Century I.

ANaxagoras finding Perides ready to 1 make use of his Learning in Philoso­phy, thus spoke to him, because he was slow to contribute towards his maintenance: Sir, if you desire to see by my Light, you must minister Oyl to my Lamp.

Josiahs Death immediately went before the 2 Captivity of Babylon: St. Austins Death before the destruction of Hippo, the City he was Bi­shop of: Elisha was the Chariot of Israel.

Jacob on his Stone, and Jonah in the Whales 3 Belly, took more rest than Ahab on his Bed, and Nebuchadnezzar on his Throne.

The Devil appeared to a dying man, and 4 shewed him a parchment very long, written on every side with the sins both of words, thoughts and deeds of the sick man, and said unto him: Be­hold thy vertues! see what thy examination shall be. To whom he answered, True Satan, but thou hast not set all. Thou shouldst have added, The Blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin: and he that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved.

The Romans where they Conquered any 5 Country, they carried away their Captivate gods, [Page 2] though of strange Religion, and built Temples to them: They never differed with any but the Christian Religion; and the Reason is, that di­vers Lyes may dwell together. Herod and Pilate were made friends, but there is no accord be­tween a Lye and the Truth.

6 Cajus Caligula, though none broke forth into more audacious contempt of the Divine Maje­sty, yet was most dasterdly timorous, hiding himself under a Bed when he heard it Thun­der.

7 It was the custome, that when the Emperour of Constantinople was Crowned, two Masons came in the sight of all the people, bringing in their Hand, Marble stones of several Colours, saying, Let the Emperour command what sort of Marble he will have his Monument made of.

8 Peter Martyr perswading the improvement of good examples, tells a story of a deformed man married unto an uncomely woman, who being desirous of handsome children, bought many beautiful pictures, and desired his Wife daily to look upon them, by means whereof their children were fair and lovely.

9 A Maintainer of the Pope, out of his detesta­tion to the true Religion, doubted not to say and swear, That if he thought Calvin was in Heaven, he would never come thither to be there with him.

10 Nauplius on the Cepharean Rock made shew [Page 3] of a false fire to the Grecian Navy in their re­turn from Troy. The Papist doth the like, ma­king shew of Miracles amongst those rush Can­dles that they give us to seek the Church by, as the Cynick did his man in the Market place at Mid-day. But how poor a matter! since infidels work Miracles, witness the Egyptian South-sayers and false Prophets: Yea, Vives him­self a learned Papist speaking of their Golden-Legend, which is the History of their Miracles, saith, That he which made it had an Iron Face and a Leaden Heart. Christ indeed in the Churches infancy did Miracles: But what need Truckles when the Child can go? Herbs new set require a watering pot, which having once taken root need no such farther labour. And therefore as Austin in his 22d. Book of the City of God ob­serves: He which seeks them now is Prodigium magnum, since the Glory of Miracles is not Nota Ecclesiae, sed Doctrinae, a note of the Church but Doctrine: Yet the Protestant Truth and Church, though they plead not Miracula, yet they want not Mirabilia, as

• 1. Luthers Conquest in Life, and Peace in Death.
• 2. The French Protestants flourishing after the Parisian Massacre, In Anno 1572.
• 3. Rochel relieved by Fish never seen in that Coast before, 1573.
• 4. Geneva's preservation in the midst of [Page 4] powerful Enemies.
• 5. Queen Elizabeths long and peaceable Raign and Death.
• 6. Deliverance from Gunpowder Treason.

But it's the word of Truth w [...]ich the Prote­stant rests on, and not Miracles, which are but false signs.

11 The Romans dedicated the first Day of the new Year to a double-faced Idol called Janus. The Idol is gone, but the Moral is still useful, teaching us then to look both backward to what is past, and forward to what is to come: Which if we do, looking backward, considering Gods mercies, we have reason to say, Thou crownest the Year with thy goodness. If we look forward, considering our own wickedness, we have need to cry, Lord spare us this year also.

12 It was a gallant resolution of Scipio, who be­ing procurator Purveyor for the City of Rome in a time of Dearth, being to set Sail homeward with Provision, it being very turbulent weather, the Pilot loth to venture, would have perswa­ded him to stay, but he commanded him to set Sail, and said, N [...]cesse est ut cam non ut vivam.

The Persians had a Law, that if a man were accused and found guilty, he should not straight­way be condemned, but after a diligent enquiry of his Life and Conversation: And if the number of his praise-worthy deeds did countervail the contrary, he was fully quit of the trespass.

Caligula having made a ridiculous expedition, 13 entring the [...]ea with his Army in Battailara, commanded the Souldiers to gather Cockleshells, and fill their H [...]lmets, and for this demanded tri­umph, as though he had conquered the Ocean.

Claudius the Emperour was full of courtesy 14 to his Friends; so that when lantius triumph'd he accompanied him, and going to the Capitol gave him the preheminence.

Domitian the Emper [...]ur put to Death Salu­stius 15 Lucuilus Governor of Brittain, for that he called some Launces or Spears he had invented by his own name Lucul ians.

Lucius King of rittain sending to Pope Eleu­therius 16 for the Roman and Imperial laws, received this answer from him, That he had the old and new Testament, and out of them might com­pose his Laws to govern his people by.

Julian the [...]p st [...]t [...] in despight to Christ, sent 17 Alipius to repair Jerusalem, but terrible flain­es of fire issuing ou [...] of the earth, when they laid the foundation, enforced them to leave the enterprise.

The Turks have four Divan, or Judgment 18 dayes every week, viz. Saturday, Sunday, Mun­day, Tuesday: The Officers meet all by break of day, dine in the Judgment-House, and give ac­count to the King, who many times comes pri­vily to a little Window which looks into the Divan-House to observe secretly what is done.

The Grand Signior sending forth a Bashaw 19 [Page 6] or Governour of a Province, always sends with him a Companion, which hath always a free li­berty to go in and out, and talk to him at his pleasure to spy his Actions, and to give the Grand [...]ignior intelligence what is done.

20 Attendants of the Great Turk all except the Great Aga never speak, but standing, looking down with their hands cross to [...]ew and do him reverence.

21 Turks fear not to buy the Cloaths of those who dye of the Plague, and use them as though t [...]e Disease were not infect [...]ous, affirming that their end is written in th [...]ir foreheads, and a vain thing therefore to think [...]o prevent it.

22 The Great Turkish Sultanaes or Ladies like those Blackamore Maidens best, and give the greatest price for them, who are most ill-fa­voured, because they think that on the sight of their Deformities their own Beauties are better regarded.

23 Tur [...]ish Ladies that are kept for the King ne­ver see any men, save Blacks, except the King: And when they are sick the Ph [...]sician feels their pulse, but never seeth them.

24 The Great Turk seldome speaks at his meals; but when to grace an Aga or chief Officer stand­ing by him, he throweth a Loaf of Bread at him from his own Table, and this is held for a singular Grace and Favour.

25 There is no paper used by the Turks at their [Page 7] Privies, because God and Mahomets names are written in it.

The Great Turk is Heir to all great ones, 26 who are but spunges to suck up from others, what he squeezeth into his own Coffers.

There's no Office among the Turks during 27 Life, but only the Kings pleasure; and it's sel­dome seen that any Vizier or Chief Officer dyes in his Bed. Whence they have this Proverb, That he that is greatest in Office is but a statue of Glass.

The Turkish Bashaw, though they become 28 Son [...] in Law, or otherwise are by Marriage related to the Great Turk, yet they have no freedom by it, but still remain slaves as others, and thereby their servitude is rather increased than lessened; and the Children which such be­get on Sultanaes, never come to preferment as such who are born of their slaves.

Among the Tur [...]s every man may not bear 29 witness that will, but only such who are free, that can say their prayers, that have some knowledge in the Law, known to be men of civil life and conversation; and above all, that drink no wine.

The Turks pray five times every day, and six 30 times their Sabbath, viz. Friday, and always wash before they enter into their Moschs or Churches.

Amasis King of Egypt, when he perceived 31 that he was less esteemed by his Subjects, be­cause [Page 8] he had been formerly a subject himself, commanded a Vessel to wash his feet in to be made of pure Gold, and afterward to be new molten and cast into the form of an Egyptian Deity: which done, it immediately was with great devotion worshipt by them; whom the King ask­ing why they so [...]orshipt what was but now a dishonourable Vessel? They answered him, Because now it had a Divine shape. He pre­sently infers, That though formerly he had been an inferiour Subject as they were, yet now be­ing advanced to the Royal Dignity, suitable ho­nour and respect was due to him.

32 Amasis King of Egypt renounced the Friend­ship of Polycnates, fearing lest his great pros­perity would have an answerable destruction, as accordingly it had. He that never had any cross in his life, dyed on a cross. And St. Ambrose refused to stay in his house, that boasted he never knew adversity.

33 Cleopas King of Egypt, to furnish himself to build a Pyramis, prostituted his own beautiful daughter.

34 Timotheus the Milesian Musician asked a dou­ble salary from those who had before another Master.

35 Hamilcar made his Son Hannibal, being then [Page 9] but Nine Years old, to swear before the Altar to revenge him upon the Romans, as soon as he was able and fit to wage Warr.

Amadaeus Duke of Savoy, being desired by 36 some Ambassadors whom he had nobly entertain­ed to shew them his hunting Dogs, shewed them a Room full of poor of all sorts, whom he relieved with his Alms, and told them, These were they by whom he hunted, and hoped to obtain eternal glory.

Trajan the Emperour heard and adjudged a 37 Widows Cause against His own Son, which Pliny takes notice of as his principal prai [...]e.

Boschier in his penitential Sermons relates of 38 a Friar that alwayes dined on a Net till he had obtained the Popedom: and of another which in his mean estate lived only by bread and wa­ter, saying, That Aqua & Panis vita Carnis, but afterwards advanced changed his Diet, and t [...]en said, Aqua Panis vita Canis. And a third there was, that being low, preached exceeding [...]harp­ly against the Pride and Vices and Sins of men in power, but afterward advanced, changed his note, and answered one that admir'd at it, by profaning of that Scripture, When I was a Child, I spake as a Child.

Bonaventure sitting at Table with, and look­ing exceeding earnestly on a beautiful woman, [Page 10] and being asked by her Husband why he so looked, answered, That he admired at the ex­cellency of the Creator by contemplating the beauty of his Creature; and if Mortals were so amiable, how lovely should we be at the re­surrection! On which Boschier makes this ani­madversion, That it was an Example rather to be admired, than imitated, suitable to the gol­den age, and not our present iron age of the World. p. 46.

39 [...]oschier sharply taxing the sinister practices of Advocates, gives an account of many instances, as of Demes the Orator whom Plutarch men­tions, that took Ten alents, that he might be silent; and of Demosthenes, that when the Mile­sians sent to Athens to crave aid, at first meeting vehemently opposed it, but being bought over, the next meeting counterfeited himself ill with the Squinzy, in Latine called Angina, but one that perceived the fraud, answered, it was not Angina but Argentina; not his own Disease but their Money had stopt his mouth: As like­vvise of a famous Lawyer at Millain, whose Tricks the Duke understanding, in a disguise advised with him, how he might pay less than a thousand Ducats, which he pretended he owed by bond to another. The Lawyer an­swered, he vvould warrant to delay it for Ten Years, upon which the Duke condemned him to the Gallows which he well deserved.

St. Jerom reports that Plato, after he had to 40 admiration profest in Athens, and was the chiefest Master, yet travelled to Egypt and Italy, to seek Archilaus of Tarentum to be his Scholar.

Charles the 7th. King of France made a De­cree, 41 that he that spent more Oyl than Wine, that is, studied more than drunk, should be promoted to Benefices.

It was a prudent Course of the Emperour 42 Augustus, who commanded all his Governours in the East, that if they received not his Letters within t [...]enty dayes of the date, they should esteem them of no value. Because between the writing and so late receiving, that might fall out, that might require contrary directions.

Philip of Macedon being willing to delay a 43 widdows Trial, was told by her, If thou wilt not nor canst not, give thy place to another that can and will,

Eloquence hath a powerful force to perswade 44 men to that they are most against. By it Pisistra­tus obtained the Athenian Monarchy, and be­witched the People to a parting from their be­loved Freedom. Our Saviour mollified the Servants that were sent to take him. And Pyr­rhus was so powerfully persuasive, that the Ro­mans commanded their Ambassadors not to speak with him but by an Interpreter, having had ex­perience [Page 12] that those vvhom they had formerly sent returned his Advocates.

45 Demetrias having received a great many Pe­titions into his Lap threw them all into the River, which so enraged his people, that they revolted from him to Pyrrhus, and so he lost his Kingdom

46 Alexander being about to condemn a Pirate asked him, Why dost thou trouble the Seas? He ans [...]ered, And why dost thou the whole World? I vvith one Ship seek my adventures, and therefore am called a [...]irate; thou vvith a great Army warrest against Nations, and there­fore art called an Emperour. So that there is no difference between us but in the name. The consideration of which so prevailed with le­xander, that he dism st the Pirate without infli­cting any punishment upon him.

47 A French Noble man delig [...]ting in contention had forty Law-suits depending at one time: the King understanding of it reproved him for it, and commanded him to desist from them. His reply was, that he would lay down all save six, which he would continue for his recreati­on. Bosch. Serm 21. p. 488.

48 A Woman having lived in Adultery Eleven years without confessing, it fortuned that two Friars came that wa, whereof the one was the Popes Confessor, to whom she confessing herself, the other standing by saw twenty [Page 13] Toads come out of her Mouth, and go out of the Church. But she still concealing her Adultery, the Friar supposing she had made a full Confession, absolved her. But she having dealt deceitfully, he again saw all those Toads reenter, and besi [...]es them a new one greater and bigger than the former; by vvhich last they con­ceived was meant [...]he abuse of the Sacrament added to her other sins; upon which the Friars returning to convert her, found her strangled and dead. She three dayes after appears to them and acknowledgeth that she vvas now tormented for her not confessing.

Boschier relates of a man that vvhen he vvent 49 to confess himself vvould alwayes beat his Wife, and being asked the reason of it, answered, That being to confess, he found himself very for­getful, so that he could not remember the one half of vvhat he had done: but saith he, when I have beaten my Wife, she puts me in mind not only vvhat I have done that year, but in all my life.

Pericles an Athenian Governour as oft as he put on his Robes would admonish himself to 50 rem [...]mber, that he governed Free-men, Grecians and Athenians.

One desirous to have bought Nobility of 51 Maximilian the Emperour; He answered him, [Page 14] I can make thee richer, but none can make thee Noble but thy own Vertue.

52 St. Paul names Christ by some of his Titles five hundred times, and Ignatius is reported to have the name [...]esus vvritten in his Heart, vvhen he vvas dead, in golden Let [...]ers.

53 Paphnutius is reported to convert a Harlot by this means pretending love he desired to be brought into the most private room she had, vvhich she brought him into, but still he found fault and complained to her that he vvas afraid some Eye vvould see him; to vvhich she answe­red, None can see thee here but only God. To vvhich he r [...]pl [...]ed, And dost thou think that God sees thee, and yet vvilt play the Harlot? Which he so enforced, that it prevailed upon her to a change.

54 The Discourse of a Philosopher concerning the contempt of life, made the Milesian Virgins hang themselves, and prevailed with so many, that no­thing could restrain them, till they vvere threat­n [...]d to be left hanging naked in the sight of all. And Cleombrotus reading Plato concerning im­mortality, threw himself headlong down a pre­cipice, that he might enjoy it.

55 A French Noble man, vvhen he vvas a Youth promised his Schoolmaster, that if he came to [Page 15] be Bishop, he vvould prefer him. He after­vvard advanced, forgot his poor Schoolmaster, who to mind him of it meets him in Paris streets at Noon vvith lighted Torc [...]es, and be­ing askt why he did so, he answered, Because he seemed to him to see nothing, but to have lost the Eyes of compassion. Idem p. 163.

Phryne a Boeotian Harlot, being promised by 56 Praxyteles her Paramour and a most excellent Carver, free leave to choose the most exquisite Statue was in his Shop, not knowing vvithout his instruction vvhich vvas best, suborned one to come and acquaint him that his House vvas on fire, and so his statues all in danger, which he hearing and hastning home, again and again enquired vvhether the Statue of Cupid vvere safe, vvhereby Phryne discovered that that vvas best, and so made choice of it. Bosch. p. 184.

After the great overthrow the Romans had 57 at Cannas, vvhere vvere fifty thousand slain, vvhen Terentius Varro brought back the Rem­nant of the Army, the Senate m [...]t him and con­gratulated him only for this, that he did not de­spair of the Roman Common-wealth.

When Thrasippus had not reviled only but spit 58 in his face, and that at a great Feast at his own House of Pisistratus the Athenian Tyrant. He vvent to Thrasippus the next morning, and intreated him not to kill himself, but forgave and still used him as a friend. Idem. 16.

Codras an Athenian, the Philaeni Carthagini­an 59 [Page 16] Brethren, Curtius a Roman, Butas and Spar­c [...]us Lacedemonians, all these freely gave up their lives for the good of their Country.

60 ulius Caesar wept at the sight of Pompeys Head, never destroyed any that were hot in Arms against him, restored his vanquished E­nemys to their dignity and honour. Theodosius counted it a benefit to him when any that offen­ded him asked him forgiveness, and vvas then readiest to forgive when he had bin most highly injured. Cha [...]les the fifth Emperour banisht a Noble Counsellor for advising him to burn the City Gaunt that had rebelled against him.

61 The mistaking of a point, the misplacing of a Comma many times alters the whole sense of a Sentence, as that Abbot when he should have read ‘Porta patens esto; nulli claudaris honesto.’ read it thus: ‘Porta patens esto nulli, claudaris honesto.’ And that famous in our English History.

Which having the point placed after Nolite forbad, after Timere prescribed the Kings Mur­der.

A Countryman seeing the Arch-Bishop of 62 Collen riding in a Military Equipage, garded with Troops of Souldiers, and smiling at it, was askt the reason: He answered, That he could not but smile at the simplicity of St. Pe­ter, who living so mean and poor himself should have such Lordly and Military successors. To whom the Arch-Bishop replied, that as a Prince he was so attended, but in the Church he be­haved himself as an Arch-Bishop. To whom the Countryman returns, I desire your Lordship would resolve me, When my Lord the Duke shall be in Hell for his pride, what will become of my Lord the Arch-Bishop?

God many times brings his by evil, unto good. 63 As Israel through the wilderness into Canaan. Job through extremity of misery to a heightned happiness. Joseph by the malice of his Brethren and treachery of his Mistriss to Dignity and Ho­nour. Jason sick of an Impostume, and given over by his Physicians, in warr against his Ene­mies received a wound that cured him. Ha­mans persecution was Mordecai's advancement. Themistocles banishment by his Countrymen made way for Xerxes favour and preferment by him.

Pambo came to a learned man and desired him 64 to teach him some Psalm; he began to read un­to him the Thirty-ninth, and when he had past [Page 18] the first verse, I said I will look to my wayes that I offend not with my Tongue, Pambo shut the Book and took his leave; saying, He would go learn that point. When he had absented him­self certain Months, he was demanded by his Teacher, when he would go forward; he an­swered, he had not yet learned his old Lesson.

65 Huartus in his Trial of Wits, reporteth of a Noblemans Page in Spain that being distracted of his Wits, imagined himself to be a King: In which conceit he so pleased himself, that when he was cured, he was displeased with the Phy­sician that restored him to his right mind.

66 Carneades a great Orator having one day pre­vailed in Court by his great Eloquence, would come the next day and as strongly maintain the contrary cause.

67 Dionysius having composed a Tragedy sent it to Philoxenus the Poet for his approbation; who sent it back scored and cancelled quite through, as being all naught. And when a bragging Painter shewed a Picture to Apelles, which he said was made in a days time, Apelles answered him, I thought no less.

