The estate of the Church with the discourse of times, from the apostles vntill this present: also of the liues of all the emperours, popes of Rome, and Turkes: as also of the Kings of Fraunce, England, Scotland, Spaine, Portugall, Denmarke, &c. With all the memorable accidents of their times. Translated out of French into English by Simon Patrike, Gentleman.

Suspition or Idolatrie chaunged but not abolished.

The Vandales which from the outward parts of Almaine vnder Gratian came into France, and after into Spaine, finally, vnder the conduction of Genserich, came into Mauritania, and after sell vpon Carthage, and there occupied Affricke more then 77. yeares.

Victor Bishop of a Towne in Numidia which is in Affricke, called in Latine Cattena, made a booke against the Arrians, and presented it to Genseric King of the aforesaid Vandales an Ar∣rian.

Polychronius Bishop of Ierusalem is chased away. Hee in the time of a famine sold all his goods and gaue it to the poore. For which chatitie and mercy he was after restored againe.

Sixtus ordeined that none should bee promoted in the Cleargie into anothers Diocesse or Parish.

He also before his death gaue all his goods to the poore.

* 1.1Hillarie Bishop of Arles, left all his goods and went into an hermitage, where he composed the life of Saint Honorius. Abb. Tritem.

He had done better if hee had preached constantly, and opposed himselfe against the peoples vices.

Arcadius, Probus, Paschasius, and Eutichius, were in great estimation and honour with Gensericus, but seeing he could not draw them vnto Arrianisme, after many euils, finally he mar∣tyred them with others: yea hee cast certaine Bishoppes out of their places, and bookes of Religion and the Christian faith were burnt.

The Councell of Ephesus the second, was assembled by [ 439] Theodosius, wherein Eutiches the heretike was restored, and Fla∣uianus a true Catholike condemned, by a false accusation: For there was Dioscorus Bishop of Alexandria President, who was of the sect of the said Eutiches.

This Councell was corrected by the Councell following which was assembled vnder Leo the Pope, first of that name, as fol∣loweth.

The Towne of Rhemes was taken by Attila, and put to fire and sword. Nicasius Bishop of the saide place a very auncient man was slaine, and his sister Eutropia put to death.* 1.2

Leo a Tuscan first of that name,* 1.3 gouerned the Romaine [ 443] Church 21. yeares.

He ordained, that whosoeuer vnreuerently should handle the Images of Saints, should be seperated and depriued of the communion of the faithfull.

He added to the Masse, Orate pro me fratres, &c.

Also the Deo gratias is attributed vnto him.

He added to the Canon, Sanctum sacrificium, immaculatam hostiam. Item, hanc igitur oblationem, &c.

Attila sacked all Italie.

At the sacking of Aquilia, one of the honourablest wo∣men called Digna, cast her selfe from an high Tower into the water, for feare to be rauished by the Barbarians. For the fai∣rest women were reserued from death, that they might be for∣ced of those barbarous people. Naucler.

[ 449] Merouee the third King of France raigned ten yeares. He also was a Painim: and was not the sonne of Clodio, but the mai∣ster of his horse-men. Yet to him the king Clodio recommen∣ded the gouernment of his kingdome, of his wife, & of his three children, trusting vnto his loyaltie, which hee had sworne and promised vnto him in the presence of his Princes. But soone after the death of the said Clodio, Merouee chased away his said three children, and caused himselfe to be chosen King. When the three children came to age, they made warre vpon him, and tooke from him all the Countrey of Austria, Lorraine, Bra∣bant, Namure, and Hainault.

* 1.4Leo ordeined that there should be but one God-father or God mother at Baptisme, and at confirmation.

Some attribute vnto him the ordinance that Alleluya and Gloria in excelsis Deo should not be sung from Septuagesima vn∣till Easter.

* 1.5Letanies were first in Constantinople, and after in the West by Lupus Bishop of Troy receiued and approued. Item by Ma∣merus Bishop of Vienna, for an Earthquake that happened and further to appease it; was sung the Sanctus Deus, Sanctus For∣tis, Sanctus immortalis miserere nobis.

From hence-forward thou shalt see infinit superstitions, traditi∣ons, and heapes of Councells and Relikes.

He ordeined fasting the three Rogation dayes.

* 1.6Attila Captaine of the Hunnes tooke Rome: before whom Leo came at the first and obtained of him to touch nothing at Rome. And Attila being asked wherefore so easily he agreed therevnto, answered that hee sawe the Angell of God with a [ 454] sword drawne, who threatned him, if hee graunted not his re∣quest. Paul. Diaconus.

The general Councel of Calcedon of 630. Bishops against Eutiches Abbot of Constantinople, vnder Martian.

In this Councell 16. Chap. this decree is set downe. If any Virgin vowe and dedicate her selfe to God, and likewise a Monke, it shall bee no more lawfull for them to marry:

but if they be found to marry,* 1.7 then to remaine excommunica∣ted, yet we ordaine that the Bishop of the place, if he thinke good, may shew the same humanitie and fauour.

The Narration or Fable of the 17. sleepers, named Mal∣chus, Maximianus, Martinianus, Dionisius, Ioannes, Serapion, and Constantinus, raised again as it were 200. yeares after their death, and preaching the resurrection of the bodie against certaine heretikes affirming the contrary, is forged about this time.

Long & great persecution was against the Christians in the Country of Persia: In so much that Theodosius made peace with them that they would cease the persecution. Abb. Vsp.

The Tripartite Historie, lib. 9. chap. 43. and others, make mention that S. Iohn Baptist reuealed his head to two Monkes which were hid nigh an house: and after that, the said head was transported into Edissa, a Citie in Phinitia, where he was honou∣red.

Monkes beare witnesse in their owne cause. But how came this head from thence vnto Amiens in Picardie where hee is adored? See Iohn Caluin in his booke of Relikes.

