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

SECTION V.

TO Master PETER MOROLOYS, AND Master THOMAS ROWSE, OF LONDON, Merchants.

THE NETHERLANDS are the Scene whereon the begin∣ning of this Section was transacted. They were also the Native Countreys of your Ancestors, flying hither from persecution. Since as your Fathers then found Safety amongst the ENGLISH; some of the ENGLISH, to my knowledge, have felt Bounty from their Children. God increase your Store, and make you like the good Merchant in the Gospel, who, to purchase the GREAT PEARL, sold all that the had, that is, undervalued all Worldly wealth, coming in competition with God, or Grace, or Glory.

BEfore the end of the hundred fourty fifth Session, April the 20th, in the forenoon, the Belgick Confession was brought into the Synod, containing matter both of Do∣ctrine, and Discipline, and the publick consent thereunto was required. Here the Bishop of Landaffe, in the name of all the rest, approved all the points of Doctrine. But as for matter of Discipline, that his Mother Church, and his own order might not suffer therein, and he seem by silence to betray the cause thereof, a Protest was entred by him, as Mouth for the rest, to preserve the same, as by the perusing the fol∣lowing passage will appear.

Interca tamen de Disciplina pancis monet. Nunquam in Ecclesia obtinuis∣se Ministrorum paritatem non tempore Christi ipsius, tanc enim duodecim A∣postolos fuisse Discipulis superiores; non Apostolorum aetate, non subsecutis secu••lis. Nec valere rationem in hac Con∣fessione usurpatam, Nempè quia omnes funt aequè Ministri Christi. Nam & septuaginta Discipuli, erant Ministri Christi aequè ac Apostoli, non tamen inde Apostolis aequales: & omnes omnino homines sunt aequè ho∣mines, non inde tamen homo homini non debet subesse. Haec, non ad harum Ecclesiarum ••ssensionem, sed ad nostrae Anglicanae defensionem sese monuis∣se professus est.—Br tannorum in∣terpellationi responsum ne gru quidem.

Not withstanding, in the mean time, he briefly gave his advice concerning Disci∣pline. That the parity of Ministers never prevailed in the Church, no, not in the time of Christ himself; for, then the twelve Apostles were superiour to the Di∣sciples; not in the time of the Apostles, nor in the ages after them. Nor is that reason of any force alledged in their Con∣fession, namely, Because all are equally the Ministers of Christ. For, even the seventy Disciples were equally Ministers of Christ with the Apostles, and yet it follows not thence, they were equal with the Apostles: and all men altogether are equally men, yet thence it cannot be inferred, that one man ought not to be subject to another. There things he professed himself to have hinted, not to offend these Churches therewith, but to defend their own Church of England—To this interpellation of the British Divines nothing at all was answered.

Hereby the equal Reader may judge how candidly Master Montague in his Ap∣peal, dealeth with our English Divines, chargingo them, That the Discipline of the Church of England is in this Synod held unlawfull. And again,p The Synod of Dort in some points condemneth upon the by, even the Discipline of the Church of Eng∣land. But, let such as desire farther satisfaction herein, peruse the joynt Attesta∣tion, which those English Divines set forth, Anno 1626. to justifie their proceed∣ings herein.

2. On the 29 of April the Synod ended. The states to expresse their gratitude, bestowed on the English Divines at their departure, Two hundred pounds, to bear their charges in their return: besides, a golden Medall of good value was given to every one of them, wherein the sitting of the Synod was artificially represen∣ted. And now, these Divines, who for many moneth had, in a manner, been fast'ned to their chairs, and desks, thought it a right due to themselves, that when their work was ended, they might begin their recreation. Wherefore they viewed the most eminent Cities in the Low-Countreys, and at all places were bountifully received, Leiden only excepted. Wonder not, that they, who had most learning, should shew least civility, especially having Professours of Huma∣nity amongst them, seeing generally the great ones of that University at this time, being Remonstrants, were disaffected to the decisions of this Syond. This gave occasion to that passage in the speech of Sir Dudlie Carleton, the English Ambas∣sadour, when in the name of his Master he tendred the States publick thanks, for their great respects to the English Divines, using words to this effect, That they had been entertained at Amsterdam, welcome at the Hague, cheerfully received at Roterdam, kindly embraced at Utreich, &c. and that they had seen Leiden.

