The church-history of Britain from the birth of Jesus Christ until the year M.DC.XLVIII endeavoured by Thomas Fuller.

SECTION. III.

To M^rs. ANNE DANVERS of Chelsey.

Madam,

LEt not your Maiden modesty be betrayed to a blush, seeing your self here left alone, sorrounded on all sides with Masculine Dedications. It will keep you in countenance, if reflecting your eye, either on the first page of this Booke, or side Columnes of this page: Where you shall finde the Queen of Virgins in the front thereof, whose Reign in this Booke is described. Indeed a portion thereof, being designed to your late Brother, (now glorious Saint) falls of course to you, with his goods, and Chat∣tells, as his sole Executrix. If any Latine Letters occurr in this Section, I doubt not, but God will seasonably provide you such a Consort, who, (amongst his many other Virtues) will change you to a happy wife, and translate them to your understanding.

1. ABout this time deceased William Alley Bishop of Exeter, a Painfull Preacher, and John Jewell of Salisbury, of whom largely before. He was borne in Devonshire, bred first in Merton, then Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford, first Pupill to, afterwards Fellow Exile with M^r. Parkhurst in Germany. After Queen Maries death Parkehurst durst not for danger return with Jewell, but went a securer way (as he supposed) by himself. Though Jewell came safe and sound home, whilest Parkehurst was robbed of all in his return, and relieved by the other at his journies end, and soon after both of them were made Bishops. M^r. Parkehurst of Norwich, and Jewell of Salisbury.

2. A Jewell (sometimes taken for a single precious stone) is properly a collective of many, orderly set together to their best advantage. So severall eminences met in this Worthy man. Naturals, Artificials (amongst which I

recount his studied memory, deserving as well as Theodectes the Sophister, the Sirname of Mnemonicus) Moralls, but principally Spiritualls. So devout in the Pew where he prayed, diligent in the Pulpit where he preached, grave on the Beach, where he assisted, milde in the Consistory where he judged, plea∣sant at the Table where he fed, patient in the bed where he died, that well it were if in relation to him, Secund••m usum Sarum were made Precedentiall to all Posterity. He gave at his death to Peter Martyr a golden rose (yet more fragrant for the worth of the Giver, then the value of the gift) To the City of Zurich a Present which they converted into a piece of Plate with Jewells Arms thereon. To severall Scholars, large Legacies. To the Church of Salisburie a fair Library, and another to the Church of England, I mean his learned APOLOGIE. It is hard to say, whether his soul, or his Ejaculations arri∣ved first in Heaven, seeing he prayed dying, and died praying. He was bu∣ried in the Quire by Bishop Wivill, Two Champions of the Church lying toge∣ther, one who with his sword proffered to maintain the Lands; The other, who with his penn defended the Doctrine thereof. In the absence of Doctor Humfreys designed for that service, M^r. Giles Laurence preached his Funeralls, who formerly (being Tutor to the Children of S^r. Arthur Darcy by Algate in London) in Queen Maries dayes preserved Jewells life, and provided accommo∣dation for his flight beyond the Seas.

3. Hitherto, the Bishops had been the more sparing in pressing, and others more daring in denying subscription, because the Canons made in the Convocation 1563, were not for 9. years after confirmed by act of Parlia∣ment. But now the same being ratified, by Parliamentall authority, they began the urging thereof more severely then before, which made many dissenters keep their private meetings ina woods, fields, their friends hou∣ses &c.b I say private meetings, for Conventicles I must not call them, ha∣ving read what one hath written, that name (which agreeth to Anabaptists) is too light and contemptuous, to set forth such assembles, where Gods Word and Sa∣craments are administred, even by the confession of their adversaries.

4. Indeed no disgrace is imported in the notation of the word Conventicle, sounding nothing else but a small Convention. And (some will say) can the Infant the [diminative] be a tearm of reproach, where the mother the [privitive] is creditable in the acception thereof? However Custome (the sole mint-master of currant words) hath took of Conventitles from signifying a small number, to denote the meeting of such (how many soever) in a clan∣destine way, contrary to the commands of the present lawfull Authority.

5. And now Thomas Cartwright (chief of the nonconformists) pre∣sents the Parliament with a Book cal'd an admonition, some members taking distaste at the Title thereof. For seeing Admonition is the lowest of Ecclesi∣asticall censures, and a preparative (if neglected) to Suspension, and Excom∣munication, such suggested, that if the Parliament complied not with this Admonitors desires, his party, (whereof he the speaker) would proceed to higher and lowder Fulminations against the Parliament. Whereas admoni∣tion is a soft word in the Common (but especially in the scripture) acception thereof, and may with humility on just occasion be tendered from Infe∣riours, to any single Persons or Christian Corporation. This Admonition con∣tained their grievances who presented it, with a declaration of the only way to redress them, viz. by admitting that platforme which was there prescri∣bed. This not finding the entertainment it expected, was seconded by another, more importunate to the same effect.

6. It will not be amiss to set down what writings, pro, and con, passed on the occasion of this Booke, between two eminent Authors of opposite parties.

1. The Admonition, first, and second, made by M^r. Cartwright.

2. The Answer to the Admonition by D^r. John Whitgist.

3. The reply to the answer of the Admonition by M. Tho. Cartwright.

4. The defence of the answer by D^r. John Whitgift.

This last kept the field, and (for ought I can finde) received no solemn re∣futation.

7. Sundry reasons are assigned of M^r. Cartwrights silence, all belee∣ving, as they are affected, and most being affected, as led by their in∣terest. Some ascribed it to his weakness, who having spent all his powder and shot in former fights, was forced to be quiet for the future. Others, to his pride (undervalu••ng, what he could not over-come) counting Whitgifts last answer, no answer, but a repetition of what was confuted before. Others imputed it to his Patience, seeing otherwise multiplying of Replies, would make brauls infinite, and whilst women strive for the, last word, men please themselves with the lost reason. Others, to the policy of that party, re∣solving to go a new way to wa••k, and to turne their serious books, into Satyri∣call pamphlets. Some few attributed it to M^r. Cartwrights modest respect to his Adversary, who had gotten the upper ground of him, (Whitgist being soon after made BP. and Arch Bishop) though in my minde this would more heighten, then abate their opposition.

8. The Nonconformists though over-powred for the present in Parlia∣ment, yet found such favour therein, that after the dissolution thereof, they presumed to erect a Presbitery ata Wandsworth in Surrey Eleven El∣ders were chosen therein, and their Offices, and generall rules (by them to be observed) agreed upon and described, as appears by a bill indorsed with the hand of M^r. Field, the Lecturer (as I take it) of that place, but living in London. M^r. Smith of Micham, and M^r. Cr••ne of Roughampton, (neighbouring villages) are mentioned for their approbation of all passages therein. This was the first-born of all Presbyt••ries in England, and secundum usum Wandesworth, as much honoured by some, as secundam usum Sarum by others.

9. It may seem a wonder that the Presbyterian discipline, should ripen sooner in this countrey Village then in London it self, whereas yet they were not arrived at so formall a constitution, though we may observe two sorts of Ministers:

• First M^r.
  • 1 Field.
  • 2 Wilcox.
  • 3 Standen.
  • 4 Jackson.
  • 5 Bonhim.
  • 6 S••intloe.
  • 7 Crane.
  • 8 Edmonds.
• Afterwards M^r.
  • 1 Charke.
  • 2 Travers.
  • 3 Barber.
  • 4 Gardner.
  • 5 Cheston.
  • 6 Crooke.
  • 7 Egerton.
  • 8—.

The former of these were principally against Ministers attire, and the com∣mon prayer booke. The later, indeavoured the modelling of a new di∣scipline, and it was not long, before both streams uniting together. Non∣conformity began to bear a large and great Channell in the City of London.

