Cyprianus anglicus, or, The history of the life and death of the Most Reverend and renowned prelate William, by divine providence Lord Archbishop of Canterbury ... containing also the ecclesiastical history of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland from his first rising till his death / by P. Heylyn ...

The Speech of the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, spoken at his Death, upon the Scaffold on the Tower Hill, Ian. 10. 1644.

Good People,

THis is an uncomfortable time to preach, yet I shall begin with a Text of Scripture, Heb. 12.2. Let us run with Patience the Race which is set before us, looking unto JESUS the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, en••dured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the Throne of God.

I have been long in my Race, and how I have looked to JESUS the Author and finisher of my faith, he best knows. I am now to come to the end of my Race, and here I find the Cross, a death of shame: but the shame must be despised, or no coming to the right hand of God. JESUS despised the shame for me, and God forbid but that I should despise the shame for him. I am going apace (as you see) towards the Red Sea, and my feet are now upon the very brinke of it; an•• Argu∣ment I hope that God is bringing me into the Land of Promise, for that was the way through which he led his people: But before they came to it,* 1.1 he instituted a Passeover for them, a Lamb it was, but it must be eaten with soure herbs, I shall obey, and labour to digest the soure herbs, as well as the Lamb. And I shall remember it is the Lords Passeover; I shall not think of the Herbs, nor be angry with the hand which gathereth them: but look up only to him, who instituted that, and governs these;* 1.2 for men can have no more power over me, than what is given them from above. I am not in love with this passage through the Red Sea, for I have the weakness and infirmities of flesh and bloud plentifully in me; And I have prayed with my Saviour, Ut transir••t Calix iste, that this Cup of red wine might pass from me: but if not, Gods will (not mine) be done, and I shall most willing drink of this Cup as deep as he pleases, and enter in this Sea; yea, and pass through it in the way that he shall lead me.

But I would have it remembred (Good People) That when G•••••• Servants were in this boysterous Sea, and Aaron amongst them, the Egyptians which persecuted them (and did in a manner drive them into that Sea) were drowned in the same Waters, while they were in pursuit of them.* 1.3 I know my God, whom I serve, is as able to deliver me from the sea of bloud, as he was to deliver the three Children from the Fur∣nace: and (I humbly thank my Saviour for it) my Resolution is now as theirs was then, They would not worship the Image the King had

set up, nor will I the Imaginations which the People are setting up; nor will I forsake the Temple and the truth of God, to follow the bleating of Jeroboams Calves in Dan and Bethel. And as for this People, they are at this day miserably misled (God of his mercy open their ••••es that they may see the right way) for at this day the blind lead the blind, and if they go on, both will certainly fall into the ditch. For my self, I am (and I acknowledge it in all humility) a most grievous sin∣•••• many waies, by thought, word, and deed; I cannot doubt but that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath mercy in store for me (a poor Penitent) as well as for other sin∣ners. I have now, and upon this sad occasion, ransacked every corner of my 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and yet (I thank God) I have not found (among the many) any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sin which deserves death by any known Law of this Kingdom: and yet hereby I charge nothing upon my Iudges; for if they proceed upon proof (by valuable witnesses) I, or any other innocent, may be just∣ly condemned. And (I thank God) though the weight of my Sentence he heavy upon me, I am as quiet within as ever I was in my life. And though I am not only the first Archbishop, but the first man that ever 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by an Ordinance in Parliament; yet some of my Predecessors have gone this way, though not by this means. For Elphegus was hurried away, and lost his head by the Danes; and Simon Sudbury in the fury of Wat Tiler and his Fellows; Before these, St. John Baptist had his head danced off by a lewd woman; and St. Cyprian, Archbishop of Carthage, submitted his head to a persecuting Sword. Many examples (great and 〈◊〉〈◊〉) and they teach me patience; for I hope my cause in heaven, will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of another dye than the colour that is put upon it here. And some comfort it is to me, not only that I go the way of these great men in their several Generations, but also that my charge (as foul as it is made) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like that of the Jews against St. Paul (Acts 25.3.) for he was ac∣cused for the Law, and the Temple, i. e. Religion; and like that of St. Steven (Acts 6.14.) for breaking the Ordinances which Moses gave, i. e. Law, and Religion, the holy place and the Temple (v. 13.) But you will then say, Do I then compare my self with the Integrity of St. Paul and St. Steven? No, far be that from me; I only raise a com∣fort to my self, that these great Saints and Servants of God were laid at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their time, as I am now. And it is memorable that St. Paul, who helped on this accusation against St. Steven, did after fall under the very same himself. Yea, but here is a great clamour, that I would have brought in Popery; I shall answer that more fully by and by. In the mean time you kn••w what the Pharisees said against Christ himself: If we let him alone, all men will believe in him, ET VENIENT ROMA∣NI, and the Romans will come, and take away both our Place and Nation. Here was a causeless cry against Christ, that the Romans would come; and see how just the Iudgment was, they Crucified Christ for fear least the Romans should come, and his death was it which brought in the Romans upon them, God punishing them with that which they most feared. And I pray God this clamour of Venient Romani (of which 〈…〉〈…〉 no cause) help not to bring them in; For the Pope never

