Acts and Monuments Volume 2 Part 1

The principal articles against Bishop Farrar.

GEorge Constantine, David Walter his servant, Thomas [ 1] Young chanter of the Cathedral Church, who was afterward Archbishop of York, Rowland Merick, doct. of law, who was afterward Bish. of Bangor, Thomas Lee, and Hugh Rawlins. &c.

THrough the procurement and instance of these his adversaries, joining and confederating together, one Hugh Rawlins priest, and Thomas Lee brother in law to the said George Constantine, did exhibit to the kings most honorable counsel certain articles and informations, conceived and devised by the persons before named, to the intent to blemish the bishops credit, and utterly (as they thought and made their boast) to pull him from his bishopric, and to bring him in a premunire. The copy of which articles, we thought here good to express, and so after them to set his answers to the same.

Articles and informations to the kings honorable counsel, put up and exhibited by Hugh Raulins, and Tho. Lee, against the blessed man of God, Mayster Farrar, bishop of saint David's.

Abuse of the authority to him committed.

IN primis when the said bishop first came to his dyocesse, [ 2] he appointed his chauncellour by his letters of commission, omitting the kings majesties style and authority, and grounded his said commission upon foreign usurped laws and authority: by force of which authority his said Chancellor did visit certain deanryes of his said diocese, and monished the Chauntor and chapter of the cathedral Church of S. David's aforesaid, against a certain day and place, for like intent and purpose, contrary to the kings highness laws and statutes, and in derogation of his highness supremacy.

Item, that the said Chauntour and chapter, perceyuing the faults of the said commission, took the same frō the Registre into their custody, refusing to appear by virtue thereof, and by secrete and charitable ways and means did admonish the said Bishop of the unlawfulness and faults of the said commission and of the danger that he had incurred for granting and executing the same: opening also unto him the effect of the statute made in the xxviii. year of our late Sovereign Lord Henry the eight: Which monitions notwithstanding, the said Bishop neglecting the same, and continuing in his malicious doing or inexcusable ignorance, about the xx. day of Auguste in the fourth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord that now is did confer unto one John Euans the Uicarage of Pembrin, instituting him by authority of the old foreign usurped law, making no mention of the kings highness authority, in contempt and derogation of the same.

Item, whereas the Chancellor and Uicar general [ 3] to the said Bishop, did upon a lawful title, and by the kings hignes supreme authority admit and institute one John Gough into the rectory of Haskard with thappurtenaunces, and gave out in y ^e kings name under his highness seal ecclesiastical appointed for that office with the (teste) of the said bishop and subscription of the said chauncellour, a mandate to inducte accordingly: by virtue whereof the said John Gough was inducted by the official there into real possession of the same rectory, with the rightes and appurtenaunces to the same belonging: whereupon the register of the said diocese, at the request of the foresaid chauncellour did signify the premisses, with all the circumstances, before diverse persons to the forenamed Bishop, Who notwithstanding, did institute and cause to be inducted one Harry Goddart unto the same personage. making no mention of the kings majesties authority nor supremacy: in contempt and derogation of the same his hignes crown and dignity, and in extolling the foreign usurped aucthoritye, contrary to the form of the statute &c.

Item, the said Bishop immediately after the unlawful institution and induction of Goddart aforesaid, [ 4] molested the said I. Gough lawfully instituted inducted as before, citing him frō place to place, objecting no matter unto him of long season, till at the length he articled. Emong which Articles was contained. Item Interrogatur quo titulo tenet rectoriam de Haskard. So taking upon him the cognition of the title of the hole fruits and patronage, in contempt of the kings highness regal crown and dignity, and in derogation of the laws and statutes of this Realm.

Item, he hath commonly made his collations, and institutions, as he did his first commission in his own [ 5] name and authority, without expressing the kings supremacy.

Item, he hath made under his seal one collation, two institutions, and three mandates, inducte in one [ 6] vocation of one benefice, to three several persons, without order of law, or revocation of any of them, giving to everyone like authority, title and right. Whereby, except good foresight as well of Justices of the peace, as of the friends had not been, there had ensued much inconvenience amongst the partakers of the entitled incumbentes in that behalf.

Item, the said Bishop decreeing Caueates to be made in benefices, thereby knowing the titles litigious, [ 7] instituted, and causeth to be inducted without trial of any title or due order of law.

Item, he directeth his mandates of induction unto private men, and not to Tharchdeacons nor their Officialles: [ 8] contrary to the law and custom used in that behalf. Notwithstanding he hath been counseled to the contrary, of men that be learned.

Item, having no manner of knowledge nor practice in the law, he sitteth every day, in harvest and other times, [ 9] upon causes without assistance of learned in the law, having with him only an unlearned boy, which is no Notary, to his scribe, neither observing the law, nor yet reasonable order. And therefore doth no good, but tryfeleth the time, as may appear by his acts, if he have them to be shown.

Item, he and his officers, by his knowledge, useth to dispense with marriages, to be solemnized without banes, [ 10] contrary to the laws and ordinances in that behalf.

Item, where as one Thomas Pricharde a Chapleine of his, solempnized matrimony in a private house without [ 11] banes, & that betwixt a priest, and a sister of hers, that was appointed to be married with the said priest that day: he also being a parson, and leaving his cure unserved that day being sondaye: notwithstanding, that one of the kings counsel in the marches of Wales: informed the said bishop of the same misdemeanors, requiring due reformation thereof, he hath done nothing therein, but put the same Chapleine in office, and made him his Commissary general since that time, bearing a special favor to the rest of the offenders.

Item, whereas one Meredith ap Thomas, his household servant, was accused of one Sage Hugh, for to [ 12] have been father of her child, the said Bishop without purgation of his servant, caused him to sue the parents of the said Sage of infamy, first in his principal consistory, and from thence before a commissary of his, being his household Chaplain, and at the last took the matter before himself, so railing against all his officers, because they proceeded not after his parciall affection, and against the law, that honest men of Carmarththē, where he then satte upon the cause, judged him to be, or at the least to have been distracte of his wit: and by his partial handling, the cause remaineth unfinished, and the child without father.

Item, whereas one Ienkin Ph. accused William Chābers [ 13] a servant of the Bishops, that found this William in adulterouse manner with his wife, by reason whereof the Bishop expelled the wife out of his house, and the said infamy not purged, the parties have been both again in the Bishops house, and service, since that time, to the evil example of other.

Item, by his unlawful sequestration of the fruits of [ 14] the benefices of Langattocke, and Lamyhangell, by the indiscreet handling of the same, there were raised the number of four hundred people or more, which bickered sundry times together, to the great danger of thinhabitauntes thereabout, had it not been pacified by the discreet means of syr Roger Uaughan Knight.

Item, by his like unlawful collation of the Prebend [ 15] of Lambister, to one Stephen Grene a Chaplayne of his by covenant and promise to maintain the suit, by whose crafty and indiscreet handling of the same, there was raised in the county of Radner the 19. day of August last yast, about three or four hundredth men to like danger, but that the matter was stayed by John Bradshaw, Rice ap Glin, and Stephen ap Rice, Justices of the same county. Who with great danger to them selves and theirs, pacified the matter, committing an hundred of the offenders to ward.

Item, such as he oweth displeasure unto, he citeth from [ 16] place to place, and day today, only for their vexation, laying no matter against them: and being diverse times required the copy of his proceedings against them, to thintent they might answer accordingly, and be at their lawful defense: he denieth to all such persons, the copies of his proceedings.

Item, he and his officers wink at the manifest and open [ 17] crimes of his fautours and adherents, to the evil example of the whole Dioces, and abuseth the censures of excommunication and suspension, making it an instrument of revenging against such, as they do not favor.

Item, having received payment of the kings majesties [ 18] subsidy, due in October, the fourth year of his graces reign, of the foresaid Chaunter of the Cathedral Church of Saint David's, and Rowland Meyrike, two of the Residentaries there, before Christmas last, he unjustly of a prepensed mind and purpose, afterward certified them for recusantes, to their undoing, if they had not been admonished of his cruel purpose, and provided lawful defense for the same.

Item, the said Bishop celebrating matrimony in his own person, dispensed contrary to the book of ordinance, [ 19] with the parties married, for not receiving the holy communion: the parties both bring young, and lusty persons, having no reasonable cause wherefore they should abstain. At which celebration, the Byshoppe communicated not himself. And further, the communion was celebrated by a Chapleyne of his, with superstitious blowynges, kneelynges, and knockinges, both of the Chaplayne that ministered, & of all the company, only one other Priest communicating for the manner.

*Mayntenaunce of superstition contrary to the kings ordinance and Injunctions.

ITem, where the Officiall of Tharchedeacon of Carmarthen, [ 20] in his visitation within Carmarthen, found contrary unto the said ordinance, an Aultar set up in the body of the Church, for celebration of the communion, and caused the said Aultar to be taken away, and a table to be set in the middle of the Church: the Bishop after the same, commanded the Uicar of Carmarthen, to set the table without the chauncell again for the ministration of the communion.