3. But, how high an esteem, the STATES-GENERAL had of these our English-mens serivce, will best appear by Their Letter, which They sent to King JAMES, as followeth:

Serenissime REX,

Qvemadmodum hoc unicè propositum Nobis fuit, ut, quae in Civitatibus, Provinciis{que} nostris, ante annos aliquot, exortae erant, infelices de Religione contentions, eruditorum, ac piorum hominum judicio, legitimè tolli, ac componi possent; ut & conscientiis eorum, quibus Nos praeesse Deus Immor∣talis voluit, ipsi{que} pariter Reipublicae, suâ in Religione, ac pie∣tate simul, ratio constaret, & tranquillitas; ita nos benïgnè is respexit, cui hactenus curae fuimus, Qui Conventui nostro Nationali, quem ex omnibus idem sentientibus Ecclesiis con∣vocavimus, ita benedixit, ut, re tantâ ad felicem, at{que} optatum exitum perductâ, domum, & ad suos se conferant. Quibus, benedictionem Domini, studium nostrum in promovendo pietatis negotio, consensum planè cum aliis Ecclesiis unanimem, in∣dicabunt. Inter quos, cum praecipui & consilio, & loco, fue∣rint Magnae Britanniae Theologi, quos, pro singulari, & di∣vino, in Nos, & Ecclesias nostras affectu, ad Nos mittere dignata est Majestas Tua; curae Nobis fuit, ut, quantopere hujus beneficii magnitudinem aestimemus, ex nobis intelligeret Majestas Tua. Est verò illud, Rex Serenissime, etiamsi cum reliquis, quae infinita sunt, conferatur, tantò majus, quantò uberiores sunt fructus, quos ex Dei causa expectamus, quan∣tò{que} id Majestatis Tuae nomini est convenientius; Qui, cùm nullâ re externâ, at{que} humanâ quae potissimùm aliis Principi∣bus conciliant dignitatem, quoquam Rege sit inferior, Fidei Defensionem, tanquam Dei, Ecclesiae{que} Patronus in his ter∣ris, sibi meritò assumit. Neque dubitare possumus, quin, & Majestatis Tuae Regna tot, & tanta; reliquaeque, quae in hoc nego io Nobis operam navârunt, Ecclesiae, magnam uti∣litatem ex hoc instituto nostro percepturae sint, quae exemplo nostro discent, quanto periculo conjunctum sit, quae bene in Re∣ligione constituta sunt temerè movere, quùm sint felices, atque fortunatae, quamdiu simili remedio opus non habebunt: cui hactenus abundè Majestatis Tuae curâ, atque vigilantiâ, pro∣spectum fuit. In Theologis porrò utrius{que} Regni Vestri omni∣bus, & singulis, quorum agmen ducit verè Reverendissimus

Dominus Georgius, Landavensis Episcopus, imago, atque expressa virtutis effigies; eam eruditionem, pietatem, pacis studium, eumque zelum deprehendimus, ut, cum ipsius bene∣ficii causâ Majestati Tue multum debamus, magna pars ipsius beneficîi Nobis videatur, quod ipsi ad Nos missi fint.

Deus immortalis Majestati Tuae, Rex Serenisime, ita benedicat, ut illius benedictionis partem, Orbis Chri∣stianus, ex diuturniate Regni Tui, & Ecclesiae defensio∣ne, diu percipat.

4. With these Testimonial Letters, over they came into England, and first pre∣sented themselves to King JAMES. Who, seeing them out of a window, when first entring the Court, Here comes, said He, my good Mourners, alluding to their black habit, and late death of Queen ANNE. Then, after courteous en∣tertaining of them, He favourably dismissed them, and afterward on three of themq bestowed preferment. So returned they all to their severall professions; Bishop Carleton to the carefull governing of his Diocesse Doctor Davenant besides his Collegiate Cure, to his constant Lectures in the Schools; Dr. Ward to his discret ordering of his own Colledge; Dr. Goad to his diligent discharging of Domestical duties in the family of his Lord, and Patton; and Mr. Balcanquall to his Fellowship in Pembroke-Hall.

5. Since it hath been the successe of this Synod, to have the decisions thereof to be approved, applauded, magnified by some: vilified, contemned, con∣demned by others. If men were divinded in their censures about Christ, some saying, He is a good man: others, way, but he deceiveth the people; no wonder, if ever since, all Conventions of Christians be subject to variety of mens verdicts upon them. Of such as dislike the Synod, none falls heavier upon it than a Lon∣don s Divine, charging the Synodians to have taken a previous Oath, to con∣demn the opposite party on what termes soever. But take him in his own words, Farre be it from me to subscribe the report, or information of those, who charge the respective Members of this Synod, with suffering themselves to be bound with an Oath, at, or before their admission thereunto, to vote down the Remonstrants, and their Doctrines (howsoever) Yet, when Iread, and consider, 1. How learnedly, solidly, and substantially they quit themselves, and argue, whilst they goe along with the Remonstrants, and declare wherein they agree with them, in the points contro∣verted betwixt them. 2. How feebly, and unlike themselves they reason, when they come to the quick of the difference. 3. and lastly, How neer, at very many turns, even in those things wherein they pretend to differ, they come unto them, as if they had a very good minde, to be no more two, but one with them, when (I say) I consider all these things, methinks I see the intrest and obligation of an oath, working much after the same manner, as sometimes it did in Herod, when for his oath sake, contrary to his minde, and desire otherwise, he caused, John the Baptist's head to be given to Herodias in at platter. See here, how this Suggester, though at the first he takes water, and washeth his hands, with a Farre be it from me to subscribe the report &c. yet afterwards he crucifies the credit of a whole Synod, and makes them all guilty of no lesse than damnable perjury.