Leo made many Epistles, euen 66. in number.

Saint Germaine Bishop of Anxerre, Seuerus Bishop of Tre∣ners, Lupus Bishop of Troy▪ were againe sent into England a∣gainst the Pelagian heresie.

Many Councels were held at this time, after that of Chal∣cedone.

The first at Auranges, a Towne in the Prouince of Nar∣bone. The second at Valens. The third Councell of Carpentras. The fourth at Arles. The fift at Venice. The sixt at Tours.

In the Councell of Tours the censure Ecclesiastical against Priests marriages was moderated,* 1.8 which was to be excommu∣nicated and depriued of the Communion, which was permit∣ted them only, vpon condition they should not come to higher degree or dignitie, and that they should abstaine from cele∣brating and administring to the people.

Archephali heretikes in this time, which cast off the Coun∣cell of Chalcedone.

* 1.9Eucherius Bishop of Lions, in this time sent a booke contei∣ning the praise of Hermits liues, to S. Hilarie Bishop of Arles, who went into an Hermitage as is said. Item an other booke De contemptu mundi.

In this time the wisest gaue themselues to write the praises of virginitie, and of a contemplatiue and monastike life.

The bookes of the Manicheans were burnt in Rome.

Theodosius dyed of the pestilence at Constantinople.

* 1.10Earthquakes, Comets, and other tokens were seene in hea∣uen.

[ 451] Anian Bishop of Orleans, Lupus Bishop of Troy, Nicasius Bi∣shop of Rhemes, were martyred.

Valentinian the Emperour, slaine at Rome of his people, by the fraud of Argobastus.

[ 452] Martian chosen Emperour, raigned 7. yeares, he made alli∣ance with the Ʋandales.

It was he which was wont to say that a Prince ought not to take armes as long as it is lawfull to liue in peace.

Rome was taken againe by Gensericke, towardes whom also went Leo, and entreated of him that the Towne might not be put to fire and sword. Some say hee intreated nothing at this time.

* 1.11Orleans was besieged by Attila about this time, after he had wasted Almaine and a great part of France: but before Orleans his people were discomfited by Merouee King of France, and there was slaine 180000. men.

That which is said of Geneuiesue virgin at Paris, is reported of this time.

This is now the great Diana of the Parisians.

Martian the Emperour was slaine at Constanstinople, by the conspiracie of his owne men.

* 1.12Childeric the fourth King of France, a Panim, raigned 26. [ 459] yeares, a man subiect to leachery, which to maintaine, hee laide great taxes vpon the people, wherevppon hee was re∣iected from the kingdome. A Gouernor of Soisson, and Meion of called Giles a Romane,* 1.13 succeeded in his place, and raigned eight yeares: but after Childeric was restored.

After Childeric was called againe,* 1.14 hee gouernerned wisely vertuoufly, and valiantly: hee put to flight his enemy Giles, and sacked the Townes of Treuers and Coloigne, and hee rety∣red to Treuers. After also he conquered Orleans, and all the Countrey along the Riuer of Loire vntill Angiers, and then brought all the Countrey of Angiou vnder his subiection. He tooke also the Cittie of Trect, and all the Countrey along the Riuer of Rhene, and greatly encreased the Kingdome of France.

He vsed great ingratitude towardes Basin King of Lor∣raine called Thoringe, who had kindly entertained and main∣tained him, all the time hee was depriued of his kingdome. For hee receiued the wife of the saide Basin, and tooke her for his owne wife.

Leo Emperour, first of that name a Grecian, left for his successor Leo, who was of Ariadne his daughter and of Zenon. He sent Basalike a warriour against Gensericke King of the Van∣dales. Constantinople and a great part of Italie, was as it were in perpetuall trouble vnder this Emperour, who raigned about 17. yeares.

Hilarie borne at Sardes, Bishop of Rome, ruled 7. yeares. [ 465] His time was full of troubles. These ordinances are attributed vnto him: That no Romane Bishop should chuse him a succes∣sour. And this constitution stretched to all Ecclesiasticall dig∣nitie. Naucler. and Suppl. Chronic.

That a Clarke should receiue no Inuesture of a Laie person.

That none should be admitted vnto orders if he were not learned, and hauing all his members.

In a Sinode at Rome of fiftie Bishoppes, it was ordained that the Decrees of the Apostolike seate should be receiued and published vniuersally.

There also it was ordained that the Bishop might correct that which his predecessor had euil ordeined.

This Pope confirmed the domination and principalitie of the Apostolike seate.* 1.15

He made three Epistles.

He depriued a Bishop of his dignitie called Ireneus, be∣cause

by ambition he had left his Church to goe into an other,* 1.16 which was by Canons forbidden.

Remy Bishop of Rhemes, and Patricius his brother, was Bi∣shop of Soissons.

[ 470] Simplicius Tiburtin succeeded Hilarie, and gouerned the Romane Church 15. yeares, and more after some.

He declared (as his predecessor) that the Romane Church was the chiefe and principall.

He builded many Temples and dedicated them.

Hee instituted that in the Church of Peter and Paul there should be seuen Priestes to heare the penitents and to Baptise them. In the first volume of Councells.

Leo the younger was left a childe, successor of the Empire, by his Grand-father on the mothers side, and hauing gouerned a yeare, he was content that his Father Zeno should raigne for him. In so much that with his owne hands he placed the Dia∣deme vpon his Fathers head.

That which is said of king Arthur is of this time.

* 1.17Zenon Isaurike Emperour, raigned 16. or 17. yeares. He was [ 476] an Arrian, a cruell man. He was buried aliue being drunke, by his wife Arriadne.

The English men came farre into France.

The Arrians exercised great cruelties.