Item, he being often in Carmarthen, and other places [ 21] in the chauncell at y ^e time of holy communion, not only carried there him self, neither communicating nor ministering bareheaded and vncoyffid, reverently kneeling, but also permitteth the people there to continue the chauncell and quire full, kneeling and knockyng their breasts. Which manner is yet used in all the dyocesse without any reformation or gaynesay of him or any of his officers.

Item, whereas superstious praying upon beads [ 22] is not only ungodly, but reproved in the Kynges Majesty's injunctions: the said Byshopppe meeting many with beads in their hands, never rebuked any of them.

Item, the said Byshopye being in the Pulpyt, and seeing corses there within the Church, with a [ 23] great number of lights upon them, never spake against any of them.

Item, where as thordinaunce will, that no children be baptized but upon the Sondaye, or holy day (only [ 24] cause of necessity excepted) he having two children himself borne without danger, caused one of them to be baptized upon the work day. And by his example, without any contradiction or motion of reformation, it is used as it hath been accustomed, in all the dyocesse commonly, contrary unto the book of ordinance in that behalf.

Covetousness.

Item, from his first coming into the dyocesse, he hath had and yet hath his only study, labor, [ 25] and practice, to survey lands, and to look for mines &c. neglecting his own bounden duty to apply his book and preaching.

Item, he keepeth no manner hospitality, but hath his servants table in one parlor with him, least any stranger [ 26] should approach, his servants being at their meat.

Item, he is commonly talking, not of any godliness but of worldly matters, as baking brewing, enclosing, [ 27] plowing, mining of millstones, discharging of tenaunts, and such like, not only at his table, but also most commonly at other places.

Item, he hath warned diverse tenauntes out of their lands, which they and their elders have enjoyed for [ 28] their rentes, these hundred years, and more: and occupied with tillage, which he saith he will enclose, and being sued to, of poor men, because of quietness, he answered: the crows shall eat the corn, rather then ye shall have any profit thereof.

Item, when the Uicars Chorall of S. David's for relief of their hospitality, had an Island of his, called the bishops [ 29] Isle, for xl. s. rent: he hath set it to a chapleyn of his for v.li. by year. And where at the suit of the said Uicars, it was granted by the bishop in the whole chapiter, that the Uicares should have it for years at xl. s. rent, and pay xx.li. entry: he now couetously and against his promise openly made, denieth the same, except the Uicars would give l.li.

Item, he caused the Curate of S. David's, to warn their tenauntes out of their said lands in the pulpit, to [ 30] the great offense of the people, which were wont to have God's word preached there: and so they said to the Curate at that time.

Item, to the plowing of a pasture not above x. days work, in Lent. An. 1549. he had 32. ploughes in one day, [ 31] and those ploughes the priest bad in the Church, contrary to the statute of Gomortha in that behalf provided, and to the evil example of gentlemen in that country.

Item, where the kings majesties of godly remembrance, [ 32] Henry theight, appointed at Brekenock a schoolmaster, vssher, Reader of divinity, a Minister, & certain scholars, and for the maintenance thereof, appointed lx. and xii.li. of the pensions and revenues of Brekenocke: the Bishop finding it so furnished, hath neither Reader nor Minister there, couetously converting their stipends to his own use.

Item, the Bish. was twice in one day presented in the great court holden in the town of Carmarthen, for enclosing [ 33] and covetous encroching of the kings hye way.

Item, he couetously occupyeth purchasing of lands, bying of cattle, marchaundise, and other things being [ 34] indetted a notable sum to the kings Majesty, as may by his accounts in the court of tenths, and first fruits appear.

Item, whereas one Lewis John Thomas boole, putting from him his lawful wedded wife, upon Christmas [ 35] even last past, without banes had marriage solemnizate with a concubine of his in a Church within 3. miles of the Bishops abode at that time: The Bishop since knowing the premisses hath not only of a covetous mind entered familiaritye with the said Lewis, and bought a piece of land of him, but also ever since hath (for to have his lands good chepe) left both the parties and priest unpunished, using him to familiarly, that whereas a Somner cited the parties to appear among other criminals for the same fact: the Byshoppe commanded the said Somner to let him alone, and so they all remain unpunished.

Item, where as the whole Chapiter of Saint David's (as it was thought) was in assured amity with the Byshoppe, they all being his Officers or Chaplains, he procured them to be unpleaded with Wryt of Quo warranto in the kings Bench, keeping the Wryt with him secretly, at the least three months, not delivering it, but only ten days before the day of their apparance, the parties being seven days journey distant from London.

Item, he is a willful wrong doer, and troubler of men in their rightes, entering upon their lawful possessions, stirring thereby much contention, and so notably known, to the offense of the country.

Wilfull negligence.

ITem, whereas the Bishop aforesaid, was appointed [ 38] in August. An. 1547. and consecrated in September following, he never came into the Diocese himself, nor sent or appointed any Officer there before the month of April. An. 1548. to the great disorder of the kings Majesty's subjects, lack of reformation, and ministration of justice.

[ 39] Item, during his visitation, the said Bishop did not endeavor himself to see reformation, but road surveying of lands, appointing vain enclosures, and such other things. Which are no parte of the office to him committed, nor yet convenient, namely, at that time.

[ 40] Item, the visitation finished, he neither appointed his Officers to examine the clergy of the places of Scripture to them appointed to be studied in the same visitation, nor hath hitherto effectually gone about any godly reformation, according to the ordinances of this realm.

[ 41] Item, the Byshoppe since his coming to the diocese, never ministered the Communion, saving only at two times, that he ordered certain Deacons: but in everything (but that he other whiles preacheth excepted) ordreth himself like no minister, nor man of his vocation.

[ 42] Item, he hath so alienated himself from study, that he preacheth vndiscretely, discrediting the office, not only untruly reporting the Scriptures, but also preaching the ten commandments in one place in declaration of the eight of them, for lack of stuff, the pithe of his matter, was matrimony of priests.

[ 43] Item, the thirteen day of September last, he ordained certain Deacons, and making his exhortation, he taught that a man was not bounden to forgive, but him that asketh forgiveness, and being admonished friendly by a letter to better declare the same, because that diverse were offended with that doctrine: he hath hitherto deferred so to do, to the maintenance of malicious hearts in these parties.

[ 44] Item, since the first day of August. Anno 1549. unto the feast of Candlemasse last, he hath preached but two or three Sermons, of which one was preached at Aberguilly upon S. Stephens day last, to a great audience that understood no English, being but a mile from Carmarthen, an English town, and the chief of his Diocese.

[ 45] Item, since his ordinary visitation, which was finished in July. An. 1548. he hath neither preached nor caused to be preached in the towns of Tinby, Pembroche, nor Hanerforde being English towns, nor much distante from the place of his most continuance.

[ 46] Item, the Churches appropriate to the Bishop have no Paraphrases in English, and few of them Bibles.

[ 47] Item, the Churches of the diocese for the moste parte, and the clergy almost everyone lack Paraphrases, notwithstanding there hath been these two years, and yet be a great number of them to be sold in the Diocese.

Folly.

ITem, to declare his folly in riding, he useth bridle with [ 48] white studs & snaffle, white Scottish stirrups, white spurs, a Scottish padde with a little staff of three quarters long, which he hath not only used superstitiously these four or five years in communication, ofttimes boasting what Countries he hath compassed and measured with the same staff.

[ 49] Item, he hath made a vow, that he will never wear a cap: for he saith, it is comely wearing of a hatte, and so cometh in his long gown and hat, both into the Cathedral church, and to the best Town of his diocese, sitting in that sort in the kings great Sessions, and in his consistory, making himself a mock to the people.

[ 50] Item, he said that he would go to the Parliament on foot. And to his friends that dissuaded him, alleging that it is not meet for a man in his place: he answered, I care not for that, it is no sin.

Item, having a son, he went before the midwife to [ 51] the Church, presenting the child to the Priest, and giving his name Samuel, with a solemn interpretation of the name, appointing also two Godfathers and two Godmothers, contrary to the ordinance, making his son a monster, and himself a laughing stock throughout all the country.

Item, he daily useth whisteling of his child, and sayththat he understood his whistle, when he was but three days old. And being advertised of his friends, that men laughed at his folly: he answered: they whistle their horses and dogs, and I am contented, they might also be contented that I whistle my child, and so whistleth him daily, all friendly admonition neglected.

Item, in his Ordinary visitation among other his [ 53] surueys, he surueyed Milforde haven, where he espied a Seal fish tombling. And he crept down to the water side, and continued there, whistling by the space of an hour, persuading the company that laughed fast at him, that by his whistling he made the fish to tarie there.

Item, speaking of scarcity of herrings, he layeth the [ 54] fault to the covetousness of fishers, who in time of plenty, took so many, that they destroyed the breeders.

Item, speaking of the alteration of the coin, he wished [ 55] that what metal so ever it were of, the penny should be in weight worth a penny of the same metal.

