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

Of the severall Orders of Monks and Nuns in England.

SO much of the Superstition of the Founders,* 1.1 come we now to their Supersti∣tion, and other notorious sins, who lived in these foundations. But first we will premise their severall Orders. Herein we pretend not to any criticall skill: For though every Minister of God's Word (whereof I am the meanest) is a spirituall Herald to derive and deduce the Pedigrees and Genealogies of any Institution, which hath its Originall in God's Word, yet they are not bound (not to say it is a learned Ignorance) to be skilled in the Deductions, Divisions, and Sub-divisions of these Orders, which have no foundation in the Scripture. Yea, hear whatc 1.2 Matthew Paris, being a Monk of S. Albans saith, Tot jam apparue∣runt Ordines in Angliâ, ut ordinum confusio videretur inordinata. It is possible then for my best diligence to commit an Errour, and impropriety in Reckoning them up. For what wonder is it if one be lost in a wood, to which their nume∣rous Orders may well be resembled, though in all this wood there appears not one plant of God's planting, as one of their ownf 1.3 Abbots most remarkably did ob∣serve. In a word, when theg 1.4 Frogs of Aegypt died out of the houses, out of the vil∣lages, and out of the fields, They gathered them together upon heaps, &c. And give us leave in like manner confusedly to shovel up these Vermin, now dead in Eng∣land.

2. First,* 1.5 come forth the Benedictines, or Black Monks, so called from S. BE∣NEDICT, or BENET, an Italian, first Father and Founder of that Order, Au∣gustine the Monk first brought them over into England, and these black Birds first nested in Canterbury, whence they have flowen into all the parts of the King∣dome. For ash 1.6 one rightly observeth, all the Abbeys in England, before the time of King William the Conquerour (and some whiles after) were filled with this Or∣der. Yea, all the Abbeys in England, of the first magnitude, which had Parlia∣mentary Barons (abate onely the Prior of the Hospitallers of S. John's in Lon∣don) were of this Order, and though the Augustinians were their Seniors in Eu∣rope, they were their Juniors in England. Now as Mercers, when their old Stuffes begin to tire in Sale, refresh them with new Names to make them more vendible: So when the Benedictines waxed stale in the world, the same Order was set forth in a New Edition, corrected and amended under the names, first of

CLUNIACKS: these were Benedictines sifted through a finer search, with some additionals invented and imposed upon them by Odo Abbot of Cluni, in Burgundy, who lived Anna Domini 913. But these Cluniacks ap∣peared not in England till after the Norman Conquest, and had their richest Covents at Barnestable in Devon-shire, Pontefract and Meaux in York∣shire, &c.

2. CISTERCIANS, so called from one Robert, living in Cistercium, in Burgundy aforesaid, he the second time refined the drossie Benedictines,

and Walter Especk, first established their Brotherhood in England at Rivall in York-shire, besides which, they had many other pleasant and plentifull habitations, at Warden and Woburne in Bedford shire, Buckland and Ford in Devon shire, Bindon in Dorset-shire, &c. The Bernardine Monks were of a younger House, or under-Branch of the Cistercians.

3. Of GRAND-MONT, which observed S. Benet's Rule, were brought into England, Anno 1233, and were principally fixed at Abberbury in Shropshire.

The Family of these Benedictines, taken at large, with their Children, and Grand-Children, of under-Orders springing from them, were so numerous and so richly endowed, that in their Revenues they did match all the other Orders in England, especially if the Foundations of Benedictine Nuns be joyned in the same reckon∣ing, I doubt not but since these Benedictines have had their crudities decon∣cocted, and have been drawn out into more slender threds of sub-divisions. For, commonly once in a hundred years starts up some pragmaticall person in an Order, who out of novelty alters their old Rules (there is as much variety and va∣nity in Monks Cowles, as in Courtiers Cloaks) and out of his fancie adds some ob∣servances thereunto. To crie quits with whom after the same distance of time, ariseth another, and under some new Name reformeth his Reformation, and then his late new (now old) Order is looked on as an Almanack out of Date, want∣ing the Perfection of new and necessary Alterations.

3. A scandal hath lately been raised,* 1.7 much in dishonour of these Benedictines, viz: That all the antient English Monks before the Conquest, were onely of the Order of S. Equitius. Some highly concerned to confute this Report, wrote over to our Antiquaries in England, for their Judgments herein; from whom they re∣ceived this following Answer.

a 1.8 QUoniam hâc nostra aetate exorta est controversia de Monachatu Grego∣rii magni & Augustini Cantuariensis, Sociorúmque ejus quos Grego∣rius in Angliam de s••o Monasterio praedicandi Evangelii causa destinâsse legitur: quibusdam ipsos ordini Benedictino addicentibus quibusdam vero id acriter pernegantibus & ipsos Ordini S. Equitii sive alicui alii ascriben∣tibus; Nos qui multum temporis in rebus vetustis tam civilibus quàm sacris, atque iis imprimis quae ad Britanniam nostram potissimum spectant, impendimus, rogati ut testimonium perhiberemus veritati, cum neutrius partis prejudiciis simus obnoxii. Dicimus & affirmamus, nos duo solùm Mo∣nachorum genera in primis Saxonicae apud majores nostros Ecclesiae tem∣poribus: unum eorum qui Aegyptiensium mores secuti, in hac Insulâ flore∣bant, ante adventum Augustini: alterum eorum qui Benedictini Augu∣stino itineris erant comites. Hanc traditionem à patribus ad filios derivatam esse testamur, atque ita derivatam, ut non levibus innitatur fabulis, aut am∣bitiosis partium conjecturis, quin eam ipsam vetusta signatae fidei exhibent apud nos monumenta. Ab Augustino insupper ad Henricum octavum per petuo in hac Insulâ viguit Benedictina Institutio: nec Augustino recentio∣rem ejusve originem, originisve recentioris vestigium ullibi comperimus. Tantum abest Equitianum aliquem in hâc Insula fuisse Ordinem, ut nulla omnino hujusmodi neque ordinis neque nominis mentio in vetustis, quibus versamur, tabulariis, habeatur. Sanè aliorum fere omnium in hâc Insulâ origines ita observavimus, ut unius cujusque etiam minimi ingressum suo anno consignatum habeamus: solius Benedictini ordinis originem ante▪ Augustini saeculum non invenimus; ipsius saeculo floruisse apertè re reperi mus. Unde exploratissimum nobis esse profitemur, non alterius ordinis fuisse ipsum sociósque ejus quam Benedictini; qui ideo proculdubi••, tam altas ra∣dices in Anglia egerit, quoniam primi illi Monachi à Gregorio in Insulam destinati,

Regulae Benedictinae professores extiterunt.