Honorius an Arrian king of Vandals, persecuted greatly the Christians in Affrike, & more then 4976. were exiled in diuers places, without sparing sexe or age, & afterward at diuers times and with diuers punishments were put to death. Some had their hands cut off, some their tongues. Certain times after, vnder the shadow of a Councell, hee made assemble all Bishops, Doctors, and other Catholikes, to the number of 324. after Paulus Dia∣conus, but after others 444. he sent into exile, & caused the Tē∣ples to be shut vp against Catholikes, & gaue them to the Ar∣rians. One Bishop called Laetus was burnt, to the end to feare others. The Bishop of Carthage Eugenius, with more thē 500. of the Cleargy were banished. But 2. yeres after Honorius died mi∣serably of vermine. And Gonthamundus succeeded him. He re∣uoked Eugenius from exile. At the request also of whom, all the others were called home and the Churches opened.

An horrible famine in Affrike. Naucler.* 1.18

It is a thing worthy of remembrance, the great constancie of a woman called Denise,* 1.19 and the exhortation she made to her sonne called Maioricus. Remember said she my sonne, that we were baptised in the name of the Trinitie: wherefore let vs not loose the garments of our saluation. Also an other called Ʋictoria,* 1.20 who neither by the solicitation of her husband, nor the teares of her children could be perswaded, &c. Naucler.

Epiphanius Bishop of Pauie, a very graue man, brought in∣to peace and concord the people of Liguria, and brought from Burgonie many Captiues, as well by his Siluer as his holie life, whereby he entreated the redemption of 6000. Captiues. Paul. Diaconus and Naucler. after him.

Seuerin an Abbot in Noric, was now of great renowne. Odoacer King of the Gothes, as he passed by Noric into Italie, went vnto him for his blessing.

Odoacer occupied Italie, and was made King thereof, and the Gothes raigned there by the space of 70. yeares.

The West Empire takes here an end after Augustulus had deposed himselfe, the yeare of Christ. 472.

Sidonius Bishop of Auuerne a famous Poet in this time.

Clouis the fift King of France, and the first Christian King, [ 472] raigned 30 yeares. That is, fifteene a Painim, and fifteene a Christian: Hee reuenged himselfe of them which cast out his Father Childerike out of his kingdome. Going to Soisons hee tooke it by force, and draue away Siagre the sonne of Giles the Romaine, who occupied the kingdome against Childeric, as hath bene said: And at his returne tooke Melum, and chased away the Romanes.

He amplified the kingdome of France, hauing subiected to it all the Cities and Townes which the Romanes held be∣twixt the Riuers Rhene and Seine, also all such as were betwixt Seine and Loire.

The histories of France say, that in a certaine battel against the Almaines, being at a strait, he remembred the admonitions which Clotilde his wife had often giuen him, to imbrace the Christian faith and religion: In such sort, that being pressed he

lifted vp his eies to heauen and said; Lord God deliuer me from this perill wherein I am thus enuironed with mine enemies: and I will beleeue in thy name, I & all my people. It came to passe not only that he was deliuered from perill, but also that he had victorie vpon his enemies; wherefore he was baptized by Re∣my Bishop of Rhemes, his two sisters and more then 3000. of the noblest of his people besides women and children.

The inuention and fable of the holy Ampoule (as they call it) wherwith the kings of France are annointed, is reported of this time.

* 1.21Clouis for recompence, gaue to the Church of Rhemes many great gifts, lands, signories and rents.

S. Remy afterward had great authoritie, and was principall Councellour of king Clouis.

Some say he builded the Church of Laon, and that hauing e∣rected it a Bishops place, gaue vnto it the land of Laon.

Patricius the brother of S. Remy, Earle of Soissons, was after Bishop of Soissons, and also gaue to the said Church the Earle∣dome, which the Bishop there holds at this day. For you must vnderstand that S. Remy and his brother were children of the Duke of Laon and of Soissons, of a noble and auncient race.

* 1.22The Annales of France make mention that Alaric King of Visigots, then occupied a great part of Gaul, namely all the coun∣try along the Riuer of Loire, from Orleans euen to mount Pire∣nes, which do seperate France and Spaine. Item the countries of Berry, Auuerne, Limosin, Quercy, Perignex, Angolmois, Agenois, Languedoc, Prouence, and other nigh places; against which Clo∣uis willing to make warre as he passed nie Tours, he sent to make his offerings to S. Martin, to haue his succours against the said Visegoths, and that after the victory he himselfe came to Tours, and offered great gifts to the Temple of S. Martin.

If this be so for a first Christian king, he was partly instructed in the Christian faith, and felt yet his Paganisme, because in the place of his old Gods, he reclaimed & called now vpon Saints.

The fault may be imputed to the Bishops & Pastors, which then were more superstitious then religious, and more foolishly deuout, then well and diuinely instructed in the word of God.

As S. Brice, Patrice, Fourcy, Medard, Gildard, Vaast, Remy, Se∣verin, Germanie, Loupe, Nicaisius, Aguien, and other Saints of like branne were canonized after their deaths.

Vnder Zenon there happened such a fire in Constantinople that the greatest part of the Towne was brought into ashes, and more then sixe score thousand volumes were lost and con∣sumed.

Clouis had in marriage Clotilde, the daughter of Chilperic, King of Burgonie, who was slaine by his owne brother called Gondobaldus, and his wife mother of the said Clotilde was drow∣ned.

Felix the third of that name borne at Rome, gouerned the [ 486] Church of Rome 8. or 9. yeares, his Father was a Priest called Felix.

The consecrations of Temples and their dedications,* 1.23 year∣ly are attributed vnto him.

Germain Bishop of Capua in this time.

Vaast, Bishop of Arras, Vedastus in Latin.

Fulgence Bishop of Rupe in Affrike.

Auitus Bishop Ʋienne.