For a conclusion, the said Byshoppe in all his doings [ 56] since he came to his Diocese, hath behaved himself moste unmeet for a man of his vocation, being for a minister of Justice, an abuser of the authority to him committed, for a teacher of the truth, and reformer of superstition, a mainteiner of superstition without any doctrine of reformation, for a liberal, and hospital, an insatiable covetous man: for a diligent overseer, willful and negligent: for an example of godly wisdom, given wholly to folly: for a merciful, a cruel revenger. And further, for a peace maker, a sower of discord. And so in all his behavior a discreditor and slanderer of his vocation, and a deceiver of all men▪ that had hope that he should do any reformatiō. For he yet hath neither brought into his diocese, nor hath belonging unto him any learned preacher. But such learned preachers as he found in the diocese at his entry, he so vexeth and disquieteth, that they cannot attend to apply their preaching, for the defense of their livings, against his quarellous inventions and unjust certificates.

After these wrangling Articles and informations were given up, then was the Bishop called for to answer, the hearing whereof was committed unto D. Wotton, and Sir John Mason knight, who likewise received the Bishops aunsweares to the foresaid articles, the copy and effect of which answers hereafter follow.

The answer of Robert, Bishop of S. David's, to the Articles ministered unto him.

TO the first Article he saith, that after lawful monition in the kings Majesty's name & authority, from the said B. (being then at London) given to the Chanter & chapter of S. David's, for visitation at a certain day there to be entered: the said Bishop himself, for such purpose coming into the Diocese, knowing also that the Chaunter, and one of the Canons of that Church, & late before commissaries in that Diocese, had not only by their own evil example and winking at the faults of other, or neglecting to correct the same, left there among priests and others, much detestable whoredom: but had also spoiled the Cathedral church of Crosses, Chalices and Censers, with other plate, jewels, and ornaments of the Church to the value of 5. C. marks or more, for their own private lucre, (the Church remaining even yet very vile & in great decay:) and had also made further under their Chapiter seal many blanks to the number of twelve or moe, Sede vacante, without the kings license or knowledge: Therefore he brought with him one Edmunde Farlee, Bachelor of law, by D. Tong and D. Neuinson, to him commended as a man sufficient in faithful truth, and learning, to be his Chancellor. To whom he granted and Sealed a Commission for that purpose, giving credit to him in his faculty, concerning the draught and form thereof. But the kings Majesty's style of Supremacy was • ullye set forth in the same commission. Whether there were any default of formal words in setting forth of the kings authority therein, he is not certain. For he committed the doing thereof to his Chauncelloure, who was commended to him for a learned man. And the Bishop saith, that he did never ground the Commission upon any foreign usurped laws or authority. Neither did his said Chancellor by force of such authority, visit any Deanrie of the said Diocese, nor gave any monition to the Chauntour and Chapiter there, by force of that Commission, for any like intent or purpose, but only offered in y ^e kings Majesty's name, and authority (to the said Bysh. committed) for to enter visitation of the Chaunter and Chapter of the Cathedral Church, at another day to be executed by the Byshoppe himself, for reformation of the Chapiter Church, and Ministers there, according to the kings gracious ordinances and Injunctions in that behalf. But the aforesaid Chanter and Canon of the church, before the sight of any Commission, stubbornly answered the said Chancellor, that they would not receive him, nor any other to visit them, except he were one of their Chapter. And further desiring to see his Commission, de •• uered the same into their hands, and would not deliver it him again. And so it may appear that he did nothing by force of that Commission.

To the seconde Article he saith, that they opened not [ 2] unto him the danger of any statute to his knowledge and remembrance. Nevertheless, he not knowing any default in the said Commission, and certainly minedynge with all diligence the faithful execution of his Office of preaching, and visitinge the whole Diocese in his own person, by the kings Majesty's authority, for the conservation of God's peace, and the kings, in that dangerous time of rebellion, then beginning to arise in other places, did neglect and lay apart the stubborn behavior and ungodly doings of the said Chaunter and Canon, and agreed with them, omitting all contemptes and reproaches towards him and his said Chancellor, and all manner of contention by them done, fearing else that through their unquietness, some tumult might have risen amongst the people there, and did also make the said Chanter his Chācellour, and Canon his Commissary, according to their ambitious desires, to appease their malice in that dangerous time. And further, he saith that he made a Collation to syr John. Euans of the Uicarage of Pembrin, what day or time he remembereth not, not by any old foreign usurped authority, but by the kings authority only, making full mention of the kings style and authority in the same Collation.

To the third and fourth he saith, that whereas he [ 3. & 4.] had granted to George Constantine the office of a Register, who brought unto him a Commission for the Chācellourshippe to be sealed, and delivered to the foresaid Chaunter of Saint David's, desiring the said Byshoppe to Seal it, he utterly refused so to do, because the said George had put therein a clause of admitting Clerks into benefices: the which authority the said Bishop would not in any wise grant, reserving the examination and admission of Clerks, only to himself, for the avoiding of wicked bribery and parcialitie. Whereuppon the said George and the Chaunter promised the said Byshoppe by their faith and trouthe, afore three or four honest witnesses, not to execute that clause of Institution into benefices, but only to those Clerks whom the Bishop did first examine and admit, and send unto them for to be instituted and inducted, upon which promise the Bishop sealed the said Commission. And after that time, the parsonage of Haskarde being void, and by the reason of laps devolved to the Bishops gift for that time, he conferred it to one Sir Henry Godherd with a Collation or Institution by the kings authority, not extolling any foreign usurped authority. In the which collation or institution is fully mentioned the renunciation of the Bishop of Rome, and all foreign powers and authority, with the full style of his Majesty's supremacy. And this collation of the Church of Haskarde he gave, before he understood or knew that his Chancellor had given out the like, and he surely thinketh, his Collation was the first. That notwithstanding the said George Constantine, and the said Chaunter having a vowson determined by reason of laps, admitted and instituted one John Gough, to the said personnage of Haskarde by virtue of their expired vowson and sealed his institution with a wrong Seal, because they had not the right seal of office to that purpose) contrary to their former earnest promise, and the Bishops right, and without any manner of warning or foreknowledge thereof to him given, which thing by them untruly done, the said George Constantine nevertheless came to the Bishops house, and there did write with his own hand the letters of Induction for the said Sir Henry Godherd Prieste, comprising in the same the whole sum of the Institution or Collation, which the said Byshoppe had made, and the same George did seal the said letters of induction with his own hand, fineding no manner of fault therein, nor making any word or mention of his and the Chauntours former wrong doings, but so departed for that time. And afterward he came again, and shown the Byshoppe, what they had done before, concerning the Parsonage aforesaid. And further, the said Defendant saith, that he did not molest the said John Gough, but lawfully did call him in the kings Majesty's name, not for any title of Patronage, but to know, whether he were Parson of Haskarde, and howe he was thereto admitted and instituted, and inducted, and by what authority he presumed to preach there, without the kings Majesty's license, with other like lawful demands, whereunto he sturdely refused to give answer: and saith that the Article contained in his accusation, saying thus. Item interrogetur quo titulo tenet rectoriam de Haskarde, was not ministered unto the party in that sort, so far as he knoweth, but in these words or like. Quomodo intrauit in Rectoriam. &c.

To the fifth he saith, that all be it George Constantine Register, did willfully withdraw his bounden service, [ 5] due to the Kings highness, and to the said defendaunt in the Kings name, refusing to attend either by himself, or his sufficient Deputy for writing of Recordes and other Instruments, yet the said Defendant made his Collatiōs and Institutions in his own name, not by his own authority, nor by any others, save only the Kings authority, according as he hath declared in his answer to the first Article, expressing in them the kings supremacy, with the Bishops own name and seal of office, as he ought to do, according to the provision of the kings Statute in such a case.

To the sixth he saith, that the Uicarie of Pembrin being [ 6] void, he as righte patron thereof to his knowledge, conferred it to John Euans Clearke, with letters of institution and induction: and after when the kings presentation came to him for one David Ieinkin clearke, he desired fourtene days respite at that time, either to show ancient record for his right, and then the matter to stand to the determination of the law, or elles if he shown not, both he and his clarke, to give place to the kings Clarke. Whych condition was by Syr Thomas Joan’s Knight, Doctor M. and the said David Ieinkin received, and an Institution, with an Induction was made conditionally to be put into the hands of Sir Thomas Joan’s Knighte, for safe custody for the kings Clerks behoove, after the fourteen days to be executed at the hands of the said Defendaunt, if he failed to show. Wythin which time the said Defendaunt did show an old ancient record, declaring the full righte of Patronage, on the said Defendauntes behalf, and so that Institution and Induction was never by the said Defendaunt put in execution. Nevertheless, the said David Ieinkin (contrary to his promise and oath, giving thereupon his righte hand to the said Syr Thomas Joan’s Knight) took advantage by the said writing, without knowledge of the said Defendaunt. After which time the Lord Chancellor by his letters written to the said Defendaunt, advertised him, to admit one John Appowell clearke, presented by virtue of a vowson which the L. Chancellor judged to be good, and so to be admitted, notwithstanding his former presentation, whereby he would not abarre the other man's right. And so this Defendaunt made one Collation, two Institutions and three Mandates, doing no wrong thereby to his knowledge. And further he saith, that there was no business nor unquietness about the possession of the said Uicarage, but this Defendaunt giving place, was content to loose his right for that time.

