and that his subjects were not bound to obey the laws and statutes made in his young age. Whereunto the bishop answered that he was not of the opinion of the Rebels mentioned in that Article, as did well appear by his answers as well unto the denunciation, as also unto the 5. Article objected against him.

Which ended they perceiving his scornful carelessness, presently did admit for witness upon the Articles objected against him, Mayster John Cheke, Henry Markehā, John Joseph, John Dowglas, and Richard Chambers, whom also they onerated with a corporal oath upon the holy Evangelists, true • lie to answer and depose upon the same Articles in the presence of the Bishop, who under his former Protestation, like a wilye Lawyer, protested of the nullity of the re • eiuing, admitting, and swearing of those witnesses, with Protestation also to object against the persons & sayings of the witnesses for the time and place convenient: demanding also a competent and lawful time to minister Interrogatories against them, with a copy of all the Acts to that day. Wherwith the delegates were well pleased, and assigned him to minister his Interrogations, against Master Cheeke on that present day, and against the rest the next day before noon.

All which Interrogatories who so listeth to peruse, may here under read the same as followeth.

Certain Interrogatories exhibited by Boner to be ministered against the foresaid witnesses, upon the Articles above mentioned 18. September.

I Edmund Bishop of London under my Protestations heretofore made, before you, do minister these interrogatoryes ensewing, against all and singular the pretenced Witnesses already received and sworn as hereafter to be received and sworn against me the said Byshoppe in this matter, requiring and desiring under the said Protestation, that all and singular the said pretensed Witnesses may be examined in vyrtue of their oath upon the said Interrogatoryes, and every part and percill of them.

1. First that all and singular the said Witnesses in vyrtue of their oath be examined generally and specially of all and singular Interrogatories, commonly used and accustomed to be made in such matters, especially touching their age, their condition their dwelling place, now and heretofore. by the space of these 12. years last past, with whom all this time they have also dwelled, and been familiar or conversant with all, with the names of the places and persons and other circumstances expedient in this behalf, and by whom they have been found and maynteined, and for what purpose. Et interrogetur coniunctim, diuisim, & de quolibet.

2. Item, touching the pretensed Articles made in this behalf, and Injunctions mentioned in the same, that they and every of them in virtue of their said oath, may be examined whether they know the said Articles and Injunctions to be true in all parts, how they know them to be true, by whom, when, and in what place deposing the formal words of the said pretensed Articles and Injunctions in especially as they are deduced. The first Article. And therein let them depose, how he or they knew the said Articles and Injunctions to be received from the Kyngs Majesty, how also he or they knew that I the said Byshoppe received the said Injunctions at the hands of the Lord Protectors Grace. How also they were sitting in the Counsel Chamber, moreover which were the rest of the Counsel then sitting, specifiyng their names and surnames, or titles. Also whether the x. of August this present year, or of the last year, moreover whether the Articles or injunctions were joined together, or apart, whether the tenor thereof, and the form and manner of the doing and following, touching me the said Bishop and also touching the preaching thereunto, as is deduced in the first Article, declaring moreover, when, where, and how I the said Bishop accepted the said Injunctions or promised to observe and follow the same, and by what express words. & interrog. vt supra.

3. Item, whether they or any of them, were present at my last sermon, made at Paul's Cross, where they then stood, by whom, when they came to it, and at what part of the said Sermon, how long they tarried thereat, at what part thereof or in all they were offended, what were the formal words, or at the least wise in substance that I the said Bishop then uttered, or wherewith they were offended, and by what occasion, and who with him or then did hear it, & in what place their contestes did stand how long they tarried, and at what part they came thither or departed thence. & interrog. vt supra.

4. Item, whether the said witness or any of them, were desired or required, by any person or persons, to be Wytnesse in this matter, and by whom, when where and how the same was done, and in whose presence. & interrogetur vt supra.

5. Item, whether they or any of them had consulted with other to come unto my said sermon, for what purpose, by whom they were induced and moved and how they agreed, and what they did after my said sermon for the impugnation or depraving thereof & interrog. vt supra.

6. Item, whether they or any of them have been or be conversant or familiar, with any that hath been known, noted, or reputed, for a sacramentary, in denying the veritye of Christ's true and corporal presence in the sacrament of the alter, and whether he and they detest and abhor & abstain from the company of all such persons, as be unknown, noted, or suspected, for sacramentaryes in that be half, and what opinion he and they have with their contestes touching the said presence. & interrog. vt supra.

7. Item, whether they or any of them, have wished me the said Bishop to be deprived or put in prison, and whether they or any of thē, have reported and said that I shall be deprived or imprisoned, rejoicing thereof, and for what cause they have so wished or reported, or any of their contestes. & interrog. vt supra.

8. Item, whether they or any of them have been in times past, a Frier, Preacher minorite, Augustine, or Carmelite, Monk, Canon observant, or religious person, professing solemnly poverty, chastitye, and obedience, according to the laws, customs, or ordinances of this Realm, then used and observed. & interrog. vt supra.

9. Item, whether they or any of them, being so professed have been or be since that time married to any person, having likewise or otherwise been professed or lose, or been a widow and how oft they have been married, and whether any of their wives been yet alive. & interrog. vt supra.

10. Item, whether they or any of them have read the commission in this matter, and whether they or any of them do know or think, that the commission, Injunctions, Articles, and denunciation do agree togethers or no, & wherein they think or know discrepantes, or diuersityes to be between them in this behalf. & interrog. vt supra.

11. Item, if they or any of them do depose, that I have not sincerely and wholly declared as is contained in the second article, let him and every of them be examined in virtue of their oath, how they do know it, and by what means, declaring how they think to have knowledge therein with them. & interrogetur vt supra.

12. Item, if they or any of thē do depose that I have trangressed and offended in the fourth article beginning thus. Item that ye have not declared. &c. Let them and every of them be examined in virtue of their oath, whether they know that these words following, as Matins, Masses, now said after that sort in this Realm: were and be put in the Iniunction pretended to be ministered unto me the said Bishop or no. & interrogetur vt supra.

13. Item, if they or any of them do depose that I have trangressed and offended touching the 5. Article, let them and every of them be examined in virtue of their oath, whether the Iniūctions pretended in this behalf were signed with the kings usual signet, or rather at all, whether it was sealed with any seal, whether it was subscribed by the L. Protectors grace, or any of the priuye Counsel, whether it was in full Counsel sitting delivered unto me by the Lord protector, whether it was delivered to me, the rest of the kings Majesty’s priuye Counsel there then sitting, whether the said days as is contained in the first Article, by whom it was written when and where. & interrogetur vt supra.