• Robertus Cotton.
• Johannes Seldenus.
  • Henricus Spelman.
  • Gulielmus Cambdenus.

England may see 400 years, yet not behold 4 such Antiquaries her Natives at once, the four wheels of the Triumphant chariot of truth for our British History. This Quaternion of Subscribers, have stick'n the point dead with me that all anti∣ent English Monks were Benedictines. Which Order lasting above one thousand years in this Land, hath produced about two hundred and fifty Writers of Name and note, as Pitzeus* 1.9 accounteth them.

4. What this S. Equitius was,* 1.10 (pretended Founder of our first English Monks) is worth our enquirie. Sure he could not be that Equitius, of whom the African Bishops complained in the Councell of Carthage, That by indirect courses he had invaded the Priesthood; desi••ing by theirb 1.11 Legats (whom they sent to the Empe∣rour) That he might be expelled that Office. Yet he, in defiance of their ende∣vours, went about to disturb the peace of the Church. More probable it is, he was either Equitius a Deacon in the Apamean Church, (flourishing in the fourth Century) and famous for his faith and fervency in Religion inc 1.12 assisting Marcel∣lus Bishop thereof, to demolish the Temple of Jupiter, or else his contemporary E∣quitius, Consul of Rome with Gratian, An. 378, or some other unknown unto us. But be he, who he himself or any other pleaseth (brother, if they will, to S. George on Horse back) he was never father of any Monks in England.

5. I intended to present the Reader,* 1.13 with the habits of Benedictines, and all other Orders for the fashion, matter, and colour thereof. But understanding the industrious work called Monasticon, is comming sorth (which hath the speed of this my Book, for a Term or two) wherein that Subject is handled at large, I thought better to forbear. Partly, because I presume Master Dadsworth (an e∣minent instrument in that usefull work) better acquainted, than I am, with their Taylors: partly, because my wardrobe of their clothes (coming so long after his) will be beheld, but as from the second hand fetched from Long lane, and his new bought out of the Draper's-shop.

6. The Augustinian Monks succeed,* 1.14 younger than the Benedictines in England, though older in Europe. For S. Augustine of Hippo, (on whom these Monks would willingly recover themselves) was S. Benet's Senior by sixty years. I can∣not believe, that they came over into England (what some affirm) precise, Anno 636, (others 640.) when Birinus was Bishop of Dorchester, or thatd 1.15 1059, they were seated in London, being rather inclined to believe, that Eudo the Dapifer (Sewer, if you please) to King Henry the first, first brought them into England, Anno 1105 and that S. John's at Colchester was the prime place of their residence. However, I finde that Waltham. Abbey (for Benedictines at the first) had its Copie altered by King Henry the second, and bestowed on Augustinians.

7. These Augustinians were also called Canons Regular,* 1.16 where, by the way, I meet with such a nice distinction, which dishearrens me from pretending to exact∣nesse in reckoning up these Orders. For, this I finde in our Englishe 1.17 Ennius:

And all such other Counterfaitours Chanons, Canons and such disguised Boen Goddes enemies and Traytours His true religion hau soule despised.

It seems the H here amounteth to a letter so effectuall as to discriminate Chanons, from Canons, (though both Canonici in Latine) but what should be the difference betwixt them, I dare not interpose my conjecture. I have done with these Au∣gustinians when I have observed, that this Order in England afforded* 1.18 threescore and ten eminent Writers, and one in Germany worth them all in effect, I mean Martin Luther, who by his writings gave a mortall wound to all these Orders, yea, and to the root of the Romish Religion.

8. Gilbertine Monks,* 1.19 may be the third, a mongrel Order, observing some select Rules partly of S. Bennet, partly of S. Augustine. So named from Gilbert (son to Joceline a Knight) Lord of Sempringham in Lincoln-shire, where 1148, first they were planted. Whereupon, this-Order may boast, that it alone is a native and Indegena, (whereas Benedictines are by original Italians; Augustinians, Af∣frican;

Carthusians, French; Dominicans, Spanish; &c.) pure English by the ex∣traction thereof. This Gilbert, unhandsome, but not unlearned, erected this Or∣der, (contrary to Justinians constitution, who forbad double Monasteries) where∣in men and women lived together, (though secluded) under one roof. He sur∣vived to see thirteen Houses of this his own Order, and in them seventeen hun∣dred Gilbertine Brothers and Sisters. Yet I finde no Writer of this Or••er, con∣ceiving them so well busied with their Company in their Convent, they had little leisure for the writing of Books.

9. Carthusian Monks make up a Messe,* 1.20 much famed for their mortified lives and abstinence from all flesh; one Bruno first founded them in the Dolphinate in France, Anno 1080, and some 60 years after they were brought over into Eng∣land. I wonder men fasting so much, should have so high spirits, no Order stand∣ing more stoutly on their priviledges, insomuch when the means of all Covents were valued in the Reign of* 1.21 King Henry the eighth, a peculiar clause was added to the Patent of the Commissioners, impowering them particularly to rate Char∣ter-house in London. However, their Books (there being eleven* 1.22 learned Authors of English Carthusians) contain much tending to mortification, and out of them Parsons the Jesuite hath collected a good part of his Resolutions.

10. So much of Monks,* 1.23 come we now to Fryers, and it is necessary to pre∣mise what was the distinction betwixt them. For though some will say, the mat∣ter is not much, if Monks and Friers were confounded together, yet the distin∣guishing of them condueeth much to the clearing of History. Some make Monks the Genus, and Friers but the Species, so that all Fryers were Monks, but è contra all Monks were not Fryers. Others, that Monks were confined to their Cloi∣sters, whilst more liberty was allowed to Fryers to goe about and preach in neigh∣bouring Parishes. Others, that Monks were in those Convents who had a Bishop over them, as Canterbury, Norwich, Durham, &c. but never any Fryers in such places where the Bishop was the supreme, and they in some sort had the power of his Election. I see it is very hard just to hit the joynt so as to cleave them asunder at an hairs bredth, Authors being so divided in their opinions. But the most essentiall difference, whereon we most confide is this, Monks had nothing in pro∣priety, but all in common; Fryers had nothing in propriety, nor in common, but be∣ing Mendicants, begg'd all their subsistance from the charity of others. True it is, they had Cells or Houses to dwell, or rather hide themselves in (so the Foxes have holes, and the Birds of the aire have nests) but all this went for nothing, seeing they had no means belonging thereunto. Yea it hath borne a tough debate be∣twixt them, Whether a Fryer may be said to be Owner of the Cloathes be weareth? and it hath been for the most part over-ruled in the negative.