6. I could have wished, that he had mentioned in the margin, the Authors of this suggestion; whereas now the omission thereof will give occasion to some, to suspect him for the first raiser of the report; an heavy accusation, charging a

whole Synod of injustice. When Festus, the heathen Magistrate, was so much Christian, as not to condemn an accused manu before he hath licence to answer for himself: could any Assembly of Christian Ministers to so heathen, as to binde themselves by an oath, right or wrong, with blinde obedience, to beat down the opposite party?. Wherein they were all actually forsworn, having publickly taken so solemnan oath, to proceed impartially, according to Gods Word, and their own conscience. What said Laban tow Jacob? If thou shalt take other wives besides my daughters, no man is with us, see, God is witness between thee, and me: So, if these Divines, having betroathed their faith to God, and the world, in so open and publick a manner; besides this Oath, did binde themselves with any other, taken before, or after, in a clandestine way, contrary to their publick pro∣mise; would not God the sole judge herein, sensible of this affront offered to him, and his truth, heavily punish so heinous an offence? And, can any chari∣table-minded man believe, that learned men would, that godly men could be guilty of so deep, and damnable dissimulation?

7. Musing with my self on this matter, and occasionally exchanging Letters with the Sons of Bishop Hall, it came into my minde to ask them Joseph's question to his brethren, Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake, is he yet alive? And, being informed of his life and health, I addressed my self in a Letter unto him, for satisfaction in this particular, who was pleased to honour me with this return herein inserted:

WHereas you desire from me a just relation of the carriage of the businesse at the Synod of Dort, and the conditions required of our Divines there, at, or before their admission to that grave, and learned Assembly: I, whom God was pleased to imploy, as an unworthy agent in that great work, and, to reserve still upon earth, after all my reverend, and worthy Assocaites, doe, as in the presences of that God, to whom I am now daily expecting to yeild up my account, testifie to you, and (if you will) to the world, that I cannot, without just indignation, read that slanderous imputation, which Mr. Goodwin, in his Redemption Redeem'd, reports to have been raised, and cast upon those Divines, eminent both for learning, and piety, That they suffered themselves to be bound with an Oath, at, or before their admission into that Synod, to vote down the Remonstrants howsoever; so as they came deeply preingaged to the decision of those unhappy differences.

Truly, Sir, as I hope to be saved, all the Oath that was required of us was this; After that the Moderator, Assistents, and Scribes were chosen, and the Synod formed, and the several Members allowed, there was a solemn Oath required to be taken by every one of that Assembly, which was publickly done in a grave manner, by every person in their order, standing up, and laying his hand upon his heart, calling the great God of heaven to witnesse, that he would unpartially proceed in the judgment of these controversies, which should be laid before him, onely out of, and according to the written Word of God, and no otherwise, so determining of them, as he should finde in his conscience most agreeable to the Holy Scriptures, which Oath was pun∣ctually agreed to be thus taken by the Articles of the States, concerning the indiction, and ordering of the Synod, as appears plainly in their tenth Article; and, this was all the Oath that was either taken, or required. And farre was it from those holy souls, which are now glorious in heaven, or mine (who still for some short time sur∣vive, to give this just witnesse of our sincere integrity) to entertain the least thought of any so foul corruption, as by any over-ruling power to be swayed to a prejudgment in the points controverted.

It grieves my soul therefore to see, that any learned Divine should raise imaginary conjectures to himself, of an interest and obligation of a fancied Oath (working up∣on them, and drawing them contrary to the dictation of their own conscience, as it did Heord's in the case of John Baptist's beheading) meerly out of his own compara∣tive construstion of the different forms of expressing themselves in managing those Controversies. Wherein if at any time they seemed to speak nearer to the Tenet of the

Remonstrants, it must be imputed to their holy ingenuity, and gracious disposition to peace, and to no other sinister respect.

Sir, since I have lived to see so foul an aspersion cast upon the memory of those worthy and eminent Divines, I blesse God that I yet live to vindicate them, by this my knowing, clear, and assured attestation; which I am ready to second with the solemnest Oath, if I shall be thereto required.

Higham, August 30. 1651.

Your much devoted friend, precessor, and fellow-labourer, Jos: Hall, B. N.

Let the Reader consider with himself, how the Suggester speaks by hear-say, of things done at distance, whereat himself not present, whose disassection to the decisions of that Synod, inclines him to credit ill reports against it. And yet, as afraid, though willing to speak out, in his me-thinks I see, vents but his own con∣jecturall surmises. Let him also weigh in the balance of his judgment, how this purgation of this Synod is positive, and punctual, from one an ear-and eye∣witnesse thereof, being such an one as Doctor Hall, and now aged; so that his testimonium herein, may seem testamentum; his witnesse, his will, and the truth therein delivered, a Legacie by him bequeathed to posterity. I say, the premi∣ses seriously considered, let the Reader procced to sentence, as God and his con∣science shall direct him; and, either condemn a private person of slander, and salsity; or a whose Synod of injustice, and perjury.