Solemus Bishop of Chartres, preached Christ, and Fourcy that came new from Ireland.

The Councell of Orleans the third at this time after Iohn le Maire. In the first Melanius was President.* 1.24

In the saide Councell which was vnder Clouis, it was agreed that the goods of the Cleargie should be imployed for the mainteining of Priests, for the reliefe of the poore, for the deliuerance of prisoners, and for the repairing of Chur∣ches.

In the Councell of Tarrascon in Spaine, Church-men were enioyned not to buye good cheape, with intent to sell the same thing dearer, for then they should be deposed.

Meane cares occupied the assemblies of Bishoppes.

Anastatius the Emperour called Dicorus,* 1.25 for the chaunge of colours which appeared in his eye-browes succeeded Zeno,

and raigned 27. yeares:* 1.26 he commaunded straightly to worship a quaternitie,* 1.27 that is to say foure persons in the Diuinitie: which pernitious heresie was by him maintained.

Gelatius of Affricke gouerned the Romaine Church fiue yeares: his Father was a Bishop named Ʋalericus. Naucler.

The distinction of Autentike and Apocrypha bookes of the scripture are attributed vnto him.

Hee declared many bookes Apocryphaes, as the booke called the Assumption of the Virgine Mary. Item the Canons of the Apostles, & such like. In the 1 volume of the Councels.

The Manicheans againe are condemned and exiled, and their bookes burnt.

He shewed how Anastatius the Emperor might be excom∣municated.

* 1.28Hee is numbred amongst them which chiefly ordained the Canon, Te igitur clementissime, &c.

Some attribute to him the ordinance of Bigamies, that is, of such as haue bin twise married, that they should not be promo∣ted to orders, vnles it were by ordinance of the Apostolike sea.

That orders should be made foure times a yeare, and on the Saterday only.

He made Hymnes, Collects, Responds, Graduels, Prefa∣ces of the Masse, and brought all into order.

He added to the Masse Vere dignum & iustum est.

The Canons then was made at diuers times, & in diuers times; It is then no maruell if it be euil sowed, and patched with rags and tatters, without any certaine Authour.

He made 5. bookes against Nestorius & Eutiches. Item two a∣gainst the Arrians, and a Treatise of excommunicatiō.

He restored Messenus Bishop, after the knowledge of his pe∣nance.

He excommunicated the Emperour Anastatius because hee fauoured Acarius and other heretikes.

He excōmunicated the king of Vandals, & all his people which thē in Affrike afflicted the true faithfull in fauour of the Arrias.

He commanded Priests that they should not communicate but in both kindes, and not vnder one alone.

The Cleargie greatly loued, waxed rich in this time and in∣creased.

Gelatius in full Councell at Rome,* 1.29* 1.30 declared that in the Eucharist, neither the substance of the bread and wine, nor their natures are chaunged, but that in them as in an Image, the flesh and bloud of the Lord are represented: and that in the Sacra∣ment both are exhibited to the faithfull. Hee also declared them to be excommunicated which gaue not nor tooke the Sacrament of the Eucharist whole. In the first volume of the Councels.

Gennaduis at this time was Bishop of Marceil.

Anastatius a Romane, second of that name Pope, gouerned the Church of Rome two yeares.

This is the second Pope noted of heresie, whose beginning was reasonably good, and excommunicated the Emperor Ana∣statitius, an Eutechian heretike: but afterward he himselfe did all he could to reuoke Acetius from exile, and stucke vnto him. He prooued also very fauourable vnto the Nestorians, and commu∣nicated with Photin, a Deacon of Thessalonica; wherfore many Clarks, Priests, and Bishops, refused to communicate with him. See the Chap. Anastatius. distinct. 9.

In the moneth of September he created 12. Priests and 16. Bishops.

Hee died very miserably (as it is saide) beeing vpon the priuie, where he voyded all his bowels, as did Arrius. Naucler.

Acatius Bishop of Constantinople an heretike, was at this time murthered. Sigeb.

Simmachus borne in the Ile of Sardiue, ruled in Rome 16. yeares.

The first schisme in the Romane Church.

The election of Popes consecrated with bloud.

When Simmachus was chosen, an other likewise called Lawrence was ordained: Simmachus in the Temple of S. Iohn de Latran, and Lawrence in the Church of S. Mary the greater: for which election, there was great diuision in the Church: In so much, as the people and the Romane Senate were diuided. Wherefore a Councell was held at Rauenna, the King Theo∣doric

being present,* 1.31 wherin the election of Symmachus was con∣firmed, & Laurence was recompenced with the Bishopricke of Nycerre by Symmachus: but by some of the Cleargie of Rome this same sedition began againe about foure yeares after. In so much that Theodoric being grieued thereat, sent to Rome one Peter Altin Bishop of Rauenna to be Pope the other two reiec∣ted. But Symmachus assembled the Councell, and there in the presence of all, 102. Bishops, made his Oration, and therin so purged himselfe of all vices and crimes laid against him, that he was againe elected and approoued of all, and Laurence and Pe∣ter Altin were reiected, yet the noise at Rome was greater, and the sedition more enflamed then before. For at euery faction there was bloud-shead:* 1.32 As well Priests as Lay-men slew one an other in the streetes. Finally, Faustin the Consul appeased the sedition, laying hand to Armes against such as were chiefe Captaines of so many euils.

See the fruites of the riches of the Romane Church.

Symmachus ordained that on Sundayes and solemne daies of Martirs, they should sing Gloria in excelsis Deo, adding to the Cantic. the rest, which are more then the words of the Angell.

Item, that whilest the Pope liueth, none should holde talke of chusing a new Pope, vpon paine of excommunica∣tion.

* 1.33He caused certaine houses to be builded nigh the Church of S. Peter, for the ease of the poore, and prouided them of all things necessary for liuing.