11. It will be objected,* 1.24 that many Convents of Fryers had large and ample revenues (as will appear by perusing the Catalogue in Speed's Tables) amounting to some hundreds (though never thousands) by the year, some Fryers barns well∣nigh as wealthy as some Monks (rather every pretended Lazarus, a Dives) hold∣ing, though not severally to themselves, joyntly amongst themselves, most rich endowments. Here also it will be in vain to flie to the distinction of Cresis and Chresis, of using and owning, seeing the Monks will lay a claim to that distincti∣on, and challenge as great an interest therein as the Fryers themselves.

12. I have nothing to return in answer hereunto,* 1.25 save onely that, Olim verò non fuit sic, from the beginning [of the Institution of Fryers] it was not so, these ad∣ditions of Lands unto them, are of later date, and, believe it, not of their seeking, but their Benefactors casting upon them.

13. However,* 1.26 nothing more common than to make Monks and Fryers both Synonyma's and reciprocall, and for my own part, I passe not, if in this my History I have committed the same, and hereafter shall be guilty of greater mistakes. Fo∣resters laughed at the ignorance of that Gentleman, who made this difference betwixt a Stag and a Hart, that the one was a red, the other a fallow deer, being both of a kinde, only different in age, and some other circumstances in Venarie. I

may make the like sport to some Popish Reader, (and much good let it do him) in differencing some Orders which are the same, and identifying other Orders which are distinct, but the matter is of no dangerous concernment. May we be but carefull to orderf 1.27 our conversations aright, that God may shew us his salvation, and it matters not much if we commit errours, and discover ignorance in ordering Fryers, not in their exact number and seniority. These premised, we begin with their four Elemental Orders.

14. Wickliffe constantly inveigheth against Fryers,* 1.28 under the name of CAIM. Had it been Caine, I should have suspected his allusion to the words of the A∣postle, They have gone in the* 1.29 way of Cain, but now am at a losse, and had so con∣tinued, had I not lighted on a railing Hexastick of an uncharitable Rythmer, (a base fellow may show an honest man the way) who thus letteth flie at them:

Per decies binos Sathanas capiat Jacobinus, Propter & errores Jesu confunde Minores, Augustienses, Pater inclyte, sterne per enses, Et Carmelitas tanquam falsos Heremitas Sunt Confessores Dominorum, seu Dominarum Et seductores ipsarum sunt animarum.

• C. Carmelites
• A. Augustinians
  • I. Jacobines
  • M. Minorites
    • or
      • Dominicans.
      • Franciscans.
        • Fryers.

And thus at last we have the great mysterie unfolded, whom Wickliffe therein did intend.

15. Of these Dominicans were the first Fryers,* 1.30 which came over into England, Anno 1221, being but twelve (an Apostolical number) with Gilbert de Fraxineto their Prior first landed at Canterbury, fixed at Oxford, but richly endowed at London, they were commonly called Black Fryers, Preaching Fryers, and Jaco∣bine Fryers. They took their name from S. Dominick born at Calogora in Spain, and Hubert de Burg•• Earl of Kent, was their prime Patrone, bestowing his Palace in the Suburbs of London upon them, which afterwards they sold to the Arch∣bishop's of York, residing therein, till by some transactions betwixt King Henry the eighth and Cardinal Wolsey, it became the Royal-Court, now known by the name of White-hall. Afterwards by the bounty of Gregory Rocksly Lord Major of Lon∣don, and Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury, they were more convenient∣ly lodged in two Lanes on the bank of Thames, in a place enjoying great privi∣ledges, and still retaining the name of Black Fryers. No fewer thang 1.31 fourscore famons English writers are accounted of this Order. At this day, as beyond the Seas, they are much condemned for being the sole active managers of the cruell Spanish Inquisition, so they deserve due commendation for their Orthodox judge∣ments in maintaining some Controversies in Divinity of importance against the Jesuits.

16. Franciscans follow,* 1.32 commonly called Grey Fryers and Minorites, either in allusion to Jacob's words,h 1.33 Sum Minor omnibus beneficiis Tuis, or from some other humble expressions in the New Testament. They received their name from S. Francis, born in the Dutchy of Spoletum in Italy. Canonized by Pope Gregory the ninth, about two years after whose death the Franciscans came over into Eng∣land, and one Diggs (Ancestour of Sir Dudley Diggs) bought for them their first seat in Canterbury: who afterwards were diffused all over England. For skill in School-Divinity they beat all other Orders quite out of distance, and had a curious Library in London (built by Richard Whittington) in that Age costing five hundred

and fifty pounds, which quickly might be made up, if (as it is reported) ani 1.34 hun∣dred marks were expended in transcribing the Commentaries of Lyra.

17. We must not forget that one Bernard of Siena about the year 1400,* 1.35 refined the Franciscans into Observants, no distinct metall from the former, but different from them as steel from iron. K. Edward the fourth first brought them into Eng∣land, where they had six famous Cloysters; since which time there have been a new Order of Minims begun beyond the Seas, conceiving the comparative of Minor too high, they have descended to Minimus, according to our Saviour's own words, He that is a [minime] or the least among you, the same shall be greatest: and I much admire that none have since begun an Order of Minor-Minimo's; the rather, because of the Apostles words of himself, who am lesse than the least of all saints. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. As I may say, a subter-subterlative in his humility. As for other Diminutives of Franciscans or Minorites beyond the Seas, Recollects, Penitentiaries, Capuchins, &c. seeing they had their rise since the fall of Abbeys in England, they belong not to our present enquiry. Sufficeth it that this Order, during the extent of our story, afforded in England an hundred and ten learned Writers.

18. Carmelites,* 1.36 or White Fryers, come next, so named from Mount Carmel in Syria, brought over into England in the Reign of King Richard the first, by Ralph Ereeborn: and placed at Alnewicke in Northumberland in a wildernesse (sic cani∣bus catulos) most like unto Carmel in Syria. Whose Convent at their dissolution in the Reign of King Henry the eighth,* 1.37 was at low rates, in that cheap County, valued at one hundred ninety four pounds and seven shillings per annum, to justifie our former observation, that even Mendicant Fryers had Houses endowed with re∣venues.

19. This foundeth something to the commendation of the English Carmelites,* 1.38 That their Order lost not the vigour thereof by being poured into Cisternes (me∣diatly derived from other Countreys) but as ourw 1.39 Authour telleth us, Hi cum primis Monachis Britonum & Scotorum ex Aegypto & Palestinâ in Britanicas In∣sulas Monochatum Intulerunt, That Monkery and (Carmelite) Friery came out of Aegypt and Palestine into Britain. Thus they will allow us to have superstition immediately thence without any circle from Rome, but are highly offended (and stickle mainly to the contrary) That we should fetch true Religion thence (with the antient observation of Easter) but this forsooth, we must receive at the second hand from Rome, and be ordered according to her directions therein.