14. Item, if they or any of them do depose, that I do defend the opinion of the rebels, let them be examined, & every of thē what rebels they be, what is their opinion, & how the law of this Realm doth determine therein, declaring by what words & facts I the said Bishop did speak & do, and at what time and place, and in whose presence, such words or act was spoken or done. & interrog. vt supra.

15. Item, if they or any of them do depose that I know or have heard say crediblye that since the time of the said pretensed Injunctions certain persons within my diocese have heard, been at, or celebrate Mass or Evensong in the latin tongue, and after the old rite and manner, other then according to the kings maiestyes book, let them and every of them be examined in virtue of his said oath, how they know that I so know, or have heard say, and of the name or names, of the partye or parties, and of the time and place when, and where it was, and whether any denunciation or detection were according to the statutes and ordinances of this Realm, made unto me or no. & interrog. vt supra.

16. Item, if they or any of them do say, that I know or have heard say, of such notable adulterers, & offenses mentioned in the 9. article, let them and every of them be examined in virtue of his and their oath, that they do know, that I do know, or have heard say, and who be the persons▪ where they dwell, who hath denounced or detected them▪ and how I could and ought to have cited them & punished them in this behalf. & interrog. vt supra.

17. Item if they or any of them do say that I know certeinely now, what Doctor Coxe declared in his Sermon at Paul's Cross, as is deduced in the 10. Article, let them be inquired and every of them in virtue of their oth, how they can prove it, by whom, and after what sort. & interrog. vt supra.

18. Item, if they or any of them do say, that I do know, or hear certaynely of the diversity of the rites of the commō service of the church, now set forth, and of the ministers▪ parsons transgressing therein, let them and every of them in virtue of their oath be examined, whether there hath been any detection, or denunciation made to me thereupon, and how they know or can prove, that I have been culpable and negligent herein. & interrog. vt supra.

19. Item, whether they or any of them, have been spoken unto, or solicited herein to testify and after what sort • , by whom, when, and where, and what was their conference and communication therein. & interrog. supra.

20. Item that they and every of them declare and show the true and sufficient cause of their testimony in all and singular the premisses.

After this the Judges delegate assigned the Bishop to appear again before them upon Wednesday the next ensuing, between the hours of 7. and 8. of the clock before noon, in the Hall of the Archbishops manor of Lambet • , there to show the cause why he should not be declared pro confesso, upon all the Articles whereunto he had not thē fully answered, and to see farther process done in the matter: and so (he still protesting of the nullity and inuadility of all their procedinges) they did for that present depart.

In this mean while the Commissioners certified the kings Majesty and his Counsel of the Bishops demeanour towards them, and what objections he had made against their procedinges, making doubts and ambiguities whether by the tenor of his majesties Commission the Commissioners might proceed not only at the denunciation, but also of their mere office: and also whether they mought as well determine, as hear the cause. Whereupon his Majesty by advise aforesaid, for the better understanding thereof, did the 17. of September send unto the Commissioners a full and perfect declaration and interpretatiō of his will and pleasure in the foresaid Commission, giving them hereby full authority to proceed at their own discretions, as appeareth more at large by the tenor thereof ensuing.

A certain declaration or interpretation of the king touching certain points and doubts in his former Commission, with license given to the Commissioners, as well to determine as to hear in the case of Boner.

EDward the 6. by the grace of God king of England, France, and Ireland, defendor of the faith and of the Church of England and also of Ireland in earth the supreme head, to the moste reverend father in God Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, Metropolitan and Primate of England, the right reverend Father i • God Nicholas Bishop of Rochester, our trusty and right well-beloved Counselors Syr William Peter, and Syr Thomas Smyth Knightes or two principal Secretaries, and William May Doctor of law Civil and Dean of Paul's greeting. Where we of late, by the advise of our most entyrely beloved Uncle Edward Duke of Somerset, Governor of our Person, and Protectour of our Re • lmes, Dominions and subjects, and the rest of our privy Counse • , have addressed unto you. 5.4.3. of you our letters patentes of Cōmission bearing date at Westminster the 8. day of September in the third year of our reign, willing you by force thereof to hear the matters and cause of contempt therein expressed, and calling before you, as well the denouncers thereof, as also the right reverend Father in God, Edmund Bishop of London, against whom such denunciation is made as in our said letters of Commission more at large doth appear, we be now credibly informed that upon the said Commission diverse doubts & ambiguities hath and may arise.

As whether you by the tenor of the said Commission may proceed not only at the denunciation, but also of mere office.

And also whether ye may as well determine as hear the said cause.

For further declaration whereof, we do now interpret and declare that our full mind and pleasure, by the advise aforesaid▪ was by our Cōmission and now is, that you should proceed a • well by mere office, as also by the way of denūciatiō & by either of them, or any other ways or means at your discretions, whereby the truth and merits of the cause may be most speedily and b • st known, and that ye might and may as well finally determine as hear the said matters in all your orders and doings, cutting away all vain and superfluous delays, & having respect to the only truth of the matter. And this our declaration we send unto you of our sure knowledge and mere motion by the advise aforesaid, supplying all default, ceremony and point of the law, which hath, shall, or may arise of your doings by reason of any default of words in our said former Commission or any parte thereof, any law, statute, or act to the contrary notwithstanding, and therefore we will and command you to proceed in the said matters accordingly, as well to our foresaid Commission, as this our declaration, and so fail ye not. In witness whereof we have made these our letters patentes. At Hampton Court, the xvij. day of September.

The fourth Session against Boner Bishop of London before the kings Commissioners in the great Hall at Lambeth the eight of September.

AFter this declaration being sent down and received from the Kyng, the Bishop of London (according to the Commissioners assignment the Monday before.) appeared again before them upon Wednesday, the xviij. of September, in the great Hall at Lambeth. Where under his wonted Protestation, first he declared that although he had already sufficiently answered all things: yet further to satisfy the term assigned unto him, to show cause why he ought not to be declared pro confesso, upon the Articles theretofore ministered against him, and to the which he had not fully answered, he had then a matter in writing to exhibit unto them, why he ought not so to be declared, which he read there openly. Wherein first under his accustomed irreverent terms of pretensed, unjust, & unlawful process and assignation, he said he was not bound by the law (for good & reasonable causes) to obey the same, especially their assignation.

And first, for that the same was only pronounced by Syr Thomas Smith, one of the pretensed Commissioners, without the consent of his pretensed Colleagues? or at the least he as a Commissioner did prescribe the Actuary what to write, which he ought not to have done, because by law he ought not to have intermeddled therein, for that his Colleagues did the first day begin to sit as Judges against him the Bishop, without the presence of the said Syr Thomas Smith.