To the seventh he saith, that as he now remembereth, [ 7] he never decreed any Caueates to be made in benefices, neither did institute nor cause to be inducted, any into benefices, being known to him litigious. [ 8]

To the eight he saith, that because the Archdeacons be absent from their Offices, and have not had faithful diligent Officials, he hath directed his Mandates to them or their Officials, or to other lawful persons in that behalf, so far as he knoweth. [ 9. & 10.]

To the ninthe and tenthe Articles, he denieth as very untrue. [ 11]

To the xi. he saith, that whereas Syr Thomas Ioans Knighte advertised him, that Thomas Pricharde had celebrated Matrimony in a private house, betwixt a certain Priest, and a woman whose sister had refused the same, the said Pricharde leaving his own cure unserved on that Sunday, this defendant did put the same Thomas Prychard to penance for so doing, marrying them without banes. And whereas he made the said Thomas Aprichard, who is a Bachelor of law, his Commissary: it was for the respect of learning in the law, thereby faithfully to execute his office according to Justice. And the said Defendaunt did never favor nor bear with any man wittinglye in his wrong doings. He confesseth that the Matrimonye was solemnized in a private church, and that the cure was that day unserved.

[ 12] To the 12. he saith, that it is slanderous and utterly untrue. And that one syr John Hughs Priest, made Sage Hughs (daughter to his Steppemother) an harlot at 11. years of age, and after married openly to another man, being Minister thereof himself. After which doing, he took her away from her Husband again, and kept her, alleging a former contract. And when the said John Hughs was lawfully convicted before the said Bishop, in open Court at Carmarthen of that his abhominable adultery, claiming the kings pardon thereof, yet the said Sage confessed, that he had to do with her the night before that day of appearance. Which latter crime he denied. Nevertheless, she proved with child, affirming both before the birth and after, the child to be his, the Midwife and other being witnesses thereof. Yet notwithstanding George Constantine as a wicked Bolsterer of the said Priest in his naughtye doings, with the help of the aforesaid Chaunter, first uttered that Meredith Thomas was Father of the said child, which matter was ordered in the Ecclesiastical Court, according to Justice without any parciall affection of the said Bishop, or of any other to his knowledge.

[ 13] To the 13. he saith, it is utterly false so far as he knoweth.

[ 14] To the 14. he saith, that by lawful sequestration in the Kings Majesty's name, he committed the custody of the fruits of Langatnok, and Lanuihangell to two houost men, for the behoufe of the Kynges first fruits and tenths, and of the next incumbent, and further he did not meddle nor minister any cause of unquietness in that behalf.

To the 15. he saith, that he made a collation, lawful [ 15] as he supposeth, of the prebend of Lanbister, to Stephen Green his Chapleine without any covenant or color, and further he did not meddle in that behalf.

[ 16] To the 16. he saith, all is untrue as far as he knoweth.

[ 17] To the 17. he saith, it is all untrue for his own part, & for his officers, as far as he knoweth.

[ 18] To the 18. he saith, it is untrue as far as he knoweth, and that he did certify the recusants justly, as he thinketh, because they refused willfully to pay the Kynges whole Subsidye, of their whole diuidenesse, as it standeth in the Kings book, pertaining to the Canons resident.

[ 19] To the 19. he saith, that after travail of fourtene Miles, being not able fasting to Celebrate Communion, in a Chapel within the house of Syr Thomas Joan’s Knyght, one of the Kings Majesty's honorable Counsayle of the Marches of Wales: this Defendaunte celebrated Matrimony without the receiving the Communion for the causes abovesaid, betwixt Mayster Griffith Ryce, and the Daughter of the said Syr Thomas Joan’s, according to the kings ordinances. And Thomas Upricharde Prieste administered the holy Communion there, without any superstition, to this defendauntes knowledge, and the married persons not disposed to receive the holy Communion, he could not compel them against their consciences, and saith that he did not dispense with them as it is contained in the article.

To the slanderous and untrue title of maintenance of superstition. &c. he saith, that he did not maintain any superstition, contrary to the kings ordinances and injunctions, but abhorring in his heart all superstition, hath traveled and doth travel to abolish the same by true doctrine and doing, as much as he can, with the kings peace amongst his people there.

[ 20] TO the 20. he saith, that George Constantine in the third year of the kings Majesty’s reign, not regarding the dangerous time of rebellion in other places, rashly caused to be pulled down without any authority known to this defendaunt, the communion altar in Carmarthen Church, by his own presumptuous mind appointing the use thereof in another place of the church, not without grudge of the people. Wherefore the Bishop fearing tumult, commanded the vicar to set up the communiō table (for the time) nere to the place where it was before.

To the 21. he saith that he hath been diverse times in [ 21] the query of Carmarthen, and hath tarried there in the communion time not communicating himself, and that in every Church where he cometh on the holy day to preach, or to pray, he kneeleth in the query bareheaded, as well at Matines before the Communion, as at Evensong after without any superstition: he thinketh it not necessary for the Communions sake to leave kneeling to Christ. But he hath diligently taught the people not to kneel nor knock to the visible show, or external show of the Sacrament. And the queres of Carmarthen and other places there, are not close at the sides, so that the people may come in and forth at their pleasure. Moreover the Kings ordinances doth not authorise him to rebuke the people for knocking on their breasts in token of repentance of their sins nor for kneeling in token of submission to God for mercy in Christ.

To the 22. he saith, that in time of rebellion in Deuon. [ 22] and Cornewall, threatening to come into Wales, he teaching the people the true form of prayer, according to God's holy word, and declaring the prayer upon beads to be vain and superstitious, yet durst not for fear of tumulte, forcibly take from any man his beads without authority. And touching the not reproving of such as he should meet, wearing beads, he remembereth not that he hath so done, unless it were in the rebellion time, at which time he durst not rebuke such Offenders.

To the 23. he saith, that he being in the Pulpitte, his [ 23] face towards the people, did not see the lights, if any were set up about the corpse behind his back, till after that he came down from the Pulpitte. But he with George Constantine and the aforesaid Chauntour, sitting in the Church in Carmarthen, to hear causes, and seeing the Vicar with other Priests, with song and lights bringing a corpse up to the Church, called forthwyth the Vicar and Priests, and rebuked them in open court as cormorantes and Ravens flying about the dead carcase for lucre sake.

To the 24. he saith, that he caused the one child being [ 24] borne with great peril of death to the Mother, and it self lying for dead a certain space after, to be christened on the working day: the other child was Christened on the working day, because both Father and Mother, and all other people there, were in peril of death, by reason of the sudden sweat, which all men feared at that time. And touching the rest of the accusatiō which is, that by that example, it is used after the old accustomed fashion, he knoweth no such thing.

To the title of Covetousness he saith: that his doings prove the contrary as his neighbors knoweth.

And to the 25. Article he utterly denieth.

To the 26. he saith, that his Hall at Aberguilly being [ 25] ruinous, he useth for his Hall a great Chamber adjoining, [ 26] for his self and his servants, and all manner of strangers, and besides twenty persons in house daily. What other hospitality he keepeth, honest neighbors can testify.

To the 27. he saith, that his talk is according to his [ 27] hearers, that is to say reverently and truly of faith, love, and honest life, according to the Scriptures to like Auditors, and to other irreverent and rash Turmoylers of Scriptures and holy doctrine he doeth talk of honest worldly things with Godly intent: and that he doeth not moste commonly talk of such things as are expressed in this Article, but when he hath honest occasion so to do.

The 28. he saith is untrue, and that he hath warned [ 28] no man out of their lands: but where he is destitute of necessary provision, and would have part of his own demayne from certain free holds, having it only from year to year, of pleasure, he cannot obtain it without brawlyng. Wherefore he suffereth them to keep it even yet still, against right reason. And touching the rest, that he had rather the Crowes should eat it. &c. he never spake any such word.

To the 29. he saith that whereas his Predecessour [ 29] Bishop Barloe did let to farm the Isle of Ramsay, to one William Brown, after whose hands this Defendaunt received it into his own possession, the Uicars of Saint David's being dispossessed of it long before, he letted it over to Stephen Green for 40. shillings the ground, as it was before, and three pounds more for seals, connies and fowls there: & he knoweth of no right y ^e Uicars Chorall had therein, who did refuse when this defendant did diligently upon reasonable conditions offer the same unto them: and this defendant made no promise unto thē, as is contained in the Article.

To the 30. he saith he knoweth not, but that he advertised [ 30] his Bailiff to warn the freeholdes and other having his demayne to rent during pleasure, to leave it at a lawful day, to this Defendantes necessary use, and did not cause the Curate to do as is contained in the Article to his remembrance.

To the 31. he saith, that he knoweth not what y ^e priest [ 31] bad in the Church, nor howe many plows there came, undesired of this Defendaunt. But he knoweth certainly, that he desired no man's labor but for his money.

To the 32. he saith, that he knoweth not any such appointment [ 32] of Schools and revenues there but he found there (after the departing of Bishop Barloe) a Schoolemayster, an Ussher being a Priest, and 20. Scholers, which he hath hitherto maynteined better then he found it, to his knowledge: he did never convert any pennye thereof to his own use, albeit he might lawfully have done the same.

