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

SECT. II.

TO M^r THOMAS JAMES OF BUNTINGFORD IN Hertford-shire.

COrner Stones (two walls meeting in them) are po∣lished with the more curiosity, and placed with more carefulness. So also corner bones (as I may say) which do do double duty, and attend the service of two joynts, (in the Elbow and Knee) are rarely fixed by the providence of Nature.

This Section being in the turning of Religions, (the) going out of the Old, and coming in of the New) ought to have been done with most industry, difficultie meeting therein with dark instructions. However I have en∣deavoured my utmost, (though falling short of the me∣rits of the matter, and doubt not but you will be as) candid in the perusing, as I have desired to be careful in the writing thereof.

KKnow now in the next year, the Lords in Parlia∣ment put in a Bill of fourty four particulars against Wolsey. The most material was his exercising of power-Legative, without leave, to the prejudice of the Kings Crown and Dignity. The Bill is brought down into the House of Commons, where M^r Cromwel, then Servant to the Cardinal, chan∣ced to be a Burgess. Here he defended his Master with such wit and eloquence, that even those who hated the Client, yet praised the Advocate who pleaded in his behalf. This was the first time, that publick notice was taken of Cromwel his eminent parts, and advantagious starting is more then half the way in the race to pre∣ferment, as afterwards in him it came to pass. As for Wolsey, though at this time he escaped with life and liberty, yet were all his goods, of inestimable value, confiscated to the King, and he outed of most of his Ecclesia∣stical promotions.

2. Court-favourites, when it is once past noon, it is presently night with them, as here it fared with wolsey. His enemies, of whom no want, follow the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 given unto him. For they beheld him, rather in a Sown, then as yet dead in the Kings favour, and feared if his submission should meet with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 remembrance of his former services, they might produce his full 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to power and dignity. The rather because the Cardinal was cun∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 to improve all to his own advantage, and the King (as yet) not cruel, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 too perfect in that lesson afterwards. His enemies would not trust the Cardinal to live at London, (nor at Winchester within fifty miles thereof) but got the King to command him away to York, sending him thither, whi∣ther his conscience long since should have sent him, namely to visit his Dio∣cess, so large in extent, and reside therein.

3. Indifferent men thought that he had enough, his Foes that too much, onely himself that too little was left unto him. Pride accounts the greatest plenty, if without Pomp no better then Penury. Yet he had the whole re∣venues of York Arch-Bishoprick (worth then little less then four thousand pounds yearly) besides a large Pension paid him out of the Bishoprick of Winchester. Was not here suel enough, had thee not been too much fire within, such his covetousness and ambition?

4. Earthly Kings may make men humbled, God alone humble. Wolsey began to state it at York as high as ever before, in proportion to his contract∣ed revenues. Preparation is made in a Princely equipage for his Installation, attracting envie from such as beheld it. All is told unto the King, and all made worse by telling it, complaining Wolsey would never leave his pride, till life first left him. His old faults are revived and aggravated, and the King incensed afresh against him.

5. The Earl of Northumberland by the Commission from the King, Arrested him of high-Treason, in his own chamber, at Cawood, By slow and short journeys he setteth forward to London, meeting by the way with con∣trary messages from the King; Sometimes he was tickled with hopes of par∣don and preserment, sometimes pinched with fears of a disgraceful death, so that he knew not how to dispose his minde, to Mirth or Mourning. Age and anguish, brought his disease of the dysentery, the pain lying much in his guts, more in his heart. Especially aftger S^r William Kingston was sent unto him, who being Lieutenant of the Tower seemed to carry a restraint in his looks. Coming to Leicester he died, being buried almost as obscurely as he was born.

6. I know not whether or no it be worth the mentioning here, (how∣ever we will put it on the adventure) that Cardinal Wolsey, in his life time was inform'd by some Fortune-tellers, that he should have his end at Kingston. This his credulity interpreted of Kingston on Thames, which made him al∣wayes to avoid the riding through that Town, though the nearest way from his house to the Court. Afterwards understanding that he was to be com∣mitted by the Kings express order to the charge of S^r Anthony Kingston, it struck to his heart, too late perceiving himself deluded by that Father of Lies in his homonymous prediction.

7. Anna Bollen did every day look fairer and fiarer in the King's eyes, whilest the hopes of his marriage with her, seemed every day farther and farther from him. For, the Court at Rome meddled not with the merits of the causse, but fell upon by-points therein of lesser concernment. Yea, they divided his case into threea and twenty particulars; whereof the first was, Whether Prince Arthur had carnal knowledg with the Lady Katharine? This bare about a years debate; so that according to this proportion, King Henry would be, not onely past marrying, but past living, before his cause should be decided. This news put him into a passionate pensiveness, the rather, because meeting with sadness here, many populous places in England, and Cambridg particularly, being at the present visited with the sickness.

8. But, it is an evil plague which brings no body profit. On this oc∣casion D^r Cranmer retired to Waltham with two of his Pupils, the sons of M^r Cressey (a name utterly extinct in that Town where God hath fixed my present habitation) long before the memory of any alive. But, consulting Weaversa Funeral-Monuments of Waltham-Church (more truly then nearly by him composed) I finde therein this Epitaph,

Here lyeth Jon and Jone Cressy, On whose soulys Jesu havmercy. Amen.

It seems paper sometimes in more lasting then brass; all the ancient Epitaphs in that Church being defac'd by some barbarous hands, who perchance one day may want a grave for themselves.