8. My desire to make this History of the Synod intire, hath made me omit the death of James Montague, the worthy Bishop of Winchester, who left this life the last year: Son to Sir Ed: Montague of Boughton in Northampton-shire, bred in Christs, afterwards Master of Sidney-Colledge in Cambridge, highly favoured by King JAMES, (whose Works he set forth) preferring him to the Bishoprick first of Bath and Wells, then to Winchecter: in Bath he lies buried under a fair Tomb, though the whole Church be his Monument, which his bounty repaired, or rather raised out of the ruins thereof. One passage at his buriall I must not forget, having received it from the mouth of his younger Brother Sir Sidney Montague, present at his Funeral solemnities.

9. A certain Officer of Bath-Church, being a very corpulent man, was upon the day of the Bishop's burial appointed to keep the dores: He entred on this his imployment in the Morning whereon the Funeral was kept, but was buried himself before night, and before the Bishops body was put into the ground, be∣cause being bruised to death by the pressing in of people, his Corps required speedy interment; so needful it is for those to watch for their own change, who wait on the graves of others.

10. I cannot attain the exact date of the death of John Overall, carrying Super∣intendency in his Surname, the Bishop of Norwich; first, Fellow of Trinity. Coll: then Master of Katherine-Hall, and King's Professour of Divinity in Cambridge. One of a strong brain to improve his great reading, and accounted one of the most Learned Controversial Divines of those daies.

11. A grand Grievance was now much complained of, but little redressed: some great Courtiers there were, to whom the KING had passed His Grants to compound with Papists for their Recusancie. Some of these Grantees abused the KING's favour, and Compounded with such persons for light summes, even before their legall Conviction, whereby the Offenders in that kinde became the more backward to Conform themselves to the king's Lawes, Hit Majesty not aiming at their punishment, but reformation. And although this indirect course was flatly forbidden by His Royal Declaration, set forth 1610: yet was this corruption connived at, and is conceived a main cause of the great and speedy increase of Popery.

12. About this time, a sad mischange besell George About Archbishop of Can terbury, in this manner, He was invited by the Lord Zouch to Bramshill in Hamp∣shire to hunt and kill a Buck; The Keeper ran amongst the Herd of Deer to bring them up to the sairer mark, whilest the Archbishop litting on his Horse back, let loose a barded-Arrow from a Crosbow, and unhappily hit the Kee∣per: He was shot through the Enmontery of the left Arm, and the Arrow divi∣ding those grand auxiliary vessels, he died of the flux of blood immediately. Na∣ture having provided, that all the large Vessels are defended externally by bones: He never spake after, as the person still alive at Croydon, who brought off his body, informed me, and died not of the ill-dressing of the Wound, as some have printed it. This presently put an end to the sport that day, and almost to the Archbishops mirth to the last of his life.

13. The same of this mans death, flew faster than the Arrow that killed him: The Archbishops mischance, in many men met not with so sad a casualty did deserve: He was not much beloved by the inferiour Clergie, as over-rigid and austere: Indeed, he was mounted to command in the Church, before he ever learned to obey therein; Made a Shepherd of Shepherds, before he was a Shepherd of Sheep; Consecrated Bishop, before ever called to a Pa∣storal Charge; which made, say some, him not to sympathize with the necessities and insirmities of poor Ministers. As for the superiour Clerigie, some for his irregularity and removal expected preferment, as the second Boule is made first, and the third, second, when that neerest the mark, is violently removed.

14. It is strange to see, how suddainly many men started up Canonists and Casuists in their discourse, who formerly had small skill in that prosession. In their ordinary talk they cited Councels and Synods: some had up S. Jerome's speech, Venatorem nunquam legimus sanctum: others were busie with the De∣cree of the Councel of Orleance, (Gratian 49 B. distinct.34.) Episcopo Pres∣bytero, ant Diacono canes ad venandum, ant accipitres habere non licet. Others di∣stinguished of a three-fold hunting: 1. Oppressiva. 2. Arenaria. 3. Saltuosa. These maintained, that the two former were utterly unlawfull, but the last might lawfully be used. Others distinguished of Homicide: 1. Exnecessitate. 2. Ex voluntate. 3. Excasu. the case in hand. In a word, this accident divided all great companies into pro and con, for or against the Archbishops irregularity on this occasion, yet all the force of their skill could not mount the guilt of this fact higher than the fountain thereof. When all was done it was but Casual Ho∣micide, who sought not for the man, but God was pleased to bring the Man to his hand.