10. This same year happened a cruell massacre in Paris the French Protestants being bidden thither under the pretence of a nuptiall solemnitie. But never were such black favours given at a wedding, Admirall Coligny, (the pillar of the reformed Church) being slain in his bed on Bartholomew∣eve, whose day then, and for some years after, was there remarkable for wet weather.

Bartholomeus flet, quia Gallicus occubat Atlas. Bartholomew bemoans with rain The Gallicke Atlas thereon slain.

William Cecill Lord Burley invited to be there, wisely kept himself at home, otherwise perchance our English Nestor, had been sent the same way with the French Atlas, and ten thousand Protestants of name and note slain in that City within three dayes.

11. Let not the following passage be censured for superflucus in this our Booke, whose omission would be condemned as a defect by others,a Agnes Bridges a maid about 20. and Rachel Pinder a girle about 12. years old, so cunningly counterfeited themselves possest with the Devill, that they decei∣ved many Ministers in London, from whom more wisdome and less credu∣lity, might justly have been expected. Thus these liars, belied the father of lies by their dissimulation. And now what praying, and preaching, and fasting, was there to dispossesse them, to the no small derision of prophane persons when their forgery was discovered. However such scoffing may be punished, when the others shall have their erroneous judgement pardoned, and well-intended charity rewarded. Soon after those impostresses were dete∣cted, penance at S^t. Pauls-cross on them imposed, by them publickly (and for outward view) penitently performed, the present beholders satisfi∣ed, the formerly deluded rectified, to be more wise, and wary for the future.

12. Now began the Anabaptists wonderfully to increase in the land, and as we are sorry that any Countrymen should be seduced with that opini∣on, so we are glad that English as yet were free from that infection. For on Easter day was disclosed a Congregation of Dutcha Anabaptists without Algate in London, whereof seven and twenty were taken and imprisoned, and foure bearing faggots at Pauls Cross solemnly recanted their dangerous opinions.

13. Next moneth one Dutchmanb and ten women were condemned, of whom, One woman was converted to renounce her errours, eight were banished the Land, two more so obstinate, that command was issued out for their burning in Smithsield. But, to reprieve them from so cruel a death, a grave Divine sent the following letter to Queen Elizabeth, which we request the Reader to peruse, and guess at the Authour thereof.

SErenissima, Beatissima Princeps, Regina illustrissima, Patriae De∣cus, Saeculi Ornamentum. Vt nihil ab animo meo omnique ex∣pectatione abfuit longius, quàm ut majestatis tuae amplissimam excellentiam molesta unquam interpellatione obturbatem: ita vehementer dolet silenti∣um hoc, quo hactenus constanter sum usus, non eadem constantia perpetuo tueri ita ut volebam licuisse. Ita nunc praeter spem ac opinionem meam nescio qua infalicitate evenit, ut quod omnium volebam minime, id contra me maxime faciat hoc tempore. Qui cum ita vixerim hucusque, ut mole∣stus fuerim nemini, invitus nunc cogar contra naturam Principi etiam ipsi esse importunus, non re ulla aut causa mea, sed aliena inductus calamitate. Quae quo acerbior sit & luctuosior hoc acriores mihi addit ad deprecandum slimulos. Nonnullos intelligo in Anglid hîc esse non Anglos, sed adventi∣tios, Belgas quidem opinor, partim viros, partim Foeminas, nuper ob im∣probata dogmata in judicium advocatos. Quorum aliquot foeliciter reducti publica luerunt poenitentia, complures in exilium sunt condemnati, idque redissimè meo judicio factum esse arbitror. I am ex hoc numero unum esse ant alterum audio, de quibus ultimum exustionis supplicium (nisi succur∣rat

tua pietas) brevi sit statuendum, Qua una in re duo contineri perspicio, quornm alterum ad errorum pravitatem, alterum ad supplicii acerbitatem attinet. Ac erroribus quidem ipsis nihil possit absurdius esse, sanus nemo est qui dubitat, mirorque tam faeda opinionum portenta in quosquam potuisse Christianos cadere. Sed ita habet humane infirmitatis conditie, si divina paululum luce destituti nobis relinquimur, quo non ruimus praecipites? At∣que equidem hoc nomine Christo gratias quam maximas habeo, quod An∣glorum hodie neminem huic insaniae affinem video. Quod igitur ad pha∣naticas istas sectas attinet, eas certe in republica nullo modo sovendas esse, sed idonea comprimendas correctione censeo. Verum enim vero ignibus ac flammis, pice ac sulphure aestuantibus viva miserorum corpora torrefacere judi∣cii magis caecitate quàm impetu voluotatis errantium, durum istud ac Roma∣ni magis exempli esse quam Evangelicae consuetudinis videtur, ac planè ejusmodi, ut nisi à Romanis Pontificibus, authore Innocentio tertio primùm pro∣fluxisset, nunquam istum perillitaurum quisquam in mitem Christi ecclesiam importavisset. Non quod maleficiis delecter, aut erroribus cujusquam sa∣veam dicta haec esse velim, vitae hominum, ipse homo quum sim, faveo ideo∣que saveo, non ut erret, sed ut rescipiscat. Ac neque hominum solum, Vtinam & pecudibus ipsis opitulari possem. Ita enim fum (stultè fortassis haec de meipso, at verè dico) macellum ipsum ubi mactantur etiam pecudes, vix praetereo, quin tacito quodam doloris sensu mens refugiat. Atque equidem in co Dei ipsius valde admiror, venerorque toto pectore clementiam, qui in jumentis illis brutis & abjectis, quae sacrificiis olim parabantur, id prospexerat, nè prius ignibus mandarentar, quàm sanguis eorum ad Basim altaris essunderetur. Vnde disceremus in exigendis suppliciis, quamvis justis, non quid omnino rigori liceat, sed ut clementia simul adhibita rigoris temperet asperitatem.

Quamobrem si tantum mihi apud Principis tanti majestatem au∣dere liceret, supplex pro Christo rogarem clementissimam hanc regiae sublimi∣tatis excellentiam pro authoritate hac mea, qua ad vitam multorum con∣secrandam pellere, Te divina voluit clementia, ut vitae si fieri possit (quid enim non possit iis in rebus authoritas tua?) miserorum parcatur, saltem ut horrori obsistatur, atque in aliud quodcunque commutetur supplicii genus. Sunt ejectiones, inclusiones retrusae, sunt vincula, sunt perpetua exilia, sunt stigmata, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 aut etiam patibula, id unum valde deprecor, ne piras ac flammas Smithfieldianas jam diu faustissimis tuis auspiciis huc us{que} sopitas sinas nunc recandescere. Quod si nè id quidem obtineri possit, id saltem omnibus supplicandi modis efflagito 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 pectoris tui implorans, ut mensem tamen unum aut alterum nobis concedas, quo inte∣rim experiamur, an à periculosis erroribus dederit Dominus ut resanescant, ne cum corporum jactura, animae pariter cum corporibus de aeterno pericliten∣tur exitio.

This letter was written by M^r. John Fox (from whose own hand I transcri∣bed it) very loath that Smithfield formerly consecrated with Martyrs ashes, should now be prophaned with Hereticks, and desirous that the Papists might enjoy their own Monopolie of cruelty in burning condemned Persons. But though Queen Elizabeth constantly called him Her Father Fox, yet herein was she no dutifull Daughter, giving him a flat Indeed damnable were their impieties, and she necessitated to this severity, who having for∣merly punished some Traitours, if now sparing these Blasphemers, the world would condemn her, as being more earnest in asserting her own safety, then Gods honour. Hereupon the Writ de Haeretico comburendo (which for seventeen years had hung only up in terrorem) was now taken down and put in exe∣cution, and the two Anabaptists burned in Smithfield, died in greata horrour with crying and roaring.