9. The King coming to Waltham, D^r Fox his Chaplain and Almoner (af∣terwards Bishop of Hereford) is lodged in M^r Cressy's house: Discoursing about the Kings Divorce; Cranmer conceived that the speediest course was to prove the unlawfulness of his Match by Scripture; whence it would follow, that the Pope at first had no power to dispence therewith; and that the Vniversities of Christendom would sooner and truer decide the case, then the Court of Rome. This passage Fox reports to the King; who, well pleased thereat, professes that this man had theb Sow by the right ear: An ear which the King never left worrying, till he had got it off, and effected his will therein: Cranmer being sent for, comes to the King, who very lovingly entertains him. Indeed he was a most comely person, having an amiable eye (and as the soul sees much by the eye, so is it much seen in them) and pleasing countenance, as by his livelyc Picture doth appear. Glad was the King to see, more to hear him enlarge himself on the former subject, that it was above the Popes power to dispense with Gods work in the Kings case. And now what fitter Nurse for the Childe, then the own Mother; what person more proper to manage this matter then Cranmer himself, who first moved it. The King resolves, and Cranmer consents he should be sent to the Pope, there to make God his possiti∣on. Leave we Cranmer for a time, preparing himself for his long journey; and come briefly to state the Kings Controversie out of Gods Word, and seve∣ral Authors who have written thereof.

10. It plainly appears that a marriage with a Brothers wife is unlawful, because expresly forbidden.

LEVIT. 18. 16

Thou shalt not uncover the Nakedness of thy Brothers Wife, it is thy Brothers Nakedness.

Wherein we have

1. A Prohibition.

Thou shalt not uncover the Na∣kedness of thy Brothers Wife: See all these Laws are made to men; it being presumed that the weaker sex, (whose part it is to take, not tender; accept, not offer love) would be so modest, as not to adventure of themselves on any incestuous act, except first solicited by men thereunto.

2. The Reason thereof.

It is thy Brothers Nakedness. God could ac∣cording to his Dominion peremptorily have forbidden the same, without rendring a reason of his Prohibition; but that men might pay the more willing obedience to his Law, he maketh those who were to keep it, in some sort Judges of the justness there∣of, endeavouring to convince their consci∣ences, and make their souls sensible of the natural uncleanness of such an act. It is thy Brothers nakedness.

Such marriages are again forbidden in another Text. Nor can I render other resson of this Duplicate, whereas others are but once, that this should be twice prohibited; save, that God, foreseeing in his providence mens corrupt inclinations, prone here to climb over, did therefore think fit to make a dou∣ble fence.

LEVIT. 20. 21.

And if a man shall take his Brothers Wife, it is an unclean thing; he hath uncovered his Brothers Nakedness, they shall be Childless.

Here we have the Prohibition backt with a Commination of being Childless, which is variously interpreted, either that they shall never have children, or if having them, they shall not survive their Parents, or if surviving, they shall not be counted Children, but Bastards, illegitimate in the Court of Heaven. This Commination of being childless as applied ad hominem, fell heavy on King Hen∣ry the eighth; who sensible that his Queen, though happy often to conceive, was unhappy almost as often to miscarry. Henry his onely Christian son, by her, died before a full year old; a second was nameless, as never living to the honour of Baptism; and of many blasted in the bud, Mary onely survi∣ved to womans estate.

11. Such as inquire into the nature of this Law finde it founded in Na∣ture it self, being onely declaratory of what true reason doth dictate to man. God in making this Law did not imprint a new writing in mens hearts, but onely rub off some old rust from the same; wherefore it is added, Levit. 18. 27, 28. For all these abominations have the men of the Land done, which were before you, and the Land is defiled; that the Land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the Nations that were before you. Surely the Land would never have vomited out the Heathen for not observing a positive precept, never immediately delivered unto them, which plainly shews it was imprinted in nature, though partly obliterated by their corrupt customes to the contrary; and their consciences in their Lucid Intervals were apprehensive thereof. This would make one the more to admire, that any should maintain, that this Law, the breach whereof made the Country to avoid her Pagan Inhabitants, should be onelya lex imposititia & Ecclesiastica, an imposed and Church-Law. To hear of a Church-Law amongst the Canaanites, is a strange Paradox.

12. It is objected this could not be a Law of Nature, because almost at the beginning of nature, men brake them by the consent and permission of the God of heaven: For Cain and Seth with the elder sons of Adam must be al∣lowed to have married their own sisters, far nearer in nature then their Brothers Wife.

13. It is answered, when God first created man-kinde, it was his pleasure all men should derive their original from Eve, as she from Adam. For had he made (as one may say) two distinct houses of Man-kinde, what falling out and fighting, what bickering and battleing would have been betwixt them. If men now adayes descended from the loyns of one general Father, and womb of one mother, are full of so fierce hatred, how many and keen may their differences be presumed, had they sprung from several Fountains, and then all their hatred would have been charged, not on their corruption, but on their Creation? God therefore (as the Apostle saith) Acts 17. 26. hath made of one bloud all nations. Now in the beginning of Man∣kinde absolute necessity gave Brethren liberty to marry their own sisters. Yea, God himself, interpretatively, signed and sealed the same with his own con∣sent, because, his wisdom had appointed no other means without miracle,

for the propagation of man-kinde. But when men began to be multiplied on the earth, that necessity being removed, the light of Nature dictated unto them the unlawfulness of such marriages, and of some others more remote, as coming within the compss of Incest; though the corrupt practises of Pa∣gans sometimes trespassed in that kinde. God therefore being to give his Law to the Jews, cleared and declared that light of Nature, by his positive Law unto his people, to whom his Goodness gave a Garden, and sorbad a Tree, so inconsiderable were those few prohibited, to the many persons permitted them in marriage. For whereas there came out ofa Egypt and six hundred thousand men, besides children, fifty persons at the most (counting those forbidden, as well by consequence as expresly) were interdicted unto them; amongst whom one was the Marriage with a Brothers Wife. For although God Per∣mitted this by a judicial Law ro his own people in case ofb raising up seed to a Brother deceased childless (the Will of God being the Law of Laws;) yet otherwise it was utterly unlawful, as whereon God had stamped (as is afore∣said) a double Note of natural uncleanness.