68 Procopius tells us that near the Pole where the Inhabitants have Night for divers Months, they at the end of such a Night, when the Sun useth to render it self to their view, get up [Page 19] to the top of the highest Mountains, desiring to have the view of that desired Creature; which they no sooner see, but they adorn them­selves in their best attire, and with mutual joy and embraces, congratulate its appearing, say­ing, Behold the Sun the Sun appeareth, and so they meet and feast one another.

Antigonus, when Thrasillus the Cynick Philoso­pher 69 asked him a penny, told him it was no Kingly gift; when he askt him a Talent, he an­swered, that was no request for a Cynick: Thus neatly shifted him [...]elf and withheld his Charity. But Alexander dealt otherwise; who when he had assigned to his friend Perillus Fifty Talents to place his Daughters, and Perillus had told him Ten would suffice. He replied; True for thee to take, but not for me to give.

Dr. Boys in his Postills relates a story of a 70 Merchant that would never go to Mass but when he heard the Saints Bell, would say to his Wife, Pray thou for thee and me: And that this Merchant dreamed that he and his wife were dead, and that when he knockt at Heaven gate for entrance; St. Peter suffered his wife to en­ter but thrust him out, saying, Thy wife shall enter for her self and for thee.

St. Austin reports of himself that in the heat 71 of his youth, he prayed for Continency, but was not willing to be heard too soon: For said [Page 20] he, I did rather desire to have my Lust satisfi­ed, than extinguisht.

72 Coninvus relates concerning the Battel of Mont Le Chery, that many lost their Offices for flying away, that were bestowen on others that fled Ten Leagues farther.

73 Pilate by wearing Christs Coat without a Se [...]m, is reported to appease the wrath of an­gry Caesar.

74 Pliny relates of two Goats meeting on a narrow Bridge, who did not Vim sed viam facere, not make away, but make way one for the other; as Mutianus an eye-witness tells the story, the one lying down on his Belly suffered the other to pass over his Back, and so both escaped the danger of drowning. And in the time of the Gothish Warrs a Roman Soul­dier and a Barbarian fell into the same Pit, whose necessity made them Friends, and to con­sult the relieving one the other.

75 It's reported of Stilpho Megareus a great Phi­losopher in his Age, that he was exceedingly given by nature to Wine and Women, but he so tamed his unbridled affections by good Dis­cipline, that no man could ever justly charge him with either.

76 Themistocles intending to sell a Farme, caused [Page 21] the Crier to proclaim that it had a good Neigh­bour.

A Reverend and Religious Arch-Bishop of 77 Mentz, having been a long time depraved, and at last deprived of his Dignities and Offices by two corrupt Cardinals his Judges, and a false-hearted Advocate his familiar friend, out of the bitterness of his spirit made this appeal from them unto the Lord of Heaven. God know­eth (unto whom all things are naked) that I am unjustly condemned: Yet I will not appeal here from your Sentence, for that I know ye shall sooner be beli [...]ved though speaking false than I shall in speaking truth, and therefore I receive this heavy censure for the Rebellions of my youth and my otner offences. Nevertheless I appeal from your judgment to the Judge eter­nal and only wise, which is Christ Jesus, before whom I summon you. The Cardinals fell into a laughing and said, that if he would go before, they would follow. It happened that the poor Bishop having withdrawn himself into a Mo­nastery dyed within a year and a half after. And the Cardinals hearing thereof in a scoffing man­ner said one to another, that they must go seek the Arch-Bishop. Now within a few dayes after, one of them was most bloodily slain, and the other grinding his Teeth eat up his hands and died: And lastly the Judas that betrayed him, the false Adv [...]cate placed in his room was [Page 22] so mortally hated of all men for his Sedition and Cruelty, that being assaulted in a Monastery he was there butchered, and his Carcass cast into the Town Ditch, where lying three dayes, all sorts of people both men and women used all manner of despight upon it.

78 Albertus Duke of Saxony was wont to say, that he had three wonders in one City, namely, Three Monasteries; for the Friars of the first had Children and yet no Wives. The Friars of the second had a great deal of coin, and yet no Land. The Friers of the third abounded with Money, and yet had no Rents.

79 When Alexander saw the dead Corps of Da­rius, and Julius Caesar the Head of Pompey, and Marcus Marcellus Syracuse burn, and Scipio Nu­mantia spoiled, and Titus Hierusalem made even with the Ground; they could not abstain from weeping though they had been mortal E­nemies.

80 Dr. Boys Preaching on the Fifth of November at Pauls Cross desired his Auditory to joyn with him in this prayer. Our Pope which art at Rome, cursed be thy Name, perish may thy Kingdom, hindred may thy Will be as it is in Heaven so in Earth. Give us this day our Cup in the Lords Supper, and remit our mo­neys which we have given for thy Indulgence [Page 23] as we send them back unto thee; and lead us not into Heresie, but free us from Mise­ry. For there is the infernal pitch and sul­phur for ever and ever. Amen.

Pericles a Heathen, rejoyced on his Death-Bed, 81 that no Citizen of Athens had ever worn a mourning Gown through his Occasi­on.

It is reported of Arch-Bishop Cranmer that 82 his Heart after his Flesh and Bones were con­sumed in the merciless Flames, was found un­scorched and whole.

Holy Bradford said of the Popish Prelates 83 magnifying the Church but contemning Christ, that they could not mean honestly, that make so much of the Wife, and so little of the Husband.

A Captain sent from Caesar unto the Senators 84 of Rome, for the prolonging of his Govern­ment abroad, understanding as he stood at the Council Chamber-Door, that they would not condescend unto his desire; clapping his hand on the pummel of his Sword, Well said he, seeing you will not grant it to him, this shall give it to him. So when the Citizens of Messana despising Pompeys Jurisdiction, alledged ancient orders and priviledges of the Romans in old time granted unto their Town, Pompey answers them in his Choller, What do ye prat­tle [Page 24] to us of the Law, that have our Swords by our sides? A Turkish Argument, who ac­count the left hand most Honorable, because the Sword hangs on that side, by this the Nim­rods of the World decide differences.

85 One Castellanus, who having been a Protestant, and turning ro the [...]opish Religion, was struc­ken with a Disease unknown to the Physicians; the one half of his Body burning as hot as Fire, and the other being so cold as Ice, and so mise­rably lamenting ended his life.

86 When Toxaris saw his Country-man Anachar­sis in Athens, he said unto him, I will at once shew thee all the wonders of Greece, and shewed him Solon, in seing whom thou seest all, even Athens it self, and the glory of the Greeks.

87 Like will have like. Gideon sle [...] forty El­ders of Succoth, and had his own forty Sons all but one murdered by Abimel [...]ch. The Egyptians slew the Israelites Male Children, and lost their first born. Haman was hanged on the same Gallows he set up for Mordecai. Bajazet the first was carried about by Tamberlain in an Iron Cage, as he intended to have done by him. Maxentius was overthrown on the same Bridg which he built to have intrapped Constantine. Pope Alexander the sixth was poysoned, in the same [Page 25] Wine he provided to have poysoned another.

It is reported of the zealous and learned 88 Martyr John Mollens, that he never spake of the name Jesus, but instantly Tears dropped from his Eyes.

The Popish Clergy deal with the Laity as 89 the Philistins did with Samson, pull out his Eyes, and then being blindsold ma [...]e pastime at him; as it is reported of Cardinal Cajetan, who coming into Paris and seeing the blind peo­ple desirous of his blessing, he turned to them and said: Because this people are willing to be deceived let them be deceived, and so gave them his blessing in the name of the Devil.

Daily experience witnesseth the Worlds Vicis­situde: 90 some from mean extraction raised to highest powers, as Darius born of a servant. Tangrolopia [...]amberlain a Shepherds son. [...]l­ligis Archbishop of Mentz the Son of a Wheel-wright. Sir Francis Drake a poor Vicars Son. Joseph from the prison, and David from the sheepfold advanced to the Crown. Others from great Estate brought to Misery; as Ham [...]n, Nebuchadnezer, Bajazet, Darius, and Belesa­nus once a victorious [...]aptain, but before his Death a most distressed and blind beggar.

Luther in his Table talke, cites this Fable. 91 A Lion makes a great Feast, invites all the [Page 26] beasts, and amongst them the Swine. Now when all the dainties were brought in, the Swine askt if Brewers grains might be had: Even so when God in his Gospel offers all Spiritual excellencies, Worldlings like the Swine root after Crowns and Ducats: And what saith he, shall a Cow do with a Nutmeg?

92 Ailbertus Bishop of Mentz reading by chance in the Bible, one of his Council coming in, asked him what his Highness did with that book; the Achbishop answered, I know not what this Book is, but sure I am, all that is written therein is quite against us.

93 Mathias de Vai, an Hungarian Divine was complained upon by a papistical Priest to a Fri­er, that was brother to the Governour or Vay­vod of Buda; both being summoned, and the one accusing the other, the Frier could not re­concile the controversie. At last the Frier told them he knew a way to discover the truth of this cause, and commanded that two barrels of Gunpowder should be set in the midst of the market place at [...]uda, and said to the parties, Sit upon the barrels and I will set fire to them, and he that remains alive his Doctrin is right. Mathias de Vai leaped upon one of the bar­rels, but the Priest shrunk away. The Frier pronounceth the faith of Mathias right; fineth the Priest and his Complices, Licenseth [Page 27] Mathias to preach his Doctrin, and himself turns Protestant.

Luther relates a Story of one whom he knew 94 at Erford, who having parted with his Estate to his Children, on condition they should maintain him; He coming unexpectedl [...] to Dine with one of his Sons who had a Goose on the Table; his Son espying his Father, puts the Goose under the board. The Father Dines, goes his way, the Son stooping to take up the Goose, it was turned into an ugly Toad, which leaped unto his Face and stuck fast, and before night killed him.

Albertus Bishop of Mentz had a Physician 95 that was a Protestant, but turned Papist, using these words: I will for a while set Christ behind the Door, untill I am grown rich, and then I will take him to me again. But the same Night he was found in his Bed with his Tongue torn out of his Mouth, and his Neck wrung in tvvane. Luth. Col. p. 79.

Luther reports that he being at Rome, a great 96 Cardinal died, and left behind him great store of Money. Before hi [...] Death he made his Will, and laid it in a Chest: vvhere his Money vvas. And after his Death the Chest was opened, and therein by the Money was found vvritten in Parchment these words:

97 A Nobleman of Vienna having made a great Feast, in the midst of his Jollitry spake these words: If God vvould leave me my Riches, and suffer me to live but a thousand years to take my pleasure, I vvould vvillingly leave to God his Heaven. Idem p. 81.

98 I hear, saith Luther, that the Prince Elector George begins to be Covetous, which is a sign of his Death very shortly. When I savv Dr. G. begin to tell his Puddings hang­ing in the Chimny, I told him he would not live long, vvhich fell out accordingly.

99 Luther compares the Emperor Charles the Fifth in respect of Church-Livings to a pretty Dog he savv at Lints in Austria, that vvas taught to go vvith a Hand-basket to the Butchers Shambles for Meat. Now when other Dogs came about him, and vvould take the Meat out of the Basket, he vvould set the Basket dovvn and fight lustily vvith them: but vvhen he savv they vvould be too strong for him, then he himself vvould snatch out the first piece of flesh, lest he should lose all. Idem p. 88.

100 Aristotle being not able to understand the reason of the ebbing and flovving of some part of the Sea, call himself into it, saying,

IMMANUEL. Historical Collections. Century II.

A Country Farmer coming to Erfart would 1 not sell his Corne at the rate of the Market, but said he would carry it home, and give it rather to the Mice; going home, he found an innumerable Company of Rats and Mice about his House, that had devoured up all his Corn, and the next day following, go­ing to see his ground, newly sown, he found all his Seed eaten up, and no harm done to his Neighbours: Luther upon the relating of this Story, adds this strange expression: Three Coun­try Farmers God be praised have lately hang'd themselves.

A Courtier is a strange Creature, that loseth 2 himself in following others, he liveth a great deal by the Bread, a good deal by the Breath of others: Many times his cloathts, Hair, com­plexion, Skin, yea his Soul is not his own, li­ving at the devotion of another

Courtiers (saith Guivar rise late, come late to the Temple, Dine late, Sup late, go to Bed late, and repent last of all, if at all.

3 Who are bit with the Tarantula are cured with music [...], which dissipates the poyson, and who are not perfectly cured when they hear musick will dance.

4 In the Territory of Brera a Village called Hy­born by reason of an Earth quake, in the Year 1583. was overwhelmed and covered with earth, so deep, that at this day it's a Corn field, which Earth came from a Mountain above a mile distant from the place.

5 Eusebius reports, how an Ideot, an illiterate person disputing with a subtle Philosopher, an egregious Enemy to the Faith, brought him to acknowledg the power of God in his word, and to give place to truth. Many Bishops affe­cted the Victory, but none could effect it until it pleased God by a Babe to perfect his pray­er.

6 Romes Faith was sometimes famous through the World, Rom. 1.8. But new Rome is so far unlike Old Rome, that we may well exclaim as the Poet ‘Heu quantum haec Niobe Niobe distabat ab illa!’ [Page 31] How is the faithful City become an Harlot!

A people in India called Pandorae, have white 7 Hoary heads in their youth like old men, and in their elder Age black Hair like young men: And Hermogenes is said to be in his Childhood an old man, and in his old Age a Child. And Natura­lists observe that the She Wolfe hath an early defect in procreation, beginning with five, and the fift year having but one, and ever after bar­ren.

It's Fabulously reported, that the Ghost of 8 St Jerome appeared to St. Austin when he was writing a Treatise concerning the fulness of joy which is in Gods presence, saying, O Austin, Austin, what do you mean, can you measure the Waters, Isaiah 40.12. Remember that Scri­pture, Eye hath not seen &c. I pray continue your good courses of life, be stedfast and abun­dant alwayes in the work of the Lord, that you may hereafter on Gods holy Hill enjoy that to the full, which in this Earthly Tabernacle you can know but in part.

The Jews that bought our Saviour for thir­ty 9 pence, were afterwards sold thirty for a penny, and being now scattered over the World are fain to buy the sight of Jerusalem, their sometimes Habitation, from the Turks the now possessors of it, who have so vile an [Page 32] esteem of them, that if any of them will turn Turk, he must first turn Christian; so dreadful a thing it is to despise the proffers of Grace.

10 Matilda or Maud the Empress was Daugh­ter of a King, viz. Henry the First, Mother of a King, viz. Henry the Second of Eng­land, and Wife of a [...]ing, viz Henry the Fourth Emperor of Germany. On whom was made this Epitaph.

11 Fabius was call'd by Plutarch the shield of the Romans; so some Princes have been what all should be, the shield of the Christians. Such were Theodosius, Arcadius, John Frede­rick, Duke of Saxony, and our excellent Prin­cess Queen Elizabeth, for whom if Plutarch were living, he would be much troubled to find a Parallel.

12 The Jesuits may be fither called Jehusites. Jesus was meek, Jehu furious, a man of blood: so they who have though their Eyes lifted to Heaven, yet their hand on Earth, and their hearts in Hell.

One comforting a widdow, that had lately lost her Husban [...], told her that he was and [Page 33] an unthrift and unkind. She answered, though he were a bad Husband, yet be was an Hus­band. So the Commodities of Government are so great, that a bad Husband to a Common­wealth is better than none. Hence that true Observation; Better living where nothing is lawful, than where every thing.

Lactantius reports of Arcesilaus that having 14 throughly considered the contradictions and opposition of Philosophers one against ano­ther, in fine contemned them all, and institu­ted a new Philosophy of not Philosophising. So Worldlings and Atheists expending the diffe­rences of Christians, and matters of Religion, have resolved to be of no Religion.

There is a sweet Harmony between the 15 Prophets and the Apostles. As Numenius said, Plato was Moses translated. Ascham saith, Virgil was Homer. So is the New Testament an exposition of the Old. The difference which Zeno puts between Logick and Rheto­rick, that Divines put between the Law and Gospel. The Law being as the Fist shut, the Gospel like the hand open. The Gospel is the Law revealed. The Law the Gospel shadow­ed.

Ptolomey wondered at the agreement of the 16 Seventy two Interpreters, who though kept a­part, [Page 34] yet agree both in sense and words. How much more may we at the wonderful con­sent of the Prophets, and Apostles. and Pen-men of the Scriptures, writing in several languages, times and places?

17 The Evangelists in citing the Old Testa­ment, do not alwayes relate the precise Text, but many times keeping the sense, they alter the words. But on the contrary, Hereticks and Atheists use the words but altogether change the sense. They bring not their conceptions to the Scriptures, but the Scriptures to them, first make their Sermon, and then look their Text.

18 Christ lived three and thirty years, went every year thrice to Jerusalem, in all ninety nine times, and yet notwithstanding Jerusa­lem was destroyed. O what a bragging would the Pope have made, if Christ had bin but once at Rome?

19 Luther relates of himself, that being at pray­er, contemplating how Christ hung on the Cross and suffered for his Sins, there appear­ed suddenly on the wall a bright shining Vi­sion, and therein appeared also a glorious form of our Saviour Christ, with his five wounds stedfastly looking upoh him, as if it had bin Christ himself corporally. Now at the first [Page 35] sight, he thought it had bin some good Reve­lation, yet presently recollected himself and apprehended it some jugling of the Devil. For Christ appeareth unto us in his word, and in a meaner and more humble form; like as he was humbled on the Cross for us: Therefore said he, I spake to the Vision in this manner; A [...]ay thou confounded Devil, I know no other Christ, than he that was Crucified, and who in his word is pictured and preached to me; whereupon the Image vanished, which was the very Devil himself. And in like man­ner said Luther further; A Gentlewoman, a Virgin not far from my House at Wittenburg, lay very sick, to whom also appeared a Vision after this sort following. She beheld as she thought a glorious form of our Saviour, which she was ready to have worshipped and fall down before; but I being sent for pre­sently repaired to her, and saw the Vision al­so, as in the form of Christ. I admonished her seriously, that she should not suffer her self to be deluded by the Devil; whereupon she raised up her self, and spit upon the face of the Image, and instantly the Image was changed into a great ugly Snake, which slid to the Gentlewomans Bed, and bit her by the Ear, so there stood drops of blood upon the Ear which trickled down, and thereupon the Snake vanished. This I beheld with mine [Page 36] Eyes, said Luther, with divers others that stood by.

20 Luther relates that Dr. carlstade was pro­moted Doctor of Divinity, eight years before he read in the Bible; and that afterwards con­ferring the degree of Doctor on One at Wit­tenburg made this Speech. Here I stand and do promote this Man, and I know I do not rightly therein, and that thereby I com­mit a mortal Sin, but I do it for the gain of two Gilders which I get by him.

21 When the Imperial Assembly was held at Auspurg; William Duke of Bavaria asked Dr. Eccius, whether the Protestants Doctrin might be confuted by Scripture. He answered, No, but by the Fathers it might.

22 John Prince Elector of Saxony at the Diet at Auspurg would not intermit the hearing of Gospel, notwithstanding the Emperors command to the contrary, telling the Emperor that he could no less want Gods word, than his meat and drink.

23 A Godly Matron at Eislebin, having in a great Dearth suffered much want, and spent all her provisions, went with her two Children to a [...]ountain to drink, and going, prayed that God would preserve hers in a time of Dearth. [Page 37] Upon the way a Man met her, questioned with her whether she thought to get something to eat also at that Fountain; she said Yea, why not, for all things are possible to God. He that fed the great multitude of the Israelites forty years with Manna in the Wilderness, can also preserve me and mine with drinking of VVater. Now as she continued thus stedfast in her mind, the Man said unto her, (doubt­less an Angel) Behold, seeing thou are in be­lief so confident, go Home, and thou shalt find three bushels of Meal, which she according to his word found when she came Home.