14. I am loath this letter should stand alone, and therefore will second it with another (though nothing of this nature) which I may call a private-publick one, private for the Subject, publick for the use thereof. First to acquaint us with the character of Magdalen Colledge, and generally of all Oxford, (not to say England) in those dayes, secondly to shew that though M^r. Fox came not up in all particulars to cleave the pin of Conformity (as refusing to subscribe) yet he utterly distasted the factious People of that age. Lastly, that the Papists who miscalled him Iohn Lack-latine may ap∣pear as so many Lack-Truths by his fluent and familiar language.

15. Only a word to the Read r, informing him with the cause of this letter. Samuel his eldest Son, Batchelour of Arts, and Fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford, travelled beyond the Seas, without leave either from Father or Colledge. At his return he was causelessly accused for a Papist, and expelled the Colledge by a Faction of people, whose names I had rather the Reader should take from M^r. Fox his pen then mine own. And now as once Tully pro domo sua strained all the nerves of his Rhetorick, so see here how Pathetically this old man pro filio suo writes to a reverend Bishop of the Church.

QUando, quomodo, quibus verbis, qua dicendi sigura pares agam gra∣tias singulari vixque credibili humanitati tuae (Vir reverende, idemque Doclissime Praesul) qua me miserum tot, tantisque aerumnis obsi∣tum, imo obrutum, literis tam amanter scriptis, & erigere jacentem, & ereclum, resocillare volueris. In quo pulchrè tu quidem hoc exemplo re∣preseatas, quid sit verè Episcopum agere in Domo Domini. Quid enim Antistetem verè Chrisianum, veriùs vel arguit, vel commendat insigniùs, quà n charitas toties in Christianis literis exhibita. Aut ubinam haec ipsa charitas vim suam poterit illustriùs explicare, quam in sacro hoc consolandi officio, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Vsque adeo tot simul ad∣versae res omnem mihi & constantiam & patientiam penè expectorabunt. Cui enim, quamlibet adamantinum pectus, non consterneret inaúdita haec hominum ingratissimorum inhumanitas, in ea presertim Academia, eó∣que Collegio, unde nihil unquam minùs expectabam quàm tale aliquid ab iis mihi eventurum. Quos si non meae seneclutis & paupertatis ratio com∣movere, at ipsorum tamen vel humanitas, vel literarum, quas profitentur, consuetudo polire ad humaniorem modestiam debuisset. Quod autem de me∣is, vel erga illos, vel erga alios meritis, honoranda tua pietas humanissimè praedicat in eo 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 satis contemplor; In me nihil ag∣nosco eorum quae tribuis. Illud confiteor, semper cavisse me sedulò, ut si minùs prodesse multis licuerit, ne sciens tamen obessem cuiquam, tum mini∣mè verò omnium Magdalensibus, quo magis id mihi admirationi habetur, quis tam turbulentus Genius factiosa ista Puritanorum capita afflaverit, ut sic violatis gratiarum legibus, spretis meis adse literis & precibus, con∣tempta ipsius Praesidis intercessione, nulla praemissa admonitione, nec causa reddita, tantam hanc in me, filiumque tyrannidem exercuerint. Atqui verò ut hoc ijs concedam, non tam purum esse & immunem ab omni naevo filium meum, atque sunt isti terpuri Puritani. At in his tamen naevis illius, nullum adhuc comperi 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 tam magnum, quàm majores fortè 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in moribus ipsorum conspicere liceat. Et ubi interim fraterna illa inter fratres admonitio, quam tantopere exigit Evangelica cautio, ubi disciplina illa Apostolica 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉? Certè plusquam atrox facinus intercedat oportet, quod tam atroci ejectionis vindicatione luendum sit; sed latet in hac herba alius fortasse anguis, quam quia isti

proferre non audent, ego in lucem producam. Flagrat Collegium hoc horri∣bili factione, cujus altera pars propensioribus studiis incumbit in suum Prae∣sidentem. Altera istorum est quos dico 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, qui modis omnibus dant operam ut partes sui Praesidis labefactent, ipsumque vel in suam redi∣gant potestatem, vel sede prorsus evertant. Quia vero filius meus cum al∣tero ejus Collega, Praefecto suo ita, ut par erat, inclinatior videbatur, propte∣rea societate exhaeredatur. Accedit huic & alia causa, quam tam filio quam mihi ipsi imputo.

Quod si enim is essem, qui perbacchari cum eis contra Episcopos, & Archi-Episcopos, aut scribam me praebere illorum ordini, hoc est, insanire cum illis voluissem, nunquam istos in me aculeos exacuissent. Nunc quia totus ab ijs alienus partes illas sectari maluerim, quae modestiae sunt, & pub∣licae tranquillitatis, hinc odium in me conceptum jam diu, in hanc demum efferbuit acerbitatem. Quod cùm ita sit, non jam quid mea causa velitis facere, id postulo, quin potius quid vestra ipsorum causa cogitandum sit, Vos qui Proceres estis ecclesiae etiam atque etiam deliberatae Quod ad me autem attinet, quamvis erepta filio societas haud leni affieit animum aegritudine, tamen quia res privata agitur, hoc fero moderatiùs. Magis me commovet publicae Ecclesiae ratio. Videor enim suboriri quoddam hontinum genus, qui si invalescant, viresque in hoc Regno colligant, piget hîc referre, quid futurae perturbationis praesagit mihi animus; Olim sub Monachorum fucata hypocrisi quanta sit nata lues Religioni Christianae, minimè ignorat prudentia tua, Nunc in istis nescio quod novum Monachorum genus re∣viviscere videtur, tantò illis perniciosius, quantò calidiore fallendi arti∣ficio sub praetextu perfectionis personati isti Histriones gravius occultant venenum, qui dum omnia exigunt ad strictissimae suae disciplinae, & con∣scientiae gnomones, haud videntur prius desituri, donec omnia in Judaicam redigant servitutem. Sed de ijs alius sortassis pleniore manu 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

Interim celeberimae tuae dignitati Vir honorande, cum publico ecclesiae no∣mine, & animum istum, & sedem quam tenes meritò gratulor, tum mea privatim causa ob singulare tuum in me studium gratias habeo permaxi∣mas; Precorque Dominum omnium gratiarum fontem cumulatissimum, ut ecclesiam suam periculosissimis ijs temporibus propugnet ac tueatur, ut Pa∣stores se dignos foveat, provehatque, tum intra istos, Te inprimis sacris ipsius bonis, donisque indies magis magisque locupletet, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Amplissime, juxta ac ornatissime Praesul,

Tuus in Christo 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Joannes Foxus.

If this good man appeareth too passionate herein, score it neither on his old age, nor on his affection to his Son, but on the unjust affront offered unto him, who at last was restored Fellow by the Queen her Mandate, and he pri∣vately cast out by a Faction, to his great disgrace, was publickly brought in again by authority, to his greater reputation.

16. We may plainly perceive by this letter, how powerfull the Party of Non-conformists was grown at this time, and to what violences and extra∣vagancies some went in their practices, insomuch that D^r. Humphred then President of Mandlins, and M^r. Fox himself (both which scrupled subscripti∣on in some particulars) were deserted by them as Luke-warme and remiss in the Cause. Yea even of those who were Duriores Puritani, all were

not equally rigid, but Coleman, Burton, Hallingham, and Benson out-did all of their own opinions. Thus those loaves which are ejusdem farinae (of the same meale, yea of one Batch, out of the same Oven) are not all hard and crustie alike.

17. The death of Matthew Parker, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, added much to their increase. He was a Parker indeed, carefull to keep the fences, and shut the gates of Discipline against all such Night-Stealers as would invade the same. No wonder then if the tongues and pens of many were whetted against Him, whose complaints are beheld by discreet men, like the excla∣mations of Truantly-Schollers against their Masters severity, correcting them for their faults. This Arch-Bishop was an excellent Antiquarie (without any Anticknesse) a great Benefactour to Bennet Colledge in Cambridge, on which he bestowed many Manuscripts, so that that Librarie (for a private one) was the Sun of English Antiquity in those dayes, though now no more then the Moon, since that of S^r. Robert Cottons is risen up.