[ 33] The 33. he saith is all untrue, so far as he knoweth.

To the 34. Article he saith, he never purchased more [ 34] then three percels, whereof one was 2. shillinges 8. pence by year, the second, three shillinges four pence, and the third 26. shillinges 8. pence or there about by year: the rest he denieth.

To the 35. he saith, that he never bought of Louis [ 35] John Thomas his land good cheap, but after forty years purchase, not knowing at that time any such thing as is contained in the article, against the said Louis John. Neither bad he the Somner to let him alone, but as soon as he heard anything of it, commanded the Somner to city him, and so he was cited in this Defendantes house, occasionyng him to break his bargayne, to the which Louis this Defendaunt said these words. If you would give me your land with an house full of gold, I cannot, nor will not suffer you to keep a Lemman. Then the said Louis affirming the latter woman to be his wife, and the first unknown to this Defendaunt, he caused the said Louis to be called to the consistorye for trial, where it hangeth yet: And also by lawful process excommunicated the first Woman, for that she would not by any means appear in the Court to claim or to confess marriage with the said Louis and so she standeth this day, at the point of significauit.

To the 56. he saith, that whereas the Chauntour and [ 36] R. M. with other Canons there, would not obey the Kynges Godlye Injunctions, concerning the fyndyng a School for poor men's Chyldren, a Lectur of Diuinitye, Sermons on the Sondayes, repairing of their Church and Mansion houses, decent order and ministration there, but stubbornly counted themselves (with the Chauntour) to be a body political, without regard of the Byshoppe and his lawful monitions, being himself named in their Shyre Statutes, Decanus, & quasi Decanus, having also their Deans stall in the query, with a Prebende thereunto annexed, and the chief place in the Chapter house with a key of their Chapter Seal, being also by the Kynges Majesty’s Commission appointed their Ordinary: yet would they not in any wise deliver unto him a Book of their Statutes, for the better knowledge of his and their duetyes, nor show unto him their Recordes and Monumentes, for declaration of the kings right and his. For which cause, this Defendaunt by writ of quo warranto, lawfully called them to answer, which yet lieth a sleep, to the loss of the Kings Majesty’s right. The time of delivery of the said writ, he remembereth not.

The 37. he saith is all false, as far as he knoweth.

To the title of willful negligence: he saith that he hath used, to his power willing diligence.

[ 38] TO the 38. he saith, that he being attendant (according to his bounden duty) to serve the Kings highness during the time of the parliament, from the first, unto the last day, and then immediately after repaired into his Dioces, and he might not trust R. M. the Chauntour, and George Constantine to execute faithfully the jurisdiction, because they had before (through their slaundrous life and not punishing misdoers) left the country in great enormity of filthy whoredom. And saith farther, that one cause why he appointed not an Officer. &c. was for that he lacked his letters of authority of Jurisdiction.

[ 39.40.] The 39. and 40. he saith are untrue.

To the 41. he saith, that how often he did minister the Communion he doth not remember, but in all other things so far as he knoweth, he hath studied to order himself according to his vocation, as far as he believeth, he goeth like a Minister.

To the 42. he saith, that he hath not alienated himself from study, neither preached undiscreetly, nor reported [ 42] the Scriptures untruly to his knowledge: (but he hath been very much hindered both from study & preaching, by the malicious, crafty, and covetous behavior of the forenamed persons.) And that he did set forth the doctrine of honest marriage, as well of all other men, as of Priests, even as the Scripture then rehearsed did minister occasion.

To the 43. he saith, that reciting the words of Luke, [ 43] if thy brother have offended against thee, blame him, and if he repent, forgive him, and if he have offended against thee seven times in one day, and seven times in the day be converted unto thee, saying: I am sory, forgive him: He said farther these words in effect: it appeareth by this place of scripture, that we are not bound (except he repent) to forgive him, but we are bound to pray to God to forgive him, and to give him grace to repent, that we may forgive him.

To the 44. he saith, that he hath preached right often [ 44] at Carmarthen, as well as at other places, and he saith that a great number at Aberguilly do understand english very well.

To the 45. he saith, that after he had preached first at [ 45] Brecknocke, Carmarthen, Swanzy Laugharne, Tinby, Pembroche, Hereforde, Saint David's, Cardigan, with other notable Towns, he hath since that time preached to a great many other poor Churches, but not in Tinby nor Pembroche: but for Hereforde he standeth in doubt. And whereas he brought with him at the first, a learned Preacher, of Godly life, the ungodly stubborn behavior of the persons before named, weryed him away. And whereas he had waged another learned man, to come into his Dioces to preach, George Constantine by his discouragement advertised him from this Defendaunt.

To the 46. he saith, that in all his Churches appropriated, there is both Bible and Paraphrases so far as [ 46] he knoweth: and if the Priests there would not show him the lack thereof, yet should the Officialles declare it unto him, that it might be amended (by his will) without delay.

To the 47. he saith, that George Constantine couetously [ 47] engrossed into his hands a great number of Paraphrases, & where as this Defendaunt hath admonished the Clergy to buy, everyone, for his discharge: and if the said George being Officiall of two Archdeaconries, and other Officials in their Office would declare unto him, what Churches do lack Bibles or Paraphrases, he would cause it to be amended as much as in him lieth.

To the title of Folly, he saith that his desire is in true simple manner of his words, deeds, and other honest behavior through God's grace to show Godly wisdom.

TO the 48. he saith, that he thinketh no folly in the decent [ 48] color or fashion with honest use of Saddle, Bridle, Stirrops, Staff, and other like necessary or convenient things, and saith that he useth a Saddle made after the Scottish fashion, with stirrups of iron vnuarnished & like spurs: and black bridle without studdes, the bit and snaffle white as other men's be.

To the 49. he saith, that whē he goeth abroad in winter, [ 49] he weareth a hat to bear of rain and snow, & in summer, to shadow him from the Sun, without any vow of superstition or offense of the people.

To the 50. he saith, that all is one to him, to ride or go, [ 50] as cause requireth, and whether he said as is contained in the article or not, he remembereth not. Howbeit he doth use to go a foot.

To the 51. he saith, that after lawful prayer, it pleased [ 51] God to give him a son begot̄ and borne in honest marriage: whom he therefore caused to be named Samuel, presenting him to the minister to be received into Christ's Church as a poor member of Christ: by the holy Sacrament of baptism was this done openly in the Cathedral Church, with earnest gravity, and without offending any man: and also 2. wives being before at variance, desired both to be Godmothers, which were both received to make unity between them, not knowing any law to the contrary, nor none offense thereby conceived of the people.

To the 52. he saith, that he doth use with gravity, all honest loving enterteinement of his Chylde, to encourage [ 52] him hereafter, willingly at his Fathers mouth, to receive 〈1 page duplicate〉 wholesome doctrine of the true fear & love of God, and saith that he hath whistled to his Chylde, but said not, that the Chylde understood it, and that he answered to one that found fault with it, as is contained in the article.

To the 53. he saith, that he was never Surueyor, but went to see Milforde Haven for honest purpose, and not to survey it: and for that he at the sight of a Seal whistled in his fist, such as meaned folly, might turn it to their purpose. And it is not true that he stood whistlynge an hour to the Seal, nor that any fault was found with it, nor any such answer made by him to his knowledge.

To the 54. he saith, that if he did say, the destroying of the Frie, letteth plenty of Fish, he thinketh the same not against reason: but he remembereth not to have said, as is contained in the article.

To the 55. he saith, that he remembereth not that ever he said as they allege.

To the slanderous, untrue, and ungodly conclusion, he saith that George Constantine with other his adversaries before named, and their adherents, not regarding the fear of God, and their bounden duty, of loving obedience towards God and the king, and his true Ministers, have to much slanderously with false tongues, contumelious words, and spiteful deeds, labored by all means to discredit and deface the kings gracious authority, to him committed. Who ever sithe he came to the Dioces, hath endeavored himself to show his faithful ministry, by his true honest doings, and to use his authority according to his vocation, to God's glory, and the kings honor. And that he hath been diligent in teaching of truth, reforming of superstition, free of hospitality, diligent in overseeing with Godly wisdom, peace and mercifulness, as he trusteth in God, may be truly approved. And he is able justly to charge his adversaries with all the faults herein by them most unjustly and slanderously against him objected. And he doth marvel greatly, that George Constantine with other his adherents are not ashamed, maliciously to object for the intent to slander him, with molesting of preachers founden there. For truth it is that he hath molested none, but hath justly brought under significauit one Morice a Preacher, living lewdly for his stubborn behavior and malicious contemptes, even yet continuing in his willful contempt and irregularity. And he hath (to his knowledge) justly certified Hugh Raulyns Parson of Tynby, for his willful recusancy of two other Personages, shamefully deceiving the Kynges majesty by color of Commission, as appeareth by the same. And as for the railing, contemptuous preaching of R. M. and the unlearned arrogant preaching of the Chauntoure he referreth to discreet Hearers, which were offended thereat, as they shown this Defendaunt. And this Deponent brought into his Dioces, both learned Preachers, and learned men in the law, to his very great charges, which men George Constantine with his adherents hath weried away.