20. Another thing also is alledged in the praise of our Carmelites,* 1.40 That they were most carefull in keeping the Records of their Order, that the List being lost of the Benedictines, Dominicans, &c. (save here or there a broken link or two) Carmelites have preserved the successive series of their Provincials. Let them thank John Bayle herein, once one of them, (though they be pleased to jeer him as forsaking it for the love of his dear Dorothy) who in his youth made the Cata∣logue out of love to his Order, and in his old age preserved it out of his generall affection to antiquity, and it will not be amisse here to represent it.

Provincial.	His County.	Began.	Ruled.	Lies buried in
1. Ralph Freburne.	Northumberland.	1240	14	Anwick.
2. Henry de Hanna.	Brunham.	1254	17	Stanford.
3. Roger Grostwick.	Norfolke.	1272	05	Brunham.
4. William Hamberg.	Surrey.	1278	03	London.
5. Will: Ludlington.	Lincolne.	1289	05	Stanford.
6. Will: Newenham.	Cambridge.	1303	02	Cambridge.
7. Rich: Wellwen.	Hartford.	1305	04	Hutchin.
8. William Pagham.	Kent.	1309	03	Meth, in Ireland.
9. John Barkemsted.	Hartford.	1312	07	London.
10. Richard Blyton.	Lincolne.	1319	06	Lincolne.
11. John Walsingham.	Norfolke.	1326	03	Avinion.
12. John Baconthorp.	Norfolke.	1329	04	London.
13. John Blexam.	Oxford.	1333	02	Oxford.
14. John Poleshed.	Suffolke.	1335	07	Yorke.
15. John Folsham.	Norfolke.	1340	06	Norwich.
16. Walter Kelham.	Yorke.	1345	05	Alverston.
17. Will: Lubbenham.	Coventrie.	1353	01	Coventrie.
18. John Counton.	Yorke.	1359	03	London.
19. Thomas Broun.	London.	1362	17	London.
20. Robert Yvorie.	London.	1379	13	London.
21. John Kiningham.	Suffolke.	1393	05	Yorke.
22. Steph: Patrington.	Yorke.	1399	15	London.
23. Thomas Walden.	Essex.	1414	16	Roan.
24. Jo: Keninghall.	Norfolke.	1430	13	Norwich.
25. Nic: Kenton.	Suffolke.	1444	12	London.
26. Jo: Milverton.	Bristoll.	1456	11	London.
27. John Sutton.	Doncaster.	1465	03	Doncaster.
28. Jo: Vinde.	Lincolne.	1482	14	Boston.
29. Rob: Love.	Norfolke.	1505	07	Norwich.
30. Richard Ferris.	Oxford.	1513	03	Oxford.
31. Iohn Bird.	Warwick.	1516	03	Chester.
32. Robert Lesbury.	Northumberland.	1519	03	Chester.

This Order was vertical, and in the highest exaltation thereof in the Reign of King Edward the fourth, under Nicholas Kenton their twenty fifth Provincial, they reckoned no fewer thann 1.41 fifteen hundred of their Order. But when Iohn Milverton his Successour, began (in favour of Friery) furiously to engage a∣gainst Bishops, and the Secular Clergy, the Carmelites good masters and dames began too 1.42 forsake them, and they never recovered their credit, till they were utterly dissolved. Iohn Bird the one and thirtieth (some say last) Provinciall of this Order, zealously impugned the Pope's Primacy in his Sermons, for which he was made the first Bishop of Chester, and was* 1.43 ejected that See in the Reign of Queen Mary, because he was married.

21. We must not forget how the Carmelites boast very much of one Simon Stock of their Order,* 1.44 a Kentish-man, or rather Kentish-boy, which being but twelve years of age, went out into the Woods and there fed on Roots and Wilde fruit, living in the Trunke of an hollow-Tree, whence he got the Sirname of p 1.45 Stock, having a Revelation, That soon after some should come out of Syria, and confirm his Order, which came to passe when the Carmelites came here. He after∣wards became Master-Generall of their Order (to whom the respective Provin∣cialls are accountable) and is said to be famous for his miracles. Let Syria then boast no longer of the sanctity of their Simon Stulites (so called it seems, because

constantly living about a Stone-pillar) our Simon Stock may mate their Simon Stone in all particulars of holiness, though (under the Rose be it spoken) Mr. Ri∣chard Stock, the painful Minister of S. All-hallowes Broad-street in London for r 1.46 32 years did advance God's glory more than both of them.

22. Augustinian Eremites lag last,* 1.47 of farre later date than Augustinian-Monks, as who first entred England, Anno 1252, and had (if not their first) their fairest habitation at S. Peter's the Poor, London, thence probably taking the denominati∣on of Povertie (otherwise at this day one of the richest Parishes in the City) be∣cause the said Augustinian-Eremites went under the notion of Begging-Fryers. Mean time, what a mockerie was this, that these should pretend to be Eremites, who, instead of a wide Wildernesse lived in Broad street, London, where their Church at this day belongeth to the Dutch-Congregation. To give these Augu∣stine-Fryers their due, they were good Disputants; on which account they are re∣membred still in Oxford by an Act performed by Candidates for Mastership, cal∣led Keeping of Augustines.

23. So much for the four principall sort of Fryers.* 1.48 The following Orders be∣ing but additionall descants upon them, with some variations of their Founders: Amongst whom were the Trinitarians, for whom Robert Rooksley built first an House at Mottingden in Kent; they were called also Robertines, and de Redem∣ptione Captivorum, whose work was to beg money of well-disposed people for the ransoming of Christians in Captivity with the Pagans. A charitable employ∣ment, and God himself in some sort may seem Soveraigne of their Order,s 1.49 who looseth the Prisoner, and their sighing cometh before him. Myt 1.50 Author telleth me that he conceiveth them suppressed in England before the generall dissolution of Priories, though conjecturing at no cause thereof. Sure I am, 'twas not because sublatâ causâ tollitur effectus, plenty of Christian Captives then and since remain∣ing amongst the Pagans, nor will I be so uncharitable as to suspect some indirect dealings in their misapplying Contributions; but leave the reason to the enquiry of others.

24. The Bonehomes or Good men succeed them,* 1.51 being also Eremites brought over into England by Richard Earl of Cornwall, in the Reign of King Henry the third, his Brother. So styled (not exclusively of other Orders, but) eminently be∣cause of their signall goodnesse. Otherwise the conceit of theu 1.52 Epigrammist, ad∣miring that amongst so many Popes, there should be but five Pious, lies as strong∣ly here, That amongst so many Orders of Fryers, there should be but one of Good men. But indeed the Apostle himself makes a Good man a degree above a Righ∣teous man:w 1.53 For scarcely for a Righteous man will one die, yet peradventure for a Good man some would even dare to die.