18. But a large Authour, though not daring to deny due praises to his memory, causelessly taxed him for being too Ponteficall in his Buildings and Feastings. Particularly he charged him, that whereas the Pope thundred out an Excommunication against Queen Elizabeth,a yet saith he) I read of no refu∣tation made of it by this Arch-Prelate, as if this were such a sin of omission in him, and he bound by his place to answer every Romish railing Rabshhekah. But let him know that in his learned Book of Antiquitates Britanicae, he hath laid down those Historicall grounds, which may be improved to the baiting of the whole Herd of Popish Bulls, or if you will to make all those Bubbles sinke to nothing. A worke, out of which his Accuser hath taken so much, that he cannot pretend to the commendation of Industrie (the poorest praise of a Writer) being no better then a lazie Translatour. And as the Spleen is subservient to the Lever, to take from it only the most putrid and feculent blood, so hath he solely transcribed thence (and from BP. Godwins Cata∣logue) the faults and failings of all the English Prelacie, passing over in silence their due and just commendation. Ed. Grindall succeeded him in his place, a Prelate most PRIMITIVE in all his conversation.

19. We must not forget Margaret the Wife of Arch-Bishop Parker, a pa∣tern for all Presates Wives. In the reign of King Henry the eighth, though se∣ven years contracted (by mutuall consent forbearing marriage, then unlaw∣full for Clergie-men) such her fidelity, that she was deaf to richer proffers.b When married under Edward the sixth, so modest, that BP. Ridley asked, whether Ms. Parker had a sister, intimating that such a Consort would make him recede from his resolution of a single life. In Queen Maries dayes, not only great her patience to partake of, but industry to relieve her Husbands wants. In Queen Elizabeths time, so admirable her humility, as no whit elated with prosperity.

20. S^r. Francis Englefield, of whom formerly in the Colledge of Valla∣dolt, to leave a Monument to posterity, of his industry and good will to the Catholick-Cause; He with William Allen obtained of Pope Gregory the thirti∣eth, thirteen Indulgencies for the English Nation and the will-wishers of their Conversion. Whereof this the first,

That whosoever should carry about him such consecrated Beads, fast on Wednesday, forbear one meal on Saturday, pray for the Holy Father the Pope, the peace of the Church, and chiefly for the re∣conciling of England, Scotland, and Ireland, to the Church of Rome, should have an hundred years pardon. But if this fast be observed with bread and water, a thousand years pardon.

It may seem in some sort an argument for the Antiquity of those Indulgences, that the resent of the vivacity of the ancient Patriarks before the Flood in par∣doning so many years above the possibility of our age. Now what becommeth of the Surplus-age of these Pardons after the Parties life, let others dispute. Namely, whether Indulgentia moritur cum persona, or whether they be be∣queathable by will, and in case the person dies Intestate, fall like goods and Chattells to his next heir. Sure I am S^r. Francis is beheld by Catholicks as a Benefactour Generall to our Nation, and these Grants were solemnly passed sub annulo Piscatoris, and Glorierius attesting the same. This S^r. Francis was afterwards buried in the English Colledge at Valadolid in Spain having bountiful∣ly contributed to the erecting thereof.

21. James Pilkinton BP. of Durham ended his life, formerly Master of S^t. Johns Colledge in Cambridge. He was (as appeareth by many of his let∣ters) a great Conniver at Nonconformity, and eminent for commencing a Suite against Queen Elizabeth, for the lands and goods of the Earls of Nor∣thumberland and Westmerland after their attaindor, as forfeited to him Prince Palatine within his Diocess. But the Queen prevailed, because on her charg∣es she had defended Bishop and Bishoprick against that Rebellion, when both his Infant-Daughters (conveyed away in Beggars cloaths) were sought for to be killed by the Papists. These afterwards with foure thousand pounds apiece, were married (the one to S^r. James Harrington, the other to M^r. Dunce of Bark-shire) which portions the Courtiers of that age did behold with envi∣ous eyes, for which the Bishoprick sped no whit the better.

22. The same year concluded the life of Edward Deering an eminent Divi••e, born of a very ancient and worthy family in Kent, bred Fellow of Christs Colledge in Cambridge, a pious man and painfull Preacher, but disaf∣fected to Bishops and Ceremonies. Once preaching before Queen Elizabeth, he told her, that when in persecution under her sister Queen Mary, her Motto was Tanquam Ovis as a sheep, but now it might be, Tanquam indomita juvenca as an untamed Heifer. But surely the Queen still retained much of her anci∣ent Motto as a sheep, in that she patiently endured so publick (and conceive∣ed causeless) reproof, in inflicting no punishment upon him, save command∣ing him to forbear further preaching at the Court.

23. Rowland Jenkes, a Popish Book-seller was indicted at the Summer Assiscs in Oxford, for dispersing of scandalous Pamphlets defamatory to the Queen and State. Here, on a suddain happened a strange mortality, where∣of died,

• S^r. Robert Bell, Lord
• Chief Baron, a great
• Lawyer.
• S^r. Robert De Oile.
• S^r. Will. Babington.
• M^r. De Oile. High Sheriffe.
• M^r. Wenman.
• M^r. Danvers.
• M^r. Fettiplace.
• M^r. Hare-Court.
• Justices.
• M^r. Kerle.
• M^r. Greenwood.
• M^r. Foster.
• M^r. Nash.
• Gentlemen of good ac∣count.
• Sergeant Bernham an excel∣lent Pleader.

Almost all the Jurie-men, and of other persons there present threea hun∣dred died in the Town, and two hundred more sickning there died in other places within a Moneth. Amongst whom notb either Woman or Child.

24. Sanders calleth this, ingens miraculum, and ascribeth it as a just punishment on the cruelty of the Judge for sentencing the Stationer, to lose his Ears. Adding moreover, that the Protestants (whose Philosophers and Physitians could not finde the naturall cause thereof) gave it out, that the Pa∣pists by Magick arts had procured this infection. The best is, his words are no slanders.

25. But heare how a profound Scholler, no less happy in finding, then dili∣gent in searching the mysteries of nature, and utterly unconcerned in this quarrel, delivereth his judgement in the like case.

a The most pernicious infection next to the Plague, is the smell of the Jaile; When Prisoners have been long, and clese, nastily kept, Whereof we have had experience twice or thrice in our time; When both the Judges that sate upon the jaile, and numbers of those that attended the business, or were present, sickned upon it, and died. Therefore it were good wisdome that in such cases, the Jaile were aired, before they be brought forth. Other∣wise most dangerous are the smells of mans-flesh, or sweat putrified; For they are not those stincks, which the Nostrills streight abhor, and ex∣pell, which are most pernicious; But such aires as have some similitude with mans body; And so insinuate themselves and betray the Spirits.

Of these Mortalities mentioned by this Author, the first probably was this at Oxford (happening within the verge of youthfull memory) the other two at Hereford in the Reigns of King James, and King Charls. The like chanced some foure years since at Croydon, in Surrey, where a great depopulation happened, at the Assises of Persons of quality, and the two Judges, Baron Yites, and Baron Rigby getting their banes there, died few dayes after. Yet here no Papists were arraigned to amount it to a Popish miracle, so that Saun∣ders his observation is no whit conclusive, naturall causes being afforded of such casualties.