Vnder Trasimundus King of Ʋandals, many Bishops of Affrike were put to exile and sent into the Ile of Sardine: to the number of 202. Amongst the which was Fulgentius: which this Symmachus helped with siluer, and redeemed many Captiues.

Olimpius Bishop of Carthage an Arrian, beeing at the Bathes and blaspheming the Trinitie, was suddenly burnt. Naucler.

Boetius a Poet of this time,* 1.34 whose wife was named El∣phe; was sent into exile by Theodorice King of the Ostro∣gothes, and after sent to prison, where he made his bookes, De Consolatione Philosophiae.

In this time Abbies and Temples began to be founded in Fraunce, and to be dedicated to the honour of Saints, and called by their names.* 1.35 The King Clouis vowed to build a Church if he obtained victorie against Allaricus King of Ʋise∣gothes.

Hee caused to bee builded the Church of S. Geneurefue at Paris, then called Saint Peter and Pauls, where hee was bu∣ried.

He founded the great Temple of Strasbourge.

Gerard Bishop of Laon was married, and of his wife had a sonne, who succeeded him in the Bishoppricke.

Symmachus cast out of Rome the Manecheans, and caused publikely their bookes to be burnt. And made a booke Intitu∣led, The excesse of Clarkes.

He created 92. Priests, and 107. Bishops.

Many Sinodes were held at Rome, and one Councell at Ʋalence in Spaine, whereby they sought to force Ecclesiasticall persons to leaue their wiues.

Childebert, the sixt King of France a cruell man, raigned [ 515] 45. yeares.

He founded the Abbay of S. Germain des prees, nigh Pa∣ris, where he was buried; and the Abbay Du Mont at S. Mi∣chaels; the Church of S. Germain del; Auxerrois at Pa∣ris. But the booke called Le mer des histoires, sayth other∣wise.

Hormisda Pope, borne at Fresselon, a Citie of Campania, [ 518] gouerned the Romane Church 9. yeares.

Hee ordained that Priests should addresse no Aultars without the licence of their Bishop.

That marriages should be made publikely and solemnly. Suppl. Chron.

That no Lay-man should be chosen to be Bishop.

A Councell was at Rome against the Eutechians, wherein

it was ordained that he that had done his penance,* 1.36 and made an honourable amends, should not be admitted into any Ec∣clesiasticall estate. Supp. Chro.

Many Monkes corrupted with the Nestorian heresie, not leauing it by the exhortations of Hormisda, but rather sowing diffametory speeches against him, were banished from Rome, a∣gainst the hipocrisie also of which, he writ.

He sollicited by Letters and messengers, Iohn Bishop of Constantinople, companion of Acarius, and euen the Emperour himselfe to leaue the Eutechian heresie: but not onely Anasta∣tius despised his admonitions, but iniuried his foure Embassa∣dors, saying that it belonged to an Emperour to command, and not to a Pope.

Paulus Diaconus addeth, that the Emperour Anastatius be∣sides all this, caused them to mount on the Sea to goe into I∣taly in a light and worne ship, forbidding them to take no land in Greece,* 1.37 but quickly passe away without taking any Porte. Anastatius a litle after died with lightning: he was of the age of 88. yeares, the 25. yeare of his Empire.

* 1.38Hormisda was renowned for his great almes done to the poore, and for condemning the Manichean heresie which sproong a∣gaine, and for burning their bookes.

Boetius was put to death by the commaundement of Theo∣dorike the Arrian.

* 1.39Iustine the auncient Emperour raigned nine yeares. In his youth he kept swine, then he kept oxen; after he was a Car∣penters man. About the age of 16. yeares he beganne to fol∣low the warre, and by craft came to the Empire. For hauing receiued a great summe of siluer to buy the suffrages of Prin∣ces, Captaines and other, for an other, he subtilly bought them for himself, and so was chosen, but he caused all them to die for whom he had receiued the said siluer.

A Councell at Gerone in Spaine at this time.

A Councell at Satragosse. In the 7. Chapter of the said Councell, it is said: Whosoeuer receiueth the Eucharist and eateth it not, let him be excommunicated for euer. This is in the second volume of Councells.

In the 16. Chapter. If any Clarke vpon presumption of vanitie, or by dissolution make himselfe a Monke, let him bee excommunicated.

Brigide a virgin in Scotland, dyed the yeare 524. of whom, many fabulous things are inuented.

Iustin after his election sent Embassadors vnto Hormisda the Pope, to confirme the Apostolike authoritie, and to bring peace to all Churches. He cast out of Constantinople all the Eu∣techian Heretikes and Arrians, and reuoked from exile all such as Anastatius the Emperour before had banished; and Temples were taken from the Arrians, and giuen to the Ca∣tholiques.

Theodorice much grieued that Iustin should againe driue a∣way the Arrians, in despight determined to torment the Town of Rome.

Iohn, Pope, the first of that name a Tuscaine,* 1.40 gouerned the Church three yeares at Rome.

Hee with the Bishop of Rauenna,* 1.41 and certaine Senators and Councellors of Rome, were sent to Constantinople by Theodorice King of Italy, to the end that the Emperour should restore to the Arrian Bishops and Priests their Churches, o∣therwise he would put Rome and Italie to fire and sword. As this company approached neare the towne, the Emperour Iu∣stin with all his Cleargie and all the people of the Towne met them, and the Emperour casting himselfe at the Popes feete, sa∣luted him.

Iohn then being receiued in such honour, expounded the cause of his comming, and seeing hee could not bring Iustin to Theodorics will, began to weep, and besought him to helpe the ruine of Italie, and of the Catholiques. Then rose there vp a great lamentation on the Ambassadors side, and of the Au∣ditors, euery one seeing Religion to be in so great hazard if the Arrians were restored: and on the other side, the great disso∣lation of Rome and Italie.