14. The Law then of forbidding marriage with a Brothers Wife, be∣ing founded in nature, it was pride, and presumption in the Pope to pretend to dispense therewith. Indeed we read that the dispensation of the Gospel (to see it dealt and distributed to several persons) was committed toc S^t Paul (whose joynt successour, with S^t Peter, the Pope pretends to be) but a Dis∣pensation from the Law of God, to free men from the same, neither Paul nor Peter ever pretended unto. Let the Pope make relaxations of such Church Ca∣nons, which meerly Ecclesiastical Authority hath made, there he may have the specious power to remit the rigour thereof at some times, places and persons, as he apprehendeth just occasion. But let him not meddle to grant liberty for the breach of Gods Law. The first Dispensation in this kinde is what Satan in the Serpent gave our first Parents in Paradice,d you shall not surely dye; and whether the Granter had less power therein, or the receivers less profit therby, we their woful posterity have little comfort to decide.

15. Nor doth it any thing alter the case, (what was so much controver∣ted in the Court of Rome) whether or no Prince Arthur had carnal knowledge of his Wife, seeing we may observe, that in the Court of Heaven Marriages bear date, not from their Copulation, but solemn Contact; And they thence∣forward are esteemed Man and Wife before God. For it ise provided, that if a Damsel be betrothed to Husband still remaining a Virgin, and shall be layen with by another man, both of them shall be stoned to death, and she punished for an Adulteress he for humbling his Neighbours wife. Be then the Lady Katharine known or unknown by Prince Arthur, due Benevolence is the effect, not the cause of Marriage, which was completed before God, and they two made one flesh, when solemnly joyned together in the face of the Congregation.

16. Such a Marriage with a Brothers wife, thus appearing against the Law of God, it is strange that any should maintain that Publica honestas, publique honesty, was the onely obstacle of this marriage, which obstruction (say they) by the Popes dispensation was removed, because Publica Utilitas, the Publick Profit was greater, that redounded by permitting this match, Now suppose this all the obstacle, the Position is dangerous and unfound; For, first, Christians are not sensible of utility (as falsely so called) which stands at distance with Publick Honestie. Secondly, the publikness of the Profit was not adaequate to the publickness of the Scandal. The Profit or State-benefit thereby, onely extended to the Crowns of England and France as concerned therein; whilest the Scandal dilated it self to the People of all Christian Provinces, justly offended thereat. And although we confess, that in this respect the world is narrower to Princes then to private persons, as not affording so fit matches unto them; yet Kings have no Commis∣sion to enlarge themselves herein, by the actual breach of Gods Command∣ment.

17. Thus far the summe of the sense of Protestants and others, no few∣er then an hundred Authors, writing at this time against this Marriage, all which were produced by the King in the next Parliament. Yet very many Papists professed their judgments in print, on the contrary side, both English and outlandish Divines: and (to give them their due) brought very plausible Arguments. Of all these,

John Fisher Bishop of Rochester led the Front, whom some Catho∣licks call S^t John, because beheaded like the Baptist, though on con∣trary accounts: John Baptist for saying, it isb not lawful; John Fisher for saying, it is lawful for thee to have thy Brothers Wife.

• John Holiman
• John Clerke
• Cuthbert Dunstall
• Nicholas West
  • Bishop of
    • Bristol.
    • Bath & Wells.
    • London.
    • Ely.
      • Thomas Abel
      • Edward Powel
      • Richard Featherstone Ridley
        • English∣men, and Canonists.

• Francis Royas
• Alphonse de Veruez
• Alphonse de Castro
• Sepulveda
  • Spaniards.
    • Cardinal Cajetan
    • Lewes Nug∣rola
      • Italians.
        • Egwinarus Baro
        • Franciscus Duarenus
        • Convanus
          • c Celtae.
  • Alvarus Go∣metius
  • John Cochlae∣us
    • Portu∣guese.
    • High-German.
      • Ludovicus à Schora, a Low-Country∣man.

Erasmus, a greater Scholar then Divine, was very doubtful in his judgment herein. He is made by some modern Apocalyptical Commentaries to be the Angel flying 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is (as they will have it) in a middle distance betwixt Heaven and Earth which how it agrees to the Text, I know not. It alludeth well to his dubious posture betwixt different opinions in Religion, and particularly in this Controversie, sometimes being for King Henry, and sometimes against him herein.

