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

1. GOD hath always been ambitious to preserve and prefer little things, the Jews the least of all Nations, DAVID their King, least in his fathers family; little Benjamin the Ruler; little Hill of Herman; the Virgin Mary, the lowliness of thy hand∣maiden: Gods children severally are sti∣led his little ones, and collectively make up but a little flock, And surely it ren∣ders the work of grace more visible and conspicuous, when the object can claim nothing as due to it self. A pregnant proof hereof we have in Divine Provi∣dence, at this time preserving the inconsiderable pittance of faithful profes∣sors against most powerful opposition. This handful of men, were tied to very hard duty, being constantly to stand Sentinels against an Army of enemies, till God sent Luther to relieve them, and the work was made lighter, with more hands to do it, as in the sequel of our story, God willing, will appear. Mean time we must remember that Henry Dean succeeded in the place of Arch-Bishop Morton, lately deceased, and enjoyed his honour but two years, then leaving it to William Warham, one well qualified with learning and discretion.

2. Now it is no small praise to Buckingham-shire, that being one of the lesser Counties of England, it had more Martyrs and Confessors in it, before the time of Luther, then all the Kingdom besides: where William Tylsworth was burnt at Amersham, (the Rendezvous of Gods children in those dayes) and

Joan his onely daughter, and a faithful woman, was compelled with her own hands to set fire to her deara father. At the same time sixty professors, and aboue, did bear fagots for their penance, and were enjoyned to wear on their right sleeves, for some years after, a square piece of cloath, as a disgrace to themselves, and a difference from others. But what is most remarkable, a new punishment was now found our of branding them in the cheek. The b manner thus: Their necks were tied fast to a post with towels, and their hands holden that they might not stir; and so the hot Iron was put to their checks. It is not certain whether branded with L for Lollard, or H for He∣retick, or whether it was onely a formless print of Iron (yet nevertheless painful) this is sure, that theyc bare in their bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus. And no doubt they had so well learned our Savioursd precept, that rather then they would have revenged themselves, by unlawful means, to them that smit them on the one cheek, they would have turn'd the other also. Surely Ecclesi∣astical constitutions did not reach thus far, as to impose any corporal torture: and whether there be any Statute of the Land that enjoyns, (not to say per∣mits) such punishments, let the learned in the Laws decide. This I am sure, if this was the first time that they fell into this (supposed) Heresie, by the Law they were onely to abjure their errours; and if it were the second time, upon relaps into the same again, their whole bodies were to be burnt. Ex∣cept any will say, that such as by these bloudy Laws deserved death, were branded onely by the favour of William Smith Bishop of Lincoln, and one may have charity enough to encline him to this belief, when considering the same William (Founder of Brazen-nose Colledg in Oxford) was generally a lover of learning and goodness, and not cruelly disposed of himsself. How∣ever some of Gods children, though burnt, did not dread the fire. And Fathere R••ver, aliàs Reive, though branded at the time, did afterwards suffer at a stake; so that the brand at the first did but take livery and seisin in his cheek, in token that his whole body should afterwards be in the free and full possession of the fire.

3. They who desire further information of the number and names of such as suffer'd about this time, may repair to the Acts and Monuments of M^r Fox, onely Thomas Chase of Amersham must not be here omitted, being barbarously butchered by bloudy hands in the Prison of Wooburne. Who to cover their cruelty, gave it out that he had hang'd himself, and in colour thereof, caused his body to be buried by the high ways side, where a stake knock't into the grave, is the monument generally erected for Felons de Se. Fear not those (saith our Saviour) who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do: But these mens malice endeavoured to do more, ha∣ving kill'd his body, to murder his memory with slanderous reports; al∣though all in vain. For the Prison it self did plead for the innocence of the prisoner herein, being a place so low and little, that he could not stand up∣right. Besides the woman that saw his dead hody, (a most competent wit∣ness in this case) declared, that he was so loaden with Ma••icles and Irons, that he could not well move either hand or foot. But we leave the full discussing, and finall deciding hereof to him, who makes inquisition for bloud, at that day, when such things as have been done in secret, shall be made manifest.

4. By this time we may boldly say, that all the arrears of money due to the Pope, for Pardons in the year of Jubilee, five years since were fully col∣lected, and safely returned to Rome, by the officers of his Holiness, the lag∣ging money which was last sent thither, came soon enough to be received there. We wish the sellers more honesty, and the buyers more wisdom. Yet we envy Rome this payment the less, because it was the last in this kind, she did generally receive out of England. Mean time time King Henry the seventh did enter common with thef Pope, having part allowed to connive at the rest. Thus whilest Pope and Prince shared the wooll betwixt them, the

people were finely fleeced. Indeed King Henry was so thristy, I durst call him covetous, not to say fordid, had he been a private man, who knowing what ticklish termes he stood upon, lov'd a referve of treasure, as being (besides his claims of Conquest, match, and discent) at any time, a good title ad Corroborandum. (And we may the less wonder that this money was so spee∣dely spent by his successor, a great part thereof being gotten by sin, was spent on sin:) Was it then charity or remorse, giving or resstoring, that hereupon King Henry the seventh Founded the rich Holpital of the Savoy in the Strand, with the finishing whereof he ended his own life. And it is questio∣nable whether his body lies in more magnificence in that stately and costly Tomb and Chappel of his own erecting, or whether his memory lives more lastingly in that learned and curious History, which the Lord Bacon hath written of his Reign?