Luther relates out of the lives of the Fa­thers 24 concerning an old Hermit, who had led a strict Life, and fell deadly sick: Another Father and a young Brother went to visit him, a Murderer ran after them and stood at the Hermits door, and hearing of the Holiness of the Hermits Life being thereat astonied, said, Ah! in such manner also should I have lived. The Hermit answered him and said, Yea, thou shouldest have done so and lived as I have, if thou intendest to be saved; and with these words gave up the Ghost. No [...] the young Brother seeing the soul of the Hermit carried by the Devil, he wept bitterly: These going away, the Murderer followed them sorrow­ing for his Sins, but going [...]eedlesly, fell and broke his Neck and dyed. The young [Page 38] Brother saw the Angels carry his Soul, at vvhich he joyfully laught. Now when the old Fa­ther saw the young Brother behave himself so strangely, he asked the reason; the young man told him what he saw. Thus the first shall be last, and the last first.

25 Prince John the eldest Son of George Elector of Saxony, lying at the point of death, his Father comforted him with the Doctrine of justification by Faith, and that he should for­get his own works and trust only on Gods mer­cy and Christs merits, and banish [...]ut of his thoughts the invocation of Saints. Novv the Son being therevvithal refresht, asked his Fa­ther, vvhy he did not cause the same Doctrin to be preached openly through all his Countryes. His Father answered, Loving child vve must say this only to those that are dying and not to the sound and healthful.

26 There is in Austria a Monastery, which in former times was very rich, and so continued as long as it willingly gave to the poor: But when it forbare to give, it became poor. It fell out that not long since a Poor man came thither and desired an Almes, which was denyed him; and he demanding a reason, why they refused to give to one that asked in Gods name, the Porter answered him, we are become poor; whereupon the poor man said; the cause or your [Page 39] poverty is this, you have had in this Monastery two Brethren, the one you have thrust out, and the other is gone secretly away of himself. For after the one Brother (Date, give you,) was put out and cashierd, the other Brother (Dabitur, it shall be given,) left it himself.

A Bavarian with great devotion prayed unto 27 St. Leonard an Idol set up in the Church: be­hind which Idol stood one and answered him and said, Fye on thee, Bavarian; and in that sort he was oftentimes repulsed, and could not be heard. At last the Bavarian displeased, went away and said, Fye upon thee Leonard.

I knew saith Luther a Friar sitting upon the 28 Privy, reading the Canonical Hours. The De­vil appeared unto him and said, A Monke upon the Stool should not read his devotions; whereupon the Friar made the Devil this an­swer:

I ease my self and worship my God; my de­votions go upwards, and they are Gods; my excrements downwards, and they are thy share.

June the 9th. 1532. in a great Drought, Lu­ther 29 assembled the Church, and by Prayer ob­tained [Page 40] a Rain, which continued a Fortnight.

30 Worldly peace a great blessing, but abused by most. Oh saith Luther, how soundly will our Gentry and Farmers in Germany pay for this before an Hundred and Fifty years come to an end, but afterwards God will restore them again and beat down Popedom.

31 As the King of Persia laid Siege to a City that had offended him, the Bishop that was therein went upon the Wall, lift up his Hands to Heaven and prayed, whereupon immediate­ly the Eyes of the Horses in the whole Army were so pestered with an innumerable compa­ny of Flies stinging them, that with their Ri­ders they ran away, and so raised the Siege.

32 A Frier that lived in the same Monastery with Luther, used daily to conve [...] himself into a pri­vate Corner to pray. Now as he became wea­ried and tired therewith, he asked God if such his continued prayers and devotions so long a time might suffice, whereupon he heard a voice that said ‘Redde mihi mediam Lunam, Solem, & Canis iram.’ by which was signified Cor the Heart.

33 A young man condemned and brought to the Block, and then remitted by Julian, as he [Page 41] rose, spake these words, Ah sweet Jesus! am not I worthy to suffer for thy sake?

It was a brave resolution of Henry Prince of 34 Saxony, who when his Brother George sent to him, that if he would forsake his Faith and turn Papist, he would then leave him his Heir. But he made him this answer, Rather than I will do so and deny my Saviour Jesus Christ, I and my Kate each of us, with a staff in one hand, will beg our Bread out of his Countreys.

The Church is watered with the Blood of 35 Martyrs: Truly said Luther; it would grieve me sorely if I should carry my Blood into the Grave. Idem p. 268.

Luther relates a story of a young man he 36 knew at Erfort, that tempting his Mothers Maid, the Maid acquainted his Mother. She with a pretence to school her Son, lays her self in her Maids Bed, and was gotten with Child by him of a Daughter, which being bred abroad, and when grown up brought home, the young man knowing not of it married her, so that she was his Daughter, Sister and Wife. The Ʋniversity was consulted with, they conclud­ed, advising the Mother to repent her wicked­ness, that seeing the married couple knew no­thing of it, to avoid greater offence, they should continue together.

Galaton painted Homer Vomiting, and all the rest of the Poets greedily swallowing up what he had Vomited, and Aelian reckoneth all other Poets but his Apes.

38 Famous was that contention between Chryso­stom on the one part, and Theophilus cyril and Epiphanius on the other, about the burning or not burning of Origens Books. All good men, yet they grew so hot, that because Chrysostom would not consent to the burning, Theophilus and Cyril would hardly acknowledge him a law­ful Bishop. And Epiphanius in bitter chiding fell to such choler as he said he hoped he should not die a Bishop. To whom Chrysostom an­swered as eagerly again, that he trusted that he should never return alive into his own Coun­try of Cyprus: Which chiding words were not so bitter in sound as afterwards they proved true indeed; for both Epiphanius dyed before he came home to Cyprus, and Chrysostom being put out of his Bishoprick ended his life in ba­nishment.

39 Constantine the Great, having assembled the council of Nice for the suppression of Arrius Heresie, in which there met 318. Bishops; when the Bishops put up Bills of complaint, the one against the other, he would not read them but burnt them all before them, exhorting them to mind the matter about vvhich they came: yet [Page 43] afterwards by pernicious flatteries vvas turned against the truth and banished Athanasius.

Augustus hearing that the goods of a Mer­chant 40 that died much in debt, were set forth to Sail, he sent to buy his pillow, saying, That he thought it had some rare vertue in it to pro­cure sleep, seeing he that owed so much could sleep on it so quietly.

It is reported of Caesar to his great commen­dation, 41 that after the defeat of Pompey, he had in his custody a Castle, vvherein he found divers letters vvritten by many of the Nobles under their ovvn hands; sufficient evidence to con­demn them: but he burnt them all, that no mo­nument might remain of a future grudge: Thus doth God cancel and annihilate the sins of his penitent servants.

Achon a Cretian an excellent Archer, vvhen 42 a Serpent had taken avvay his Son, he vvith his Arrow kill'd the Serpent, but did not hurt his child.

Aristotle being reproved for giving an almes 43 to a levvd person; ansvvered, I relieve the man not his manners.

Themistocles, vvhen he heard that Miltiades 44 had gotten great honour in the Marothenian battle; he could not sleep because he came short [Page 44] of his glory. And Caesar seeing Alexanders statue, wept that he had done so little himself.

45 A Man coming into a Church and seeing it full of Images made of Wax, demanded what might be the cause of such an unwonted sight: Answer was made, that those whom those I­mages did represent, were certain persons, which were saved from drowning by calling on our Lady. Nay, then quoth he again, where be the Images of those I pray you, that called upon our Lady, and were drowned notwith­standing?

46 A Minister knowing he had Ʋsurers in his congregation, whilst he vvas preaching askt his Auditors this question, whether there was any Usurer amongst them: No man answered. He asked again, whether there were any Jakes f [...]r­mer amongst them: One rising up said, Yea, I am the man: Whereupon he answered, behold how vile an imployment the Ʋsurer's is, that he is ashamed of, vvhereas the other counted it no disparagement to own his.

27 An Ʋsurer dying, the Minister of the Parish refused to bury him; his Friends though very importunate could not perswade. It came into their minds, that the Minister had an Ass that usually carried his Masters Books after him to the Church. Now they supposing the Ass [Page 45] vvould carry vvhat burden he had to the Church, as he carried his Masters Books, desired the Minister to agree to this, that the Ʋsurer might be laid upon the Ass, and that vvhere the Ass laid him he might be buried. He vvas content­ed. The Ass feeling an extraordinary burden on his back wringing him, wincing and kicking be ran to the Gallows that stood near by and there cast down the Usurer.

Philip of Macedon being told that one Ni­canor 48 a Courtier, but neglected by him, had spoken reproachfully of him, he sent him a large gift to relieve his Indigency. Whereupon Ni­canor every where talked very honourably of the King, vvhich made Philip say, You may see that it lyeth in our selves to be vvell or ill spoken of.

Agesilaus surprised by the Athenian Embas­sadors at play vvith his children, asked them if they had children or not: if they had, he fear­ed not their censure; if they had not, he de­sired them to suspend it till they had some.

Xenophons expedition though with little ef­fect 50 excited Alexander the Great to a braver and more successful invasion of Persia.

The Spartans set a Mulct on that Musician 51 that added one string more than ordinary to [Page 46] his Harp; and the Lycians suffered none to propose a new Law, but with an Halter about his Neck, that if the reason thereof were not approved, he might forthwith be hanged for offering novelties.

52 Independency is like the Boranits or Tartar Lamb, though it seems to creep low towards the ground and bear wool like the Sh [...]eps cloath­ing, yet destroys all Verdency, and suffers no­thing to grow or prosper near it.

53 There's none of the Fathers in which some­thing erroneous may not be observed, who are like the Birds hatched at Grand-Cair by the vvarmth of an Oven, vvhich have every one some blemish.

54 Agefilaus sent Tissaphernes his thanks, that by the breaking of a sworn league he had set the Gods on his side.

55 When the Jews were in the Sunshine of prosperity, then the Samaritans would claim to be their Bbrethren. But if once they were un­der a Cloud or Tempest, the other would not own their Kindred.

56 Examples, emulation, approbation of good men very prevalent: Antigonus called Zen [...] his Theatre, and Aeschines never did better [Page 47] than when he spake in the presence of Philip. Cato kept the whole Theatre in order.

Ludovicus Vives tells of one that going over 57 and scaping safely a dangerous Bridge in the Night, fell down dead the next day at the ap­prehension of the great peril he was in.

When Aristippus bought a Fish at an nigh rate 58 in the Market, and another blamed his profuse­ness. He asked what the other would have gi­ven for it: Who answering, such a small price: Aristippus replied, this is proportionably no more to me than that is to you.

Amphions musick brought together and laid 59 the Stones for building the Walls of Thebes; but the Independent Builders are so long a knocking, that they break them to pieces, and are like the Italian Musicians, that were admitted to sound their Airs before Sultan Achmet, who were so long in tuning their Instruments, that he thought this their best musick, and sent them away with contempt and indignation and frustrat­ed of their rewards.

Praetextatus a Heathen told Damasus the Pope, 60 [Page 48] Make me Bishop of Rome, and I will be a Christian.

61 Plants beaten to Powder or burnt to Ashes, will not only retain the Virtue, but the least warmth will raise this Dust into the visible form and figure of the Plant, and the Salt ex­tracted from the Ashes and set in Lye in the coldest Night, though frozen, will fix it self and configurate it self to the perfect shape of the Herb.

62 The condition the Independents brought the Nation to, might be denominated Reformati­on, only as that Stone found on the banks of Meander is called the sober Stone, because be­ing cast into a Mans bosom it makes him stark mad.

63 Cecillius Pasius with much confidence and ex­ultation comes to Nero and told him. That it was revealed unto him in a Dream, that within his ground in Africk was hid a stupen­dous mass of Treasure, not stamped but in Bullion reposited there of old by Dido coming from Tyre. This being over lightly credited, and without deliberation considered of the Orators and Poets, making it the subject of their declarations and recital to the people; the Gallies were sent to fetch it, but return­ed empty of any thing but shame and obloquy. And as Tacitus observes, the expectation of [Page 49] Riches was among the causes of the publick Poverty. A clear Emblem of the late pretend­ed Reformation.

Cardan relates of a Man in Milain, vvho 64 having in sixty years bin never vvithout the VValls, yet vvhen the Duke hearing thereof sent him peremptory command, never to go out of the Gates during Life: He that before had no inclination to do so, yet soon died of grief to be denied the Liberty of doing it.

Mahomet by breaking a Pillar in the Hip­podrome 65 of Constantinople, filled the [...]ity vvith Serpents which before were never seen there. The Subverters of Government have so dealt with the Church.

Upon a deliberation in the Conclave of send­ing 66 a Nuntio into a certain Kingdom, One be­ing commended for his Wisdom, it was repli­ed, That a Wise-man was not fit, because he could not imagine what such a people de­signed.

Prayer which is the Salt of all duties, spreads 67 it self and is united to all, as Mercury is joyned to all Mettals; being to them as Par­menio was to Alexander, without whom he could do nothing, and like Themistocles in the [Page 50] Honour of the battle of Salamin, in all accounts the second, who ever be the first.

68 To deny Rome her former praise because of present corruption, or her present corrup­tions, because of former praise-worthiness is equally irrational. It's no argument, because Jordan falls into the dead Sea, that therefore it never had fresher Streams. Neither is Rome like the bird of Phineus, that whatsoever she hath touched must be afterwards polluted.

69 Christians as to matters of Religion, must not be so qualified as Guevar prescribeth cour­ti [...]rs, To receive injuries and give thanks. Nor principled to that slavish subj [...]ction, as were the Persian Lords, who when they received sen­tence of death from the Prince, returned him thanks that he was pleased to remember them.

70 Galvano tells of a Tree in Mindanao, whereof that side that looks toward the East is a soveraign Antidote, that which looks to­ward the West is deadly Poyson. So interessed men esteem things good or evil, as they stand in aspect upon their own interest.

71 We read of a Nation, that having a pure River running through their Country, yet ab­hor to drink of it, because it passeth through their Enemies Land; and of the Peguans, who [Page 51] because Dogs teeth are white, do therefore make theirs black. Such folly do they shew that reject the good, which appears in evil and erroneous Persons.

In the Consulship of Julius Caesar and Bi­bulus, 51 because the one carried all the sway and honour from the other, they dated writings, Julius and Caes [...]r being Consuls, no mention being made or Bibulus.

Most men are like the Herb Baptist, which 73 stroked gently, yields sweet, it hardly an un­savoury smell; like the Colossus at Tarentum, which will move with your finger, not wag with all your strength, and symbolize with the Camels, which mends her pace with musick, not by blows. Gentle instruction is more effe­ctual than rigid censure.

The Snakes in Syria sting all Forraigners, 75 but never any of the Inhabitants. The Hedg­hog hath sharp prickles without, but is smooth and soft within. So are men ingaged in Parties favourable to their own, but earnest against all others how good soever.

As the River Hipanis is sweet in the Spring, 76 [Page 52] but bitter falling into Exampius: So what is odiously resented may be amicably meant.

77 The same thing in and upon several Sub­jects works contrary effects. As Myrrhe that stops a bleeding Vein, makes a sound to bleed; and Trefolium laid to a wound made by a Vi­per heals it, but put to whole flesh causeth the same pain that the stinging by a Viper doth. One mans physick is another mans poyson.

78 Hunters lay looking Glasles for the Pan­thers, that staying to behold themselves, they may the better overtake and destroy them. Satan fills men with the sight of their own supposed worth, that thereby as he did the Pharisees, he may pervert them.

79 Men are much apter to take a tender re­sentment of things, as they clash with their proper interests, than formally as they check with Gods truth: So that Father gravely told the Emperour, who reproved him for obser­ving his Son with no more Reverence, That he, viz. the Emperour had more respect to his Sons Honour, than to the Glory of the Son of God, whom he suffered to be dishonoured by Hereticks Thus Demetrius left the o [...]her Idols which to him were Gods, to shift for themselves; but Diana which brought great gain merited the engagement of all their pow­er [Page 53] in the defence thereof; So the Pope in the Tax of the Apostolical Chamber rates the absolution for falsifying his Apostolical let­ters at seventeen Groats, but Incest with a mans own Mother, is taxed but at five Groats only.

Water confined in its proper Channel runs 80 pure, and is fit to cleanse other things, but if it overflow its banks, it contracteth filth and bears down all before it; so Fire restrained within the Harth, is of necessary use and comfort; but if it gets up into the top of the Chimney, it puts the whole House in danger. Too much power is alwaies a treacherous and en­snaring thing, especialiy in some professions. Like Helena of old, and Brunhall of latter times, it ruins all that court it, and is li [...]e Se­janus his Horse, which whosoever mounted fell unfortunate.

Small things especialiy tending to Evil must 81 be regarded.: A small Needle may prick mischie­vously, and small things may be great in Con­sequences: A great Oake is vertually in a small A­corn: A Huge Sum may be confirmed by a small earnest. There was a Golden imperial Crown at Constantinople called Ovata, made up and formed only out of the impost laid upon Eggs that were sold. If the Serpent gets in his Head, [Page 54] he will easily get in his whole body. Idem p. 510

82 All Ministers should be like the Fish called Lucerna, whose tongue, Pliny saith, doth shine as a Torch.

83 The Eye is a Corporeal Soul, and what the understanding is in the Soul, that the Eye is in the Body, this apprehending sensible, that intelligible things: the Mind being the Eye of the Soul, and the Eye being the Mind of the Body. The Mind the Glass of Art, and the Eye of Nature. The Sun the E [...]e of the great world, and the Eye the Sun of the les­ser.

84 The word and Sacrament are like two Nee­dles toucht with the same Load-stone, which move alike and turn togecher to the same point. Two Viols set to the same tune, touch one, the other is toucht also; and therefore the distin­ction of a converting and confirming Ordi­nance hath no weight or worth in it, but was stampt as Leather money instead of Silver in the straits of Indigence, for want of better bullion, and is not sterling.

85 The want of spiritual means may be some­times profitable, and the enjoying hurtful: As the ground about Armagh grows barren by being manured. The Nerve groweth drier by Rain. Cinnamon-Trees are killed with Wa­ter. Improsperous Trees rooted up and lying [Page 55] above ground a little while take the earth more kindly, and imbibe the moysture more plentifully. The Life is in the blood, yet it's often drawn to preserve Life. The Life is maintained by food, and yet that's often withdrawn to pre­serve Life. Impure Bodies the more fed the more harmed. The Ancients cured most Diseases by fasting.

Though moral actions of natural men are 86 but glittering Sins; somtimes falling Stars make a greater blaze than the fixed; as Alchymy Lace hath a more glaring lustre than Silver: yet notwithstanding men are bound to per­form them, and Ministers to press People to them There being sundry duties as a kind of Isthmus between nature and grace, as the Twilight is an effluence of the rising Sun.

Who set Duty and Priviledge by the Ears, 87 which would conjoynedly go together hand in hand; such with as little cause contest, which is one Mans duty and anothers privil dg, as the two Germanes contended, which was the better Religion, Dr. Martins, or Dr. Lu­thers.

Pittacus made a law, That he which offend­ed 88 being drunk, should have a double punish­ment, the one for his offence, the other for his drunkenness: so he contracts a double guilt that [Page 56] neither comes to the Sacrament, nor is qualified to come.

89 Fire mollifies and hardens Steel, according to the varieties and intentions of heat. Rhu­barbe if gently decocted purgeth, if over-much it bindeth: so in Purgative Discipline a little may do much and too much nothing.

90 The sweet Figtree becomes more fruitful by having a wild Figtree planted near it. Good men by an Antiperistasis grow more in love with holiness, by seeing the evil of wicked men that live near them.

91 Parables like Spectacles help some to see, and others see the worse for them. They are like the infusions of Borage, whereof the first extractions are cordial, but if too much be drawn, forth it's feculent, and like the Pyrhite stone, which may be gently cut and formed, but pressed too hard burneth the fingers.

92 Hypocrites take up Religion as a complement in Conformity to others rather than Conscience, looking, quo itur non quo eundum; like some Boats in the Danow, only row with the current; as the full-bellied Otter swims only with the stream: like Mercury whose influences are bor­rowed from those greater Planets he is in con­junction with, or as the inferiour Orbs are carried [Page 57] about by force of the Superior, and dance to the Tune, and keep Time according to the Musick which the Sphears make.