15. Sir Henry Savill, the Archbishops old acquaintance as his contemporary in Oxon, repaired on his behalf to the Oracle of the Law, Sir Edward Coke, whom he found a bowling for his recreation. My Lord, said he, I come to be satisfied of you in a point of Law. If it be a point of Common Law, (said sir Edward Coke) I am unworthy to be a Judge, if I cannot presently satissie you; but if it be a point of Statute Law, I am unworthy to be Judge, if I should undertake to satissie you; before I have consulted my Books. It is this, (said Sir Henry) Whether may a Bishop Hunt in a Park by the Laws of the Realm? I can presently resolve you, said the Judge, He may bunt by the Lawes of the Realm by this very token, That there is an old Law, (let the young Students in that profession finde it out) that a Bishop, when dying, is to leave his pack of Dog's (called Muta canum) to the Kings free use and disposal.

16. The party, whom the Archbishop suspected his greatest Foe, proved his most firm and effectuall Friend, even Lancelot Andrews Bishop of Winchester: For when several Bishop inveighed against the irregularity of the Archbishop, laying as much (if not more) guilt, on the act, than it would bear, He mildly checked them: Brethren (said he) be not too busie to condemn any for Uncanonicalls according to the strictnesse thereof, left we render our selves in the same condition. Besides we all know, canones, qui dicunt lapsos post actam poenitentiam, ad cleri∣catum non esse restituendos, de rigore loquuntur disciplinae, noninjiciunt despera∣tionem indulgentiae.

17. King James being Himself delighted in Hunting, was sorry any ill accident should betide the users thereof. But when He was assured, how deeply the Arch∣bishop layed this casualty to his heart, He much pitied him, and said to a Lord, discoursing thereof, It might have been My chance or thine. So that not long af∣ter the Archbishop (who had lately retired himself to Guildford Almes-house of his own founding) returned to Lambeth, and to the performance of his Of∣fice, though some squeamish, and nice-conscienced Elects scrupled to be conse∣crated by him. He gave during his own life Twenty pounds a year to the Man's Widow, which was not long a Widow, as quickly re-maried. He kept a Monethly-Fast on a Tuesday, as the day whereon this casualty befell; in a word, this Keeper's death was the Archbishop's mortification.

18. At this time the KING's Exchequer grew very low, though Lionel Cransield Lord Treasurer, and Earl of Middlesex, neglected no means for the improving thereof. In order whereunto, (Reader, let this Story passe into thy belief, on my credit, knowing my selfe sufficiently assured thereof) a Projector, such necessary evils then much countenanced) informed His MAJESTY of a way whereby speedily to advance much Treasure. And how for sooth was it? Even that a new Valuation should be made of all Spiritual preferments, (which now in the King's Books passed at Under-tates) to bring them up to, or near the full value thereof. This would promote both the casual fines (as I may term them) of First-fruits, and the Annual rent of Tenths, to the great advantage of the Crown. The KING sent to the Lord Treasurer demanding his judgment thereof.

19. The Treasurer returned His MAJESTY an Answer to this effect, so near as I can remember from the mouth of a Noble person then present: Sir, You have ever been beheld, as a great Lover and Advancer of Learned men, and You know Clergy-mens education is chargeable to them, or their friends: Long it is before they get any preferment, which at last, generally, is but small in proportion to their pains and expences. Let it not be said, that You gained by grinding them; other waies lesse obnoxious to just censure, will be found out, to furnish your occasions. The KING commended Cranfield, (as doing it only for triall) adding moreover, I should have accounted thee a very knave, if encouraging Me herein: and so the pro∣ject was blasted, for the present, as it was, when it budded again, propounded by some unworthy instrument in the Reign of King CHARLES.

20. I know, some will suspect the Treasurer, more likely to start than crush so gainful a design, as who by all waies & means sought to encrease the royal Revenue. I know also, that some accuse him, as if making his Master's wings to molt, thereby the better to feather his own nest. Indeed, he raised a fair estate, and surely he will never be a good Steward for his Master, who is a bad one for himself. Yet on due and true enquiry it will appear, that though an High power did afterwards prosecute him, yet his innocence in the main preserved him to transmit a good estate to his posterity. So that much of truth must be allowed in his Motto, PERDIDIT FIDES, he was lost at Court for his fidelity to K. JAMES, in sparing His Treasure, and not answering the expensivenesse of a great Fa∣vourite.

21. A Parliament was call'd, wherein Francis Bacon L^d Chancellor, was outed his Office for Bribery, the frequent receiving thereof by him, or his, was plainly proved. Yet for all his taking, just and unjust, he was exceedingly poor and much indebted. Wherefore, when motion was made in the House of Commons, of Fining him some thousand of pounds, a noble Member standing up, desired that for two Reasons his Fine might be mitigated into fourty shillings: First, because that would be payed, whereas a greater summe, would onely make a noise, and never be payed. Secondly, the shame would be the greater, when such his prodigality that he, who had been so large a taker in his Office, was reduced to such penury, that forty shillings should be conceived a sufficient Fine for his Estate. But it was fine enough for him to lose his Office, remitted to a mean and private condition.

