A catalogue of the bishops of England, since the first planting of Christian religion in this island together with a briefe history of their liues and memorable actions, so neere as can be gathered out of antiquity. By F.G. subdeane of Exceter.

4. Elentherius.

THe West Saxons were then a long time without a Bishop. In which meane space Kenwalchus perceiuing all things to go against the haire with him, and no∣thing to prosper vnder his hand, but crosses and mischaunces to come thicke one in the necke of another; began to consider with him selfe, how that by neglecting religion, he first lost his kingdome, and no sooner embraced Christ, but he was re∣stored to his crowne againe, and therefore perswaded him∣selfe, that his negligence in appointing a Pastor that might looke vnto the seruice of God, was the cause why his worldly

affaires had no better successe. Hereupon he sent an Emba∣ssador into France vnto Agilbert to excuse the wrong hereto∣fore done vnto him, & with all earnestnes to perswade him to returne vnto his former charge there againe. This though A∣gilbert refused to do, alleaging that he was bound by promise not to forsake the place he now held: yet that he might shew his readines to gratifie the king in what he might, he sent ouer with the Embassador a priest named Elentherius his owne nephew that might (if so it pleased him) be ordained Pastor and Bishop of that countrey, testifying that (for his owne part) he thought him not vnworthy of the place. He was honorably receiued of the king and his people, and at their request consecrate Bishop by Theodorus then Archbi∣shop of Canterbury. He continued Bishop seuen yéeres.