And secondly because his answers, as well unto the pretensed denounciation, as also unto all the articles theretofore objected against him, were as full and sufficient, as the law required (or at least wise there was nothing good in law apparent to the contrary) and therefore he was not enforced by law farther to answer without farther allegation.

And because also, that all their proceedings thereto were so extraordinarily done, that they had confounded all manner of lawful process, sometimes proceeding ad denunciandū sometimes ex officio mero, and sometimes ex officio mixto, contrary unto the kings Ecclesiastical laws, and contrary also unto their Commission in that behalf.

And likewise because diverse of the Articles pretensed were superfluous and impertinēt, not revealing though they were proved, containing in them untruth and falsity, some obscure and uncertain, some depending upon other articles, either denied, or at the least qualified, some captious and deceitful to bring the answer into a snare, and some also being Articles of the law, in such sort, as by the Ecclesiastical laws of this Realm the kings subjects were not bound to make answer thereunto.

And lastly, because that Syr Thomas Smith Secretary to the kings Majesty, when that the Bishop was last with the Counsel in the Counsel Chamber at White Hall, after the departure of the Lord Protectour and the rest of the counsel, did himself alone (without any other) write certain Articles or Iniūctions (amongst the which was that of the kings authority in his minority) and afterward did copy the same at a table within the said counsel Chamber, and so himself did deliver them unto him. By reason whereof that is not true, which in the Cōmission, denunciation and Articles was deduced and objected against him.

When these fond and frivolous objections were thus read, the archbishop seeing his inordinate and intolerable contempt towards them, charged him very sharply saying: My Lord of Londō, if I had sit̄ here only as Archbishop of Canterbury, it had been your part to have used yourself more lowly, obediently & reverently towards me then ye have: but seeing that I with my Colleagues sit here now as Delegates from the kings Majesty, I must tell you plain, you have behaved yourself to to much inordinately. For at every time that we have sit̄ in commission, you have used such unseemly fashions without all reverence and obedience, giving taūtes and checks, as well unto us, with diverse of the servants and Chaplaynes, as also unto certain of the auncientest that be here, calling thē fools and Daws, with such like, as that you have given to the multitude an intolerable example of disobedience. And I ensure you my Lord, there is you and one other Bishop whō I could name, that have used yourselves so contēptuously & disobediently, as the like I think hath not before been heard of or seen: whereby ye have done much harm.

At which words, the gross Bishop (a Beast a man might justly term him) said scornfully to the Archbishop you show yourself to be a meet Judge.

The Archbishop then proceeding, • aid to his charge how undiscreetly the last day in the Chapel he had called all the the people Woodcockes.

Whereunto he answered, that the last Session William Latimer one of the denouncers being there present, had practiced with the audience that when he lifted up his hand to them, they should (and did as it were by a token given them) say as he said, and do as he did: as one time upon the lifting up of his hand, they cried nay, nay, and at another time yea, yea, & laughed they could not tell whereat, with such like fashions.

Unto which words Latimer seeing his vain suspicion, replied, saying that he lifted not up his hand at any time but only to cause them hold their peace.

Then Secretary Smith said to the Bishop, that in all his writings and answers that he had hitherto laid in, he would not once acknowledge them as the kings Commissioners, but used always Protestations with diverse incke horn and naughty terms, calling them pretensed Commissioners, pretensed Delegates, pretensed Commission, pretensed articles, pretensed proceedings, so that all things were pretensed with him. In deed (said he) such terms the Proctors of churches use, to delay matters for their Clientes when they will not have the truth known▪ But you my Lord to use us the kings maiestyes cōmissioners w ^t such terms, you do therein very lewdly & naughtely. And I pray you what other thing did the rebels.

For when Letters or Pardons were brought them from the King and his Counsel, they would not credit them, but said they were none of the kings or his Counselles, but Gentlemens doings, and made under a bushe, with such like terms. But now my Lord, because hitherto we cannot make you confess whether in your Sermon that you preached, ye omitted the Article touching y ^e kings maiestyes authority in his tender age or not, but still have said that ye will not otherwise answer then ye have done, and that ye have already sufficiently answered (with many such like delays) so as we can by no means induce you to confess plainly what you did, yea or nay: therefore I say, to the intent we may come to the truth, we have dilated the matter more at large, and have drawn out other Articles whereunto you shall be sworn, and then I trust you will dally with us no more as you have done. For although you make your answers in writing, yet you shall be examined by us and make your answers by mouth to the same Articles, or else you shall do worse. In deed I do not (as I said) discommende your Protestations and terms of law, if it were in a young Proctor that would help his Clientes cause: but in you it may not be suffered so to use the kings Commissioners.

Then did the Delegates minister unto him certain new Articles and Injunctions, and did there onerate him with a corporal oath in form of law to make a full & true answer thereunto. The Bishop notwithstanding still (according to his wonted manner) under his former Protestation protested of the nullity and inuadility of these articles, Injunctions, & process, desiring also a Copy thereof, with a competent time to answer thereunto. To whō the Judges decreed a Copy, commanding him to come to his examination to the Archbishop the next day at 8. of the clock before noon.

Then the Commissioners did receive for witness, upon those new Articles now ministered unto the Bishop, Syr John Mason, Syr Thomas Chalenor Knyghtes, Master William Cicill, Armygell Wade, and Wylliam Hunninges Clerks to the Kings Majesty's Counsel, whom they onerated with a corporal oath in the presence of the Bishoppe, who still protested of the nullity of their receiving and swearing, objecting against them and their sayings: and therewith repeating his Interrogatories already ministered, said he had moe to minister by tomorrow at 8. of the clock.

The same day and time likewise the Bishop exhibited unto the Commissioners an information, or rather cavillation against William Latimer, for that he, notwithstanding that he had in all his talk pretended the great tranquility of this Realm, which was greatly impeached and hindered when that any the kings subjects should think that his majesty hath not as full power and authority royal in his minority, as when his Majesty came to perfect age, or should think that his subjects were not bound to obey the same, yet hath of late there in opē audience reported, that he hath heard with his cares diverse persons unreverantly speak of the kings Majesty saying: tush y ^e king is but a babe or child, what laws can he make? or what cā he do in his minority? let him have a tost & butter or bread and milk, & that is more meter for him thē to make laws or statutes or bind us to obey thē: we are not bound to obey till he be past his minority, & come to his full and perfect age: with the hearing of which words the Byshoppe also charged the Commissioners, and that because Latimer at the recital of the same in their presence, was neither by them cōtroled, nor yet caused to bring forth the same persons, but was let pass in silence, saving that he the said bishop did speak against him in that behalf, saying that he would detecte him, because that, as it appeared he had of long time cōcealed the words and not opened the same in such place and to such persons as he ought to have done, but had kept the person and sayings of them secret, either not taking the matter of such importance as he pretended, or else thereby vnfaythfully behaving himself, towards his Prince, and therefore was worthy with his aiders, favorers, and cousellers to be punished.