22. None can character him to the life, save himself. He was in parts, more than a Man, who in any Liberal profession, might be, whatsoever he would him∣self. A great Honourer of antient Authors, yet a great Deviser and Practiser of new waies in Learning. Privy Counsellor, as to King JAMES, so to Na∣ture it self, diving into many of her abstruse Mysteries. New conclusions he would dig out with mattocks of gold & silver, not caring what his experience cost him, expending on the Trials of Nature, all and more than he got by the Trials at the Barre, Posterity being the better for his, though he the worse for his own, dear experiments. He and his Servants had all in common, the Men never want∣ing what their Master had, and thus what came flowing in unto him, was sent fly∣ing away from him, who, in giving of rewards knew no bounds, but the bottome of his own purse. Wherefore when King JAMES heard that he had given Ten pounds to an under-keeper, by whom He had sent him a Buck, the KING said merrily, I and He shall both die Beggars, which was condemnable Prodigality in a Subject. He lived many years after, and in his Books will ever survive, in the reading whereof, modest Men commend him, in what they doe, condemn them∣selves, in what they doe not understand, as believing the fault in their own eyes, and not in the object.

23. All stood expecting who should be Bacon's Successour in the Chancery. Sure he must be some man of great and high abilities, (otherwise it would seem a valley next a mountain) to maintain a convenient and comely level in that eminent Place of Judicature. Now whilst in common discourse, some made this Judge, others that Sergeant Lord Chancellor, King JAMES made Dr. Wil∣liams, lately (and still) Dean of Westminster, soon after Bishop of Lincolne. Though the KING was the principal, the Duke of Buckingham was more than the instrumental advancer of him to the title of Lord Keeper, in effect the same in Place and Power with the Lord Chancellor.

24. The KING's choice produced not so much dislike as general wonder. Yet some cavilled at Doctor Williams his Age, as if it were preposterous for one, to be able for that Office before antient, and as if one old enough for a Bi∣shop; were too young for a Chancellor. Others questioned his abilities, for the Place. Could any expect to reap Law, where it was never sown? who can ap∣ply the remedy whilst he is ignorant in the malady? Being never bred to know the true grounds and reasons of the Common Law, how could he mitigate the rigour thereof in difficult cases? He would be prone to mistake the severity of the Com∣mon Law for cruelty, and then unequal equity, and unconscionable conscience must be expected from him. Besides the Place was proper not for the plain but guarded Gown, and the Common Lawyers prescribed for six Descents (a strong Title indeed) wherein onely Men of their Robe were advanced thereunto.

25. Yet some of these altered their judgments, when considering his education, who for many years had been House Chaplain (yea, and more than Chaplain, inti∣mate Friend-servant) to the old Lord Edgerton, who understood the Chancellor-Craft as well as any who ever sat in that Place; and who, whilst living, imparted many Mysteries of that Court; when dying, bequeathed many choice Books and directions unto him. His parts were eminent, who could make any thing he read or heard his own, and could improve any thing which was his own to the utmost. Besides, for a Clergy-man to be Lord Chancellor was no usurpation, but a recovery, seeing Ecclesiasticks antiently were preferred to that Place, and Sir Ni∣cholas Bacon, (Father to the last Chancellor) received the Broad Seale from a Church-man, viz: Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York.

26. Considering all disadvantages, he managed the Office to admiration. I know it is reported by his adversaries to his discredit, That never L. Keeper made so many Orders, w^ch afterwards were reversed, w^ch whether true or no, I know not. Sure it is that unpartial men of the best & clearest judgments highly commended him, and J. Yelverton himself hearing him in a case of concernment, ingenuously profest, This is a most admirable Man. Here he sat in the Office, so long, till disdaining to be a De∣pendent

(as a Pent-house) on the Duke's favour, and desiring to stand an absolute structure on his own foundation, at Court; he fell, as God willing shall in due time be related.

27. Should we now look into the Convocation, we should finde them on Wed∣nesdaies and Fridaies devoutly at the Letany, otherwise having little imployment, as impowered by no Commission to alter any thing. So that sitting amongst the Tombs in Westminster Church, they were (as once one of their Prolocutors said) Viva cadavera inter mortuos, as having no motion or activity allowed unto them.

28. About this time Meric Casaubon set forth a Book in defence of his decea∣sed Father, against whom many had spit their venome. First, Heribert Roswed, a Jesuite; and after him Andrew Schoppius, a renowned railer; one that is alwaies incensed against Learning, and Honesty, wheresoever he findes them seve∣rally, but implacable against such a man in whom both meet together. It seems it is his policie thus to seek to perpetuate his memory, by railing against eminent persons; hoping, that he shall jointly survive with their worth, whereas their light shall burn bright, when his snuffe shall be trodden under foot. Then Julius Cesar Bullinger, and Andrew Eudemono Joannes, a vizard-name, composed to fright fools, and make wise men laugh at it. Yea, though he had formerly met with a quaternion of learned Confuters, Bishop Abbot, Doctor Prideaux, Doctor Collins, Master Burrhill; young Casaubon, then Student in Christ-Church, thought it his duty farther to assert his Fathers memory, and to give a brief ac∣count of his life, and conversation.