25. These Bonehomes,* 1.54 though begging Fryers, (the poorest of Orders) and Ere∣mites, (the most sequestred of begging-Fryers) had two (and I believe no more) Covents in England; absolutely the richest in all the Land, (Monks onely ex∣cepted) the one in Asheridge in Buckingham shire, now the Mansion of the truly Honorable E. of Bridgewater, where I am informed more of a Monastery is visible this day than in any other house of England. It was valued at the dissolution year∣ly at four hundred forty seven pounds eight shillings halfpeny. The other at Eding∣ton in Wiltshire, now known for the hospitality of the Lady Beuchampe dwelling therein: Valued, when dissolved at five hundred twenty one pounds twelve shillings halfpeny. It seems that these Fryers (though pretending to have nothing nec in proprio, nec in communi) would not cast their Caps (I should say their Coules) at rich Revenues, if bestowed upon them, but contentedly (not to say cheerfully) imbrace the same.

26, I am affraid I have wronged the Crouched Fryers in their seniority,* 1.55 who about the same time, if not before the Bonehomes, viz: 1244, came over into Eng∣land with the Pope's Authentick, and this unusuall priviledge, That none should re∣prove their Order, or upbraid them, or command them, under pain ofx 1.56 Excommuni∣cation. They carried a Crosse some say on their Staves; others, on their Backs,

called in French, a Crouch; and justly might they be angry, if their Propernesse were debased into Deformity on the same mistake whereon Edmund Crouch-back, Brother to King Edward the first (y 1.57 one of the comliest men alive) is mis-repre∣sented to Posterity for Crooked-back'd, meerly for assuming the Crosse on Him in the Holy Warre. The place of Crouched-Fryers in London still retaineth their name.

27. Soon after,* 1.58 one year, viz: 1257, produced two new Orders: so that I know not how to martiall their Priority, except to avoid Contests they will be pleased discreetly to use the Expedient betwixt the Company of Merchant Taylors and Skinners in London, to take their precedency yearly by turns. Both of them were fixed in Cambridge. The first, the Brethren, De Poenitentiâ Iesu, (otherwise Bre∣thren of the Sack) whose Cell since is turned into Peter-house. The other Bethle∣mites dwelling somewhere inz 1.59 Trumpington-street, and wearing a Starre with five Rayes on their backs. But their Starre proved but a Comet, quickly fading away, and no more mention found of them in English Authors.

28. I will conclude with the Robertines,* 1.60 confounded bya 1.61 some, distinguished byb 1.62 others from Fryers Trinitarians. These owe their originall to one Robert Flower, son of Took Flower, who had been twice Major of Yorke (the name lately remaining in that City) who forsaking the fair lands left him by his Father, be∣took himself to a solitary life about the Rocks in Niddsdale in Yorke-shire, and it seems at Knaresborough the first and last House was erected for his Order. c 1.63 Matthew Paris reports that his Tomb abundantly cast forth a Medicinall Oyle, which possibly might be, the dissolving of some Gums used about his body, and other naturall causes may be assigned thereof.

29. For mine own eyes have beheld in the fair Church of Ilminster in Somerset∣shire, * 1.64 the beautifull Tomb of Nicholas Wadham of Myrefield Esquire, and Dorothy his Wife (Founders of the uniform Colledge of Wadham in Oxford) out of which in Summer sweats forth an unctious moisture with a fragrant smell, (which pos∣sibly an active fancy might make soveraign for some uses) being nothing else than some bituminous matter (as by the colour and scent doth appear) used by the Marbler in joyning the chinks of the stones, issuing out chiefly there∣abouts.

30. So much of Monks and Fryers,* 1.65 as great being the variety amongst Histo∣rians about their number, as amongst Criticks in reckoning up the Originall Lan∣guages, and the difference almost proceedeth on the same account; for as the miscounting of Dialects for Tongues causlesly multiplieth the number of those Languages: So many mistaking graduall for specificall differences amongst Or∣ders, have almost doubled their true number on that misprision. Masterd 1.66 Fox in the Reign of King Henry the third, reckoneth up no fewer than an hundred and two Male-Orders of Monks and Fryers (no Nuns being cast into the account) but therein he confineth not himself to such as onely were extant in England: but taketh in the whole compasse of Christendome therein to make up his Catalogue. We have work enough upon our hands to insist upon such Orders as found foot∣ing in our Land, especially the most principall of them. For other inferiour Or∣ders I purposely omit (besides the grand ones of Templers and Hospitallers, be∣cause largely handled in my Holy Warre) As the Order of the Blessed Mary of reward which Mr. Lambert confoundes with the Crouched and Trinitarian Fryers, for which mye 1.67 Author falls foul with his memory, affirming these to be three distinct Orders, Habitu, fine, & constitutionibus. (Distinctions enough of all conscience to diversifie them) and therefore greater the wonder that Mr. Lam∣bert's pen should leap over this treble ditch to confound them into one Order.

31. The aforesaidf 1.68 Author also chargeth him,* 1.69 as if he made his perambulation about Kent, as done meerly out of spightfull designe to disgrace the Romish Religi∣on, never mentioning any Convent without mocking at them, adding moreover, That his Book contains fabulas ineptas, & crassa mendacia. Mean time he ad∣vances Iohn Stow to the skies (though confessing him farre inferiour to Mr. Lam∣bert

in learning) for his sedulous distinguishing of those Orders, and concludeth that Stow's Antiquities of London for the worth and truth thereof have often pas∣sed the Presse, whilst the other his Description of Kent underwent the hand of the Printer no more than once. Nor stops he here, but useth so slovenly an ex∣pression (it is well it is in Latine) calling his Book Charta Cacata, which (saving reverence to the Reader) may be returned on the foul of mouth of him who first uttered it.

32. Now I conceive,* 1.70 not onely Queen Elizabeths poor people at Greenwich (so are the Almes-men there termed in a fair House, which this Mr. Lambert chari∣tably g 1.71 founded for them) engaged to assert their good Patron, but also that all ingenious English men are obliged in his just vindication from this unjust asper∣sion. Indeed, his Book is a rare piece of learning, and he in age and industry the true successour to Leland in the studies of English Antiquity, and the height there∣of above common capacity, the sole cause that his Book (as also his worthy work on the Saxon Laws) hath no oftner passed the Impression. His labours are feasts for schollars, not (like Stow's works) daily fare for common people. Thus the Draper may sooner sell forty ells of freeze and course cloath, than the Mercer four yards of cloath of gold, as onely for the wearing of persons of prime quality. Nor doth the slow-selling of a book argue it to be a drugge, wanting reall worth in its self, seeing this railing Reinerius his own Book (notwithstanding the pompous Title thereof, Apostolatus Benedictinorum in Angliâ) though printed nine and twenty years since, viz: 1626, hath not (on my best enquiry) as yet been honour'd with a second Edition.