After these answers thus exhibited by the virtuous and Godly Bishop against the quarrelling and frivolous articles of his foresaid adversaries, to wit Hugh Raulins, and Thomas Lee, then came in for witness upon the said articles and informations, George Constantine, and the Chauntour of S. David's, against whom the Bishop laid first exceptions, then also exhibited matter iustificatory, the tenor and process whereof here followeth in order to be seen, first concerning the exceptions, and after the matter iustificatory.

*Exceptions general, laid and purposed on the behalf of Robert, Bishop of S. David's, against all and singular the pretensed Witnesses producted on the behalf of Hugh Raulins Clerke, and Thomas Lee upon their untrue surmised Articles, by them exhibited unto and before the kings most honorable Counsel, by the devise and procurement of the Chaunter, and George Constantine, with R. M. Clerke, against the said Bishop.

FIrst the said Bishop saith and alledgeth that by law, there ought no faith or credence to be given unto the depositions and sayings of the said witnesses, nor any part thereof, because they are infamous, false, perjured, and in some part of their depositions discording, parciall, conducted, subornate, instructed, and for favor of the informers, & their bolsterers, have deposed of malice, more then the articles whereupon they were producted doth contain, and beside, and without the compass of the same articles, and in diverse other partes of their depositions, they depose vnum & eundem praemeditatum sermonem, as by their said depositions doth appear, unto the which the said Bishop referreth himself as much as it shall be expedient for him, and none otherwise. And further, for other causes particularly and specially, as is declared in y ^e book of exceptions.

Exceptions against the unlawful proceedings of Hugh Raulins Clerke, and Thomas Lee, Promoters of the foresaid untrue Articles, in executing of their commission, for proof of the same.

ITem, the said Thomas Lee for himself and the other Promotour did, contrary to justice at the execution of their Commission, examine certain of the Wytnesses himself, in the house of his Brother in law George Constantine and the said Lee: and David Walter the Bishops mortal enemy, and servant to the said George Constantine, did write these Depositions upon the Articles at their own pleasures, and also after the devise of the said George Constantine and the Chauntour and R. M. the Bishops mortal enemies, and the very Deuisers and Procurers of the informations and bolsterers and bearers of the Promotours in the suite thereof. These are the names of the Wytnesses so examined, which are already known. David ap Syr Richard of Gertus a perjured and an adoulterous person • , standing in the number for two Wytnesses, written in two places of the book. Item, ap Ruddz of Kemarthe, Griffeth ap Howell, Guyne of Kennarthe, Louis David Clerke, David ap Haruye Clerke, Syr Goghe alias Morgon. &c.

Item, one John Draper of Carmarthen and adherent of the foresaid adversaries, and enemies to the said Bishoppe, did also contrary to the tenor of their Commission, examine certain Wytnesses, and had to his Clerke one William David's, servant in Livery unto the foresaid Griffith Donne, the Bishops utter enemy, by which shameful parciallity, they have written more matter, moe words, other terms and sentences, then some of the Deponentes hath deposed or could depose. Humphery Toye the fifth Deponent, Rice Goughe the 14. Deponent, William ap Ienkins the 5. Deponent, John Beng • y the lxviij. Deponent, Richard Parson. 39. which are already known, what manner of men the Promoters are.

Item, the said Hugh Raulins was not present at the Bishops sermon, whereof his information maketh mention, neither yet at there cutting of the Commission for proof thereof: for the foresaid adversaries did devise y ^e same & gave it unto the said Raulins to promote, choosing him for the same purpose, knowing him to be a man willing (& setting his whole delight) to work mischief, both with word and deed, who abuseth his tongue most shamefully, with most vnsetting words, ever railing upon the said Bishop, to every man that will hear him without either respect, or reverence of the kings Majesty's authority to the said Bishop committed. And the said Raulins hath 4. or 5. Benefices above the vallure of 200. Markes a year, and is resident upon none of them, but spendeth his living to the hinderance of other men, going about here and there, wandering to and fro, without either man or boy waiting on him, more like a light person, then a man of such liuelode and of his vocatiō, being a preacher. And in deed he is taken for a lewd fellow of all that know his behavior, in so much that when a certain man objected unto the adversaries that it was ill done to put so lewd a fellow as Raulins to promote their cause, they answered and reported his honesty with these words: we know Raulins to be a very knave, and so meet for no purpose as he is to set forward such a matter: of which report there is sufficient witness. And it is thought that he hath done much ill with his spiteful tongue: for he speaketh as boldly in this surmised matter to all the Coūsel, as though it were true, and much for the kings profit.

Item, the other Promoter Thomas Lee is a Marchaunt, who hath sold his ware and spent his money, and now for want of other business, is become a Promoter of the foresaid articles, having his costs and charges borne by the said principal adversaries, as it is alleged in the Bishops exceptions, which shall be proved if commission might be awarded for the purpose.

And thus much concerning the exceptions against his pretensed accusers: next followeth the matter iustificatory exhibited by the said Bishop, in defense of his own cause, as by the effect here appeareth.

*Certain Articles ministered by Robert Bishop of S David's, against a surmised information exhibited by Thomas Lee, to the Kings Majesty his most honorable Counsel, against the said Bishop.

IN primis. viz: That there ought none advantage to be taken against the said Byshoppe, of the contents of the said pretensed information, for the causes particularly following. And first, where as it is objected against the said Byshoppe, in the Fyrste, Seconde, and Fyft articles of the same information, and that he contrary to the Kynges Highness Laws and Statutes, and in the derogation of his Hyghnesse Supremacy, passed a certain Commission, Institutions, and Collacions to benefices, in his own name, making no mention of the Kynges Highness authority, where as of truth the said Bishop if he had passed out the Commission, Institutions, and Collacions in his own name, and without the Kynges Majesty his Style, as is surmised (as he did not) yet had he not offended neither Laws nor Statutes of this Realm therein, as doth and may appear evidently by the same statutes and Laws to the which he referreth himself.

Item, whereas it is deduced in the Thyrde Article of the said pretensed information, that the Chancellor of the said Bishop did admit and institute John Gough into the Rectorye of Haskarde, and gave a Mandate for the induction of the said John▪ under the Kynges Majesty’s Seal Ecclesiastical, for the Diocese of Sayncte David's with the Teste of the said Byshoppe, and Subscription of the said Chancellor, which thing so deduced, if it be true, yet the said Byshoppe cannot be worthily blamed thereof. But the Chauntour, then his Chancellor unworthy, shown himself therein very ignorant of the Kynges Statutes of Parliament, wherein it is expressly provided, that in such cases the Ordinary ought to pass all such Institutions and Inductions in his own name, and under his own Seal, and not in the Kynges Majesty’s name, nor under his Seal. And further of very truth the said Chancellor in admitting and instituting the said Clerke to the said benefice, without the knowledge and consent of the said Bishop, did exceed his Commission, forasmuch as the said Bishop at the granting of his Commission of his Chauncellourshyppe unto the said Chauntour, had restrained him expressly from the admitting and instituting of any Clerke to any Benefice within the said Diocese, except the same Clerke were first examined, found worthy, and admitted by the said Bishop himself to the same benefice.

Itē, whereas in the 4. Article of the said information it is contained, that the said Bishop, after the admitting and instituting of the said John Gough, as is aforesaid, objected articles against him, amongst the which it was contained in effect.

Item, interrogetur quo titulo tenet rectoriam de Haskarde: True it is that the said Bishop, without molestation of the said Gough, otherwise then Law did permit, and without taking upon him the cognition of title of the said fruits and patronage of the said benefice, in contempt of the Kings Majesty's regal Crown and dignity, and without any derogation of the Kings Majesty's laws and statutes of this realm, did interrogate the said John Gough, how he held the said Benefice, being admitted and instituted to the same, without his knowledge or consent, as he might lawfully do, and as it is meet every Ordinary should know how Pastors are admitted to any cure within their Dioces.

Item, touching the contents of the Sixt article of the said information, the said Bishop aleadgeth that the vicaredge of Pembrin, in the Dioces of Saint David's being void, he as Patron thereof to his knowledge conferred it to John Euans Clarke, with Letters of institution and induction, and after when the Kynges presentation came to him for one David Ienken Clerke, he desired xiv. days respite at that day, either to show ancient record for his right, and then the matter to stand to the determination of the Law, or else if he shown not, both he and his Clerke to give place to the Kynges clerk: which condition was by Syr Thomas Joan’s Knyght, Doctor Merike, and the said David Ienkin received, and an institution with an induction was made conditionally, to be put into the hands of Syr Thomas Joan’s Knyght, for safe custody for the Kings Clerke his behoove, after the xiv. days to be executed at the hands of the said Byshoppe if he failed to show, within which time the said Byshoppe did show an old ancient record, declaring the full right of Patronage on the said Bishops behalf, and so that institution and induction was never put in execution by the said Bishop. Nevertheless the said David Ienkin (contrary to his promise and oath, giving thereupon his right hand to Syr Thomas Joan’s Knyght) took advantage by the said writing without knowledge of the said Byshoppe, after which time the Lord Chancellor by his Letters written to the said Byshoppe, advertised him to admit one John ap Howell Clerke, pretensed by virtue of a vowson which the Lord Chauncelloure judged to be good, and so to be admitted, notwithstanding his former presentation whereby he would not abarre the other man's right: And so the said Byshoppe made one collation, two institutions and three Mandates, doing no wrong thereby to his knowledge. And further there was no business nor unquietness about the possession of the said Uicarage. But the said bishop giving place, was content to lose his right for that time.