5. Henry the eighth, his Son, succeeded him, one of a beautiful per∣son, and majestick presence, insomuch that his picture in all places is known at the first sight. As for the character of his minde, all the vertues and vices of all his predecessors from the Conquest, may seem in him fully represented, both to their kinde and degree, learning, wisdom, valour, magnificence, cru∣elty, avarice, fury, and lust; following his pleasures whilest he was young, and making them come to him when he was old. Many memorable altera∣tions in Church and State happen'd in his age, as God willing, hereafter shall appear.

6. On the third day of June he was solemnly Married to the Lady Ka∣tharine Dowager, formerly wife to his brother Prince Arthur deceased. Two Popes took the matter in hand to discuss and decide the lawfulness thereof, Alexander the sixth, and Pius the third; but both died before the business was fully effected. At last comes Pope Julius the second, and by the omnipotency of his dispensation, removed all impediments and obstru∣ctions, against the laws of God or man hindering or opposing the said mar∣riage. We leave them for the present wedded and bedded together, and twenty years hence shall hear more of this matter; onely know that this marriage was founded in covetous considerations, merely to save money, that the Kingdom might not be impoverished by restoring her Dowry back again into Spain, though hereupon a greater mass of coyn was transported out of the Land, though not into Spain, into Italy. Thus such who consult with covetousness in matters of conscience, embracing finister courses to save charges, will finde such thrist to prove expensive at the casting up of their audit; howere Divine Providence over-ruling all actions to his own glory, so ordered it, that the breaking off the Popes power, with the banishing of Superstition out of England, is at this day the onely surviving issue of this marriage.

7. The beginning of this Kings Reign was but barren (as the latter part therof, some will say, over-fruitful) with eminent Church-passages. And therefore we will spare when we may, and be brief in his first; that we may spend when we should, in the larger description of his latter years. Cruelty still continued and increased on the poor Lollards (as they call them) after abjuration, forced to wear the fashion of a faggot wrought in thread, or painted on their left sleeves, all the dayes of their lives; it being death to put on their cloaths without that cognizance. And indeed to poor peo∣ple it was true, Put it off, and be burned; keep it on, and be starved; seeing none generally would set them on work, that carried that badg about them.

8. On this account William Sweeting, and James Brewster were re-impri∣soned. In vain dida Brewster plead, that he was commanded to leave off his badg, by the Controller of the Earl of Oxfords house, who was not to control the orders of the Bishops herein. And, as little did Sweetings plea prevail, that the Parson of Mary Magdalene's in Colchester, caused him to lay

his saggot aside. These, like Isaac, first bare their fagots on their backs, which soon after bare them, being both burnt together in Smithfield. The Papists report, that they profered at their death, again to abjure their opini∣ons, the truth whereof one day shall appear. Mean time, if true, let the unpartial but judge, which were most faulty, these poor men for want of constancy in tendring, or their Judges, for want of charity, in not accepting their abjuration.

9. Richard Hunn, a wealthy Citizen of London, imprisoned in Lollards Tower, for maintaining some of Wiclifss opinions, had his neck therein se∣cretly broken. To cover their cruelty, they gave it out, that he hang'd himself; but he Coroners inquest sitting on him, by necessary presump∣tions, found the impossibility thereof, and gave in their verdict, that the said Hunn was murdered. Insomuch thata Persons hath nothing to reply, but, that the Coroners Inquest were simple men, and suspected to be infected with Wiclifsian heresies. But we remit the Reader to M^r. Fox for ssatisfaction in all these things, whose commendable care is such, that he will not leave an hoof of a martyr behinde him, being very large in the reckoning up of all sufferers in this kinde.

10. Cardinal Bainbrigg, Arch-Bishop of York, being then at Rome, was so highly offended with Rivaldus de Modena, an Italian, his Steward (Others say his Physicain, and a Priest) that he fairly cudgelled him. This his pas∣sion was highly censured, as inconsistent with Episcopal gravity, who should be nob striker. But the Italian shewed a cast of his Countrey, and with c poison sent the Cardinal to answer for his fact in another world, whose body was buried in the English Hospital at Rome.

11. Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester, Founded and endowed Corpus-Christi-Colledg in Oxford, bestowing thereon Lands, to the yearly value of fourd hundred and one pounds eight shillings and two pence. And, whereas this Foundation is charactred by an Oxforde man, to be Ex omnibus minimum, vel certè ex minimis unum, at this day it acquitteth it self in more then a middle equipage amongst other Foundations. Erasmus is very large in the praise thereof, highly affected with a Library, and Study of tongues, which, according to the Founders Will, flourished therein; insomuch that for some time it was termed, The Colledg of the three learned Languages;

f Est locus Oxonii, licet appellare trilingue Musaeum, à Christi Corpore nomen habet.

Sure I am, that for all kinde of Learning, Divine and Humane, this House is paramount for eminent persons bred therein.

Presidents.	Bishops.	Benefactors.	Learned writers.
John Claymond. Robert Nerwent. William Chedsey. William Butcher. Thomas Greeneway. William Cole. John Raynolds. John Spencer. Dr. Anian. Dr. Holt. Dr. Jackson Dr. Stanton.	Cardinal Poole. John Jewel.	Hugh Oldham, Bi∣shop of Exeter. John Claymond, first President. Mr Mordent. William Frost. Mrs Moore. Dr. John Raynolds. St George Paul, Knight.	George Etheridge. Richard Hooker. Brian Twine, the industrious An∣tiquary of Ox∣ford. Dr. Jackson.

So that a President, twenty Fellows, twenty Scholars, two Chaplaines, two Clerks, and two Choristers, besides Officers and Servants of the Foun∣dation, are therein maintained, which with other Students, Anno 1634. made up threescore and ten.

12. This Hugh Oldham, in the front of Benefactors, because he was Bishop of Exeter, for names-sake, intended his bounty to Exeter Colledg. But, suffering a repulse from that Society (refusing at hisa request to make one Atkin a Fellow) diverted his liberality to Corpus-Christi-Colledg: so boun∣tifull thereunto, that, as Founder is too much, so Benefactour is too little for him. He was one of more piety then learning, courteous in his deeds, but very harsh and rugged in his speeches, making himself but bad Orations, yet good Orators, so many eloquent men were bred by his bounty. Nor let it be forgotten, that, as Fox, the Founder of this House, was Fellow and Master of Pembroke-Hall; so Oldham also had his education in Queens b Colledg in Cambridg; so much hath Oxford been beholding to her Nephews or Sisters Children. But as once Ephronc said to Abraham, what is that be∣twixt me and thee? so, such their mutual affection, it matters not, what fa∣vour one Sister freely bestoweth on the other.

13. John Collet, Dean of Pauls, died this year [in the fifty third year of his age] of a pestilential sweating, at Shene in Surry. He was the eldest (and sole surviving) childe, of S^r, Henry Collet, Mercer, twice Lord Major of London, who with his ten Sons and as many Daughters, are depicted in a glass window, on the North-side of S^t Anthonies (corruptly S^t. Antlins) to which d Church he was a great Benefactor. His Son John Founded the FREE∣SCHOOL of S^t Pauls, and it is hard to say whether he left better Laws for the government, or Lands for maintenance thereof.

14. A Free-School indeed to all Natives or Foraigners of what Country soever, here to have their education (none being excluded by their Nativity, which exclude not themselves by their unworthiness) to the number of one hundred fifty and three (so manye fishes as were caught in the net by the Apo∣stles) whereof every year some appearing most pregnant (by unpartial exa∣mination) have salleries allowed them for seven years, or untill they get better preferment, in the Church or University.

15. It may seem false Latin, that this Collet being Dean, of S^t Pauls, the School Dedicated to S^t Paul, and distanced but the breadth of the Street from S^t Pauls. Church, should not be intrusted to the inspection of his successors, the Dean and Chapter of Pauls, but committed to the care of the Company of the Mercers, for the managing thereof. Butf Erasmus rendreth a good reason, from the mouth and minde of Collet himself, who had found by ex∣perience many Lay-men as consciencious as Clergy-men in discharging this trust in this kinde, conceiving also, that whole Company was not so easie to be bowed to corruption as any single person, how publick and eminent so∣ever.

16. For my own part, I behold Collets act herein, not onely prudential, but something Prophetical, as foreseeing the ruine of Church-lands, and fearing that this his School, if made an Ecclesiastical Appendent, might in the fall of Church-Lands, get a bruise, if not lose a limb thereby.

17. William Lily was the first School-master thereof, by Collets own ap∣pointment. An excellent Scholar, born at Odiam, in Hampshire, and after∣ward he went on Pilgrimage as far asg Jerusalem: In his return through Italy he applied himself to his studies, And because some perchance would be pleased to know the Lilies of Lily, (I mean his Teachers and Instructers) know that John Sulpitius and Pomponius Sabinus, two eminent Criticks, were his principal informers. Returning home into his native Country well ac∣complished with Latin, Greek, and all Arts and Sciences, he set forth a Grammer, which still goes under his name, and is universally taught all over England.