33. Before we take our farewell of Fryers,* 1.72 know there was a deadly Antipathie betwixt them and Parish-Priests: For the former slighted the later, as good a∣lone to take Tythes, and like Hackney post-horses onely to run the stage in the Masse-book, secundùm usum Sarum, Ignorant and unable to preach. Wherefore the Fryers, when invading the Pulpit, would not say to the Parson, By your leave Sir, but proudly presuming on their Papall Priviledges, assumed it to them∣selves, as forfeited to them, for the Parson's want of skill or will to make use of it. But these Vultures had the quickest sight and scent about Corps, flocking fastest to men of fashion when lying on their Death-beds, whose last Confessions were more profitable to the Fryers, than half the Glebe-land that year to the Priest of the Parish.

34. This plainly appeareth out of Erasmus in his Dialogues,* 1.73 who though per∣chance therein, he doth Lucian it too much, yet truth may be discovered under the varnish of his scoffing wit. He, in his Dialogue entituled, FUNUS: tells us how Sir George the rich Knight being formerly confessed to the Fryers, the Parochiall Pastour refused to bury him, because he could not give an account to God of this his sheep, as unacquainted with his finall estate, and this case commonly happened in England, the occasion of much heart-burning betwixt them.

35. Monks also hated Fryers at their hearts,* 1.74 because their activity and prag∣maticalnesse made Monks be held as idle and uselesse; yea, as meer Cyphers, whilst themselves were the onely Figures of reckoning and account in the Church.

36.h 1.75 Matthew Paris a Benedictine Monke of S. Albans, was a back-friend to Fryers, and on all occasions hath a good word in store for them, thus speaking of the coming in of the Brethren of the Sack, as also of the Order of Betble∣mites, he welcomes them with this Complement, That now there were so many Orders in England, that of them there was an inordinate confusion.

37. Indeed,* 1.76 the Pope at last grew sensible that the world began to groan, as weary with the weight of Fryers. Who, if multiplying proportionably in after-Ages, would so increase, there would be more mouthes to beg almes, than hands to relieve them; and therefore they were stinted to the aforesaid four Cardinal Orders, of Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelities, and Augustinian Eremites:

These boasted themselves to be like thei 1.77 four Evangelists, though (the number alone excepted) no conformity betwixt them. And they more like unto God's fourk 1.78 sore Iudgments, wherewith he useth to afflict a sinfull Nation.

37. Come we now to Nuns,* 1.79 almost as numerous in England as Monks and Fryers, as having (though not so many Orders) more of the same Order. The weaker sex hath ever equalled men in their devotion. Often exceeded them in su∣perstition, as in the one instance of Gilbertines may appear. These were an Her∣mophrodite Order, as is aforesaid, admitting both men and women under the same roof, and during the life of Gilbert their first Founder for seven hundred Brethren, there werel 1.80 eleven hundred Sisters entred into that Order. None can be so exact in reckoning up the Nuns as the Fryers, because that sex afforded no Writers to acquaint us with the Criticismes of their observances.

38. We will insist onely on three sorts:* 1.81 1. The Antientest: 2. The Poorest: 3. The latest Nuns in England: Of the first sort we account the she Benedictines, commonly called black Nuns, but I assure you, peny white, being most richly en∣dowed. The Poorest follow, being the strict Order of S. Clare, a Lady living in the same time, and born in the same Town with S. Francis: and her Nuns did wear a like habit in colour with the Franciscans. I am charitably enclined to believe that these were the least bad amongst all the Professions of Virginity.

39. The Brigettean Nuns were the latest in England,* 1.82 first setled here in the se∣cond year of King Henry the fifth, Anno Dom. 1415, dissolved with the rest of all Orders, Anno 1538, so that they continued here onely one hundred three and twenty years; an Order to be loved on this account, That it was the last in Eng∣land. Bridget Queen of Sweden, gave them their name and institution. Men and Women living under the same roof: the Women above, the Men beneath, and one Church common to both. By their Order their House was to be endowed plentifully at the first, whereon they might live without wanting or begging, as well in dear as cheap years, and after their first foundation they were uncapable of any future benefactions, Si posteatotusm 1.83 mundus possessiones & praedia eis offerret, quicquam omninò recipere non liceret: If afterwards the whole world should proffer them farms and possessions, it was utterly unlawfull for them to accept any thing thereof: as indeed, additions to such who had plenty before, is rather a burden than a benefit.

40. The mysterious number of Brigetteans might not exceed the number of eighty five.* 1.84 which forsooth was the number of Christ's Apostles and Disciples put together, and thus they were precisely to be qualified:

• 1. Sisters, sixty.
• 2. Priests, thirteen.
• 3. Deacons, four.
• 4. Lay-brethren, eight.
  • In all Eighty five

Where, by the way, know we must reckon seventy two Disciples, (which the n 1.85 Evangelist makes but just seventy, and also put in S. Paul for the thirteenth A∣postle, or else it will not make up the summe aforesaid, but it is all even with discreet persons, be it over or above it. This Order constantly kept their Audit on All-Saints Eve, October 31, and the day after All-Souls being the third of November, they gave away to the poor all that was left of their annual Revenue, conceiving otherwise it would putrifie and corrupt if treasured up, and be as hei∣nous an offence, as the Jews when preserving Manna longer than the continuance of one day. These Brigetteans had but one Convent in England, at Sion in Middle∣sex, built by King Henry the fifth, but so wealthy, that it was valued yearly worth at the dissolution,o 1.86 One thousand nine hundred forty four pounds eleven shillings eight pence farthing.

41. No Convents of Nuns in England more carfully kept their Records than the Priory of Clarkenwell,* 1.87 to whose credit it is registred. That we have a perfect Catalogue of their Prioresses, from their foundation to their dissolution (defective in all other Houses) according to the order following:

• viz:
  • 1. Christiana.* 1.88
  • 2. Ermegard.
  • 3. Hawisia.
  • 4. Eleonora.
  • 5. Alesia.
  • 6. Cecilia.
  • 7. Margery Whatvile.
  • 8. Isabell.
  • 9. Alice Oxeney.
  • 10. Amice Marcy.
  • 11. Denys Bras.
  • 12. Margery Bray.
  • 13. Joan Lewkenor.
  • 14. Joan Fullham.
  • 15. Ratherine Braybroke.
  • 16. Luce Attwood.
  • 17. Joan Viene.
  • 18. Margaret Blakewell.
  • 19. Isabell Wentworth.
  • 20. Margaret Bull.
  • 21. Agnes Clifford.
  • 22. Katherine Greene.
  • 23. Isabell Hussey.
  • 24. Isabell Sackvile.