These vain cavillations ended, the Commissioners for that day finished their Session, assigning the Bishop to appear in that same place again upon monday thē next following between the hours of 6. and 9. in the forenoon, then and there to show a final cause why he should not be declared pro confesso. And so delivering him a copy of the articles, they departed: the contents whereof ensue.

Articles and positions given by the kings Commissioners to the Bishop of London, to be answered by him jointly and severally in every point the second time.

1. THat ye were sent for to the Lord Protectors Grace, and the rest of the Counsel, and came thither into the Court at Westminster the x. of August, or some other day of the same month.

2. Item, that at the same time the Lord Protectour and diverse other of the Kings Majesty's priuye Counsel, sitting in Counsel, ye were called in, and there the said Lord Protectour did on the Kings Majesty’s behalf declare unto you diverse faults & abuses the which were found in you, and gave you strayt charge to amend them, adding and threatening that else you should be otherwise looked unto.

3. Item, that the said Lord Protectors Grace did declare unto you for better admonition & amendment of you, that ye should have from the kings Majesty by his advise and the rest of the privy Counsel, certain Articles, and Injunctions to observe and follow given you in writing.

4. Item, that there and then the said Lord Protectour commanded Sir Thomas Smith Knight, Secretary to the Kings Majesty, to read a certain proper book of Injunctions and Articles unto you, the said Secretarye standing at the Counsel tables end, and you standing by, and hearing the same.

5. Item, that the said Lord Protectour there and then willed to be reformed certain things in the said book of Iniūctions, as where ye wer appointed to preach sooner, at your request it was appointed unto you to preach the Sunday three weeks after the date of the said writing.

6. Item, that in the said Articles the Lord Protectours Grace found fault because an Article or commandment unto you set forth and declared of the Kynges Majesty’s authority now in his young age, of his laws and statutes in the same time was omitted, and therefore either immediately before you came into the Counsel Chamber, or you being present and standing by, commanded the said Secretary Smith to put it in writing and annex it to the rest of the Articles.

7. Item, that the said Secretary Smith, then and there did immediately upon commandment, write into the said book or paper, wherein the rest of the Articles were written, the said article: videlicet, you shall also set forth in your sermon, that the authority of our royal power is (as truth it is) of no less authority and force in this our young age, then was of any of our Predecessors, though the same were much elder, as may appear by example of Josiah & other young kings in the scripture, and therefore all our subjects to be no less bound to the obedience of our precepts, laws, and statutes, then if we were of 30. or 4 • . years of age.

8. Item, that the Lord Protectour did so deliver you the book or paper, willing first the said Secretary Smyth to amend all things as he had appointed.

9. Item, that ye then and there did promise to the Lord Protectors grace, that ye would observe & full • ill all in the said Injunctions and articles contained.

10. Item, that all things in the said book, put in and mentioned by the said Secretary Smith, and the same▪ so read unto you by him & you first agreing that all that was by him so written, was by the L. Protectors appoyntmēt, the said book was so delivered unto you then and there by the said Secretary Smith in the Council Chamber.

11. Item, that you have the said book in your possession, or else know where it is, the true copy whereof in effect is annexed to these articles.

12. Item, that ye were commanded in the said Injunctions to preach the Sunday three weeks after the delivery thereof at Paul's, & there to entreat upon certain articles, as is specified in the said book of Injunctions, and specially the said article beginning. Ye shall also set forth, & ending. 30. or 40. years of age.

13. Item, that for the accomplishment of part of the said Injunctions & commandment, you did preach the first day of September last past at Paul's Cross.

14. Item, that at the said sermon, contrary to your Injunctions, ye omitted & left out y ^e said article beginning: Ye shall also set forth in your sermon. &c. and ending 30. or 40. years of age.

15. Ye shall also answer whether ye think and believe that the kings Majesty's subjects be bound to obey as well the laws, statutes, proclamations, and other ordinances made now in this young age of the kings majesty, as the laws, statutes, proclamations, & ordinances made by his highness Progenitors.

These Articles being thus ministered to the said Bishop of London, the next day being Thursday and the 19. of September, the afore named Commissioners sat in the Archbishops chamber of presence at Lambeth, attendyng the coming of the B. of London. Before whō there appeared Rob. Johnson the Bishops Register, and there did declare unto the Commissioners that the bishop his master could not at that time personally appear before thē without great danger of his bodily health, because that he feared to fall into a fever by reasō of a cold that he had takē by to much ouerwatching himself the last night before, whereby he was compelled to keep his bed: nevertheless, if he could without danger of his bodily health, he would appear before them the same day at after noon. This excuse the Judges were content to take it in good part. Yet said M. Secretary Smyth, that if he were sick in deed the excuse was reasonable and to be allowed: but (quoth he) I promise you my Lord hath so dallied with us, & used hitherto such delays, that we may mistrust that this is but a feigned excuse: howbeit upon your faithful declaratiō we are content to tarry until one of the clock at afternoon, and so they did, willing M. Johnson to signify then unto them, whether the Bishop could appear or not.

At which hour Robert Johnson and Richard Rogers gentleman of the Bishops chamber appeared again before the Commissioners, declaring that (for the causes afore alleged) their master could not appear at that time nether. Wherupon M. Secretary Smith said unto them, my Lord of Londō your master hath used us very homely, and sought delays hitherto, and now perhaps perceiving these last Articles to touch the quick, and therefore loath to come to his answer, he fayneth himself sick. But because he shall not so deceive us anymore, we will send the Knight Marshall unto him, willing him, if he be sick in deed, to let him alone, for that is a reasonable excuse, but if he be not sick, then to bring him forth with unto us: for I promise you he shall not use us as he hath done, we will not take it at his hands: and therefore M. Johnson (said he) you do the part of a trusty servant as becometh you, but it is also your part to show my Lord of his stubborn heart and disobedience, which doth him more harm thē be is aware of. What, thinketh he to stand with a king in his own Realms? Is this the part of a subject? nay, I wene we shall have a new Tho. Becket. Let him take heed, for if he play these parts, he may fortune to be made shorter by the head. He may appeal if he think good: but whither? to the Bishop of Rome? So he may help himself forwards. I say he cannot appeal but to the same king who hath made us his Judges, and to the Bench of his counsel: and how they will take this matter when they hear of it, I doubt not. He would make mē believe that he were called before us for preaching his opinion of the sacrament, wherein I assure you he did both falsely & naughtily, yea & lewdly, and more then became him, and more then he had in commandment to do, for he was not willed to speak of that matter, & perhaps he may hear more of that hereafter: but yet he will say no such thing to his charge, and therefore we will not have him to delay us as he doth. Which ended, the delegates notwithstanding decreed to tarry again for him until two of the clock at after noon the next day, being Friday, and the twenty of September.