18. Many were the Editions of this Grammer, the first forth Anno 1513. (when Pauls School was Founded) as appears by that instance, Me∣ruit sub Rege in Galliâ, relating to Maximilian the German Emperour, who then at the Siege of Therovenne in Flanders, fought under the banner of Kings Henry the eighth, taking ana hundred crowns a day for his pay. Another Edi∣tion Anno 1520. when audito Rege Doroberniam proficisci, refers to the Kings speedy journey into Canterbury, there to give entertainment to Charles the fifth Emperour, lately landed at Dover.

19. Formerly there were in England almost as many Grammers as School∣masters, children being confounded, not onely with their variety, but [some∣times] contrariety thereof, rules being true in the one, which were false in the other. Yea, which was the worst, a boy, when removed to a new School, lost all he had learned before: whereupon King Henery endeavoured an uniformity of Grammer all over his Dominions; that so youths, though changing their School-masters, might keep their learning. This was performed, and William Lilies Grammer enjoyned universally to be used Astipend of four pounds a year was allowed the Kings Printer for Printing of it; and it was penall for any publickly to teach any other. I have been told how larely Bishop Buckeridge examining a Free-School in his Diocess of Rochester, the Scho∣lars were utterly ignorant of Lilies rules, as used to others; whereat the Bi∣shop exclaimed, what, are there Puritans also in Grammer?

20. I deny not but some since have discovered blasted leaves in out Lily, observing defects and faults therein, and commendable many persons pains in amending them; however it were to be desired, that no needless variations be made, and as much left of Lily as may be; The rather, because he submit∣ted his Syntaxis to the judgment ofb Erasmus himself, so that it was after∣ward printed amongst his works. Indeed Quae Genus was done by Thomas Robinson, and the Accidens (as some will have it) by other Authors, after Lily was dead, and Prince Edward born, of and for whom it was said Edvar∣dus is my proper name. And thus we take out leave both of Lily and Pauls-School, flourishing at this day as much as ever, under the care of M^r John Langly, the able and Religious School-master thereof.

21. King Henry had lately set forth a Book against Luther, endeavour∣ing the confutation of his opinions as novel and unfound. None suspect this Kings lack of learning, (though many his lack of leisure from his pleasures) for such a design; however it is probable, some other Gardner gathered the flowers (made the collections) though King Henry had the honour to wear the posie, carrying the credit in the title thereof.

22. To require his pains, the Pope honoured him and his successors with a specious title. A Defender of thec Faith. Indeed it is the bounden Duty of every Christian, earnestly to contend for the faith which once was given to the Saints, but it is the Dignity of few men, and fewer Princes, to be able effectually to appear in Print in the Vindication thereof.

23. There is tradition, that King Henry's Fool (though more truly to be termed by another name) coming into the Court, and finding the King transported with an unusual joy, boldly asked of him the cause thereof, to whome the King answered, it was because that the Pope had honoured him with a stile more eminent then any of his Ancestours; O good Harry (quoth the Fool) let Theu and I defend one another, and let the faith alone to defend it self. Most true it is, that some of his Successors more truly deserved the Title, then he to whom it was given: who both learnedly, then solidly engaged their pens in the asserting of true Religion.

24. At this time, though King Henry wore the sword, Cardinal Wolsey bare the stroke, albo're the Land; being Legate de Latere, by vertue whereof he visited all Churches and Religious Houses, even the Friers Observants them∣selves, notwithstanding their stoutness and stubbornness, that firstd op∣posed him. Papal and Royal power met in him, being the Chancellor of the

Land, and keeping so many Bisshopricks in Commendam, his yearlie income is said to equal, if not exceed the Revenues of the Crown.

25. The more the pitty, that having of his own such a flock of preferment, nothing but the poor mansa Ewe-lamb would please him, so that being to Found two Colledges, he seised on no fewer then fourty small Monasteries, turning their inhabitants out of house and home, and converting their means principally to a Colledg in Oxford. This alienation was confirmed by the present Pope Clement the seventh, so that in some sort his Holiness may thank himself, for the demolishing of Religious Houses in England.

26. For the first breach is the greatest in effect: And Abbies having now lost their Virginity, (diverted by the Pope to other) soon after lost their Chastity, prostituted by the King to ordinary uses. And now the Cardinal was busied in building his Colledg, consisting of several Courts, whereof the principal is so fair and large, it would have equaled any Princes Palace, if findished ac∣cording to the design, all the Chambers and other Offices being intended suta∣ble to the magnificent Hall and Kitchin therein.

27. Indeed nothing mean could enter into this mans minde, but of all things his structures were most stately. He was the best Harbinger that ever King Henry had, not onely taking up before-hand, but building up beautiful hou∣ses for his entertainments, which when finished [as white-Hall, Hampton-Court &c.] he either freely gave them to the King, or exchang'd them on very reasonable considerations.