Some to their own Fancies pretend Gods 63 name, when they intend their own Honour. As in that Famous Tower in the Isle of Pha­ros, the ambitious Architect ingraved thereon in Marble this inscription, Sostratus of Gnidos built this which he covered over with plai­ster, inscribing the same with the name of the Founder Ptolomy Philadelphus; that the Plai­ster soon wasting, his name might be legible to posterity.

Moderata durant. Severus told some, who 94 blamed his condescension, that his soveraignty though less absolute, yet would be more safe. And when a Beotian Senator asked a Cartha­ginian Embassador, how long the Peace should last? That, saith he, will depend upon the con­ditions you give us; if just and honourable they will hold for ever, if otherwise no longer than till we have power to break them.

Presbytery may be a Bar to Popery, yet 95 the corruption of Presbyters may not be so. The Liquor which was sweet in the Wine is sharp in the Vinegar, and that which is pure in the top may have dregs in the bottom. The verdant juniper-Tree gives a cool shadow, [Page 58] but being inflamed yield the hottest Coal The Basis may be the same in several medicines, but the addition of other Ingredients may change the nature and operation.

96 Independent may by accident introduce Po­pery. As Constantine by removing the Legions and Colonies from the Northern Frontiers to the Eastern, made way for the I [...]undation of barbarous Nations, and his translating his imperial Seat from Rome to Constantinople, left Rome exposed to their Fury. So digladiations about Discipline have laid open Doctrin to destructive wounds; the discountenancing learn­ed Champions hath bin the leaving of it with­out a guard.

97 Mans pride and lust makes him worse than other Creatures. For Animals of the same kind live quietly together, and unite themselves against their adversaries. The fierceness of Li­ons is not quarrelsome amongst themselves. Serpents sting not [...]erpents, neither are Sea-mon­sters or Fishes cruel to any save those of diffe­rent kinds.

98 Men had rather be still in the dark, than have light only to see the Instruments of their misery. A Horse is surprised with Horror if he trace the footsteps of a VVolf, and the In­habitants of Bengala are so afraid of a Tyqer [Page 59] that they cannot endure to hear him named. King Ethelred having when young been beat­en with a wax-taper would never after endure the sight of any.

Some men are like a Top that will go no 100 longer than it's whipt, or like the Walnut-tree that bears best if it be basted. Others are like Memnons Statue, that only sounded when the Sunbeams darted on it; or like the Swan, the Emblem of the Hypocrite, having white Fea­thers and black Flesh, which never sings but in a Favonius or favourable Zephyrus; others are like Swallows, which only come amongst us in a warm Summer, or like the little [...]ine, have one colour in Summer, another in Winter.

IMMANUEL. Historical Collections. Century III.

1 UNity in all things a great preserver: thi Pumice stone swims when whole, but sinks when broken into parts.

2 As Sand contained in a Vessel hath one ge­neral figure in the whole Mass conformable to the Continent, yet every grain is incohe­rent with the other; so is it with Sectaries: They are all Separalists, agree not amongst themselves, though when they come against the publick, like Themstocles and Aristides go­ing on an Embassy, they lay down their Enmi­ties to be afterwards reassumed.

3 Many mens Arguments are as light as Mizal­dus, of whom Aelian reports, they were con­strained to hang Lead at his heels, lest he should be blown away with every puff of wind.

4 Some Doctrines may be right truth, though not rooted in the Scriptures brought for them, as it might be right Ivy (as Nieremberge tells [Page 61] us) that grew out of a Stags Horn, and a right blade of Corn, that sprang from a womans Nose, yet neither was natural to that place.

Thales gazing on the Stars fell into the wa­ter, 5 and was taken up with this Sarcasme, That had he looked upon the water, he might have seen the Start, but beholding the Stars he could not discern the water.

It's truly applicable to Independency in order 6 to their government, what that ingenious Pain­ter did in reference to English-men. Who when he painted the inhabitants of other Countries in their proper habits and peculiar fashions, he limn'd an English man with a piece of Cloth under his arme and a pair of sleeves in his hand, as constant to no garbe, and ready for any.

That Censure of Chymistry is applicable to 7 Independency: Principium est jactare, medium de­cipere, Finis mendicatum ire.

Some professors of Christianity are like one 8 kind of Cedars, that bears fruit, but no flowers. Others like another kind that bears flowers but no fruit. Some like the plant sen­tida that seems withered, but if you touch it, moves it self; and others like that plant at [Page 62] S [...]mbrero, which above ground is Verdant, and the Root but a Serpent.

9 The word to all other Ordinances is as the Sun to all other Stars, which though they have proper special influences, yet all have their light from it. Or as some Philosophers think of the Soul of the World, which quickens and actu­ares all particular formes in their specifical ope­rations.

10 Bias sailing in the same Ship with ungodly men, they calling to the Gods when a Tempest rose; he perswaded them to hold their peace, lest the gods should know they were there.

11 Caesar wondred at Alexander, who only re­garded to get Kingdomes, but took no care to keep them since.

Hence Scipio being Censor would not have the usual prayer, Dii augete Remp. sed conser­vate, that the gods would enlarge, but preserve the State. And when the Grand Signior en­treth the Mosch, the chief Priest minds him, that what was gotten by Justice and war-like vertue, must by the same art be preserved.

12 Diogenes being asked what Beasts biting was [Page 63] most venomous; he answered of wild Beasts the slanderer, of tame beasts the flatterer.

A Preacher that will please God must be thus 13 qualified; be must

A Preacher that will please the World must 14 be thus qualified; he must

Luther adviseth Erasmus Albert, that when 15 he preacht before the Elector of Brandenburgh, he should not order his discourse according to the Elector, but according to the unlearned. If I, saith he, should regard Philip Melan­cthon, and other Learned Doctors, I should do but little good. I speak to the simple plainly, but when we Learned ones come together, we make it so finical, that God himself wonders at us.

When thirty Articles of Horrible Vilanies 16 [Page 64] were publickly read against Pope John the twenty third in the Council of Constance, on which he was deposed; He said, Ah! I have offended far above all these, in that I departed from Rome, and went over the Alpes; meaning, that he had submitted himself to their censure.

17 Valentinian Son to Pope Alexander the Sixth, being taken in Spain by the King of Castile, and about to be Executed, desired first to make his confession. A Friar being sent in, he kill'd the Friar, put on his habit, and so esca­ped.

18 Adrian the Pope caused two Cities to be drawn in one Table, viz. The place of his birth with this Motto, I have planted; and Lo­vain where he commenced Master of Arts, with this Motto, I have watered under both Cities. The Emperor was pourtraied with this Motto, I gave the blessing thereto; for he made him Pope. Another Writ under, Hîc Deus nihil fecit, Here God did nothing.

19 Five Dutchmen travailing to Rome, each of them unknown to each other, confest themselves to the same Priest, who gave each of them a Leg of that Ass that Christ rod to Jerusalem on, but with this injunction, to keep it secret, till they came into their own Coun­try. [Page 65] Now one of them coming to the bor­ders of Germany brag'd of his relique to his four Comrades, who had each a Leg. They said vvith great admiration, Lord, had that Ass five Legs!

Luther compares the exposition of the Scrip­tures 20 by some of the Fathers and Antients, to the straining of Milk through a Coal-Sack, which must needs spoil and make the milk black.

Frederick the Emperor inviting a Conjurer 21 to dinner, by art Magick produced that the Con­jurer got feet like an Oxe, and on his hand claws. The Conjurer beg'd leave of the Empe­rour to shew his skill, which granted, he cau­sed a Tumult to be raised without the VVin­dow, out of which the Emperor looking, he had on his Head a mighty pair of Horns, graft­ed so, that he could not pull in his Head a­gain. Then said the Emperor to the Conju­rer, Release me, thou hast won.

The Emperor Charles the Fifth in the hear­ing 22 of Luther had these words of Fabius and Ecchius. My Brother greatly esteemeth them, but doth he think that they should defend the Christian Faith? Yea surely, the one every day is drunk, the other is a haunter of VVhores, and is a meer Idiot. Idem p. 408.

23 In Italy there was a particular Order of Fri­ars, called Fratres Ignorantiae. These were for­ced to take solemn Oaths, that they would nei­ther know, learn, or understand any thing at all, but should answer all Questions with Ne­scio. It were well if many others were not worthy of that Title.

24 In the Year 1526. a Frier in the Pulpit at Hildesheim gave St. Paul the Lye, and said, that we ought not to believe him, because he said, Rejoyce with them that rejoyce, &c. At that instant uttering those words he fell down stark-dead. And a Popish Minister at Kun­wald on Trinity Sunday was struck to death by Thunder, who had made a Vow against the Gospel to oppose the same, and said if the Go­spel be Gods VVord, so should the Thunder destroy him.

25 As Persius is fabled to hold and throw Gorgons Head before his Enemies, and there­by to get the Victory, so Christians may hold and cast Christ before all Satans instigations, and th [...]reby shall prevail.

26 A Gentleman in Germany having buried a fair VVife, some few Nights after she appeared to him, who asking her what she was, she an­swered I am your Wise, he replied she was dead and buried; she said true, by reason of [Page 67] your Swearing and other Sins, I died; but if you would take me again and abstain from your Sins, and one common Oath you use, I will be your VVife again; he said, I am content, whereupon she stayed with him and brought him Children. Now it fell out that the Gen­t [...]emen having Strangers to Supper, his VVife being gone up to fetch some Banquetting-stuff, and staying somewhat long, he swore his ac­customed Oath, whereupon she vanished that instant. They going to see after her, found her Gown which she wore half within the Chest, and half without, and she was never seen afterward.

In Saxony near unto Halberstadt, there was 27 a Man that had a Kilcrop, (so the Saxons call Changelings,) who sucked the Mother and five other Women dry, and besides devoured ve­ry much. This Man was advised, that he should in his Pilgrimage at Halberstadt make a pro­mise of the Kilcrop to the Virgin Mary, and should cause him there to be rocked. This advice the Man followed, and carried the Child thither to be rockt. But going over the River being upon the Bridg, another Devil that was below in the River, called, Kilcrop, Kilcrop; then the Child in the Basket, which never before spake one word, answered Ho, Ho. The Devil in the Water askt farther, whi­ther art thou going? The Child in the Basket [Page 68] said, I am going towards Halberstadt to our Loving Mother to be rocked. The Man be­ing much affrighted thereat, threw the Child with the Basket into the Water, whereupon the two Devils flew away together and cry­ed, ha, ha, ha, tumbling themselves one over another, and so vanished.

28 Luther compares Carlslad, and Erasmus to Hollow Nuts that have no good, but being crackt with ones teeth, foul the mouth and fill it with dust.

29 Pope Gregory, intending to fish in a deep Pond in Rome near to a Nunnery, the Wa­ter being let out, found more than 6000 Skuls of Children.

30 Maximilian the Emperor discoursing of the State of the present Government, said, Things are like to go well when the Spiritual Government is in the hand of a drunken Fool, and a nasty Priest, meaning Pope Julius, and the T [...]mp [...]ral with a Goat-climer meaning himself, who took great delight in hunting VVild Goats.

31 At the [...]iet of Auspurgh, certain Princes discoursed of the riches and advantages, of their principalites. The Prince of Saxony said, he had store of Silver Mines that brought [Page 69] him in great Revenues. The Prince Palatine of the Rhine extolled his Vineyard and Wine. Eberhard Prince of Wittenburgh said, Indeed I am but a poor Prince, and no way to be compared to you, yet in my country I have a rich and precious Jewel; namely, that if I should ride astray, and be left alone, yet I could securely sleep in the bosome of every one of my Subjects, who are all ready to ven­ture all for my service. Which when the o­ther two Princes heard, they answered, that in truth it was the most precious Jewel and wealth.

Ernestus Prince of Lunenburg complaining to 32 Luther of the immeasurable drinking that was at Courts, Luther replying, that Princes ought to look thereto. Ah Sir, said he, we that are Princes do so our selves, otherwise it would long since have gone down.

In Vulgus— When the Abbot throweth the Dice, the whole Convent will play.

Alphonsus King of Aragon besieging Cajeta, 33 and being advised to kill the women and chil­dren that were turned out of the City, answer­ed, God preserve me from so doing: I would not practise such Tyranny for the whole King­dom of Naples, were it worth ten times more than it is. And Frederick Prince of Saxony [Page 70] being perswaded to besiege Erfort, and told that the taking of it would not cost the life of five men; he answered, that the life of one man to be there lost was too much.

34 Maximilian the Emperour said of himself that he was King of Kings, because his Subjects would obey him no farther than they pleased. That the French King was King of Asses, the King of England King of men.

35 When the men of Antwerp caused to be wrought in a fair and rich piece of Arras the battail fought before Pavia, in which the French King was taken Prisoner, and offered it as a present to the Emperour, Charles the fifth, he refused to accept of it, saying unto them that he rejoyced not at the miseries of other Princes and people.

36 John Prince of Saxony had six Pages attend­ing on him in his Chamber, that every day read to him six hours out of the Bible.

37 When Charles the Fifth Emperour read the Protestant confession at Auspurgh, he openly spake these words, I would wish that this Doctrine were taught throughout the world. Prince George likewise expressed his liking of it, had [Page 71] it come from the Pope, but he would not re­ceive it of a run-away Friar.

Luther not long before his death sent a fair 38 Glass to Doctour Justus Jonas, and therewith these following Verses,

Tamerlain when he laid Siege to a City or 39 Fort, first erected a white Flag, thereby offer­ing Peace, the second time a red to signify blood, Thirdly, he shewed them a black Ensigne, de­noting devastation and destruction.

When Darius King of Persia propounded 40 peace to Alexander, he refused to accept there­of; Then Parmenio his chief Counsellour said, If I were Alexander, I would accept of it. Alexander replied, so would I if I were Par­menio; intimating that what becometh one doth not another.

Luther relates this Law-case: A Miller had 41 an Ass, which ran out of his Yard, and came to a River side, where he went into a Fisher­man Boat that was in the River, and would drink thereout, but the Boat being not tyed, swam away with the Ass, insomuch that the Miller lost his Ass, and the Fisher his Boat. [Page 72] The Miller thereupon complained of the Fish­er, in that he neglected to tye his Boat fast, the Fisher accuseth the Miller for not keep­ing his Ass at home, and desired satisfaction for his Boat. Now the question is, what the Law is? Who was in fault? Took the Ass the Boat away, or the Boat the Ass?

42 Demosthenes perswading the Grecians against Philip of Macedon did them harm by this false argument, Who hath an evil cause hath no good Fortune; since the greater Knave the great­er Luck.

43 The Hebrew tongue is necessary for a Di­vine, for though the New [...]estament be writ­ten in Greek, yet it is full of the Hebrew kind of speaking. Hence it is truly said, the Hebrews drink out of the Fountains, the Grecians out of the Streams, the Latines out of Pits.

44 Luther passing a Censure on himself, Erasmus, Carlstad and Melancthon, thus expresseth him­self, Res & verba Philippus, Verba sine re Eras­mus, Res sine verbis Lutherus, Nec res nec verba Carolastadius.

45 A Jew resolved to be baptized, but would first go to Rome: Luther disswaded him from going, fearing lest he should be scandalized by the wickedness he would see there. But the [Page 73] Jew went and when he had sufficiently seen abominable practices, he returned, and desi­red to be Baptized; For saith he, I will wil­lingly serve the God of the Christians, whom he said was a patient God that could endure and forbear, notwithstanding such wickedness and villany as Rome was full of.

Candia was very much infested with Rob­bers. 46 The Venetian State set forth a Procla­mation, that they would receive to favour all such, that should come in, and bring wi h them the Head of ano her, by which means one VVretch killed another, and he Island was rid of those Vipers.

All things are not every where to be spo­ken. 47 To illustrate which, Luther relates this Fable. The Lion called into his stinking Den many Beasts, and asked them how they liked his Royal Palace. The VVolf answered, it stink­eth; the Lion killed him. The Ass answer­ed it smelt very well; tha [...]ion killed him. But the Fox being ask [...], answered, I have got such a Cold, I smell nothing.

John Huss in the year 1415. as he was to 48 be burned at Constance; said, This day you roast a Goose, but a hundred years hence you shall hear a Swan, Him you shall not be a­ble to roast nor overcome. Huss signifies a [Page 74] Goose, and Luther a Swan. Now [...]uther began to oppose the Pope 1515. and died peaceably in his Bed, 1546.

49 Publick Persons, Magistrates, and Ministers, should hold their places, as Fleta reports, it was [...]he Honour of the Judges of England a­bout Edward the first's time, Nec prece, nec precio, nec premio. Such as Joshua was, to be wise and valiant, and to resolve as Luther did to despise while doing their duty all op­position; who when news was brought to him, that both Pope and Emperor threatned his Ruine, answered; Contemptus est à me Ro­m [...]nus favor & fervor.

50 When the Memory of the Just is blessed, the Name of the VVicked shall rot, of whom it may be said, what of Pope Boniface the eighth, He entred as a Fox, he reigned as a Lion, and went out as a Dog.

51 Mr. Bolton before his Conversion hearing Mr. Perkins, whose plain and sound Doctrin meeting in him with a curious Palate, and un­sanctified Heart, quite turned his Stomach a­gainst tha [...] good Man, and pronounced him a barren empty Fellow, and a passing mean Scho­ler. Though Keckerman and Bishop Abbot pro­nounce him, Doctissimum Theologum, A most Learned Divine. Ibid.

Mr. Bolton was an eloquent Preacher, his 52 discourse of Happiness some have confest they bought and read out of Curiosity, for the sweet rellish of the Phrase, and took Christ to boot. As Austin did hearing Am­brose for his Eloquence.

Dr. Rainold of CCC. when his Physicians 53 advised him to spare himself and not study so much, his Body being brought by it to a very Skeleton, perswading him to destroy the sub­stance for the accidents, his Life for his Learn­ing. He with a smile ansvvered them out of the Poet Juvenal.

Constantine the Great did so honour the 54 countenance of Old Paphnutias, though, disfi­gured by the loss of his Eye, that he often with delight did kiss the hollow of that Eye, which was lost for the cause of Christ.

Mr. Bolton dying, told his Children that 55 none of them should dare think to meet him at Gods tribunal in an unregenerate Estate. And when some of his Parish desired him to epress what he felt in his Soul, of the exceed­ing [Page 76] comforts that are in Christ, answered, I am by the wonderful mercy of God as full of comfort, as my Heart can hold, and feel no­thing in my Soul but Christi, with whom I heartily desire to be; and looking upon some that were weeping, said, Oh what a deal of do there is ere one can dye.

56 When Polycrates had sent Anacnon five Ta­lents, the care and fear of losing of them kept him tvvo Nights from sleeping: He re­turns them the third day, saying, they vvere not of that vvorth as to be so disturbed and disquieted about them.

57 Who one wondred at Nicostratud a skilful Artist, because he stood gazing on a curious piece of Work, and asking him what pleasure he could take in standing as he did, gazing on that Picture. Nicostratus answered, Hadst thou mine Eyes, thou vvouldst not vvonder, but ra­ther be ravished as I am at the inimitable art of this rare and admired piece.

58 Mr. Bolton relates that he knevv a Man that all his life time vvas given to svvearing, vvho on his Death-bed svvore as fast and as furi­ously as he could, yet desired the standers by to help him to Oaths and to svvear for him.

59 Desperate was the malice of that Wretch [Page 77] at Millain, who having got his Adversary at an advantage, held his Dagger at his breast swearing he would kill him, except he would deny and blaspheme God. Which he doing, he immediately killed him, adding this horrid Speech, That this was a right and heroick re­venge, that did kill the Body, and damn the Soul.

In the year 1572 One Barns and Mathers 60 joyned with one Herle in a bloody practice, to deliver the Duke of Norfolk, then Prisoner, and to kill certain of Qu. Elizabeths privy Councellors. But Herle being chief in Villany opened the project. When Barns was brought to Examination, and found Herle to be his ac­cuser; he smiling upon him laid, Herle, thou hast prevented me; If thou hadst stayed but one hour longer, I should then have stood in thy place the Accuser, and thou in my place to be hanged.