had such an harvest in England since the Reformation, as he hath now upon the Sects and Divisions that are amongst us. In the mean time by Honour and dishonour, by good report and evil report, as a De∣ceiver and yet true, am I passing through this world (2 Cor. 6.8.) Some Particulars also I think it not amiss to speak of.

And first, This I shall be bold to speak of the King our Gracious Sove∣raign. He hath been much traduced also for bringing in of Popery, but on my conscience (of which I shall give God a very present account) I know him to be as free from this Charge as any man living; and I hold him to be as sound a Protestant (according to the Religion by Law Establi∣shed) as any man in this Kingdom: And that he will venture his life as far and as freely for it. And I think I do, or should know both his affection to Religion, and his grounds for it, as fully as any man in England.

The second Particular is concerning this great and Populous City (which God bless) Here hath been of late a Fashion taken up to gather Hands, and then go to the great Court of this Kingdom (the Parlia∣ment) and clamour for Iustice; as if that great and wise Court, before whom the Causes come (which are unknown to many) could not, or would not do Iustice, but at their Appointment. A way which may endanger many an Innocent man, and pluck his bloud upon their own heads, and perhaps upon the Cities also; and this hath been lately practiced against my self, the Magistrates standing still, and suffering them openly to proceed from Parish to Parish without any check. God forgive the Set∣ters of this (with all my heart I beg it) but many well-meaning Peo∣ple are caught by it.* 1.4 In St. Stevens case, when nothing else would serve, they stirred up the People against him; and Herod went the same way when he had killed St James: yet he would not venture on St. Pe∣ter, till he found how the other pleased the People. But take heed of having your hands full of bloud,* 1.5 for there is a time (best known to himself) when God (above other sins) makes Inquisition for bloud; and when that Inquisition is on foot,* 1.6 the Psalmist tells us, That God remembers, (that's not all) He remembers and forgets not the complaint of the poor, that is, whose bloud is shed by oppression, ver. 9. Take heed of this, It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but then especially, when he is making Inquisition for bloud. And (with my prayers to avert it) I do heartily desire this City to remember the Prophesie that is expressed, Jer. 26.15.

The third Particular is the poor Church of England. It hath flourished, and been a shelter to other Neighbouring Churches, when storms have driven upon them: But alas! now it is in a storm it self, and God only knows whether, or how it shall get out; and (which is worse th•••• the storm from without) it is become like an Oak cleft to shivers with wedges made out of its own body, and at every cleft Prophaneness and Irreligion is entring in, while, as Prosper speaks (in his second book De vitae contemptu, cap. 4.) Men that introduce profaneness, are cloaked over with the name, Religionis Imaginariae, of Imaginary Religion;

for we have lost the substance, and dwell too much in opinion: and that Church, which all the Iesuites Machinations could not ruine, is fallen in∣to danger by her own.