26. We may remember how in the year, One thousand five hundred seuenty and one, a severe Law was made against such who brought any su∣perstitions Trinkets (Badges of the Romish vassalage) into England. This Law lay Dormant for these last six years, and was never put into execution, that Papists might not pretend themselves surprised into punishment through the ignorance of the Law, so long a time being allowed unto them, that they might take serious cognizance of the said statute in this behalf: And therefore let such Catholicks who complaine of cruelty herein, produce a Precedent of the like lenity amongst them used to Offendors. But now one Cuthbert Maine a Priest, was drawn, hanged and quartered at Lanston in Cornewall, for his ob∣stinate maintaining of the Papall power, and one Trugion a Gentleman of that County, was condemned to loss of all his goods and perpetuall imprisonment for affording harbour unto him.

27. Hitherto the English Bishops had been vivacious almost to wonder. For necessarily presumed of good years, before entering on their office, in the first of Queen Elizabeth it was much that but five died for the first twenty years of her reign. Whereas now seven deceased within the compasse of two years. Thus when a generation of contemporary persons begins to crack, it quickly falls, and the leases of their clay cottage, commencing it seems, much from the same date, at the same terme did expire. We will severally reckon them up, the rather, because all the Remarks of Church-History for those two years, is folded up in their characters.

28. Nicholas Bullingham began the breach, translated from Lincolne to Worcester, whereat myb Author doth much admire, conceiving [belike] such advancement a degradation, and can only render this reason, that for his own ease he changed a larger, for a lesser Diocess. But what if Worce∣ster were also the better Bishoprick, and so the warmer seat for his old age?

29. William Bradbridge bred in Magdalen Colledge in Oxford, Bishop of Exeter, was snatcht away with a sudden death. And in the same year Edmond Guest, BP. of Salisbury, bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge, who

wrote many books (reckoned up by J. Bale) bought and bestowed more on the library of Salisbury, the case whereof, was built by BP. Jewell.

30. Richard Cheyney, Bishop of Bristol, holding Glocester therewith in dispensation, bred in Cambridge, of whom M^r. Camden giveth this cha∣racter, that he was Luthero addictissimus, Most addicted to Luther. Bishop Godwin saith, Luthero addictior fortasse quàm par erat, Perchance more ad∣dicted to Luther then was meet. Adding moreover, that in the first convocation in the reign of Queen Mary, he so earnestly opposed Popery, that he wonde reth how he escaped with life. But I wonder more, how since his death, the scandalous rumour is raised, that he died a Papist, suspended by Arch-Bishop Grindall from his Episcopall function, and this one (his successour in that See) will perswade others to believe.

31. However the words of Mrs. Goldsborrough (widdow to BP. Golds∣borrough of Glocester) a grave Matron, prevail'd with me to the contrary. Who at a publick entertainment, in the presence of many, and amongst them of my judicious friend, gave a just check to this false report, and avowed that to her knowledge he died a true and sincere Protestant.

32. Robert Horne succeeded. Borne in the Bishoprick of Durham, bred in S^t. Iohns in Cambridge, one, valido & faecundo ingenio, saith my Author. Of a spritefull and fruit full wit. One who would go thorough whatsoever he undertook, be it against Papists or Nonconformists, and his adversaries playing with his name, (as denoting his nature hard, and inflexible) nothing moved him to abate of his resolution.

33. Thomas Bentham followed him, Bishop of Coventry, and Leichfield, bred in Magdalen Colledge in Oxford, of whose christian valour in that Colledge, against superstition in Queen Maries reign, we have spoken before.

34. Richard Cox, Bishop of Ely, concludes this Bill of Mortality, Tutor to King Edw. the 6. of whom largely before in the troubles at Frankford. I am sorry so much is charged on his memory, and so little can be said in his vindication, and would willingly impute it, not to his want of innocence, but ours, of intel∣ligence. It moves me much his accusation of covetousness, dilapidating (or rather delignating his Bishoprick, cutting down the woods thereof) for which he fell into the Queens displeasure: But am more offended at his taking (if true) the many ancient manuscripts from Oxford, under the pre∣tence of a visitation. He was an excellent poet, though the verses written on his own tombe, are none of the best, and scarce worth our translating.

Vita caduca vale, salveto vita perennis, Corpus terra tegit, spiritus alta petit. In terra Christi Gallus Christum resonabam, Da Christe in Coelis, te sine fine sonem.

Frail life farewell, welcome life without end, Earth hides my corps, my soule doth heaven ascend, CHRISTS COCK on earth, I chanted Christ his name, Grant without end, in Heaven I sound the same.

It seems some took exceptions at the Epitaph, as parcell-Popish, because (though supposing his possession) praying for the perpetuation of his happinesse, and on that account, twenty years after his death, it was partly demolished.

35. This year also S^r. Thomas Gresham ended his life, whose Royall-Exchange in London, with all the Magnificence thereof, could not properly

intitle him to a mention in this our Church-History; had he not also, by his will bequeathed maintenance, for the erecting of a Colledge in Bishops-gate-street, allowing an annuall Salary of fifty pound to severall Professors in Divinity, Civill Law, Physick, Astronomie, Geometry, Musick, and Rhetorick. It is therefore no mistake in Mercator when counting three Universities, in England, Cambridge, Oxford, and London, seeing the last may be so esteem∣ed, both in relation to the Inns-of-Court, and this Colledge.

36. The Family of love, began now to grow so numerous, factious, and dangerous, that the Privy Councell thought fit to endeavour their sup∣pression. Being now to deduce the Originall of this Sect, we desire that the Clock of Time on the margin of our Book may stand still, intending not to discompose the method of years therein: though we go backward for a∣while in our History, to fetch in the beginning of these Familists. Most ob∣scure was their Originall, according to the Apostlesa words, There are cer∣tain men crept in unawa••es, Crept in, shewing the slownesse of their pace, and the lownesse of their posture. The later proceeding partly from their Guiltiness, not daring to go upright, to justifie, avouch, and maintain their doctrine, partly out of Policy, to worke themselves in, theb more invisibly. But these Creepers at first, turn'd Plyers afterwarde (flying Serpents no contradi∣ction) so that the State accounted it necessary to cut down their arrogancy and increase, whose beginning with the means thereof we come now to relate.

37. One Henry Nicholas born in Amsterdam, first vented this doctrine (about the year 1550.) in his own country. He was one who wanted learn∣ing in himself, and hated it in others, and yet was conceived, (which at first procured pitty unto him) though of wilde and confused notions, with absurd and improper expressions, yet of honest and harmless intentions. Men thought him unable, both to manage his Apprehensions whole (as to make sense of them) and too weak by distinctions to parcel and divide them (wanting Logick for that purpose) and yet they charitably conceived, his minde might be better then his mouth, and that he did mean better, then he could interpret his own meaning. For meeting with manyc places in Scripture, which speak the union and communion of Christians with Christ, Christ with God (how quickly are mysteries made blasphemies, when unskil∣full hands meddle with them?) he made of them a most carnall-spirituall exposition.

38. Yea in process of time, he grew so bad, that charity it self would blush to have a favourable thought of his Opinions. Not content to confine his Errours to his own Country, over he comes into England, and in the later end of the reign of King Edward the sixth, joyned himself to the Dutch Congregation in London, where he seduced a number of Artificers and silly women, amongst whom two daughters of one Warwick, (to whom he de∣dicated an epistle) were his principall Perverts. M^r. Martin Micronius, and M^r. Nicholaus Charineus, then the ministers of the Dutch Congregation, zealously confuted his errours, but it seems their Antidotes pierced not so deep as his poisons. Many of our English Nation were by him deceived, and may the Reader but peruse this his mock-Apostolick Stile, (his charm to de∣lude silly people therewith) and let him tell me whether the Ape did not well deserve a whip, for his over-imitation therein.

