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Following my Authors method, I am next to speak of Lincoln, a very large Diocesse, yet not so great a Bishoprick as it hath been, which I suspect by the oft re∣moves from it, as Bullingham, Cooper and Wickham in Queen Elizabeths time; and White in Queen Maries time. I'note also, that one of these removed to Worcester, namely Bullingham; of which I can ima∣gine no reason, except the largenesse: of the Diocesse make it more painfull, as
indeed it would, if the decree made in a Synod held by Saint Cuthbert in Eng∣land were duely observed. Of which the third, as Mr. Fox hath it is, that every Bishop once every yeere should goe over all the parishes of his Diocesse; with which Decree by what authority men dispence, I know not, but sure few doe keep it.
This Doctor William Chaterton, now Bishop of Lincoln, and before of Chester, I may remember in Cambridge a learned and grave Doctor; though for his gravi∣ty hee could lay it aside when pleased him, even in the Pulpit, it will not be forgotten in Cambridge while he is re∣membred, how preaching one day, in his younger yeers, a wedding Sermon (which indeed should be festivall) as the Mar∣chant Royall was at my Lord Hays marriage (with which being now in print many a good husband doth endeavour to edifie his wife.) I say, Mr. Chatterton is reported to have made this pretty com∣parison, and to have given this friendly caveat: That the choice of a wife was full of hazzard, not unlike as if one in a barrell full of Serpents should grope for one Fish; if (saith he) he scape harm of the snakes, and light on a fish, he may be
thought fortunate, yet let him not boast, for perhaps it may be but an Eele, &c. Howbeit he married afterwards himself, and I doubt not sped better then his comparison. He was well beloved a∣mong the schollers, and the rather for that he did not affect any soure and au∣stere fafhion, either in teaching or go∣vernment, as some use to doe; but well tempered both with courage and cour∣tesie. Being made Bishop of Chester, he was a very great friend to the house of Darby. Preaching the funerall Sermon of Henry Earle of Darby, for some passa∣ges whereof he was like to be call'd in question, though perhaps himselfe knew not so much; I was present when one told a great Lord that loved not Ferdi∣nando the last Earle, how this Bishop ha∣ving first magnified the dead Earle for his fidelity, justice, wisdome, and such vertues, as made him the best beloved man of his ranke (which praise was not altogether undeserved) he after used this Apostrophe to the Earle present; And you (saith he) noble Earle, that not onely inherit, but exceed your fathers vertues, learn to keepe the love of your Countrey, as your father did; you give,
saith he, in your Arms, Three Legs; know you what they signifie? I tell you, they signifie three shires, Cheshire, Darbishire, and Lancashire; stand you fast on these three legs, and you shall need feare none of their armes. At which this Earle a little moved, said in some heat, not with∣out an oath: This Priest, I believe, hopes one day to make him three Courtsies. But the two Earles I trust are friends now, both being since departed this world, (though neither as I could wish them) the one dying of a Yex, the other of an Axe. The Bishop was removed to Lincoln, where he now remains in very good state, having one onely daughter married to a Knight of good worship, though now they living asunder, he may be thought to have had no great comfort of that ma∣trimony, yet to her daughter he means to leave a great patrimony; so as one might not unfitly apply that Epigram written of Pope Paulus and his daughter to this Bishop and his grandchild.
Cum sit filia Paule, cum tibi aurum, Quantum Pontifices habere raros. Vidit Roma prius patrem non possum, Sanctum discere id sed possum beatum.
Which I thus translated, when I thought not thus to apply it.
Thou hast a daughter Paulus, I am told, and for this daughter store thou hast of gold. The daughter thou didst get, the gold didst gather make thee no holy, but a happy father.
But if the Bishop should fortune to hear that I apply this verse so saucily, and should be offended with it, I would be glad in full satisfaction of this wrong, to give him my sonne for his daughter, which is a manifest token that I am in perfect charity with him.