The v. Action or process the xx. of September, against Boner Bishop of London, before the kings Commissioners.

AT which day and time the Bishop appeared himself personally before thē in the same chamber of presence. Where first he did exhibit his answers unto the last Articles ministered unto him the 18. of September. The contents whereof here under follow.

The answer of the said Bishop of London, made unto the Articles ministered unto him the second time.

THe answers of me Edmund bishop of London, under mine accustomed protestation given unto the Articles of late ministered and exhibited against me here in this court, with special protestation also, that I do not intend in any wise to make answer to any of the said articles, otherwise then the law of this Realm doth bind me to do, nor to speak or say contrary to any thing that in my former answers I have said or done, and that if so chance me to do, it is not nor shall not be with my good will, or full consent, and that so soon as I shall perceive it, I intend to revoke it, and so now as than, and then as now, do so in that case revoke, to all honest and lawful purposes.

To the first Article I do answer and say, that there was a Messenger whose name I know not, that came unto me to Fulham as I now remember, but I do not remember the day thereof, and he said that my Lord Protectours grace required me to come by and by to speak with him. And thereupon having made the said messenger to break his fast, I repaired to the Court at Westminster, but not (upon the tenth day of August, but some other day of the said month.

To the second Article I do say, that it is obscure, incertayne and over general, especially in those at the same time, which may be referred to the tenth of August, and than answer already is made thereunto, and it may be referred to some other day of the said month of August, either before the x. of August or after. And because it remaineth vndeclared, I am not bound in law to answer unto it, neither yet to those words and sentence in the said Article (it is to wit) then and there, for they without declaration, are incertaine, obscure and general, and I before the specification, and declaration thereof, not bound herein to make an answer, specially having already made full and sufficient answer in this matter, according to the commission as I do take it, and according unto the law which also willeth that if a certain answer be looked for, the position and Article must before be certain.

To the 3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13. and 14, Article, he answereth all after one manner and sort, as thus. That it doth depend of the former Articles, to which for causes aforesaid, he saith, he is not bound in law to make answer unto, especially having already made.

Sauing that in the sixth he addeth thereunto, that he at no time heard the L. Protector find fault, nor commanded as is deduced in the said Article, so far as he doth find.

Also saving the 7. Article where he addeth nevertheless confessing and knowledging with heart and mouth, the kings majesties authority, and regal power in his minority, as well and full as in his maioritie.

Also saving the 8.9.10. and 11. articles, where he addeth as they be deduced, they are not true, as appeareth in conser • ing one with other.

To the 12. and 14. Articles, he addeth, as they be dedu • ed they are not true. Confessing nevertheless, the Kings Majesty's authority and power regal, as before is ex • resse • .

To the 15. Article he answereth and saith, that it is a position of law, and that yet both now, and heretofore he hath made answer thereunto in effect and substance, as appeareth in his former answers, and so shall do always according to the law and his bounden duty, knowledging as he hath already done, the kings majesties regal power in his minority, to be no less then in his maioritie. And the subjects bound to obey unto his grace, his laws, statutes, and ordinances, and his said authority, as well in his minority, as in his maioritie, not allowyng, but expressly condemning the opinion of all rebels holding the contrary.

After this perceiving that M. Secretary Smith was somewhat more quick with him then others of the Commissioners, and that he would not suffer him any longer to dally out the matter with his vain quiddities and subtleties in law, but ever earnestly urged him to go directly to his matter, and therewithal sometimes sharply rebuking him for his evil and stubborn behavior towards them: he to deface his authority (as he thought) did also then exhibit in writing a recusation of the Secretaries judgment against him. The form and manner whereof, as he exhibited it unto the judges, I thought here also to exhibit unto the Reader as here under followeth.

The recusation of the Judgment of Syr Thomas Smith, made by the B. of London the first time.

IN the name of God, Amen. Forasmuch as equity, natural reason, and all good laws do require, that Judges shall be of that integrity, wisdom, circumspection, learning and indifferency, that exercising the office and room of a Judge, they may & shall do it, without hatred, malice o • grudge against any person convented or called before them uprightly, sincerely, and duly executing and doing their office unto them in any wise committed: and for as much also as all judgments and process ought to have their due course, and proceed without suspicion or corruption in any wise: and finally, for as much as very dangerous it is to appear and make defense before an incompetent Judge, who commonly and accustomably of private & unlawful corrupt affectiō to the one side, & for malice, hatred and envy borne against the other side, rather serveth his carnal, corrupt, and willful appetite, then any thing is moved to obedience and keeping of good order, law, or reason, touching him that is convented and compelled to make answer against his will: I therefore Edmond Bishop of London, having perceived and felt by all the sayings, proceedings and doings of you sir Thomas Smith Knight, one of the two principal Secretaries to the kings Majesty in this matter attempted and moved against me, that ye have been, and yet continually are a notorious and manifest enemy of me the said Edmond, and much offended that I should in any wise allege and say, or use, any such things for my most defense, as the law giveth me license and liberty to do, yea hearing most favorably and effectually my denouncers and enemies with both ears in any thing that they shall allege, purpose, attempt, or do against me, though their persons in law are not in any wise to be heard or admitted, ne yet their sayings true, and not hearing me so much as with one ear in my lawful saiengs and doings in this behalf, but contrariwise opening your mouth at large, ye have sundry times, against good wisdom and reason outraged in words and deeds against me the said Edmond, saying among other words, that I did as thieves, murderers and traitors are wont to do, being myself as ye untruly did say, inward in deed, culpable, and yet outward otherwise, unable to defend the matter against me, but only by taking exceptions, and making frivolous allegations against my Judges and Commissioners, and that I have been and am as sturdye, willful, and disobedient, as may be in your judgment and opinion, maintaining and upholding the rebels and their opinions, and that I shall answer by mouth, or else smart and do worse, or else ye will send me to the Tower, there to sit and be joined with Kette and Humfrey Arundell the Rebels: over and besides diverse other threatenings and comminatorie words by you pronounced and uttered unseemly, and far unmeet to proceed out of the mouth of you that are in such room and place as ye be in.