18. Return we to Cranmer employed now in his Embassie to Rome: The state whereof lay on Thom. Bullen, Earl of Wilt-shire, but the strength of it (as to the disputing part) on D^r Cranmer, D^r Stokesley, D^r Carne, D^r Bennet, &c. so that a little University of Learned men went along thither. These were well armed with Arguments, being to carry a challenge to all the Cano∣nists at Rome. Coming thither, they found the Pope in his Grandetza prof∣fering his Toe to them, which none offered to kiss, save the unmannerly Spa∣niel (to say no worse of him) to the Earl of Wilt-shire, whom the Jesuit calls ad Protestant-Dog, for biting the Popes Toe; But let him tell us what Religion those Dogs were of, which eat upe Jezebel the harlot. The Earl presented the Pope a Book of Cranmers penning, proving Gods Law indispensable with, by the Pope: A Book as welcome to his Holiness as a prison; beholding his own power therein limited and confined. Promise was made of a publick Disputation, but never performed, Onely the Pope (who is excellent at the making of nothing something, by the solemn giving thereof) made Cranmer supreme Penitentiary (an empty Title) throughout all his Dominions; This was onely to stay his stomach for that time, in hope of a more plentiful Feast hereafter, if Cranmer had been pleased to take his repast on any Popish preferment.

19. Mean time King Henry imployed his Agents to the Universities in several parts of Christendom, to found their judgments in the matter of his Marriage. Some report that Reginald Poole, then living at Paris was practi∣sed

upon by promise of preferment, to act the University there in favour of the King: but he being a perfect Katharinist declined the employment. S^r Richard Morisin, a learned Knight, was used by the King in Germany; a Edmund Bonner, afterwards Bishop of London, employed in Italy, and Wil∣liam Langée, a Native French-man, made use of in his own Countrey; so that ten of the Universities subscribed the Case, that it was above the Popes power to dispense with the positive Law of God.

• 1. Cambridg
• 2. Oxford
  • England.
• 3.b Paris.
• 4.c The Faculty of Paris
• 5. Orleans
  • France.
• 6.d Tholouss
• 7.e Anjou
• 8.f Bituriges 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
  • France.
• 9.g Bononia
• 10.h Padua
  • Italy.

Wonder not herein, at the silence of many Dutch Vniversities, Wittemberg, Heidelberg, Tubing, Bazil, that they interposed not their opinions herein; for these having formerly utterly exploded the Popes power, were concei∣ved partial, and therefore incompetent Judges in this point: Wherefore the King onely solicited such Universities in this his Case, which [as yet] re∣mained in fast and firm obedience to the See of Rome.

20. Of all the Universities declaring for the Popes inability to dispence with Gods positive command, most bold and daring (because largest, fullest clea∣rest) was that of Bononia, the chief City in Romandiola, a Province of Peters Patrimony, and that City the Popes retiring place. Nor can I omit the con∣clusion of their Declaration. We confidently do hold and witness, that such Mar∣riage is horrible, accursed, and to be cried out upon, and utterly abominable, not onely for a Christian man, but for an Infidel, unfaithful or heathen, and that it is prohibited under grievous pains and punishments, by the Law of God, of Nature, and of man; and that the Pope, though he may do much, unto whom Christ gave thei Keys of the Kingdom of heaven, hath no power to give a dispensation to any man to contract such Marriage. In witness whereof we confirm this our judgment, both under the Seal of our University, as also with the Seal of our Colledg of Doctors of Di∣vinity, and have subscribed it in the Cathedral Church of Bonony, this tenth of June, in the year of our Lord, 1530.

21.k Sanders hath little to say against so many and clear decisions of the Universities; onely he tels us, that all the Kings Agents had not equal success in their Negotiations: and particularly that one Hutton, the Kings instru∣ment herein could not bow those of Hamborough and Lubeck, to express themselves against the Marriage. But surely these two places were onely Gymnasia, for I finde them not mentioned amongst the Dutch Universities. Also he saith that Richard Crook, another of the Kings Emissaries, prevailed nothing on many Germane Professors, and particularly he praiseth the Univer∣sity of Colen, for their recusancy therein. As for such who subscribed on the Kings side, he pretends that Bribes bought their judgments; as if our King Henry had learnt from Kingl Solomon, that Money recompenceth all things. The best is, the cleanly hands of the Court of Rome, had never, no doubt any bribes sticking to their fair fingers. But though that Englsh-Angels flew over to foraign Universities, yet there lieth a real distinction betwixt a Bribe and a Boon, freely bestowed, not to bow and bias their opinions; but to gratifie their pains, and remunerate their industry, in studying of the point.

22. As for our English Ambassadours at Rome, finding themselves onely fed with delaies; no wonder if they were sharp set to return home. All

came back again save D^r. Cranmer, who took a journey to the Emperours court in Vie••••a. Here he grew acquainted with Cornelius Agrippa, who had written a Book of the Vanity of Sciences, having much of the Sciences, but more of the vanity in himself. Here also he conversed with many great Divines, and satisfied some of them out of Scripture and Reason, which formerly were unresolved in the unlawfulness of the Kings Marriage.

23. A Parliament was now called, wherein the Clergie were found guilty of a Praemunire, because they had too much promoted the Papal interest, and acted by vertue of his power, to the damage and detriment of the Crown of England; whereupon being willing to redeem their whole estates forfeited by 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they were glad to commute it into a summe of money: the Clergy of the Province of Canterbury alone, bestowed on the King, one hundred thousand pounds, to be paid by equal portions, in the same year, say some; in four years say others, and that in my opinion with more probability.