Had the like care continued in other Convents, it had contributed much to the clearnesse of Ecclesiasticall Historie.

42. Sir Thomas Challoner (Tutour, as I take it, to Prince HENRY) not long agoe built a spacious House within the Close of that Priory,* 1.89 upon the Frontis∣piece whereof these Verses were inscribed, not unworthy of remembrance:

Casta fides superest, velatae tecta Sorores Ista relegatae deseruere licèt: Nam venerandus Hymen hic vota jugalia servat, Vestalém{que} focum mente fovere studet.

Chast Faith still stayes behinde, though hence be flown Those veyled Nuns, who here before did nest: For reverend Marriage, Wedlock vows doth own, And sacred Flames keeps here in Loyall brest.

I hope and believe the same may truly be affirmed of many other Nunneries in England, which now have altered their properity on the same conditions.

43. So much for the severall dates of Monks and Fryers:* 1.90 wherein if we have failed a few years in the exactnesse thereof, the matter is not much. I was glad to finde so ingenuous a passage in Pitzeus, so zealous a Papist, with whom in this point I wholly concurre: He speaking of the different Aeraes of the coming in of the Augustinians into England, thus concludeth: Inr 1.91 tantâ sententiarum Varie∣tate veritatem invenire nec facile est, nec multùm refert. The best is, though I can∣not tell the exact time wherein every Counter was severally laid down on the Table; I know certainly the year wherein they were all thrown together and put up in the bagge, I mean the accurate date of their generall dissolution, viz: Anno One thousand five hundred thirty and eight, on the same signe that Sanders obser∣veth a grand providence therein, That Jesuits began beyond the Seas at the very same time: we will not higgle with so frank a chapman for a few months under or over, but taking his Chronology herein de bene esse, one word of the name of that Order, first premising a pleasant story.

44. A Countrey-man,* 1.92 who had lived many years in the Hercinian woods in Germany, at last came out into a populous City, demanding of the people therein, What God they did worship? It was answered him, They worshipped Jesus Christ. Whereupon, the wilde Wood man asked the names of the severall Churches in the City; which were all called by the sundry Saints to whom they were consecrated. Its strange, said he, that you should worship JESUS CHRIST, and he not have one Temple in all your City dedicated unto him. But it seems Ignatius Loyola, Founder of this new Order, finding all other Orders consigned to some SAINT or other, whence they take their denomination, intended at last peculiarly to ap∣propriate one to JESUS: That as at that holy name every knee should bow: So all other Orders should doe homage, and submit to this his new one of Jesuits.

45. Here,* 1.93 had not better eyes than mine own made the discovery (being be∣holden to M. Chemnitius therein) I had never noted the nice difference betwixt JESUATS and JESUITS so neer in name, though not in time; but it seems in nature distinguished. The former began at Siena in Italy in the year 1366, of whom thus Sabellicus, Colligebantur ab initio domesticatim simplici ha∣bitu amicti, multâ innocentiâ & pietate viri, victum sibi labore & operâ quaeritantes. Apostolici ab initio Clerici nuncupati. Hi neque sacris initiantur, neque celebrant Missarum solemnia, tantùm orationi vacant, Jesuati ab eo dicti, quòd Jesu Regis summi frequens sit nomen in illorum ore, &c. Men of much innocence and piety were gathered in the beginning from house to house, cloathed in poor habit, and seeking their own livelyhood with labour and pains, called from the beginning Apostolicall

Clerks. These neither were entred into Orders, neither did celebrate the solemnity of Masses, but onely bestowed themselves in prayer, therefore called Jesuats, because the name of Jesus was so frequent in their mouthes. But it seems these Iesuats sunk down in silence, when the Iesuits appeared in the world, the former counting it ill manners in likeness of name to sit so near to those, who were so farr their betters.

56. All Orders may be said eminently extant in the Iesuits to and above the kinde,* 1.94 the degree thereof, and indeed they came seasonably to support the totter∣ing Church of Rome: For, when the Protestants advantaged with Learning and Languages, brought in the Reformation; Monks & Fryers were either so ignorant as they could not, so idle as they would not, or so cowardly that they durst not make effectual opposition, as little skill'd in Fathers, lesse in Scripture, and not at all versed in Learned Languages. As for the Franciscans, I may say of them, they were the best and* 1.95 worst schollars of all Fryers: The best, as most sublime in School-Divinity: worst, for if before their entrance into that Order they knew not learning, they were injoyned not to study it. Besides, Monks and Fryers were so clogg'd with the observances of their Orders, that it confined them to their Cells, and rendred them useless in a practical way. Wherefore, to ballance the Protestants, the Iesuits were set on foot, obliged to these studies (out of fashion with Monks & Fryers) wherein they quickly attained a great eminency, as their very adversaries must confesse. And, as their heads were better furnished than other Orders, so their hands were left at more liberty, (not tied behinde their backs in a large posture of Canonical idlenesse) whence they are become the most active and pragmatical Undertakers in all Christendome.

57. I cannot but commend one policy in the Iesuits,* 1.96 which conduceth much to their credit; namely, whereas other Orders of Monks and Fryers were after their first institution sifted (as I may say) thorough many other searches, still ta∣king new names according to their Sub-De-Re-Reformations. The Iesuits since their first foundation have admitted of no new denomination, but continue con∣stant to their primitive constitution; chiefly, because sensible that such after re∣finings fix an aspersion of (at leastwise a comparative) impunity on their first in∣stitution, and render their first Founders cheaper in the worlds valuation, whilst the Iesuits still keep themselves to their foundation, as begun and perfected at once, and are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 all of a lump, all of a piece, which unity amongst them∣selves maketh them the more considerable in their impressions on any other Ad∣versaries.

58. They had two most antient and flourishing Convents beyond the Seas,* 1.97 Nola in Italy, as I take it, where their House it seems gives a Bow for their Armes, and La-Fletcha in France, where they have an Arrow for their Device; whereupon, a Satyricall wit thus guirded at them: and I hope I shall not be condemned as ac∣cessary to his virulency, if onely plainly translating the same.

Arcum Nola dedit, dedit his La-Fletcha Sagittam Illis, quis nervum, quem meruêre, dabit?

Nola to them did give a Bow, La-Fletch an Arrow bring: But who upon them will bestow (What they deserve) a string?

I have done with these Jesuits, who may well be compared unto the Astrolo∣gers in Rome, of whom the Historian doth complain, Genus est hominum* 1.98 quod in Civitate nostrâ & vetabitur semper & retinebitur, There is kinde of men in our City who will alwaies be forbidden, and yet alwaies be retained therein. So, though

many severe Laws have been made against them, yet either such their boldness in adventuring, or our State-mildnesse in executing the Statutes against them, that alwaies they are driven hence, and alwaies they stay here, to the great distur∣bance of ours, and advancement of their own Religion.