Item, whereas Syr Thomas Joan’s advertised the said Bishop that Thomas Pricharde Clarke, had celebrated Matrimony in a private house, betwixt a certain Prieste and a Woman whose Syster had refused the same (as it is deduced in the xi. Article of the surmised Articles laid in against the said Bishop) the said Prichard leaving his own cure unserved, that Sunday, he did put the said Thomas Prichard to penance for such his misdoinges, and the said Pricharde did such penance as was enjoined him to do. And whereas the said Bishop made the same Thomas Prichard (who is Bachelor of law) his commissary, it was for the respect of his learning in the law, thereby faithfully to execute his office according to justice, and none otherwise.

Item, in the xiv. Article of the said surmised Information it is untruly declared that through the unlawful sequestration of the fruits of the Benefices of Langatok and Lanuihangell Cundy, and the indiscreet handling of the said Byshoppe, there were raised a great number of people, to the great danger of the Inhabitantes theraboutes. Truth it is that the said Byshoppe upon good and Lawefull considerations, and specially for that the Kynges Maiestye should be truly answered of his first fruits, and Tenthes of the said Benefices, he did lawfully (and as he was bound to do) sequester the said fruits in the Kings Majesty’s name, and by his authority, and committed the custody thereof for a time unto two honest men, to the effect aforesaid, and none otherwise without any occasion of tumult or gathering of the people through his default or folly.

Item, whereas it is alleged in the xix. article of the information, that the Bishop did celebrate Matrimonye in his own person, without receiving or Ministryng the Communion to the persons married, it is true, for that the said Bishop had trauayled xiv. long wealche miles, and not able to celebrate the holy Communion fasting, and for other reasonable and lawful causes him moving, did in a Chapel within the house of Syr Thomas Joan’s Knighte (one of the Kings honorable Counsel of the Marches of Wales) solemnise Matrimony betwixt Mayster Griffith Ryce, and the Daughter of the said Syr Thomas Joan’s, without either receiving the holy Communion himself or Ministring the same to the persons married, being as then not disposed so to do it, lawfully and godly without any such superstitious knockinges or blessings or other uncomely gestures as is deduced in that article.

Item, touching the contents of the residue of all the said articles, contained in the said information, the said Bishop, partly for the avoiding of tediousness, and partly for that some of them be untrue and mere false, some other general, obscure, frivolous, vain, and of none effect, but of malice and evil will, contrary to truth conceived, leaveth them particularly vnaunswered unto.

Item, the said Bishop alledgeth that he hath not by all the time that he hath been Bishop used any superstitions or Papistry as it is vntruelye surmised against him, but hath and doth to the uttermost of his power, wit, and cunning, set forth, maintain, preach, and teache the true doctrine of the Gospel, and such laudable doctrine as he ought to do by the kings Laws, Injunctions and proceedings, and for such a teacher he hath been and is commonly known, named, reputed, taken, and accepted notoriously.

And where the said Chauntour and George perceived their depositions to be insufficient, they required, and had Commission into the Country to examine further Witnesses, which they executed very parcially, and unlawfully, as is alleged in the Bishops exceptions, above mentioned. And whereas to the said Raulins & Lee were awarded two several Commissions, they by favor of the officers, and for sparing of costs, conjoined both in one, had iii. months to make return, as appeareth by the copy of their commission, which hereafter followeth.

A copy of the Commission awarded down into the Country, for the examination of Witnesses.

DUryng all this time of the examination of the witnesses, the said Bishop was stayed at London, upon the allegation of the said adversaries, which was: that if the said B. should depart into his diocese, he would let them of their proves.

And at the return of their commission, it was signified unto the Counsail what a great number of witnesses they had examined, viz. six score and vii. which sounded very hamons in the counsels ears.

And about three weeks after, Publication of their witnesses was granted, and after that, it was a fortnight or the B. could get a copy written of their depositions, because the book thereof is so huge and monstrous.

Then the Bishop desired time: First, to inquire of what condition the persons were that had witnessed against him, and to make exceptions, and matters to justify direct contrary, and to have a commission for the proof thereof, which was then granted. And now it is objected that the Bishop was appointed so to travel with the expedition of his matter, that he should have sued out his Commission, and have made return thereof at Alhallowtide last past, but there was no such decree put in writing. And it was not possible for the Bishop to do it in so short a time, these causes considered which he would not avoid, as followeth.

First, it was the latter end of July, ere he came home to S. David's, where he began his visitation, which before was appointed.

Secondly, he was by force of law constrained to answer at the bar daily, during all the time the great Sessions at Carmarthen, in defense of his just cause against the pretensed matter of premunire, which his adversaries of mere malice hath procured against him.

Thirdly, the said adversaries to molest him further, did privily pack a quest of ignorant persons of no reputation, and indicted him upon the words of Raulins information, as appeareth by a copy of the inditement, intending thereby to make the matter sound more heinous, notwithstanding y ^t the same cause dependeth before the kings high counsel undetermined.

Fourthly, he was appointed by the Commissioners before his departure from London, to pay two hundredth pound (which was arrearages) into the court of first fruits and tenths, at Bartlemew day then next following, which payment he made accordingly, notwithstanding, that his adversaries wrought means to have made him break his day: namely, one Edward Harbard Gentleman, who hath a personage of his to Farm, kept back his rent to the very last day, because that money should not help to serve his turn: and so by crafty cavillation deteyneth it still in his hand with a years rent and a half more: for the said Edward Harbert is an adherent of the said Bishops adversaries.

Fifthly, the book of their depositions is so great, that it asketh a long time to peruse. And also the greatest part of their witnesses were utterly unknown of the bishop and all his. And also dwelling in so many sundry places of the Dioces among the mountains and else where, scarcely within the circuit of two hundred miles.

Item, another great Sessions holden at Carmarthen in the month of October last, during which time he was attendant there as is aforesaid. All which causes considered, being also in the time of his ordinary visitatiō, which he did execute himself, he could not make ready his exceptions in shorter time.

The said Bishop dispatched his man towards London, the 23. day of October, whoever sithens hath been and is attendaunt in the same suit, for the obtainyng of the Commission, for proof of his matter against his adversaries.

A copy of a certain letter written by the Bish. of S. David's.

MOst humbly showeth unto your honor, your poor Orator Robert Bishop of Saint Dauies, that where as one Thomas Lee (by the procurement of T. Y. and R. M. being both Canons of Saint Dauies, & George Constantine Register to the said Bishop) hath exhibited unto your honor against him certain articles, in the which are mentioned many trifling things, unworthy to be declared in your honorable audience, and also their pretensed weighty articles (as they have alleged there) are utterly untrue: for proof whereof the • aid Thomas Lee hath had Commissions into the country: Therefore it may please your honor of your favorable goodness, to grant unto your said Orator a like Commission for the examination of witness, in defense of his truth and honesty against the said Thomas Lee, George Constantine and the aforenamed Rowland Merike, and all other persons with their iniust articles, attestations, and sayings, which hath deposed against him. And in tender consideration that your said Orator standeth boun • en, and sureties with him, in the sum of a thousand marks, to appear before the Kings Justice, in the Sessions at Carmarthen, in July next coming, to answer to a forged matter of premunire, by the procurement and counsel of his forenamed adversaries, maliciously surmised against him to his utter undoing. And furthermore, your Orator being in debt to the Kings Majesty, by reason of the malicious vexation of his foresaid adversaries, cannot (if he remain here) satisfy the same: for where as there be rerages to a great sum (as well of the Kings money as of his own rentes) he can receive none thereof, his adversaries hath made such ill report to his discredit, bearing the people in hand, that he shall come no more thither. By reason of which brute, neither his own tenants will pay their rentes and rerages, nor the priests their rerages due to the Kyngs Majesty, as well for anno secundo, and tertio, as for quarto and quinto. In consideration of all which things, it may ylease your honorable goodness to license your said Orator to depart into the Diocese, for these affairs and other. And he is ready at all times at your honorable commandment, and pleasure, to repair again, and ever to pray to the Lord Jesus for the perpetual conservation of your honor, to his glory.

Another letter written by the Bishop of S. Dauies.

And thus you have heard the first trouble of this blessed Martyr of the Lord, in King Edwards days, with the whole discourse thereof. Which we thought the rather here to express, to give other good bishops warning to be more circumspect, whom they should trust and have about them. Briefly, in few words to conclude this process, B. Farrer, partly upon the importunate suit of his adversaries, partly upon the sinister and infortunate fall of the good Duke of Somerset, by whom he had been before promooted and maynteined, having but small favor shown, was detained in prison, till the death of king Edward, and the coming in of Queen Mary and popish religion, whereby a new trouble rose upon him being now accused and examined for his faith and doctrine. The process of which his trouble here likewise followeth.