Stukely an English Rebel, was furnished by 61 the Pope with 800 Italian Souldiers for the in­vasion of Ireland, but was diverted by Sebasti­an King of Portugal, who prevailed with him to go with him to the Wars of Mauritania, where in the Battel, where three Kings, Sebastian, Ma­homet and Abdulmeleck were slain, he was likewise killed, receiving too honourable an end, for so dishonourable a life. Idem p. 36.

62 God most evidently and miraculously mani­fested himself for the protection of Qu. Eliza­beth of blessed memory, insomuch that her greatest Enemies were enforced to acknowledg it. As one Creighton a Scots Jesuit, sayling into Scotland, to carry on a design against her, and being taken by Dutch pirates, having Pa­pers about him, which contained practices of the Pope, Spaniard, and the Guises; he tore those Papers and threw them into the Sea, but they were by the force of wind blown back in­to the Ship, and brought to Sir William Wade, who with singular skill joyned them together, and found out their contents. Insomuch that Creighton himself acknowledged it a Miracle. And vvhen the Spanish Armado vvas defeated, Don Pedro Waldus confessed, that novv he per­ceived that Christ vvas turned Lutheran.

63 A Gentleman in Surrey, that had Land worth two hundred pounds per annum, which he kept in his own Hands, but running out eve­ry year, he was necessitated to sell half of it to pay his Debts, and let the rest to a Farmer for one and twenty years. Before that term was expired, the Farmer one day bringing his Rent, asked him if he would sell his Land? Why saith he, would you buy it? If it please you saith the Farmer. How, saith he, that's strange! Tell me how this comes to pass, That I could not live upon twice as much being my own, [Page 79] and you upon one half thereof, though you have paid, Rent for't are able to buy it. Oh Sir said the Farmer, but two words made the diffe­rence. You said Go, and I say Come. What's the meaning of that, said the Gentleman? Re­plies the Farmer, you lay in Bed, or took your pleasure and sent others about your bu­siness; and I rose betimes and saw my busi­ness done my self.

When Archimedes the Mathematician had 64 by his skill made Hiero King of Scicily draw a huge Ship along with his little Finger, which an infinite number of his Subjects with their joynt strength were not able to stir, from that day forward the King resolved that Ar­chimedes was to be believed in whatever he said: So simple Persons will ever believe that wizzard that hath once hit right.

Aulus Posthumius Albinus being Consul, 65 having writ some Roman stories in Greek, de­sired his Readers to bear with his imperfections, because saith he, I am a Roman, and therefore the exact knowledg of the Greek Tongue is not to be expected. Cato told him this was but trifling to intreat pardon, when he might have bin without fault. For who compelled him to do that, for which he thought fit to crave pardon.

When Phocas was Emperor, a Holy Man at [Page 80] Constantinople was in his prayers earnest with God to know why he was advanced: He re­ceived after many days importunity, this Di­vine voice by way of answer, Because I have not found any worse.

67 Though practice and experience be an excel­lent way of improvement, yet not the only necessary. Lucullus is said to come into Asia an excellent General, that went from Rome an unexperienced Souldier. The same is sto­ried of the Lord Deputy Mount joy. And a per­son of late without any experience of Navi­gation by reading and study at the first Essay happily and discreetly guided a Ship to the East-Indies.

68 Active Spirits not instructed to useful im­ployments fall to trifles, as Turning, Watch ma­king, and the like. There was one presented to Alexander, who by many years practice had obtained the dexterity of throwing a small Seed through a needles Eye. The King for a just reward, gave him a Sack, full of those seeds. But Mathew Huniades the war-like King of Hungary, vvas more severe with him, that brought him a VVooden Coat of Male, vvherein vvas not one Ring vvanting, a work of fifteen years, for he commanded him to Prison for fifteen years more, to expiate for so much [Page 81] time and parts spent in so fruitless an Employ­ment.

Cyrus and Darius great captains and wise 69 men, ruined their families and Monarchy, be­cause they educated their Children after the fashion of the Medes, that is, amongst their wives and Women, who never suffering them to want any thing, nor to be contradicted, their delicacy made them slothful and languid, the slavery and flattery of them about them rende­red them haughty and imperious, so that they could neither labour with cheerfulness, nor command without arrogancy; that made them contemptible as effiminate, this odious as inso­lent.

Iginhartus relates of Charles the Great, that 70 he took this care for the education of his chil­dren and grand-children. His Sons first to the Study of the liberal Arts, and when grown to some strength, to riding, hunting and the Wars. His Daughters to spinning and all other huswife­ry. And Suetonius tells us, that Augustus wore the cloth spun and made by his wife, Daughters and Grandchildren.

Monsieur de Rhodes thus describes the edu­cation 71 of Henry the Great of France; his Grandfather would not permit him to be brought up with that delicateness ordinarily used [Page 82] to persons of his quality, well knowing that sel­dome lodgeth other than a mean and feeble spirit in an effeminate and tender body. Nei­ther would he allow him rich habiliments, nor to be flattered or treated like a Prince, because all those things are causers only of vanity, and rather raise pride in hearts of children, than any sentiments of generosity: But he commanded he should be habited and educated like other chil­dren of that country, that he should be accu­stomed to run, to leap, to climb the rocks and mountains, that by such means he might be inured to labour. His ordinary food was course Bread, Beef, Cheese and Garlick, and he often went bare-foot and bare-headed.

72 Cato though he kept a Master expresly for his Son in his house, yet did himself also fre­quently teach him; so did Augustus his Grand-children Caius and Lucius. The Great Theo­dosius used frequently to sit by Arsenius, whilst he taught his Sons Arcadius; and Honorius; to whom also he commanded such respect to be given by them, that surprizing them once sitting and Arsenius standing, he took from them their Robes, and not till after a long time and much intreaty restored them.

73 Alexander the Great built up Stagyra for A­ristotle's sake, and spared Lampsacus for Ana­ximenes. Augustus bestowed great honours upon [Page 83] the person and country of Apollodorus, and for­gave Alexandria to gratify Areus his master in Philosophy.

Memorable is the Piety of Marcus Aurelius 74 towards his Instructors; he made Proculus Pro­consul, and took Junius Rusticus with him in all his expeditions, advised with him of all his publick and private business, saluted him before the Praefecti Praetorio, designed him to be second time Consul, and after his death obtained of the Senate publickly to erect his Statue. Carolus Magnus honoured Alcuinus; Otho the Third, Gerbertus, for whose sake he gave to the Church eight Countyes to be disposed of by his ap­pointment; Rufus made Lanfrancke Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and Laur. Medices great­ly inriched Joh. Argyropilus and Marsilius Fi­cinus his educators.

Augustus Caesar kept Posidonius his Instructor 75 with him to his old age, and when he then desired the Emperour to be dismist into his own Country, where he might dye in quiet out of the noise of the World; Caesar desired be­fore his departure to receive some good rules from him, for the better governing himself: The Philosopher answered, That when he per­ceived himself angry he should before he un­dertook any business repeat over the Alpha­bet; Augustus considering his prescription, re­plied, [Page 84] That he perceived he had still need of him, and so refused to dismiss him, but gave him an apartment in the Palace, better and nearer to himselfe, increased his Revenues, and kept him with him as long as he lived.

76 A good Education though most times it is, yet is not alwayes successful for good. Nero was not rectified by Seneca and Barrhas two excellent instructors. Cicero's Son to the stupi­dity of his Nature added drunkenness, and re­turned from Athens and Cratippus as he went. M. Aurelius provided fourteen of the most approved Masters to educate Commodus, yet could not rectify his froward and barbarous humour, suckt from and encouraged by his Mother, who at the time of his conception was in love with a Gladiator.

77 Dionysius in his youth having indulged him­self the liberty of debauchery, and finding too late the inconvenience, and indeavouring to ob­lige himself to the strict rules of temperance, was answered though perhaps untruly, that he could not safely do it, for if he relinquished his drinking, he would fall into a consumption; so in his own defence he was forced to con­tinue in his sottishness.

78 A Prince of late times, being by a servant of his tempted to uncleaneess, shewing him all [Page 85] things prepared for the purpose. The Prince opened the door and commanded the officious Ruffian to give him place and secrecy, which he had no sooner done but the Prince shut the door against him, and forbad him ever to come again into his presence.

Cardinal Borromeus in his Book against Balls 79 and Dances relates; That when he a young man at the Ʋniversity, and his companions with great importunity prevailed with one of their Pro­fessors, a grave and wise person to go along with them to a Ball; he having observed the actions and circumstances thereof, told them with great astonishment, that it was an invention of the Devil to destroy Souls, by corrupting the very Being and Essence of Christian ver­tues. When a Servant lighteth a Torch, we give him strict charge not to it carry amongst Flax or Straw or the like. Why then do not Parents forbid their children to frequent those places, where is more danger of kind­ling another manner, of flame? To have their Imaginations swell'd with the presence of La­dies in their trim, and under a full Sail, when the blood is chafed, and the mind set upon pleasure, is not drinking cold water but poyson to one over-heated.

A Child that delights in tormenting and 80 vexing either Beasts or Men (as the daughter [Page 86] of Caligula, that let her Nailes grow to scratch her companions and play-fellows) is of an evil, perfidious and untoward nature.

81 The Indian Brachmans of old, if they dis­liked the Indoles of their children, would a­bandon them in the woods to the wild Beasts; and the inhabitants of Magadascur, expose all their children that are born upon a Friday.

82 Precocious Persons though sometimes they verify that Proverb soon ripe, soon rotten, as Hermogenes the Orator was heard at twelve years old with admiration, at 24 with laugh­ter; yet not alwayes. For many we read, that began exceeding timely to appear accomplisht, did continue so: As Bellarmin, Perron, Tasso, John Picus Mirandula, Scaliger, Grotius, Li­psius, Tostatus, and many other for Scholars: Augustus Caesar at Nineteen, and the Great Cosmo Medicus at Seventeen years of age took upon them the management of their affairs, and carried them on with honour and suc­cess.

83 Manutius in his preface to his Paradoxes, tells us of one Creighton a Scotchman, who at twenty one years of age (when he was killed by the order of the Duke of Mantua) under­stood twelve Languages, had read over all the Poets and Fathers, disputed de omni scibili, and [Page 87] answered extempore in Verse. Ingenium prodi­giosum, sed judicium defuit.

Men in age make greater progress in learn­ing 84 than children. Julius Scaliger began not to learn Greek, till forty years old, and then ma­stered it in a very few Moneths, as he did French: And Gascon in three. Peter Damianus learned not to read till Mans estate, yet proved an eminent Scholar; and Baldus entred so late upon the Law, that they told him he meant to be an Advocate in the other world.

Lewis the Eleventh desired his Son might un­derstand 85 no more Latin than Qui nescit dissimu­lare nescit regnare; it seems he had but one trick in King-craft, and that a very mean one. More Latin might have taught him and others, and not to have needed that so base and so unworthy of a Prince, as it did those great Monarchs, who were practised in it, Julius, Au­gustus and the rest of that Family; whereof Nero to his dishonour wars the first that stood in need of borrowed eloquence, Seneca make­ing his speeches for him. Hannibal, Caesars great Captains, great Scholars; Alexander slept with Homer under his Pillow.

Passions moved make men eloquent. Seneca 86 relates that he heard a dull Orator declare most eloquently the day his Son dyed: Polus the Actor, [Page 88] that he might the more vively represent the grief of a Father upon the Body of his decea­sed Son, brought in an Ʋrn the Ashes of his own Son new dead.

Archilochus and Hipponan two very bad Poets, for spite to be revenged on two persons that injured them, invented those Dogrel sorts of verses, Iambicks and Scattazons, whose force they so well applyed, that their adversaries made away themselves so Love transports, as a Smith of Antwerp refused by his Sweet-heart turned and proved a most excellent Painter.

87 Though a great memory seldom accompa­nieth a great wit, and good judgment, yet some­times it doth, as in Monsieur Pascall, who when a Youth at School could repeat all Ovids Metamorphosis and Justin's History by heart. Mr. Oughtred in his old age had Ovid and Virgil fresh in memory.

88 Humane learning though a great embellish­ment and of excellent use, yet must give way to the study of Divinity and practice of piety. Albertus Magnus five years before his Death desired of God, that he might forget all that he had learned in those Studies, that he might en­tirely give himself up to Devotion. Monsieur Pascal a man most eminent in all sorts of hu­mane knowledge, yet ten years before his Death, he distasted them and professed that nothing [Page 89] besides Religion was an object worthy an in­genuous mans study, because those studies pro­duced no consolation in time of affliction: and therefore though there were some advantage in them as to converse with men; yet we might not prize them above their due value: And that if it were better to know and undervalue, than be ignorant of them, yet it were better be ignorant than know and overvalue them. Petrarch in his old age left Helicon for mount Olivet, and the Cardinal Perron though for­merly a great Poet and Oratour, yet kept not so much as any Book of humanity in his Li­brary.

Forraign Education usually perverts Youth, 89 and therefore Eteocles would not give Hostages to Antipater of the youth, but of grave men. And the Persians when wanting a King they sent for some of the Royal family, then Hosta­ges at Rome, were afterwards displeased, and cut them off, as not agreeing with the manners and custome of the Country.

The neglect of their Pens have ruined many, 90 particularly that great Master of Civility, the Author of Galaleo: For going to present to the Pope a petition, by a mistake he delivered a Copy of Licentious verses writ by himself, whereby he lost the Popes favour, his own [Page 90] Reputation and all hopes of farther advance­ment.

91 Augustus advised Tiberius not to be offend­ed with peoples speaking ill of them; It suf­ficeth saith he, that we can secure our selves from their doing us harm. When one said he was a Tyrant, he answered, Were I so, he durst not have said it: To one calling him dwarfe, Well said he then I will get higher Shoes.

92 It was the observation of a great Prelate, that a Courtier at Rome ought to have a Thou­sand Ducats Rent, Two thousand in his purse, and be a thousand Miles from his Kindred.

That Courtier is happy that hath opportu­nity given him of shewing his prudence and valour. Sejanus by one action of saving Tibe­rius Life with the hazard of his own obtain­ed that Reputation, that he governed the whole Empire, and had almost settled it upon himself, through the great confidence Tiberius, though otherwise a very jealous Prince, had in him.

93 Calvins name was so odious to the Papists, that they would not name him. Hence in their Spanish expurgatory Index, p. 204. they give this direction; Let the name of Calvin be suppressed, and instead of it, put studiosus [Page 91] quidam; and one of their Proselytes went from Mentz to Rome to change his native Name of Calvinus into the adopted of Baronius

It was Stapletons advice to the Duke of 94 Parma, when Governor of the Low-Countries, in reference to the divisions in point of Reli­gion then on foot, to cut all knots of Argu­ment with Alexanders Sword, and to beat them down with Hercules Club, rather than to la­bour to appease and moderate them by the Harp of Apollo. To repress them by violence, rather than moderate them by Judgment.

Some Parents and Nurses with their milk 95 and food of Life, do ordinarily transfuse some insensible seed of their own hereditary infirmi­ties, which in time grow upon their Children, and become both sensible and dangerous un­less they are purged out; so it must be ac­knowledged of St. Gregory, and Austin whom he sent into England, and that together with the substantial Doctrin of the Christian Faith, his Scholars and Converts might receive some few of his infirmities and superstitions, which like hereditary diseases increasing with time and growing stronger, ought not therefore to be still cherished, because hereditary. Id. p. 5.

The Devil appeared unto one Secundello a 96 Deacon in the likeness of our Saviour, and said unto him, I am Christ, Go forth, and do [Page 92] Cures, and heal Diseases: he being seduced with this delusion did so, and putting his hand up­on the infirm in the name of Christ, they were immediately healed: and he returned stuff'd with pride and vain glory.

97 It's noted of Caesar, that he therefore disclaim­ed the Title of a King, that thereby he might more plausibly and popularly execute all mo­narchical and Kingly power and Authority. The Pope stiles himsejf Servo Servorum, The Ser­vant of Servants that thereby he may Lord it over Gods Heritage. And notwithstanding this Title of Humility, yet the Book of the P [...]n­tifical Ceremonies, doth require that all Mor­tal Men of whatsoever State or Degree, when they come first. into the Popes presence, must kneel thrice and also kiss his feet.

98 Platina relates, that P [...]pe Sabinian command­ded first the lighting of Lamps in the day time in Churches, for this reason, ut Horae distingue­rentur officii gratia, that the Houres for Di­vine Offices might be distinguished and duly ob­served. And so we read in our English Histo­ries that King Aelfrid (who divided the natural day into three eight houres, viz. One for his bo­dily refreshment, one for his studies, and the third for the affaires of his kingdom,) measured hi time by the burning of Wax-tapers; Clocks, [Page 93] and Watches, and Hour-glasses, being not then invented.

Binius relates that some Donatifsts, who in 99 contempt threw the Sacramental bread unto Dogs, were by those Dogs fallen mad set up­on and eat up themselves. And in St. Johns Colledg in Cambridg, Dr. Whitaker being the Master, one Booth a Bachelor of Arts, and an excellent Scholar, who in contempt had ta­ken the Sacramental bread, and thrown it o­ver a Wall, not long after, threw himself Head­long from the battlements of the Chappel, and died within four and twenty hours after.

Pope Alexander in the behalf of Ferdinand 100 King of Portugal, thus decrees concerning In­dia. Upon our meer Motion and Liberality, (saith, he) and from the fulness of our A­postolical Authority, we give unto you, all the Islands and Lands, as well those which are found out, as those which shall hereafter be discovered in India, from the North-Azo­res unto the VVest, to you and your Heirs for ever. And this upon no better Truth or Title than the Devil promised the Kingdomes of the VVorld to our Saviour.

The Popish VVriters, though confessing some 101 of their Popes, as John the twelfth to be scele­ratissimos & Monstra, most Wicked Monsters; [Page 94] yet stile them of good and godly Memory. Because say they, we herein respect not what they did, but what became them to have done. By which reason, like honour of blessed Me­mory, belongeth to Jeroboam among the Kings, Balaam among the Prophets, and Judas among the Apostles.

102 The Books of accounts belonging to Christ-Church in Canterbury, do testifie that there being three several Offerings in that Church, One to Christ, another to the Virgin Mary, a third to Thomas Becket: The Oblation to Thomas Becket, communibus annis, did amount to eight hundred, or a thousand pounds; To our Lady two hundred pounds; To our Saviour som­times five Marks, somtimes twelve Marks, and somtimes Hoc anno nihil, This year Nothing.

103 The necessity of ministring the Eucharist to Infants was defended by St. Austin, and Inno­cent the first, and was practised by the Church almost six hundred years together, yet at length was left off, and rejected as a fond and un­warrantable custome.

IMMANUEL. Historical Collections. Century IV.

ZEno being asked how a man might be wise, 1 answered, He must converse vvith the dead, viz. by reading, understand and know the acts of the Antients.

The Trophies of Miltiades stirred up Themi­stocles. 2 What Homer wrote of Achilles pro­voked Alexander, and Alexanders History did Julius Caesar to great exploits.

Philosophy Rhetorick, Mathematicks and A­strology 3 have been banished Rome, and a long time it was e're Physick was admitted.

Sylla having overthrown Marius, made him­self 4 Dictatour, and seised on Rome; neverthe­less before his death, he deposed himself from his Dictatorship and left it at liberty. Pompey followed Sylla's faction and Caesar Marius.

The greatest civil warr that ever was in 5 the World was between Pompey and Caesar, in which were engaged all the Roman Senators and Souldiers, and lasted five years. It was [Page 96] waged in Italy, France, Spain, Epirus, Thessa­ly, Egypt, Asia and Africa. The whole Ro­man Empire not sufficing the ambition of the two Commanders, Pompey not enduring an E­qual, nor Caesar a Superior.

6 Men commonly judg that lawful in them­selves, which they condemn in others. Pompey would not allow Caesar to stand for the Con­sulship, being absent, though he himself had it before he was of lawful age.