24. But the King would not be so satisfied with the payment of the mo∣ney, except also they would acknowledg him to be Supreme Head of the Church. This was hard meat, and would not easily down amongst them, however being thoroughly debated in a Synodical way, both in the upper and lower houses of Convocation; they did in fine agree, on this expression, cujus (Ecclesiae Anglicanae) singularem Protectorem, unicum & supremum Domi∣num, & (quantum per Christi leges licet) supremum caput ipsius Majestatem re∣cognoscim••s.

25. This thus consented unto, and subscribed by the hands of the Cler∣gie, (as appears at large in the Records and Acts of the Convocation) and so presented to the King in the name of his Clergie; was afterwards con∣firmed by Parliament, and incorporated into a solemn Act for the ratifi∣cation thereof.

26. During these transactions, William Warham, Arch-Bishop of Can∣terbury ended his life. A politick person, well learned in the Laws, gene∣rally reputed a moderate man, though (specially towards his latter end) a still and silent persecutor of poor Christians. He was first Parson of Barly in Hertford-shire (as appears by ana inscription in that Church) thence rising by degrees to great preferment. In his Will he requested his Successour not to sue hisb Executors for Dilapidations, as having expended some thousands of pounds in repairing his several Palaces. We verily believe his request was granted, seeing Cranmer was free from all exacting in that kinde. Sede vacante, John Stokesly Bishop of London, was President in the Con∣vocation.

27. Messengers are sent into Germany for Thomas Cranmer, to finde him out, and fetch him home with all possible speed, the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury waiting his acceptance thereof. The Post easily doth the first, but Cranmer prolonged his journey byc seven weeks, at the least, hoping that in the mean time the King might forget him, and confer the place on ano∣ther, being really unwilling to imbrace the preferment, having aliquid intus, something within him, which reluctated against those superstitions through which he must wade in the way thereunto. But there lieth no Nolo Episcopa∣re against King Henry his Volo te Episcopum esse; It being as mortal to refuse favours from him, as to offer injuries to him. Cranmer therefore now come home, must in his own defence be Arch-Bishop, who, to serve the King and salve his own conscience, used the expedient of a Protestation, whereof here∣after.

28. The Philosoper gives us this note of direction, whereby to finde out a vertue, viz. that it is accused by both Extremes. Thus Liberality is charged by Prodigals to be Covetousness, by Covetous men to be Prodigality. By the same proportion Cranmer appears a worthy Prelate, taxed by Papists to be an Heretick, by others [no Papists] as guilty of Superstition. We will endea∣vour his just defence, conceiving the Protestants cause much concerned therein,

the Legality of his Consecration having an influence on all the Bishops made by him, that of the Bishops making an impression on the Priests and Deacons by them ordained, and their rightful ordination, deriving validity to the Sacra∣ments by them administred to all the members of the Church of England.

29. A Papista objects, non fuit consecratus ab ullo Episcopo, sed à solo Rege intrusus, that he was consecrated by no Bishop, but thrust in by the King alone. The falseness whereof doth appear on publick Record, still to be seen in the Register, being solemnly consecrated by

• Johnb Lincoln.
• John Exeter.
• Henry S^t Asaph.

and none that pretendeth to skill in Canon Law, can deny the number insuf∣ficient for such a performance.

30. Another urgeth him uncapable of a Bishoprick as debarr'd by Bi∣gamy, even by the censure of thec Apostle, Let a Bishop be the husband of one wife, Cranmer being successively twice married. It is Answered, such suc∣cessive marriage is no Bigamy; the Apostle onely forbidding the having of ma∣ny wives at once, (a fault fashionable amongst the Jews, then and many years after, by the testimony ofd Justine Martyr) and the same is so expounded also bye S Hierom. praecipit ut sacerdotes singulas uno tempore habeant uxores.

31. But grant Cranmer guilty but of one wife at once, even that made him (as his adversaries rejoyn) uncapable of the Arch-Bishoprick, because Prohibited by the Canons, To which we answer, thatf Spiridion,g S^t. Hilary, h Gregory Nazianzen, and many other Bishops, eminent for Learning and Sanctity in the Primitive times, are confessed married men by authen∣tick Authors, in the best times accounted no bar to their Episcopal function. Yea, the Romanists are concerned to allow Cranmer a lawful Arch-Bishop, because allowing such as were Consecrated by him, as Thomas Thyrlby, Bishop of Ely, Anthony Kitchin, Bishop of Landaff, for lawful Bishops, to whom he could not derive any orders, if not legally invested therein himself.

32. Pass we now to such acceptions which am Modern writer (zea∣lous against Popery) taketh against him, being no fewer then nine, as if he intended what they want in weight to make up in number. 1. That he took the like Oath to the Pope which his Predecessors have done, and therefore was deeply charged of perjury by Martin a Papist.

33. I Answer, he took not the like Oath. His Predecessours took it absolutely and simply. Not so Cranmer. Not that he was guilty of any clandestine equivocation or mental reservation therein, but publickly entred a solemn Protestation, remaining on Record in hisn office in manner and form following.