The last Particular (for I am not willing to be too long) is my self. I was born and baptized in the Bosome of the Church of England esta∣bl••••hed by Law; in that Profession I have ever since lived, and In that I come n••w to die. This is no time to dissemble with God, least of all in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Religion; and therefore I desire it may be remembred, I ••ave alwaies lived in the Protestant Religion established in England, and •• that I come now to dye. What clamours and slanders I have endured 〈…〉〈…〉 to keep an Vniformity in the external Service of God, accord∣in•• t•• the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church, all men know, and I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 abundantly felt.

Now at last I am accused of High Treason in Parliament, a Crime which my soul ever abhorred. This Treason was charged to consist of two parts, An endeavour to subvert the Laws of the Land; and a like endea••our to overthrow the true Protestant Religion established by Law. Besides my Answers to the several Charges, I protested my inno∣cency in ••oth Houses. It was said, Prisoners Protestations at the Bar, must 〈…〉〈…〉 taken. I can bring no witness of my heart, and the inten∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof; therefore I must come to my Protestation, not at the Bar, ••ut my Protestation of this hour and instant of my death, in which I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all men will be such charitable Christians, as not to think I would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and dissemble, being instantly to give God an account for the truth of 〈…〉〈…〉 therefore here in the presence of God and his holy Angels take it 〈…〉〈…〉 death, that I never endeavoured the subversion of Law or Re∣l••gion; and I desire you all to remember this Protest of mine for my in∣〈…〉〈…〉 this, and from all Treasons whatsoever. I have been accused 〈…〉〈…〉 an Enemy to Parliaments; No, I understood them, and the benefit that comes by them too well, to be so: But I did mislike the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 governments of some Parliaments, many waies, and I had good Reason for it; For Corruptio optimi est Pessima, there is no Corruption i•• th•• World so bad, as that which is of the best thing within it self; F••r the better the thing is in nature, the worse it is corrupted. And that being the Highest Court, over which no other hath Iurisdiction, when it is misinformed or misgoverned, the Subject is left without all remedy. ••ut I have done, I forgive all the the World, all and every of these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Enemies which have persecuted me; and humbly desire to be for∣g••v••n of God first, and then of every man, whether I have offended him or not, if he do but conceive that I have, Lord do thou forgive me, and I beg forgiveness of him. And so I heartily desire you to joyn in Prayer with me. Which said, with a distinct and audible voice he prayed as followeth:

O Eternal God, and Merciful Father, look down upon me in mercy, in the Riches and Fulness of all thy mercies look down upon me; but not till thou hast nailed my sins to the Cross of Christ, not till thou hast bathed me in the blood of Christ; not till I have hid my self in the wounds of Christs: that so the punishment due unto my sins may pass over me. And since thou art pleased to try me to the utmost, I humbly beseech thee, give me now in this great instant full Patience, Proportionable Comfort, and a heart ready to die for thine Honour, the Kings Happi∣ness, and this Churches preservation. And my Zeal to this (far from Arrogancy be it spoken) is all the sin (humane Frailty excepted and all the incidents thereunto), which is yet known to me in this particular, for which I now come to suffer, I say in this particular of Treason; but otherwise my sins are many and great; Lord pardon them all, and those especially (what ever they are) which have drawn down this present Iudgement upon me: and when thou hast given me strength to bear it, do with me as seems best in thine own Eyes: and carry me through death that I may look upon it in what visage soever it shall ap∣pear to me. Amen. And that there may be a stop of this Issue of blood in this more then miserable Kingdom (I shall desire that I may pray for the people too, as well as for my self) O Lord I beseech thee give grace of Repentance to all blood-thirsty people, but if they will not Repent, O Lord confound all their devices, Defeat and frustrate all their designs and endeavours upon them; which are or shall be contrary to the Glory of thy Great name, the truth and sincerity of Religion, the establishment of the King and his Posterity after him in their just Rights and Priviledges, the Honour and Conservation of Parliaments in their just power, the pre∣servation of this poor Church in her truth, peace, and Pa∣trimony, and the settlement of this Distracted, and distres∣sed People, under their Ancient Laws and in their Na∣tive Liberty. And when thou hast done all this in meer mercy to them, O Lord fill their hearts with thankful∣ness and with Religious Dutiful obedience to thee and thy Commandments all their days. Amen, Lord Iesu, Amen. and receive my soul into thy Bosom. Amen.