28. Some say he intended this his Colledg, to be an Vniversity in an Uni∣versity, so that it should have therin by it self professours of all Arts and Sciences: but we may believe that all there go but by guess, as not knowing the Cardinals minde, (who knew not his own) daylie embracing new de∣signs of magnificence, on the emergency of every occasion. Yet let not the greatness of his buildings swallow up in silence the memory and commendable devotion of Simon Islip Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, who Founded Canterbury Colledg, taken in with the Cardinals unfinished Foun∣dation.

29. However too tart and bitter was the expression of Rodulphus Gual∣terus a Germane, who comparing the Cardinals project with his performance, said of him. instituit Collegium & absolvit Popinam, he began a Colledg and built a Kitchin: For had he not been civilly defunct, before naturally dead, not a pane of glass, not peg of wood had been wanting in that Edifice.

30. More Wit then Truth was in another return, who being demanded what he thought concerning the ampleness of this Foundation, made this homonymous answer, Fundatione nihil amplius, there is nothing more, [or more stately] then this Foundation: whereas indeed had not he himself been unexpectedly stript of his estate, he had left more and better lands to this house, then King Henry conferr'd upon them, who conceiving Church∣means fittest for Christ-Church, exchang'd many of their best Manors for Impropriations.

31. This Colledg did thrice change its name in seven years, account∣ing it no small credit thereunto, that it alwayes ascended, and was advanced in every alteration,; first call'd Cardinals Colledg, then Kings Colledg, and at last Christs Church, which it retaineth at this day.

32. King Henry took just offence that the Cardinal set his ownb Arms above the Kings, in the Gate-house, at the entrance into the Colledg. This was no verbal but a real Ego & Rex meus, excusable by no plea in Manners or Grammer; except onely by that (which is rather Fault then Figure) a harsh down right Hysterosis; but to humble the Cardinals pride, some afterwards set up on a window, a paintedc Mastiff-dog, gnawing the spate-bone of a shoulder of Mutton, to minde the Cardinal of his extraction, being the Son of a Butcher, it being utterly improbable (that some have fancied) that that pi∣cture was placed there by the Cardinals own appointment, to be him a mo∣nitour of humility.

Deans.	Bishops.	Benefactors.	Learned Writers.
1. John Higdon. 2. Doct. Moore. 3. John Oliver. 4. Richard Cox. 5. Richard Mar∣shall. 6. George Carow. 7. Thomas Samson. 8. Thomas Good∣win. 9. Thomas Cooper. 10. John Piers. 11. Tobias Mat∣thew. 12. William James. 13. Thomas Ravis. 14. John King. 15. William Good∣win 16. Richard Corbet. 17. Brian Duppa. 18. Fell. 19. Edward Reynolds. 20. John Owen.	Richard Cox, Bi∣shop of Eley, Thomas Goodwin, Bishop of Bath and Wells. Thomas Cooper, Bi∣shop of Winche∣ster. John Piers, Arch∣Bishop of york. Herbert Westphaling Bishop of Hereford. William James, Bi∣shop of Dur∣ham. Thomas Ravis, Bi∣shop of London. John King, Bishop of London. Richard Corbet, Bi∣shop of Nor∣wich. William Piers, Bi∣shop of Bath & Wells. Brian Duppa, Bish. of Salisbury.	Otho Nicholson, one of the Exa∣miners of the Chancery, be∣stowed eight hundred pound in building and furnishing a fair Library.	Sir PHILIP SID∣NEY. Sir WALTER RAWLEY. WILLIAM CAM∣DEN. Robert Gomersall JOHN GREGORY. Cartwright.

Here I omit the many eminent Writers still surviving, D^r Merick Casaubon, and D^r George Morley, both no less eminent for their found Judgments; then patient sufferings; D^r Barton Holiday, and D^r Jasper Main, who have refreshed their severer studies with Poetry, and sallies into pleasant learning, with ma∣ny more in this numerous Foundation. Beholding, as for his wealth to King Heary the eighth, so for a great part of the Wit and Learning thereof to his Daughter Queen Elizabeth, whose School-boyes at Westminster become as good School-men here, sent hither (as to Trinity Colledg in Cambridg) by her appoint∣ment; so that lately, there were maintained therein, One Dean, Eight Canons, Three publick Professors of Divinity, Hebrew, and Greek, Sixty Students, Eight chaplains, Eight Singing-men, an Organist, Eight Choristers, Twen∣ty four Almesmen; at this present Students of all sorts, with Officers and Servants of the Foundation, to the number of two hundred twenty three.

33. Know that John Higdon, first Dean of this Colledg, was a great Persecutor of poor Protestants, as by the ensuing Catalogue will appear.

a John Clark.	John Fryer.	William Betts.
John Frith.	Goodman.	Lawney.
Henry Sumner.	Nicholas Harmar.	Richard Cox.
Baley.	Michael Drumme.	Richard Taverner.