59. Here I purposely omit the Houses for Leprous people,* 1.99 though indeed they deserved more charity than all the rest; and I may say, this onely was an Order of Gods making, when he was pleased to lay his afflicting hand on poor people in that lothsome disease. I take Burton-Lazars in Leicester-shire to be the best en∣dowed house for that purpose. But as that disease came into England by the Holy Warre, so (* 1.100 as we have elswhere observed) it ended with the end thereof. And God of his goodnesse hath taken away the Leprosie of Leprosie in England.

Notes

• * 1.1

  An heap of Monkish Or∣ders in Eng∣land.
• c 1.2

  Matth. Park, An. Dom. 1257. pag. 949.
• f 1.3

  Rob. Witgift Abbot of Wel∣low.
• g 1.4

  Exod. 8. 13, 14.
• * 1.5

  Benedictines the primitive Monks in England.
• h 1.6

  Clem. Reyner De antiq Ordin is S. Benedict.
• * 1.7

  Scandalum Be∣nedictinorum.
• a 1.8

  Extant in Clem Reynere de Apostolatu Benedictinorum in Angli••, pag. 202.
• * 1.9

  Catalogue, p. 966.
• * 1.10

  H••e and Crie after S. Equi∣tius.
• b 1.11

  Acta Concil. sect. 32. & 60.
• c 1.12

  Theodoret. lib. 3. cap. 27.
• * 1.13

  Why habits of Monks not here presented.
• * 1.14

  Augustinian Monks.
• d 1.15

  Joseph•••• Pamphil•••• in his Cronicon Augustin.
• * 1.16

  Whether H be a letter.
• e 1.17

  Cbaucer in the Plow-mans Tale.
• * 1.18

  Reckoned up by Pi••zeus in Iudic••, p. 974.
• * 1.19

  Gilbertine Monks.
• * 1.20

  Carthusian Monks.
• * 1.21

  Some years before the dis∣solution of Abbeys.
• * 1.22

  Pitzeus in Indice, p. 973.
• * 1.23

  Monks and Fryers how they differ.
• * 1.24

  Objection to null the distin∣ction,
• * 1.25

  Answered.
• * 1.26

  Criticisme in this subject not materiall.
• f 1.27

  Psal. 50. 23.
• * 1.28

  What means by Wickliffe's CAIM.
• * 1.29

  Jude ver. 11.
• * 1.30

  Dominican Fryers.
• g 1.31

  Pitzeus in Indice, p. 981.
• * 1.32

  Franciscan Fryers.
• h 1.33

  Gen. 32. 10.
• i 1.34

  Reyn. in Ap. Benedict. pag 162.
• * 1.35

  Sub-reformati∣ons of Franci∣scans.
• * 1.36

  Carmelites their first com∣ing into Eng∣land.
• * 1.37

  Speed Catalog. pag. 795.
• * 1.38

  A great privi∣ledge of Eng∣lish Carme∣lites.
• w 1.39

  Reynerus de Apostolatu Be∣neditinorum, p. 164.
• * 1.40

  And praise of their industry.
• n 1.41

  Pitz. de script. An. pag. 659.
• o 1.42

  Idem, p. 674.
• * 1.43

  Godwin in the Bishops of Chester.
• * 1.44

  The Legend of Simon Stock.
• p 1.45

  Rein. in Apost. Benedict p. 164.
• r 1.46

  Stows Survey of Lond. p, 821.
• * 1.47

  Augustinian Eremites.
• * 1.48

  Trinltarian Fryers:
• s 1.49

  Psal. 79. 11. & 146. 7.
• t 1.50

  Weavers Fun. Mon. p. 143.
• * 1.51

  Bonehomes, or good men.
• u 1.52

  Iohn Owen.
• w 1.53

  Rom. 5. 7••
• * 1.54

  Their rich Revenues.
• * 1.55

  Crouched Fryers.
• x 1.56

  M••••. Park in Anno 1244.
• y 1.57

  Jo. Harding.
• * 1.58

  Fryers of the Sack & Beth∣lemites.
• z 1.59

  Mas. Park in Anno 1257.
• * 1.60

  Fryers Rober∣tines.
• a 1.61

  Weavers Fun. Mon. p. 143.
• b 1.62

  Rein. de Ben. Apost. p. 166.
• c 1.63

  In his Hist. in anno 1239.
• * 1.64

  Sweating moi∣sture out of Tombs no Miracle.
• * 1.65

  Why so vari∣ous the num∣ber of Monks.
• d 1.66

  Acts & Mon. p. 260.
• e 1.67

  Rein de Apost. Benedict. in Ang. p. 162.
• f 1.68

  Idem.
• * 1.69

  A Catholick causlesse accu∣sation of Mr. Lambert.
• * 1.70

  Justly dispro∣ved.
• g 1.71

  Cambd. Brit. in Kent.
• * 1.72

  Antipathy be∣twixt Fryers and Parish-Priests.
• * 1.73

  In Eras•••••• his Jeast-earnest Dialogue.
• * 1.74

  Monks why hating Fryers.
• h 1.75

  Hist. Angl. in Hen. 3. pag. 949.
• * 1.76

  Fryers stinted to 4 Orders.
• i 1.77

  Erasmus Dia∣logues in Fun.
• k 1.78

  Ezek. 14. 21.
• * 1.79

  The nume∣rousnesse of Nuns.
• l 1.80

  Weavers Fun. Mon. pag. 148.
• * 1.81

  The ancientest and poorest Nuns.
• * 1.82

  Brigetteans the last Order of Nuns.
• m 1.83

  Tho. Walsin∣gham in Hen. 5. in Anno 1413.
• * 1.84

  The mysticall number of Bri∣getteans.
• n 1.85

  Luke 10. 1.
• o 1.86

  Th Walsinghā ut priù••.
• * 1.87

  Spcel's Catal. of Religious Houses, p. 793.
• * 1.88

  The Prioresses of Clerkenwell.
• * 1.89

  A good ex∣change.
• * 1.90

  Exactnesse in dates not to be expected.
• r 1.91

  Pitz. in Indice Illust. Angl. script. p, 974.
• * 1.92

  A pleasant story.
• * 1.93

  Jesuats diffe∣rent from Jesuits.
• * 1.94

  Jesuits the best buttresses of the Romish Church.
• * 1.95

  See Cent. 14. pag. ••40.
• * 1.96

  Jesuits policy.
• * 1.97

  In England like Astrologers in Rome.
• * 1.98

  Tacit. Hist. lib. 1.
• * 1.99

  Leprous people not mentioned herein.
• * 1.100

  In my Holy Warre.