Our Father which art in Heaven, &c.

The Speech and Prayers being ended ••e gave the Paper which he Read into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hands o•• Sterne his Chaplain, permitted to attend him in his last extremity; whom he desired to Communicate it to his other Chaplains that they might see in what manner ••e le••t this world; and so prayed God to shew his blessings and mercies on them. And taking notice that one Hind had imployed himsel•• in writing t••e words of his Speech as it came from his mouth, he d••sired him not to do him wrong in publishing a false or imperfect Copy. This done he next applyed himself to the fatal Block, as to the H••∣ven of his Rest: But finding the way full of people who had placed themselves upon the Theatre to behold the Tragedy, he desired ••e might have room to die, beseeching them to let him have an end of his miseries which he had endured very long. All which he did with so Serene and calm a mind, as if he rather had been taking Order for a Noble Mans Funeral, then making way for his own. Being come neer the block, he put o•• his Doublet, and used some words to this 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Gods will be done, I am willing to go out of this world, none can ••e ••••re willing to send me. And seeing through the Chink of the ••oards that some people were got under the Scaffold about the ve∣ry place where the block was seated, he called to the Officer for some dust to stop them, or to remove the people thence, saying, it was ••o part of his desires that his blood should fall upon the heads of the people. Never did man put off mortality with a better courage, nor look upon his bloody and malicious Enemies with more Chri∣stian Charity. And thus far he was on his way toward Paradise, with such a Primitive Magnanimity as equalled, if not exceeded, the example of the Ancient Martyrs, when he was somewhat interrupt∣ed by one of those who had placed himself on the Sca••••old, not otherwise worthy to be named, but as a Fire-brand brought from Ireland to inflame this Kingdom. Who finding that the mockings and revilings of malicious people had no power to move him or sha••pen him into any discontent or shew of passion, would needs put in and try what he could do with his Spunge and Vinegar, and St••pping to him neer the Block he would needs propound unto him some Impertinent questions; not so much out of a desire to learn any thing of him: but with the same purpose as was found in the S••ribes and Pharisees, in propounding questions to our Saviour; t••at is to say, either to intrap him in his Answers, or otherwise to ••••pose him to some disadvantage with the standers by. Two of the qu••stions he made answer to withal Christian meekness. The first question was, What was the Comfortablest saying, which a dying man would have in his mouth, to which he meekly made answer. Cupio 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & esse cum Christo: being asked again what was the fittest Speech a man could use to express his Confidence and Assu∣ranc••▪ he answ••••ed with the same Spirit of meekness, That such Ass••••anc•• was to be found within, and that no words were able 〈…〉〈…〉. But t••is not satisfying this busie man (w••o

aimed at something else (as is probable) then such satisfaction) un∣less he gave some Word or Place of Scripture, whereupon such Assurance might be truly founded. He used some words to this effect, That it was the Word of God concerning Christ, and his dy∣ing for us. But then finding that there was like to be no end of the troublesome Gentleman, he turned away from him, applying him∣self directly to the Executioner, as the gentler and discreeter per∣son. Putting some mony into his hand he said unto him without the least distemper or change of countenance; Here honest friend, God forgive thee and I do, and do thy Office upon me with mercy, and having given him a sign when the blow should come, he kneeled down upon his knees, and prayed as followeth, viz.

Lord I am coming as fast I can, I know I must pass thorough the shadow of death, before I can come to see thee; But it is but Umbra Mortis, a meer shadow of death, a little darkness upon nature; but thou by thy Merits and Passion, hast broke thorough the jaws of death, the Lord receive my Soul, and have mercy upon me, and bless this Kingdom with peace and plenty, and with brotherly love and charity, that there may not be this effusion of Christian blood amongst them, for Iesus Christ his sake, if it be thy will.

Then laying his head upon the Block and Praying silently to him∣self he said aloud, Lord receive my Soul, which was the Signal gi∣ven to the Executioner, who very dexterously did his Office, and took of his head at a blow, his Soul ascending on the wings of Angels into Abrahams bosom, and leaving his body on the Scaffold, to the care of men.