Finally the request of the Embassadors obtained,* 1.42 the opi∣nion of which was, that for a time the cause of the faith might tarry behinde to procure the saluation of the Towne, and of

Italie.* 1.43 The Emperour consented to the restitution of the Ar∣rians, suffering them to liue after their owne lawes and sta∣tutes: but for all this, the Pope Iohn and his companions got nothing heereby. For the honourable entertainment which the Emperour gaue them was suspected of Theodo∣rice:* 1.44 wherefore hee put the Pope in prison at Rauenna, where hee finally died in great miserie, pouertie, and infection, and the other Embassadors were likewise with him.

This was a notable iudgement of God, vppon such as set behinde, the cause of Faith, for a temporall commo∣ditie.

Peace restored to the Catholiques in Affrike by Hilderic King of Vandales; who reuoked from exile, all such as his father had banished: notwithstanding his father on his death-bed had charged him that he should neuer giue helpe nor support vnto Catholiques.

Affrike was afflicted vntill this time, namely, about 74. yeares.

Some histories say, that the Towne of Antioche was by an earthquake wholly destroyed.

Iustinian, the Emperor Iustins Nephew by his sister, raig∣ned 38. yeares.

He set his studie to repaire the estate of the Commmon∣wealth by Bellisarius.

[ 534] Felix the fourth Pope of that name, ruled foure yeares. Supp. Chron.

He was great Grand-father of S. Gregories father.

* 1.45There is attributed vnto him the ordinance of extreame Vnction, grounding his ordinance vpon the words of S. Iames, the 5. Chapter.

He caused to be builded at Rome, the Temple of S. Cosme, and of S. Damian, and repaired the church of S. Saturnin, which was burnt.

* 1.46The Feast of the Dedication euery yeare ought to bee ob∣serued and celebrated.

In this time Cassiodorus compiled in one the Historie

which is called Tripartite.

Boniface ruled at Rome two yeares and more. There was [ 535] great contention and discention in his election. For some had chosen Discorus, but hee died about a moneth after, and so ceased the diuision: wherefore hauing prooued the feare thereof, hee ordained that three dayes after the Popes death if it were possible there should bee an other elected to shun sedition.

This was hee which did seperate the people from the Cleargie as they were hearing the diuine Seruice as they cal∣led it.

Iohn, the second of that name, called Mercurius, borne at Rome, gouerned the Church three yeares.

The Vandales tooke ende in Affrike, 96. yeares after it was occupied by Gensericus the Tyrant, an Arrian. And Affrike was made tributary to the Romane Emperour by Bellisa∣rius.

Iustinian sent the confession of his faith, with his owne hand and seale, to Iohn the second. In the second volume of Councels.

Item he sent vnto him a Cup of Gold, and two of Siluer, and certaine Challices.

Gregorie Bishoppe of Langres, was married. Fascicul, Temp.

The Councell of Toledo the second.

Agapetus a Romane, ruled one yeare. His father was a [ 536] Priest, called Gordian.

Iustinian was seduced by Athemius the Eutychian, Bishop of Constantinople.

Agapetus was sent to Constantinople by Theodatus King of the Ostrogothes in Italie, to appease the Emperour,* 1.47 and to haue pardon for the fault hee had committed in putting to death Queene Amalasontha, the wife of Theodorice, by whom he was admitted into the Kingdome.

Agapetus comming to Constantinople, contention arose betweene him and the Emperour. And after many threat∣nings against Agapetus, Iustinian finally left his errour, was

quieted, and cast Anthemius out of his Bishopricke, and there appointed one Mennas in his place at the exhortation of A∣gapetus.

Vnto Agapetus is attributed the ordinance of Processions on Sundayes about the Temples.

The Temple of S. Sophie was builded at Constantinople by Iustinian.

Germaine Bishop of Paris, excommunicated the King of Fraunce Herebert, because he left his wife Iugebergne. Abb. Ʋrsp.

Eleutherius Bishop of Tornay. Medard Bishop of Noion. Gildard Bishop of Rouan in this time.

Iordain a Monke, after came to be a Bishop of the Gothes, a Chronicler of the Ieastes of the Romanes, and of the Gothes. Abb. Trit.

[ 539] Syluerius Pope, or Liberius, borne in Campania in Italie, the sonne of Hormisda Bishop (who as is said was Pope of Rome) gouerned the Romane Church a yeare, fiue moneth, and 12. dayes. Naucler.

He was by force promoted to his dignitie by Theodatus King of Italie, who corrupted by siluer, constrained the Cleargie to chuse Syluerius, without the consent of the Em∣perour.

Theodora the wife of the Emperour Iustinian, at the insti∣gation of Vigilius Deacon, required Syluerius to call again from exile Anthemius, and to restore him to the dignitie from which he had bene cast and depriued for his heresie, and so to put out Mennas. Syluerius would not do this.

Bellisarius had commission to depriue him of the Pope∣dome, and to appoint vnto it Vigilius, who subborned false witnesses, which affirmed that Syluerius had intelligence with the Gothes, and that he would haue deliuered them the Towne of Rome. Wherefore Syluerius was constrained to giue place and goe into exile. In the second volume of Councells.

At this time Italie was greatly afflicted with an extreame famine.

Maurus a Romane, and Faustus an Italian, Disciples of

Saint Benet, were sent into France to teach the Monastike life,* 1.48 and at the request of the French men,* 1.49 who sent messengers to S. Benet, to the Mount Cassim.

Amator a Bishop, sent some siluer to Siluerius to maintaine him in exile.

Syluerius gaue sentence of excommunication against Ʋi∣gilius.

The Feast of Purification was at that time instituted in Constantinople, to appease a great pestilence. Abb. Ʋrsp.