And moreover, increasing your malice, evil will, and grudge borne against me▪ ye have amongst other things untruly surmised, written, alleged, and said, that a certain book of Articles and Injunctions by the Lord Protectours Grace in the full counsel after a certain prescribed fashion and form in the denunciation, commission, and Articles, which [de facto] were induced, brought in and objected against me, was delivered unto me: and moreover of an evil will and ungodly intent & purpose, contrary to the truth, ye have withdrawn, added, altered, and qualified diverse things in the same, otherwise then they were spoken or done, and yet ye are not ashamed to allege, write, and say, that all is true, and one consonant and agreeable in all points with the other, where in deed it is not so. And ye have further [de facto] against the law, and against the Commission to you directed, and against my just and lawful allegations & saiengs, proceeded unlawfully & unjustly against me, attēpting many things against me unlawfully & unjustly as appeareth ni the acts of this matter, to the which I do refer me so far forth as they make for me, and be expedient by me and for me to be alleged and referred unto yourself also unlawfully and unjustly [de facto] with your Colleagues, the which without you had begun the said matters, proceeding, where by the law ye so ought not to have done in deed, but abstained there from, as heretofore sundry times I have alleged, appearing in the acts of this Court, do upon these just and reasonable causes, according to the order of the Kings Majesty's Ecclesiastical laws, refuse, decline, and recuse you the said Sir Thomas Smith, as an vncompetent, unmeet, and suspect Judge, against me in this behalf, and decline your pretensed jurisdiction in this matter for causes aforesaid, desiring nothing but Justice, and offering myself prompt and ready to prove them so far as I am bound, and according to the order of the Kings Majesty's Ecclesiastical laws of this Realm in this behalf, as time, place, and otherwise shall require.

This recusation ended, the Secretary told him plain, that that notwithstanding he would proceed in his Commission and would be still his Judge, until he were otherwise inhibited, and said unto him farther: My Lord, where as you say in your recusation that I said, that you did like thieves, murderers, and traitors, in deed I said it, and may and will so say again, since we perceive it by your doings.

Whereunto the Bishop in a great and stout rage replied, saying: Well sir, because you sit here by virtue of the Kings Commission, and for that ye be Secretary to his majesty, and also one of his highness counsel, I must and do honor and reverence you: but as you be but sir Thomas Smith, & say as ye have said, that I do like thieves, murderers, and traitors, I say ye lie upon me, & in that case I defy you: and do what ye can to me, I fear you not, and therefore quod facis, fac citius.

Whereat the Archbishop with the other Commissioners said unto him, that for such his irreverent behavior he was worthy imprisonment.

Then the Bishop in more mad fury then before, said again unto them: A God's name ye may do de facto, send me whether you will, and I must obey you, and so will, except ye send me to the devil, for thither I will not go for you. Three things I have (to wit) a small portiō of goods, a poor carcase, and mine own soul: the two first ye may take (though unjustly) to you, but as for my soul ye get not, quia anima mea in manibus meis semper.

Well, said then the Secretary, ye shall know that there is a king.

Yea Sir (saith the Bishop) but that is not you, neither I am sure, will you take it upon you.

No Sir, said again the Secretary, but we will make you know who it is: and with that the Commissioners commanded the bishop and all the rest to depart the chamber until they called for him again.

Now, in the mean while that the Commissioners were in consultation, the Bishop with Gilbert Bourne his chapleine, Rob. Warnington his Commissary, & Rob. Johnson his Register were tarrying in a quadrant void place before the door of the same chamber. Where the Bishop leanyng on a cupboard, and seeing his Chapleins very sad, said unto them in effect as followeth. Syrs, what mean you? Why show you yourselves to be so sad & heavy in mind, as appeareth to me by your outward gestures and countenaunces? I would wish you, and I require you to be as merry as I am (laying therewith his hand upon his breast) for afore God I am not sad nor heavy, but merry and of good comfort, and am right glad & joyful of this my trouble, which is for gods cause, and it greueth me nothing at all.

But the great matter that grieveth me, & pierceth my heart, is for that this Hooper and such other vile heretics and beasts be suffered and licenced to preach at Paul's cross, & in other places within my Diocese & Cure, most detestably preaching and railing at the blessed Sacrament of the alter, & denying the verity and presence of Christ's true body and blood to be there, & so infecteth and betrayeth my flock. But I say it is there in very deed, & in that opinion I will live and die, and am ready to suffer death for the same. Wherefore ye being christen men, I do require you, and also charge and command you in the name of God and on his behalf, as ye will answer him for the contrary, that ye go to the Mayor of London and to his brethren the Aldermen, praying and also requiring them earnestly in God's name and mine, and for mine own discharge on that behalf, that from henceforth, when any such detestable and abhominable preachers (and especially those which hold opinion against the blessed Sacrament of the alter) do come to preach unto them, they forth with depart out of their presence and do not hear them, least that they taryeng with such Preachers, should not only hurt themselves in receiving their poisoned doctrine, but also give a visage to the incouragemēt of others, which thereby mought take an occasion to think and believe that their erroneous and damnable doctrine is true and good: and this eftsoons I require and command you to do.

And then turning himself about and beholding two of the Archbishops Gentlemen, which in the same place kept the Chamber door where the Commissioners were in consultation, and perceiving that they had heard all his talk, he spake unto them also and said: And Syrs, ye be my Lord of Caunterburies Gentlemen, I know ye very well: and therefore I also require and charge you in God's behalf, and in his name, that ye do the like for your partes in places where ye shall chance to see and hear such corrupt and erroneous Preachers, and also advertise my Lord your master of the same, and of these my sayings that I have now spoken here before you, as ye are Christian men, and shall answer before God for the contrary.

With this the Commissioners called for the Bishop again. Who did read unto them an instrument containing a provocation to the king, which he made in manner and form here following.

The first appellation intimated by Edmund Boner Bishop of London.

IN the name of God, Amen. It shall appear to all men by this public instrument, that the year of our Lord, 1549. the xx. day of September, the third year of the reign of our most high and renowned Prince Edward the sixth by the grace of GOD King of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, and in earth the supreme head of the Church of England and Ireland, in a chamber within the Palace of the said Bishop situated in London▪ and in the presence of me the Notary public, and of the witnesses hereafter named, the foresaid Bishop did personally appear, and there did show forth in writing a certain Protestation and Appellation, the tenor whereof ensueth.