IN Dei nomine, Amen, Coram nobis, &c. Non est, nec erit meae volun∣tatis aut intentionis per hujusmodi juramentum vel juramenta, quali∣ter{que} verba in ipsis posita sonare videbuntur me obligare ad aliquid, ratione eorundem, posthac dicendum, faciendum, aut attentandum, quid erit, aut esse videbitur contra legem Dei, vel contra illustrissimum Regem nostrum Angliae, aut Rempublicam hujus sui Regni Angliae, legesve, aut praerogativa ejusdem; & quòd non intendo per hujusmodi juramentum vel juramenta quovis modo me obligare, quo minùs liberè loqui consulere, & consentire valeam, in omnibus & singulis reformationem Religionis Chri∣stianae, gubernationem Ecclesiae Anglicanae, ac praerogativam coronae ejusdem Reipublicae! vè commoditatem quoquo modo concernentibus, & ea ubi{que} exequi & reformare, quae mihi in Ecclesiâ Anglicanâ reformanda

videbuntur. secundum hanc interpretationem, & intellectum hunc, & non aliter, ne{que} alio modo dictum juramentum me praestiturum protestor, & profiteor, &c.

This Protestation he did not privately smother in a corner, but publickly in∣terposed it three several times, viz. once in the Chapter-house before authentick witnesses; again, on his bended knees at the High-Altar, many people and Bishops beholding him when he was to be consecrated; and the third time, when he received his Pall in the same place.

34. Secondly, he accuseth him for having a hand in the condemnation and execution of Lambert, Frith, and other Godly Martyrs. This indeed cannot be denied. For though I am loath that Cranmers head should (by the weight and violence of his causless detractors) be plucked under water, where he was innocent, I will leave him to sink or swim by himself where he was guilty. Onely adding, In many things we offend all.

35. His third accusation, he was a chief man in accomplishing King Hen∣ries Divorce, whicha occasioned much trouble, dissention, and war. But he might have remembred, which also produced the peerless Princess Queen Elizabeth, who perfected the Reformation, and by her long peaceable and victorious Reign, brought much honour, wealth and renown to our Nation. Besides, that Divorce is generally defended by Protestant writers, whose judgments this accuser will rely on when it makes for his purpose.

36. Fourth accusation, the Lincoln-shire Rebels, in their six Articles of their grievances presented to King Heary the eighth complain, that this Arch-Bishop, and other Prelates of his Graces late promotion, hadb subverted the Faith of Christ, &c.

37. I Answer, they were the Lincoln-shire Rebels that said it, and this their pretended subverting of the sath, was the reforming and confirming thereof; Cranmer serving the God of his Fathers in that way which they termed Heresie. Welltherefore might this cavil have been waved, good onely to swell the Volume.

38. Fifth Cavil, though Matthew Parker reports (as thisc Delator confesses) that Cranmer opposed this act of the six Articles at first, then caused it to be moderated, and at last to be repealed in King Edwards dayes, but others seem to imply that he gave consent thereunto at first.

39. To this I Answer three things: First, to imply is far less then to express, and such implications are often the bare surmises of a byassed apprehensi∣on. Secondly, to seem to imply, is less then to imply, nulla videntur quae non sunt. Thirdly, the Others by him mentioned, ought to have been nomina∣ted, this Author generally giving no scant measure in such wares; so that his margin (commonly over-thronged) is here quite empty of quotations. Ino∣pem nunc copia secit. We may assure our selves he would have alledged such Other Authors, but for several substantial reasons, whereof this was one, because he had none to alledg. And shall an uncertain, un-named No body, be believed against Cranmer, before M^r Fox, and D^r Parkers clear testimonies in his behalf?

40. Seventh Cavil. He suffered Martyrdome, not while he was a Bishop, but when degraded and deprived. What of this? does this tend any thing to the disgrace of him or his order, seeing such an injurious and violent degradation, deprived him not of his Episcopal indeleble character, so that still in right he remained a Bishop?

41. Eight Cavil. He failed more in his Martyrdome, by reason of his cow∣ardly recantation, thorow hopes of life, and restitution to his former dignity, then any of his fellow Martyrs. Answer, It is confessed: But his final constancy may well cover his intermediate failings. Better it is faintly and fearfully to bear in our body the marks of our Lord Jesus, then stoutly and stubbornly to endure the brands of our own indiscretion.

42. Last Cavil. He was condemned for high Treason, for an act done by him as an Arch-Bishop, and Councellor of State, for which he professed both his sor∣row a and repentance. Did he so indeed, by the confession of this his adversa∣ry? The more unworthy man his accusor, after this his sorrow and repentance to upbraid him therewith. M^r Pryn might also remember that the two Lord chief Justices were in the same Treason (whose Education made them more known in the Laws of the Land) and our Cranmer was last and least in the fault, it being long before he could be perswaded to subscribe to the disinhe∣riting of Queen Mary.

43. We appeal to the unpartial Reader, upon the perusal of the pre∣misses, whither an ordinary charity, might not, yea ought not to have past by these accusations, and whether the memory of Arch-Bishop Cramner may not justly say of M^r Pryn, as once the King ofb Israel, of the King of Syria, wherefore consider I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me? Indeed so great is his antipathy against Episcopacy, that if a Seraphim himself should be a Bishop, he would either finde or make some sick feathers in his wings.

44. Cranmer was now setled in his Arch-Bishoprick, and the first emi∣nent act of his office was exercised in the Kings Divorce. A Court is called in the Priory of Dunstable in Bedford-shire, as a favourable place, indifferent∣ly distanced, but five miles from Amphil, where Queen Katharine resided. With Cranmer were the Bishops of London, Winchester, Bath, and Lincoln, with many other great Prelates. These summoned Queen Katharine to appear be∣fore them, full fifteen dayes together, on whose refusal they not onely ad∣judged her contumacious, but also pronounced her match with the King as null and unlawful by Scripture; and soon after it was proclaimed, that hence for∣ward none should call her Queen, but the Dowager of Prince Arthur. And thus a few dayes had dispatched that Divorce, which had depended many years in the Court of Rome.