7 Caesar coming to the River Rubicon, which the Senate commanded him not to pass with his Army, is reported to use these words, If I forbear, it will be the beginning of my dis­grace; and if I pass, it will be to all Men Mortal: Yet preferring his own honour be­fore publick good, using these Words, Jacta est Alea, the Lot is Cast, past the River and began the Civil VVar.

8 Pompey having raised a new raw unexpe­rienced Army, his Old Legions being in Spain, under Patricius and Afranius two inexpert Captains, Caesar being in suspence which to attaque first, at last resolved to go into Spain, saying, Let us go first against the Army that is without a Captain, and then against the Captain that is without an Army.

9 Caesar disguised, with three Servants entred [Page 97] a Brigandine intending to cross the Sea, but coming down he River to enter the Sea, it was so troublous and tempestuous, that the Ma­ster not daring to pass farther would have re­turned. Then Caesar discovered his face and said, Fear not, [...]hou carriest Caesar and all his Fortunes.

Pompey worsted Caesar at Dirrachium, but 10 prosecuted not his Victory: On which [...]aesar said to his Friends, Of a truth this Day had ended our Wars, if our Enemies had had a Cap­tain, that had known how to use his Victo­ry.

Caesar commanded his Horse-men fighting with 11 Pompey's Cavalry, who were nice and effeminate Gentlemen, to strike them no where but in the face, which they not able or willing to endure, presently retired and lost the Day to Caesar. Pompey, flying towards Egypt, had his Head smitten off in a Boat, by the command of the King of Egypt, which Caesar wept at, when it was shew'd unto him, and put to Death those that did it.

Afranius one of Pompeys Captaines, and Ju­ba 12 King of Mauritania, rather than fall into Caesars Hands, determined to dye, fighting the one against the other, Juba slew Afranius, and afterward commanded his own Slave to [Page 98] kill himself, and so died desperately. p. 18.

13 Caesar returning to Rome had four triumphs granted him, one for France, the second for Egypt, the third for Pontus and King Phraa­ces, which he conquered so quickly that he wrote of it, veni, vidi, vici, I came, I savv, I conquered. The fourth for Juba. As for his Conquest of Pompey, he refused because it was over a Romm Citizen.

14 Caesar being in great danger in his last War in Spain against the younger Pompey, was rea­dy to have killed himself, but recovering the day, he said of it, That in other Battels he fought for his Honour, but in this for his Life.

15 When Caesar was counselled to have a Guard alwayes about him; He answered he would have none, for he would rather dye once, than live in perpetual care and fear.

16 Caesar in the fifty sixth year of his age was slain in the Senate, seventy of the chief Se­nators conspiring his Death; he having the Night before, when a question was asked, what Death was best, answered, The suddain and not propensed. His Wife dreamt that Night that he lay dead in her Lap, and Spurina war­ned him to have heed to the Ides of March, and a Note was given to him going to the [Page 99] Senate, discovering the conspiracy, which he began to read, but was interrupted and died with it in his hands.

When Marcus Antonius made the Fune­ral 17 Oration for Caesar, who was slain forty and two yearrs before the Birth of our Sa­viour, he shewed his bloody Robe to the Peo­ple, which so enraged them, that they ran with burning-brands from the fire of Caesars bur­ning, and set on fire the Houses of Brutus and Caffius, two principal Conspirators, and slew in their rage one Elius Cinna, mistaking him for Cornelius Cinna one of Caesars Murderers, though he was his Friend. And observable it is, that all Caesars Murderers within three years died, and not one of them of a natural death.

Augustus Caesar shut Janus Temple three 18 times in token of Ʋniversal peace, which had bin but twice shut before from the foundation of Rome; and in the forty and second year of his Raign, the last time that he shut Janus Temple, Christ was born.

Tiberius though most unchast himself yet was 19 a great punisher of unchastity in others. In the eighteenth year of whose Raign Christ was Crucified; whom Tiberius would have had [Page 100] the Senate admit into the number of the Gods, but they refused.

20 When one condemned by Tiberius, desired that he might be put to present Death; he answered, No, I am not yet so much your Friend.

21 Caligula was the best Servant, and the worst Lord in the World; He made a Bridg three Miles over an Arm of the Sea, covered it with Earth and built Houses on it, and burnt such an infinite number of Torches in the Night he lay there, that the darkness of the Night was expelled; whereupon be brag'd, that he had made of the Sea, Land, and of the Night, Day. He commanded himself to be worshipped as a God, yet was so afraid of Thunder, that he would creep under a Bed to hide himself: He wisht all the Roman People had but one Neck, that he might destroy them all at one blow. He gathered a great Army and marshalled them on the Sea coast, and commanded them to gather Cockle-shells, for which he demanded Triumph, and was killed by Conspiracy in the year of our Lord God sixty three.

22 Nero, though most cruel by Nature, yet feigned Clemency, insomuch that a warrant being brought him to sign, for the putting one [Page 101] to Death; He said, he would that he could not write.

When Agrippina was told that her Son 23 should be Emperour, but that he should kill his Mother. She replied, Let him have the Empire, and then kill her and spare not; which he accordingly did, and viewed his Mothers Womb in which he lay.

In the days of Nero, the City of Laodicea 24 was wholly laid wast, and destroyed with an Earth-quake.

In the days of Nero, it was more dange­rous 25 to be rich, than to commit offences: Few were punished because of their misdeeds, but many lost their lives because of their wealth.

When Nero espoused Sporus, whom he ca­strated, 26 as his Wife. One hearing of it, said, It had been well for the VVorld, that Nero's Father Domitius had never bad but such a VVife.

Nero set Rome on fire, and in six Days 27 and seven Nights would not suffer it to be quenched; so that of fourteen Parts, ten were burned; and the while got up into a high Tower, where delighted with the sight, He sung verses out of Homer concerning the bur­ning [Page 102] of Troy. He raised the first persecution against Christians, whom he covered with Wild Beasts Skins, and then set Dogs at them.

28 Otho when his Army was discomfited, to a­void effusion of more Roman blood, slew him­self, and when he was burned, divers slew themselves for love of him.

29 Vitellius coming into the Fields, where the dead Bodies that were slain, taking part with Otho, lay unburied, his Souldiers and Captains holding their Noses: He reproved them, say­ing, that there was not a sweeter smell in the World, Than the smell of an Enemy being Dead, especially a Citizen. He banished Astrologers and Mathematicians, because they had fore­told he should not raign above a year. He was excessive in his prodigality, and most bloudy in his cruelty. He put to Death two young men, only because they had interceeded for their Fa­ther, whom he had condemned to Death.

30 Vespasian was made Emperor against his VVill, and forced to accept of it with drawn Swords by his Souldiers, who threatned other­wise they would immediately kill him: He was a good Prince, lived seventy nine yeares died in his Bed. For his health he used fricti­ons, and fasting one day every month without eating any thing. Id. p. 117. 129.

Titus was called Deliciae humani generis, 31 sent none from him discontented. One Night having given nothing that day, he said to his Friends, Heu! diem perdidi: and when two great men had conspired his Death, he freely for­give them without punishment.

Domitian delighted in catching Flies, and 32 though he were evil himself, yet he severely punisht evil Governours: He commanded him­self to be called God and Lord. p. 136.

When a Battel was fought in Germany, be­tween 33 Saturninus, and Appius, who was Do­mitians General, Appius got the Victory, the News whereof was brought to Rome the same day.

An Astrologer told Domitian of his Death. 34 The Emperor asked him, whether he knew his own: He answered he should be killed and ea­ten with Dogs: the Emperor commanded him to be killed, and his Body to be burned; while which was doing, there fell a great showr of rain, put out the fire, and the Dogs and came, eat him.

Nerva was an excellent Prince, released the 35 Christians from Banishment: John the Divine came then from Pathmos to Ephesus. He made poor mens Sons to be brought up at the common charge, and sware that no Senator of Rome by his command should be put to Death, which Oath he performed: He was [Page 104] wont to say, that he remembred not that he had done any thing, but that he might giving up his Empire, live privately without fear. He chose Trajan meerly for publick good to succeed him.

36 Trajan being reproved, for his too much familiarity with his Subjects; he answered, that be desired to be such an Emperor towards his Subjects, as he would wish they would be to him, if he were a Subject.

37 The Nobles of Armenia presented Trajan with a very fair Horse, that coming into his presence, kneeled upon both knees, and bowed his Head to the ground.

38 When Trajan lay at Antioch, a terrible Earth-quake overthrew the City, and all his Palaces; so that he was fain to keep in the Field in Tents for many days.

39 Trajans Ashes were set up upon the top of a Pillar in the Ma [...]ket-place at Rome, which was of one whole Stone, containing 140 Foot in height.

40 The Jews when bound to keep the Law, up­on every light occasion became Idolaters, and now the Law is abolisht, most obstinately persevere in it. Idem p. 1611

A certain Roman Knight camc to entreat a favour 41 at Trajans hand; the Knight being Old, had a gray Beard, and was full of w [...]ite Hairs, and failing of what he desired, within a few days after, he came again with a new petition to the same effect: But in the mean time he had dyed his Beard and Hears, and looked young again, which being noted by the Emperor, he to jeer him therewith, answered, I would be glad to do you the pleasure you require, but there are but a few days past since I denyed it to your Father, which desired the same: Wherefore it seems to me a matter unjust to grant that to the Son, which I would not to the Father; and the Old Knight departed with shame.

It having not rained in Africa for five years 42 together, upon Adrians coming it rained plen­tifully, which made him double welcome. He rebuilt Carthage, and afterwards Jerusalem, and died of wilful abstinence, using this saying; Turba Medicorum interfecit Regem, The mul­titude of Physicians kill'd the King.

Commodus intending to put to Death seve­ral 43 persons, and having written their Names down; his Concubine Marcia lighted upon the List, and finding her own name, she wi [...]h others contrived and procured his Death with poyson and stabbing. p. 179.

44 When the Pretorian Souldiers had rebel­liously slain Pertinax, they openly proclaimed the sale of the Empire to him, who would give most, and Didius Julianas bought it of them; but after seven months was slain by the contrivance of that Senate.

45 Audentius upon the death of Caracalla be­ing profered the Empire utterly refused it and would not by any perswasions be brought to accept of it.

46 Heliogabalut turned the day into night, and the night into day. He rose from his Bed a­bout Sun setting, and laid himself to sleep a­bout day breaking; and ordered that business which should be done by day should be done by night, and what was to be done by night, should be dispatcht by day.

47 Alexander Severus would admit no Officers in his Court, that were not honest and of good fame, and would not suffer any to buy places of Judicature; and to know how his Offi­cers discharged their trust, he had certain secret Honest men that vvere to watch, and report their Carriages to him. He apparelled himself decently, but never costly: He never gave Of­fice for favour, but desert; and when his Mo­ther told him, that his overmuch familiarity tnade his raign of less Reputation; He ansvver­ed, [Page 107] true, but thereby more firm and dura­ble. In his Wars, he did eat no other meat, than what the relt of his Army did, and had often in his Mouth; Do not that to another, which thou wouldest not to be done to thy self.

Macedonius slaying Ticus, who was set up 48 Emperor against Maximinus, brought his Head to Maximinus, who put him to a cruel death for murthering his Soveraign, and being a Tray­tor to his Friend.

Philip by the same means he got the Em­pire, 49 lost it; the same Souldiers putting him to death, which he made use of to put Gadie­nus to death.

In the time of Galienus, there were thirty 50 that usurped the name and Ensignes of the Em­pire; and none of them dyed a natural death, but were most of them slain by the Souldiers that set them up.

In Galienus time the Sun shone not in ma­ny 51 days. Many Cities were overflowed with the Sea, and in one day there died in Rome five thousand Persons. But the Emperor swal­lowed up with sensual pleasures regarded it not; and when the whole kingdom of Egypt was lost, he answered, And what then, can­not [Page 108] we live without the Linnen Cloth of E­gypt?

52 Zenobia would never lye with her Husband after she was with Child. Neither twice till by natural signes she knew whether she had con­ceived or no.

53 Aurelianus slew forty Men in one day, and in all nine hundred with his own hands; Besieging Tyanea, he threatned after destruction, not to leave a Dog alive, but being terrified with the apparition of Apollonius, he only put to death Heraclemon, that betrayed the City to him, judging him not likely to prove faith­ful to him, who was a Traytor to his own Country, and gave his Souldiers liberty to kill all the Dogs, but not the Men.

54 Aurelianus being about to sign an edict a­gainst the christians, a Thunder-bolt fell so near him, that all men thought he had been slain, notwithstanding which, he persisted in his per­secution, and was murthered by his own Ser­vants.

55 Tacitus the Emperor chosen by the Senate on the entreaty of the Souldiers, was so tem­perate, as in his diet, so in all things that he would not allow his Wife the Empress to wear [Page 109] any precious stones or jewels of any great price.

Carus the Emperor vvas slain by a [...]hunder-bolt 56 that fell on him in his Tent. Anno Dom. 287.

Dioclesian by an edict commanded his Foot 57 to be kist by those that came to salute him.

Probus the Emperor having brought the Em­pire 58 into a quie and peaceable, from a trou­blesome and turbulent posture, was heard to say, That he vvould speedily take such a course, that there should be no more need of any Men of War. This Speech was so distasted by the Souldiers, that they conspired and procured his death.

Dioclesian being but a common Souldier, was 59 told by a VVitch that he should be Emperor vvhen he had slain a Boar. He therefore af­tervvards kil'd many but vvas not Emperor till he had slain Aper, vvho had treacherously kil'd the Emperor Numinanus.

Dioclesian and his Colleague, after they had 60 raigned together tvventy [...]ears, in one day voluntarily resigned up the Empire, and betook themselves to private Lives: and vvhen after­vvards Dioclesian vvas importuted to resume the Imperial Diadem; He utterly refused it, [Page 110] protesting that then he began to Live, when he began to Live private.

61 Galerius Armentanus was smitten with Lice, and slew some of his Physicians for not curing him, and being apprehensive that his punishment was for persecuting the Christians; He recalled his Edicts against them, and de­sired their prayers for him, but died of that disease.

62 Constantine being ready to fight with Ma­xentius, and in doubt, was encouraged by a Vision of a Cross in the Air with this Word spoken in Greek, In this sign thou shalt over­come; who accordingly having obtained Vi­ctory, forbad any for hereafter to be put to death on the Cross.

63 Maxentius intending to entrap Constantine, caused a false Bridg to be made over Tyber, but being worsted by Constantine, fled and pe­rished by the falling of that Bridg into the Ri­ver.

64 Licinius being unlearned himself affirmed that Learning was a publick pestilence.

65 Constantines Wife Fausta, being denyed in her unlawful suit by Crispus Constantine's Son by a former Wife, accused him to his Fa­ther, [Page 111] as intending to ravish her, on which he put him to death, but afterwards understand­ing his Sons Innocency, he justly revenged his Sons death with hers.

Constantine to beautify Bizantium now Con­stantinople, 66 disrobed all the rest of the VVorld of what was precious or stately.

At the Council of Nice, wherein were 67 three hundred and eighteen Bishops, when di­vers Bishops accused one the other; He con­cealed their Complaints, and perswaded them to Unity.

Arrius the Author of the Arrian Heresie, 68 died on the draught his Entrailes gushing out.

Julian the Apostate intended to extirpate the 69 Christian Religion not by cruelty but policy, by gifts: And preferments, forbidding them Schools and Learning and all advancement, except they would forsake their Religion: And having pro­mised his Gods to sacrifice Christian blood, if he returned Victor over the Persians; He was wounded by an Arrow shot from an unknown hand, and kil'd and dyed, crying out, O Gali­lean thou hast overcome.

70 In he reign of Valentinianus the first it rained perfect VVool in great abundance.

71 Jovinianus in Julians time gave up his Offi­ces, because he would not deny his faith, and being on Julians death chosen Emperour, he refused till the whole Army acknowledged themselves Christians. He was stifled by the smoak of Charcoale.

72 Valens the Emperor being a Negromancer, enquiring of the Devil, who should succeed him, was answered, One whose name began with a [...] Th. whereupon divers whose names began vvith that Letter vvere put to death by him.

73 Maximus having usurped the Empire, that he might intrap Gratianus, caused a report to be spread, that Gratianus VVife vvith a good Com­pany of Souldiers vvas come to see her Hus­band, and to go vvith him into Italy, and sent a Messenger vvith counterfeit Letters to adver­tise him of it. After this he sent one An­dragathius a subtile Captain, to the end he should put himself into a Horselitter vvith some chosen Souldiers, and go to meet Gratian, feigning himself to be the Empress and so to surprise and kill him. The cunning Champion performed his business, and at Lions in France, the Emperor came forth to meet his VVife, [Page 113] and coming to the Horse-litter was taken and so kill'd.

Theodosius, because the Citizens of Thessa­lonica 74 had in a popular humour slain their Magistrates, which he had appointed over them, caused his Souldiers to put to Death seven thousand of the common people, with­out making a difference, Faulty or Faultless. For which act of cruelty St. Ambrose, when the Emperor came to Millain and would have entered the Church, forbad him and excommu­nicated him; the good Emperor obeyed the ex­communication, and for eight Months, till on his Repentance, he was restored, forbeared the publick Assemblies, and by the Bishops injun­ction published an edict, that none condemned by the Emperor should be put to Death within thirty days after the Sentence passed.

Alaricus marching towards Rome with a pur­pose 75 to destroy it, there came a Monk to him, who admonished him that being a Christian he should desist. To whom Alaricus answered, I let you to understand Man of God, that I go not of my own will against Rome. But I assure thee, that there daily appears unto me a Man that doth urge me and importune me thereunto, saying, Get thee to Rome and de­stroy it, even to the ground.

76 Theodosius the second being reproved for giving so many condemned Malefactors their par­don; He answered, I would to God I could raise again those that I have put to Death.

77 Pulcheria the daughter of Theodosius the se­cond, marrying with Martianus an ancient Cap­tain, took security of him, that they should both live chast, for she was resolved to keep her Virginity inviolable, which Martianus ac­cepted of, and they both observed.

78 Attila King of Hunnes called himself the terror of the World and scourge of God.

79 Ecius a most valiant Roman, that vanquisht Attila King of Hunnes in a Battel, in which fought on both sides a Million of Men, was by Valentinian suspecting him, unjustly slain. Valentinian asking Proximus a discreet and no­ble Courtier, whether he had not followed the best counsel in so doing, was answered; Whe­ther Ecius was slain with reason or without reason I dare not determine, but this I can affirm, that by killing him thou hast with thy own Left hand cut off thy Right: In which he was a true Prophet.

80 Attila having razed Aquileia and intending for Rome, Valentinian the Emperor sent Leo the Pope with many Senators to entreat him to spare the City, which he doing and be­ing [Page 115] demanded by his favourites, why he did it; He answered, That he durst not deny the Popes demand. For whilst he stood talking with him, he thought that he saw two Old Men with unsheathed Swords threatning to kill him if he denied it, and therefore he durst do no other.

In the reign of Anastasius the first, who 81 being an Eutichean was slain with a Thunder-bolt, One Proclus made a great many such burning-Glasses, that being set upon the Wall and Turrets, set on fire the Ships and Engines that were in the Harbour.

Anastasius being dead, Amantius an Eunuch 82 tampered with the Souldiers to make Theocra­tinus Emperor, and to that end delivered to Ju­stinian (who till seventeen years old was a Neat-heard in Thrace) a vast sum of money to be distributed amongst the Captaines, which he taking, dealt with them for himself, and so ob­tained the Imperial dignity.

Narses a valiant Captain, having recovered 82 Italy from the Gothes, and having governed it twelve years, being calumniated by Justin, who succeeded his Grand-father Justinian, was commanded home and a Successor sent him, and Sophia the Empress added this taunt, that she would have him to come home to spin Wool with her Women in Constantinople. He en­raged [Page 116] with this scorn, replied that he would twist her such a Web, that she should never un­twine, and so called in the Longobeards that o­vercame and possest all Italy. p. 442.