In the name of God. Amen. I Edmund Bishop of London, say, allege, and propound before you being a public Notary, and these credible witnesses here present, that although I the foresaid Edmund have attained the Bishoprike aforesaid by the benevolence of the famous Prince of memory King Henry the eight, and was lawfully elected and translated to the same, with his rites and appurtenaunces, have of long time possessed peaceably and quietly the same, and presently do possess, being taken as Bishop and lawful possessor of the said bishopric, and am lawfully called, taken, and reputed, notoriously and publicly: and moreover do keep residence and hospitality on the same, according to the order, state, person and dignity, and as the revenues of the same would permit, and have exercised and done all things appertainyng to my pastoral office as the laws do require, as hereafter I trust by God's grace to do and observe, a man of good name and fame, neither suspended, excommunicate nor interdicted, neither convict of any notable crime or fact, always obeying readily the commandment of the Church, and other my superiors in all lawful causes, nevertheless fearing upon certain probable causes, lykely conjectures, threatenings and assertions of certain injurious men my enemies, or at the least, such as little favor me, that great damage may come to me hereafter about the premisses or part of them: and least any man by any authority, commandment, denunciation, inquisition, office, or at the request of any person, or persons, may attempt, prejudice, or hurt to me or my said dignity, either by my excommunication, interdiction, sequestration, spoiling, vexing, and perturbyng by any manner of means: do appeal to the most high and mighty Prince our sovereign Lord Edw. the 6. by the grace of God king of England, France &c. & in these my writings do provoke & appeal to his regal majesty. I do also require the Apostles so much as in this case they are to be required the first, second, & third time, earnestly, more earnestly, and most earnestly of all, that there may be given to me the protection, tuition, and defense of my foresaid most dread sovereign Lord, for the safeguard of me, my dignity, title, and possession in the premisses, and to all that will cleave to me in this behalf, I do also protest that I will be contented to correct, reform, and amend this my present protestation, and to the same to add, to take away, and to bring the same into the best form and state that may be devised, by the counsel of learned men, or as the case shall require, and the same to intimate according to time and place and the order of the law, and still shall require, Upon all the which premisses, the foresaid Edmund B. of London did require the Notary public here under written, to make unto him, and the witnesses hereafter named, one, two, or more copies of this protestation.

These things were done the year, day, and time above-written, there being present Gilbert Bourne Bachelor of Divinity, John Harpesfield, and Robert Colen, Masters of Art, John Wakelyng, and Richard Rogers learned men, being of the Diocese of Worcester, Westminster, Coventry, Lichfield, and Gloucester, and specially requested to be witness of the same. And I Francis Harward of the Diocese of Worcester, and public Notary by the Kings regal authority, forsomuch as I was present when the foresaid Protestation, Appellation, and other the premisses were done, the year of our Lord, the yere of the reign of the king, the day of the month and place aforesaid, the witnesses abovenamed being present, and for so much as I did enact the same, therefore to this present public instrument, written faithfully with mine own hand, I have put to my mark, being specially requested unto the same.

Which thing after he had read, he did under his protestation first intimate unto the Archbishop, the Bishop of Rochester, and Doctor May, and then protestyng also not to receede frō his recusation, did likewise intimate the same unto Master Secretarye Smyth, requiring the Register to make an Instrument as well thereupon, as also upon his recusation, with witness to testify the same.

Then the Delegates did again proceed to the examination of the last answers, and findyng the same imperfect, they demanded of him (according to the first Article) what special day of August, he was sent for by the L. Protector? To whom he obstinately answered, that he was not bound to make other answer, then he had already made, unless they did put their Articles more certain: neither would he otherwise answer as long as Master Secretary Smith was there present, whom he had before recused, and therefore would not receede from his recusation.

The Secretary seeing him so willful and perverse, said sharply unto him. My L. come of and make a full & perfect answer unto these Articles, or else we will take other order with you to your pain.

In faith Sir, then said the Bishop again, I have thought ye had been learned, but now before God, I perceive well that either ye be not learned in deed, or else ye have forgotten it: for I have so often̄ answered lawfully & sufficiently, and have so oft shown causes sufficient & reasonable, why thereunto I ought not by law to be compelled (you showing nothing to the contrary but sensuality and will) that I must needs judge that you are ignorant herein.

Well said M. Secretary, ye will not then otherwise answer?

No, said the B. except the law compel me.

Then said the Secretary, call for the knight Marshal, that he may be had to Ward.

With that all the rest of the Commissioners charged the B. that he had at that time sundry ways very outrageously and irreverently behaved himself towards them sitting on the Kings Majesty's Commission, and specially towards Sir Thomas Smith his graces Secretary, & therefore and for diverse other contumelious words which he had spoken, they declared they would commit him to the Marshalsey.

By this time the Marshals deputy came before them, whom M. Secretary commanded to take the B. as prisoner, and so to keep him that no man might come unto him, for if he did, he should sit by him himself.

When the Secretary had ended his talk, the B. said unto him: Well sir, it might have becōmed you right well that my Lord's grace here present, being first in commission, and your better, should have done it.

Then the Commissioners assigning him to be brought before them on monday next before noon, between 7. and 9. of the clock in the Hall of that place, there to make full answer to these last Articles, or else to show cause why he should not be declared pro confesso, did for that present break up that Session.

Now as the Bishop was departing with the vndermarshall, he in a great fury turned himself again towards the Commissioners, and said to Sir Thomas Smyth: Sir, where ye have committed me to prison, ye shall understand that I will require no favor at your hands, but shall willingly suffer what shall be put unto me, as boltes on my heels, yea, and if ye will, irons about my middle, or where ye will,

Then departing again, he yet returned once more, & fomyng out his poison, said unto the Archbishop: Well my Lord, I am sory that I being a Bishop am thus handled at your graces hand: but more sory that you suffer abhominable heretics to practice as they do in London and else where, infecting and disquieting the Kings liege people: and therefore I do require you, as you will answer to God and to the king, that ye will from henceforth abstain thus to do: for if ye do not, I will accuse you before God & the Kings Majesty: answer to it as well as ye can. And so he departed, using many reproachful words against sundry of the common people, which stood and spake to him by the way as he went.

The sixth Action or process upon Monday, the 23. of September, had against Boner Bishop of London, before the Commissioners, in the great hall at Lambeth.

IT was assigned as ye heard in the 4. Acte prosecuted the 18. of September, that upon Monday then next following, being the 23. of the same month, the B. should again appear before the Commissioners, within the great Hall at Lambeth, then to show a final cause why he should not be declared pro confesso, upon all the Articles whereunto he had not fully answered.

