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THE BISHOPPES OF CHICHESTER.
WIlfride Archbishop of Yorke being ba∣nished by Egfride King of Nor∣thumberland (as in Yorke you may reade more at large) hee thought good to occupy his talent by prea∣ching the worde of God amongst the South Saxons. Edilwalch the King of that countrey, a little before his comming•• had receiued the faith of Christ, by the perswasion of Wlfhere king of Mercia. He willing to increase his owne knowledge, and desirous that his subiects should be directed the way of saluation; made very much of Wilfride, and as∣signed him an habitation in Seolsey, a place all compassed a∣bout with the sea except one way. All that land, containing eighty seuen housholds, this king gaue vnto Wilfride for his maintenance. Hee built a monastery there, and established his Cathedrall Sée in the same. Now it pleased God so to blesse his labours, as in a short time, great numbers of the people being conuerted, embraced Christian religion: And a day being appointed for their Baptisme, they had no sooner receiued the same, but immediately it rained plentifully, the want whereof had caused a ••earth the space of thrée yéers, be∣fore;