H. Nicholas through the grace and mercy of God,d through the Holy Spirit of the love of Jesus Christ. Raised up by the highest God from the death, according to the providence of God, and his promises. Anointed with the Holy Ghost, in the old age of the holy understanding of Jesus Christ. Godded with

God in the Spirit of his love. Illuminated in the Spirit with the heavenly truth, the true light of perfect being. Made heir with Christ in the Hea∣venly goods, of the riches of God. Elected to be a minister of the gracious word, which is now in the last times raised up by God, according to his promises in the most holy service of God, under the obedience of his love.

The followers of this Nicholas assumed to themselves the Title of the family of Love. Familya of faith, we finde in Scripture, but this new-name was one first invented by, and falsely applied unto this Faction, who might more fitly, from Nicholas their father and founder, be stiled Nicolaitans, as their name-sakes (hated byb God for thir filthinesse) were called so, fromc Nicolas the proselyte of Antioch. These Familists (besides many monstrosities they maintained about their Communion with God) attenuated all Scriptures into Allegories, and under pretence to turn it into Spirit, made them aery empty, nothing. They counterfeited Revelations, and those not explicatory or applica∣tory of Scripture, (such may and must be allowed to Gods Servants in all ages) but additionall thereunto, and of equal necessity and infallibility to be believed therewith. In a word, as in the small pox, (pardon my plain and home∣ly, but true and proper comparison) when at first they kindly come forth, every one of them may severally and distinctly be discerned, but when once they run and matter, they break one into another, and can no longer be di∣videdly discovered; so though at first there was a reall difference, betwixt Familists, Enthusiasts, Antinomians (not to adde highflown Ana∣baptists) in their opinions, yet (process of time plucking up the Pales be∣twixt them) afterwards they did so interfere amongst themselves, that it is almost impossible to banke, and bound their severall absurdities.

39. The practises of these Familists were worse than their opinions. They grieved the Comforter, charging all their sins on Gods Spirit, for not effectually assisting them against the same: accounting themselves as inno∣cent as thed maid forced in the field, crying out, and having none to help her. Yea, S^t. Paulse supposition, Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? was their position. What he started from, they embraced; what he branded with a God forbid, they welcomed with a well done good and faithfull servant: sinning on designe, that their wickednesse might be a foile to Gods mercy, to set it off the brighter.

40. The Privie Councell therefore took them into consideration, and tendred unto them this following abjuration.

Whosoever teacheth that the dead which are fallen asleep in the Lord, rise up in this day of his judgement, and appear unto us in godly glory, which shall henceforth live in us everlastingly with Christ, and reign upon the earth, is a detestable heretick. Whosoever teacheth, that to be born of the Virgin Mary, out of the seed of David after the flesh, is to be expound∣ed of the pure doctrine out of the seed of love, is a detestable Heretick, Who∣soever teacheth, that Jesus Christ is come again unto us according to his promise, to the end, that they all which love God, and his righteousness, and Christ, and perfect being, might presently enter into the true rest, which God hath prepared from the beginning for his elect, and inherit the everlasting life, is a detestable heretick.

No fewer than ten of the Privy Councell tendered this abjuration to each Familist, but with what success I finde not. If any of these Familists were

of their opinion in Higher Germany, who were calleda Liberi Fratres, Free Brethren, who maintain'd themselves delivered by Christ from all covenants, vows, and debts, (if from prison too on deniall of payment, it were excel∣lent) all was to little purpose, seeing a bird may as soon be impounded, as these spirits confin'd by any oaths, or carnall obligation. Pass we from them to others more dangerous, because more learned, even the Jesuits (hoping at last to light on the temperate zone, when we have done with these dull, frozen, ignorant Sectaries, and fiery, torrid, overactive Papists) whereof two principall ones, Persons, and Campian, living at Rom••, importun'd his Holiness for license to come over into England.

41. Having obtained this gracious faculty, over they come into England, and distill superstition, and disloyalty into the Queens Subjects. This Persons was a Summerset-shire man, formerly of Baliol Colledge in Oxford, till for hisb dishonesty he was expelled with disgrace. But, what Oxford cast away for dross, Rome received for gold, entertaining, and rewarding him as a man of a daring, and undertaking spirit, and of a nature turbulent, and seditious. Campian, born in London, and bred in S^t. Johns Colledge, of the same University (whereof he was Proctor Anno 1568.) was one of a sweet nature, constantly carrying about him the charms of a plausible beha∣viour: of a fluent tongue, and good parts, which he knew how to shew to the best advantage. These two effectually advanced the Roman cause, ap∣pearing in moe severall shapes than Proteus himself, in the disguised habits of Souldiers, Courtiers, Ministers of the word, Apparitours, as they were advised by their profit, and safety: and, as if his Holiness had infused an ubiquitariness into them, they acted in city, court, and country. Persons was the axe to hew knottie controversies, where deep learning was needfull; Campian was the plainer to come after him, and smooth matters with his eloquence; yea, the former frighted fearfull people into Popery with his fierceness, the later flattered them in it with his courteous behavi∣our. But, none can give a better account of Campians proceedings, then this his own letter which followeth.

To the right Reverend Father Everard Mercurian, Provost General of the Society of Jesus.

AFter that, trusting on Gods goodness, I live now the fifth moneth in these parts, I thought it my duty, Reverend Father, to acquaint you by letters, what the state of our matters is, and what it is likely to be. For I know ful well, that you desire to know, what I do, what I hope, how I profit, and that both out of constant care for the common good, and also out of the great love you bear unto my self. The former I wrote from S^t. Omers, now receive in few words, what things have since happened unto us.

I impute it as proceeding from Divine Providence, that, whereas I had waited foure full dayes for ac pros∣perous winde; at last on the fifth (which was the feast of John Baptist, any my tutelary Saint, to whom I had of∣ten commended both my cause, and journey) at even we

put forth to sea. The next day very early we arrived at Dover, I and my little man, where we escaped very a narrowly, that both of us were not taken. Being commanded, we appear before the Major of the town, he conjectures severall things, guessing us to be, what in∣deed we were, namely, enemies to the hereticall party, lovers of the old religion, that we had dissembled our names, gone away for Religion, being return'd with de∣sire to propagate it. One thing he press'd that I was Allen, which I denied, (and if need had been) I would have de∣posed the contrary on my oath.

At last he determines, and this he often repeats, that we ought to be sent with a guard to the Privie Coun∣cell. Nor do I know who altered his minde, except it were God, to whom in the mean time I made my silent supplication, using the intercession of S^t. John, by whose favour I came thither. Presently out came theb old man (well fare his heart for it) it is our pleasure (said he) that you shall be dismissed. Farewell. Away we flew. These and the like things, which here I finde, when I recount them with my self, I am confirm'd in this opinion, that when the matter shall make more for c Gods glory, then I shall be taken, and not before. I arrive at London. A good Angel led me, without my knowledge to the same house, which had formerly re∣ceived Father Robert. Many Gentlemen run to me, sa∣lute me, cloath me,d adorn me, arm me, send me out of the city. Every day almost I ride about some coast of the Country. The harvest is altogether very great. Sitting on my horse I meditate a short Sermon, which coming into the house, I perfectly polish. Afterward if any come to me, I discourse with them, or hear their confessions. In the morning, Service being done, I make a Sermon, they bring thirstie ears, and most frequently receive the Sacraments.

In the administring of them we are assisted by the Priests, whom we finde every where. Thus it comes to pass, that both the people are pleased, and the worke is made less wearisom unto us. Our Countriemen which are Priests, being themselves eminent for learning, and holiness, have raised such a reverend esteem of our Or∣der, that I conceive, that Veneration which the Catho∣licks give us, is not to be mentioned but with somee fear. Wherefore the more care is to be taken, that such as shall be sent as a supply unto us (whom now we very much want) may be sof qualified, that they may well under∣take all these things. Above all things, Let them be well exercised in preaching. We can not longg escape the hands of Hereticks, so many are the eyes, the tongues, and treacheries of our enemies.