29. This is the benefit of Learned mens marriage, God oftentimes so blessing it, that they need not go out of themselves, for a champion to defend them, but have one springing from their own bowels. And his Son, though by reason of his age low in himself, is tall when standing on the advantage-ground of his Fa∣thers grave, whose memory he is to maintain. Yea, God seems so well pleased with his piety, that his endevours took such effect, that no railing Libels to that purpose came forth afterwards, which formerly had been so frequent. Whether because these curres, weary of their own barking, did even sneak away in silence; or because they had no more minde to challenge, seeing a Defendant provided to undertake them.

30. Upon the removal of Richard Milborne to Carlile, William Laud, President of S. John's Colledge in Oxford, was made Bishop of S. Davids. Of whom, be∣cause every one speaks so much, I will say the lesse. The rather, because at this time, and during the extent of our History, this Bishop lived in a private way, bare no great stream, as being before that the tide of greatnesse flowed in upon him. Yea, as yet he took more notice of the world, than the world did of him. Indeed, as the matter, whereof China-dishes are made, must lie some Ages in the earth before it is ripened to perfection: so great persons are not fit for an Histo∣rian's use to write freely of them, till some years after their decease, when their memories can neither be marred with envy, nor mended with flattery. However his good deeds to S. John's Colledge in Oxford must not be forgotten; yea, that whole University (if afraid in English to speak in praise of his bounty) will ad∣venture with safety to commend him in the Arabick tongue, whereof he founded them a Professour.

31. This year was fatal to many eminent Clergy-men, beside others of infe∣riour note. We begin with Iohn King, Bishop of London, formerly Dean of Christ-Church, who died on Good-Friday of the stone. Of antient extraction, in cujus Genere vel Indole nihil reperio mediocre, nihil quod non praecellens, descended (saith the Survay of London) from the Saxon Kings in Devonshire by his Father Philip King, sometimes Page to King HENRY the VIII, Nephew and Heire to Robert King last Abbot of Osney, and first Bishop of Oxford, who left him a great personal Estate, which it seems was quickly consumed, so that this Prelate used to say, He believed there was a Fate in Abbey-Money no lesse than Abbey-Land,

which seldome proved Fortunate or of Continuance to the Owners.

32. He was Chaplain to Queen ELIZABETH, and as he was appointed by Her Councel to preach the first Sermon at Court when Her Body lay In hearsed in the Chappel of White-Hall, so was he designed for the first Sermon to Her Successour King JAMES at Charter-House when He entred London, then sworn his first Chaplain; Who commonly called him [the King of Preachers.] And Sir Edward Coke would say of him, He was the best Speaker in Starre-Cham∣ber in his time. Soon after he was made Dean of Christ-Church, Oxon; and chosen one of the four Preachers in the Conference at Hampton-Court. Then advanced to the Bishoprick of London: Where he let the world see his high Place of Government, did not cause him to forget his Office in the Pulpit; shew∣ing by his example, That a Bishop might Govern and Preach too. In which service he was so frequent, that unlesse hindred by want of health, he omitted no Sunday whereon he did not visit some Pulpit in London, or neer it.

33. The Papists raised an aspersion, as false, as foule, upon him; That, at his death he was reconciled to the Church of Rome, sufficiently confuted by those eye•• and ear-witnesses, present at his pious departure. These slanders are no news to such as have read, how Luther is traduced by Popish pennes, to have died blaspheming. Caralostadius to have been carried quick by a Devil. And Beza to have apostated before his death. In all which, truth hath triumphed over their mali∣cious forgeries. Something, Bp. King endevoured in the repairing of S. Paul's; but alas! a private mans estate may be invisibly buried under the rubbish of the least Chappel therein. By order in his Will he provided, that nothing should be written on his plain Grave-stone, save only RESURGAM: and still he is alive, both in his memory, and happy posterity. George Mountaine, Bishop of Lincoln, succeeded him in his See; who, when his great House-keeping, and magnificent entertain∣ing of King JAMES, shall be forgotten, will longer survive for his bountiful benefaction to Queens-Coll: in Cambridge, whereof he was Fellow and Proctor.

34. Secondly, William Cotton, Bishop of Exeter, born in Cheshire, formerly Archdeacon of Lewes: one of a stout spirit, and a great maintainer of Confor∣mity against the opposers thereof in his Diocesse: Valentine Carew, Dean of S. Paul's, and Master of Christ-Colledge in Cambridge, of a courtlike carriage, and stout spirit, succeeded him in Exeter, which place can give the best account of his behaviour therein.

35. Thirdly, Robert Townson, born in Cambridge, Fellow of Queens-Colledge, Dean of Westminster, of a comely carriage, courteous nature, an excellent Prea∣cher: He left his Wife and many Children, neither plentifully provided for, nor destitute of maintenance, which rather hastened than caused the advancement of John Davenant, his Brother-in-law, to succeed him in the Bishoprick of Saris∣bury.