This is Candlemas, which then was called Hypapanthy: that is to say, an encounter or meeting: For then Si∣meon founde Christ, whom hee hadde so long atten∣ded.

Liberius made fiue bookes of the Incarnation of out Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ, and a booke against the Bi∣shops of Affrike.

Iustinian compiled the Romane lawes: first the Code,* 1.50 con∣taining 12. bookes.

Secondly, the Digestes. Thirdly, the Institutes. Fourthly, an Epitome of Lawes.

The warre in Italie against the Ostrogothes by Bellisarius. Leonard Attelin.

Iustinian in his new Constitutions, ordained that all Bi∣shops and Priests should celebrate the prayers of Baptisme, and of the Lords Supper with an high voyce, and with words vnderstood of all Christians, to the end that the spirits of the Auditors might be lifted vp with greater deuotion to sing praises vnto the Lord.

Ʋigillius borne at Rome, gouerned the Romane Church [ 541] 14. yeares, after Naucier. or 8. yeares 6. moneths, and 26. dayes, after others: hee entred wickedly into the papacie. It was hee also that ordained that the Masse should be said to∣wards the East.

Rome was taken and burnt by Totila at this time.

The first vniuersall Councell was now held at Constanti∣nople, of 165. Bishops, by the commaundement of Iustinian the Emperour, and at the request of Vigilius, against Anthemius, Seuerus, Peter of Antioche, Zona, and other heretikes, who said that the Virgin Marie brought forth Iesus Christ onely Man, and not God and man. There againe it was agreed, that it is well said, Marie the mother of God.

The yeare of Christ, 551. Rome was taken the second time of the Gothes, by Totila the scourge of God: before whom came Vigilius, or after Nauclerus, Pelagius.

In this time besides the warre and famine which was in I∣talie, there was also a sore plague, in so much, that houses were inhabited by sauage beasts.

Benet the younger was cast into a burning furnace by the commaundement of Totila. Herculien Bishop of Peruse, had his head sawne off, by the same.

* 1.51In this time were held the Councels of Orleance, the second and third: or fourth and fift after some. In the 10. Chapter of the second Councell, it was ordained that a Christian should not take a Iewe to wife, nor that a Christian wo∣man should marry a Iewe, and such communication was vn∣lawfull, and if they were ioyned, they ought to bee seperated. In the third Councell wherein Honoratus Arch-bishoppe was President, Chapter 2. it was ordained that no Priest, Dea∣con, or Subdeacon, should haue the company of his wife; other∣wise, that he should be deposed from his office and remitted into the communion of Lay-people.

In the 16. Chapter it was ordained that the Deacon be∣fore 25. and the Priest before 30 yeares should not be ordai∣ned.

* 1.52Many in this time were infected with the Priscillian here∣sie, abstaining from eating flesh.

A Councell held now at Auuerne.

Vigillius being come to the Popedome by the deceit and subtilties of the Empresse Theodora, shee commaunded him to come vnto Constantinople and to restore Athemius, as hee had promised: but hee refused to doo it: saying, that

iustly he was cast out by Agapetus and Syluerius, and that there∣fore he was not bound to keepe his promise which hee made against all right and reason.

Theodora very angry hereat, sent an Embassage to Rome to drawe Ʋigillius into Lawe for the iniurie done by him, in ca∣sting Syluerius into exile. Item, for the plot by him laid for the death of a young man of the chiefe Nobilitie, called Aste∣rius, and of one which was his Secretarie.

Vpon these matters the Embassador arriuing at Rome, was aided of the Romanes, and they tooke Vigilius and lead him to Constantinople, and as hee embarked, the people cast stones at him, with these Imprecations. A famine bee with thee: a mortalitie be with thee: thou hast done a thousand mischiefes to the Romanes: euill enough maiest thou finde where thou goest. Doo (said hee) what you will vnto mee, for I haue well deserued it. And as he approached nigh vn∣to Constantinople, a great multitude of the Cleargie mette him and conducted him into the Towne. Theodora in the meane while ceased not to sollicite Ʋigillius of his promise, and to restore Anthemius. To whom Ʋigilius saide, that hee would rather endure all things whatsoeuer, then doo it. He was grieuously afflicted, iniuried, and outraged, and drawne out of the Temple of S. Sophie, or Euphemie,* 1.53 whereinto hee was fledde for safetie and refuge. One put a rope or corde about his necke, and ledde him all ouer the Towne from morning till night. This done, hee was put in prison, fed with bread and water, and finally sent into exile with the Cleargie which accompanied him at his entrie. After the death of Theo∣dora hee was called againe with all such as went with him, at the request of the Captaine Narses: but in the way he fell sick and died in Sicile, at the Citie of Siracusa.

Denis Abbot, a Romane, made the great Pascall Cicle in this time. Item, a booke of the reason of the Feast of Easter. Abb. Trit.

Arator a Subdeacon at Rome, wrote the Acts of the Apo∣stles in Hexamiter Verses.

Radegonde Queene of Fraunce, the wife of Clotharius,

who was King of France,* 1.54 after the death of his brother Hil∣debert.

[ 557] Pelagius a Romane, gouerned the seate 12. yeares: hee was accused to haue bene the principall cause of all Ʋigilius his euills: But in the presence of the Cleargie and people, and in the presence of Narses, he mounted the Chaire, and publikely swore that he neuer did any euill vnto Vigilius, and so escaped and was absolued

* 1.55It is hee who ordained that heretikes and schismatikes should be punished with sword, power, and temporall Iustice. And that none should bee admitted to Ecclesiasticall orders by ambition or gifts.

* 1.56That Cleargie-men should each day, say or sing the seuen Canonike houres.

* 1.57That no Patriarke should vse this word Vniuersall, but one∣ly the Bishop of Rome.

That none might ordaine an Abbot, vnlesse he were first chosen Canonically.