All these were questioned for their Religion, being cast into a prison in a deep Cave under ground, where the salt fish of the Colledg was kept, the stench

whereof made some of them to die soon after, and others escaped with great difficulty. Taverner was excellently skill'd in Musick, on which account he escaped, though vehemently accused, the Cardinal pleading for him, that he was but a Musician, though afterward he repented, to have set tunes to so many Popish ditties

34. We must not forget that all in the foresaid Catalogue, whose Chri∣stian names are expressed, were originallya Cambridg men, and invited by the Cardinal on promise of preferment, to plant his new Foundation; be∣sides Florence, Dominican, John Akers, and many more famous for their Learning, which at this time removed to Oxford, seasonedboth with good Learning and true Religion.

35. Know also this, John Higdon, first Dean, was he, of whom Cardi∣nal Wolsey (when fallen into distress) did borrow two hundred pounds, there∣with to pay and reward some of his poorest servants, giving them money on this condition, that hereafter they should serve no subject, but onely the b King himself, as if this had been suscipere gradum Simeonts, for those who so long had attended on a Lord-Cardinal. But this happened many years af∣ter; we return to this proud Prelate, while he flourished in the height of his Prosperity.

36. Their heads will catch cold, which wait bare for a dead Popes Tiple-Crown. Wolsey may be an instance hereof, who, on every avoi∣dance of S^t Peters Chaire, was sitting down therein, when suddenly some one or other, clapt in before him. Weary with waiting, he now resolved to revenge himself on Charles the Emperour, for not doing him right, and not improving his power, in preferring him to the Papacy, according to his promioses and pretences. He intends to smite Charles through the sides of his Aunt, Katharine Queen of England, endeavouring to alienate the Kings af∣fections from her. And this is affirmend by the generality of our Historians, though some of late have endeavoured to acquit Wolsey as not the first per∣swader of the King divorce.

37. Indeed he was beholding, for the first hint thereof, to the Spani∣ards themselves. For, when the Lady Mary was tendered in marriage to Philip, Prince of Spain, the Spanish Embassadours seemed to make some difficulty thereof, and to doubt her extraction, as begotten on a mother for∣merly married to her husbands elder brother. Wolsey now put this scruple into the head of Bishop Longlands, the Kings Confessour, and he insinuated the same into the Kings conscience; advising him hereafter to abstain from the company of his Queen, to whom he was unlawfully married. Adding moreover, that after a divorce procured (which the Pope in justice could not deny) the King might dispose his affections where he pleased. And here Wolsey had provided him a second Wife, viz, Margarite, Countess of Alen∣zon sister to Francis King of France; though heavens reserved that place, not for the Mistress, but her Maid, I mean Anna Bollen, who (after the re∣turn of Mary, the French Queen for England, attended in France for some time on this Lady Margarite.

38. Tunder needs no torch to light it, the least spark will presently set it on flame. No wonder if King Henry greedily resented the motion. Male issue he much wanted, and a young Female more on whom to beget it. As for Queen Katharine, he rather respected, then affected; rather honoured, then loved her. She had got an habit of miscarrying, scarce curable in one of her age, intimated in one of the Kings private papers, as morbus incurabilis. Yet publickly he never laid either fault or defect to her charge; that, not dislike of her person or conditions, but onely principles of pure conseience, might seem to put him upon endeavours of a Divorce.

39. The business is brought into the Court of Rome, there to be deci∣ded by Pope Clement the seventh. Bnt the Pope at this time was not sui juris, being a prisoner to the Emperour, who constantly kept a guard about him.

44. As for the Queens Councel, (which, though assigned to her, ap∣pear not dearly accepted by her, as chosen rather by others for her, then by her for her self) I finde at this present little of moment pleaded, or per∣formed by them. Onely Bishop Fisher affirmed, that no more needed to be said for the validity of the marriage, then, Whom God hath joyned together, let no man put asunder. A most true position in it self, if he could have clear∣ed the application thereof to his Royal Client, but Hoc restat probandum; the contrary, that God never joyned them together, being vehemently urged by her adversaries.

45. Notwithstanding the Queens absence, the Court proceeded: And first the Kings Proctors put in their exceptions against both Bull, and Breve of Pope Julius the second, dispensing with the Kings marriage with his bro∣thers wife: viz.

1. That they were not to be found amongst the Original Records in Rome.

2. That they were not extant in Chartaphylacio, amongst the King of Englands papers (most concerned therein) but found onely in Spain, amongst the writings of a State-Officer there.

3. That in them it was falsely suggested, as if the same were pro∣cured at the instance of Henry, Prince of Wales, who then, not being above thirteen years old, was not capable of such in∣tentions.