36. Therein also expired Andrew Willet, Doctor of Divinity, (God-son to Andrew Pearne, Dean of Elie, where he was born) brought up in Christ-Colledge in Cambridge, who ended his pious life, being much bruised with a fall from his horse. A man of no little judgment, and greater industry, not unhappy in Con∣troversies, but more happy in Comments, and one that had a large soul in a nar∣row estate. For, his charge being great (may his Children remember and pra∣ctice their Father's precepts) and means small, as more proportioned to his de∣sires, than deserts; he was bountifull above his ability, and doubled what he gave by cheerful giving it. He was buried in his Parish at Barlie in Hertford shire. Happy Village! which lost such a Light, and yet was not left in darknesse, onely exchanging blessings, Reverend Doctor Brou••rigge succeeding him.

37. Nor must we forget Richard Parry, Doctor of Divinity, Bishop of Asaph, who this year exchanged this life for a better. He was first bred in Christ-Church in Oxford, where he made plentiful proceeding in Learning, and Religion, and thence was advanced to the Deanrie of Bangor, on whom Bishop Godwin bestows this (call it complement, or) character: Cui eruditione, caeteris{que} Episcopalibus

virtutibus utinam egomet tam illi essem aequalis, quàm ille mihi aetate, studiorúm{que} Academicorum tempore, locóque.

38. We conclude this year with the death of Master Francis Mason, to whose worthy Book, De Ministerio Anglicano, we have been so much beholding. Nor will it be amisse to insert his Epitaph:

Prima Deo cui cura fuit sacrare labores, Cui studium Sacris invigilare Libris; Ecce sub hôc tandem requievit marmore MASON, Expectans Dominum spé{que} fidé{que} suum.

He was born in the Bishoprick of Duresme, brought up in the University of Ox∣ford, Bachelour of Divinity, Fellow of Merton-Colledge, Chaplain to King JAMES, Rectour of Orforde in Suffolke, where he lies buried, and where he built the Parsonage-House. He had three Children by his loving Wife Eliza∣beth, who erected a fair Monument to his Memory.

Notes

• Mat. 13. 46.
• The Belgick Confession presented in the Synod.
• o

  Appeal, p. 70.
• p

  Appeal, p. 108.
• April 29.
• The States bounty to the British Di∣vines.
• Their Letter to K. James.
• The British Divines return into England.
• q

  Removing Carleton to Ch∣cbester, prefer∣ing Davenant to Salisbury, and bestowing the Mastership of the Savoy on Balcanquall.
• This Synod di∣versly censu∣red. Iohn 7.12.
• s

  M. Iohn Good∣win in his Re∣demption Re∣deem'd, cap. 15. parag. 24. pag. 395.
• t

  Mat. 14.9.
• The Suggesters surmise most improbable.
• u

  Acts 25. 26.
• w

  Gen. 31. 50.
• Bishop Hall his Letter to the Author.
• Gen. 43. 27.
• The death of Bp. Montague.
• A strange acci∣dent at his burial.
• The death of Bp. Overall.
• A great abuse of the King's favour.
• Ann. Reg. Ja. 19.
• Ann. Dom. 1621.
• Archbishop ca∣sually killed a Ke••per.
• The mischance rigidly censured.
• Many Cano∣nists quickly made.
• Note that these Canons were never ad∣mitted Lawes in England.
• Archbishops may hunt by the Laws of the Land.
• From the French macte de chiens.
• Bp. Andrewes the Archbi∣shops great friend.
• His restitution and mortifica∣tion.
• Ann. Dom. 1621.
• Ann. Regis Jac. 19
• A project a∣gainst the Cler∣gy to get mo∣ney.
• Declined by the Lord Treasurer.
• Who is truly excused.
• Frequent in his House at Cop••hall.
• The L. Bacon outed ••or B••ibery.
• Jan. 20.
• Sir Fr. S.
• An 〈…〉〈…〉 his character.
• Bishop Williams made Lord Keeper.
• July 10.
• Some causlesly offended.
• Yet Sir Ch. Hatton was ne∣ver bred a Lawyer.
• His eminent abilities.
• Well manage the place.
• A still-born Convocation.
• Young Merit Casaubon vindi∣cates his Father from railers.
• The good effect of his endea∣vours.
• William Laud Bp. of S. Davids.
• When I wrote this, I intended to close my History at K. Iames his d••ath, since by impor∣tunity urged to continue it farther.
• Io••n K••ng Bp. of London di••s.
• pag. 775:
• His eminen∣cies.
• A loud L••e.
• Born at Thame in Oxford-shire.
• Will. Cotton Bp. of Exeter dies, whom Valen∣tine Carew suc∣ceeds.
• Robert Townson Bishop of Salis∣bury dies, whom John Davenant succeeds.
• The death of Dr. And. W••••••e••.
• And of Dr. Richard Parry.
• Godwin in E∣piscopis As••∣phenfibus.
• The death of Mr. Fr. Mason.