* 1.58Hee added to the Masse, the Commemoration of the dead.

In this time was the fourth Councell of Orleance held, where it was ordained,* 1.59 that Lent should be vniuersally kept through all Churches. In the second volume.

The second Councell of Tours in this time.

* 1.60In the said Councell, Chap. 5. it was ordained that euery Citie should nourish his poore and straungers, euery one ac∣cording to his power, that no poore might goe about from Towne to Towne.

In the third Chapter. That the Bishop should holde his wife as his sister, and that he should gouerne as well his house and family as his Church, in such sort as there might bee no euill opinion of him.

In the 20. Chapter, because Priests were suspected to communicate with their wiues, it was there ordained that wheresoeuer they went, they should haue for adiacents some of the Cleargie who might lie in theyr Chambers to wit∣nesse their chastitie. In the twentie and seuen Chapter.

That Iudges and rich men which oppresse the poore,* 1.61* 1.62 after they haue beene aduertised thereof by their Pastors not to do it, that they should be excommunicated if they amended not.

The first Councell of Paris was held in this time.

Clotaire, the seuenth King of Fraunce, raigned fiue yeares; and beeing pressed with necessitie, hee tooke the third part of the reuenew of the Church, against which, the Arch-bishoppe of Tours and others opposed them∣selues.

Vppon a Friday called S. hee slewe one Gualter Di∣uitot a Knight, in the Temple: whose heire for satisfaction, was exempted from all seruice and homage, as free as the King. Annales of France.

Iohn, Pope, the third of that name a Romane, raigned 12. [ 564] yeares. This Pope ended the building of the Church of S. Phil∣lip and S. Iames, which Vigilius had begunne. Supp. Chron.

Iustinian the Emperour, after his falling into a phrensie, fi∣nally died, and his Nephew succeeded him. Abb. Tri.

Iustine the younger Emperour, raigned 12. yeares.* 1.63 Hee [ 565] was infected with the Pelagian heresie, auaritious, and a con∣temner of God & men, who vpon great lust to haue more, be∣came out of his wits, and so died. Sophie his wife gouerned long the Empire; but by her imprudencie, Italie came into the hands of the Lombardes. Vpon false reports shee began to hate the the Captaine Narses, and said she would send that gelded mar∣chant to spinne with her maides. But Narses answered that he would spinne such a webbe, as she should not vndoo all her life. Abb. Vrsp.

A great plague in Italie.

Here began the raigne of the Lombardes in Italie,* 1.64 whereof Albionus was the first King.

Sophorachus Bishop of Paris, was sent into a Monasterie by the authoritie of a Councell at Paris.

Cherebert, or Aribeet, the eight King of France, raigned 9. yeares, he was much giuen to women.

Armenia againe receiued the faith.

Albinus King of the Lombards,* 1.65 was slaine by his wife Rosi∣monde the daughter of Gondimanus King of Gepilles, for that he made her drinke in a dish or masor made of her fathers scalpe.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Supp. Chro.
• * 1.2

  Blund. lib. 2.
• * 1.3

  Naucler.
• * 1.4

  Sureties.
• * 1.5

  Inuention of Letanies.
• * 1.6

  The sea of histories.
• * 1.7

  Valentiniā
• * 1.8

  1. Volume of Councels.
• * 1.9

  Martin.
• * 1.10

  Abb. trip. Naucler.
• * 1.11

  The sea of Histories.
• * 1.12

  Childeric.
• * 1.13

  Annualls of France.
• * 1.14

  Leo, the first.
• * 1.15

  Suppl. Chro.
• * 1.16

  Leo.
• * 1.17

  Zenon.
• * 1.18

  Zenon.
• * 1.19

  Denise.
• * 1.20

  Victoria.
• * 1.21

  Churches began to be∣come rich.
• * 1.22

  Visigots.
• * 1.23

  Dedication.
• * 1.24

  In the first vo∣lume of Coun¦cells.
• * 1.25

  Anastatius.
• * 1.26

  Anastatius
• * 1.27

  Quaternitie.
• * 1.28

  Naucler.
• * 1.29

  Gelasius.
• * 1.30

  Bread and wine of the Supper.
• * 1.31

  Simmachus
• * 1.32

  Bloudshead.
• * 1.33

  Hospitalls.
• * 1.34

  Hormisda.
• * 1.35

  Clouis founder of Temples.
• * 1.36

  Iustin the olde.
• * 1.37

  The death of Anastatius.
• * 1.38

  Hormisda.
• * 1.39

  Iustine of a swine-heard became an Emperour.
• * 1.40

  Iohn, Pope, first of that name.
• * 1.41

  In the first vo∣lume of the Councells.
• * 1.42

  The faith put behinde.
• * 1.43

  Iustinian.
• * 1.44

  He that en∣dures not what he shuld, must endure that he would not.
• * 1.45

  Eztreame Vnction.
• * 1.46

  Dedication.
• * 1.47

  The treason of Theodatus.
• * 1.48

  Iustinian. Vigilius.
• * 1.49

  Monkes first in France.
• * 1.50

  The ciuil Law of Iustinian.
• * 1.51

  2. Volume of Councels.
• * 1.52

  Priscillian heresie.
• * 1.53

  Vigilius byeth the Popedome deare.
• * 1.54

  Pelagius.
• * 1.55

  Punishment of heretikes.
• * 1.56

  Canonicall houres.
• * 1.57

  Vniuersall.
• * 1.58

  Memorie of the dead.
• * 1.59

  Lent.
• * 1.60

  Each Citie should nourish his poore.
• * 1.61

  Iohn the 3
• * 1.62

  Oppressions of the poore.
• * 1.63

  Iustine the younger.
• * 1.64

  The king∣dome of the Lombards.
• * 1.65

  Iustin the younger. Benet 1.