45. And now I cannot call King Henry a Batchelor, because once mar∣ried; nor a married man, because having no wife; nor properly a widower, because his wife was not dead. But he therefore a single, or rather a separa∣ted person, remaining so (if at all) but a very short time, as soon after so∣lemnly married to the Lady Anna Bollen, of whom largely hereafter.

46. Now began Elizbeth Barton to play her tricks, commonly called the holy Maid of Kent, though at this day of Kent alone is left unto her, as whose Maiden-ship is vehemently suspected, and holiness utterly denied; she was famous on a double account. First, for knowing secrets past, and indeed she could tell any thing which was told her; conversing with Fryers her fami∣liars, and other folks Confessors, who revealed many privacies unto her. Secondly, she was eminent for foretelling things to come, and some of her predictions hit in the mark, procured to the rest the reputation of pro∣phecy with credulous people. She foretold that King Henry should not be King a full twelve moneth, except he reassumed Queen Katharine to be his Wife.

47. I am heartily sorry that the gravity of John Fisher, Bishop of Roche∣chester should be so light, and the sharp sight of S^r Thomas More so blinde, as to give credit to so notorious an Impostrix, which plunged them both into the Kings deep displeesure. As for Elizabeth Bvrton, soon after she was exe∣cuted, with many of her complices and complotters. The Papist at this day, unable to defend her forgery, and unwilling to confess her cheating, seek to salve all by pleading her to be distracted. Thus if succeeding she had been praised (and perchance Canonized) for her devotion; now fail∣ing she must be pardoned and pittied for her distraction.

48. We may remember, how, not long since, the Clergie did own, and recognize King Henry the eighth, for Supreme Head of the Church, which was clearly carried by a plurality of voices in the Convocation. John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, was the onely eminent Clergy-man, who openly opposed

it. One obnoxious to the Kings dispeasure, on a threefold account; first, for engaging so zealously, (above the earnestness of an Advocate) against the Kings Divorce. Secondly, for tampering with that notable Impositrix, the holy maid of Kent. Thirdly, for refusing the Oath of Supremacy, for which he was now imprisoned. Indeed this Bishop lost himself (both with his friends and his ••oes) by his inconstancy at the first, seeing he who should have been as staid as the Tower, was as wavering as the Weather-cock, neither complying with the King, nor agreeing with himself; but would and would not, acknowledge the Kings Supremacy. But at last he fixed himself on the nega∣tive, and resolutely continued therein till the day of his death, of whom more largely hereafter.

49. The Clergie in the Province of York did also for a long time deny the Kings Supremacy. Indeed the Convocation of York hath ever since struck Ta∣lies with that of Canterbury, though not implicitly) unanimously post-concurring therewith; But here they dissented, not because more Knowing in their judg∣ments, or tender in their consciences, but generally more superstitious, and ad∣dicted to Popery. Insomuch that they sent two LETTERS to the King (I con∣ceive them written, one from the upper, the other from the lower house of Convocation) wherein they acquainted his Highness with their judgments, (in∣terlacing many expressions of general submission) and their Reasons in a large discourle, why they could not acknowledg him to be Supreme Head of the Church.

50. Give me leave to suspect Edward Lee, Arch-Bishop of York, for a se∣cret fomentor of this difference. He was a virulent Papist, much conceited of his own Learning, (which made him to write against Erasmus) and a per∣secutor of Protestants; witness John Bale, convented before him for suspicion of heresie, who in vain earnestly pleaded Scripture in his own defence, till at last he casually made use of a distinction out of Scotus, which the Arch-Bishop more valued, then all which he had before more pertinently alledged out of the Old and New Testament.

51. King Henry wrote a fair and large Letter to the Convocation of York, too long here to be inserted, (though otherwise I have a gooda Copy there∣of) wherein the King began mildly to make the passage for his Supremacy into their consciences, by a Rational and Argumentative way. He disclaimed all design by fraud to surprize, or by force to captivate their judgments, but one∣ly to convince them of the Truth, and Equity of what he desired. Heb decla∣vered the sence of Supreme Head of the Church, (though offensive in the sound to ignorant ears) claiming nothing more thereby, then what Christian Prin∣ces in the Primitive times assumed to themselves, in their own Dominions, so that it seems he wrought so far on their affections, that at last they consented thereunto.

52. Here I wonder at the cavil of the Papists, which being so causleses, should be so clamorous, accusing us to have ac Parliament Religion, a Parlia∣ment Faith, a Parliament Gospel; andd another addeth Parliament Bishops, and a Parliament Clergy. Whereas upon serious examination it will appear, that there was nothing done in the Reformation of Religion, save what was acted by the Clergy in their Convocations, or grounded on some Act of theirs, praecedent to it, with the advice, counsel, and consent of the Bishops and most eminent Church-men; confirmed upon the Postfact, and not otherwise, by the Civil Sanction, according to the usage of the best and happiest times of Chri∣stianity.

53. By the same proportion in the dayes of Queen Mary the Popish Re∣ligion, might have been stiled a Parliament Religion, because after the same had been debated on, and concluded of in the Convocation, it was confirmed by the Queen, Lords and Commons, by the Act of Parliament.