This blow thus given, his life-less body remained a spectacle so unpleasing unto most of them who had desired his death with much heat and passion, that many who came with greedy eyes to see him suffer, went back with weeping eyes when they saw him dead; their own Consciences perhaps, bearing witness to them, God knows whose did, that they had sinned in being guilty of such Innocent blood. Of those whom only Curiosity and desire of Novel∣ty, brought thither to behold that unusual sight, many had not the Patience to attend the Issue, but went away assoon as the Speech was ended; others returned much altered in the opinion which before they had of him, and bettered in their Resolutions toward the King and the Church, whose Honour and Religious Purposes, they saw so clearly vindicated in his dying, but never dying words. And for the Rest (the most considerable, though perhaps the smallest part of that Great Assembly) as they came thither with no other intention, then to assist him with their Prayers, to embalm his body with their tears, and to lay up his last Speeches in their hearts and me∣mories: so when they had performed those Offices of Christian duty, they comforted themselves with this, that as his life was

honourable, so his death was glorious; the pains whereof were short and momentary to himself, the benefit like to be perpetual un∣to them and others, who were resolved to live and die in the Com∣munion of the Church of England. And if the Bodies o•• us men be capable of any happiness in the Grave, he had as great a share therein, as he could desire; his Body being accompanied to the Earth with great multitudes of People, whom love, or curiosity, or remorse of Conscience had drawn together purposely to perform that Office, and decently interred in the Church of Alhallows Barking (a Church of his own Patronage and Jurisdiction) accord∣ing to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England, In which it may be noted as a thing remarkable, That being whilst he lived the greatest Champion of the Common-Prayer-Book ••ere by Law esta∣bli••••ed, he had the honour being dead, to be buried in the form therein prescribed, after it had been long disused, and almost repro∣bated in most Churches of London. Nor need Posterity take care to provide his Monument; he built one for himself whilst he was alive: It b••eing well observed by Deering (one of his most malici∣ous Enemies, and he that threw the first stone at him in the begin∣ning of this Parliament) that St. Paul's Church will be his perpe∣tual Monument, and his own Book (against the Iesuite) his lasting Epitaph.

Thus ••ell Laud, and St. Pauls ••ell with him: The yearly Contri∣bution toward whose Repair, Anno 1641. when he was plunged in∣to his Troubles, fell from the sum of 15000 l. and upward, to some∣what less than 1500. and afterwards by degrees to nothing. No less than 17138 l. 13 s. 4 d. ob. q. which remained in the Chamber of London toward the carrying on of the Work, is seised on by an Order of both Houses of Parliament, for the beginning of their War against the King; that so they might not only encounter him with his own Arms and Ammunition, which he had bought with his own Money: but with that Money too, which he alone had rai∣sed by his own Care and Piety. Most of the Materials intended for finishing the Work, were turned into Money; and the rest bestowed on the Parish of St. Gregories, for the Rebuilding of that Church: And all the Scaffolding of the Tower or Steeple, allotted to the pay∣ment of Iephson's Regiment, who challenged an Arrear of 1746 l. 15 s. 8 d. for their Service in that cruel and unnatural War. The Pa••ement of the Church digged up, and sold to the wealthier Citi∣zens, for beautifying their Country-Houses; The Floor converted into Saw-pits in many places, for cutting out such Timber as was turned into Money; The Lead torn off in some places also; the Timber and Arches of the Roof being thereby exposed to Wind and Weather; Part of the Stone-work which supported the Tower or Steeple, fallen down, and threatning the like Ruine unto all the rest; The gallant Portico at the West-end thereof, obscured first by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 House looking towards Ludgate; and afterward turned in∣to

an Exchange for Haberdashers of small Wares, Hosiers, and such Petit Chapmen: And finally, the whole Body of it converted to a Stable or Horse-Garrison, for the better awing of that City, whose Pride and Faction raised the Fire, and whose Purse added Fewel to it, for the enflaming of the Kingdom.