4. That the Date thereof was somewhat discrepant from the form used in the Court of Rome.

46. After this, many witnesses on the Kings side were deposed: and though this favour is by custome indulged to the English Nobility, to speak on their Honours; yet the Canon-Law taking no notice of this their muni∣cipal priviledg, and for the more legal validity of their restimonies, required the same on oath, though two Dukes, one Dutchess, one Marquess, many Lords and Ladies gave in their depositions. These attested,

1. That both were of sufficient age, Prince Arthur of fifteen years, the Lady Katharine somewhat elder.

2. That constant their cohabitation, at board, and in bed.

3. That competent the time of the same, as full five moneths.

4. That entire their mutual affection, no difference being ever ob∣serv'd betwixt them.

5. That Henry, after his Brothers death, by an instrument produced in Court, and attested by many witnesses, refused to marry her, though afterwards altered by the importunity of others.

6. That, by several expressions of Prince Arthur's, it appeared, he had carnal knowledg of the Lady Katharine.

The beds of private persons are compassed with curtaines, of Princes vailed also with canopies, to conceal the passages therein, to which modesty ad∣mitteth no witnesses. Pitty it is, that any, with Pharaoh, should discover what is exchanged betwixt Isaac and Rebekah; all which are best stifled in secrecy and silence. However, such the nature of the present cause, that many privacies were therein discovered.

47. Observe by the way, that, whereas it was generally alledged in favour of the Queen, that Prince Arthur had not carnal Knowledg of her;

because, soon after his marriage, his consumptionish body seemed unfit for such performances; this was retorted by testimonies on the Kings side, his witnesses deposing, that generally it was reported and believed, the Prince im∣paired his health, by his over liberal paiment of due benevolence.

48. It was expected that the Cardinals should now proceed to a defini∣tive sentence, according as matters were alledged, and proved unto them. The rather because it was generally reported, that Campegius brought over with him a Bull Decretal, to pronounce a nulsity of the match, if he saw just cause for the same. Which rumor (like the silken flie wherewith Anglers cheat the fishes) was onely given out to tempt King Henry to a longer pati∣ence, and quiet expectation of the event. But by this time Queen Katharine had privately prevailed with the Pope, to advoke the cause to Rome, as a place of more indifferency for a plea of so high concernment. Whereupon Cam∣pegius took his leave of the King, and returned into Italy.

49. The Papists tell us, that Cardinal Campegius sent over before him some amatorious Letters, which passed written with the Kings own hand, betwixt him and his dear Nan, as he termed her. These are said to import more familiarity then chastity betwixt them, and are carefully kept, and so∣lemnly shewn in the Vatican to strangers, especially of the English Nation, though some suspect them to be but forged. For though the King had wan∣tonness enough to write such Letters, yet Anna Bollen had wit and warmess too much, to part with them. It would more advance the Popish project, could they shew any return from her to the King accepting his offers, which they pretend not to produce. Our Authors generally agree, her de••••alls more inflamed the Kings desires. For though perchance nothing more then a woman was wish'd by his wilde sancy, yet nothing less then an husband would content her conscience. In a word, so cunning she was in her chastity, that the farther she put him from her, the nearer she fastened his affections unto her.

50. Still was the Kings cause more delaied in the Court of Rome. If a melancholick School-man can spin out a speculative controversie with his Pro's and Con's, to some quires of paper, where the profit is little to others, and none to himself, except satisfying his curiosity, and some popular ap∣plause; no wonder if the Casuists at Rome (those cunning Masters of Defence) could lengthen out a cause of so high concernment, and so greatly beneficial unto them. For, English silver now was current, and out gold volant in the Popes Courts, whither such masses of money daily were transported, England knew not certainly what was expended, nor Rome what received herein. Yea, for seven years was this suit depending in the Popes Court; after which Apprentiship, the Indentures were not intended to be cancelled, but the cause still to be kept on foot, it being for the interest, to have it al∣wayes in doing, and never done. For, whilest it depended, the Pope was sure of two great friends; but, when it was once decided, he was sure of one great foe, either the Emperour, or our King of England.

51. It was a Maxime true of all men, but most of King Henry, Omnis mora properanti nimia. He (who would have not onely what, but when he would himself) was vexed with so many delayings, deferrings, retardings, prorogations. prolongations, procrastinations, betwixt, two Popes (as one may say) Clement that was, and Wolsey that would be. So that all this while, after so much adoe, there was nothing done in his business. which now was no nearer to a final conclusion, then at the first beginning thereof. Yea, now began Cardinal Wolsey to decline in the Kings favour, suspecting him for not cordial in his cause, and ascribing much of the delay to his backwardness herein. More hot did the displeasure of Queen Katharine burn against him,

beholding him as the chief engine, who set the matter of her Divorce first in motion.

52. Be it here remembred, that in perswading the Kings Divorce, Wolsey drave on a double design; by the recess of the Kings love from Queen Katharine, to revenge himself of the Emperour; by the access of his love to Margaret of Alenson, to oblige the King of France. Thus he hoped to gain with both hands, and presumed, that the sharpness of his two-edged policy should cut on both sides: when God, to prevent him, did both blunt the edges, and break the point thereof. For, instead of gaining the love of two Kings, he got the implacable anger of two Queens; of Katharine decaying, and Anna Bollen increasing in the Kings affection. Let him hereafter look but for few fair dayes, when both the Sun-rising, and setting, frowned upon him.