Notes

• Anno Regis Hen. 8 22.
• Anno Dom. 1530.
• Accused in Parliament and well defended by Mr Cromwel his servant.
• Prefe••red〈…〉〈…〉 to York.
• Anno Dom. 1530
• Anno Regis Hen. 8 22.
• 〈…〉〈…〉
• He states it at York.
• Arrested of Treason and dieth.
• Wolseys credu∣lity befooled with dubi∣ous Prophe∣cy.
• Hen. Lord Howard in his Book against Prophesies. chap. 28. fol. 130.
• The King de∣luded with delays at Rome.
• a

  Hist. of Councel of Trent, pag. 69.
• Doct. cranmet comes to Wal∣tham.
• a

  In Essex. Pag. 645. But see the former part of Cran∣mers life until this time, in our History of Cambridg.
• Is imployed by the King to the Pope.
• b

  Fox Acts & Mon. 1861.
• c

  Which I have seen at Chesthunt in the house of Sir Tho. Docres, done as I take it by Hans Holbein.
• Marriage with Brothers Wives twice forbidden in Scripture.
• Anno Dom. 1530
• Anno Regis Hen. 8. 22.
• This proved to be a Law of Nature.
• a

  Senders de schism. Angli. pag. 3.
• The Objecti∣on to the con∣trary.
• Answered.
• Anno Regis Hen. 8. 82.
• Anno Dom. 1530
• a

  Ex••d. 12. 37.
• b

  Deut. ••5. 5.
• Gods Laws in∣dispensable with by the Pope.
• c

  1 Cor. 9. ••••.
• d

  Gen. 3. 4.
• Carnal know∣led not mate∣rial in this controversie.
• e

  Deut. 22. 24.
• No Christian utility incon∣sistent with honesty.
• Armies of writers pro & con in this point.
• Anno Dom. 1530
• Anno Regis Hen. 8▪ 22.
• b

  Mark 6. 18.
• We order them by the seniority of their writing.
• c

  Properly people of France, living betwixt the Rivers of Ga∣rumna and Sequana.
• Cranmer ac∣companies o∣thers in an Embassie to Rome.
• d

  Father Floud, See Mason de mi∣nist. Ang. pag. 157.
• e

  2 Kings 9. 36.
• Foreign Uni∣versities de∣termine for the King.
• a

  Hollinsh. in Hen. 8. pag. 923.
• May
• b

  2.
• c

  7. June.
• d

  1.
• e

  1.
• f

  10.
• g

  10. July
• h

  2. Octo.
• The bold De∣claration of the Universi∣ty of Bononia.
• i

  Speeds Chro. in H. 8. p. 766.
• k

  De schismate Anglic. p. 60, 61.
• The Recusan∣cy of other Universities.
• l

  Eccles. 10. 19
• Cranmer tra∣velleth into Germany.
• The Clergy 〈…〉〈…〉 praemunire.
• 1531
• Acknowledg the 〈…〉〈…〉 of the Church.
• Confirmed by Act of Parlia∣ment.
• The death of Arch Bishop Warham.
• 1532
• 23. Aug. 23.
• a

  Weavers Fu∣neral Mon.
• b

  Antiq. Brit. pag.
• Cranmer sent for, and un∣willing, ac∣cepteth the Arch-Bisho∣prick.
• c

  Fox Acts & Mon. p. 1703.
• A preparative to Cranmers just defence.
• Anno Regis Hen. 8 23.
• Anno Dom 1532
• a

  Becan contro: Angl. c. 4. q. 9. n. 6.
• Cranmer law∣fully conse∣crated.
• b

  Regist. Cramn. fol. 5.
• 24. Mar. 30.
• 1533
• His double marriage no ba•• unto him.
• c

  1 Tim. 3. 2.
• d

  In dial. cum Tryph.
• e

  Eph. 83.
• Bishops, mar∣ried in the Primitive times.
• f

  Sozomenus lib. 1. cap. 11.
• g

  Baptistae Mantuenus.
• h

  In carmine de vitâ suâ.
• m

  Will, Pryn in his antipa∣thy of prelacy to Monarchie, pag. 131.
• Cranmer took not the like Oath with his predecessors.
• The copy of his prote∣station.
• n

  Ex Regist. Cranmer. fol. 4.
• Anno Dom. 1533
• Anno Regis Hen. 8. 24.
• No cavil but a just charge.
• A happy match in the event.
• a

  Mr Pryn, pag. 132.
• A Rebels weapon.
• b

  Mr Pryn ut prius.
• Ill used a∣gainst a loyal subject.
• The grand cavil.
• c

  Mr Pryn, pag. 133.
• Answered.
• Violent no just depriving.
• God send va∣lour at last.
• Remember not what God had forgot∣ten.
• a

  Mr Pryn, 134.
• b

  An appeal to any indiffe∣rent.
• Cranmer Di∣vorceth King Henry.
• Who Marri∣eth a Lady, and a Bollen.
• The Impo∣sture of Eli∣beth Barton.
• Fisher & More befooled by her forgery.
• Bish. Fisher imprisoned for refusing the Oath of Supremacy.
• The Convo∣cation of York denies the Kings Supre∣macy.
• Edw. Lee Arch-Bishop of York a fu∣rious Papist. De Scriptoribus Drit. in Ed∣wardo Sexto.
• King Henry his answer to York Convo∣cation.
• a

  Communi∣cated unto me by my good friend Dr Littleton.
• b

  It is printed in the second part of the Cabal.
• A couseless cavil.
• c

  Harding a∣gainst Jewel.
• d

  Scultingus.
• The Cavil re∣torted.