Thus Laud fell, and the Church fell with him; The Liturgy where∣of was Voted down about the same time in which the Ordinance was pass'd for his Condemnation; The Presbyterian Directory authorised for the Press, by Ordinance of March 13. next following; Episcopacy Root and Branch, which had before been precondemned, suppressed by Ordinance in like manner on October 9. 1646. The Lands of all Cathedrals sold, to the exposing of those stately and magnificent Fabricks to an inevitable Ruine; The Bishops dispossest of their Lands and Rents, without the Charity of a small Annual Pension to∣ward their Support; The Regular and Conformable Clergy seque∣stred, ejected, and turned out of all, to the utter undoing of them∣selves, their Wives and Children; A wide gap opened for letting in of all Sects and Heresies, many of which had been exploded and condemned in the Primitive times, others so new (and every day be∣getting newer) that few of them have served out their Apprentice∣ship, and yet Trade as freely as if they had served out all their Time; The Sacred Ministry in the mean time, or that part of it at the least which consists in Preaching, usurped by Handicra••ts-men, Boys, and Women, to the dishonour of God, the infamy and disg••••ce of the English Nation, and the reproach of our Religion, so much renowned (as long as he remained in Power) both for external Glo∣ry and internal Purity. And yet it cannot be denied, but that he fell very opportunely in regard of himself, before he saw those hor∣rible Confusions which have since brake into the Church, the dissi∣pation of the Clergy, the most calamitous death of his Gracious Sovereign, and the Extermination threatned to the Royal Family: any of which would have been far more grievous to him, than a thousand deaths. The opportunity of a quiet and untroubled death, was reckoned for a great felicity in the Noble (a) 1.7 Agricela, who could not but in the course of a long life, have felt the hun∣dredth part of those Griefs and Sorrows, which would have pier∣ced the Soul of this Pious Prelate, had not God gathered him to his Fathers in so good an hour.

But fallen he is; and being fallen, there is no question to be made, but most men would spend their Judgments on his Life and Actions. (b) 1.8 One tells us of him, That the roughness of his uncourtly Nature, sent most men discontented from him; though afterwards, of his own accord, he would find means to sweeten many of them again, when they least looked for it. (c) 1.9 Another, That he had so little command of his passions, that he could not repress them at the Star-Chamber, or the High-Commission; which made his Censure always follow the severer side. Some thought, That out of a dislike of that Popula∣rity,

which was too much affected by his Predecessor, he was car∣ried on so ••ar to the t'other extreme, as to fail in many necessary Civilities to the Nobility and Gentry, by which he might have ob∣liged them, and indeed himself. Others, that by this reserved, and implausible humor, he so far lost the love of his own Diocess (the Gentry whereof he neither entertained at Canterbury, nor f••ailed at Lambeth, as all his Predecessors had done before him) that one of them who served in Parliament for the County of Kent, threw the first dirt at him. Some said that he trusted too much to his own single judgement, in the Contriving and carrying on of his designs; seldom advising with any of the other Bishops, till he had digested the whole business, and then referring nothing to them b••t the Execution, which made it less Cordially followed by the greater part, then it had been otherwise. And others, that he pre∣••••med too much on the Love and Goodness of the King, whose Love a••d Goodness not being seconded by Power, proved afterward so insufficient to save him harmless, and keep his head upon his shoulders, that it served rather to expose him to the publick ha∣t••ed. In which Respect it was conceived that the Lord Protector ••ommerset followed his work more like a States-man (though of himself he was accounted no deep Polititian) not venturing on the Alteration of Religion which he had projected, till he had put himself into the head of an Army, under Pretence of making War against the Scots; nothing but the unseasonable disbanding whereof could 〈◊〉〈◊〉 plunged him into those Calamities, which ensued upon it. It was discoursed by some that he was too suddain and precipi∣tate, in the persuit of his undertakings, the fruits whereof he desi∣red to ••aile before they were ripe; and did not think the work well do••e, except he might enjoy as well the comfort of it in his Life, as the Honour of it after his death: quite contrary therein to the Grandees of the Puritan faction, who, after the first heats were over in Queen Elizabeths time, carried their work for thirty years to∣gether, like M••l••s under the Ground, not casting up any earth before 〈◊〉〈◊〉, till they had made so strong a party in the House of Commons 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was able to hold the King to their own Conditions. And there∣•••••••• it was thought by others, that his business was not so well 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as it should have been; the three first Parliaments of this King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dissolved in such discontentments, as could not easily be for∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Scots as much exasperated by the Commission of Sur∣〈◊〉〈◊〉 which they exprest plainly by their disaffections to his Person and Government, at his first Parliament in that Kingdom; and the English shortly after, startled by the Writs for Shipmony, which seemed to threaten a destruction to that Legal Property, which every man challenged in his own.