84 Albinus King of Lombardy, having caused his Wife Queen Rosamond to drink Wine at a publick Banquet out of her Fathers Scull, she in Revenge plotted and procured his Death.

85 Baras Hormisda's General being vanquish­ed by the Romanes; Hormisda sent him in disgrace a VVomans Garment. Upon vvhich Baras rebelled against him, and vvas the oc­casion that Hormisda vvas deposed, and Cosroes set up in his place.

86 Mauritius slain by Phocas, vvho had mur­dered in his sight, tvvo Sons, three Daughters, and his Empress, had foretokens of his Death. At noon day in the Market of Constantinople there appeared a Man to the Emperour, in the habit of a Monk holding a Sword in his hand and said with a Loud Voice, The Emperor Mau­ritius shall die by the Sword; and then vanish­ed. He likewise in his sleep dreamt, that a Souldier named Phocas had murdered his Wife, Children, and afterward himself, and being troubled, he asked his Brother what Phocas was, he answered, a Coward, then said the Emperor he is cruel and a Murderer, which accord­ingly came to pass. Mauritius at his death [Page 117] often repeated, Just thou art O Lord, and righteous is thy Judgments.

Cosroes King of Persia having Conquered Je­rusalem, 87 carried away thence that part of Christ's Cross, vvhich the Empress Helena had left there, and kept it fourteen years, but it was restored to Heraclius by his Son, and He­raclius the Emperor entring Jerusalem carried it with great joy upon his shoulders.

Heraclius the Emperor, who in his old age, 88 degenerated from the vertues of his youth, and in whose time Mahom [...]t sprung up, is reported to dye of a strange disease called Priapismus.

Rodwaldus King of the Lombards, falling in 89 Love with a Noblemans Wife, being taken with her, was slain by her Husband.

The Emperor Constans the second having 90 besieged Rimoaldus the Son of Grimoaldus King of Lombardy in Benevent; The Son di­stressed sent to his Father by one that was his Nurse-father for relief; who being intercepted by the Emperour, was commanded by him to go to the Walls of the City, and to tell Rimo­aldus that his Father was not able to assist him, and therefore he should yield. Who being brought bound before the Walls, told Rimo­aldus, that his Father would have him be of good chear, for this day he arriveth at the Ri­ver [Page 118] Satrico, and within these three dayes will be here with an infinite Army. I can say no more, I am in the Enemies hand, who begin to Murder me, I recommend unto you my VVife and Children. Having said these words, the Em­perors Souldiers kill'd him presently.

91 Leoncius surprized his Master Justinian the second, and cut off his Ears and Nose, and ba­nisht him into Pontus, and took the government and Imperial Title to himself, Anno Dom. 696. Leoncius having reigned three years, Tiberius rebelled against him, and served him as he had served Justinian. He banisht one Philippicus, because he had reported that he dreamt an Ea­gle pitcht upon his Head. Justinian recover­ing dealt so by him, and slew both him and Leoncius; and as often as he would have wiped his Nose, if he had had one, he caused some of those that had been followers of Leoncius to be slain, and fearing Philippicus because of his dream, and intending his destruction, he en­forced him to stand upon his guard, and fight­ing with him was slain, and lost his Kingdom to him.

92 Irene Mother to Constantine the sixth being put by her government by her son come to age, out of desire to rule surprized her Son and put out his Eyes, and took upon her the government of the Empire.

Leo the Emperor fighting against Cramas 93 King of Bulgaria in a great battel; the two Princes happened to meet, and the Emperor slew with his own hands the Bulgarian King.

A Cardinal named Swinesnout, Os porci, in the 94 daies of Ludovicus Pius Emperor was chosen Pope, and because it was a very unseemly name for so High a dignity, by a general consent it was changed, and he was called Sergius the se­cond. Hence arose the custom of the Popes al­tering their names after their election to the Popedom. Imp. Hist. p. 538.

The Emperor Theophilus of Constantinople 95 fearing a Captain called Theodosius would usurp the Empire after his death, but a few hours before he died, himself caused that Theodosius his head to be smitten off.

Lotharias the first having raigned fifty years, 96 gave up his Empire, and professed himself Monk: In his time Pope Joan an English Woman held the Papal dignity two years.

In the raign of Lewis the second Emperor, 97 who died Anno dom. 878. in the City of Bres­sia in Lombardy for three days it rained blood so fresh and perfect as if it had been of a Bull or other beast newly killed.

Basilius Emperor of Constantinople riding on 98 Hunting was killed by a Stagg.

99 The Emperor Arnulph besieging the Duke of Spoleto in Benevent, the Dutchess corrupted a Chamberlain to give him a sleeping Potion, which the Emperor taking awaked not in three Days and three Nights; afterwards finding him­self ill, he returned home and died of the Low­sy disease.

100 In the Raign of Otho the fourth Emperor about nine of the Clock in the Morning, there appeared in the Element a great Flaming Fire, like to a burning Torch, which continued a great while, and the light being vanished, there appeared in the same place the likeness of a Ser­pent. The Emperor was poysoned by a pair of perfumed Gloves, given him by the VViddow of Crescentius, whom he too familiarly conver­sed with, and whose Husband the Emperor had caused to be put to Death.

IMMANUEL. Historical Collections. Century V.

HEnry the second Emperor was perswad­ed 1 against his will to marry the daughter of the County Palatine of Rhine called Ami­gunda, with whom undiscovered and unknown to any till his death, he liv'd most chastly, both of them observing Voluntary Virginity, without having any carnal knowledge the one of the o­ther.

Amigunda wife to Henry the second Em­ror 2 being accused of Adultery cleared her In­nocency by undergoing the tryal of Ordalio, viz. by going blindfold and barefooted over certain plates of fire-hot Iron.

Zoe the Wife of Romanus Argyrophilus Empe­ror 3 of Greece, procured her Husbands death by the hands of Michael Paphlagonus, with whom she lived in Adultery, and afterwards marryed him, and he became Emperor.

Pope Gregory the fifth in the Order concern­ing 4 the Election of the Emperour, decreed, That [Page 122] besides the Golden Crown, he should receive from the Pope, he was to be Crowned with two others, one of Straw in the City of Min­zo in Lombardy; the other of Lead in the City Millain.

5 Henry the fourth Emperor fought in ranged Battels with Ensigns displayed sixty two several times, and for the most part had the Victory. He was excommunicated by the Pope, and to abtain his absolution came three days together barefooted to the Gates of the City Canusium, where the Pope was, and with much difficulty obtained it; but was afterwards excommuni­cated and so dyed, and was removed when he had been buried from a Monastery to a prophane place.

6 When Rodulphus that was chosen Emperor in opposition to Henry the fourth, being dead was buried by his Servants with the Ensigns and Ornaments of an Emperor; Some asked the Emperor Hen. 4. why he suffered him to be buried with such Honour, since he was a Tyrant, and his Enemy. He answered I would to God that all mine Enemies were buried like him, with those Ensigns and Ornaments.

7 Hildebrand otherwise called Pope Gregory the seventh was a Negromancer and Inchanter, and had poysoned seven of his predecessors to make [Page 123] way for his own advancement to the Pope­dome.

Conrade the Emperor having distressed Win­spurg 8 by siege, granted them only this favour, that the Women which were in the Town might freely depart, and have to their own use whatsoever they could bear upon their backs. Whereupon they used a commendable deceit, which was, that as they went forth of the Town each of them took her Husband, and those that had none took their Children, and Brothers, and so coming into the Fields set them at Liberty. Which the Emperor com­mended, and was well pleased with.

Fulco King of Jerusalem was kill'd with his 9 Horse falling while he was hunting.

The Emperor Conrade passing to Jerusalem, 10 his Army was distressed by hunger, and many perished, falling sick and dying of the Lime or Chalk, which the Greeks put into their Meal.

In the year of our Lord one thousand one 11 hundred thirty and nine died in France, Jo­hannes de Temporibus, who had lived three hun­dred sixty and one years, and had been an Hal­bardeer to the Emperor Charles the Great.

Millain a great City in Lombardy, was ut­terly 12 [Page 134] razed and wasted, and sowed with Salt by Frederick Barbarossa.

13 Andronicus who had treacherously slain his Master and Pupil, Alexius Emperor of Con­stantinople, being apprehended by the people of Constantinople, that rose against him, had one of his hands cut off, and one of his Eyes put out, and was shamefully carried through the Streets and so put to Death.

14 Frederick Barbarossa going in Summer by Swimming to refresh himself in a River, was carried down by the stream, and drowned the tenth day of June, 1198.

15 Henry Palsgrave who was chosen in Opposi­tion to Frederick the second Emperor, besieg­ing Ʋlmes, an Arrow shot at Random out of the City hit him, which was supposed to be invenomed, of which he died within a few dayes.

16 Othocarus King of Bohemia being necessita­ted to do his homage to Rodulphus Emperor, who when Earl of Habsperge had received his pay, desired that it might be done in some se­cret place, and thinking that the Emperor would have performed what he requested, forasmuch as the Emperor staid for him in a close Tent, he came, and kneeling down before the Em­peror [Page 125] to do him homage, the Tent was so arti­ficially made that it fell open in such manner, that he was seen by the whole Army, where­with he was much grieved, and being provoked by his VVife, he rebelled against him and was slain, Anno 1277.

The Duke of Saxony in a throng at the Co­ronation 17 of Albert the first Emperor, was smo­thered to Death.

Henry the seventh Emperor was poysoned 18 by a Frier in the Sacrament of the Lords Sup­per, and died the same day.

Hunipert Daulphin of Vienne sold the Coun­try 19 of Daulphin, and the City of Vienne to the French King, and became a Frier, having first given to the Poor all the money he sold it for, which he laid up in Heaven.

Gunther Earl of Zwarzenburgh, being cho­sen 20 Emperor in opposition to Charles the Fourth, was poysoned by his Physician, who being to give him a purging Potion, and taking but the Assay of it, died together with him the same Morrow after.

The Papal Court which had sojurned in 21 France, seventy years and somewhat more, and the most part in the City of Aviginon, [Page 126] returned to Rome in the year one thousand three hundred seventy six.

22 Artillery, Powder and Gunns were first used in the VVars of the Venetians, one thousand three hundred eighty two.

23 Anno Domini 1556. Charles the Fifth, the Warlike and glorious Emperor of Germany, gave up the Empire to his Brother Ferdinand, and his other Kingdomes to his Son Philip, and lived two years retiredly before his Death, in the company of Religious men providing for Eternity.

24 The German Souldiers under Nadustus Go­vernour of the Fortress in Buda, agreed, their lives and goods saved, to give up the Castle to Solyman the great Turk, and that the Captain might not hinder them bound him, and deli­vered the Fort, which the Turk entring and understanding their Carriage, set Nadustus at Liberty, and contrary to his word, which he thought not fit to keep with such unworthy Souldiers, caused them to be slain.

25 The Emperor Sigismund warring against the Hussicks and their valiant Captain Ciska, re­ceived two grievous overthrows: and twice his army stricken with a panick fear, fled and dispersed without striking one stroke or sight of Enemy.

The Romans had a Law that no man should 26 engrave his own name in any publick work, and Phidias in Athens was put to death for carving his own and Pericles Image in the Shield of Pallas.

The first founders of Rome kept the name 27 thereof secret, and Valerius Soranus for disclo­sing of it was put to death.

In Hercules promontory near Cades by the Sea-side, there are two Wells, the one of fresh the other of salt water. The fresh ebbs and flows with the Sea, the Salt clean contrary.

In Spain a Temple was built to Hercules, in 28 which the sacrifices were performed not with prayers or pleasant words, but with Curses and Execrations and railing speeches at him. The occasion of which was this: Hercules coming to Lyndus, and finding a man plowing with a Yoke of Oxen, one of which he desiring to buy the Countrey-man refused to sell, and Hercules took by violence. The Countrey-man not knovv­ing how othervvise to revenge himself, fell a cur­sing and rayling at him, vvhich Hercules heard vvith a great deal of laughter and mirth. Which the Lyndians perceiving, after Hercules death they made him a God, this Countrey-man his Priest, and appointed such Ceremonies at the [Page 128] sacrificing of Oxen supposing to please Hercules by it.

30 The Carthaginians banished Hanno a most vvorthy person, vvho had done them great services, not for any fault, but that he vvas of greater Wisdom and Industry, than the state of [...] Free City might vvell bear; and because he vvas the first Man that tamed a Lion, and therefore they judged it not meet to commit the Liberty of the City to him, vvho had tamed the fierce­ness of savage Beasts.

31 Some Carthaginians in their Navigation, ha­ving discovered a fruitful Country, some stayed, the rest returned, and acquainted the Senate; vvho to prevent the removal of the Citizens thither, put to death all the discoverers.

32 Hannibal coming to the banks of the Ri­ver Ebrus, in his march tovvards Italy, there appeared to him in his sleep a Man of goodly presence, vvho told him that he vvas sent from God to guide him into Italy, and therefore bid him follovv him vvithout looking back. He saw likewise a Serpent throwing down with a Torrent of Water, all that was before him. Han­nibal asking the young man, what all these things signified, was answered, That he ought not to search the secrets of the Fates, but to [Page 129] follovv that way that God had opened to him.

At the Battel of Cannas, there were so ma­ny 33 of the Roman Gentry kil'd, that the Rings taken of their Fingers fil'd three bushels and a half.

Servilius Galba and Aurelius Cotta being 34 Consuls, contended who should go for Spain, and when the Senate could not resolve, Sci­pio being asked, made answer, That neither pleased him, For one had nothing, and the o­ther nothing would satisfy him; esteeming both Poverty and Avarice inconvenient in a Gover­nour.

Metellus being asked by a Centurion what 35 he intended, answered, That if his shirt knew his secrets he would presently burn it.

Sertorius trained up a Doe to come to his 36 hand, as Mahomet did a Pigeon to his Ear, and and perswaded his followers that he received divine directions by her.

In a Battel between Sertorius and Pompey, 37 there was a Brother of one side that kil'd his Brother tha [...] came of the other side: Which when he perceived, he took care for his Bro­thers funeral exequies, and as a revenge upon [Page 130] himself, fell upon the same Sword he kil'd his Brother with and so died.

38 Sertorius to shew the excellency and strength of Ʋnity, commanded a Souldier to pull off the Haires of a Horses tail by one and one, which he easily did, but all together could not. His saying was, That an Army of Harts with a Lion to their Captain, was better than of Li­ons with a Hart to their Captain.

39 Perpenna vanquisht and brought to Pompey, he commanded him presently to death to pre­vent discovering his Confederates, and burnt all the Letters from Rome to Sertorius, that no enquiry might be made concerning them.

40 Caesar at the Battel of Munda, said, he then fought for his Life, at other times for honour and glory.

41 Cicero cleared Popilio a Tribune of Souldi­ers being accused of Parricide, which [...]opilio afterwards in the Triumvirate kil'd Cicero, that had before delivered him.

42 The account of the Aera of Caesar began at the first year of Augustus government of Spain, thirty eight years before Christ's birth.

43 A Countryman having kil'd Lucius Piso go­vernour [Page 131] of Spain, being tortured to confess his Confederates, endured the first days Torments, but fearing himself for the second, as he was going to the Rack slipt out of the hand of his Leader, and dasht his head with that vio­lence against a Wall that he died immediately.

The Emperor Trajan having conquered the 44 Parthians, though dying in his return was or­dered a Triumph for his Ashes after his Death, an honour never vouchsafed to any either before or after him.

Severus dying at York used these words, I 45 leave the Empire peaceable to my Sons, which I found troublesome, and it will be firm to them if they be good, but if evil, not dura­ble. This was likewise his saying, I have been all things, but it profiteth nothing.

Caracalla to be like Alexander whose ver­tues 46 he regarded not, would and did carry his Head aside, inclining towards his left shoul­der.

Alexander the Roman Emperor successor to 47 to Heliogabalus, would not commit the Govern­ment of any place to any one, before he had publisht his Name, to see if any could justly find fault, neither would he sell any Offices, for he said, He that bought must needs sell. [Page 132] And having necessity to raise money, he laid his impositions on curious and vain Arts and Trades, whereby he relieved his own Wants and sup­prest their Vices: he caused [...]urinus to be choaked with smoak, who had sold the pro­mises of his favour.

48 In a place called Osset near Sevil, in the Raign of Theodoselus about the year five hun­dred and fifty, the Font though shut and seal­ed and guarded, yet the Thursday before Easter did fill of it self with Water, no one knowing whence it came; and about the year five hun­dred seventy two in Spain, Easter was observed the twenty first of March, and in France the eighteenth of April; on which latter day the Font was so filled, and thereby prognosticated the right of the Observation, and a future Victory to the French against the Spaniard.

49 Luvigildus having heard of some Miracles done by the Catholicks in the defence of their Religion, being an Arrian himself, asked an Arrian Bishop why the Arrians did none; the Bishop answered that he himself had healed both deaf and blind; but what to avoid Ostentation, he had done in secret, he would hereafter do publickly: and thereupon agreed with a Counterfeit Knave to pretend himself blind, and to lay himself in the way, as the King and he should come by, and then to [Page 133] seek his help which he did. The Bishop put his hands upon him, but instead of a pretend­ed recovery, he left him really blind. The pain and trouble of which made him discover the Knavery to the great prejudice of the Ar­rian Interest.

St. Ildephonsus Archbishop of Toledo, having 50 written against Helvidius, and another that de­nyed the Virgin Mary's perpetual Virginity, was rewarded the Night before the Feast of the Annunciation, with the appearance of our Lady, who brought with her from Heaven, and put upon him with her own hands a Gar­ment, in which she commanded him to cele­brate her Feast and her Sons.

Sancho Major King of Navarre going to 51 War against the Moores in Spain, left in charge a principal Horse, which he much loved, with his Queen. Her eldest Son Don Garcia begs this Horse, but she being told by a No­bleman, that if she gave him, the King would be much displeased, refused to give him. Her Son takes distaste and resolves revenge, and most wickedly contriveth and accuseth his Mother of Adultery, and draws in his younger Bro­ther to consent with him. The King enra­ged, claps his Queen in Prison, and issueth out a Proclamation, that if none would undertake to vindicate her, she should be burnt alive. [Page 134] The King had a bastard Son called Don Ra­miro, he undertakes his Mother in Laws de­fence, and enters the list, but by the endea­vours of a Holy man, the Sons confest their wickedness. The King and Queen pardon them, but on this Condition, that Don Ramiro the Kings Natural Son should inherit the Kingdom of Arragon, which was the Queens inheritance, whose Loyalty to her, though not born of her, did well [...]serve it.

52 A great contest there was in Spain, in the time of King Alonso the sixth, concerning the Gottish and the Roman Missal, which should take place. The Vulgar were for the former, as the Antienter, confirmed by the approbation and usage of Isavon, Ildelonsus, and Julian, three famous Saints; the Kings, Nobles, and Bishops for the latter, to ingratiate themselves with the Popes, who then grew great. But when the debating of it by Arguments could not decide it, they on both sides resolved to put it first to the trial of two Champions in a single Combat, and afterwards to the trial of fire, throwing in both Missals, out of which the Roman leapt, but singed and scorched; the Gottish, though continuing in, yet remaining entire and unhurt. In both which trials the Gottish prevailed. However the King con­cluded, that both were acceptable to God, that the Gottish should be used in Antient Mo­harabique [Page 135] Churches, the Roman in the most and rest of the Churches, of Toledo and Spain. Hence that proverb, Alla van Leyes do quiere Reyes.

Jayme King of Arragon cut out the tongue 53 of the Bishop of Gyone, for revealing to the Pope, what he had discovered to him in his se­cret confession.

Lewes King of France sent to the Church 54 of Toledo these reliques: viz. part of the wood of the Cross of Christ, one of the Thorns of his Crown of thorns, part of the milk of the blessed Virgin, of the purple garment was put on Christ, of the Towel which our Saviour girded himself with when he washt his disci­ples feet, of his winding Sheet in which he was buried, and of his swadling cloaths used in his Infancy.