I am in a most antick habit, which I oftenh change, as also myi name. Just now I read a letter, in whose front it was written, Campian is taken. This old song now so rings in mine ears, wheresoever I come, that ve∣ry fear hath driven all fear from me. my life is alwaies in my hand. Let them that shall be sent hither for our

supply, bring this along with them, well thought on be∣fore hand.

But the comforts which are mingled in this matter, are such, as not only do recompence the fear of pain, but any pains whatsoever, with an infinite pleasure; name∣ly, a pure conscience, unconquered strength, incredible zeal. Eminent work we have effected, innumerable number of converts, high, low, of the middle rank, of all ages, and sexes. Hence it is grown into a proverb amongst the Hereticks themselves, that if any of them be better natur'd then others, they presently call thema Ca∣tholicks, who will pay the debts which they owe. Inso∣much, that if any Catholicks should chance to use a man hardly, he is expostulated with in this respect, that in no case such things ought to be done by men of their pro∣fession.

In brief, heresie is ill reported of all, nor is there any sort of men more vile, and rotten then are theirb Mi∣nisters. We are deservedly full of indignation, that in so bad a cause, men so unlearned, so wicked, so disso∣lute, so vile, do domineere over most flourishing wits.

Most threatening edicts are carried about against us. By wariness, and the prayers of good people and (which is the main) by Gods goodness, we have in safety gone over a great part of the Island. I see manyc forgetting themselves to be carefull for us. Something happened in those dayes by Gods will, which I did not so much as hope for

I had articulatly set down in writing our points, and certain most equal demands, confessing my self to be a Priest of the Society, coming with an intent to amplifie the Catholick faith, teach the Gospel, administer Sacra∣ments. I requested audience of the Queen, and the Peers of the Realm, andd challenged my adversaries to the combate. I resolved to keep one copy to my self, that it might be carried to the Judges with me; another I had committed to my friend with this intent, that if they took me, and my copy, the other should presently be spread abroad.

My friend did not conceal it, he published it; it is worne in every mans hand. Our adversaries are stark mad. Out of their Pulpits their Preachers answer, that they indeed desire it, but the Queen is not willing, that matters now being setled, there should be any farther disputation. They rend us with their railings, call us Seditious, Hypocrites, yea and Hereticks also, which is most laughed at. The people in this point are altogether ours. This Errour hath made marvelously for our ad∣vantage. If we be commanded on the Publick Faith, e da••im is non curiam. But they intend nothing less.

All our Prisons are filled with Catholicks, new ones are preparing. Now at last they openly maintain, that it is better to deliver a few Traitors over to death, then to betray the souls of so many men. Now they say no∣thing of their own Martyrs, for we conquer in Cause,

Number, Dignity, and the Opinion of all men.

We produce, for a few Apostates, or Coblers burnt, Bishops,a [Regulos] petty Princes, Knights, and most eminent of the Gentry, (mirrors of learning, honesty, and wisdome) the choisest youth, illustrious Matrons. The rest of middle estate almost innumerable, all of them at once, or every day consumed. Whilst I write these things, a most cruel persecution rageth. The house is sad; for they presage, either the death of their friends, or that to save their lives, they must hide, be in prison, or suffer the loss of all their goods; yet they go on cou∣ragiously.

Very many even now are reconciled to our Church. New Souldiers inlist their names, and old ones freely shed their blood. Herewith, and with these holy sacri∣fices, God will be merited, and out of doubt, in short time we shall overcome. You see therefore Reverend Father, how much we need your sacrifices, prayers, and heavenly assistance.

There will be some in England, who may provide for their own safety; and there will be those, who may promote the good of others. Man may be angry, and the Devill mad: so long the Church here will stand, whi∣lest the shepheards are not wanting to their sheep. I am hindred with a report of a most present danger, that I can write no more at this time. Let God arise, and let his ene∣mies be scattered.

Farewell.

Edmond Campian.

Secretary Walsingham, one of a steadie head (no more than needfull for him, who was to dive into such whirle-pools of State) laid out for Campians ap∣prehension. Many were his lime-twigs to this purpose. Some of his Emis∣saries were bred in Rome it self. It seems his Holiness was not infallible in eve∣ry thing, who pai'd pensions to some of Walsinghams spies sent thither to de∣tect Catholicks. Of these, Sled and Eliot were the principal. Surely these Setters could not accomplish their ends, but with deep dissembling and dam∣nable lying. If any account such officers evils, I deny it not, but adde them to be necessary evils, in such a dangerous juncture of time. Alwayes set a—to catch a—;and the greatest dear-stealers, make the best Parke-keepers. Indeed these spies were so cunning, they could trace a laby∣rinth, without the guidance of a clew of thread; and knew all by-corners at home, and abroad. At last Eliot snapt Campian in his own lodging, and in great triumph he was carried to the Tower.

42. The Papists tell us of seven deadly racks in the Tower, all of them exercised on some or other their prisoners therein. One rack called the Duke of Exeters, the other the Scavengers daughter, and these haply had their grand-children: God keep all good men in the joyfull ignorance of them, and their issue. Campian is said thrice, or four times, to have been tor∣tured on them, ad l••xationem, ac quassationem omnium membrorum; if the report thereof be not rackt beyond the proportion of truth. However we request the ingenuous;

43. First, to consider, there scarce passed a leap-year, wherein the Papists did not lay their eggs, or hatch some treason against the Queen, which excuseth such severity used to detect conspiracies. Secondly, I finde when Father Bri••nt, a Priest wasa rack'd most cruelly, he confesseth, Se nihil quicquam doloris sensisse, That he felt no pain at all. Were this false, I wonder so religious a man would report it; were it true, I wonder that Campian (every inch as religious as Briant) had not the same miraculous fa∣vour indulged to him. Thirdly, Campian presently after his racking, wrote letters with his ownb hand; which shews he was not so disioynted, with such cruelty as is pretended. Lastly, those who complain of Campians usage have forgotten, or will not remember, how Anne Askue, and Cuth'ert Simpson (on whom no shaddow of treason could be charged) were most cru∣elly, and causelessly rack'd by Popish persecutors, as a preface to their ensuing martyrdome.

44. We leave Campian for a time in a safe place, where we are sure to finde him at our return, to behold how it fared with Father Persons, diligently sought for by Walsinghams setters, and therefore as eminent for making his three escapes, as writing his three conversions.

1. By hiding himself in a stack of hay, hard by a publick Inne, whither messengers were sent to attach him.

2. Being amused with grief, and fear, and fright, he could not finde anc house in London (otherwise well known unto him) whither he intended to go, and by losing his way saved his life, that place being beset with souldiers to apprehend him.

3. When scarce gone out of an house on the Thames side, but the same was searched by the officers, who routed an armie of crucifixes, me∣dalls, Agnus Dei's, and other Papish trinkets therein.

To these a fourth may be added, mored miraculous than all the rest, When Persons was apprehended by a Pursevant at Northwich in Cheshire, and put into a chamber fast bolted, and licked upon him, the doore did, three times together, mira∣culously, and of its own accord flie open.

45. By the Readers favour, as I dare not deny belief to this passage at∣tested by a Catholick Father: so I cannot but wonder thereat. Peter, and Paul, each of them hade once their prison doors open: Persons exceeds them both, three severall solemne times his prison was set open. Did he not tempt Di∣vine providence, which once, and again offered unto him a way to escape, to expect a third call to come forth? Had Providence (angry that the courtesie twice tendred, was not accepted) left him alone, none would have pitied him if caught, and sent to keep company with his dear friend Father Campian in the Tower.