Some who seemed wiser then the Rest complained, that his Em∣••••acements were two large and general; and that he had more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the fire at once, then could be well hammer'd in one

forge. Not suffering any one of his Counsels to hold on a Proba∣tionship, before it was retarded and pulled back by another. By means whereof the whole piece being laid open at once, the Fi∣gures of it appeared more terrible, and unhansomly wrought then otherwise they would have done, in case they had been shown by little and little. By these it was discoursed, that within the spa••e o•• one year after his coming to the Chair of Canterbury, he had en••a∣ged himself, in Six several Counsels and designs, all of them o•• so high a nature, that each of them might have been enough to take up that short remainder of time which he had to live. It was confesse••▪ that the connivence and Remisness of his Predecessor had left him work enough to do; but then it was averred withal, and proved by Ordinary observation, that an unskil••ful Carpenter might pull down more in one day then the ablest Architect in the World could build up in twenty; and therefore that the Ruines of twenty years were not to be repaired in one. And for the Proof of this they we•••• pleased to note, that within six weeks after his coming to th•••• Chair, his Majesty had laid the Foundation of the Scottish Liturgy▪ by Issuing out his Instructions of the 8 of Octob. for Officiatin•• the Divine Service in his Chappel at Edenborough▪ according to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 form and Ceremony of his Royal Chappel at White Hall; that ••e had seconded it within ten days after by reviving his Fathers Declara∣tion about Lawful Sports, with some additions of his own; and thirded it in the very beginning of Novemb. by an Order o•• the Council Table in the case of S. Gregories, for transposing the Com∣munion Table to the Place of the Altar; and that within the first six Months of the year next following, he sent out two Injunctions for reducing the Congregations of the French and Dutch to the Li∣turgy and Church of England; Countenanced the Petition of the London Ministers, for encrease of maintenance, in the just pay∣ment of their Tithes; and procured the Repealing of the Irish Arti∣cles, and those of England to be approved and received in the plac•• thereof. And what said they could be more unadvisedly, and un••politickly done, then to draw upon himself at once the 〈…〉〈…〉 pleasure of three Kingdoms in the several Concernments of each Nation; as also all the Genevian Churches abroad in their Prop•• Interesses; Fomented by the Pride and Purse of the City of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and prosecuted by the Malice and Activity of the Puritan ••••ction▪ in them all united in the Common quarrel or the Lords day Sabbath▪ They added that King Edward the first, began not with the Con∣quest of Wales, before he had well settled his affairs in England, and that he undertook not the following War against the Scots (whom afterwards he brought under his obedience) till some years after he had finished the Conquest of Wales; that as all Sup••r••••tations are dangerous to the Product of the Births of Nature; and nothing more Repugnant to a Regular Diet than to fill the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with fresh viands, before it is Emptied of the Former; so not••ing 〈◊〉〈◊〉

i•• more destructive to the Body Politick, than to try two many Ex∣p••riments at once upon it, which cannot possibly work well together to t••e publick health; and therefore, that he should have practised up∣on one Kingdom after another as best became so able a Physician, and so exact a Ma••ter in the Art of a Christian Warfare; that one of them might have followed the good Example of the other, and not all joyn together (like so many ill humours) to the common di∣sturbance of the work.

