SIGIBERT the Second.
SIGIBERT the second of that name, the Son of Segebald, the Brother of Se∣bert,* reigned next in the Kingdom of the East-Saxons. At his first coming to the Crown he was a Pagan with all his People, but was at length converted by the ardent perswasions of OSWY King of Northumberland, with whom he had con∣tracted a near intimacy, resorting often to the Court of that Prince to visit him; Oswy, who wisely knew how to improve the kindness of his Friend for the advan∣tage of his Soul, at last by friendly endearments, at his own Palace upon the Wall brought him to Baptism, which he received at the hands of Finnan a Bishop.
Being to return into his own Country, he desired that some Preacher might be sent with him to instruct his People in the Religion which he himself had received. Oswy, to satisfie his just Requests chooseth one Gedda a laborious Pastor, then resi∣ding in the Country of the Mercians, to go along with him, who coming into the Country of the East-Saxons, by the help of others joyned with him in the Ministry, so wrought upon the People committed to his charge, that the Gospel of Christ daily increased more and more throughout the whole Province.
Gedda, as a reward of his labours, and to gain more Authority to his preaching, was afterwards by Finnan at Lindesfern created Bishop of the East-Saxons, which office he executed with great commendation for the space of many years, ordaining Priests and Deacons for his assistance, and Baptizing in all parts, but especially at Ithancester and Tilbury; Whilst these things were doing, Sigibert, who still conti∣nued stedfast in Religion, was almost barbarously slain by the conspiracy of two of his Kinsmen who were attending of his person. Being demanded after the Murther, what it was that moved them to an act so foul and treasonable, it is reported they returned this savage Answer, That they had killed him for his easiness of Temper, in forgiving Injuries, and pardoning his enemies whenever they askt it. Some have attri∣buted his death to the judgment of God upon him for his disregarding the Censures of the Church, and they give us this Relation.
One of these Earls that flew him had unlawfully married a Wife, and being admo∣nisht thereof refused notwithstanding to put her away, for which sin being excom∣municated, but still continuing obstinate, it was strictly forbidden under pain of the same Censure for any one to come under his Roof, much less to eat or drink with him. Notwithstanding this Sentence, the King invited to a Banquet goes to his House, but in his return meeting the Bishop, he was struck with remorse, and lighting from his Horse fell at his feet, begging pardon for his offence. It is said, that the Bishop also alighting came up to the King, and touching his head with his rod, spake these words in the Authority of a Bishop, Because thou wouldst not refrain from entring the House of the accursed, in the same House shalt thou die. And so indeed it came to pass; This Gedda going afterwards to visit his Native Country of Northumberland, upon the motion of King Ediswald there Reigning, founded the Monastery of Lu∣stinghem, which he consecrated with Fasting and Prayer.
Sigibert is said to have Reigned fourteen years, he left behind him a Son named, Selred, but the Crown fell not to him immediately after his Father's death, but he followed many others who wore it before him.