Notes

• Poor profess∣ours still pre∣served by Gods provi∣dence.
• Hen. 7. 17.
• 1501
• 22.
• 1506
• Some burnt, some brand∣ed for the profession of the truth.
• Anno Dom. 1506
• Annos Regis Hen. 7 22.
• a

  Fox his Acts and Monuments, I. Vo∣lume, p. 1010.
• b

  Fox 1011.
• c

  Gal. 6. 17.
• d

  Mat. 5. 39.
• e

  Fox. p. 1011.
• The cruel killing of Thomas Chase.
• The Pope and King Hen 7. share the mo∣ney for Par∣dones betwixt them.
• f

  Antiq Brit. in Henri•••• D••∣••co.
• Anno Regis Hen. 7 22.
• Anno Dom. 1506.
• 24.
• 1508
• Hen. 8 1.
• Hen. 8. succeedeth his father.
• 1509
• He marrieth the relict of his brother Arthur.
• Sanders de schismate An∣glicano, lib. 1. pag. 2.
• Abjured Lol∣lards wear faggots.
• Sweeting and Brewster burnt.
• a

  Fox, Volum. 2. pag. 12.
• Anno Dom. 1511
• Anno Regis Hen. 8 4. Ohab. 18.
• Richard Hunn murdered in Lallards-tower.
• a

  Exam of Fox his Mart. for the month of Decemb. pag. 279. and 282.
• b

  1 Tim 3.3.
• c

  Godwin in C••t. of Bish. of York. pag. 72.
• The Found∣ing of C••rpus∣Christi-Colledg in Oxford.
• d

  Godwin in the Bishops of Winchester, pag. 297
• e

  Pitzaeus de Acad. Oxon. pag.36,
• f

  John White in libro diacosio, &c.
• See more of him, Anno 1584.
• Anno Regis Hen. 8 8.
• Anno Dom. 1516
• Hugh Oldham his bounty.
• a

  Godwin in the Bishops of Exeter, pag. 473.
• b

  See Jo. Scot. his Tables.
• c

  Gen. 23. 15.
• The death of Dean Collet.
• d

  Stows Sur∣vey, p. 265.
• Founder of Pauls School.
• e

  John 21. 11.
• The Mercers made Over∣seers thereof.
• f

  In his Epistle unto Jo∣docus Jon••s.
• Out of provi∣dent presci∣ence.
• g

  Pitzaeus de Ang. Scriptor. pag. 697.
• ••is Grammer 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Anno Dom. 1519
• Anno Ragis Hen. 8 11.
• a

  Godwins An∣nals, pag. 16.
• And privile∣ged by au∣thority.
• b

  Pitzaeus ut prius.
• King Henry writes against Luther.
• Stiled by the Pope Desen∣der of the Faith.
• c

  Jude 3.
• His: Jesters reply.
• Wolsey his un∣limited pow∣er and pride.
• d

  Fox Acts & Monumnets.
• Anno Regis Hen. 8 13.
• Anno Dom. 1521
• a

  2 Sam. 12 3.
• He was the first confound∣der of ab∣bies.
• 16.
• A precedent quickly fol∣lowed.
• 1524
• Wolsey a Roy∣al Has binger.
• His vast de∣sign, why un∣known.
• An over-tart Sarcasme.
• A second somewhat milder.
• Three names to one Col∣ledg.
• b

  Rex Plato∣nitus pagina 44.
• The pride of the Cardinal humbled by others.
• c

  Idem. p. 45.
• Anno Dom. 1524
• Anno Regis Hen. 8 16.
• Persecution in the cardi∣nals colledg.
• a

  Such whose names are no∣ted with a cross, did af∣terwards turn zealous Pa••••••.
• F••x Acts & Mon. p. 1032.
• Christ-Church
• a

  Colony of Cambridg∣men.
• Cains de An∣tiq Cant. Acad.
• Wolseys pride in his ser∣vants.
• b

  Rex Plato∣nicus, pag. 43.
• Wolsey turns his waiting into revenge.
• The scruple of the Kings marriage.
• The King wil∣lingly embra∣ceth the motion.
• The Pope a Captive.
• Fishers short plea.
• Anno Dom. 1529
• Anno Regis Hen. 8 25.
• The pleas of the Kings Councel
• Secrets sub sigillo thalami.
• July 12.
• A shrewd re∣tortion.
• An end in vain expect∣ed.
• Octo. 22.
• Love-Letters of King Hen. kept in the Vatican.
• No haste to end the Kings cause at Rome.
• King and Queen hoth offended with Wolsey.
• Wolsey looks two wayes in this design.