Such were the Censures and Discourses, which were passed upon him betwixt his Imprisonment and his Death, and for some years after. In which how much or little there is of truth, is left unto the ••udgment of those, who are more thoroughly acquainted with his disposition and a••••ections, his secret Counsels, and the Reasons which directed him in the conduct of them, than I can honestly pre∣tend to. All I can say, is that, which may be said by any other, which ••ad no more access to him than my self: Of Stature he was low, but of strong Composition; so short a Trunck never con∣tained so much excellent Treasure, which therefore was to be the stronger, by reason of the wealth which was lodged within it. His Countenance chearful and well-bloudied, more fleshy (as I have often heard him say) than any other part of his body; which chearfulness and vivacity he carried with him to the very Block, notwithstanding the Afflictions of four years Imprison∣ment, and the infelicity of the times. For at his first Commitment he besought God (as is observed in the Breviate) to give him full patience, proportionable comfort, and contentment with whatsoever he should send; and he was heard in what he prayed for: for notwithstand∣ing that he had fed long on the bread of carefulness, and drank the water of affliction; yet as the Scripture telleth us of the four Hebrew Children, His Countenance appeared fairer and fatter in flesh, than any of those who eat their portion of the Kings Meat, and drank of his Wine; A gallant Spirit being for the most part like the Sun, which shews the greater at his setting. But to proceed in that weak Cha∣racter, which my Pen is able to afford him, Of Apprehension he was quick and sudden, of a very sociable Wit, and a pleasant Hu∣mour; and one that knew as well how to put off the Gravity of his Place, and Person, when he saw occasion, as any man living whatso∣••ver; Accessible enough at all times but when he was tired out with multiplicity and vexation of business, which some, who did not un∣derstand him, ascribed unto the natural ruggedness of his Dispositi∣on; Zealous he was in the Religion here established, as hath been made apparent in the course of this History; Constant not only to the Publick Prayers in his Chappel, but to his private Devotions in his Closet; A special Benefactor to the Town of Reading, where he had his Birth, and to the University of Oxon. where he had his Breeding; so much the more to this last, as he preferred his Well∣〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his B••••••i••. Happy in this, that he accomplished those

good works in the time of his Life, which otherwise must have ••hrunk to nothing in the hands of Executors. To speak of the Inte∣grity of so great a Person, would be an injury to his Vertues: One Argument whereof may be, if there were no other, That in so long a time of Power and Greatness, wherein he had the principal ma∣naging of Affairs both in Church and State, he made himself the Master of so small a Fortune, that it was totally exhausted in his Benefactions unto Oxon. and Reading, before remembred. The rest I shall refer to the Breviate of his Life and Action, though published of purpose to defame him, and render him more odious to the Common People: In which it will appear, to an equal and impartial Reader, That he was a man of such eminent Vertues, such an exem∣plary Piety towards God, such an unwearied Fidelity to his Graci∣ous Sovereign, of such a publick Soul towards Church and State, so fixt a Constancy in Friendship, and one so little byassed by his pri∣vate Interesses, that Plutarch, if he were alive, would be much troubled to find a sufficient Parallel wherewith to match him in all the Lineaments of perfect Vertue.

Thus lived this most Reverend, Renowned, and Religious Prelate; and thus he died; when he had lived seventy one years, thirteen Weeks, and four daies, if at the least he may be properly said to die: the great Example of whose Vertue shall continue alway, not only in the Minds of Men, but in the Annals of succeeding Ages with Renown and Fame. His Death the more remarkable in fal∣ling on St. Williams day, as if it did design him to an equal place in the English Calendar, with that which William, Archbishop of Bourgeois, had obtained in the French; Who being as great a Zealot in his time against the spreading and increase of the Albigenses, (as Laud was thought to be against those of the Puritan Faction, and the Scottish Covenanters) hath ever since been honoured as a Saint in the Gallican Church; the tenth of Ianuary being destined for the solemnities of his Commemoration, on which day our Laud ascend∣ed from the Scaffold to a Throne of Glory.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ex••d. ••2.••.
• * 1.2

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.3

  Dan. 3••
• * 1.4

  Acts. 6.12.
• * 1.5

  Isay 1.10.
• * 1.6

  Psal. 9 12.
• (a) 1.7

  〈…〉〈…〉 in vita Agric.
• (b) 1.8

  Dering•••• Col••••ctio•• of Speeches.
• (c) 1.9

  Ch. Hist. B. 11. p 219.