After that the foresaid M. Farrer Bishop of S. David's had been long detained in custody under sureties, in the reign of king Edward, not for any just cause of his part deserved, but by reason that he had been promoted by the D. of Somerset, and now after his fall he found fewer friends to support him against such as hunted after his Bishoprike, at length after the decease of king Edward, by the coming in of Queen Mary, the state of religion began to be changed and altered. Whereby a new trouble rose upon him, being now accused and examined, not for any matter of Premunire, but for his faith and doctrine. Whereupon he was called before the Bish. of Winchester, with M. Hooper, M. Rogers, M. Bradford, M. Saunders and others aforesaid, the 4. of February. On the which day he should also with them have been condemned: but because laisure or list did not so well then serve the Bish. his condemnation was deferred, and he sent to prison again, where he continued till the 14. day of the said month of February. What his examinations & answers were before the said B. of Winchester, so much as remained and came to our hands, I have here annexed in manner as followeth.

The answer of Rob. Farrer B. of S. David's, before Winchester and others.

AT his first coming and kneeling before my Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of Duresme, and the Bish. of Worcester, who sat at the table, and Master Rochester Master Southwell, Master Bourne and other standing at the tables end, the Lord Chancellor said unto him on this sort.

My L. Chancellor then did ring a little bell, and M. Farrer said: I pray God save the King & Queens majesties, long to continue in honor to gods glory, & their comforts, and the comfort of the whole Realm, and I pray God save all your honors, and so he departed.

After these examinations thus ended, B. Farrer so remained in prison uncondemned, till the xiv. day (as is aforesaid) of February, & then was sent down into Wales, there to receive sentence of condemnation. Who then vpō the 26. of February, in the Church of Carmarthen, being brought by Griffith Leyson Esquire, shirife of the County of Carmarthen, was there personally presented before Henry Bish. of S. David's, and Constantine the public Notarie: which Henry, there and then discharged the said Sheriff, and received him into his own custody, further committing him to the keeping of Owen Jones, and thereupon declared unto the said M. Farrer, the great mercy and clemency that the King and Queens highness pleasure was to be offered unto him, which he there did offer unto the said M. Farrer: that is to say, that if he would submit himself to the laws of this Realm, and conform himself to the unity of the universal catholic church, he should be received and pardoned: and after that seeing the said M. Farrer to give no answer to the premisses, the said B. ministered unto him these Articles following.

Articles devised against B. Farrer.

1 FIrst, whether he believeth the marriage of priests to be lawful by the laws of God & holy church, or no?

2 Item, whether he believeth, that in the blessed Sacrament of the alter, after the words of consecration duly pronounced by the priest, the very body & blood of Christ is really and substantially contained, without the substance of bread and wyne.

Unto the which articles the said B. required the said M. Farrer to answer upon his allegiance.

To which he said, he would answer when he saw a lawful commission, and would make no further answer at that time. Whereupon the said B. taking no advantage upon the same answer, committed him to the said keeper, to be kept in prison until a new monition, and in the mean time to deliberate with himself for his further answer to the premisses.

Another examination of the Bish of S. David's, before Henry Morgan the pretensed Bishop of S. David's, George Constantine his Register, and others, the last of February. Ann. 1555.

THis day and place, Morgan the pretensed Bishop of S. David's, sitting as Judge, ministered unto Bishop Farrer there personally present before him certain Articles and Interrogatories in writing, which being openly read and ministered unto him, the said B. Farrer refused to answer, until he might see his lawful Commission and authority. Whereupon the foresaid pretensed Bishop of S. David's, did pronounce him as Contumax, and for the punishment of this his contumacy, to be counted Pro confesso, and so did pronounce him in writing: which being done, he committed the said Bish. to the custody of Owen Ihones, until Monday next, being the 4. day of March, then to be brought again into the same place, between one and two.

Another appearance of the said B. Farrer, before Morgan the pretensed Bishop of S. David's.

ITem, the day and place appointed, the said Bish. appearing again before the pretensed B. humbly submittyng himself as ready to answer to the articles and positions above mentioned, gently required the copy of the articles, and a competent term to be assigned unto him to answer for himself: which being granted unto him, & Thursday next being assigned unto him between one and three, to answer precisely and fully, so he was committed again to custody, as above.

Another appearance of the said Bishop.

ON Thursday as was appointed, which was the 7. of March, the said B. personally again appeared, where he exhibited a certain bill in writing, containing in it his answer unto certain articles objected and ministered unto him before. Then after Henry the pretensed B. of S. David's offered him again the said articles as before: the tenor whereof tended to this effect.

First, that he willed him being a priest, to abrenounce matrimony.

Secondly, to grant the natural presence of Christ in the sacrament, under the forms of bread and wyne.

Thirdly, that the Mass is a propitiatory sacrifice for the quick and the dead.

Fourthly, that general Councils lawfully congregated, never did, nor can err.

Fifthly, that men are not justified before God by faith only, but that hope and charity is also necessarily required to justification.

Sixthly, that the catholic church which only hath authority to expound scriptures, and to define controversies of religion, and to ordain things appertaining to public discipline, is visible, and like unto a city set upon a mountain for all men to understand.

To these articles thus objected to him, he refused to subscribe, affirming that they were invented and excogitated by man, and pertain nothing to the Catholic faith. After this the Bish. abovenamed, delivered unto him the copy of the articles, assigning him Monday next following, to answer and subscribe to the same, either affirmatively, or negatively.

Another appearance of Bish. Farrer.

VPon the which Monday, being the xi. day of March, he appearing again before the Bish. and the foresaid Notary George Constantine, exhibited in a written paper, his mind & answer to the foresaid Articles, which the Bishop had twice now objected against him before. To the which Articles and answers, he did so subscribe, adding these words, as tenens se de aequitate & iustitia esse Episcopum Meneuensem, that the Bishop assigned the next Wednesday in the fore noon, to hear his final and definitive sentence.

The last appearance of Bishop Farrar.

THe which day and place the said B. and true servant of God M. Farrer, personally there appearing, was demanded of Henry the pretensed B. of S. David's, whether he would renounce and recant his heresies, schisms, and errors (as he called them) which hitherto he had maintained, and if he would subscribe to the catholic articles, otherwise then he had done before.

After this the said godly M. Farrer did exhibit a certain schedule written in English, and remaining in the Acts, appealyng withal by express word of mouth from the Bishop, as from an incompetent Judge, to Cardinal Poole, &c.

All which notwithstanding, the said B. proceeding in his rage, pronounced the definitive sentence against him, contained in writing, and there left in the Acts: by the which sentence he pronounced him as an heretic excommunicate, & to be given up forthwith to the secular power, namely to the Sheriff of the town of Carmarthen, M. Leyson. The tenor of which sentence, as well of his condemnation, as of his degradation here followeth.

The sentence of condemnation against Bishop Farrar.

IN Dei nomine. Amen. Nos Henricus permissione diuina Meneuen. episcopus iudicialiter, & pro tribunali sedentes, in quodam inquisitionis & haereticae prauitatis, negotio, contra te Robertum Ferrar praesbyterum, coram nobis in iudicio personaliter comparentem, & nobis super haeretica prauitate traditum, ac fama, & notorietate facti delatum, ac in ea parte legitime procedendo auditis, visis, & intellectis, rimatis, ac matura deliberatione discussis, & ponderatis dicti negotij meritis & circumstantijs, seruatisque in omnibus & per omnia in eodem negotio de iure seruandis, ac quomodolibet requisitis, Christi nomine inuocato, ac ipsum solum deum prae oculis nostris habentes: Quia per acta inactitata, deducta, confessata & ex parte tua coram nobis in eodem negotio, saepius recognita, asserta, & confirmata, comperimus te, tum per confessiones tuas varias, tum per recognitiones tuas iudiciales, coram nobis iudicialiter factas, eriores, heresies, & falsas opiniones subscriptas, iure diuino, ac Catholicae vniuersalis & Apostolicae ecclesiae determinationi obuiantes, contrarias, & repugnantes tenuisse, credidisse, affirmasse, praedicasse, & dogmatizasse infra dioecesem nostram Meneuen. Viz. Quod licet cuicumque religioso etiam express professo & praesbytero post susceptam professionem, & post susceptum praesbyteratus ordinem, ducere vxorem, ac cum eadem tanquam cum vxore legitima conuersari. Item sacras religiones ab ecclesia catholica institutas cum scandalo damnasse, & reprobasse. Item, quod in Eucharistia, sieve altaris sacramento vna cum corpore & sanguine Christi remanet substantia panis & vini. Item, quod Missa non est sacrificium noui testamēti, propitiatorium pro vinis atque defunctis. Et Sacramentum altaris non esse in altari ministrandum eleuandum, vel aliquo modo adorandum. Item, quod homo sola fide iustificatur. Quos quidem errores, heresies, & falsas opiniones iure diuino ac Catholicae vniuersalis & Apostolicae ecclesiae determinationi obuiantes, &c.