Alonso King of Castile being troubled at the 55 barrenness of his Queen, and desirous of Suc­cession, resolved to be divorced from her, and sent Embassadors to obtain Christian daughter to the King of Denmark who being sent to Toledo the Queen appeared to be with Child; with which the Kings mind being altered, the Lady Christian instead of marrying the King, was married to Philip the Kings Bro­ther, [Page 136] the thoughts of which disappointment short­ned her dayes.

56 Mariana observes concerning Coelestines re­signing the Popedom, That his successors mar­velled, all Praise but none Imitate him.

57 Alonso Perez de Gusman being governour of Tirifa, and besieged by the Moors, who had taken a Son of his, and threatned to kill the child, except he yielded the City, was content to see his child murdered, rather than to blemish his faith to his Prince, that had entrusted him.

58 In the year one thousand three hundred and fifteen, the three daughters in Law of Philip the fair King of France were accused and convinced of Adultery.

59 In the year one thousand three hundred sixty three, when Alonso King of castile besieged Algizira, the Moors made use of Guns, and powder to defend themselves, which is the first that we read of the use of them in History. In which year a Child was born in Cerdera, with two Heads, and four legs, whom they buried alive through a Superstitious fear, that thereb they might avoid the ill Omen they apprehended.

60 Donna Maria Coronel not being able to en­dure [Page 137] the absence of her Husband, chose rather to lose her life than to suffer her self to be overcome with evil and dishonest desire, so that one day affected with lascivious motions she quencht the heat of her Lust, by thrusting up into her body a burning stick: A woman worthy of a better lot, and of great praise, not for her fact, but invincible desire of preserving Chastity.

In the time of Pedro the Cruel there was a 61 Citizen of eighty years old condemned; a Son of his, of eighteen years, offered willingly to be put to death to excuse his Father, which the Cruel Tyrant in stead of pardoning him for his rare Piety accepted of and put him to death, a horrid spectacle of abominable Cru­elty. The same Tyrant caused a Priest to be burnt, that came to give him warning of Gods displeasure, and another of his principal Offi­cers, for dealing faithfully and plainly with him.

The Bishoprick of Burges being void, the 62 Chapter being divided, they made choice of one of the Canons, whom they esteemed a Holy and good man, to whom they referred the no­mination of the Bishop, who accepting that charge, without respect to any of the Compe­titors pronounced himself Bishop, which the whole Chapter was well pleased with, and con­firmed him accordingly. Ibid. p. 87.

63 Peter King of Portugal commanded all his Stewards to buy nothing upon trust, but to pay ready money and the just price: He took away and kept the VVife of another man, who fled into Castile and wore in his Hat a pair of Hornes of silver for a shew of the Kings fact, and his own affront.

64 The Pope having excommunicated Pedro King of Castile for his cruelty, commanded an Arch-Deacon to give the King notice, who fear­ing the Kings savageness, durst not adventure but used this device: He put himself into a light Boat and came up the River to Sevil, and staid at the side of the place, when the King usually rid forth, and waited his com­ing, which succeeded to his desire. The King coming near, he asked the King if he would hear any news out of the Levant, for he would tell him marvailous things, which he never heard before. The King came near to hear him, and he gave him notice of the Popes Bull, and immediately betook himself to flight. The King drew his Sword, leapt into the River, came so near as to strike the Boat, swam his Horse till it was tired, and was fetcht off with a Boat.

65 In one of the Islands of the Canaries called del Hiero, there is no other Water, but what [Page 139] doth distil and drop from the Leaves of one Tree.

An Infant of eight Months old, at the be­gining 46 of the troubles of Portugal, about the year 1385. in Ebora heaved it self up in the Cradle, and in a loud voice said three times Don Juan King of Portugal.

Tamerlane besieging Beritus, they held [...]ut 47 the first day, but yielding the second, they sent out the young Boyes and Girles clothed in white with green Boughs in their hands, who falling down on the ground beg'd mercy, but this barbarous Tyrant commanded his Horse-men to ride over them and so kill'd them all. A certain Geno [...]ay advised, that he should shew mercy, and that he was a Mortal man. To whom Tamerlane answered, Dost thou think I am a man, no, I am the scourge of God, and the plague of Mankinde.

Vincent Ferrer a Dominick Frier of Valencia, 48 famous for Miracles, converted 8000 Moores and 35000 Jews: Who preaching in his vulgar Tongue, strangers understood him as if he had spoke to each in his own Language; a singular gift, and since the Apostles only granted to him.

There were Laws made in Castile that the 49 [Page 140] Moores should wear a piece of blew cloth in form of a Crescent; the Jewes a round piece of yellow cloth, and Priests Concubines a piece of red cloth, whereby they might be known to be such.

70 About the year 1407. the Pay of a Horse-man by the day was twenty Maravedes, and of a Foot-man ten. A Maravede is a brass coyne, of which six make an English penny.

71 Henry King of Castile entring upon the go­vernment of his Kingdom found his revenue so extremely exhausted, that having been one day in the Field catching of Quailes, he re­turning found nothing prepared for his breake-fast; asking his Steward the reason, was an­swered, that he had neither money nor credit to buy what was necessary. The King mar­velled at and commanded him that he should upon a pledge buy him some flesh and dress it with his quailes, for his break-fast. Which done, his steward waiting on him, there arose several discourses, amongst which one was, that his Grandees and courtiers fared otherwise, and that the Arch-bishop of Toledo and other chief Courtiers did by turnes feast one the other, and that night they were all to Sup at the Arch-bishops. The King in a disguise went to see what past, where he saw most plentiful provisions, and heard their discourses of [Page 141] each ones revenues, what of their own, and what of the Kings rent. The King resolved to remedy these disorders, and gave out the next morning, that he was sick and intended to make his Will. The Courtiers came to the Castle, in which the King lay, who had given order then, when the Courtiers were entred, their retinue should be kept forth, which was accordingly done. The Nobles waited in the Hall a greet space; about noon the King comes in Armed with his Sword drawn, and sitting down with an angry Coun­tenance turnes to the Arch-bishop, and askt him and the rest how many Kings they had known in Castile. One answered, three, o­thers four, and who knew most five. The King replied, and how can this be, since I that am so young know Twenty. And you are they to the great impoverishment of my King­dom, and dishonour to our Person, but I shall take care that your raign shall not be long, and that you make no longer a scoff of me: and with this calls for the Executioners of Justice with their Instruments, and six Hundred Soldi­ers that were in readiness. They being all amazed, the Arch-bishop fell on his Knees and begged pardon, and so did all the rest, and promised amendment. The King gave them their lives, but not their liberties till they had given up all the Castles they were intrusted with, and an account of the Kings rents which [Page 142] they had received. A Notable deed, that hum­bled and kept in awe his great Subjects. This Princes saying was, I more fear the curses of my people, than the Armes of my Enemies. His Queen was the Daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, by Constance the Daughter of King Pedro the cruel, and himself the Grand­son of Henry the Bastard Brother of the same King Peter.

72 John King of Castile being dead, the whole nobility profered and were very importunate with his Brother Ferdinand, to accept the Crown, but he refused it, and caused his Brothers Son John the second, a Child of twenty two Months old, to be proclaimed King.

73 Four Leagues distant from Girona a City in Spain, in the year one thousand four hundred and twenty, there opened two Mouthes of Fire, which burnt those that came within two stones throw of them; and near to these issu­ed forth a stream of black Water of a stinking savour, which fell into the River, kill'd the Fishes, and the savour of it was so strong, that it reacht to Girona.

74 In the year one thousand four hundred thir­ty and seven, seven men that went forth to the VVoods in Spain, near Guadalajar were fro­zen [Page 143] to death, and not long before it snowed forty dayes together.

Alvaro de Luna, who had bin thirty years 75 favourite to John King of Castile, fell at last into disgrace, was condemned and beheaded. A Witch had told him, that he should dye in Ca­dahalso. Now the King had given him a Coun­try so called, which for that reason he would never enter into, not minding that Cadah [...]lso signifies a Scaffold, on which indeed he ended his days.

About the year one thousand four hundred 76 fifty six, a Country called Bojano, sunk with an Earth-quake, and remaines a standing Lake of VVater, in which disaster there pe­rished thirty thousand Persons of all sorts.

And in the year one thousand five hundred 77 forty four there was an Eclipse of the Sun that lasted a whole day.

A great Commander of the Moors in Mala­ca, 78 being killed with many wounds, yet bled not till a bracelet of Gold, which he wore on his Arm was taken off, and then the blood abundantly issued out. It's supposed that the Bracelet had a stone taken out of a Beast called which hath a marvailous Virtue to re­strain blood. p. 677.

79 At [...] of Bolongue a part of the Wall [...] with a mine, so that both those [...] and those without could see under, yet fell down again and settled in its own place.

80 The Island of Brittain was the first Natio­nal Church in the whole World of Christians. For though the Gospel was Preached in many other Nations privately long before, yet of all Nations it was the first that with publick ap­probation of Prince and State received the Pro­fession of the Christian Religion under King Lu­cius, about a hundred and fourscore years af­ter Christ, which it retained in great sinceri­ty, for the space of a hundred years, till the raign of Dioclesian, who began his raign, Anno Dom. 288.

81 Augustine the first Arch bishop of Canter­bury being dead, and leaving Laurence a Vir­tuous man his successor, upon the death of E­thelbert a good Prince, Eadbald his Son suc­ceeding, a Vicious person, that married his Fa­thers Wife, and renounced the Christian Re­ligion; the Arch-bishop Laurence being here­by discouraged, determined to go into France, and the night before the day of his intended departure, he caused his bed to be made in the Church of his Monastery, where after ma­ny tears and sighs, he recommended to God the miserable estate of his poor Church, and so [Page 145] fell a sleep. It seemed unto him that St. Peter came to him, and first expostulated the matter with him, and then reprehended him, and last­ly whipt his naked body, so terribly, as when he awaked finding it more than a dream, he was all gore blood. He went immediately to the King shewing him his wound, and related the occasion: on which the King being terri­fied, he renounced his Idols, put away his Incestuous wife, was baptized and built a Church in the Monastery of St. Peter, and the Arch­bishop continued in his pastoral charge till his death, which was February 3. Six hundred and nineteen.

Honorius the fifth Arch-Bishop of Canter­bury, 82 was the first that divided his province into Parishes, that so he might appoint parti­cular Ministers to particular congregations. He died Anno dom. 653.

Theodore a Graecian, born in Tarsus of Ci­licia 83 Saint Pauls Country, was the seventh Arch bishop of Canterbury, a learned man, brought great store of books, both Greek and Latine with him. He erected a School at Greekeslade, or Greekes slade in Wiltshire, so call­ed of the Graecians his Countrymen that taught and studied there, and removing thence, are supposed to lay the Foundation of the Ʋ ­niversity of Oxford. He sate Archbishop, twenty [Page 146] two years, died six hundred and ninety, being eighty eight years of age; unto which time he would often say that he thought he should live; for that in a dream it had been so signi­fied unto him many years before.

84 Cuthbert the eleventh Arch-bishop of Can­terbury was the first that got liberty from the Pope of making Coemeteries or burying places within Townes or Cities, for before within the Walls none were buried.

85 In the time of Athelred, who was eighteen years Arch-bishop of Canterbury all the Mo­nasteries of England were destroyed by the Danes, so as for the space of ninety years af­ter Monkery ceased throughout England, yea in the North-parts there was not seen either Monks or Nuns in two hundred years after, till about the middle of the raign of VVilliam the Conqueror. Married Priests every where in­habited Monasteries, whence a long time af­ter with much ado they were hardly ejected. This Athelred died in the year of our Lord eight hundred eighty nine.

86 Odo the two and twentieth Arch-bishop of Canterbury divorced King Edwin from his Queen, excommunicated his Concubines, and caused one of them, whom the King doted most unreasonably on, to be fetcht out of the [Page 147] Court by Violence, burnt her in the fore-head with a hot Iron, and banished her into Ire­land. After his death, which happened in the year nine hundred fifty eight, Elsinus Bishop of VVinchester that could never brook him in his life, by bribery and corrupt means obtained election, and coming thither spurned at his Tomb, despightfully using these speeches: Now at last (saith he) thou art dead, old Dotard, and much against thy will hast left thy place to a man worthier of it than thy self. Our stories report, that the next night Odo appeared to him in his sleep, threatning a speedy and fear­ful vengeance of this insolency. According to which prediction it fell out, that travelling to Rome for his Pall, upon the Alpes he was so oppressed with cold, that he was constrained to put his feet, wherewith he had so contu­meliously disgraced his predecessor, into the bel­lies of his Horses, and yet at last to die with cold.

Dunstan the 23d. Archbishop of Canterbury, 87 born in Somersetshire, brought up in the Ab­bey of Glastonbury, being commended by A­thelm his Ʋncle to the King was entertained at Court, till for a Miracle as the Monks call it, which was then imputed to Conjuration, he was driven thence with much disgrace, and applied himself to the service of Elphege Bishop of Win­chester, who earnestly perswaded him to be a [Page 148] Monk, which he could not away with, till falling dangerously sick and apprehending it a Judgment for disgracing his Uncles persuasion, and then in great hast he professed himself a Monk in Glastonbury, where leading a strict life, as to outward appearance, he grew fa­mous and was called by King Edward to Court, where he had a divers reputation, sometimes accounted too familiar with fair VVomen, some­times a Conjurer, but by most a vertuous per­son, a bitter Enemy of married Clergym [...]n, and a great Promoter of Monkery, ruled all at his pleasure under King Edmund, and Elred, but King Edwin could not brook him, which Dunstan perceiving, got away into France, and lived there in Banishment, but by Edgar that succeeded, was recalled and promoted to the Bi­shoprick of Worcester, then of London and after of Canterbury, where he sate twenty seven years enriching Monasteries, and persecuting married Priests, and dyed May the 19th. 988. and was shortly after Canonized for a Saint.

88 Edwin the Son of King Edmund the day of his Coronation, rose from the Feast and went im­mediately to his Chamber, where a beautiful Concubine attended his coming, Dunstan that had gotten some inkling of the business, that he went about, followed him boldly, and for­ced him not only to leave that enterprise for that [Page 149] time, but also to forswear the Company of that VVoman for ever.

In the year one thousand and twelve, it hap­pened 89 the Danes to be disappointed of certain tribute, which they claimed as due unto them, for want whereof they spoiled and burnt the City and Church of Canterbury: The Monks and People thereof, Men, VVomen, and Children they tithed, putting nine to the Sword, and letting go a tenth only, so that for 804. that were suffered to escape 7236 went to Pot. El­phege then Archbishop they kept in Prison, and put him to Death at Greenwich.

Agelnoth the 29th Archbishop of Canterbu­ry 90 going to Rome to fetch his Pall, bought an Arm of St. Austin Bishop of Hippo, for an hundred Talents of Silver and a Talent of Gold, and bestowed it on the Church of Coventry.

Robert sirnamed Gemeticensis, a Norman, be­ing 91 by the favour of Edward the Confessor made Archbishop of Canterbury, and not en­during that any should bear so great Sway as himself at Court, fell to devising how he might overthrow Emma the Kings Mother, who on­ly seemed to overtop him: He began there­fore to beat into the Kings head, (who was a mild and soft natured Prince) how hard a hand his Mother had held upon him, when he [Page 150] lived in Normandy; how likely it was that his Brother came to his Death by the practice of her, and Earl Godwyn; and lastly, that she used the Company of Alwyn Bishop of VVin­chester more familiarly than was for her Ho­nour. The King unadvisedly crediting these Tales without debating the matter seised upon all her goods and committed her to Prison in the Nunnery of Warewell, banished Earl God­wyn and his Sons, and commanded Alwyn upon pain of Death not to come forth of the Gates of Winchester. The Queen made the best Friends she could to be called to her answer, but the Archbishop so possest the King, that other tryal of her Innocency might not be al­lowed than this. She must walk over nine Plow-shares red hot, in the midst of the Ca­thedral Church of VVinchester: If either she performed not this kind of purgation, or were found any thing at all hurt, she and the Bi­shop should be esteemed guilty; if otherwise, the Archbishop was content to undergo such punishment as they should have endured. This purgation the Queen performed, and acquitted her self and the Bishop of the Crimes object­ed. The King greatly bewailed the wrong done to his Mother, asked her forgiveness on his knees, restored her and the Bishop to their goods, and former places; and to make some satisfaction for the fault committed, would needs be whipped by the Bishops there present, [Page 151] and receive three stripes from his Mother, who clearly forgave and forgot the wrong done her. Emma and Alwin to shew themselves thank­ful gave each of them to the Monastery of Saint Swithins nine Manours in remembrance of the nine Plow-shares. This gift the King Confirm­ed and gave two of his own. The Archbishop doubting the success of this matter under pretence of sickness kept himself at Dover, and as soon as he heard how the World went, as well know­ing England would be too hot for him, he got to the Abbey of Gemetica, where he was bred up and there shortly died.

Upon the flight of Robert Gemeticensis Sti­gand 92 thrust himself into the Archbishoprick, without the usual Ceremonies, and with it held VVinchester; raised the Kentishmen at Saxons comb, who carrying green boughs in their hands, VVilliam the Conqueror was in the midst of them before he was aware, and easily grant­ed the Kentishmen to be governed by their An­cient Laws, but bore a grudg against the Arch­bishop, by whom he would not be Crowned, and against whom he underhand procured Le­gates from Rome, who deprived him, and he was likewise clapt in the Castle of VVinche­ster, and hardly used, even well near famished; which usage was to make him confess where his Treasure lay. But he protested with Oaths, that he had no money, yet after his Death a [Page 152] little Key was found about his Neck the lock whereof being carefully sought out, shewed a Note or direction of infinite Treasuries hid under ground in divers places: He died in the year 1069.

93 Lanfranck descended from Carus the Em­peror, was born at Papia in Lombardy, being brought up in all good Learning till he came to Mans Estate, when he determined to travail, through France he came into Normandy, rob'd by the way, he got to Becco, where for a maintenance he first read Logick, afterward ad­mitted to be Monk and soon Priour; when he was called by Duke William to be Abbot of St. Stephens in Care, and thence by the said Duke now King of England to be Archbishop of Canterbury, unto whom the Pope afforded his Pall with extraordinary Favour. For at his first coming, he rose up unto him and met him, and told him, he yielded him that ho­nour not of duty, but because he had heard of his excellent Learning: He governed for eighteen years laudably, save one Action which was this, perswading the Conqueror passing by his Eldest Son Robert to settle the Crown of England on William Rufus, who afterward, though advanced by him, banisht him, but was recalled and died 1089.

94 Anselm profest himself a Monk in the Abby of Becco in Normandy, in which he was Pri­or [Page 153] and Abbot for seventeen years. He came into England upon the invitation, and earnest design of Hugh Earl of Chester then very sick, and for the fame of his Learning and Piety was entertained with great respect by all. King Rufus himself, besides many verbal favours of­fered him the Arch-bishoprick of Canterbury, that he had kept voyd four years, verily hoping that a man given to contemplation would have refused it. But Anselme accepted, and the King would have retracted, shewing him the burthen of so weighty a calling; but Anselme kept his hold and was consecrated the fourth of Decemb. 1093. The King immediately fell out with him, and for naming Ʋrban Pope, before the King had acknowledged him, charged him with high treason, and convened all the Bishops and Abbots of England to Rochingham Castle, where the business being proposed by the King, they all forsook their Arch-bishop, save Gun­dulphus Bishop of Rochester: he was banished, and at Dover plundered of all he had, went to the Pope at Lions, who at first stuck to him, till bought by Rufus's Gold he deserted him. The Pope dieth, and so did Rufus, whose death was miraculously signified to Anselm be­ing in France. A paper was put into the hand of his Chaplain, no man knew how; in which was written Gulielmus Rufus occisus est. Hen­ry the first recalled him, but again banisht him [Page 154] and again recalled him, and he died at Canter­bury, April. 21. 1109.