46. But Persons knew full well, that miracles (though cordials in extre∣mity) are no bill of fare for mens daily diet, and therefore he must not con∣stantly expect such wonderfull deliverances. Besides, no doubt he remem∣bred what pass'd in the fable; though this his good Genius had help'd him at a dead lift, yet the same intended not to wear out all his shooes, and to goe barefoot himself, in making a trade constantly to preserve him. Wherefore, Juniores ad labores, Let younger men take the task, and trouble upon them. This wary bird would not be catcht, to whistle in the cage to the tune of Wal∣singham. Wherefore over he went to Rome, and there slept in a whole skin, as good reason it was, so great a Generall should secure his person from danger.

Notes

• The death of the Bps. of Exeter and Salisbury.
• * Vide supra in the first year of Queen Mary.
• The praise of Bp. Jewell.
• Anno Dom. 1572.
• Anno Regin Eliza. 15.
• Laurence Humfrey in the long life of Bp Jewell.
• Subscription why now more rigo∣rously urged.
• a

  Bp. Bancrost in his English Scottizing, 3. Book 1. Cap.
• b

  Tho. Cart∣wrights se∣cond reply Pag. 38.
• The true no∣tion of a Con∣venticle.
• T. C. presents to the Parlia∣ment an [di∣strasted] ad∣monition.
• Bandying of books be∣twixt two learned men chief of their parties.
• Severall rea∣sons of Mr. Cartwrights not replying again.
• The first Pres∣bytery in England, set up at Wands∣worth, in Sur∣rey
• a

  Bp Bancrost English Scot∣tizing 3. Book. cap. 1.
• The chief non-consor∣mitis in. London.
• The massacre in Paris.
• Camdens Eliz. in hoc anno.
• Two impestres∣ses discover∣ed.
• 1573
• 16.
• a

  Stows Chro∣nicle pag. 678. & alijs.
• Aug. 15.
• Anabaptists discovered.
• 1575
• 18. April 3. May 15.
• a

  Staw his cronicle pag. 679.
• b

  Idem p. 680.
• Eleven of them con∣demned.
• A Divines letter to the Queen to for∣bear burning them.
• Anno Regin Eliza. 18.
• Anno Dom. 1575.
• As to the saving of their lives, if after a moneths re∣prieve and conference with Divines, they would not recant their errours.
• July 22.
• a

  Stow ut prius
• Another use∣full 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the same Au∣thor.
• Anno Regin Eliza. 17.
• The occasion thereof.
• This I saw carefully 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of the originall.
• Anno Regin Eliza. 18.
• The violence of rigid Non∣conformists.
• The death and praise of Matth. Parker.
• May 17.
• His memory causelesly aspersed.
• a

  Mr. Prince in his book of the treason of Prelites pag. 149.
• His exempla∣rie wise.
• b

  In D Par∣kers life, ex∣tant in Trin: Hall Library in Cambridge.
• Priviledges obtained by Sr F. E. for English Ca∣tholicks.
• 18.
• 1576
• Anno Regin Eliza. 19.
• Anno Dom. 1576.
• June 6.
• The death of B. Pilkington.
• And of Mr. Deering.
• 20. July 4. 5. 6.
• 1577.
• A strange mortality at Oxford.
• a

  Camden his Eliz. in hoc an.
• b

  Stows Chro. pag. 681.
• Improved by Papists to their advan∣tage.
• De schismate pag. 375.
• Sr. Fra: Bacon his judgement of infectious smells.
• De schisinate pag. 375.
• Anno Dom. 1577.
• Anno Regin Eliza. 20.
• Sr. Fra. Bacon his judgement of infectious smells.
• a

  Naturall Hist. Cent teath, Num. 914.
• Many a Priest executed.
• Nove. 30.
• The vivacity of English Protestant Bishops.
• We account in this num∣ber not any Popish Bps. nor Scory and Barlow, Pro∣testants made in the reign of K Edward. The death of P. Bullingham.
• b

  Sr. I. Haring. his addition to B. Godwin.
• Anno Regin Eliza. 21.
• Anno Dom. 1578.
• Bp. Cheyney a great Lu he∣ran wrong∣fully accused to die a Pa∣pist.
• Camd. in his Eliz. 1559.
• In his Cata∣logue of the Bishops of Glocester.
• Jun. 27. Feb. 28.
• His vindicati∣on.
• All my search cannot finde out such an Instru∣ment in any office.
• Mr. Langley the worthy Schoolmaster of St. Pauls.
• Eliz. 22. June 1.
• 1579.
• Camdens Eliz. in Anno 1559.
• Followed by Bp. Bentham.
• Feb. 21.
• The death of Bishop Cox.
• Said to seed his servants with poude∣red venison (shrewdly hurt) to save other meat, St. I. Harring. in his additi∣ons to B. G.
• Gresham Col. founded by St. T. Gresham.
• Anno Dom. 1580.
• Anno Regin Eliza. 23.
• In his Atlas pag 66.
• The obscure Original of the Familists.
• a

  Jude 4.
• b

  Isa. 30. 6.
• Hen. Nicholas their first founder.
• c

  John 17. 21, 22, 23. &c.
• His ••••ck Apo∣stolick stile.
• d

  In his E∣vangelium Regni, or the joyfull message of the kingdom.
• a

  Gal. 6. 10.
• b

  Rev. 2. 6.
• c

  Acts 6. 5.
• The Familists worse in pra∣ctice than opinion.
• d

  Deut. 22. 27.
• e

  Rom. 6. 1.
• Octo. 10.
• Their abjura∣tion.
• a

  See Ru∣therfords sur∣vey of the Spirituall An∣tichrist pag. 11.
• Persons and Campian come into England Their severall characters
• b

  Camdens Eliz. Anno 1580.
• c

  A good wind which blows a traitour to Ti∣burne.
• a

  Ominous that his soot should stumble at the thre∣shold, newly landed in the Kingdom. Ti•• probable, he that was suspected at his coming in, will be detected before his going out.
• b

  See how a crafty equivo∣cating Jesuite, is an over∣match for a country well meaning Magistrate.
• c

  Caiphas. Truly prophesi∣ed, if truly applyed.
• d

  Heu, quanta patimur? Oh pitifull persecution enough almost to make an Epicure complain of hard usage.
• e

  Lest the world should know, how simple people give, and shamless Jesuits take so much honour, where so little is due.
• f

  With fair tongues, false hearts, cunning heads and bold faces Campian is the copie, and the rest must be like him.
• g

  His Predictions were in∣dited from his guiltiness. Offenders fear what they de∣serve.
• h

  His often Changing speaks him but a valiant coward in the cause.
• i

  Homo multorum nominum, non boninominis.
• a

  Would the Catholicks would themselves pay the twenty pound a moneth which they owe to the King for their Recusancy.
• b

  Thus when the herneshaw cannot beat the hawk with strength, she dungs upon him. ••••iling must help where reason wants.
• c

  Good affections ill im∣ployed. God send them le••s heat, or more light.
• d

  Bart challenging. They that long most for duells, first surleit of them.
• e

  So my printed copie wherein I suspect some mi∣stake.
• a

  Not one Popish Bishop put to death. (nor Peer of the Realm, five for actuall rebellion) in all the Queens Reign. Whereas in the Ma∣rian dayes, we had an Arch-Bishop, and foure Bishops burnt, for meer matters of conscience.
• Campian catcht by Walsinghams setters.
• Pretended cruelty in racking Pa∣pists.
• Sanders De Schis. Anglica∣no pag. 409.
• Excused in some degree.
• a

  Ribadeneira his continu∣ation of Sanders de Schis. Ang. in his Diarie An. 1581 Moneth of March.
• b

  Camb. Eliz. in this year.
• Persons his three wonder∣full escapes.
• c

  Continuatio Sanderi De Schis. Ang. pag. 404.
• d

  Vide Sheld. of Mirac. pag. 25. & Gee his One soot out of the snare 71.
• Our observa∣tion on his fourth escape.
• e

  Acts 12. 7. & Acts 16. 26.
• Persons poli∣tickly return∣eth to Rome.