According to which assignment, the same 23. day of September, the B. was brought before them by the Undermarshall (to whom for his disobedient and obstinate behavior he was before that time committed) and there did first declare unto them, that his appearance at that time and place was not voluntary, but coacted, for that he was against his will brought thither by the keeper of the Marshalsey, and therewithal also under his former protestation, recusation and appeal, did then again intimate a general recusation of all the Commissioners, alleging in the same, that because the Archbishop with all his Colleagues had neither observed the order of their Commission, neither yet proceeded against him after any laudable or good fashion of judgment, but contrariwise, had sundry times as well in his absence, as in his presence, attempted many things unlawfully against his person, dignity, and estate, especially, in committing him to strait prison, and yet commanding him to make answer: & further, because that he with the rest had proceeded in Commission with Sir Thomas Smith Knight, supportyng and maintainyng all his evil doings (notwithstanding that he the same Bishop had before justly recused and declined from him) he therefore did also there refuse & declyne from the judgment of the said Archbishop and his Colleagues, and did except against their jurisdiction as suspect, and they thereby unmeet persons to proceed against him, and therefore according to his former appeal, he intended to submit himself under the tuition, protection, & defense of the Kings Majesty, for whose honor and reverence sake (he said) they ought not to proceed any further against him, but quietly suffer him to use the benefit of all his recusations, provocations, and other lawful remedies before alleged, with other superfluous words at large, to be read and seen as followeth.

The second recusation made by Edmund Boner Bishop of London.

IN the name of God, Amen. For as much as both natural reason and all good policies of laws, especially of this Realm of England do admit and suffer him that is convented before an vncompetent and suspect Judge, to refuse him and to decline his jurisdiction, in as much as the law and reason on the one side, willeth process to run uprightly and justly, and that in corruption and malice, and the other side earnestly laboreth to the contrary, and needeth therefore to be bridled. And for because ye my Lord of Canterbury with your Colleagues in this behalf (deputed as ye say Commissioners against me) neither have observed your said Commission, neither yet proceeded hitherto against me, after any laudable, lawful, or any good fashion of judgment, but contrariwise, contrary to your Commission, and against the law, good reason, and order, have at sundry times, and in sundry acts attempted and done many things against me, unlawfully, unseemly, and unjustly, and suffer the like to be attempted and done by other not reformyng and amendyng the same, as appeareth in diverse and sundry things remaining in your acts.

And moreover because you my said Lord, with your said Colleagues, both have in mine absence, being let with just causes of impediment, which according to the laws of this realm I have fully alleged, and very sufficiently and justly proved, according to the order of the Kings Ecclesiastical laws injuriously, and much to the hinderance of my name, person, title, dignity, and state, and also otherwise, specially in my presence, against all laws, good order, and reason, without good cause or ground attempted and done many things against me, especially touching mine imprisonment, sending me to strait ward, and yet commanding me to make answer, as appeareth in your unlawful acts.

I for these causes, and also for that ye my said Lord and your said Colleagues proceeding with Syr Thomas Smith Knight, whom upon just and lawful causes I have refused, recused and declined, and favored, ye have maintained, supported, and borne, in his unlawful and evil doings, do also refuse, recuse and declyne you my said Lord, with the rest of your said Colleagues, agreeing and ioynyng with you, and do accept against your proceedings, doings, and jurisdiction as suspect, and thereby unmeet persons to proceed herein against me.

And further do allege, that having been provoked to the Kings most excellent Majesty, as appeareth by the tenor of my provocation, remaining in your acts, wherein I do protest, that I intend to adheare and cleave unto, submitting myself unto the tuition, protection, and defense of his said Majesty in this behalf, ye in any wise ought not (if ye regard the person and authority of his graces royal power, as ye ought to do) to proceed here in against me, especially for the honor and reverence, ye ought to have unto his Majesty in this behalf. And because it appeareth that ye do not duly and circumspectly consider the same, as ye ought to do, but more and more do grieve me, that not considered, I both here to all purposes repeat my former recusation, provocation, and all other remedies that heretofore I have used and mentioned in your said acts.

And also do by these presents, refuse, recuse, and decline you my said Lord, and your said Colleagues, and your jurisdiction upon causes aforesaid, offering myself prompt and ready to prove all the same, afore an arbiter and arbitors, according to the tenure and form of the law herein to be chosen, requiring you all, for that honor and reverence ye ought to bear to our said sovereign Lord, and his laws allowed and approved in this behalf, that ye do not attempt or do, ne yet suffer to be attempted or done, any things in any wise against me, or unto my prejudice, but suffer me to use and enjoy the benefit of my said former, and this recusation, provocation, allegation, and other lawful remedies mentioned in your said acts. And in case ye do de facto, where ye ought not to deiure, attempt or suffer any things to be attempted or done against me in any wise herein, I protest herewith, and hereby of my great grief and hurt in that behalf, & that not only I do intend to appeal from you, but also according to the kings Ecclesiastical laws to accuse and complain upon you, as justly and truly I both may and ought to do.

Notwithstandyng these recusations and former appellation, the Archbishop with the rest told him plain that they would be still his Judges, and proceed against him according to the Kings Commission, until they did receive a Supersedeas, which if he did obtain, they would gladly obey.

Then the Bish. seeing that they would still proceed against him, did there likewise intimate another appellation unto the Kings Majesty, expressing therein in effect, no other matter, but such as is already alleged in the two former recusations and appeal: saving that he requireth, that letters dimissories or appellatories might be given him according to law, and that for his better safeguard he did submit himself under the protection of the king.

The Commissioners for all this, stuck still unto their Commission, and would not in any case defer, but urged him straitly to make a more full answer to his Articles, then he had done.

To whom the Bishop said, that he would stand unto his recusations and appellations before made, and would not make other answer.

Then the Delegates demanded of him what cause he had to allege why he ought not to be declared pro confesso, upon the Articles whereunto he had not fully answered: the B. still answering (as before) that he would adhere unto his appellation and recusation.

Wherupon the Archb. with consent of the rest, seeing his pertinancy, pronounced him Contumax, and in pain thereof declared him pro confesso, vpō all the articles which he had not answered.

This done, Master Secretary Smith shown forth a Letter, which the Byshoppe of London had before that time sent unto the Lord Mayor and the Aldermen of the City of London, the tenor whereof ensueth as followeth.

This Letter being read, the Secretary demanded of him whether he wrote it not. To whom he would not otherwise answer, but that he would still adhere and stand unto his former recusations and appeals. Which the commissioners seeing, determined to continue this case in state as it was until Friday then next following, between the hours of viii. and ix. of the clock before noon, assignyng the bishop to be there at the same time and place then to hear a final decree of this matter, he still protestyng as before.

The seventh Session or appearance of Boner upon Tewsday the first of October, before the Kynges Commissioners at Lambeth.

VPpon Friday the Commissioners for diverse urgent causes lettyng them, did not sit in Commission according to their appointment, but deferred it until Tewsday the first of October then next following. Upon which day the Bishop appearing before them, the Archbishop declared unto him, that although as upon Friday last, they had appointed to pronounce their final Decree and Sentence in this matter, yet forasmuch as they thought that that Sentence (although they had just cause to give it) should have been very sore against him, they had not only deferred the same until this day, but mindyng to be more friendly to him then he was to himself,